The dropping temperatures are especially cold for our newest students unused to Minnesota’s quickly changing seasons. Because most international students arrive from warm-weather countries, they have no cold-weather clothing to bring with them. International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) is collecting warm-winter gear in good, usable condition for our international students. Along with winter coats, most needed are hats, scarves, neck gaiters, gloves, mittens, boots, sweaters, and sweatshirts. Adult sizes only, specifically:
– Men’s: medium or large; boots sized 9 (one sized 10.5, one sized 11.5/12)
– Women: one medium, one large; boots sized 7
You may bring your donations to Student Affairs in Bockman 249 or leave them in the tub outside the office. No additional clothing is being accepted at this time. Any items not used by our community will be donated locally to those in need. Questions? Contact Stanley Ayashim, Residential Life Coordinator, or Chenar Howard, ISSA Director. Thank you!
Archives for 2025
God Pause for November 3: Job 19
In this devotion, Marlene Elmstrom ’94 M.Div., prays that we, like Job, will dare to get up and face another day trusting that in Jesus we have what we need for life. Read today’s God Pause.
November 2025 Employee Anniversaries
Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating work anniversaries in November!
- Stanley Ayashim, 1 year – Student Affairs
- Joshua Messner, 2 years – Marketing and Communications
- Sitraka Rakotoarivelo, 4 years – Faith + Lead
Circle Practice: Engaging with Aging Parents – December 2 [In-Person]
It can be challenging to engage with aging parents. Join us on December 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the OCC Meditation Chapel for a circle discussion as we share with each other the gifts and challenges of doing so. Led by Mary Hess, this will be a time simply to listen to each other’s experiences. We will use a talking piece, and only one person will speak at a time.
New Course: Theological Writing
Students are invited to register for LG 1000 Theological Writing during Winter term, a new course open to all degree program and certificate students interested in developing a firmer foundation for academic writing in a seminary context. This course will be offered in fall and winter terms as an asynchronous, non-credit half course. If you have any questions or are interested in registering for this course for Winter 2026, reach out to the Registrar at registrar@luthersem.edu
Annual Enrollment Is Here!
It’s time to make your benefit elections for the coming year. This is your opportunity to make important decisions related to your health coverage, retirement contributions, tax-advantaged accounts, and life insurance and beneficiaries. The open enrollment period is now through Monday, November 3. Visit myPortico to: review your 2026 benefit options; make any benefit changes to meet your needs for the coming year; confirm your 2026 enrollment elections.
Tip. Explore detailed information about your health benefits on myPortico on the ELCA-Primary Health Benefits and ELCA Medicare-Primary Health Benefits page. If you have questions, Portico’s award-winning customer care center is available to help. Call 800-352-2876 or email mail@PorticoBenefits.org.
Extended hours are available: Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:30 p.m. CT; Saturdays, October 25 and November 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT. If you have any questions specific to Luther Seminary, you may also contact Human Resources at hr@luthersem.edu.