Student Formation and Community Life Manager ( COM 2022)

An elementary school education’s impact

…he said “We must remember that intelligence is not enough — intelligence plus character — that’s the goal of true education.” A complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. “The broad education will therefore, transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race, but also the accumulated experience of…

Ghana Travel Seminar: Touching the lives of children and teenagers

…Equally impressive is the Outreach Ministry of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and how it is touching the lives of children and teenagers outside of their community of faith. Today we visited the Wawuko (Accept God) High School for girls ages 13 -19. The school is funded by the church with some assistance from the government. Founded In 1983 by…

4 things about Sam Shields’ summer break

…primary focus is to provide pastoral care to campers and staff over the entire summer camp season. This job qualifies as my Church in the World requirement under community engagement, but I have come to understand the responsibility as chaplain as much more interdisciplinary than neatly defined course descriptions (which believe me, I love a well-defined syllabus). In this position,…

Master of Divinity

Students come to seminary for the M.Div. degree program in search of knowledge, skills for ministry, and a profound experience in community of the gospel’s liberating power. Graduates of the Master of Divinity program serve in various capacities and ministerial settings: churches, camps, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, conference centers, and ecclesial governing bodies. UPSem has a placement rate of 92%…

India travel seminar: Deep care & kindness

…traveled north from the place we had come to know over the past few days. There were many familiarities from home — the fields and farms supplying the city, the groups of children playing at jump rope and flying kites, men and women working in smaller villages at rail line repair, construction, or cooking the morning meal over a low…

Seminarians for Social Justice

…there are always gaps. Our seminary education serves as a reminder of both this reality and the fact that Jesus has commissioned us to combat injustice and oppression. A second important benefit of seminary education is that it helps us approach social justice issues with surgical precision rather than just by viewing them through a more in-depth theological lens. As…

2020 JustAct Spring Edition

PDF of print newsletter

A History of Homelessness

…compassion, we have seen a trend of outright attacks on people on the streets. There is contempt. There is vilification of people in ways that we are still struggling to address and fully comprehend. There is little understanding that people experiencing homelessness are often the victims of criminalization patterns, scorn, and community outrage. We have reached an inflection point, with…

Children’s Ministry Interim Coordinator, Sardis Presbyterian Church – Charlotte, NC

We are seeking an Interim Coordinator of Children’s Ministries who will serve the church by being responsible for ministering to all children (ages birth through 5th grade), and their families and nurture them in their journey of discipleship. Children’s Ministry Coordinator Interim Job Description…

Director of Youth and Children–Three Chopt Presbyterian Church–Richmond, VA

Three Chopt Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA, is seeking a Director of Children and Youth Ministries. The position is part-time (up to 30 hours a week) with a salary range of $28K to $32K. The Director promotes a culture of valuing children of all ages and creating opportunities for Christian fellowship, service, and Christian Education. Work hours include remote work, Sunday…

India travel seminar begins

…century. Red Fort After touring around Red Fort we walked through a huge open market as we made our way to a mosque. It was such a neat experience to take in all the sites, and people, and food. Needless to say, we are all very tired after our first day in India and making the most of it as…

It Feels Good to Give!

…3:10 teaches us to give a full tithe to the Lord who will, “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” In the gospel of Luke, the evangelist tells us to, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over, will be put into your…

Ghana Travel Seminar: Time for church!

…is nothing frozen about these chosen. As we passed through the gates into a sultry open-air sanctuary, we were greeted by a sea of swaying hips, swinging arms, clapping hands, and singing voices. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! Acts 2:15 Our Ghanaian sisters and brothers embody joy in worship — even…

Helping cops cope with traumatic violence: VALEAP

…Union matters! podcast: Perils of peacemaking How to revitalize a church through music and drama We had our phones turned off during this interview to avoid interruption. So we didn’t know that as we were talking Nikolas Cruz allegedly walked into his Parkland, Florida, school and opened fire on classmates and teachers. it was one of the deadliest mass shootings…

Director of Child Care Center – St. Luke’s Church – Hickory, NC

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church’s Weekday Childcare Ministry provides high quality childcare for infant, toddler, and pre-school age children while sharing the love of God with families. Position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the St. Luke’s Child Care Center established to provide quality Christian education in a safe and nurturing environment.   Job Description Dir of Child…

Response to immigration ban

…open arms. Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry is so identified by travel that the Gospel of Luke records much of his ministry as a travel narrative. The early Christians, following the pattern of the Apostle Paul, not only traveled extensively but depended on the hospitality of strangers in foreign lands. In many cases, hospitality made the difference between life and death…

Seeking God amidst violence, politics, & inequality

…eyes are wide open. I’m looking for God’s presence, creativity, and re-generation in the midst of the chaos. I’m praying that my beliefs may be transformed into an embodied life of love and faith, and that God will work through me to help bring about the kingdom. And I’m taking Shannon’s charge to heart: “May peace take root in your…

Transgender student battles breast cancer in midst of studies

…On his right is 11-year-old Lee, gap-toothed and chatty. On his left is nine-year-old Maryrose, whose wispy, blond hair looks almost white. Mitchell thanks God for these tacos, and they all smile and say in unison, “Amen.” READ MORE   Above, Mitchell, a Master of Divinity student, attended Opening Convocation at the Charlotte Campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary September 17….

Ghana’s Cape Coast

…a family meal of grilled fish, rice, salad, fufu, and bananas. We discussed how the history of the Middle Passage and Transatlantic Slave Trade is still mythological to some despite the evidence we witnessed and the fluidity and hybridity of African spirituality in relation to Christianity. This trip so far has been enriching and eye opening in its cultural exploration…

Jimmie Hawkins, M.A.’86, Recognized as 2024 UPSem Distinguished Alum

Richmond, VA (March 8, 2024)—As a communicator, Jimmie Hawkins is known for his advocacy and winsomeness. He leads the Office of Public Witness for the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, and has served as a resource to numerous committees within the Presbyterian church at all levels. “General Assembly (GA) policy of the Presbyterian Church…

UPSem Names Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty Next Vice President for Advancement

…contexts. A frequent guest speaker across the country, he welcomes invitations to collaborate, preach or present on theological education today, creating communities of call, stewardship that matters, mentoring and more. Dr. Hinson-Hasty has served since 2015 as Senior Director of Theological Education Funds Development for the Committee on Theological Education at the Presbyterian Church USA Foundation after a decade serving…