Archives for May 2025

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.

In this devotion, Elizabeth Callen ’23 M.Div., reminds us that even in the valleys of life, God is with us. Read today’s God Pause.

We gather at 11:00 a.m. CT in the OCC Meditation Chapel and online (link in email) for circle practice. We will gather together, then in-person and online circles will be facilitated separately to ensure meaningful interactions in both modalities. What is circle practice? Rooted in forms of knowing and learning long tended by indigenous communities, 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. This practice lies at the center of the theological rationale for Luther Seminary’s welcome statement, which says: “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.”
Share your prayer requests.

Check out this week’s blog post from Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason—Prayers for Our Body and Our Board.

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 not only helps students meet their nutritional needs but also 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.