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February Newsletter

 

Thresholds 

At Sunday dinner last night, amidst all the work of midterms (yes, it really is that time of the term already), we remembered St. Brigid as the saint of threshold times and places. I asked the question Krista Tippett offers in the spirit of those transitional, in-between places in the spirit of St. Brigid to students last night, "What amidst all that is breaking wants to be born that I can attend to?"

 

One student reminded me that it is just the question I like to ask them time and time again, "what gives you hope?" 

 

Students shared stories of family members in Minnesota, who see renewed callings to activism in the ways strangers are showing up for their neighbors, and stories of participating in the Corvallis High School student organized march against ICE, and in their attention to their practice of art, and care of people and conversations in real life. Students shared stories of sermons they heard in the morning, of loving neighbors, and doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. I hear, in these conversations bookended by homework and midterms, the inbreaking of God's kingdom with us over and over again. 

 

This week we will welcome intern Julia with a blessing of beginnings on Sunday, February 8th at 6 pm. We celebrate and honor the threshold places of beginnings, not only for Julia, but for the student community as well as they take on new leadership and organization, bringing ideas and callings and hope to the center of life together. 

 

This prayer and blessing from Jan Richardson feels fitting for the beginnings and preparations, and welcome not only of Julia, but for every student who walks through the doors of this campus ministry house: 

 

This blessing

has been waiting for you

for a long time.

 

While you have been

making your way here,

this blessing has been

gathering itself,

making ready,

biding its time,

praying.

 

This blessing has been

polishing the door,

oiling the hinges,

sweeping the steps,

lighting candles

in the windows.

 

This blessing has been 

setting the tables

as it hums a tune

from an old song

it knows,

something about

a spiraling road

and bread

and grace.

 

All this time

it has kept an eye 

on the horizon,

waiting,

watching,

keeping vigil,

hardly aware of how

it was learning itself

in your direction.

 

And now that 

you are here,

this blessing

can hardly believe

its good fortune

that you have finally arrived,

 

that it can drop everything

at last 

to fling its arms wide

to you, crying

welcome,

welcome,

welcome. 

 

Take a look at all the different ways Lutheran Campus Ministry has made an impact on campuses across the country through ecumenical partnerships, small group studies, retreats, and more. 


Read the entire Campus Ministry Impact Report at the link below:

Click to read the Campus Ministry Impact Report
 
 

Sunday Dinner Church

Weekly Sunday Dinner and worship begins again on Sunday, January 11th from 6–7:30 PM. All students welcome to join for a free dinner. Afterwards, stay for an Epiphany celebration — open to all college students!

 

Come hungry (physically + spiritually)— vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options will be available. For other dietary accommodations, please contact Pr. Hallie. 

 

Hosted at Luther House (211 NW 23rd), there's no need to sign up — just show up. See you Sunday night!

 

Maker's Space 

photo craft (and homework) night

 

Looking for a cozy, creative way to unwind? Come join us as we start up Maker's Space again in winter term.

 

Tuesdays in February, from 6–8 PM, students are invited to chill with friends, make something awesome, and connect with community every Tuesday evening in winter term.

 

Hosted at Luther House (211 NW 23rd St), bring your creativity (and maybe a friend!) — we’ll bring the cookies, craft supplies & dinner. Let’s make something beautiful together!

 

Western Oregon University E-Lu

Do you know a student at Western Oregon University? We do, too! We have a number of students this year at WOU, and we are looking to support our students in an affirming, inclusive community of faith (and seeking) on campus. 

 

We'll gather this month in Monmouth at St. Hilda's Episcopal Church on Thursday February 5th and 12th. Dinner provided!

 

On Saturday, February 14th, we'll gather together to cook (8 am) and serve (10 am) Valentine's Day brunch with our neighbors at the Monmouth Adult Shelter. Email lhousepastor@peak.org to volunteer! 

 

Young Adult Faith and Climate Gathering!

Emmaus Campus Ministry in Montana is hosting a region Faith and Climate retreat this spring- and the Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at OSU is invited!

 

Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes (an expert in ritual and eco theology from Union Theological Seminary) and Gwen Lankford (an indigenous climate activist from Missoula) will be our presenters and guides for thoughtful discussion and meaningful ritual. 

 

When? April 17th-19th, 2026

Where? Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp

Who? Open-minded and curious young adults (no religious affiliation required)

How much? $150 per person (plus travel expenses; travel scholarships available)

 

For more information, talk to Pr. Hallie and check out Emmaus Campus Ministry's page https://www.emmausmontana.org/faithandclimateretreat

 

Discerning Seminary

Have you ever considered seminary? Have you felt like God might be calling you into ministry, but you’re unsure how or where to start? Join others in discernment at Signs Along the Way, a visit weekend at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley.  Learn more and register: 

Signs Along the Way
 

February hours for Luther House 

The office at Luther House (211 NW 23rd St) will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9:30 am - 1:30 pm in February.

 

The office will be closed Monday, February 16th for President's Day. 

 

Luther House is always available to students for study space, pool, free laundry, and gatherings/meetings from 8 am to 10 pm; please contact the office for a building access code.

 

Throughout the term, staff may be in and out of different ministry spaces. Please email or call ahead if you would like to stop by. 

 

Looking ahead, Pr. Hallie anticipates taking parental leave beginning March 6th through mid June. Knowing babies can have a timing of their own, these dates may shift and change. We'll keep you posted! 

 

 

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