After 30 years of service, Dr. Gracia Grindal ’65 retired from her position in June as 
professor of rhetoric at Luther Seminary. She has contributed greatly to the Luther community and also to the larger world of church music and hymnody. One of the many lasting contributions Dr. Grindal has made is the annual “Singing of the Faith” event.
In special honor of Gracia, the annual Singing the Faith Hymn Festival, hosted by the Luther Seminary FRIENDS, was held on October 27 in celebration of the Lutheran Reformation and featured selected hymns and readings. This year, Finnish composer Kari Tikka premiered a new commissioned setting of the Apostles’ Creed.
The Augsburg Choir, under the direction of Peter Hendrickson ’77, was the featured choir for this event. Following the program, those in attendance enjoyed a Finnish-themed Smorgasbord, including lutefisk.