Spirits were high and hearts moved as the wider Luther Seminary community officially welcomed Robin Steinke as president at a service of installation on Oct. 12. Many gathered in support, prayer and celebration during the service, held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn. Likewise, the musical elements gifted by Luther Seminary’s choir and brass ensemble, under the direction of Andrew Bruhn, reflected this communal vitality.
During her sermon, centered on the story of the road to Emmaus, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton proclaimed, “We are called to stand in those places where there is brokenness because that’s where Christ already is … our students need to know and embrace this.” As Luther continues on its own Emmaus-like journey in a time of transformation, newness and learning, the community is blessed to welcome and stand with President Steinke in her leadership in all places in which God has gone before us and is already present.
In her closing remarks, Steinke offered words of gratitude, collaboration and hope for her own journey and for the present and future of Luther Seminary. She said, “I pray that a feature of our life together might be that we faithfully lean into the face of gratitude for those who have gone before us and for the future into which God calls us.”
For photos of the service of installation, please visit our Flickr page.