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Student Affairs

Campus Ministry

Affiliated with ELCA. Open to All.

Finlandia is a learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service. The office of campus ministry exists to build community while helping feed students both spiritually and physically.

AFFILIATED WITH THE ELCA

Campus Ministry is one expression of Finlandia’s Lutheran heritage and Christian identity. Finlandia is one of 26 colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

All are welcome

Campus Ministry is an open and affirming ministry of Finlandia University.

People of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, educational backgrounds, marital status, physical or mental ability, theological perspective, and economic conditions share the worth that comes from being unique individuals created by God, and as such are welcome and invited to partake in campus ministry at Finlandia University.

In other words, you are welcome here.

Are You Hungry?

All Means All Community Meals

All Means All Community Meals

If you are craving a home cooked meal, or just need to grab a meal – the community meal is for you. Named, All Means All, this meal truly is for all Finlandia students, with the goal of building positive community among us and supporting hunger needs. The meal is FREE and every week. Come early before the food runs out!

THE TABLE – STUDENT NEEDS PANTRY

Come as you are. Take what you need.

The pantry is weekly stocked with fresh produce, pantry items, & frozen meats and breads. In addition, you’ll find school supplies, toiletries, and warm weather gear like hats, wools socks, and gloves.

What is required? Simply sign in using your first name, last initial, and class year at Finlandia. Visit once per week or as you have need.

Where is it again? On the southside of the Chapel, there is a lower level entrance. Once you enter the through that door, look for a large wooden sign reading “The Table” which marks the entry to the Pantry room in the NE corner of the basement.

 

Spiritual Growth

Finlandia campus ministry seeks to support students spiritual growth, wherever they are on their journey. Whether you are Lutheran by background, new to Christianity, or exploring other religious traditions, Finlandia seeks to meet you there.

Follow us on Instragram @FinnU_Faithlife  for the following opportunities:

Daily Spark – Three times per week, wake up to a brief video inspiration, provided by other students and our campus pastor.

Small Group Opportunities – Stay up to date on support groups or Bible study opportunities.

Food Ministry – What’s on the menu at the Community Meal? You’ll see it on Instagram.

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?

PASTORAL COUNSELING

Even in a year without a pandemic, life throws ups and downs at us all in ways that are difficult to manage on our own.

Pastor Sarah is an ordained minister trained in active listening, centering prayer & meditation methods, and the non-anxious accompaniment of others. As Finlandia’s Campus Pastor, she is available weekly, without fee, as a resource for any student.

To contact Pr. Sarah: (906) 487 – 7239

Sarah.semmlersmith@finlandia.edu

Or schedule an appointment directly below.

About Our Campus Pastor

PASTOR SARAH SEMMLER-SMITH

Originally from Minnesota, Pastor Sarah holds a B.A. is in Religious Studies from St. Olaf College and an M.Div from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. She is an ordained Lutheran pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and has served churches in Chicago, Washington State, and Wisconsin. Before becoming a pastor, she taught English in Thailand, was a backpack guide in Colorado, and counselor at summer camps. Pastor Sarah is passionate about engaging people’s stories, maintaining a curious faith, and building community. She is married and has two daughters, Meta (8) and Sybil (5).

Campus Ministry News

Relive Graduation Day 2023 at Finlandia University | Photo Gallery & Livestreams

May 11, 2023

Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.

Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement:

VIEW ALBUM ON FLICKR

On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement:

Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:

Read More

Hirvonen Hall exterior
Finlandia honors legacy, Class of 2023 with final commencement and commendation ceremonies

May 10, 2023

Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

View PhotosWatch On-Demand

President Timothy Pinnow congratulates student at FinnU’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served […] Read More

Finlandia to host Service of Commendation Sunday, May 7

April 24, 2023

Finlandia University’s Spring 2023 Commencement Weekend will culminate on the evening of Sunday, May 7, with a Service of Commendation. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. in Hirvonen Hall Auditorium.

All Finlandia students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends of the University are invited to the service, with hospitality to follow.

“We will take time to hear stories of those who have been impacted by the 126 years of Finlandia, and share stories of our own – as we sing, […] Read More

Faculty and Staff

Sarah Semmler Smith

Campus Pastor; Adjunct Instructor of Religion

Sarah.Semmlersmith@finlandia.edu
FinnU will not enroll students for 2023-2024Learn More
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