Luther Seminary - Thrivent Match

Give to Luther Seminary

Thrivent Financial For Lutherans: Thrivent Choice

Attention Thrivent members age 16 and older! Starting in spring 2010, Thrivent will offer two new ways for you to support Luther Seminary through your membership.

Voting: Thrivent will distribute $1 million to a variety of charities based on your vote! All Thrivent members can participate.

This April, please vote for Luther Seminary at Thrivent.com or via business reply card to Thrivent. Money from Thrivent will be distributed proportionally according to member’s votes. We appreciate your vote in support of Luther Seminary!

Choice Dollars: Eligible Thrivent members can direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to the Lutheran charity of their choice.

Eligible members will be able to direct between $25 and $100.
Thrivent will notify you of the amount that you are eligible to direct.
When you choose Luther Seminary, Thrivent will send the donation– no additional paperwork is necessary!

The Thrivent GivingPlus program ended in 2009. The new Thrivent Choice program makes it simpler for members to participate in charitable giving. We hope you will continue to support Luther Seminary through the new program.

More information on the Thrivent Choice Dollars will be available in the near future. Please continue to indicate that you are a Thrivent member on gifts sent to to Luther Seminary. We will follow up with you as more details become available on the new program.

If you have questions about giving to Luther Seminary through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, please contact us at semrel@luthersem.edu or 888-358-8437.

Next Steps

Become a Thrivent Member
Qualify your family for matching benefits.

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

More Next Steps

God Pause Daily Email Devotions
Sign up for thoughtful reflections on scripture written by alumni/ae of Luther.

Interactive Tour
Explore what it takes to keep the seminary running with your virtual tour host.

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

Donate Now

Next Steps

God Pause Daily E-mail Devotions
Sign up for thoughtful reflections on scripture written by alumni/ae of Luther.

Interactive Tour
Explore what it takes to keep the seminary running with your virtual tour host.

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

David and Andrea Hayes

David Hayes and his wife, Andrea, recently contributed $25,000 to refurbish a pipe organ acquired by the seminary from St. Olaf College. The organ, valued at nearly $100,000, will serve as a much needed practice instrument for students in the seminary's master of sacred music program. The seminary's need for an additional practice organ is the result of an increasing number of students interested in studying organ performance.

Supported by the Called & Sent campaign, Luther Seminary's master of sacred music program is nationally recognized and prepares individuals to serve in the church as professional, theologically educated, pastoral musicians. The program is offered through the seminary's unique partnership with the music department at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.

The Hayeses' gift was made in honor of David's high school organ teacher, Madeline Henshaw, who has had as great an impact on his life as just about any other single individual. "Like Luther Seminary, she taught organ in a religious context. She emphasized playing hymns well â€“ leading a congregation in singing the rich history of hymnody for the glory of God," said David.

David describes Henshaw as a gifted teacher far beyond her circumstances. She lived in small town Amarillo, Texas, and, in addition to teaching organ, served as a church organist. "She was one of those hundreds of unsung teachers who have quietly taught students in excellent ways and influenced their lives without public recognition ... Andrea and I felt that funding the restoration of the seminary's organ not only honors Madeline, but recognizes other quiet, gifted teachers around the country who teach with passion and change lives as a result."

Church music has had a great impact on David's life. A trained musician, David studied organ for 10 years, starting in junior high. In high school, he served as a substitute organist for two years. "Music is a gift from God," he said. "Singing hymns is also a gift from God and can be a religious experience in itself. There is nothing more thrilling for a trained church organist than to lead a congregation of voices in a vigorous hymn of faith or praise."

Whether it is by music or preaching of God's Word, the Hayeses have a strong passion for getting the word out about the gospel. "With all the issues the church faces from time to time that are controversial, and as modern times bring ever new pressures from a secular society into our lives, we sometimes get caught up in the issues of the day and lose sight of the cross," said David. "We must remain focused on getting the good news of Jesus Christ out into the world."

The Hayeses have financially supported Luther Seminary for eight years. David is an intellectual property lawyer at a large firm in northern California's Silicon Valley. Andrea is a business professional who specializes in efficient and effective business operations. They live in Half Moon Bay, Calif., with their Toy Fox Terrier, Limerick.

Thrivent Financial For Lutherans: Thrivent Choice

Your Gifts at Work

Toshi Longkumer

Donor Stories

David and Andrea Hayes