2023 African American Preaching Series

…said Rev. Hawkins. “Advocacy is a spiritual endeavor.” At the conclusion of this invigorating reminder that we are endowed with the Word of God that authorizes us as agents of justice, I walked away with the understanding that it is not about religion, radicalism, or even righteousness, but it is indeed about relationship(s). This understanding serves as the basis for…

A History of Homelessness

…to those in need. There have been distinct periods of homeless in America, according to historians. When first used in the United States in the 1870s, the term “homeless” was used to describe itinerant tramps who traversed the country in search of work. Prior to that time, most Americans had lived in rural areas, farming or working in skilled trades,…

The Wrong Story

…at odds with each other to create endless conflict and therefore make them pliable and easier to control. And it worked! It worked well when the minority Alawite Muslims were put in power in Syria and the Sunni majority was subjugated to them. It worked well when the Sunni Muslims were put in power in largely Shiite Iraq. It worked…

Credit

…you from spiraling into debt by forgetting how much you currently owe and being unprepared to pay it off before interest rates get the better of you and your finances. Student Loans: There’s an upside to those loans! If you pay your loans in full and on time, it will increase your credit score. However, defaulting on your loan payments…

The Injustice of the Unhoused

…in its 2022-23 Dangerous Dialogue Series, “The Injustice of the Unhoused.” We opened the series on October 13, 2022, with regional and national leaders who are involved in the fight for housing justice and a conversation about both the historic and current housing landscape in our nation. Dr. Susie Shannon reminded us that housing injustice is rooted in racism and…

Just Preach / Just Act: The 2022 African American Social Justice Preaching Series

…is about God and God’s work in the world.” Rev. Nelson Johnson and Joyce Johnson, co-executive directors of Beloved Community Center in Greensboro, continued the conversation by adding, “Preaching God’s truth is more important than ever, but if we preach without acting, the preaching is diminished. It has no transformative power. Preach the Word, then act the Word.” In reference…

Free Public Lecture to be led by Director of Syngman Rhee Global Mission Center on March 25

…Protestant Christianity drew theological resources from the western Holiness tradition and their own folk worldviews to evolve their own form of Pentecostalism. Dr. Taneti will also analyze the impact of social aspirations and dominant cultures in the flourishing and warping of these eclectic traditions. Dr. James Taneti is the Director of the Syngman Rhee Global Mission Center for Christian Education…

Professor emeritus, church musician David McCormick dies

…Institute of Sacred Music). He also served churches in Tyler and Dallas, Texas; and Denver, Colorado. For many years, he was a GPPC member even while serving in three other Richmond churches – Episcopal Church of the Creator, Bethlehem Presbyterian, and St. Thomas Episcopal. A memorial service is scheduled for November 2 at 2:00 pm at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church….

Union Seminary announces new admissions directors

…is a Master of Divinity student at Union (UPSem). She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Marcy Wright is a native of Hampton, Virginia, and has worked in non-profit management for 28 years. She is a…

Relationships

…all: money. Money is a major cause of conflict in relationships, but understanding your partner’s money preferences is one step to combat potential conflict. Just because you may discover that you and your partner differ in how you value money does not mean that you are incompatible together. However, it is vital to your relationship that you are aware of…

de’Angelo Dia accepts call to direct Charlotte campus admissions

…of Arts in Literature from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “I look forward to serving you as the new director of admissions, contributing to nurturing community in the world, nurturing church in the world, and getting to know the community better,” Dia said. Dia is an alumni artist-in-residence of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation, the Virginia…

New grant to study diversity, equity, and inclusion in preaching and homiletics

…Equity, and Inclusion in the Academy of Homiletics (AOH)” funded by The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. Through both qualitative and quantitative research methods, Drs. Voelz and Schade, along with four project consultants and four doctoral students in homiletics, will analyze and assess how AOH members have emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching since…

Debt

…whatever is left over from your paycheck or by working another job). Once this first debt is paid, move on to the next debt on your list by rolling the money that would have been used on the first debt into paying off the second (here’s where the snowball idea comes from). If you’re more concerned with interest rate, you…

JustAct Spring 2021 Issue

Read the Spring 2021 JustAct print edition by clicking the link below JustAct Spring 2021 Issue…

Former Union Faculty Member, Dr. Charles Mason Swezey, dies

Former Union Theological Seminary (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) faculty member, Dr. Charles Mason Swezey, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 20, 2022, at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He was 86. Dr. Swezy was a professor of Christian Ethics and served as dean of the faculty at Union Theological Seminary, before retiring in 2003. OBITUARY…

McFayden named president of APCE

…educational ministries in the Church and increase the ongoing witness of our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At his installation, McFayden cited three strategic priorities for the coming years: increase the accessibility and availability of APCE-generated resources to people serving in the Christian educational ministries of the church. increase opportunities at the local and regional levels. develop facilitated…

Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley Named Next President of Union Presbyterian Seminary

…the Seminary. She is the right leader for the years to come. I want to thank the search committee for their faithful work.” Lapsley will begin her duties on July 1, 2023. President Brian K. Blount retires on June 30, 2023, after sixteen years at the helm of the Seminary. Blount added, “I have known Dr. Lapsley for two decades….

Information for 2023 Educator Cohorts

JustAct Spring 2020 Issue

Read the issue by clicking on the link below: 2020 JustAct Spring Edition…

JustAct Fall 2020 Issue

Read the Fall issue by clicking on the link below: JustAct 2020 Fall Issue…

Information for 2023 CRE Cohorts