Student Congregation
The St. Olaf College Student Congregation is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pastors Matthew Marohl and Katherine Fick serve as pastors to the student congregation and chaplains to the college community.
(See College Ministry Events page for meeting dates and times.)
The 2026-27 Council Election will take place on
Sunday, May 10 at the conclusion of the service.
If you are interested, the Council Application
is due by Wednesday, May 6.
Student Congregation Council Positions:
President – chairperson of the council; has the power to fill any vacancies, subject to approval of the other Council members.
Secretary: keeps a record of the meetings of the Student Congregation Council.
Treasurer: counts and deposit the offerings and monitors the finances of the Student
Congregation; proposes an annual budget.
VP of Worship (2): The Worship Ministry Team works with the college pastors and cantor to plan meaningful worship services. This team also plans special seasonal services such as midweek and Lenten vespers.
VP Interfaith Engagement (2): · The goal of Interfaith Engagement is to foster respect for the diverse religious identities of all people at St. Olaf College and to build relationships by learning and serving together.
Class Representatives: 1-2 representatives from each class.
Weekly Opportunities:
- Bible Study – Fridays @12-12:45 pm in BC 220, Bring your lunch, read and discuss a biblical text each week with the College Ministry Pastors.
- Wednesday Nights in Boe – Vespers 1st & 3rd Wednesdays – 20 min. service led by students; Spiritual Practices 2nd & 4th Wed. – led by the College Pastors
Breakfast Before Boe – Sundays in the Undercroft of Boe @ 9:45 am, treats and coffee before worship
St. Olaf College Student Congregation Council 2025-26
President – Mary Phillips ’26
Secretary – Mary Kreklow ’26
Treasurer – Jenna York ’27/Nora Herring ’28
VP of Extra-Campus Activities – Paavo Rundman ’26
VP of Life and Growth – Kathryn Sprandel ’26
VP of Worship – Ben Thompson ’28
VP of Interfaith Engagement – Maggie Brooks ’26
Class Representatives:
2026 – Addie Flesch & Emery Jansen
2028 – Sage Koppana & Soren Obermueller
2029 – Sarie Hoffner & Claire Miller
The ELCA and Anti-Racism
The ELCA makes a call to confess the sin of racism, condemn the ideology of white supremacy, and strive for racial justice and peace. Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices. ELCA resources are available here. The ELCA also offers a social statement which expresses the call to celebrate culture and ethnicity. This calling commits the ELCA to confront racism, to engage in public leadership, witness and deliberation on these matters, and to advocate for justice.
The ELCA and LGBTQIA+
The St. Olaf College Student Congregation has been a Reconciling In Christ congregation since 1989. Together, we advocate for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of LGBTQIA+ students in all aspects of the life of our congregation and community.