Announcements

In this devotion, Emily McQuillan ‘19 M.Div. asks what in the life and ministry of Jesus is speaking to you today. Read today’s God Pause.

Join us for a festive and fun Secret Santa gift exchange—open to all students, faculty, and staff of the Luther Seminary community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season together and spread holiday cheer. Participants will be randomly assigned a person for whom to purchase a gift, keeping the recipient a secret until the big reveal at our gathering on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at noon. The gift limit is set at $15, making it a thoughtful yet affordable way to share joy. To join in the fun, simply fill out this online form. Let’s come together to make this holiday season special by sharing gifts and celebrating community spirit. For any questions, email communitylife@luthersem.edu or ateter001@luthersem.edu. Don’t miss out—sign up today!

In this devotion, Emily McQuillan ‘19 M.Div. reflects on the tender mercy of our God. Read today’s God Pause.

Start the new year off with a 3-day retreat—January 12-14, 2025—to explore the unique call God has placed on your life. We will be gathering at Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp in New London, MN. The retreat will give space for conversation, exploration of your own call journey, worship, rest and community. This discernment retreat is co-facilitated by Steve Thomason, Jen Gruendler, and Ashley Wheeler. The cost of the retreat including 2 nights lodging and 6 meals is $200 for double occupancy or $240 for single. There may be limited resources available for financial support—please reach out to Steve, Jen, or Ashley for a conversation if that is a need. Space is limited, so register soon. Registration closees Monday, December 16, 2024. Register using this online form. Note: There is an option to receive course credit for this retreat with additional readings, coursework, and meeting times. Current Luther Seminary students need to register for this Winter 2025 course if they would like to do that. Questions regarding the course credit should be directed to Steve Thomason, sthomason002@luthersem.edu.

What happens to us after we die? How do people in your ministry context respond to the foundational yet often confusing Christian conviction that we will be resurrected bodily with Christ after death? And how does this belief shape Christian life and ministry in the present? Professors Pietz and Padgett invite you to explore such questions in “Resurrection,” a new cross-divisional course offered spring term on Thursdays, 12:30–4:20 p.m. in a hybrid format. For course description and other details, see the Spring 2025 course listings in MyLutherNet. Please contact Professor Padgett (apadgett@luthersem.edu) or Professor Pietz (jpietz002@luthersem.edu) with questions.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 12–1 p.m. on Zoom (link in email)
As we continue to think about the US elections, we are aware of heightened anxieties and disparate hopes surrounding them. We pledge to bear one another’s burdens, share in one another’s joys, and walk the extra mile for one another’s sake (Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 12:26). We commit to robust, passionate, and respectful dialogue with one another—both those with whom we agree and those with whom we disagree. Please join us one week after the election for circle conversations to express what you are feeling in this context. Rooted in communal forms of knowing and learning, circle conversations are opportunities to listen deeply, share from the heart, and engage in what Martin Luther once called “mutual conversation and consolation.” This is not a moment to try to change people’s minds but rather an opportunity for the Spirit to soften our hearts. Rolf Jacobson and Mary Hess will be co-keepers of this and subsequent circles.