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In this devotion, Steven Nelson ’76 M.Div., says that our destiny is good because Jesus chooses us. Read today’s God Pause.

Here’s the schedule of RFS activities for today and tomorrow. For complete details, see the Winter 2026 RFS schedule. Also note: campus security | campus pastor availability | weather-related announcements | Winter 2026 RFS Moodle Site

Wednesday, January 14
7:15 a.m. —Doors open, coffee and breakfast treats available
8:00-8:30 a.m. —Chapel Worship
8:45-11:30 a.m. —RFS 2 Classes
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. —Lunch
12:30-4:20 p.m. —RFS 2 Classes
4:30 p.m. —Dinner with Terri Elton, CYF evening events

Thursday, January 15
Seminary Spirit Day
7:15 a.m. —Doors open
8:00-8:30 a.m. Chapel Worship
8:45-11:30 a.m. —RFS 2 Classes
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. —Lunch with staff and advising team (Resource Fair)
12:30-4:20 p.m. —RFS 2 Classes
5-7 p.m. —Social time for students, Luther Seminary OCC Dining Room

Students, during the second day of RFS 2 at Mount Olivet—Thursday, January 15—we’ll have a photographer and videographer on site to capture visually some of shared community experiences in this exciting, off-campus space. You are encouraged to wear a Luther Seminary-branded shirt or other apparel on this day. Wearing something maroon and/or gray (but not branded) is great too. (Staff and faculty, you’re welcome to join in the fun too!)

Following Grace Pomroy’s 2023 Funding Forward Research Project—which took a broad look at how ministries across North America are experimenting with alternative income sources and self-sustaining ministries—many congregations have requested more information about what sustainable ministry looks like in rural and small town contexts. Grace would appreciate your help in identifying any congregations that you believe might be a good case study site. You can find out more about the specifics of the research project and submit congregation recommendations using this google form by January 31.

Interested in traveling June 17-30, 2026, to Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras? Guillermo Hansen will lead a summer travel course “Migrants, Indigenous Cultures, Intersectionality, and the Church” (CD1640). Join us for an info session on Zoom on Wednesday, January 21, 12-1 p.m. CT to discuss the itinerary and hear from the church leaders in each country who will be guiding course participants. If you are unable to attend the meeting at that time, we will share the link afterward. Cost estimates are still being finalized. All participants will need to provide a $750 non-refundable deposit (due date for deposit is still to be determined, probably in early February). If you take the course for credit, the balance of the course costs will be covered by the MLK Fund. Student spots are limited, so priority will be given to students who are taking the course for credit. At this point, we do not expect that guests will be able to accompany students on this trip. Email Ben McDonald Coltvet, bmcdonaldcoltve001@luthersem.edu, to express your interest and receive a Google Calendar invitation for the info session. If you have questions, send them to Ben or Professor Hansen, ghansen001@luthersem.edu. We hope you can join us on January 21 for the Zoom meeting.

• Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota – Financial Counseling is here to help! Whether you’re looking to create a sustainable plan for student loan repayment, managing credit card debt, or facing home foreclosure, LSS certified financial counselors are available to meet with you and your immediate family members at no out-of-pocket cost to you through its ongoing partnership with Luther Seminary’s Stewardship Leaders Program. Note: You don’t need to be Lutheran or located in the state of Minnesota to access this valuable resource!
• To explore what LSS has to offer, visit the LSS/Luther Seminary Financial Choice website.
• To set up a phone appointment with a certified financial counselor, call 800.528.2926 and tell them you are a Luther Seminary student.
• Already met with an LSS certified financial counselor? Send your certificate to Grace Pomroy at gpomroy001@luthersem.edu to receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
• Questions? Contact Grace Pomroy at gpomroy001@luthersem.edu.