Bing tracking

National Coming Out Day: Andy Anderson

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. – Romans 13:8-10


Andy AndersonI never thought that I was straight. I didn’t even know what straight was until middle school, when I first heard the definition and shrugged thinking, “Well, that’s not me.”

It was disappointing to discover soon after that very few people appreciated the other identities I should have been able to try. I refrained from labeling myself and ended up gray and depressed, with no real label but my own name.

I didn’t know who I was at the time. I didn’t like boys like I was supposed to. I didn’t dress like girls should – in fact, I had breakdowns and cried in dressing rooms trying on feminine clothes – I felt like they took off a layer of skin every time I pulled them on and off, leaving my flaws more naked and exposed than before. Continue reading “National Coming Out Day: Andy Anderson”

Augsburg College is Interfaith Community Service Honor Roll Finalist


It’s official, Augsburg College is a 2015 Higher Education Interfaith Community Service Honor Roll Finalist “For the extraordinary and exemplary community service contributions of its students, faculty, and staff in meeting critical community and national needs!” Receiving this honor is an outstanding group of Auggies who are attending the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge in Washington, DC, September 22-23, 2016: Fardosa Hassan ’12, Muslim Student Program Associate; Emma Blom ’17; Chuill Lip ’18; Mohamud Mohamed ’19; Emilie Tomas ’19. While at the conference, they met up with Auggie Alums Bishop Mark Hanson ’68 and Chris Stedman ’08. Way to go Auggies!

Fosdick Lecture on Preaching: February 2, 2016

Author William Kent Krueger

The Christian faith is rooted in story. The stories of scripture communicate the grace of God enfleshed in time and place. When shared, this divine plot has the power to pull people into the narrative in transformative ways. This is the confession of the church that is storied by God.

William Kent Krueger

Join the Augsburg College Campus Ministry Office on February 2, 2016, for the first Fosdick Lecture on Preaching with New York Times best-selling author and Minnesota native William Kent Krueger. A renowned story-teller with sixteen novels to his credit – including Ordinary Grace – Kent will speak on the power of story and its “importance to us and its unique ability to move people in mysterious and necessary ways.” His lecture will offer helpful and practical insights for his fans as well as people, like preachers, particularly engaged in the story-telling process. All are welcome.

rachel_wrenn

The morning session will continue with a Response then conclude with Daily Chapel Worship at 11:30 am with the Reverend Rachel Wrenn preaching. Rachel is a 2011 graduate from Luther Seminary and recipient of the 2011 A. E. Hanson Prize in Preaching from the seminary. She is actively engaged in small town and rural ministry in Southwest Minnesota and a frequent contributor to the online preaching resource, Working Preacher.

Register

 

Student-Athletes Embrace Mindfulness Practice

soccer_team_meditatingIt has been a delight to continue our outreach to student-athletes in new and meaningful ways. Campus ministry, along with the Center for Wellness and Counseling, has teamed up in leading athletic teams through mindfulness practice. Chaplain to student athletes, Mike Matson, and counselor, Jon Vaughan-Fier, worked with the men’s soccer team earlier this fall as they expressed the positive effect of implementing such practices in every aspect of life. Campus ministry continually seeks joint efforts with other campus departments, as we commit ourselves to enhancing the experience of every student. Go Auggies!

“The Pursuit of Happiness” – A Homily by Juventino Meza ’11

juventinoJuventino Meza ’11, a Peace & Justice Studies graduate of Augsburg College who currently works for the Minneapolis Public Schools as a community relations facilitator, preached in daily chapel for our homecoming week series, “Journeys Home.”  Here, he shares his homily from October 8, 2015:

“The Pursuit of Happiness”

Thank you pastor Sonja for the invitation. I still can’t believe I’m giving a homily. It’s great to be back at Augsburg.

In the spirit of our journey home and Coming Out Day, this is my message today: finding home and being yourself truly is the pursuit of happiness. Continue reading ““The Pursuit of Happiness” – A Homily by Juventino Meza ’11″

Alums Visit Campus Ministry

kelsey_emma_chapel_webTwo great alums stopped by early this semester to say “hi.”  Both Kelsey and Emma loved Augsburg and developed their callings while students here.  We miss them, but love to hear what they are up to today.
Kelsey Hlavac ’14: “I am Director of Christian Education and Youth at Grace Lutheran Church in Royersford, PA. I work with all ages from newborns/infants through young adults and families. The church is welcoming and embraces my energy and passion for God and the youth.”
Emma Winegar ’14: “I work at Epic. Epic develops integrated electronic medical record software. I work in technical services, and I help customers troubleshoot issues, optimize their use of the software, and get updates. I work with the pharmacy application, Willow. I’ve learned a lot during my year at Epic, and I enjoy what I do! The campus is amazing. There are cows, dragons, a tree house, and more!”

Campus Ministry welcomes Pastoral Intern, Jacie Richmond

Augsburg University Campus Ministry is pleased to announce the arrival of our new Pastoral Intern, Jacie Richmond, a third-year M.Div. student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Jacie will be splitting her time between Augsburg and Trinity Lutheran Congregation, our partner congregation in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood worshiping in Hoversten Chapel on Sunday mornings.

Jacie adds, “I am originally from Plymouth, MN but I now live not too far from here in St. Paul. When I am not busy working I enjoy reading, writing on my blog, running, interfaith conversations and watching tons of movies. I also love going to hockey, baseball and soccer games when I can. I really look forward to meeting people and getting to know you over the next year!”