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Image: Valparaiso University Ranked #2 Best Value and #6 Best Regional Among Midwest Schools in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Valparaiso University Ranked #2 Best Value and #6 Best Regional Among Midwest Schools in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Valparaiso University student Madison Small takes a selfie with Stonehenge in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Driven by Curiosity: Valpo Student Madison Small ’27 Earns National Psychology Research Award
A nursing student discusses training with an instructor by a medical mannequin in a Valparaiso University program.
Valparaiso University’s Chicago-Based Healthcare Program Receives Accreditation and Recognition
A smiling young woman in a plaid jacket and name tag attends a career guidance event.
How Career Centers Help You Prepare for Internships, Careers, and Life After Graduation
A performer on stage faces an enthusiastic crowd of young people singing along.
Youth Ministry Organization Quake Finds New Home at Valparaiso University
A man in a maroon baseball cap and green jacket looks upward at a Valparaiso University local baseball game.
Valparaiso University Business Management Student Puts Knowledge to Work in Local Baseball
A diverse group in colorful cultural outfits stands together, smiling and linking arms on stage.
A Beacon’s Reflection | MyLinh (Millie) Mac ’16, M.A., M.A.
Three students in yellow shirts talk around a table with a laptop in a brightly lit room, sharing insights about what to expect during the first semester of grad school.
What to Expect in Your First Semester of Grad School
A person in a silver holographic ghost costume and cowboy hat at a Valparaiso University Halloween event.
Valparaiso University Offers Costumed Fun for the Whole Family this Halloween
Valpo Stories

News Archive: James A. Wetzstein

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A man stands smiling beside text for a talk titled “The Easy Yoke: Freedom from Heavy Burdens” at Valparaiso University, embodying the spirit of freedom that comes from embracing an easy yoke and leaving behind life’s heavy burdens.
The Easy Yoke: Freedom from Heavy Burdens
Church steeple against a blue sky with clouds, text reads "What’s on the Top of Your List?" alongside a photo of a man, inviting you to reflect on what truly belongs at the top of your list.
What’s on the Top of Your List?
Stained glass chapel background with text: Holy Week at the Chapel of the Resurrection—what to expect. Photo of Rev. Dr. James Wetzstein highlights this sacred Holy Week event.
Holy Week at the Chapel of the Resurrection – what to expect
Ash cross on dark surface with text "Remember You Are Dust," a powerful Lenten reminder, alongside a photo of Rev. James Wetzstein.
Remember You Are Dust
A crowd holds signs; text reads "The Vows We Make: How have our promises shaped the ways we show up in the world? Rev. James Wetzstein.
The Vows We Make: How have we promised to show up in the world?
Byzantine mosaic of a haloed figure with animals and symbols in a semi-circular arch, partially damaged, evokes the reverence of an Advent hymn or echoes the themes found in Christmas music.
Savior of the Nations, Come
Scholar Mosaic Peter Dohman Studios
Reading the Christian Scholar’s Mosaic at Valparaiso University
A vintage gas station, sermon title text referencing the Rich Man and Lazarus, and a headshot of Rev. James Wetzstein in circles.
A Rich Man and Lazarus Meet Us at the Gas Station.
A decorated cross stands by a rural road; text reads "Holy Cross Day in Our Time, Rev. James Wetzstein"—a striking image honoring this meaningful religious celebration.
Holy Cross Day in Our Time
A red and black CN train passes a water tower under a title: "Life Lessons Learned on the Road," capturing the spirit of travel and personal growth.
I Didn’t See That Coming – Life Lessons Learned on the Road
The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection, Eugène Burnand 1850 – 1921, oil on canvas (82 × 134 cm) — 1898 Musée d'Orsay, Paris
The Wonder of Resurrection
 Nicola Saric, The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, from his watercolor series; Earthly Stories with Heavenly Meaning.
Forgiveness: The Necessary Miracle
Art credit: “Judah and his brothers negotiating with Joseph” from the Sister Haggadah illuminated manuscript ca. 1350. British Museum.
Everything Happens for a Reason or Does It?
