Founders Day Luther Lecture: Divine Surprise and the Magnificat

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites all to its annual Founders Day Luther Lecture on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This free, online event requires no registration.

The lecture, “Divine Surprise: Singing a Right Magnificat with Martin Luther and Mary,” will be presented by the Rev. Dr. Brandon Westengard from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. That is 4:00 p.m. in Arizona and southern Nevada, and 5:00 p.m. in St. George, Utah.

Dr. Westengard is a Lutheran theologian, scholar of Reformation history and theology, and pastor in the ELCA. He serves as Assistant to the Bishop for Administration in the Sierra Pacific Synod and as an adjunct professor at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. His teaching includes history, theology, preaching and Spanish for Worship.

The lecture will explore mystical and spiritual experience in Lutheran theology, with particular attention to Martin Luther, Mary’s Magnificat and the life of Lutheranism on the West Coast today. This conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on how God continues to meet the church in surprise, promise and faithful witness.

All are welcome. Join the Zoom lecture on September 30.