Archives for 2026

Join Kirsten Schlewitz ’25 M.A., on Earth Day—Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. CT—for a Zoom presentation on “Ecological Peacebuilding.” Kirsten will explore the vital importance of ecological peacebuilding during global crises and examine what scripture teaches us about creation care. She will offer a distinctively Lutheran perspective alongside practical ways for Christians to help restore the planet. A graduate of Luther’s Justice and Reconciliation program, Kirsten is currently doing peacebuilding work in Europe. Feel free to share this with any students or colleagues interested in environmental theology, congregational outreach, or finding tangible sources of hope through hands-on action. Register here.

Start your morning with our seventh “Brake Bread” event on Thursday, April 23 in Gullixson Hall 101 from 9-10 a.m. We will gather around bread, jam, and coffee while building deeper community connections and celebrating a particular campus space—this time in Gullixson Hall. Supported by an Endowment Lab Grant from Thrivent, 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, Bill Boelter ’87 M.Div., says that the twenty-third psalm carries a message to be remembered throughout our lives. Read today’s God Pause.

Join the seminaries of the ELCA Admissions Cohort for a virtual fireside chat on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. CT. Hear from current pastors, deacons, and faith leaders as we explore seminary discernment and resources for LGBTQ+ prospective students. Current seminarians are welcome to attend as well and hear from panelists from ELCA churchwide, Queer Confirmation, and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. Invite folks you know who are discerning seminary to attend. Register here.

In this devotion, Bill Boelter ’87 M.Div., says we find strength and regular renewal as we gather with others in worship. Read today’s God Pause.

Come experience one of the vibrant churches of the Global South—the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania—one of the fastest-growing and largest Lutheran church bodies in the world with 8.5 million members. Students will participate in a conference with ELCT pastors, learning from them about topics like evangelism, women’s leadership, poverty and the prosperity gospel, and church-sponsored development work. There will be much singing (and some dancing) involved. We will be based in the small city of Iringa, Tanzania, and will also stay in rural villages for a weekend. There will be time at the end of the trip for relaxation at a safari camp in Ruaha National Park and on the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. The cost will likely be around $4600, depending on the price of airline tickets. This cost includes airfare, lodging, transportation, and many meals. There is financial aid available through the St. Paul Area Synod of the ELCA for students under the age of 36—interested students should apply as soon as possible. This is a CD course but can also count as a Bible elective. Likely, other financial aid will be available for all students too. If you are interested in this trip, contact Kathryn Schifferdecker, kschiffer@luthersem.edu, by early May, as space is limited. Also note that the dates may change by a day on either end but will be set by early summer. The dates for the course as currently planned are January 16-31, 2027.