Archives for 2026

You’re invited to join Cody Sanders for a walking tour of historic Lakewood Cemetery to learn about the history of burial and deathcare practices in the U.S., the rural/garden cemetery movement (of which Lakewood is an example), and the future of deathcare practices. Friends and family are welcome to join you—Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m., 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. We’ll meet outside the Cemetery Chapel, just inside the front gates). Questions? Contact Cody Sanders, csanders001@luthersem.edu.

Students, ready to represent Luther Seminary wherever you go? Whether you’re looking for a cozy hoodie for study sessions or a classic tee for everyday wear, we’ve got you covered. Head over to Old Lutheran to check out the official Luther Seminary collection. The online store is open now through Friday, October 23. Place your order today, and your items will be shipped in November. Treat yourself and show off your Luther pride. Order your gear online.

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 window begins today, Monday, October 19. Watch for an email invite directly from Portico—sent in batches over a few days. Everyone will have two full weeks to complete enrollment. Then, visit myPortico to review your 2027 benefit options, make any benefit changes to meet your needs for the coming year, and confirm your 2027 enrollment elections. You can 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 customer care center is available to help. Call 800-352-2876 or email mail@PorticoBenefits.org. If you have any questions specific to Luther Seminary, you may also contact Human Resources at hr@luthersem.edu.

As part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety, Luther Seminary will be conducting a scheduled fire drill affecting the following buildings: Olson Campus Center (OCC), Bockman Hall, Gullixson Hall. The drill will take place on Thursday, October 22 at 1 p.m. When the fire alarm sounds, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to exit the buildings promptly, calmly, and in an orderly manner. Please follow all posted exit signs and instructions from safety personnel. Use only stairwells as elevators are disabled during emergencies. After exiting, proceed to the southernmost point of campus near the Luther Seminary sign on Como Avenue (see map below). If you are exiting from the Olson Campus Center, use the walkway to the west, routed around Bockman Hall, to maintain a safe distance in the event of an emergency affecting that building. This drill is an important opportunity for our community to practice emergency preparedness procedures. Thank you for your cooperation and attentiveness in helping ensure the safety of all members of the Luther Seminary community.
Important Notice for Gullixson Hall Occupants. Due to upgrades to the fire monitoring equipment in Gullixson Hall, no fire alarm will sound in Gullixson Hall during this drill, as activating it would dispatch the fire department. All occupants of Gullixson Hall are asked to evacuate at 1:00 PM and proceed to the designated campus gathering location. The Gullixson Hall fire alarms have been tested and will operate in the event of an actual emergency. This exception applies only to the scheduled drill.

In this devotion, Deborah Jorgens ’19 M.A., reminds us that, while we live under all kinds of earthly authorities, it is the one, true God to whom we belong. 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.