Inside Luther Seminary

Chapel and Spirtual Life

Endings, Blessings, and Beginnings

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This is our last week of the regular rhythm of Chapel and Community Spiritual practices. Wow! that is hard to believe. The Spring term ends next Monday and then we switch into summer mode.

A Service of Blessing and Sending on Wednesday

Everyone is invited to join together this Wednesday to offer a special blessing for students, staff, and faculty who are about to leave for internships, CPEs, and sabbaticals. We are going to have a beautiful contemplative liturgy with prayer and Holy Communion that culminates in a sending blessing from President Steinke. You can watch the Livestream here.

It All Boils Down to This…

The Gospel text this week is short and sweet. Jesus simplifies the entire Good News to one single commandment: Love One Another. Then he gives the “Why?” of his words. If you love one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.

How are we doing?

When we bring these words into conversation with the other readings this week, I think it gives us a beautiful, broad picture of what the world could look like. In Acts 11:1-18 Peter explains to the people of Jerusalem that he saw God pour out the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house. Psalm 148 reminds us that all of creation is God’s beloved tapestry. Then, Revelation 21:1-6 shows a beautiful picture of God’s preferred and promised world where God dwells amongst the people and Shalom reigns.

God’s love is for everyone and everything!

May we take a deep breath this week and seek to find the ways–big and little–that we might be vessels of God’s unconditional love on all creation.

Blessings on this week of study, teaching and preaching.

texts for Revised Common Lectionary for May 18, 2025. Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35.

This Week in chapel

All chapel events are at 11:00am

  • Monday text study on Zoom.
  • Tuesday Contemplative Practice in OCC Meditation Chapel and on Zoom
  • Wednesday Contemplative liturgy with Holy Communion in the Chapel of the Incarnation and on YouTube. Stay for treats at the Chapel Cafe afterwards. We welcome President Steinke to offer a blessing for those launching on new adventures.
  • Thursday Lunch Church. Simple communal practice in Dining Room A.
  • Friday intercessory prayer on Zoom.