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2008 E-Newsletters
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2008 June E-Newsletter
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. In Charlotte, Union-PSCE held its third graduation ceremony on April 26.
Union-PSCE Welcomes New Member of Theology Faculty
Dr. Thomas A. James (Ph.D.'04) has accepted a call to join the department of theology and ethics at Union-PSCE to teach theology for a three-year term.
Belk Foundation Makes $100,000 Grant to Union-PSCE
Union-PSCE has received a $100,000 grant from The Belk Foundation to support the work of charting a new strategic direction for Union-PSCE. The grant will support the work of two agencies that will steer the seminary through this change of direction.
From the President
Campus Emergency Action Plan
President Brian Blount presents an update in the development of an Emergency Action Plan for the seminary.
Library Policy Changes Announced
Concentrating services on library's mission
During the summer, there will be a change in borrowing privileges for the collection in the William Smith Morton Library. New patrons from the general public who wish to begin using the library's resources will be charged a membership fee beginning July 1, 2008. Students, faculty, alumni/ae and staff of Union-PSCE will continue to enjoy full library privileges.
2008 May E-Newsletter
May 21, 2008
A Historic Moment
Union-PSCE Inaugurates President Brian K. Blount
In a festive outdoor ceremony on the seminary quadrangle, Brian K. Blount was inaugurated as President of Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education on Wednesday, May 7.
Sprunts Highlights
Record Crowd Attends Annual Alumni/ae Event
The Sprunt Lectures drew a crowd of more than 500 alumni/ae and friends of Union-PSCE to the Richmond campus May 5-7. Participants gathered for three days of lectures, worship, fellowship, and class reunions.
Commencement 2008
Union-PSCE held its third graduation ceremony in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, April 26. In Richmond, the commencement service will be held on Saturday, May 31.
Blog from the Middle East
Travel Seminar Visits Lands of Faith and History
A group of 37 students, professors and friends of Union-PSCE traveled to Egypt, Jordan and Israel/Palestine during May Term.
(Read their blog.)
Seeking Your Input
Many Voices. One Future.
Union-PSCE has begun a process of strategic planning, which will include the process of discovering our institutional identity, our "brand."
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Union-PSCE Luncheon at GA is June 25
When The General Assembly meets in San Jose, CA, in June, please make plans to attend the Union-PSCE luncheon on Wednesday, June 25.
2008 April E-Newsletter
April 21, 2008
President Blount’s Inauguration is May 7
Brian K. Blount will be inaugurated as President of Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m.
African American Theologians Gather
More than 19 African American Presbyterian scholars from theological seminaries, colleges, universities, and the church will make presentations at a national conference in Richmond, VA, May 5 – 7.
Still Time to Register for Sprunts
There's still time to register and make plans to attend the Sprunt Lectures, May 5-7, 2008. Richard B. Hays, a professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School, will lecture on "Israel’s Scripture Through the Eyes of the Gospel Writers."
Early Center Construction Complete
Construction of the Allen and Jeannette Early Center for Christian Education and Worship has been completed. See a slide show of the building in its final stages of construction.
Cornel West Tickets Went Fast
Tickets for the Cornel West lecture at Union-PSCE were gone in a matter of minutes. West, a nationally known professor at Princeton University, will lecture at Union-PSCE on April 23 in Watts Chapel.
Commencement Plans
Union-PSCE will hold its third graduation ceremony in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, April 26. Graduation in Richmond will be held on Saturday, May 31. Both events are slated for 10 a.m.
International Connection
Members of a Union-PSCE travel seminar, now back on campus, want to support their sisters in Ghana.
Glenn Birch Departs Union-PSCE
Glenn Birch, director of communications since December 1997, will leave Union-PSCE in May to become director of public and media relations at the Virginia Credit Union.
2008 March E-Newsletter
March 18, 2008
Early Center Nears Completion
Construction of the Allen and Jeannette Early Center for Christian Education and Worship has moved into its closing weeks. The building is being given new life as an academic and worship center for the seminary.
Plan to Attend Presidential Inauguration
Brian Blount will be inaugurated as President of Union-PSCE on Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m. The service of installation will be held on the seminary quadrangle. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for outdoor weather.
Gift Surprises Charlotte Dean
Students and alumni/ae secretly conspired to collect funds resulting in a $3,000 gift to Union-PSCE in honor of Tom Currie, dean of Union-PSCE at Charlotte.
Union-PSCE Team Goes to N’awlins
A mission team of 13 Union-PSCE students is traveling to New Orleans over Spring Break to help build houses for residents who lost homes in Hurricane Katrina.
Seminary Video Online
Brief videos featuring students, faculty, and staff have been incorporated in the Union-PSCE website. They discuss the value of seminary education and the ways Union-PSCE has prepared them for ministry.
Zink-Sawyer Sermon Online
Beverly Zink-Sawyer’s outstanding inaugural address is available online. The lecture and sermon was given February 20 as she became the Samuel W. Newell, Jr. Professor of Preaching and Worship.
Indian Scholar to Give Lecture
In a lecture honoring professor emeritus Donald Dawe and his wife Nancy, Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh will speak on Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Watts Chapel.
