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Important update about our gathering today: As many of you know, Dale Dobias cannot be with us today, and it is his energy and humor that truly make our DIY Nativity come to life. We simply can’t imagine pulling it off without him, so we are canceling the DIY Nativity play and in its place will be still be gathering for coffee, cider, hot cocoa, cookies, and desserts while we sing carols together. We felt this would be a beautiful way to come together in community and song during this season. We also ask that you keep Dale and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. We look forward to seeing you all later this morning . . . Wednesday, December 17 at 11 a.m. in the chapel lobby and OCC dining areas. Everyone is invited—students, staff, and faculty—as we gather for cocoa, cider, coffee, and treats and a community lunch from Andiamo Italian. Join us for fellowship and snacks, sing carols and a community meal, and celebrate coworkers who have reached various milestones.

In this devotion, Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership, shares how we might think and pray about suffering that has no answer we can come up with, suffering in need of salvation. Read today’s God Pause.

In light of recent, tragic news, here are library books (over 500), articles, and other resources that address the topic.

In this devotion, Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership, prays that we might rejoice in the signs of God’s loving presence. Read today’s God Pause.

Residential and commuter students, you are warmly invited to join us for a Men’s Cookout in the Bockman Hall basement kitchen as we prepare a special dinner-style meal for our Residential Life Holiday Feast on December 15. Cooking begins at 1:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. This gathering is not only a time of cooking and community but also a moment of cultural learning for some and a significant shift in experience for many. We invite you to come with openness as we share traditions, learn from one another, and build deeper connections. Come and be in community together as we prepare good food from the oven, pray, share testimonies, and celebrate this season. You are welcome to bring a gift for someone of your choosing as we spread joy and fellowship. We are also delighted to share that Shamani Shikwambi, our Interim Dean of Students, will be joining us partly during the cooking and all through the dinner time. All residential and commuter students who are able are encouraged to attend.

The Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) and the Leipzig District of the Lutheran Church in Saxony, Germany, are hosting a joint young adult pilgrimage to Germany and the Taizé community in August 2026. Ten young adults (age 18-26) from MAS and ten from the Leipzig District will be selected to attend. At a critical time for U.S. Churches to cultivate global relationships, the pilgrimage will focus on relationship building across ecumenical and national boundaries through shared learning, experience, and worship. With Leipzig, home of the Peaceful Revolution, as a home base, the first week of the pilgrimage will focus on German political and church history as a mirror for contemporary currents in Europe and the U.S. (nationalism, authoritarianism, and so on). The second will be a week in the Taizé community in France, an ecumenical monastic community founded in the wake of WWII. Departure flights to Germany are on August 9, 2026, and return flights to the U.S. are on August 25. The cost for the pilgrimage is $2,000—this includes flights, ground transportation, housing, admission fees, and most meals. (Additional scholarships may be available on an as-needed basis.) Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2025. First-round invitations will be sent during the week of January 11, 2026. Invitees will have until January 23 to confirm their participation and submit a deposit. If any first-round invitees decline, additional applicants may be offered a spot. Final registration will be completed by January 31, 2026. Questions may be directed to Adam White at awhite003@luthersem.edu.