Embracing the Womanist Tradition: Spiritual Formation, Companionship and Soul Work (Womanist Leadership Institute Course)

Thursdays, September 5-October 10 Instructor: Dr. Paula Parker There are three inherent components to womanist spiritual direction: 1) formation through practices, 2) companionship, and 3) vocation to do the work your soul must have. This course will offer an opportunity to experiment with spiritual disciplines, identify the essential qualities of spiritual companionship and draw inspiration from the spirit directed lives…

Embracing the Womanist Tradition: Spiritual Formation, Companionship and Soul Work (Womanist Leadership Institute Course)

Thursdays, September 5-October 10 Instructor: Dr. Paula Parker There are three inherent components to womanist spiritual direction: 1) formation through practices, 2) companionship, and 3) vocation to do the work your soul must have. This course will offer an opportunity to experiment with spiritual disciplines, identify the essential qualities of spiritual companionship and draw inspiration from the spirit directed lives…

Embracing the Womanist Tradition: Spiritual Formation, Companionship and Soul Work (Womanist Leadership Institute Course)

Thursdays, September 5-October 10 Instructor: Dr. Paula Parker There are three inherent components to womanist spiritual direction: 1) formation through practices, 2) companionship, and 3) vocation to do the work your soul must have. This course will offer an opportunity to experiment with spiritual disciplines, identify the essential qualities of spiritual companionship and draw inspiration from the spirit directed lives…

Dr. Galbreath to present at the North American Academy of Liturgy

Dr. Paul Galbreath will present a paper entitled “The Search for Earth-Inclusive Language: A Brief Survey of Three Proposals to the Revised Book of Common Worship” at the Annual Meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy in Vancouver, British Columbia. His presentation will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. Dr. Galbreath is Professor of Theology at Union…

Embracing the Womanist Tradition: Spiritual Formation, Companionship and Soul Work (Womanist Leadership Institute Course)

Thursdays, September 5-October 10 Instructor: Dr. Paula Parker There are three inherent components to womanist spiritual direction: 1) formation through practices, 2) companionship, and 3) vocation to do the work your soul must have. This course will offer an opportunity to experiment with spiritual disciplines, identify the essential qualities of spiritual companionship and draw inspiration from the spirit directed lives…

Statement from President Blount on the passing of former professor Dean McBride

…family. He was 83.   Though I had long known of his scholarly reputation for excellence, I first met Dean McBride when I was invited to serve on the Presbyterian Church’s Cooperative Committee on Examinations. Dean was already in place. Naturally, he was on the team that prepared the Bible Exegesis Exam. My first impression on meeting him in person?…

Dr. Paul Galbreath publishes book on process of change in Christian worship

…liturgical renewal worked in the past as well as offer a persuasive case for continual renewal that responds to key issues in our contemporary lives. Galbreath is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). His previous books include “Leading from the Table” (2008); “Leading through the Water” (2011); and “Leading into the World” (2014). ###…

Practicing Resurrection: Radical Discipleship for Beloved Community

Workshop with Janet Wolf, civil rights activist, educator and pastor. Co-sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary, the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation, the Leadership Institute, Neighborhood Seminary, and Hope 4 Humanity. In person or online!

Rev. Dr. James Forbes speaks on ‘COVID-19: A Parable of Plagues before Deliverance’

Sharing the Quiet: Strengthening Intergenerational Relationships

…could hear your voice and heart. Over the years, I have learned that listening is paramount to dialogue, learning, thinking, and that one is often heard even when one feels they are not, which is necessary for intergenerational relationships. You are reminding my generation that there are some stories that should not be hidden and how important it is to…

Congregational Corner: Time to Slow Down

By Rev. Jordan B. Davis (M.Div.‘14) Congregational Corner Over the past week, I have been reminded just how hectic and exhausting the season around Thanksgiving and Christmas can be for a pastor. This is a season of both thanksgiving and lament, and pastors are incredibly privileged to walk with individuals through it all. In my own experience, this is probably…

