Archives for November 2024

In this devotion, Veronica (Vicky) Daub ’19 M.A. offers thanks to the Lord for trusting us to do God’s work on earth. Read today’s God Pause.

Brave Conversations: An Invitation to Circle Practice following the Election
Today > Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 12–1 p.m., OCC Dining Room
As we continue to think about the US elections, we are aware of heightened anxieties and disparate hopes surrounding them. We pledge to bear one another’s burdens, share in one another’s joys, and walk the extra mile for one another’s sake (Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 12:26). We commit to robust, passionate, and respectful dialogue with one another—both those with whom we agree and those with whom we disagree. Please join us one week after the election for circle conversations to express what you are feeling in this context. Rooted in communal forms of knowing and learning, circle conversations are opportunities to listen deeply, share from the heart, and engage in what Martin Luther once called “mutual conversation and consolation.” This is not a moment to try to change people’s minds but rather an opportunity for the Spirit to soften our hearts. Rolf Jacobson and Mary Hess will be co-keepers of this and subsequent circles. Anyone interested can join this event in person in the OCC Dining Room on Wednesday, November 13 from 12–1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. We plan to offer a similar circle conversation event online via Zoom on a different date.
Register today for the in-person event.

Our sincere gratitude to all the students who participated in this academic year’s first pocket survey. The October 2024 Pocket Survey asked students to reflect on the work of the Admissions Office as it relates to messaging accuracy, recruitment practices, admissions processes, and general feedback and insights. You can find online our summary and the detailed results. If you have any questions or concerns about Pocket Surveys, please contact the Institutional Research Office at research@luthersem.edu. If you have questions about the survey summary, please contact admissions at jleclearvachta002@luthersem.edu. Thank you!

In this devotion, Veronica (Vicky) Daub ’19 M.A. meditates on the depth of love we can have for our neighbor. Read today’s God Pause.

Faculty and staff are invited to join the Campus Task Force on Tuesday, November 12, 12–1 p.m. for the second of two Lunch & Learn meetings. This hybrid meeting will be held in OCC. Colleagues who wish to attend virtually can find the Zoom link in the meeting invitation. Lunch will not be provided so please plan to bring your own. The Campus Task Force was formed in July to collect and review data pertaining to the use of our physical spaces and will conclude its work in December. During its first Lunch & Learn on 10/30, members of the task force reviewed its purpose and recent work and began sharing the data they have collected. The conversation will continue today. You don’t need to have attended the first Lunch & Learn in order to attend the second. We hope you will join us!

The dropping temperatures seem especially cold to our newest students, who are unaccustomed to Minnesota’s quickly changing seasons. Because most international students arrive from warm weather countries, they have no cold weather clothing to bring with them. International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) is collecting warm winter gear in good, usable condition for our international students. Along with winter coats, most needed are hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, boots, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Adult sizes only, specifically:

• Men’s small and medium; boots sized 6.5, 7.5, 9, or 10
• Women’s small or XL; boots sized 6.5 or 11

You may bring your donations to the OCC Operations Desk, to Student Affairs in Bockman 249, or leave them in the tub outside the Student Affairs office. No additional clothing is being accepted at this time. Any items not used will be donated locally to those in need. Questions? Contact Ruth Ibrahim, Bockman Head Resident, or Chenar Howard, ISSA Director. Thank you!