The Winter term is over. We spend this week preparing for the Spring term. We look forward to greeting over 80 students who will gather on campus for intensive classes on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (and don’t forget open mic night on Friday!)

Oh, and it is the seventh, and final, week of Epiphany. We follow the Revised Common Lectionary and the texts this week are challenging, given the current political climate in the USA.

International Worship on Wednesday

It is the third Wednesday of the month. That means our International Student Association is in charge of leading our service of Holy Communion. This is a monthly opportunity to lift up the rich cultural diversity of our student body and be reminded that we are part of a global movement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We welcome Pastor Saleem Akhtar to preside and Ruth Ibrahim to preach. Be sure to tune in on the livestream.

Chapel This Weekend

We are pleased to offer chapel services during RFS at 11:00am.

• Saturday – I will lead a simple service of welcome, worship and prayer.
• Sunday – All students are invited to attend worship services in local congregations, or online with Pastor Terri Elton.
• Monday – Rev. Dr. Terri Elton will preach, and Pastor Jon Anderson will preside over a contemporary service of Holy Communion.

You Want Me to Love Them?!?

The Revised Common Lectionary this week takes us further in Jesus’ sermon on the level place where he says to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” These are especially difficult words for our LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC students right now. It seems that the USA is turning to tyranny and seeking their harm.

As Dean of the Chapel I have two things to say to our vulnerable students right now. First, know that you are loved at Luther Seminary. Each of you is a beloved child of God, filled with the dignity that comes by the grace of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Second, it is a valid feeling to be afraid and a real temptation to allow your fear to turn to hate. Jesus’ words are extremely difficult, and utterly necessary for our world today. I invite you to read my extended post here.

Oh God, grant us the courage to love our enemies and show mercy to all people in the way that you have shown mercy to us. Heal our country. Protect the weak.

I encourage us all to spend time soaking in the texts for this week:

• Genesis 45:3-11, 15 – Joseph forgives his brothers for leaving him for dead
• Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 – Trust in God’s justice, not our own vengeance
• 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 – Death is not the end, but the beginning of a new thing
• Luke 6:27-38 – Love your Enemies