Dr. Patricia Vesely publishes book on the ethics of friendship in Job

RICHMOND, VA (May 10, 2019) — For classical philosophers, friendship was a serious topic of ethical reflection, yet in contemporary discussions on ethics, this subject is largely absent. Drawing upon Aristotelian ethics based on virtue, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical Hebrew Dr. Patricia Vesely examines friendship as a moral category in the Book of Job, illuminating those virtues, motivations, and…

Alum elected president of Ethiopian Evangelical Church

…four year term. “God is calling me into a challenge but for enormous blessing ahead. I am a team builder and prayer warrior. I see my success in this,” Rev. Yonas Yigezu said. Yonas Yigezu pursued his early education in Horest Spinnings Junior Secondary School in Challia, Wollega and Ghimbi High School. He then studied in Westhill College, England, where…

Currie Family Professorship

There are few families in Presbyterianism whose name is more synonymous with church history and mission — particularly those whose contributions to ministry and education have spanned nearly 100 years — than the Currie family. It is with this family’s devotion to the church and to theological education in mind that Union Presbyterian Seminary announces the establishment of the Currie…

A New Chapter

…to reveal in us, in this institution, in its students and faculty, in its curricular and mission endeavors. We want to see UPSem reveal to the world what God is revealing to us. And in so doing, we want this Seminary and its people to continue to embrace positive change.51 51. Brian K. Blount, personal correspondence, June 29, 2018. The…

President Blount statement on passing of Rev. Dr. Willie Woodson

…human being whose joy of life and passion for Christian discipleship shone through in everything he did and with everyone whom he engaged. Filled with an abundance of gratitude for how God had moved in his life, he responded by being abundant in love with others. A devoted pastor who retired from one pastorate into the ministry of another, he…

Union Seminary D.Min. program accepting applications

…based on personal and vocational interests. Students gain a deepened capacity for theological reflection on the practices of ministry, especially with respect to social justice and witness. Total tuition for this multi-year degree program is $10,000. Students are eligible for need-based aid. More information is available at https://www.upsem.edu/academics/programs/#dmin. ### MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Frontiero Director of Communications Union Presbyterian Seminary mfrontiero@upsem.edu…

Remembering Elizabeth Apperson Ramsey (1924-2016)

…generation to work with children in the church with godly teaching, creative fun, and gentle joy. It always seemed her privilege to be with the children at the Newbury School, and she was eager to pass that on. Whether in telling of Jesus in a heart capturing Bible story, or while finger painting, Liz “glowed” with her commitment to Christ,…

India travel seminar: Leaving our shoes at the door

This is post 9 of 11 in the series “India travel seminar” India travel seminar begins India travel seminar: Religious and cultural diversities India travel seminar: Deep care & kindness India travel seminar: A dream fulfilled India travel seminar: Spirit of the Sikhs India travel seminar: Observing faith formation practices India travel seminar: Andhara Christian Theological College India travel seminar:…

Public Theology Forum on Sept. 17 Offers Practical Ideas for Advocacy to Community Leaders

…witness responds to social issues rather than just echoing the politics of the day is part of public theology. Dr. Baard noted, “Instead of turning to media and culture in thinking about issues, I would like to see churches delve deeply into our biblical and theological resources in seeking how to respond to important issues of concern.” Having conversations on…

Living Generously

…the schedule that you have planned. God is a faithful provider who gives us our “daily bread”. It is our responsibility to respond similarly. Be a Regular giver. We should also be Intentional givers. Would you like it if God was not intentional in provisions for you – breathing, eating, loving relationships? Intentional givers remember to pledge, then pay. Give…

Started UPSem 2002: Rev. Lori Raible (MDiv 2006)

…her studies in 2002, the seminary in Charlotte was just beginning to offer its first classes, too. At its inception, the Charlotte faculty had four dedicated members. She remembers that they were “steadfast, tenacious, and scrappy. The well was deeper than it was wide, yet they were ‘all in.’” It is that sense of being “all in” that attracted Raible…