Rachel Kionka, a 2007 graduate of Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., won this year’s MLC Thalassa Prize for her essay, “One in Christ,” which reflected on her year of teaching at Sir Harry Johnston International School in Zomba, Malawi. Kionka received $500, and $500 will be donated to the mission of her choice. She and almost 50 other MLC students and graduates taught overseas last year through MLC’s Daylight International program.

The grand opening of The Lutheran Home Association’s Kingsway Retirement Living in Belle Plaine, Minn., was held June 21. A dedication service also took place for the center, which features German architecture and a German Town Center (the Market Platz), where residents can eat at the restaurants or visit the Rathskeller Pub. The new center also features a gift shop, beauty salon, lounges, a bank, business center, therapeutic massage room, and billiards room.