Gifts from the Heart

Trying to find the perfect gift to mark an important occasion?

A tax-deductible Gift from the Heart will honor or remember someone, while supporting the seminary's mission to prepare strong and effective church leaders.

Honor, Remember, Celebrate!

God is with us in all moments of our lives. Give faithful witness to God's enduring love for those who mark important life passages such as:

anniversary
ordination
retirement

in memory
wedding
special celebration

When you give to Luther Seminary through the Gifts from the Heart program, you can choose to receive a set of cards (one celebration and one memorial card) to personalize and send to your honoree. Or when you give a gift online, you may send an e-card greeting or request that a card be mailed to the recipient.

For more information about Gifts from the Heart, contact the Office of Seminary Relations toll-free at 888-358-8437 or by e-mail at semrel@luthersem.edu.

A Gift from the Heart is a thoughtful, heartfelt way to honor or remember a loved one or mark a special occasion while ensuring that God's work continues.

Give a
Gift from the Heart
online

Send a Card

Choose an e-card to send to someone's e-mail address when you give a gift online.

Order a set of greeting cards (one celebration and one memorial card) that you can personalize and send.

Request that we mail a card on your behalf to your honoree when you give a gift online.

View Sample Cards

View a sample of our celebration and memorial cards.

Donate Now

Next Steps

God Pause Daily E-mail Devotions
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Interactive Tour
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Make a Gift Online
Your online gift is fast, easy and secure. Give now!

Can't find what you're looking for?
semrel@luthersem.edu
651-641-3448 or 1-888-3LUTHER.

Your Gifts at Work

Donor Stories

Charles Olson

Charles Olson has served as a Luther Seminary volunteer for almost 20 years. His service is fueled by his love for the church. "I love the church and think there is no greater way to serve the church than to serve the seminary, because the seminary is the future of our church," he said.

Olson is a past member of the board of directors and a charter member of the seminary's board of trustees. He currently chairs Luther Seminary's investment committee. He sees his service as a calling and an opportunity to partner with the seminary to empower people to spread the gospel. "When the Lord asks you to be part of something so important to the future of the church, I think it is God's calling to contribute," he said. "There is no greater good than the cause of the seminary â€“ empowering people to spread the gospel of Christ," he said.

Olson's hope for the church and its ministry is that the simple message from John 3:16 be brought to all people of the world, especially to children and youth. "We live in a troubled world,â€ he said. â€œ[It is very important] for children and future generations to know Jesus brings hope, peace, faith, love, forgiveness and understanding." Olson's hope for spreading the gospel is "that we can someday satisfy the need for effective ministry to children, youth and families in the church, to bring those to church who belong but are not in the pews, and for those who don't know our Lord, to find him through leaders educated at Luther Seminary."

A former president and CEO of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, Olson retired from the company to become a private investor, the work he continues today. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for more than 40 years. Sharon currently serves as the visitor coordinator at her church. She also serves on the board of directors for Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, Minn.

The Olsons have three living children, two daughters, a son and one daughter-in-law and one grandchild. One of their daughters died of cancer at 33. Charles and Sharon endowed the Carrie Olson Baalson Chair in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in memory of their daughter Carrie.