Archives for October 2025

In this devotion, Dan Schewe ’15 M.Div., prays that we might see ourselves as God does. Read today’s God Pause.

We gather at 11:00 a.m. CT in the OCC Meditation Chapel and on Zoom (link in email) for contemplative practice of your choice—mindful sketching, centering prayer, or however you choose to engage silence. Facilitated by Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason, we read the text and then practice in silence for 15 minutes. Afterward, you are welcome to sit in fellowship or go about your day.
Share your prayer requests.

Check out this week’s blog post from Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason—Celebrating the Reformation and Our Pets.

Students, staff, and faculty are invited to join the Future Space Working Group for an engaging Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, October 29 from noon to 1 p.m. CT. This hybrid event will take place in OCC 10, and participants can also join us on Zoom. During September, the architectural firm RSP conducted a series of insightful visioning sessions with our community members—students, staff, and faculty—to gather ideas and aspirations for our future space. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the discoveries made and the exciting next steps ahead! Our panel will feature participants from the visioning sessions, including Professor Kathryn Schifferdecker, Student Council President Jack Hendricks, and Librarian Peter Watters. Bring your lunch and your questions, and let’s envision our future together. A recording of this Lunch & Learn event will be distributed with RSP’s full report immediately after the event.

Step into what’s next with a heart full of faith and head full of questions. Lay leaders are the heart and soul of today’s church, carrying out vital ministry work and shaping the faith communities of the future. The School for Lay Ministry is a year-long program designed to provide theologically sound training and leadership development for lay leaders. The next cohort begins January 24, 2026, and the program includes on-demand lessons, live cohort meetings, and expert guidance from experienced instructors.
– Participants gain skills in preaching, pastoral care, and more.
– Program supports a lay-led, clergy-supported model of ministry, empowering lay leaders to lead confidently and effectively in their churches and communities.
Share this opportunity with your lay leaders. Together, we can strengthen the future of the church by investing the people who share the good news. Learn more and register today.

F. Willis Johnson introduced his new webinar—The Alchemy of Faith-Informed Entrepreneurism: From Imagination to Innovation—last month during fall RFS. Join us on Zoom (link in email) on October 28, 6-7:30 p.m. CT for the next installment of this multi-episode guide for spiritual entrepreneurs that walks us through the core creative energies that fuel our work: imagination, ideation, ignition, and innovation.