Luther’s Sesquicentennial Homecoming was an incredible experience thanks to the commitment of many in the college community and the overwhelming response from alumni and friends!  You can see pictures of the various events at Luther’s Photo Bureau’s site.  Our celebration was rooted in worship, music and reflection.  Below are links to the text or video recordings of messages shared over the weekend.  You can also visit Luther’s iTunes University to share in the chapel conversation that has framed our conversation over this Sesquicentennial year series on the book of Acts (Spring 2011) and the story of Exodus (Fall 2011).

Servant’s Banquet,
Thursday, October 13

College Ministries hosted a banquet celebrating Luther's legacy of preparing leaders for ministry.  Alumni who have served as staff in congregations, camps and ministries of outreach, service and justice shared a meal at Hotel Winneshiek, heard an address by H. George Anderson, president emeritus and former ELCA Bishop, and were blessed by music from Luther's own Collegiate Chorale directed by Dr. Tim Peter.  Read the text of Bishop Anderson’s address.

Founders Day Chapel,
Friday, October 14.

The Rev. Ruth Drews ’76, descendant of Luther’s first campus pastor, Nils. Brandt, served as our Founder Day Chapel Preacher.  Music was provided by Luther’s Wind and Percussion Ensemble, and first year choirs Norsemen and Aurora. Founding Congregations and alumni church processed into chapel with banners from founding congregations. You can watch the service or read a PDF of the text of Pastor Drews’ sermon.

Homecoming Festival Eucharist,
Sunday, October 16

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA served as preacher. Special music was provided by seven Luther ensembles: Aurora, Norsemen, Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Choral, the Luther Ringers and Alumni Bell Choir, and a brass ensemble. The bell choir offered an original composition by Lee Afdahl '71 for the occasion.  The Hymn of the Day was “Transformed by the Journey” by Johnny Walker '73, the winner of the Sesquicentennial Hymn Competition.  Watch a video of the service.

NOTE: Video links may not work on all browsers.  You may access recordings through the Luther’s iTunes University