Archives for May 7, 2025

In this devotion, Elizabeth Callen ’23 M.Div., reminds us that God is always making all things new. Read today’s God Pause.

This year’s Aus Memorial Lecture will be an extended conversation on Jesus Christ as the instigator and sustainer of Christian evangelism. In taking the Good News to those who have not yet heard and responded to the news, we join Jesus in his relentless determination to invite all into his coming realm. Opportunities and impediments to evangelism will be discussed and encouragement offered for today’s pastors to lead in evangelizing. Will Willimon has written extensively on evangelism, has been an evangelist as a campus minister, and as a bishop has led church planting ministries.
Jesus: The Most Interesting Word We Have for the World
An evangelism salon featuring Will Willimon
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6–8:30 p.m.
On campus at Luther Seminary, Saint Paul and online
Learn more and register.

Dr. Samuel Zalanga will conclude his service as Director of Inclusion and Belonging at Luther Seminary on May 31, 2025. He has been selected as a US Peace Corps volunteer. Samuel joined us in January 2023 and has, over the past two and a half years, made a profound impact on our community. As the leader of our ABIDE program, Samuel brought a gospel-centered approach to justice that aligned deeply with our mission to educate leaders for Christian communities. Through his guidance, we have seen significant development in our inclusion and belonging efforts across the seminary. Samuel built strong, meaningful relationships with faculty and staff and played an instrumental role in developing our ABIDE strategy teams, integrating inclusion and engagement into the fabric of our institutional practices. His work brought theological and sociological depth to our efforts, consistently calling us to center justice and affirm the human dignity of all, especially those who are marginalized. Notably, Samuel also redesigned our Beloved Community Fellowship program and spent the last year working closely with the fellows, mentoring and equipping them with a vision for transformative community. In general, his many collaborative relationships with Luther students inspired their involvement in many ABIDE initiatives. He built significant relationships with international students and served as an advisor to the International Student Association (ISA). As a colleague, Samuel has been kind and light-hearted and has a contagious laugh. His team always appreciated his many stories and book or documentary reviews. We are grateful for the deep insights and wisdom Samuel has shared with us. His vision for a mature, authentic Christian community—where students, staff, and faculty cultivate a true sense of belonging—has helped shape Luther Seminary in lasting ways. Samuel shares that, “I will always remain committed to Luther Seminary and grateful for the time I spent in this community.” Please join us in thanking Samuel for his faithful service and in wishing him all the best in his next chapter.

Operations staff wish to share with those who work and office in Gullixson Hall that on Friday, May 2, the heating boilers will be shut down—to keep the building from overheating during the work day. This likely will result in some uncomfortable mornings when the overnight temperatures trend below normal daytime temperatures. Please dress accordingly and consider wearing clothing “in layers” so you can be comfortable throughout the day. Why do we do this? Steam heat cannot be turned on and off within a normal day. Steam heating systems require active steam (212 degrees) at the radiator to function, meaning the entire steam distribution system is hot. When the system is turned off, all of the active steam condenses back to water and is returned to the boiler. To turn the system back on requires reheating all of the water back to 212 degrees, which take a full day. We do monitor weather and chose a day where, moving forward, it seems that most days will provide warmer temperatures. This month the temperature predictions are difficult. If you have any concerns, please contact Rob Verke, rverke001@luthersem.edu.