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

This week, we continue the process of removing two fuel tanks from behind Bockman Hall. The work is happening directly in front of the north exit and also between the central and east wings, and we ask that everyone move their cars to the west lot of the OCC or the westernmost side of the Bockman lot. This will allow the contractors to set up the crane needed for the project. —Facilities and Operations

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.

Consider applying for Luther Seminary’s Graduate Preaching Fellowship, a unique and generous fellowship that allows you to study preaching and ministry in a variety of cultural contexts. Travel to and learn from rural, suburban, and urban communities in domestic and/or international contexts. Any student in any degree program at Luther Seminary can apply, and your fellowship can last anywhere from 1 to 12 months. Your experience as a graduate preaching fellow begins after your graduation from Luther Seminary. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and decisions are made within 30 days. Learn more about eligibility, application process, and other details and start your application today. Read Graduate Preaching Fellowship Propels Luther Seminary Alums.

In this devotion, Phil Rue ’72 M.Div., thanks God for embracing our humanness while showering us with divine love. 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”