Join us for a day of inspiration, practical learning, joy, and fun designed for pastors and lay leaders at the Re:Church conference on the theme of “Reimagining the Future of Rural Ministry Together.” On Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran in Alexandria, MN, hear from Michael Chan of Concordia College, Kara Powell of Fuller Seminary, and Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist—three of today’s most thoughtful voices on faith, leadership, and the future of the church. Learn more here. Up to five people could travel with Jon Anderson, our director of Rural Ministries, to the event that day, leaving at 6:30 a.m. and returning around 6:30 p.m. Costs of transportation and event will be covered by a generous gift from a donor who supports rural ministry. If you live near the event and would like to drive to the event, join our group. Questions or want to attend? Reach out to Jon (janderson008@luthersem.edu).
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Mockingbird Conference – October 2-3
Registration is now open for the 2026 Minnesota Mockingbird conference in Bloomington on October 2 and 3. Mockingbird is an ecumenical, grace-focused ministry devoted to “connecting the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life.” This year’s conference theme is “Grace for the Ages,” exploring what grace looks like at different stages of life. There will be talks on everything from grace in parenting adult children, lessons from the last third of life, the relief that can come from realistic depictions of imperfect people in middle-grade novels, how a church focused on consolation rather than happiness seeking could benefit a generation of stressed-out young people, how God actually shows up in the young adult years, and more. Speakers include Paul Zahl, Gretchen Ronnevik, and Luther Seminary’s Andy Root and Joey Goodall. Click here to view the full schedule. Student tickets are available at a discounted rate. Feel free to reach out to Joey Goodall (jgoodall002@luthersem.edu) with any questions.
God Pause for September 24: Matthew 21
In this devotion, Terrance L. Stratton ’73 M.Div, ’93 D.Min., considers how both Jesus’ teaching and God’s love do no fit the safe patterns we expect. Read today’s God Pause.
Community Dinner – September 24 [In-Person]
The Student Affairs team welcomes you to join us for a delicious community dinner from Holy Land Deli. We will have plenty of options, including vegan and gluten-free, and a selection of soda, wine, and beer. Take some time to relax, chat, and unwind after a long day of classes! Join us on Thursday, September 24 from 4:30–6:00 p.m. in the Olson Campus Center Dining Room. We can’t wait to see you there!
RFS Schedule for Today
Here’s the schedule of RFS activities for today and tomorrow. For complete details, see the Fall 2026 RFS schedule and Fall 2026 Moodle site. Also note: campus security | campus pastor availability | weather-related announcements
Friday, September 25
8:00–10:50 a.m. —Classes
11:00–11:30 a.m. —Chapel Service of Prayer and Sending
11:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m. —Lunch, Spiritual Directors Fair
12:30–4:20 p.m. —Classes
Prayers of the People: RFS Art Installation
As we prepare to move into another school year, and the last on this campus, this prayer ribbon sculpture will be a space for students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in sharing in a prayer, hope, or dream for Luther Seminary for this year and beyond. You are invited to contribute personal or communal prayers by writing them on a ribbon and placing them on the sculpture. Then, take some time to read and consider the rest of the prayers shared by members of the community. The sculpture is outside by the HOPE sign, and beginning Friday, September 18 through the end of RFS 2 there will be a staffed table with instructions. Reach out to Kiersten Dahl-Shetka, kdahlshetka@luthersem.edu, if you have any questions.