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500th Anniversary of the Reformation

HONORING LUTHER’S LEGACYMartin Luther

To mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Augsburg is hosting a series of events this fall.

 


Bishop Elizabeth A Eaton Christensen Symposium: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

September 21, 2017
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center

This year’s Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium speaker is Reverend Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Morning Event
Christensen Symposium Address by Bishop Eaton
Interfaith Friendships: How Difference Can Bring Us Together
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Afternoon Event
#DecolonizeLutheranism Community Panel with Bishop Eaton
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn more about the 2017 Christensen Symposium


Heritage Day: Mary LoweMary Lowe, Associate Professor of Religion

Martin Luther on the Body, Our Bodies, and the Body of Creation

October 24, 2017
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center

As part of the Reformation series, Mary Lowe, associate professor of Religion at Augsburg University, will give an evening lecture followed by discussion and a reception.

Martin Luther wrote, “There are three elements in a human, the body, the soul, and the spirit.” Many of today’s complex issues involve our bodies and the body of creation: climate change, gender and sexuality, abuse, and deforestation, etc. In Augsburg’s 2017 Heritage Lecture, Prof. Lowe will introduce Luther’s perspectives on bodies and creation and examine how—even today—his theology can help us better understand and address these embodied challenges.


Fine Arts Convocation: The Rose Ensemble

November 2, 2017
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center

Award-winning musical group The Rose Ensemble will present “Welcome the People: The Musical Legacy of the Reformation.”

Learn More about the Fine Arts Convocation


Advent Vespers: “Welcome, Noble Guest,”

December 1-2, 2017

This year’s theme, “Welcome, Noble Guest,” is inspired by Martin Luther’s hymn “From Heaven Above.”

Learn More and Reserve Tickets

Christensen Vocation Lunch with Bill Green

SPRING 2017 – BILL GREEN

The Spring Vocation Lunch was held on March 30, 2017.

Bill Green headshotMore about our speaker:

Bill Green began working at Augsburg in 1991 as a Professor of History. Over the years, he has held several different teaching positions, including working as both an Adjunct Associate Professor of History at St. John’s University and as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Leadership, Policy, and Organization at Vanderbilt University. From 2006-2010, he served as the Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. Since 2013, he has been back at Augsburg serving as a Professor of History. He regularly teaches Minnesota History, American Legal History, History of Civil Rights, History of African American Religion, 19th Century U.S. History, and History of African American Education.

 

The Christensen Vocation Lunch is an event that strengthens the concept of vocation at Augsburg for faculty and staff by providing role models from within the community to share a presentation on their sense of call and life journey.

Christensen Vocation Intern Overview

20160329_150324Christensen Vocation Interns intentionally explore how the concept We are called to Service in the World applies in a work setting. 

Each spring, Augsburg students serve at faith-based nonprofit organizations for 100 hours during the semester. They also participate in a bi-weekly seminar where they reflect on vocation readings, assessments, and work site experiences together.

The 2017 Christensen Vocation Interns served at:
– Restoration Center at Central Lutheran Church, Downtown Minneapolis
– Trinity Lutheran Church/Safe Place, South Minneapolis
– Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Minneapolis

The Christensen Interns are selected based on strong interest in exploring vocation, call, and career interests in faith-based or service organizations, as well as potential match with the internship site’s needs.

Questions? Contact Lonna Field at 612-330-1467 or ccv@augsburg.edu

2017 Alternative Spring Break to West Virginia

This Spring Break, join with other Auggies to travel to West Virginia!

Over spring break this year, several Augsburg students will travel to West Virginia to work on building projects with Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity. While working as a team, students will not only serve the community but think about how the experience connects to their own education and neighborhood. Auggies will explore vocational interests while their skills grow. You can be one of these students!

4 Augsburg students working together on a Habitat project

Registration for 2017 Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is open until February 3 on a first-come, first-served basis (with $100 deposit required).

The trip will take place March 11-18, 2017; and the cost is $250—includes transportation, lodging, equipment, and most meals.

To register visit: http://www.augsburg.edu/campusministry/alternativespringbreak/ to download the registration form. The forms and $100 deposit should be turned into Campus Ministry in Foss 104.

