Announcements

Students, faculty, and staff—join us Tuesday, September 22 on the Luther Seminary online (registration for the in-person event is now full) for the 2026 Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology with Craig Koester—The Death of Jesus and the Message of Life: According to the Gospel of John. This year’s Fretheim Lecture on Biblical Theology explores how, through the crucifixion, God conveys the fullness of his love for the world in order to evoke the faith that gives life. “Life” is the heart of the gospel John proclaims, Koester says, and it defines who God is and what God gives. Learn more and register at luthersem.edu/fretheim/26.

In this devotion, Joe Jorgensen ’23 M.Div., says we might ask to be shown the way rather than expecting a script. Read today’s God Pause.

Mussie Temnewo, Ph.D. Candidate
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 1–3 p.m., Gullixson Hall 103
The oral examination is a public event open to faculty, students, and staff. However, other than the candidate, only faculty members have speaking privileges. What is a Ph.D. oral defense? The oral defense is the final step before graduation for Ph.D. degree candidates. The student has finished all research and is presenting a thesis that is an original contribution to the field of scholarship. A copy of the completed thesis is available prior to the defense for those in the Luther Seminary community. Read “Church and State during Haile-Selassie I’s Imperial Period: Historical Review”

Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating work anniversaries in September!

• Jon Anderson, 5 years – Rural Ministry
• Tim Coltvet, 18 years – Contextual Learning
• Joey Goodall, 4 years – Faith+Lead
• Kate Norlander, 4 years – Marketing and Communications
• Corrie Patrick, 1 year – Seminary Relations
• Elizabeth Schoenknecht, 7 years – Seminary Relations
• Jennifer Thiel, 15 years – Marketing and Communications

In this devotion, Joe Jorgensen ’23 M.Div., says that we too are given words to speak, often in places where silence would be easier. Read today’s God Pause.

In this devotion, Phil Rue ’72 M.Div., ponders what it means to take up our cross and follow. Read today’s God Pause.