To support students who may be facing food insecurity, Luther Seminary operates a direct-order grocery process for the seminary community. Luther Seminary’s Grocery Assistance Program is a lifeline for students facing food insecurity. Started during the pandemic, this vital program continues to provide essential groceries to an average of 25 students each week. Through the program, students can request necessary food items that are then carefully processed, purchased, and delivered to campus by dedicated volunteers. This initiative not only helps students meet their nutritional needs but also fosters a sense of community and support within the seminary. Your generous donation will ensure that this program can continue to make a real difference in the lives of Luther Seminary students. On the Grocery Assistance Program webpage, you can make a one-time or recurring gift to support this important ministry.
God Pause for July 1: Psalm 66
In this devotion, Aaron Fuller D.Min., M.Div. ’13. asks what it means for us to bless God.
Read today’s God Pause.
Prayers for James Akinpelu Lawal and Family
Dear Luther Community,
I am awaiting further news but I am informing the Care Team and our community that James Akinpelu Lawal, a recent graduate and Episcopal priest, was involved in a tragic car accident last evening. The accident took place as he and two parishioners, a husband and wife, were returning to Idaho Falls from a church visit in southeastern Idaho. Akinpelu, as we all know him, was seriously injured and the occupants in the car were too. The husband died in the accident and the other (his wife) is in ICU with critical injuries. Please pray for Akinpelu James and Barbera as they undergo surgery today and for the family of the bereaved person. I will provide more information as I receive it. Please do not hesitate to contact the Care Team or any of the student affairs staff if anybody needs assistance or support at this time. You can also email me at deanofstduents@luthersem.edu. We pray for God’s enduring presence and mercy in this time.
Leon A. Rodrigues
Dean of Students
Religious Freedom and Persecution in America: Considerations for July Fourth
One nation under God? As we celebrate our independence this July 4th, check out some of these important resources and links from Luther Seminary Library.
July 2025 Employee Anniversaries
Congratulations to our colleagues celebrating work anniversaries in July!
- Michael Binder, 6 years – Faculty, Congregational Mission and Leadership
- Susan Brooks, 3 years – Faith + Lead
- Colleen Clish, 3 years – Office of Technology
- Dale Dobias, 5 years – Library Services
- Laurel Forsgren, 12 years – Office of Technology
- Mary Hess, 25 years – Faculty, Educational Leadership
- Mark Granquist, 17 years – Faculty, Church History
- Guillermo Hansen, 17 years – Advanced Theological Education
- Cameron Howard, 13 years – Faculty, Old Testament
- Rolf Jacobson, 22 years – Academic Affairs
- Carrie Johnson, 3 years – Human Resources
- Karoline Lewis, 18 years – Faculty, Biblical Preaching
- Gina Lotzer, 6 years – President’s Office
- Lois Malcolm, 31 years – Faculty, Systematic Theology
- Amy Marga, 19 years – Faculty, Systematic Theology
- Alan Padgett, 24 years – Faculty, Systematic Theology
- Jenny Pietz, 5 years – Faculty, New Testament
- Andy Root, 20 years – Faculty, Youth and Family Ministry
- Cody Sanders, 3 years – Faculty, Congregational and Community Care
- Kathryn Schifferdecker, 19 years – Faculty, Old Testament
- Matt Skinner, 23 years – Faculty, New Testament
- Mark Tranvik, 5 years – Faculty, History and Theology
- Jenny Wocjiechowski, 6 years – Faculty, Church History
- Dwight Zscheile, 17 years – Faculty, Congregational Mission and Leadership
God Pause for June 30: Isaiah 66
In this devotion, Aaron Fuller D.Min., M.Div. ’13. gives thanks that God not only call us home but comforts and nurtures us so we can truly live. Read today’s God Pause.