Archives for 2026

Interested in small town and rural ministry? Consider attending the annual Rural Ministry Conference at Wartburg Seminary this March 8–10. The event is in Dubuque, Iowa, and explores the theme “Managing Change and Transforming Conflict in Congregations: Leading in an Age of Polarization.” Speakers David Brubaker, Peter Soli, and Beth McCaw will guide large-group presentations. There are multiple workshops. Thanks to donors, most expenses for this experience will be covered for up to three students. Please express your interest promptly to secure your place by sending an email to Jon Anderson, Rural Ministry Director, janderson008@luthersem.edu. Transportation will be provided for those three Luther Seminary students. People who may be closer to Wartburg and interested should also be in touch. This year, a Zoom version of the conference is available. This will also be supported if you are an interested student.

Several spots remain for the travel course Mission in a Post-Christian Society: Learning from the UK, which occurs June 6-13, 2026. Contact Jody Nyenhuis, jnyenhuis001@luthersem.edu, to find out more about how to make travel to Europe a part of your theological education plan.

In this devotion, Stanley Ayashim ’21 M.A. says that not every invitation is worth accepting.
Read today’s God Pause.

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 helps students meet their nutritional needs and 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.

Our next “Brake Bread” event—where we gather around sustaining food while building deeper community connections and celebrating a particular campus space—will be during the Spring RFS 2 session, on Thursday, March 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the OCC Dining Room. We’re calling this gathering Brake Bread: Community and Connection, as we host Luther board member Tracey Gibson in conversation with Emily Rova-Hegener and those in attendance as well. This “Brake Bread” event features dinner and drinks—including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drink options but no coffee. Meal and drinks are provided by Community Life, the “Brake Bread” portion (including desserts!) by the Thrivent Grant. These “Brake Bread” gatherings are intentional moments to build relationships, listen to one another, laugh together, and celebrate the good work and learning being done among us. Please join us in this holy space to love one another more deeply in a time of uncertainty. If you have questions, email Emily Rova-Hegener in Contextual Learning, erovahegener001@luthersem.edu.

In this devotion, Gail L. Miller ’93 M.Div. offers prayers of gratitude that where death once ruled God’s life now overflows in us. Read today’s God Pause.