Teams Rally for Frisbee
Union-PSCE will host the Fourth Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament April 18-20. Students from several theological schools will meet for friendly competition and fellowship with their future colleagues in ministry.
Cornel West Tickets Available April 1
Tickets for the Cornel West lecture at Union-PSCE become available to the public on April 1. West, an honored professor of Princeton University, will lecture at Union-PSCE on April 23 in Watts Chapel. Seating is limited.
How Do I Register for the Sprunt Lectures?
Please register and plan to attend the Sprunt Lectures, May 5-7, 2008. Richard B. Hays, Professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School, will lecture on "Israel’s Scripture Through the Eyes of the Gospel Writers." A full schedule of activities is online.
Isabel Rogers Honored
The Library of Virginia has chosen Dr. Isabel Wood Rogers as one of its “Virginia Women in History” for 2008. “Dr. Izzie” was professor emerita of applied Christianity following 37 years of teaching. She died in 2007.
Commencement Plans in Charlotte and Richmond
Union-PSCE will hold graduation ceremonies in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA, this spring. Commencement in Charlotte is April 26 at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church. In Richmond, commencement will be on May 31 at Reveille United Methodist Church.
2008 February E-Newsletter
February 15, 2008
Extended Campus Program
Educator Certification Courses Offered
Church educators who seek certification in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) now have a new series of courses available to them.
The Sprunt Lectures
Three Trustees Join Board
Three new members have been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Union-PSCE.
Six Congregations Honored
The 2008 Congregation Awards honor congregations for innovative ministry in Christian education, outreach and social concern, and ministry with young children and youth.
William A. White Recognized
Friends and admirers of William A. White, Jr., have established a Fund for Teaching Excellence at the seminary in his honor.
Scholar of Indian Religions to Present Lecture
A professor of religious studies at Colby College will speak at Union-PSCE on March 27.
Cornel West Speaks April 23
Dr. Cornel West, will give a public lecture at Union-PSCE at 7 p.m. on April 23, 2008.
New website
Congregations Seeking Students
The Office of Field Education and Placement has developed a new website, a help to students and congregations.
Out and About with President Blount
President Brian Blount continues to preach and meet members of congregations for discussions on the Bible and the church in the next generation.
New Book Shares Joy
Tom Currie, professor of theology and Dean of Union-PSCE at Charlotte, has written a new book on recovering the gospel’s joy for the church’s life and ministry.
Matching Gift Boosts Support
Friends of Union-PSCE have challenged alumni/ae of the seminary to increase support for The Ministry Fund with a $30,000 matching gift.
2008 January E-Newsletter
January 14, 2008
Task Force Formed
Group To Examine Christian Education in the Presbyterian Church
A task force of church educators, professors and alumni/ae will consider Christian education in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the role of Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education in equipping leaders in the field. The 18-member task force has been formed by Union-PSCE President Brian Blount and will be moderated by Ginny Ward Holderness, a Christian education consultant and trustee of the seminary.
Still Time to Register for APCE
Alumni/ae Luncheon is Feb. 15
There is still time to attend the Union-PSCE alumni/ae luncheon at the meeting of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. The annual APCE conference is being held in San Diego, CA. The lunch gathering will be held at the Town and Country (the conference hotel) on Friday, February 15. The event begins at 12:30 p.m.; the cost is $15 per person.
Beverly Zink-Sawyer To Give Inaugural Address
Beverly Ann Zink-Sawyer will be inaugurated in the Samuel W. Newell, Jr. Chair of Preaching and Worship on February 20, 2008 at 12 noon in Watts Chapel. The title of her inaugural lecture is "The 'Best' Is Yet to Be: The Pursuit of Preaching Perfection in Light of the Ineffable Word." A community lunch will follow the lecture. The public is invited.
Mark Your Calendar:
Presidential Inauguration and Sprunt Lectures in May 2008
The inauguration of Brian K. Blount as President of Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education will take place on the seminary campus at 4 p.m. on May 7, 2008. The inauguration will come at the conclusion of the annual Sprunt Lectures, May 5-7.
For the Sprunt Lectures, Richard B. Hays, New Testament Professor at Duke Divinity School, will speak on "Israel's Scripture Through the Eyes of the Gospel Writers."
Taste and See Offers Stimulating Programs
Jessica Tate, associate pastor of Fairfax Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA, will be the speaker for the Taste And See lunch program on Tuesday, January 29, in Lingle Reception Hall. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Sam Adams, assistant professor of Old Testament, will discuss "Death and the Afterlife in the Biblical World" at a Taste and See lunch on March 11.
Early Center Construction Making Progress
Progress continues on construction of the Allen and Jeannette Early Center for Christian Education and Worship at Union-PSCE. The project, a major renovation of the former library on the seminary campus, is scheduled for completion in April 2008.
Prayer and Healing
Can We See God At Work?
A distinguished professor of life sciences and religion will discuss the connection between prayer and healing in a public lecture, "Evidence of Things Not Seen: Scientific Studies of Intercessory Prayer," on Monday, January 28 at Union-PSCE. The event is sponsored by The Institute for Reformed Theology.
Charlotte Magazine Highlights Union-PSCE Graduate
John Cleghorn, a master of divinity graduate from Union-PSCE at Charlotte, is featured in an article in the January edition of Charlotte magazine.
