This is a big week in the chapel at Luther. On Monday we will celebrate Holy Communion under the leadership of Dr. Dirk Lange. This is a special opportunity for the 144 students who have gathered on campus for our Residential Focused Session (RFS) this weekend to share in communion together before they head back home.

We will take a rest on Tuesday and not convene our normal Contemplative practice. I encourage you to find a space in your day to breathe deeply and let the love and grace of God seep deeply into your soul.

On Wednesday we welcome our students for the second RFS session where we will have over 70 students gathering on campus Wednesday – Friday. We will start our time together with our regular Wednesday practice of Holy Communion. Dr. Jennifer Pietz will preach about the Baptism of our Lord. On Thursday I will lead a simple spiritual practice during Lunch Church as a way for our students to experience this alternative form of communal practice. Finally, on Friday we welcome Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis to preach and guide us in a service of remembrance and honoring of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

To all the students who are with us on campus this week, may God bless you and keep you as you study intensely in community. To all of our students, alumni, staff, and faculty, Blessed Epiphany and celebration of our Lord’s baptism and our identity in Christ through our own baptisms.

On Saturday of the RFS 1, I spoke to the students about the Spiritual Life of Luther Seminary and our hopes for the new year. These words are for all of us. May you find encouragement in them. The talk starts at 15:41

Peace, all!