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In this devotion, Elizabeth Schoenknecht ’04 M.Div., discusses the challenges of being a leader and reminds us to pray for them. Read today’s God Pause.

Join us for a festive and fun Secret Santa gift exchange open to all students, faculty, and staff of the Luther Seminary community.

Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Thursday, December 11, 12:00 p.m. CT
OCC Dining Room

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season together and spread holiday cheer. Participants will be randomly assigned a person for whom to purchase a gift, keeping the recipient a secret until the big reveal at our gathering on December 11. The gift limit is set at $15, making it a thoughtful yet affordable way to share joy. To join in the fun, fill out this form by Wednesday, December 3—you will be notified who your person is on December 3 or 4, so you have time to get your gift. Let’s come together to make this holiday season special by sharing gifts and celebrating community spirit. Questions? Email communitylife@luthersem.edu.

In this devotion, Elizabeth Schoenknecht ’04 M.Div., writes that Isaiah here promises relief from the burdens of life—injustice, war, division, abandonment, isolation. Read today’s God Pause.

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.