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Please extend a warm welcome to Rahfat Hussain, who starts today as chief financial officer for both Luther Seminary and Augsburg University. Rahfat brings extensive higher education and nonprofit financial leadership expertise, most recently serving as CFO at the Minnesota Historical Society. Prior to that position, he served for 17 years in various financial roles at the University of Minnesota, including being named the inaugural director of the Finance Operations Center, a centralized shared services operation for the university. We are grateful for our collaborative partnership with Augsburg and are thrilled to have found in Rahfat an experienced, energetic leader ready to step into the unique role of CFO for both institutions. His first day on-site at Luther will be Friday, December 5.

Here are some great thoughts and resources on preparing for this Advent season from the Luther Seminary Library.

Explore the world and deepen your studies with these unique summer travel courses: Space is limited, so inquire today.

• Mission in a Post-Christian Society: Learning from the UK. Join Dwight Zschile in London from June 6-13, 2026. This course (CL4550) examines how the church is recontextualizing Christian witness through new forms of church and mission. Contact Jody Nyenhuis, jnyenhuis001@luthersem.edu, to be added to the interest list and receive more information.
• Knowing Our Neighbors in Mexico and Guatemala. Travel with Guillermo Hansen to Mexico and Guatemala from June 17-30, 2026. This course (CD1640) focuses on the history and mission of companion Lutheran churches, exploring work with indigenous peoples, migration, and human rights. The trip includes visits to historical and archaeological sites. Contact Ben McDonald Coltvet, bmcdonaldcoltve001@luthersem.edu, to be added to the interest list and receive more information.
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Youth Worker. Led by Andy Root, this course (CY4566) takes place in Berlin, Germany, from June 20-25, 2026. Participants will examine Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s biography and writings, focusing on his significant ministry with children and youth and reexamining contemporary confirmation practices through his work. Contact Ryan Popineau, rpopineau001@luthersem.edu, to be added to the interest list and receive more information.

Join us January 13, 2026, for “Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job”—the 2026 Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation with world-renowned biblical scholar William P. Brown. Register for the in-person event (meal provided) on the Luther campus or the livestreamed version hosted by Faith+Lead. Students, this is on the Tuesday of Winter RFS—as you make travel plans for RFS 1 and RFS 2 this January, consider coming early or staying late to attend this exciting event.

In this devotion, Deb Hippen Schultz ’87 M. Div., suggests how we might learn the ways of peace and share them with others. Read today’s God Pause.

Minnesota’s new paid leave program goes into effect on January 1, 2026, and will provide paid time off for specific reasons. The program also means all MN employees will be taxed on their income and that employers have a legal obligation to cover at least 50% of those taxes. Luther Seminary will be covering 100% of the MN Paid Leave tax for all of 2026. Beginning with our January cycle, you will see this tax on your paystub. For additional details, see the posters around campus. You will also receive a letter of acknowledgement of the changes.