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Students, registration for the winter term opens next week, and we are excited to help you prepare both for Winter RFS and the full semester ahead. By way of reminder, Winter RFS will take place in two locations:

• RFS 1, January 9–11, 2027 — Location: Luther Seminary Campus (St. Paul)
• RFS 2, January 13–15, 2027 — Location: Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave, Minneapolis

Whether you plan to attend RFS 1, RFS 2, or both, there is a change in accommodations and transportation that might affect your plans. In light of survey results from Fall RFS and the campus move next spring, we have decided to no longer partner with specific hotels. It is our hope that this will let each of you find the lodging solution that best meets your schedule, budget, and priorities. You are welcome to continue staying with any of the hotels we have recommended previously, and to reach out to them with any questions regarding rates, transportation, or amenities. 

Winter Term registration opens at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday, October 20; Wednesday, October 21; and Thursday, October 22. More information about Winter Term registration and advising support is available on Inside Luther. Virtual open advising sessions will be available via Zoom from 9-9:45 a.m. CT on each of the dates listed above. Email advising@luthersem.edu with course planning questions.
—Dean Rolf Jacobson

You’re invited to join Cody Sanders for a walking tour of historic Lakewood Cemetery to learn about the history of burial and deathcare practices in the U.S., the rural/garden cemetery movement (of which Lakewood is an example), and the future of deathcare practices. Friends and family are welcome to join you—Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m., 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. We’ll meet outside the Cemetery Chapel, just inside the front gates). Questions? Contact Cody Sanders, csanders001@luthersem.edu.

It’s time to make your benefit elections for the coming year. This is your opportunity to make important decisions related to your health coverage, retirement contributions, tax-advantaged accounts, and life insurance and beneficiaries. The Open Enrollment window begins today, Monday, October 19. Watch for an email invite directly from Portico—sent in batches over a few days. Everyone will have two full weeks to complete enrollment. Then, visit myPortico to review your 2027 benefit options, make any benefit changes to meet your needs for the coming year, and confirm your 2027 enrollment elections. You can explore detailed information about your health benefits on myPortico on the ELCA-Primary Health Benefits and ELCA Medicare-Primary Health Benefits page. If you have questions, Portico’s customer care center is available to help. Call 800-352-2876 or email mail@PorticoBenefits.org. If you have any questions specific to Luther Seminary, you may also contact Human Resources at hr@luthersem.edu.

In this devotion, Deborah Jorgens ’19 M.A., reminds us that, while we live under all kinds of earthly authorities, it is the one, true God to whom we belong. Read today’s God Pause.

To support students who may be facing food insecurity, Luther Seminary operates a direct-order grocery process for the seminary community. Luther Seminary’s Grocery Assistance Program is a lifeline for students facing food insecurity. Started during the pandemic, this vital program continues to provide essential groceries to an average of 25 students each week. Through the program, students can request necessary food items that are then carefully processed, purchased, and delivered to campus by dedicated volunteers. This initiative helps students meet their nutritional needs and fosters a sense of community and support within the seminary. Your generous donation will ensure that this program can continue to make a real difference in the lives of Luther Seminary students. On the Grocery Assistance Program webpage, you can make a one-time or recurring gift to support this important ministry.

All are invited to Sing for the Healing, a festival of song in thanksgiving for twenty years of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, first released in October 2006. Join your voices with musical leaders Jennifer Baker-Trinity, Robert Buckley Farlee, Zebulon Highben, Sally Messner, Nathan Proctor, Jonathan Rundman, Mark Sedio, David Sims, and a festival choir. A pre-concert conversation with Martin Seltz, Jennifer Baker-Trinity, and Zebulon Highben about assembling hymnals begins in the sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Reception to follow.