Announcements

Students interested in learning more about the January 2027 Tanzania travel course are invited to a Zoom meeting on Thursday, April 30, 5–6 p.m. CT. Students logged into their Luther Seminary account can use the Zoom link shared in the daily email and on the shared Community Calendar. We will talk about itinerary, costs, travel arrangements, and course learning goals. If you are interested and cannot make the meeting, please email Kathryn Schifferdecker, kschiffer@luthersem.edu.

On Tuesday May 5 from 11 a.m.–12:20 p.m. in the OCC Dining Room, join the ABIDE Inclusive Campus Climate Committee for a Lunch & Learn celebrating LGBTQ-inclusive ministries, and learning from the wisdom of a panel of LGBTQ+ pastors. In an era when LGBTQ+ rights and wellbeing are under increasing attack, the commitment of faith communities to practice inclusivity, care, and justice for and with LGBTQ+ people is a lifeline to many. This event will help you imagine what those ministries look like in specific communities now and in the days to come. Lunch is provided. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, please contact Cody Sanders (csanders001@luthersem.edu).

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.

In this devotion, Michael DeKraai ’90 M.Div., considers how we respond when we experience God’s unexpected presence. Read today’s God Pause.

Planning for your summer courses? Consider the elective “God the Holy Spirit” to learn more about the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and throughout the world. The course fulfills an elective requirement for Systematic Theology and Justice and Reconciliation. It is offered online asynchronous, though you will have a choice for asynchronous and synchronous small groups. Contact Lois Malcolm (lmalcolm@luthersem.edu) for more information.

The Luther Seminary Library offers a short bibliography on the current issues of immigration. Is there a theology of immigration?This month’s resource relates to the issues of the US southern border and theology and ministry, and it includes a map of the “Refugee Highway.” Check out these many new books (2024-2026) on the subject.