rfarris001@luthersem.edu

A great cultural shift seems to be happening to Protestant congregational life and pastoral identity. But recognizing what is actually changing can be difficult to name, and misdiagnosing the challenges we face can happen easily. On September 23 and 24, join us in a unique conversation between internationally-recognized practical and constructive theologians and renowned sociologist Hartmut Rosa. Rosa is considered one of most important big-idea sociologists in the world. During the conference, participants are invited into a conversation with Rosa about the future of congregational life and pastoral identity through critical theological engagement with his ideas and their implications for ministry in the present. We believe this event will inspire all those who care about the future of the church by clarifying the challenge before us and directing our attention toward the ways God is leading in the here and now. Speakers are: Hartmut Rosa, Gerardo Martí, Miroslav Volf, Andrew Root, Rahel Siebald, John Swinton, Claudia Welz, and Philip Ziegler. Visit the website to register now and use code ROSA20 to get 20% off the registration fee.

Professor Thomason invites you to join him for a 4-week course that explores what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and practical ways to follow the way of Jesus in our complex world. The course meets on Zoom at 7:00 p.m. central beginning Tuesday, September 17 and goes through October 8. This course is the adult forum/non-academic version of Professor Thomason’s seminary course “Discipleship in the Missional Church.” It is open to the public. Luther Seminary students can join for free. Get more information about the course. Students can contact Professor Thomason directly to receive a code to join the course for free.

In this devotion, Brian Malison ’87 M.Div. reflects on Jesus’ welcome in a culture too often built around the ego. Read today’s God Pause.

Join Grace Pomroy, director of the Stewardship Leaders Program, for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference this September 23-25 in Portland, Oregon. You can join the conference virtually or in-person. This conference is well known for its wide variety of workshops on stewardship topics and this year is no exception. The cost to attend virtually is $125 and the cost for a seminary student to attend in-person is $175 (including some meals). The Stewardship Leaders Program can support up to five students interested in attending with a scholarship. Scholarship funds cover registration fees but cannot cover travel, meals, or accommodation costs for in-person attendees. If you are interested in a scholarship, please email Grace at gpomroy001@luthersem.edu. The scholarships will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for in-person attendees closes September 6.

This info session on Tuesday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m. central via Zoom is for those who are planning to enter into the ELCA First Call process between now and January 2025. If you have recently completed your internship or are in process with an anticipated end date by this winter, this session is for you. You can find more information and sign up to join us on Zoom or receive the recording here. If you have any additional quetsions, please email Ashley Wheeler (awheeler002@luthersem.edu).

Have you just completed CPE or are in the process of doing so? You might be wondering when you should schedule endorsement and what you need to do to prepare. There are a few things to consider as we plan. Ashley Wheeler, associate director of Candidacy and Vocational Formation, will be hosting several info sessions on the endorsement process. Sign up for a time that works for your schedule or to receive a recording. If you have questions, please reach out to Ashley (awheeler002@luthersem.edu).