January 2008

Hello Lord of Love!

Greetings from St. Paul!  January is a great time for a seminarian.  Luther Seminary has a four week J-term during this month which gives the students a chance to catch up, get ahead, or just take a little break.  This J-term I decided to participate in the annual Winter Convocation and get in a trip to Pine Ridge, South Dakota to spend a couple of weeks in a different culture.

The Winter Convocation’s theme was “Engaging Scripture in a Lutheran Key with Heart, Mind and Spirit”.  The keynote speakers were excellent and if you have a chance, I would encourage you to take a listen to David Lose and Rolf Jacobson in their presentation on January 9th.  You can find this online at http://www.luthersem.edu/convo/redeaux.asp.  Their topic was “Law and Gospel: Making Sense of Life” and I found it to be a great presentation on distinguishing between law and gospel in Scripture.  They were fun to listen to and presented this lofty topic in a very accessible way.  In addition to great speakers and workshops, it was fun to catch up with friends who traveled to town for this event.  I was especially glad to catch up with my friend, Sue Stover, who is my contact with the NE Candidacy Committee.

I have taken the time away from classes to also get in some non-required reading.  I’ve been able to squeeze in 4 books already and have 3 packed for my trip to SD.  It is amazing how fun it is to read a novel or two after reading nothing but theology for the past year-and-a-half.  If anyone had a good novel recommendation, send it my way. 

On the 14th I am heading to the Indian reservation at Pine Ridge in South Dakota.  It is required for each MDiv seminarian here to participate in a two-week or longer cross-cultural experience.  I will be working with Pastor Larry Peterson as he ministers to the local residents.  I am excited about this experience but am also a little worried there won’t be coffee readily available like I’m used to.  I’m sure it will be somehow good for me if there’s not.  Ha! 

The Spring semester starts the first week of February.  I am taking two Bible courses, a couple of electives and my first preaching course.  I think it will be a great semester!!

I will be in touch again soon and will let you know how my time in South Dakota was.  I am thankful for all of you and often put my treasured prayer shawl around my shoulders and know that I am not alone in this venture. 

May God bless you as you have blessed me,

Paula Lawhead