We often hear the word ‘stewardship’ used in church contexts in two different ways: either related to how we faithfully use and engage with money, or how we faithfully ‘steward’ and engage with Earth. The premise of EcoFaith brings these spheres together–as Psalm 24:1 proclaims: “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein!” Our everyday decisions as a part of Earth matter–how can we faithfully broaden our notion of stewardship to be more enveloping and practical?

Alex Theship-Rosales uses he/him/his pronouns and is a senior at Luther Seminary in St. Paul–and is totally inspired by EcoFaith! The gift of faith from Christ compels us to live lives of compassion connection to our environments–meaning everyone (rather than every ‘thing’) which surrounds us in different spaces on Earth. Alex has a BA in Environmental Studies with a humanities focus from Gustavus Adolphus College, has studied climate policy and Māori perspectives in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and is currently pursuing ordination as a Deacon in the ELCA through the Minneapolis Area Synod. When not studying or working at his seminary internship site in Dawson, Minnesota, you’ll find Alex cross country running or skiing, hanging with his partner Sarah, painting, practicing his euphonium, cooking plant-based meals, reading, or simply laying in a random field someplace. He is so grateful for the chance to be with you this April to engage in an EcoFaith conversation!

In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, we will explore Biblical theologies of creation in Genesis and Job. While both the creation stories in Genesis and the whirlwind speeches in Job celebrate God’s work, they contain different emphases, especially in regard to human beings. We will consider how these texts celebrate God’s work in creation and challenge us to live faithfully in response.

Rachel Wyffels is a second-year Master of Divinity student at Luther Seminary, seeking ordination as a pastor. She currently serves as Communications Coordinator for the Saint Paul Area Synod Care of Creation Work Group and the EcoFaith Network NE-MN Synod. Prior to seminary, Rachel worked with ELCA Advocacy as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow. She graduated from St. Olaf in 2021, where she majored in music and religion and served as president of the St. Olaf Student Congregation.

For over a thousand years, this amazing building has been at the intersection of politics, religion, and culture. Known for its remarkable engineering, it has been widely influential in both the Christian and Islamic traditions. This presentation looks closely at Hagia Sophia’s design, construction, materials, decoration, and acoustics—and especially at its changing use over time.

Kristin Anderson is a Professor of Art at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Her courses include art history and architectural history surveys as well as more specialized offerings such as American Art, Scandinavian Art, and Women and Art. She also teaches a popular course, The Designed Environment, about the architectural and urban history of the Twin Cities.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Kristin has master’s degrees in art history (University of Minnesota) and church history (Luther Seminary) as well as a PhD in American Art, Architecture, and Popular Culture from the University of Minnesota.

The story of the prodigal son has been a popular choice for artists and patrons. Some chose to depict the prodigal’s bawdy behavior and wanton spending, while others emphasized the poverty and hardship that resulted from his dissolute life. Rembrandt’s famous painting shows the prodigal’s return and his father’s welcome in a deeply moving portrayal of love and forgiveness. In this presentation, we will focus on the painting in the context of Rembrandt’s life and career, learning how it stands apart from more typical treatments of the story.

Kristin Anderson is a Professor of Art at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Her courses include art history and architectural history surveys as well as more specialized offerings such as American Art, Scandinavian Art, and Women and Art. She also teaches a popular course, The Designed Environment, about the architectural and urban history of the Twin Cities.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Kristin has master’s degrees in art history (University of Minnesota) and church history (Luther Seminary) as well as a PhD in American Art, Architecture, and Popular Culture from the University of Minnesota.

The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris has been famous throughout the centuries as a religious center, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, a place of coronations, and as a tourist attraction, among other things. Sadly, it was heavily damaged in a devastating fire in 2019. This presentation will focus on the building’s site, its importance as an example of the French Gothic style, the restoration plans of the 19th century, and current efforts to bring the building back to life after the 2019 fire.

Kristin Anderson is a Professor of Art at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Her courses include art history and architectural history surveys as well as more specialized offerings such as American Art, Scandinavian Art, and Women and Art. She also teaches a popular course, The Designed Environment, about the architectural and urban history of the Twin Cities.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Kristin has master’s degrees in art history (University of Minnesota) and church history (Luther Seminary) as well as a PhD in American Art, Architecture, and Popular Culture from the University of Minnesota.