In this devotion, Elizabeth Schoenknecht ’04 M.Div., says that all weather and seasons are reminders of God’s work in this world. Read today’s God Pause.
Archives for 2025
Chapel Schedule for the Week: December 8-12
You are invited to join in community faith formation every weekday at 11:00 a.m. CT. We gather in a variety of ways and places. See the schedule below to see how you can join us in-person and online.
Monday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. CT
Text study with the chapel staff on Zoom (link in email).
Tuesday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. CT
Contemplative Practice in the Meditation Chapel and on Zoom.
Wednesday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. CT
Service of Holy Communion — Chapel of the Incarnation and livestreamed.
Advent 3
Preacher: Mary Hess, Professor of Educational Leadership
Thursday, December 11, 11:00 a.m. CT
Lunch Church in the OCC Dining Room
Speaker: TBD
Can You Play the Piano? A Call for Musician [In-Person]
The annual Do-It-Yourself Nativity Extravaganza is fast approaching—on Wednesday, December 17—and the Luther Seminary Players are in desperate need of a few hearty souls with the musical chops to support the assembled revelers in the singing of well-know carols. At the moment, the orchestra consists of an amazing tuba player, and while we’re certain he could carry the show, we’d especially like to snag a piano player if at all possible. If you’re willing to contribute your piano playing skills to this theatrical endeavor, please have your agent contact Dale Dobias (ddobias001@luthersem.edu). As for the the rest of you musical types, feel free to show up a few minutes before curtain, with your instrument of choice: Guitar? Great! Banjo? Wonderful! Washboard, fiddle, kazoo? We’d love to have you! There will be no rehearsal prior to the show. Come join the DIY Nativity Orchestra as we tell the Christmas story one more time together.
Winter RFS Schedule and Mt. Olivet Details Available Now
Two documents are now available to help with planning and preparation for our winter RFS sessions, taking place January 10–12 here on campus and January 14–16, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. Contact academicdean@luthersem.edu with any questions.
Join us for the 2026 Discernment Retreat [In-Person]
Join us January 25–27, 2026, for a 3-day retreat that explores God’s call on your life. We will explore the biblical witness on divine calling and God’s ongoing calling in our lives. There will be time for rest, play, worship, and prayer. Throughout the retreat we will use storytelling and the witness of community and faith practices to dig deeply into our stories and the story God is unfolding in each of us. We will gather at Shores of Saint Andrew Bible Camp in New London, Minnesota. Participants will have the opportunity to carpool to/from campus or meet at the retreat center. The cost of the retreat including 2 nights lodging and 6 meals is $200—thanks to the support of a Luther Seminary grant. Scholarships are available for current Luther Seminary students thanks to the Stewardship Leaders Endowment Lab grant—email Ashley Wheeler (awheeler002@luthersem.edu) for more information. Retreat enrollment is limited, so register soon. Registration closes Monday, December 15. The retreat is led by Steve Thomason, Dean of the Chapel and Faculty, Ashley Wheeler in Candidacy and Contextual Education, and Jen Gruendler in Admissions.
Support the Grocery Assistance Program
To support students who may be facing food insecurity, Luther Seminary operates a direct-order grocery process for the seminary community. Luther Seminary’s Grocery Assistance Program is a lifeline for students facing food insecurity. Started during the pandemic, this vital program continues to provide essential groceries to an average of 25 students each week. Through the program, students can request necessary food items that are then carefully processed, purchased, and delivered to campus by dedicated volunteers. This initiative helps students meet their nutritional needs and fosters a sense of community and support within the seminary. Your generous donation will ensure that this program can continue to make a real difference in the lives of Luther Seminary students. On the Grocery Assistance Program webpage, you can make a one-time or recurring gift to support this important ministry.