Archives for September 3, 2024

In this devotion, Steve Molin ‘75 M.A., ‘82 M.Div., encourages us not to confuse what we do with who we are. Read today’s God Pause.

During the week of September 3-6, the Admissions Team will be working from home due to high-noise construction in the Olson Campus Center scheduled for the same week, but will plan to attend already-scheduled in-person meetings. Thank you for your patience as we navigate building construction. Questions? Email Jessi at jleclearvachta002@luthersem.edu.

Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating work anniversaries in September!

• Jon Anderson, 3 years – Rural Ministry
• Tim Coltvet, 16 years – Contextual Learning
• Paul Daniels, 41 years – Archives
• Joey Goodall, 2 years – Faith+Lead
• Kate Norlander, 2 years – Marketing and Communications
• Elizabeth Schoenknecht, 5 years – Seminary Relations
• Jennifer Thiel, 13 years – Marketing and Communications

Do you have questions, concerns, wonderments, or even worries about your personal financial situation? We got you! Grace Pomroy, Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program is a certified financial education instructor. She listens and provides support in a shame-free, judgement-free zone. Hundreds of students have talked with Grace and received valuable support. You determine the topics that will be covered based on your specific situation, then together with Grace, you’ll figure out what the next steps should be. Grace has time open on her calendar every week to meet with students via Zoom. Snag your time here. Rather meet in person? Grace will be meeting with students on campus from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, September 13, right before the RFS begins. Schedule your appointment using this link. Questions? Contact Grace Pomroy at gpomroy001@luthersem.edu.

How can we live well in community even when our ideas differ? The political climate in the United States seems to have shifted in recent years, with political tensions and divisions intensifying more regularly. One outcome of these divisions is the “othering” of individuals, which can hinder efforts to build just and equitable communities.

At Luther Seminary, we are committed to educating Christian public leaders who can effectively guide congregations in a diverse, interconnected world. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to be partnering this year with Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to reducing political and social polarization across the US. Their bipartisan campaign “Reduce the Rancor in Minnesota” aims to foster a more inclusive and cooperative society. Braver Angels promotes social relational skills and processes that avoid stereotypes and encourage the humanization of those around us. Staff trainers teach communication skills that reframe discussions away from confrontation toward understanding. Through training and dialogue, Braver Angels encourages the recognition of the finite nature of personal experiences and the importance of articulating perspectives while listening to others.

Our collaboration with Braver Angels will help Luther Seminary develop proactive approaches to conflict, should tensions rise on campus and in our broader communities. The Office of Inclusion and Belonging is developing programming around this partnership. So stay tuned for training sessions and other opportunities to engage. For more information, please contact Samuel Zalanga, szalanga001@luthersem.edu.

You are invited to gather in the OCC Dining Room or Online on Tuesdays from 11:00–11:30 a.m. for a time of either mindful sketching or centering prayer. This is a simple practice of communal silence and centering on the presence of God. The session will begin with a reading of the psalm for the day, followed by 20 minutes of silence. During the silence you are invited to practice mindful sketching or centering prayer, whichever is most helpful for your contemplative practice. Basic sketching supplies will be available for those in the dining room, but you are encouraged to bring your own, especially if you keep a visual journal. This is a hybrid event, and anyone in our extended Luther Community is invited to join the Zoom room (link in email) to participate in this communal practice. Please visit the following links if you are unfamiliar with the practices of mindful sketching or centering prayer.