June 2008 E-Newsletter 

Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
3401 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Claire Mills
Phone: 804.278.4265
FAX: 804.355.5648
E-mail: cmills@union-psce.edu

Class of 2008 Leaves for New Paths in Ministry

Union-PSCE held its 196th commencement exercises on May 31 at Reveille United Methodist Church in Richmond.

Dr. Gary Charles (D.Min.'80), pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA, delivered the commencement sermon, and he offered a word of advice.

"As you prepare to leave Union-PSCE to serve as educators, pastors, professors, chaplains, counselors, prophets, my one piece of unsolicited advice is this: 'Get a life!' "

The title of Charles's address, "Get a Life," was based on three biblical texts, Proverbs 19:23; Mark 8:34-37; and Revelation 12:10-11. In his sermon, he urged the graduates to get a life, not in response to the expectations of the world, but a life lived in response to God's calling.

"Just when you are about to be handed a diploma to certify that you have completed your theological education and you can now officially begin your ministry after all these years of training, Jesus shows up saying, 'Alright, you are ready to get a life. So, give yours away!' " said Charles.

President Brian Blount participated in the commencement ceremony, the conclusion to his first academic year as president of Union-PSCE.

During the commencement service, Union-PSCE conferred 66 degrees including 18 Master of Divinity degrees and 17 Master of Arts in Christian Education degrees. Two students received both degrees in the school's dual degree program. Four students received Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Eleven received Master of Theology degrees, and nine received Doctor of Ministry degrees. In addition, five were awarded Ph.D. degrees.

Among the graduates this year was a student from Myanmar, Victor Vula. Vula received a Th.M. degree and plans to return to Myanmar, the former Burma, in August to pursue educational ministry. He is deeply saddened by the cyclone that devastated his home country in May. "I am thankful for the continued prayerful support for my family and the people of Myanmar that the glory of the Lord will be revealed in this turmoil," said Victor. 

Another international student from the Solomon Islands, Alpheaus Zobule, received a Ph.D. degree. Zobule who translated the New Testament into his native language, was the first person to ever transcribe the spoken language of Lunga into written form. Zobule will continue his work with the Bible Society of the South Pacific.

Earlier this spring, 16 graduates received degrees from the extension campus in Charlotte, N.C. on April 26 at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Read more about graduation in Charlotte and in Richmond. Look for a slideshow of photos, a list of graduates, and the texts of both commencement addresses.