Classroom dwellers at Luther Seminary may introduce themselves as students.
But true to the Lutheran confession of vocation—of service to God and neighbor in and through people’s unique gifts and places in society—those classroom dwellers are also called to be servants and engaged community members, voices and hands of justice both on and off campus.
Tough Mind, Tender Heart
When Laura Thelander saw Luther Seminary had an open campus pastor position, her first thought was, “This sounds like my dream job.” Now, she is well in the midst of her role on campus. Since Feb. 1, Thelander has been leading the seminary in worship and offering pastoral care. She has already spent a good deal of time in conversation with students, faculty and staff.
Artistic Mission
Emilie Bouvier, Luther Seminary’s current artist-in-residence, has a passion for photography. With her work, she seeks to capture quiet moments and show the profound nature of light and simplicity.
Coming Together
Jadivan Elzughbi tells people that he is 334 months old (or nearly 28). He celebrates his birth on the 25th day of every month.
Something else also makes Elzughbi, a first-year Master of Arts student at Luther Seminary, unique. He has a Palestinian father who lives in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank of Palestine, and a Palestinian mother who lives in Jerusalem, Israel. Consequently, Elzughbi grew up under unusual circumstances, shuttling between Bethlehem and Jerusalem schools. He experienced the frustration of having his travel documents taken away by the government for more than six years without explanation.
Blessings 2012 allows donors, students to say thanks
Luther Seminary scholarship recipients and donors gave thanks together on campus May 10. Nearly 250 donors and students gathered for Blessings, an annual opportunity for donors of current scholarship funds, major contributors to the general scholarship fund, the students they support and merit scholarship recipients to gather for dinner and worship.
Children’s Church: Child Loving Church movement encourages kid-friendly congregational spaces
Dawn Rundman can’t get enough of the Mildreds. You know, the elderly women in your congregation who brought you cookies each Sunday when you were young and now seek you out during the Passing of the Peace?
Rethinking Stewardship Conference brings together faith and finances
Hundreds of pastors and lay leaders from across the country converged on the Luther Seminary campus for Rethinking Stewardship, July 24-26. Presenters included Luther Seminary faculty members, who spoke alongside ELCA staff, nonprofit leaders and nationally acclaimed theologians.
A blessed partnership
Tom Ahlstrom was pursuing his Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary in the late 1970s—until one day, he woke up laughing. “I said to myself, ‘Tom, you don’t have a call. What are you doing here?’” said Ahlstrom. “I deeply liked the seminary but I decided, I guess I’m gonna resign. I don’t belong here.”