Is there a particular spiritual practice that anchors you in this season of reflection? Maybe you’ve been following along with the wonderful daily meditations from President Emeritus David Tiede, Professor Joy Moore, and other faithful voices in this year’s God Pause Lenten devotional, “God Loved the World.”

Whether through daily prayer, study, or fasting, Lenten practices invite us to embrace the challenge of living differently as we journey with Jesus toward the cross. They invite us to go deep when it would be easier to stay on autopilot.

Change is hard, and Lent calls on our capacity to embrace it. But this sacred season also reminds us that it’s not our spiritual worthiness, discipline, or strength that equips us to meet life’s challenges. Thanks be to God for that!

Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,
who was made flesh and suffered death;
all who confide in Christ alone
are built on this chief cornerstone.
—ELW 323, “God Loved the World”

God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ is the “chief cornerstone”—the secure foundation that holds us fast, come what may. What good news for all of us learning how to live differently in a changing world.

Our growing Faith+Lead platform is one area where we are leaning into change at the seminary. Faith+Lead Academy is an initiative designed to equip people inside and outside of the church to love God and neighbor with online theological education for everyone. I encourage you to check out the new on-demand course, “The Gospel of Matthew: Life in the Way of God.” The course is led by Steve Thomason, associate professor of spiritual formation and discipleship, who is an accomplished artist and cartoonist with a gift for illuminating familiar texts in a new way.

Thank you for your partnership as we watch and listen for the Spirit’s movement in new opportunities, ancient practices, and everywhere in between.

Grace and peace,

Robin J. Steinke

President