Ghana Travel Seminar: The ties that bind

…continents and despite the distance that may be created by language and culture, we are bound together in our dedication to use our gifts and talents, our imagination, and our creativity— whether in scholarship, in pastoral care, or in community organizing to work for God’s Kingdom and God’s people. We are united in our commitment to bring more peace, more…

Student Formation and Community Life Manager ( COM 2022)

Ghana Travel Seminar: Touching the lives of children and teenagers

…enrolled from all over Ghana and from different denominations. One thousand seven hundred of these girls live at the school and 300 commute daily. The school’s curriculum includes science, at, Home economics, business, computer science, worship, and various sports. Classrooms accommodate 55 to 70 students daily. In addition to their studies and extracurricular activities, the girls receive positive reinforcement, assuring…

S. Dean McBride Jr. (1937-2020): A Tribute

…scene of Moses on Mt. Sinai and moving through and into the New Testament. This revelation of God’s name, he argued, expressed a particularity of God’s nature that demanded that God’s people commit to justice. As a person, though, Dean had a rakish smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Early into my first seminar with Dean, I was…

A Prayer of God’s protection, deliverance, and safety

…no evil shall be able to fall upon or touch us, and no sickness or disease can come upon us, or even come near our home or our families. We thank You Father for commanding Your angels to watch over us and protect us wherever we go. They are encamped in a hedge of protection around us. They shall preserve…

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%…

UPSem board of trustees elects new leadership

…the larger PCUSA community of seminary presidents and board chairs, said UPSem’s President Brian K. Blount. “Rikard will be greatly missed. And yet, Union’s bench is deep. Alex Evans and Ed Roberson bring with them the complete confidence of the board. They both have years of leadership experience in the church and on the board. As president, I could not…

Gems for The Journey: Memorializing African American Inventors by Rev. Veronica Thomas (M.Div.’07)

…1923, he invented the first traffic signal. This safety device eliminates traffic jams and accidents on our busy city streets. The General Electric Corporation purchased the rights to Morgan’s traffic signal for $40,000. Morgan also invented the gas mask which is worn by fire persons to breathe freely when they enter a smoke-filled building. The gas mask helps the firepersons…

2020 JustAct Spring Edition

PDF of print newsletter

Kate Meeks: Theology & Food Justice

…Theology & Food Justice Nancy Myer: Lifelong learning Senator Scott: Finding community and connection Colleen Earp: Camping, conservation, and chickens In “Reference” to Paula Skreslet Paul Smith: From police officer to pastor Heather Woodworth Brannon advocates for housing justice in Richmond Student Spotlight BY MOLLIE TRAINUM Is there a theological element to food? Does spirituality matter in environmental matters? New…

A call to serve those in hurricane’s path

…the flooding,” he says, “and the elderly and the poor there are very vulnerable.” He cites the work of Catholic Charities and the local Harrelson Center as profoundly important in the distribution of food and supplies. He also expresses gratitude for the relief workers of FEMA and the Red Cross. “Now, the work of immediate ‘relief’ gradually becomes the work…

Student finds her fit at UPSem Charlotte

by Gregg Brekke | Presbyterian News Service     While there may no longer be a standard path for those who enter seminary, Lucy Crain’s journey has taken her to places few will ever see. The second year student at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s satellite campus in Charlotte, North Carolina says until recently she never anticipated she’d be studying for ministry….

Joins us for lunch at APCE Feb 8

Alumni & Friends Luncheon at the APCE Conferences Friday, February 8, 2019, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Galveston Island Convention Center 5600 Seawall Boulevard Galleon II Room, First Floor Galveston, Texas 77551 You don’t have to be registered for APCE to attend the luncheon. All alums and friends are welcome. The cost to attend the luncheon is $20. Register now!…

Central America Travel Seminar: The War Years

…attempting to conscript children by entering schools or who they found playing outside. The legal age for conscript at the time was 16, but kids who looked capable of holding a weapon were all the military needed to conscript the boys. Carlos was 12 in 1989 and had almost been conscripted twice, saved only by his pleading mother and father….

UPSem Alumni Luncheon-Going Global

“Going Global” held at the APCE (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) national gathering, February 8, at the Galveston (TX) Convention Center. Over 75 alumni and seminary friends attended.  …

Just Jesus in the Public Square – A Social Justice Conversation

Alumni and friends of UPSem in the Charlotte area gathered for “Just Jesus in the Public Square – A Social Justice Conversation” at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church on March 17. Sponsored by the seminary’s Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation, the conversation between NC State Senator Jeff Jackson and former NC State Senator Jeff Tarte was moderated by UPSem professor…

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 Ministry–Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church–Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church is searching for a full-time Director of Youth Ministry to help lead our young people in grades 6-12. A secondary emphasis will be on MPPC’s college aged young adults. Read the full job description and qualifications at https://mppc.net/careers/. Questions about this opportunity and resumes may be emailed to Dan Wiard at dwiard@mppc.net. Director-of-Youth-Ministry-MPPC…

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…

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…

Digital scams, lies, and deceits cost

…that unknown spyware was being removed from my laptop and that I was getting a Microsoft upgrade. Ignorance is not bliss; it is expensive! Yes, I reported the incident to my bank immediately and took all the necessary steps to protect my funds, i.e., closed out and opened a new bank account with new cards; shared photographs, receipts, and copies…

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…