Announcements

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Saint Thomas has announced it is hosting the 2026 Institute on Theology and Disability, from June 15–17, 2026. They invite interested persons to join them in Saint Paul for three days of deep learning, community-building, and practice-based sharing. This unique conference brings together leading scholars, faith leaders, and community members—both disabled and non-disabled—to explore disability at the intersection of faith and theology. Discounts are offered for Luther Seminary staff and students: staff can attend the entire conference for $400, students for $250 (discount code LUTHERFULL). Daily rates for students are $125 for Monday and $75 for Tuesday and Wednesday (discount code LUTHERDAILY). Learn more and register here.

Abdel Ross Wentz was a leading figure in American Lutheranism. His family established an endowment providing prize money for the best history paper on a topic related to Lutheranism in America. Read more about the prize on the society’s website. The 2026 Abdel Ross Wentz Prize in American Lutheran History is in the amount of $2,500 and can be awarded in four categories (1) First degree seminarian, (2) M.A./Ph.Dd graduate student, (3) Post-Graduate Pastor, Layperson, and/or Faculty member, (4) Amateur Historian. Paper should be 25-35 pages in length, double spaced using Turabian Manual or Chicago Manual of Style. Papers are to be in the field of history dealing with some aspect of Lutheranism in America. Open to all writers regardless of religious identification or denominational affiliation. Submission deadline is September 30, 2026. If you want assistance with this, contact Professor Mark Granquist.

In this devotion, Liz Rossing ‘14 M.Div., notes how Jesus prays aloud for his friends, right in front of them. Read today’s God Pause.

Join us today in the OCC Dining Room at 11 a.m. CT for Lunch Church. Lunch is provided.
Topic: Why Jesus?
Speaker: Sam Maier, M.Div. Student.
Share your prayer requests.

The Graduate Recognition BBQ Party is today Join us Thursday, May 14, 4-6 p.m. on the OCC Patio (weather permitting) to celebrate the end of the school year and our 2026 grads with good food (gluten free and vegan available), good drinks, ice cream, and great company!

Last week, the Luther Seminary board of trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Shamani Shikwambi as (no-longer-interim) Dean of Students and Vice President of Inclusion and Belonging. Shamani began his career in education as a middle school teacher in his home country of Namibia. He is a life-long Lutheran who has come to love Minnesota’s vibrant communities, beautiful lakes, and seasonal rhythms. This profile shares more about our new Dean of Students.