Lutheran Student Community / Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State

07/13/2026

travel blog #10

Lynda Franca spent May 2026 studying in Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Lynda is majoring in Commication Sciences and Disorders, Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in American Sign Language and is from Hillsborough, New Jersey. Lynda Franca spent May 2026 studying in Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Lynda is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Human Development and Family Stuies with a minor in American Sign Language....

Lynda Franca spent May 2026 studying in Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Lynda is majoring in Commication Sciences and Disorders, Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in American Sign Languag

07/13/2026

When burdens are heavy, you are there. You are here beside me, gently sharing the load and giving me rest. Check out the link in our bio for this week’s prayer!

07/09/2026

yoked in love

At the end of this week’s gospel reading, Jesus offers particular words of comfort and encouragement to some of the people who are following him, those who are “weary and carrying heavy burdens.” Jesus offers them rest. We are reminded of Jesus’ words in his first big sermon in Matthew - the sermon on the mount where Jesus names as blessed people facing a variety of struggles that might make others think they are anything but blessed....

At the end of this week’s gospel reading, Jesus offers particular words of comfort and encouragement to some of the people who are following him, those who are “weary and carrying heavy burdens.”  Jesus offers them rest. We are reminded of Jesus’ words in his first big sermon in Matthew –...

07/09/2026

weekly prayer: 7/7

God of love, You see the needs and struggles of all people. You notice and care especially for those most in need. When I am weary, you call me close. When burdens are heavy, you are there. You empower me to follow you and share your love and compassion. You are here beside me, gently sharing the load and giving me rest. Amen. yoked in love | Jesus offers rest in Matthew 11

God of love,You see the needs and struggles of all people.You notice and care especially for those most in need.When I am weary, you call me close.When burdens are heavy, you are ther

06/27/2026

Congratulations on your Penn State graduation, Aaliyah Thompson! Aaliyah earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering and plans to work as a Highway Design Engineer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Aaliyah enjoyed studying abroad in Costa Rica during her time at Penn State. She loved watching the jellyfish in Pasquerilla over dinner with her Lutheran Student Community. Blessings and much joy in all that lies ahead! 💙

06/27/2026

Guide me when I am not sure how to live out love and good news. Empower me to follow you even then those I hold most dear disagree. Check out the link in our bio for this week’s prayer!🌼

06/24/2026

it’s not easy

Typically, when the assigned gospel reading is a mix of somewhat-but-not-fully-related teachings of Jesus, I either look for an underlying theme or pick just one teaching to focus on. This week’s passage of teachings from Matthew 10 is so full of images and ideas, it challenges my ability to pick one theme. Some of the ideas Jesus addresses here are encouraging or reassuring to the followers while man of the others I find unclear, confusing or unsettling....

Typically, when the assigned gospel reading is a mix of somewhat-but-not-fully-related teachings of Jesus, I either look for an underlying theme or pick just one teaching to focus on. This week’s p

06/24/2026

summer lunch – June 30

Take a break in the middle of your day and join Alicia Anderson, campus minister, and other students for lunch on Monday, June 30 in the lobby of the Kern Building! Bring your lunch along or pick up something from the Panera there! Alicia will be there from 12 noon – 1:15 pm or so! Whether you are taking classes, doing research, or working this summer, stop by!

Take a break in the middle of your day and join Alicia Anderson, campus minister, and other students for lunch on Monday, June 30 in the lobby of the Kern Building! Bring your lunch along or pick up

06/23/2026

weekly prayer: 6/23

God of love, You call me to share the good news of your love. Give me strength when following is hard. Show me how to use my actions and my words in love. Guide me when I am not sure how to live out love and good news. Empower me to follow you even when those I hold most dear disagree. Help me to follow your call. Amen. Jesus instructs the 12 in Matthew 10

God of love,You call me to share the good news of your love.Give me strength when following is hard.Show me how to use my actions and my words in love.Guide me when I am not sure how

06/21/2026

Congratulations on your Penn State graduation, Zack Westhauser! Zack earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and plans to work as an AI consultant.

Zack enjoyed sharing meals with his Lutheran Student Community peers and catching up with friends each week. Blessings and much joy in all that lies ahead! 💙