Cross-Registration at Other PC (USA) Schools

BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER: May 2023

…assurance he extended to me, after a presentation in chapel where I shared my journey as a woman, called to ministry in the Caribbean. I pray for God’s blessings on his retirement. I am confident that the BAA as a distinguished entity will continue to be strident and resourceful in meeting your objectives.   Cassandra Rawls, M.Div., Charlotte I am …

Inaugural Symposium Celebrates Center for Excellence in Christian Education at UPSem’s Charlotte Campus

…to join Rev. Gail Henderson-Belsito of Caldwell Presbyterian Church at UPSem’s Charlotte campus at noon. After worship and a welcome lunch, the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Caldwell will give a keynote address at 2:00 p.m. followed by Q & A. Emerging leader presentations will follow, with the afternoon wrapping up by 5:30 p.m. With more than 30 years of experience focusing …

BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER: February 2024

…care about the mission. 4) Union has been doing a wonderful job of living into its mission of forming leaders for congregations and other ministries, AND there is so much more we can do. More we can do to maximize the impact of the excellent theological education we offer. We can reach more people, educate more leaders for ministry, and …

Joshua T. Morris Named Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

…the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the United Church of Christ (UCC), he is a member of the Missouri Mid-South Conference. An accomplished author and a devoted chaplain, Dr. Morris’ service to the church has encompassed a wide range of clinical ministry experience. He has served as staff chaplain at hospitals in California and Missouri. Prior to accepting the …

Gay Dawn Mothershed Dies at 85

…local youth group as well as on the Presbytery’s Youth Council, and helped clear trails at the new Camp Grier in Old Fort North Carolina. She graduated from Concord High School before attending Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs North Carolina (now St. Andrews University, Laurinburg North Carolina) from which she graduated cum laude in 1959. Gay continued her call …

BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER: August 2024

…as the paintings of Dr. Syngman Rhee and Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon. His name is Stanley Rayfield, and I cannot wait for you to hear our conversation! On September 28, on our Charlotte campus, we are partnering with our friends at the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation to host the “Practicing Resurrection” lecture. Dr. Janet Wolf will be speaking, …

2023 Sprunt Lectures May 1 -3, 2023

…most recent book, Azusa Reimagined: A Radical Vision of Religious and Democratic Belonging, (2022). She has also been recognized by NBC News as one of six black women at the center of gravity in theological education in America. She is a fourth generation preacher in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Alongside her scholarship, she also engages public policy …

Union Presbyterian Seminary to Inaugurate Rev. Dr. Rebecca L. Davis as Sarah Belk Gambrell Professor of Christian Education

…her deepest passions is child advocacy, which called her to serve as Coordinator of the Religious Action Division for the Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, DC and contract staff for the National Council of Churches’ Committee on Justice for Children and their families. Throughout her career, Dr. Davis has engaged at all levels of the church including serving as the …

Crossing into Sinai

…traditions. One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Marzouk is “microcosm of order in the midst of chaos,” in reference to building the tabernacle by Mount Sinai. When we arrived at St. Catherine’s the late afternoon and early evening were upon us. After settling in our rooms we had time to mingle and shop. Dinner followed as well as music, …

From Hermon to the Sea of Galilee

Today we were able to experience more connections with the biblical traditions. We went out to Caesarea Phillipi, which is located at the base of Mount Hermon. We read Psalms 42 and 133 while there, as they mention Mount Hermon. Experiencing that space, we came to better understand the reference to the “gates of Hades” in Matthew 16:13-21. In this …

Bridge for Early Career Preachers to Expand

Richmond, VA (November 3, 2023)—Union Presbyterian Seminary recently received a grant of $249,920 from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to expand The Bridge for Early Career Preachers. The program was developed with the support of an earlier grant from Lilly Endowment made through its Compelling Preaching Initiative. The Bridge for Early Career Preachers provides resources, continuing education, and a supportive community …

2024 Sprunt Lectures

…preacher will be Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes, former president of Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Lori Raible is the Alumni luncheon speaker. The BAA Trailblazer and the Distinguished Alum will be recognized, too, at a reception! Lecture Series Fee $100 covers all meals; there is no a la carte. Current UPSem students and faculty are free (for planning purposes/food, please …

2024 Sprunt Lectures

…preacher will be Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes, former president of Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Lori Raible is the Alumni luncheon speaker. The BAA Trailblazer and the Distinguished Alum will be recognized, too, at a reception! Lecture Series Fee $100 covers all meals; there is no a la carte. Current UPSem students and faculty are free (for planning purposes/food, please …

2024 Sprunt Lectures

…preacher will be Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes, former president of Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Lori Raible is the Alumni luncheon speaker. The BAA Trailblazer and the Distinguished Alum will be recognized, too, at a reception! Lecture Series Fee $100 covers all meals; there is no a la carte. Current UPSem students and faculty are free (for planning purposes/food, please …

Inauguration | Flourishing Church, Flourishing World

Union Presbyterian Seminary inaugurates its eighth president, Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley, at this special ceremony held on the Seminary’s Quadrangle in Richmond, VA. Watch the livestream and learn more about the details at https://www.upsem.edu/may8/ …

Arrived in Cairo

We’ve arrived in Cairo! It’s been a long day. After some travel mishaps (the bus we took from Richmond to Washington-Dulles airport leaked, we almost missed our connecting flight, and our luggage didn’t make it), we finally made it to our hotel. I’m sitting on the balcony with my roommate, enjoying a freshly puréed strawberry drink complimentary from the hotel. …

Inauguration of Rebecca L. Davis, Ph.D. as the Sarah Belk Gambrell Professor of Christian Education

The inauguration of Rebecca L. Davis, Ph.D. as the Sarah Belk Gambrell Professor of Christian Education will occur on Saturday, Dec.2 at 11:45 a.m. at Sharon Presbyterian Church. Lunch will follow. Contact SarahDianne.Jones@upsem.edu for more information. …

Listening and Learning in Egypt

Today was rich in encounters with our Christian siblings in Egypt. We spent the first half of the day visiting the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS). Founded in 1950, CEOSS has become a powerful force for good in Egypt. CEOSS’s Vice President, Mr. Momtaz Beshay, met with us and educated our group on how the organization orchestrates a …

Duc in Altum

…the site, explained each mosaic carefully. She not only shared each artist’s intention behind their piece, but also her own interpretations that centered on the message that Jesus is always there for you. As impressive as it was to walk in the steps of Jesus, what really stood out to me was the living faith of the communities of I …

From Galilee to the Dead Sea

…end my 31st year on this earth, I spent it with new and old friends and two of my favorite professors over a drink at Mikael Bar! Being at the Sea of Galilee has been a marvelous adventure for all. Tomorrow, we move to the final leg of our journey, to the city of Jerusalem. –Katie Carboni 1st year, MDiv/MAPT …