A groundhog sits on a rock with grass beneath the words "Of Groundhogs and Divine Love, Rev. James Wetzstein.
Of Groundhogs and Divine Love
Three Men in the Fiery Furnace, Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome, late 3rd century/early 4th century.
When You Pass Through the Fire…
Text "KHESED Rev. James Wetzstein" over a sunset with an orange and purple sky.
KHESED
Detail from the Stuttgarter Psalter, fol. 59r.: Illustration of Psalm 46:9  “[God] breaks the bow and shatters the spear;  he burns the shields (or chariots) with fire.”
Psalm 46 – When There’s Trouble, God Can Always Be Located
Photo credit: Melanie Mowinski
Who Are Your Beatitudes Mentors?
A group of people in robes, embodying a posture of gratefulness, gather around a lectern in a synagogue, reading from a Torah scroll.
The Posture of Gratefulness
Ceiling mosaic: Baptistry of Neon at Ravenna, Italy. Late 5th century. ThePhotografer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Like a Mirror of Eternal Truth
Close-up of two yellow leaves with visible veins, illuminated by soft LIGHT, against a blurred yellow and blue background.
More on LIGHT and other words that begin with the letter “L”
Art credit: Eugène Burnand 1850 – 1921 Peter and John Running to the Tomb, oil on canvas (82 × 134 cm) — 1898 Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Keeping Up with the Holy Spirit
Easter Vigil at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection in 2023.
It’s a Three Day Weekend!
A person stands on a dune with the text: "Divine Love can't quit you - Pastor Jim.
Divine Love Can’t Quit You
Brown dried wildflowers stand in a snowy field with the words "I Had a Bit of a Moment - Pastor Jim" overlaying the peaceful winter scene.
I Had a Bit of a Moment
Three stacked stones and a branch with leaves beside text about resolutions and achieving goals by Pastor Jim.
What to do When Our Resolutions Don’t Deliver
The Advent wreath located in the Gloria Christi Chapel at Valparaiso University.
Adventing in the Meantime
The Franciscan Church of the Widow’s Son at Nain in Galilee
Life and Death Collisions
David Dances in the Presence of the Ark, from The Morgan Bible, 13th century France. MS M.638, fol. 39v (Morgan Library and Museum, New York)
Where is God for You?
Moses Repeating the Commandments - Carolinian Illuminator ca. 840
All You Need Is Love, Love Is All You Need
Jacob wrestles with the angel, a detail from a 6th-century Syrian illuminated manuscript of the Book of Genesis, the Vienna Genesis at the Austrian National Library: Cod. Theol. gr. 31, fol. 12r: Used by permission.
God Uses Crooked Sticks to Draw Straight Lines
“Blessing of the Seventh Day” detail from the Cupola of the Creation in the Atrium of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy. Mosaic, 13th century. Photo Credit: ELC858485
“Reset/Refresh” Sabbath as rest, not distraction
Stained glass window with colorful geometric patterns and religious symbols, divided by a central vertical line, symbolizes knowledge and love shining In Thy Light.
“In Thy Light” May Be More About Love than Knowledge
A group of people in ancient robes gather around an altar with a bull, preparing for a ritual sacrifice to honor their god and seek glory.
To God be the glory
Jonas und der Wal, Universitätsmatrikel in Erfurt Justus Jonas auf einem Gemäld
Mercy makes us uncomfortable
"Failure is always an option." - MythBusters
Of fear and failure
Sunrise over mountains with rays shining, featuring the words "Epiphany Light Shows Up" and evoking the magic of unforgettable Light Shows.
Light Shows Up
Christ of Latomos (the stonecutters), The Church of Monastery of Hosios David, Thessaloniki, Greece. Possibly late 3rd century.
Blessed are you peacemakers
Baptism of Christ Mosaic in Arian Baptistry. Ravenna, Italy
Standing with (New Year’s) Resolution
Christ in the House of His Parents, John Everett Millais, 1849-1850, Oil on canvas, 34” x 55”. Tate Britain, London
It’s a Matter of Trust
Two daisies growing through rocky ground symbolize forgiveness, with the text "The Necessary Miracle" in large white letters above them.
