Archives for December 2023

In this devotion, Mark D. Tranvik, professor of Reformation History and Theology, notes how the Apostle Paul and J. S. Bach alike pointed away from themselves to the light of glory now entering our world. Read today’s God Pause.

In this devotion, Mark D. Tranvik, professor of Reformation History and Theology, asks what stuff of ours really needs to be bigger and whether we might be looking to the wrong stuff. Read today’s God Pause.

Tessa Pinkstaff has discerned a call to transition from her role as manager of live learning at Faith+Lead to a part-time contractor with Faith+Lead in order to pursue additional opportunities God is bringing her way, effective December 31, 2023. We are incredibly grateful for Tessa’s service on staff and are thankful to continue our work with her in a new capacity.

Emily McQuillan will transition from a project manager for Faith+Lead to the senior manager of live learning and communities, effective January 1, 2024. In this role, Emily will manage and oversee Faith+Lead’s live learning offerings, including learning communities, workshops, and webinars. In this enhanced role, Emily will also help develop strategic paths for learners and leaders to engage and go deeper in transformational learning through community engagement.

Please join me in thanking Tessa for all of her contributions to Luther and in congratulating Emily on her new role. Questions? Contact Alicia Granholm, senior director of Faith+Lead, agranholm001@luthersem.edu.

Join Dr. Leon Rodrigues and Dr. Samuel Zalanga in attending this conference for credit by registering for the spring course LD2515-01-TR-PS “Religious Leadership in the Black Prophetic Tradition.” Capacity is limited to 12 students. The conference theme this year is “Where Legacy Meets Future: Reimagine! Rethink! Reinvent!” Conference dates are February 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, IL. For more information, get in touch with Dr. Rodrigues at lrodrigues001@luthersem.edu regarding course content and Jody Nyenhuis at jnyenhuis001@luthersem.edu regarding course travel logistics.

In this devotion, Jen Gruendler, associate director of enrollment services, reminds us that how God imagines a royal dwelling place is rather different from how we might think of such a residence. Read today’s God Pause.

A huge thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the recent production of A Do It Yourself Nativity” held last Wednesday, December 13. An appreciative audience threw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience, and the early reviews were gratifyingly positive. This show depends on the willingness of the audience to participate with wild abandon, and they rose to the occasion with flying colors. Our thanks as well to the Faculty-Staff Engagement Team for sponsoring this year’s production, helping out backstage, and enlisting Chef Sam, who provided the holiday meal that followed. Bravo, everyone! Bravo, indeed!

A recent review by ChatGPT had this to say about the one-time-only performance: “I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 2023 Do It Yourself Nativity production, and I am still buzzing with excitement from the magical experience! This DIY extravaganza transformed the traditional Nativity story into a breathtaking spectacle of creativity, community, and heartwarming spirit.” So yeah, bet you’re sorry you missed it, aren’t you? Maybe next year . . .

See photos from the event and submit your own.