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.
Announcements
God Pause for October 31: Luke 6
In this devotion, Dan Schewe ’15 M.Div., reminds us that we are called to respond to hatred with love and to see what follows. Read today’s God Pause.
Rare Book Room Open House
On Friday, October 31, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., the Luther Seminary Library is opening the doors of the rare book room for a Reformation Day Open House. Come wander our most mysterious little corner, enjoy the old books and oddities, and get a peek at the spooky/beautiful side of church history. Drop in any time, bring a friend, and celebrate Reformation Day with us in proper nerdy style.
Join Admissions Office at MnMN Annual Conference – November 6
Help at the table or just attend sessions! This annual fall favorite is a great way for students, staff, and faculty to build relationships across faith traditions. Register for free and let Jessi (jleclearvachta002@luthersem.edu) know if you’d like to help at the Luther table.
Grocery Assistance Gratitude
I would like to thank our Luther community for your contributions to the seminary’s grocery assistance program. Students have expressed that they are deeply grateful for this gesture of love and care. If any student finds themselves in need of such assistance, please email deanofstudents@luthersem.edu.
—Leon Rodrigues
Next Cohort of School for Lay Ministry Begins January 24, 2026
Step into what’s next with a heart full of faith and head full of questions. Lay leaders are the heart and soul of today’s church, carrying out vital ministry work and shaping the faith communities of the future. The School for Lay Ministry is a year-long program designed to provide theologically sound training and leadership development for lay leaders. The next cohort begins January 24, 2026, and the program includes on-demand lessons, live cohort meetings, and expert guidance from experienced instructors.
– Participants gain skills in preaching, pastoral care, and more.
– Program supports a lay-led, clergy-supported model of ministry, empowering lay leaders to lead confidently and effectively in their churches and communities.
Share this opportunity with your lay leaders. Together, we can strengthen the future of the church by investing the people who share the good news. Learn more and register today.