Forgiveness: the necessary miracle
Modern brick and glass building with autumn leaves in the foreground and people walking outside.
How to Recover from an Epic Failure
A tomato and a cucumber with sailor hats, smiling as friends on a boat with a striped canopy and ship wheel behind them.
At least we’re all friends again
"Jesus Raises the Widow's Son from Nain," from the Codex Aureus of Echternach
The Touch
Illustration from an 11th century “Codex Aureus” (Golden Book)
We are always on the way
Painting by Richard Caemmer Jr., formerly of the art faculty at Valparaiso University
Open up!
Valparaiso University entrance signs with blooming pink trees and flowers in the background.
Looking Forward!
Stone Valparaiso University sign with flowers and a tree in the background.
Blessings As You Go
“The Good Shepherd” mosaic – Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
What good is a shepherd?
A metal sculpture of Jesus on the cross with red cloth, set against stained glass windows.
Good Friday
Jesus heals a blind man as depicted in this mosaic from the Basilica of Saint Apollinaire in Ravenna, Italy.
Knowing a Good Thing When We See It
A persistent farmer walks through a vibrant field at sunset, with an extravagant yellow sun and blue sky above.
Persistent and Extravagant
Animated family of over-achievers poses joyfully in a colorful, flower-filled house with vibrant clothing and magical details, bringing to life a charming tale.
A charming tale for over-achievers
Red and orange autumn leaves on branches with the words "I am thankful..." written in white script, inspiring gratitude and positivity.
In everything, grateful
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Imagining Eternity
Three paintings of Martin Luther with "ReFORMATION" text—blending ornate and modern fonts—on a black background, add a touch of Lutheran humor to this playful tribute to the spirit of the Lutheran church.
You might be a Lutheran if…
The sun rises over the curved horizon of Earth, seen from space with a blue atmosphere glowing softly in the morning light.
Let there be light!
A surreal village scene unfolds right where we are, with flying angels, a ladder to the sky, and a vivid red sun overhead.
Right where we are
A bronze statue of Jesus, cloaked and lying on a park bench with visible feet sticking out, invites reflection on the true meaning of getting ahead in life.
Getting ahead with Jesus
Wildflowers bloom in a grassy field at sunset, with trees and a colorful sky in the background—a peaceful escape from the worries of The Trouble with Mammon.
The Trouble with Mammon
The Good Samaritan by Vincent VanGogh
Won’t you be my neighbor?
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas — somehow
Stained glass window depicting a woman and outstretched hands in vibrant colors and abstract shapes, symbolizing Christian faith and Walking in the Light.
Walking in the Light of Jesus’ Resurrection
Seeds sprouting into bean plants in soil with text: "A Lesson on Beans & Being.
A Lesson On Beans … and Being
A person receives an ash cross on their forehead for Ash Wednesday; text reads "Lent begins, a reminder on Ash Wednesday.
As if we needed a reminder
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
Naming our demons
Two men in black suits, hats, and sunglasses with text: "Putting the band back together. It’s a mission from God.
We’re on a mission from God
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
On the day after the night before
Aerial view of a campus at sunrise, with golden sunlight and mist over buildings and green trees.
“Some Lent!”
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
In a time of uncertainty, these things are certain
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
Taking a Break from the Relentless
Modern building with "Valparaiso University" sign on a stone wall and landscaped flowers in front.
Better Together
Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy: The Three Wise Men" (named Balthassar, Melchior, and Gaspar). Detail from: "Mary and Child, surrounded by angels," mosaic of a Ravennate italian-byzantine workshop, completed within 526 AD by the so-called "Master of Sant'Apollinare.” Photo credit: Nina Aldin Thune
It’s What’s Happening
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
Forgiving others – and ourselves
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
Getting down on Jesus’ level
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
When bad things happen
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
“HELP!”
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
The Funny Business of Forgiveness
People holding candles and singing or reading from papers during an Orthodox East Lent candlelight ceremony or vigil.
What we know and what we don’t know
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