Archives for October 2024

In this devotion, Mark Hollabaugh ’77 M.Div., observes that each of us is called to continue on communal journeys in which we learn to cherish every person as a beloved child of God. Read today’s God Pause.

We gather today at 11:00 a.m. central in the Chapel of the Incarnation and online* for worship. Today we welcome Steve Thomason—dean of the chapel and associate professor of Spiritual Formation—for a service of Lament in Times of Violence and Holy Communion, with guest musician Nate Crary.
*Bulletins for those joining online will be linked in the description of the service on youtube.
Share your prayer requests.

The second session of the Rippling training will be conducted via Zoom today, October 9. The session will last 60 minutes and is designed for all employees. Calendar invitations have been sent to employees, and the session will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Topics to be covered include:

• Getting started with Rippling
• Accessing your Rippling account
• Core functionality
• Time and attendance

We encourage all employees to attend and take advantage of this valuable training opportunity.

What are Pocket Surveys? Pocket Surveys are short surveys to gauge student views about your experiences with various processes and offices on campus. These surveys will be distributed four times during this academic year to all students. Pocket surveys are can be done on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone and will take five minutes at the most to complete. Taking the survey is voluntary, but we urge you to share your thoughts! These are confidential and anonymous. You don’t have to answer questions you are not comfortable with. We ask for demographic information as part of our commitment to inclusion and belonging. We want to acknowledge and respect how diversity influences perspectives. General results are shared with the Luther Seminary campus community. This month the focus is on the Admission’s Office and your experiences with admission to Luther Seminary. The survey is open now until October 11. Take the survey online today. Questions? Please contact Trina in the Office of Institutional Research (research@luthersem.edu).

Faithfully Navigating Political Division: A Panel Discussion
Wednesday, October 23, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
OCC 10 and on Zoom
As we prepare for a presidential election this fall, communities of faith are faced with questions of how and when to address the political climate. In most churches, a diversity of perspectives means leaders are asked to facilitate understanding and unity while also challenging themselves and their people to follow Jesus’ summons.
How can churches and other Christian organizations navigate the realities of competing political identities while also sharing Jesus’ call to love our neighbor? Join us on Wednesday, October 23 for a discussion with church leaders who are working to answer this question in their contexts. The in-person version of the event includes lunch. The virtual version of the event is a live interactive Zoom webinar where participants will be able to share questions with the panelists. This event will not be recorded.
Register for the In-Person Event
Register for the Virtual Event

Panelists
Natalia Terfa MDiv ’15 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park and Cafeteria Christian
Tim Wittwer MDiv ’94 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Foley
Jen Kilps Minnesota Multifaith Network
Mary Hess Professor of Educational Leadership, Luther Seminary
Moderator
Steve Thomason, PhD ’15 Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Dean of the Chapel

October 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
OCC Dining Room (lunch provided) and on Zoom (link in email)
The Office of Inclusion and Belonging is inviting all members of the Luther Seminary community to a lunch and training that will be conducted in the OCC dining center by Reverend Jeff Thieman, who is part of the leadership of the Braver Angels in the state of Minnesota. Braver Angels in the state of Minnesota is engaged in a statewide campaign known as “reduce the rancor,” which is committed to reducing hostile political polarization in public life. Championed by the state chairs of the two main political parties in the state, the campaign is a partnership between Braver Angels and about 25 organizations of elected officials; interested citizens, colleges, and universities, civic, religious, and business leaders; and a variety of nonprofits.