Announcements

We gather at 11:00 a.m. CT in the OCC Meditation Chapel and online (link in email) for contemplative practice of your choice—mindful sketching, centering prayer, or however you choose to engage silence. Facilitated by the Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason, we will read the Psalm of the day and then practice in silence for 15 minutes. Afterward, you are welcome to sit in fellowship or go about your day.
Share your prayer requests.

Current public discussions of the concepts of inclusion, belonging, diversity, and equity that have significant consequences for higher education. Luther Seminary has made an institutional commitment to ABIDE (Accountability, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) as an integral part of the seminary’s mission and vision. Given the ramifications these public conversations have for this community, we are offering this panel discussion featuring seminary faculty and staff as a space for dialogue on how we can live out the seminary’s mission and our vision for ABIDE.
Tuesday, April 8, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., OCC Dining Room
The event is offered also on Zoom (link in email)
Lunch served by 11 a.m. Panel discussion begins 11:30 a.m.
Register online today.
Panelists
• Lois Malcolm – Theological Rationale for ABIDE and Why It Stands Regardless of Who is in Power in Government.
• Cody Sanders – Resisting Stupidity, Injustice, and Complacency: Seeking Wisdom and Courage for the Facing of This Hour
• Samuel Zalanga – Equity and the Struggle for a More Just and Fair Society for All in Human History: Challenges and Constraints

The Chapel staff has a special request and opportunity for the Luther Seminary community to participate in worship. We are going to celebrate No-Palm Wednesday on April 9. Did you know the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the Gospel of Luke does not mention palm branches? It notes only that the people laid cloaks down in front of Jesus so that he could ride in on them. In the spirit of this story, we are recognizing No-Palm Wednesday and would like to lay down pieces of clothing in the chapel as we process into worship together. We thought it would be good to combine this with a clothing drive. Do you have a coat, shirt, robe, or dress you would like to donate to a local clothing bank? There will be a place to drop off any clothing you want to donate in the narthex between now and April 9.

In fact, dozens of new titles have just been added for your spring reading. Whether you seek books or e-books on social justice and politics, biblical studies, theology, church history, spiritual formation, or ministry and leadership—you should check out our newest titles. We also have many new books on literature and the arts, such as the works of American novelist and Pulitzer-winner Marilynne Robinson, known for her depiction of faith and rural life, and many titles on religion and science.

In this devotion, Mary E. Hess, Professor of Educational Leadership and Chair of the Leadership Division, points us now toward Holy Week as we continue singing with joy in the deep conviction that God’s love endures forever. Read today’s God Pause.

Join our chapel staff for a text study today at 11:00 a.m. CT on Zoom (link in email). We will study the Revised Common Lectionary texts for this coming Sunday.