November 2026

Dear Friends, 

In these tumultuous times it is good to reflect upon the meaning of Thanksgiving and remember it is not the first time our nation has faced troubling circumstances, witness this proclamation of Abraham Lincoln: 

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God. 

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. 

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. 

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. 

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. 

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. 

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth. 

By the President: Abraham Lincoln 

May we be as devout in seeking our Lord’s blessing even during our uncertainty. 

God’s Peace,  

Jay Weidner 

Donations received...

In memory of Harold & Shirley Myrmel

From Kevin MyrmeL MEET OUR STUDENTS Travis Fredrickson and Tyler Johnson are currently taking classes full time. Travis is from Calumet, Michigan so he takes classes in Hancock. He is in his last semester and will be finished late December. Travis is currently the interim Pastor at Laurium Shining Light Church in Laurium, Michigan.Tyler Johnson is from Travelers Rest, South Carolina and takes classes online. He is in his last year of classes and will be finished in May. Tyler will be doing a one-year internship at the Spruce Grove Apostolic Church in Wolf Lake, Minnesota beginning summer of 2027. Both Tyler and Travis will graduate in May, 2027.

Ken Helmes is from Helsinki, Finland and takes classes online. He is completing his last two classes and is expected to graduate in May as well.

There are three part-time students in our Deaconess Program that take classes online. Gwen Fredrickson, Calumet, Michigan; Cindy Koivu Bermudez, Alhambra, California and Renee Hendrickson, La Center, Washington.

This semester we have several part-time students taking classes online for credit. They are Tucker Henderson, Ottertail, Minnesota; Matthew Holmgren, Vancouver, Washington; Erik Johansson, Greenville, South Carolina; Charlie Matson, Lyman, South Carolina; Marshall Niemela, Houghton, Michigan; Bruce Ruotsala, New Ipswich, New Hampshire; and Jacob Seppanen, La Center, Washington.

The students and staff appreciate your continued support!

MATCHING FUNDS OPPORTUNITY FUNDS CONTINUE Recently we had a kind and generous donor come forward with a matching fund donation of $25,000 for the year end of 2026.

We are seeking additional donations above and beyond normal giving that would be matched dollar for dollar within this program. The program started on October 1 and runs through December 15, 2026. If you are able to contribute to this program, please earmark your contribution “matching funds” in the memo section of your check.

Your continued support of the seminary is deeply appreciated and enables us to continue to grow and carry on the work of teaching and preparing our students for ministry. God bless you again for your generosity!