“Like” us on facebook! And follow us on twitter @AuggieSpringBrk

Sponsored By: Campus Ministry and Christensen Center for Vocation

Since 2006, Augsburg College’s Campus Ministry has committed to spring break service. These experiences have led students into unfamiliar territory to serve in a different area, reflect on the impact of the experience (both of their work and of what they learned through the people they encounter), and continue to imagine their own lifelong commitment to service. Past trips include New Orleans, Louisiana; Biloxi, Mississippi, and Laredo, Texas, and Mobile, Alabama.

 

2016-17 Christensen Scholar Profiles

VISION BAGONZA ’17Vision Bagonza

Hometown: Karagwe, Kagera, Tanzania
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry and Religion

My proudest academic achievement is excelling in classes and then being able to provide academic support for new students by tutoring and mentoring incoming first-year students.


NOAH BROWN ’17Noah Brown

Hometown: Bloomington, Minn.
Major: Biology

My favorite thing about Augsburg is the community of students and professors who are active and engaged in their communities.


KAYLA GROVER ’18kayla-grover

Hometown: Blanding, Utah
Major: Sociology
Minor: Religion

Augsburg has shaped me by encouraging me to open my mind and pursue a wide variety of interests. After graduation, I plan to work with AmeriCorps for one year.


OWEN HARRISON ’18Owen Harrison

Hometown: New Hope, Minn.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Studio Art

My proudest academic achievement is making the Dean’s List every semester. I am also involved with the StepUP Leadership Team and the Mindfulness Club.


LEAH MCDOUGALL ’17Leah McDougall

Hometown: Arden Hills, Minn.
Major: Youth and Family Ministry
Minor: Spanish

Augsburg has made me more aware of the world I live in. My proudest academic achievement was studying abroad in Central America and after graduation I plan to work with youth at a camp, church, or other organization.


HANNAH SCHMIT ’17Hannah Schmit

Hometown: Tomahawk, Wisc.
Major: Religion and Sociology
Minor: Biology

Augsburg has helped me to become a critical thinker and engaged both in my community and on a global platform. My proudest academic achievement is publishing research on Sustainable Human Development in Nepal.


REBECCA SCHROEDER ’18Rebecca Schroeder

Hometown: Giddings, Texas
Major: Management; Social and Artistic Entrepreneurship

My favorite thing about Augsburg is how diverse and well-rounded the curriculum is. I’ve been able to tailor my college experience to what I feel I’ve been called to do after college and to my future career.


BLAIR STEWIG ’18Blair Stewig

Hometown: Oakdale, Minn.
Major: Biology and Chemistry
Minor: Environmental Studies, Physics, and Religion

I love Augsburg’s welcoming community and value Augsburg’s diversity. My proudest academic achievement is completing the River Semester and learning about the connectivity of the river.


HANNAH THIRY ’17Hannah Thiry

Hometown: Stanchfield, Minn.
Major: Biology
Minor: Religion and Psychology

Through various experiences, debates, discussions, and philosophical thought, I’ve come to find a home in the ‘grayness’ of life—there’s no distinct ‘black and white’ side to anything. People, opinions, feelings, and passions are fluid, flexible, and unique.

Recap of 2016 Christensen Symposium

On Tuesday, September 20, Jim Wallis, a bestselling author, public theologian, and social activist, led this year’s Christensen Symposium. Wallis discussed topics from his recent book, America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America.

Members of the Carnival de Resistance provided opening music for the convocation. They are a traveling arts carnival and ceremonial theater company, a village demonstration project exploring ecological practices, and an education and social outreach project; all focusing on ecological justice and radical theology.

Following Wallis’ address, students Grace Corbin, Winnie Godi, and Nick Stewart-Bloch responded with their own reflections.

Later that day, discussion continued with a community panel, “The Bridge Toward More Just Communities: What Needs to Happen”. The event was moderated by former ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson, and included: Pastor Kelly Chatman, Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Minneapolis; Nora Barr: Augsburg Alumna; Devin Wiggs: Augsburg Student; Fardosa Hassan: Muslim Student Advisor to Campus Ministry, and a response from Jim Wallis.

Many thanks to all of the student respondents, panelists, and Augsburg community for engaging in these important conversations!

