Worship at Luther

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Pastor Melissa Bills

Director of College Ministries
College Pastor
Center for Faith and Life 108

Office for College Ministries

There are a variety of ways to worship and gather in fellowship on campus and in the community of Decorah. Whether weekly, monthly, or for special celebrations, there are lots of ways to worship together!

Weekly Opportunities

Chapel Break is built into the Luther class schedule every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30am – 10:50am. All students, staff and faculty are invited to join us during this intentional pause. See below for more details about Chapel Break and other weekly events.

Chapel Break: Fika

Blessing of the Bikes fika Mondays – 10:30-10:50am – CFL Steps

Fika [coffee+treats]is a great time to take a break and breathe with friends as the week gets started! Rain or shine or snow, we’ll be outside with hot coffee and tea, delicious treats, and delightful conversation. Join us!

Chapel Break: Worship

student speaking at chapel

Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:30-10:50am – CFL Main Hall

A combination of student, staff, and faculty speakers and musicians share their words and gifts of music during this life-giving time to pause and reflect. Speakers reflect on a variety of topics that are relevant to the church, the college and the world, reflecting the Rooted and Open philosophy of Luther as a College of the Church. All are welcome, regardless of faith background!

If you can’t make it to Chapel in person, you can also attend via livestream on our College Ministries YouTube Channel.

Emmaus: Communion at the Close of the Day

Candles burning at chapel Mondays – 8pm – CFL Recital Hall

Emmaus is a weekly communion service that includes singing Holden Evening Prayer and sharing communion. Even if communion isn’t a regular part of your church or religious tradition, you are more than welcome to join us, even just for the beautiful music! Emmaus attendees have found a lovely community of friends who all look forward to this special time together each week.

Monthly/Special Services

We also gather to worship on select Sundays for special events such as Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Homecoming Weekend, and Baccalaureate. In addition, there are other special services throughout the year like a Candlelight Worship during Advent, an evening Ash Wednesday Service, and a Holy Week Dinner Worship. Each worship has a unique focus with beautiful music. All are welcome!

schedule of 2024-2025 special worship services, college ministries

Decorah Community Worship Options

For students who are looking for a regular Sunday worship community, please know that Decorah is full of wonderful congregations that welcome Luther students to be a part of their worship and programming. We encourage students to become active in one of these many local church communities! For more information, visit the Local Churches link in the side menu, and contact Pastor Melissa for further information. We are happy to help you find a good fit.

College Ministries will host a Fall Ministry Fair with local churches on Tuesday, September 10 from 9:45-10:45 in the Union. Stop by if you’re interested in checking out some of the local church options!

You’re Invited to Participate

We also encourage all students, staff, and faculty to play an active role in leading worship on campus. If you are interested in sharing your gifts and volunteering, sign up using this link, stop by the College Ministries Office (CFL 106), or email ministry@luther.edu

A Glimpse of Worship at Luther

A student reads scripture at Jazz Lessons and Carols, a part of Christmas at Luther weekend.

The view of the CFL during Baccalaureate for the class of 2024.

Pastor Melissa Bills leads Homecoming worship in the CFL.

Candlelight worship is held the Sunday before finals week during the Advent season.

Holy Week Dinner Worship in Peace Dining walks through the key events of Holy Week.

Jazz Lessons and Carols in Noble Recital Hall.

Nordic Choir members surround chapel attendees with their music in the spring of 2024.

Rev. Lamont Wells shares a reflection at chapel in February, 2024.

Students attend a Vigil for Peace in October, 2024.

The Office for College Ministries and most on-campus worship events are housed in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL), a building designed to reflect the intentional intersection of faith and learning. Worship spaces in the CFL include the spacious Main Hall, the more intimate Recital Hall, and the Multifaith Meditation Room that is available to students 24/7.