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Before Holden Evening Prayer there is always a time of fellowship and food, and it was during this casual conversation that Eleanor walked over. "Want to see my project?" she asked.
Eleanor is an electrical engineer and, in addition to a participant in Thursday night Holden Evening Prayer, is also in a key leadership position with Iowa State's Solar Car project. The particular project in question was a machine she created with lights that respond to sound waves. Different waves light up different colors. (At least, that is what my non-electrical-engineer brain got out of it.)
On the same evening, as Holden Evening Prayer wrapped up and students chatted before making their way home, another student confided, "I'm sad that all my friends are leaving." (They are a junior, surrounded by seniors this year.) Upon hearing this, another student quickly said, "I'll be here!"
"Can I be your friend next year?" the proposal quietly came after. Of course they immediately connected and even made plans for the following weekend.
Students continue to find and create community with each other and with pastoral leaders as LCM nears the end of its first year in redevelopment. These relationships are the foundation of student ministry, and will carry the ministry well into the future. Student leaders are stepping up, writing constitutions and operation manuals, agreeing to trainings for club presidents and treasurers.
Signs of life are all around us, and the ministry flourishes with them. We are thankful to you, our alum and supporters, for all the ways in which you have helped us come this far. Your prayers and support continue to make this restart a success and we look forward to many more years of partnership in ministry together.
It seems fitting in this Easter season to share the good news that the Lutheran Campus Ministry - Ames Board of Directors has hired its next Director for Campus Ministry. AJ Olson (they/them) will begin as Director for Campus Ministry on May 18, 2026.
(read more here)
Lutheran Campus Ministry is thrilled to be awarded the 2026 ELCA Campus Ministry Strategic Grant.
The grant of $100,000 from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will support Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State in the efforts of redevelopment as the ministry seeks to reestablish regular ministry on the Iowa State University campus.
"We are thrilled to receive the Strategic Ministry grant," says Pr. Erika Uthe, Interim Redevelopment Pastor, "and are thankful the ELCA sees the value of supporting and growing the Lutheran witness at Iowa State University." Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State is one of four recipients of the ELCA Campus Ministry Strategic Grant across the country. "This grant gives Lutheran Campus Ministry the space to grow our network of students and alumni, discern the best re-start steps, and establish a long-term, sustainable ministry for the future," continued Pr. Uthe, "and we are deeply grateful for the support and partnership of the ELCA and the Lutheran Campus Ministry organization of the ELCA."
Lutheran Campus Ministry is a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America