Archives for August 2024

In this devotion, Andrew Bernard Hinderlie ’92 M.Div., meditates on how we can trust in and follow God’s will in our lives. Read today’s God Pause.

In this devotion, Andrew Bernard Hinderlie ’92 M.Div., shares how the psalms remind us that we truly do not lack for any good thing from the Lord. Read today’s God Pause.

What’s up with this wild summer weather and other climate trends we’re seeing around the globe? Wondering how to talk about it in ministry settings? See the Luther Seminary Library’s guide to resources on Global Warming, Climate Change, and Christian Faith.

Are you ready to unravel the enigmas of the divine? Or perhaps just revel in the glorious complexity that is the God of the Bible? Join Rolf Jacobson and Tripp Fuller of Homebrewed Christianity for a new online course! We are promising an unforgettable journey through the biblical narrative—a 4-week course with pre-recorded presentations and weekly live streaming beginning Tuesday, August 13, 12 p.m. Central. Dr. Jacobson and Dr. Fuller’s online class is sarcastically (or is it?) titled The God of the Bible: An Absolutely Clear and Final Guide to Ultimate Mystery. Because if there’s one thing we all can agree on, it’s that the nature, character, and vision of the God of the Bible are anything but simple. Register for free. No human being will be turned down for lack of money, previous knowledge, or sense of humor. If you would like to sponsor someone or host a group with your church, just let us know.

Effectively immediately, Bockman Hall and Gullixson Hall will be unlocked from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The west entrance of Olson Campus Center began undergoing significant construction work on August 12, work that will continue through most of October. Major repairs will be made to parts of the steel frame and footing as well as to masonry and water diversion systems to restore the building’s structural integrity. Areas affected include the ramps, sidewalks, and exterior walls on the northwest side of the building as well as interior areas of the chapel and lobby. During this construction project, all west entrances into OCC will be closed, and at certain times the chapel and lobby will also be closed. We worked with RSI—an architectural engineering firm specializing in building exterior protection—to develop a project plan and are now working with G5 Construction to implement it.

Schedule

The project began Monday, August 12, with G5 workers moving equipment into the chapel and lobby, installing temporary enclosures in exterior and interior spaces, and preparing other aspects of the project. Later this week and by Monday, August 19 at the latest, significant construction work will be underway, including work that is at times noisy and could produce some dust. The project is planned to be completed within 10 weeks, with an anticipated end date of Friday, October 18, 2024.

Impacts

• Olson Campus Center will remain open during construction. We do not anticipate anyone with an OCC office to have to move out nor to have to close portions of the facility for the entire duration of the project.
• Some construction noise is expected, and on noisier days, we might elect to relocate chapel worship services and other events planned for the north end of OCC. The noisier masonry and concrete removal work is scheduled to occur between Monday, August 12 and Friday, September 6. Consider working from home, as you are able, on noisier days. See my weekly updates for more specific information on this.
• Dust will be controlled by enclosures and daily cleaning. Industry-standard safety measures are in place to protect workers operating where dust is being generated. Dust making its way outside these enclosures should be relatively minor.
• Work could begin as early at 7 a.m. each day (according to Saint Paul ordinances) and will conclude most days by 3:30 p.m.
• No disruptions to power and other utilities in OCC are anticipated. No changes to the accessibility and function of the south end of OCC (dining areas, patio, lower level) are anticipated.
• Construction work will continue during Fall RFS (September 14–20). We will work together as a community to stay flexible and to communicate clearly about changes to schedules and locations. It is possible that chapel worship services and other events scheduled to take place in OCC will be relocated.
• Parking on and around campus will remain the same, generally speaking, with the caveat that our construction partners will also be traveling to and parking on or near campus.

Safety. G5 will place signs, barricades, and enclosures near and around all areas that are restricted. Only trained construction workers and others with safety training will be permitted access to these areas. Follow all signs and restrictions. Do not enter restricted areas. If you have questions about signage or which areas are restricted, contact me. Please also refrain from going near construction equipment that might temporarily be set outside a restricted area, as well as temporary restroom facilities that are placed on campus and any personal items belonging to construction workers.

Communication. Direct any and all questions about this project, at any time of the day or week, to me: Rob Verke, rverke001@luthersem.edu, 651.641.3208. A job superintendent will be on site at some point every day during the project, along with 10-20 construction workers. Please do not ask the superintendent or any other G5 workers about the project, but do send any questions or concerns you have to me. I will be meeting regularly with our G5 partners and will provide weekly updates to the campus community, including whether we anticipate the upcoming week to be a noisier one in the OCC.

Thanks for your support of this important project on our beautiful campus,
Rob Verke
Director of Operations
Luther Seminary