In this devotion, Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership, asks what signs we see that the one who is to come has now come into our lives.
Read today’s God Pause.
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Thursday Chapel: Lunch Church [In-Person]
We gather at 11:00 a.m. CT in the OCC Dining Room for Lunch Church.
Steve Thomason will lead this final Lunch Church of 2025. As we light the candle of joy this week, we remember that the authors of scripture were people suffering great persecution. This week we will hear from some of our students from Nigeria, Tanzania, India, and Myanmar to learn about the persecution their people are suffering. This will be a time of prayer and solidarity as we seek joy in the midst of darkness. Lunch is provided. Share your prayer requests.
TODAY: Campus Visit Day [In-Person]
Today, the Admission’s Office is hosting our monthly campus visit day. Please feel free to say hello and introduce yourself to potential students you see on campus.
Be Still—Invitation to Sacred Space and Time
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
If you’re anything like me, it seems to be getting harder and harder to live freely and lightly, and I need all the support I can muster to stay focused on learning the unforced rhythms of grace. Join us for week 2 of “Be Still” this upcoming Thursday, December 11 at 6:15 p.m. CT. We will continue to engage with practices and discussions in our Advent series centered on slowing down, being present, and exploring ways we can be receptive to hope, peace, joy, and love. This week, we will focus on ways we can rest in our receptivity to God’s Peace. Thanks to all joined last week! Don’t worry if you missed the first session on hope. It’s never too late to slow down and be still. Come as you are to as many upcoming sessions as you are able at 6:15 p.m. CT on Thursdays 12/11 and 12/18 and Sunday 12/21 on Zoom (link in email). Email me at awestphal001@luthersem.edu if you’re interested in joining, if you’re interested but can’t make it, or if you have questions.
—Alison Westphal
Advent Open House + Holiday Extravaganza – December 17 [In-Person]
Mark your calendars for an annual tradition at Luther Seminary . . .
Wednesday, December 17 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel lobby and dining areas (OCC)
Everyone is invited—students, staff, and faculty—as we gather for cocoa, cider, coffee, and treats and enjoy this year’s Do-It-Yourself Nativity and a community lunch from Andiamo Italian. Join us for fellowship and snacks, some light-hearted fun participating in or watching colleagues as we recreate a completely unique nativity, share a community meal, sing carols, and celebrate coworkers who have reached various milestones. Let us know if you plan to attend and how you’d like to engage using this online Advent Open House + Holiday Extravaganza form. Check all columns that apply.
– Treats. Bring a dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies, bars, or other treats to share.
– DIY Nativity. Join the frivolity
– Lunch. Join us for a delicious community meal
– Milestones. Sharing annual employee recognition toward the end of lunch
Winter RFS Schedule and Mt. Olivet Details Available Now
Two documents are now available to help with planning and preparation for our winter RFS sessions, taking place January 10–12 here on campus and January 14–16, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. Contact academicdean@luthersem.edu with any questions.