Archives for 2025

As we wrap up fall RFS sessions, please note that the second Winter RFS session (January 14–16) will be held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis rather than here on campus. Why? As we explore options for our new physical space, holding an off-site RFS experiment will help us learn a lot and imagine new possibilities. Mount Olivet is a vibrant congregation where several of our alums serve in leadership roles. Students will still register for RFS via the normal process starting in October. All details related to transportation, food, and logistics will be shared as the date gets closer. For now, please contact academicdean@luthersem.edu with any questions.

In this devotion, Hope Deutscher ’13 M.Div., reminds us that wise stewards consider how to use their resources effectively for God, putting people over profits, grace over worldly gain. Read today’s God Pause.

Stanley (Stan) Norris Olson died on September 12 at the age of 79. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Stan lived his life with a deep commitment to faith, learning, and service. After completing studies at Waldorf College, Saint Olaf College, Luther Seminary, and Yale University, he served the church as parish pastor, seminary professor (teaching at Luther Seminary in the 1980s), bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, executive director for Vocation and Education for the ELCA, and president of both Wartburg Seminary and Trinity Seminary. In retirement, he remained active as a member of Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. A service will be held on September 20 at 1:00 p.m. CT at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis, visitation at 12:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join us in the Chapel of the Incarnation on Friday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. for opening convocation, a worship service led by President Robin Steinke in which we ask for God’s blessings on our community as we begin a new academic year. Staff, faculty, students-mark your calendars and please plan to join us for this community-wide event.

You’re invited to a special evening of worship, fellowship, and food today—Thursday, September 18—from 5–7 p.m. on the Bockman Hall “front porch” (by the cross). Come to this refreshing time of praise and worship outdoors—the perfect way to pause in the middle of the week, connect with God, and share in community. You can expect spirit-filled worship, time to connect with friends and classmates, and delicious tacos and soda. The weather looks promising, and we’re planning for a beautiful evening outside. If it happens to rain, we’ll simply move inside to the dining room and continue the celebration together. Bring your heart and your voice, and come as you are!

The Luther Seminary community is invited to Zoom in and attend a free lecture by the Elizabeth A. Clark Center for Late Ancient Studies at Duke University given by Paula Fredriksen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, titled “Christ and Empire.” The event takes place at 5 p.m. on September 18 on Zoom. Register here. Contact Amy Marga with questions. Amarga@luthersem.edu.