On Monday, Jan. 19, several Luther Seminary students, staff, faculty and community members gathered to reflect on the significance of Martin Luther King’s influence, as well as learn about ways to continue to live out his legacy.
The day opened in a plenary session with Christena Cleveland, author of “Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart,” a 2013 Leadership Journal Book Award winner. Worship followed, with a sermon given by Alika Galloway, co-pastor of Kwanzaa Community Church in Minneapolis. In praise of the preaching, Mary Hess, professor of educational leadership, said, “What an awesome chapel service today in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. That was the most powerful sermon I’ve heard in a long time, with a text that I’ve never heard preached (2 Samuel 21), and which completely changed my hearing of it.”
After enjoying a community meal and rich conversation, the events continued with a question and answer session with David Preus, bishop emeritus of the American Lutheran Church. Attendees then had the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions. The day concluded with closing worship. Carrie Carroll, dean of students, remarked, “What a wonderful day of celebration! I am grateful for everyone who helped plan this event, for all those who attended and for everyone who led us in a day of learning, worship and fellowship. We were reminded of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and challenged to see the work that still needs to be done today. I hope people were inspired to continue his legacy.”
If you missed the MLK Day events, you may view many of the day’s sessions online.
To see photos from the day, visit our Flickr page.