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Come one, come all to the Fall Fun Fest on Thursday, October 29 at 4:30 p.m. CT in OCC Dining Room C. Here’s what can you expect. See you there!

• A pumpkin carving competition with prizes, judged by our very own Christian Eriksen, Karoline Lewis, and Mary Hess.
• Pizza, hot apple cider, and a hot chocolate bar
• A presentation on some origins of fall celebrations by Jack Hendricks
• Fellowship with staff, student, and faculty colleagues

All staff, faculty, and students are welcome to join this tour of Old Muskego Church on Tuesday, November 3 from 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. If you’ve always wanted to go inside but haven’t had the chance or you haven’t been inside in years, you’re welcome to come learn about the mythic tale of Old Muskego. We will gather on the steps in front of Muskego. Contact Caleb at crollins002@luthersem.edu with any questions.

It’s time to make your benefit elections for the coming year. This is your opportunity to make important decisions related to your health coverage, retirement contributions, tax-advantaged accounts, and life insurance and beneficiaries. The Open Enrollment window begins today, Monday, October 19. Watch for an email invite directly from Portico—sent in batches over a few days. Everyone will have two full weeks to complete enrollment. Then, visit myPortico to review your 2027 benefit options, make any benefit changes to meet your needs for the coming year, and confirm your 2027 enrollment elections. You can explore detailed information about your health benefits on myPortico on the ELCA-Primary Health Benefits and ELCA Medicare-Primary Health Benefits page. If you have questions, Portico’s customer care center is available to help. Call 800-352-2876 or email mail@PorticoBenefits.org. If you have any questions specific to Luther Seminary, you may also contact Human Resources at hr@luthersem.edu.

There will be a First Call Info Session on Thursday, November 5 at 12 p.m. for any ELCA interns who will be entering the First Call process in the next few months. Students can sign up online.

In order to prepare the Luther Seminary art collection for the upcoming move, we will be removing the majority of pieces from display. We will send a message directly to those who indicated they have art in their offices. We are still finalizing what will happen with pieces we decide to deaccession and will share details soon. We appreciate your understanding during this liminal time. Send any questions to Caleb at crollins002@luthersem.edu.

Do you have questions about CPE? Not sure where to start or how to apply to a program? Join our Contextual Learning team for a brief info session to help you get started—Tuesday, November 10 at 11:45 a.m. CT on Zoom (link in email).