Jim Wallis visit on September 20, 2016

This year’s Bernhard Christensen Symposium on September 20 features three opportunities to engage with Jim Wallis, a bestselling author, public theologian, and social activist.

Wallis-MugWallis is president and founder of Sojourners, a nonprofit, faith-based organization whose mission statement calls for “putting faith into action for social justice.” He has written for major newspapers and authors regular columns for Huffington Post and TIME.com. Wallis teaches at Georgetown University and has taught at Harvard University. He served on President Obama’s first White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.


Christensen Symposium Convocation Address: The Bridge to a New America with Jim Wallis (poster PDF)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center
Listen to the 2016 Convocation Address

 


Community Panel- The Bridge Toward More Just Communities: What Needs to Happen
4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. in Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center.
The panel will be moderated by former ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson, and will include:
Pastor Kelly Chatman, Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Minneapolis
Nora Barr: Augsburg Alumna
Devin Wiggs: Augsburg Student
Fardosa Hassan: Muslim Student Advisor to Campus Ministry
Plus, a response from Jim Wallis.

 


Kick-off address for North Minneapolis Forum on Faith and Race
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN  55405
Note: The evening address is preceded by live entertainment from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

 

Fall Book Group – America’s Original Sin

CCV Fall Book Group – America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America

UPDATE: The book group is now full, and there are no more free books available.

In connection to the September 20 Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a book group discussion of America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis. The group will be co-led by Martha E. Stortz, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, and David Hamilton, Director of Operations and Global Inclusion, CGEE.

The Book Group will meet for brown bag lunch discussion in the Riverside Room from 11:30am-12:30pm on Sept. 7 and Sept. 28.

To receive a free copy of the book, please be sure the dates work for your schedule. Sign up by emailing ccv@augsburg.edu. Once registered, you may pick up the book in Oren Gateway 106.

Vocation Lunch Archive, 2013-2016

CHRISTENSEN VOCATION LUNCH

An event that strengthens the concept of vocation at Augsburg for faculty and staff by providing role models from within the community to share a presentation on their sense of call and life journey.

SPRING 2016 – DARCEY ENGEN

Darcey Engen, Associate Professor and Chair of Theater Arts, reflected on her vocational journey on April 1, 2016.

Video of the presentation available upon request.

FALL 2015 – MARY LAUREL TRUE

A “True” Calling to this College and this Community

On November 18, 2015, Mary Laurel True, Director of Community Engagement and Service-Learning, shared about her “True” calling, which includes 25+ years serving Augsburg and the surrounding community. Audio of the presentation available upon request.

SPRING 2015 – JEFF SWENSON

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015Augsburg Athletic Director Jeff Swenson spoke on the winding road to his vocation.

FALL 2014 – DR. PHIL QUANBECK II

On Nov. 19, Dr. Phil Quanbeck II presented, ‘The Truth Will Make You Free’: Voice and Callings at Augsburg.

An audio recording of this presentation is available upon request.

WINTER 2014 – CAROL ENKE

Vocation Lunch with Carol Enke

A video of Enke’s presentation is available upon request.

FALL 2013 – DR. KAREN KAIVOLA

If you missed the fall luncheon with Provost Kaivola and would like to either view her powerpoint or a DVD recording of the presentation, please contact our office.

 

Advance Screening – Morgan Freeman’s Story of God

Please join us Wednesday, March 30 from 7pm-8:30pm.

In addition to viewing one episode of the upcoming National Geographic series, there will be a panel discussion featuring Augsburg leaders of different faith traditions: Dr. Phil Quanbeck II, Dr. Maheen Zaman, and Julian Kritz (Interfaith Scholar). The panel will be moderated by Rev. Mark Hanson, the new executive director of the Christensen Center for Vocation.

Event Schedule:
6:30 P.M. Doors Open
7:00 P.M. Screening Starts
8:00 P.M. Interfaith Panel Discussion with Dr. Phil Quanbeck II, Dr. Maheen Zaman, and Julian Kritz
8:30 P.M. Event Concludes with Light Refreshments in the Foss Atrium

The event is free and open to the public. As space is limited, please register online ahead of time to ensure a spot. Seating is first come, first-served.

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