Upcoming Events

All classes and events will take place online.

Growing in Relationship with God: An Immersion Experience

A Spiritual Formation Foundational Retreat with Mary Lynn Callahan and B.J. Woodworth, Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, and 19, 2021 (Registration deadline: Jan. 5, 2021)

Signs, Symbols, and Sacred Spaces

With Derek Davenport, Jan. 18-Feb. 14, 2021 (Registration deadline: Jan. 6, 2021)

Wise Women and Spirituality Conversations and Community Series

With Barbara Brown Taylor, Jan. 21, 2021 (Registration deadline: Jan. 20, 2021)

The Art of Transitional Ministry (Basic Unit, Part 1) A Transitional Ministry Offering

With Pam Peterson, Erin Jones, Jan Nolting Carter, and Paul Rhebergen, Feb. 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 (Registration opens Dec. 17, 2020)

Other Upcoming Events

Click on the image to learn more.

The Kelso Community Conversation on Race and Faith with Liz Theoharis, Feb.3, 10, 17, and 24, 2021

Albright-Deering Lecture with Kenda Creasy Dean, Feb. 18, 2021

Photographer: Christian Noval

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
- John 1:14 (The Message)

Well, friends, it is our last newsletter for 2020. And, there’s nothing quite like the growing dark of winter and the year’s end—especially this year’s end—to put one in a reflective mood. A year ago, as we looked at the prospect of greeting 2020, we joked about the “perfect eyesight” suggested by the year ahead.

Little did we know how much this year would teach us . . . and how clearly we would come to see so many things:

• We’ve seen the resilience of pastors who have reimagined what church can be (after all, Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered,” not “Where we sing these hymns in this building . . .”).

• We’ve seen the courage of healthcare providers and essential workers, scientists and teachers who have done the most important and hardest work imaginable these days.

• We’ve seen the commitment of parents juggling work and children and illness with tenacity (and occasionally tears).

• We’ve seen what we can live with—and what we cannot live without.

Some of the things we’ve seen have been hard:

• We’ve seen how COVID-19 has exposed social and economic inequity as our poorest neighbors have suffered disproportionately.

• We’ve see how deeply the legacy of systemic racism is embedded in the fabric of our communities.

• We’ve seen how divided we are —and have become—while at the same time we are so deeply connected to each other, through breath and consequence.

In the end, it was into a similarly broken yet beautiful world that Jesus was born—and chooses to be present still! What else do we see? All of you—doing your faithful best to proclaim this Good News and care for people in these most challenging times. What a gift you are!

So, here’s to a Christmas unlike any other! May it fill your hearts and homes with joy, and may the clarity of 2020 vision point you with hope to the year ahead!

May the peace of Christ hold sway in our hearts, our streets, and our faith communities,
Helen Blier
Director, Continuing Education

P.S. Looking for how-tos to enhance your online Bible studies and worship services? Watch these two videos detailing how to use Zoom polls and breakout groups and best practices and ideas for virtual worship.

P.P.S. Again this year the Seminary will offer our Epiphany daily devotionals. To receive these reflections by e-mail, scroll to the bottom of this message, select “Preferences,” watch for an e-mail from GoDaddy with the link to change your subscription, and pick “Breakfast Epiphanies” from the list. Or enter your information online and select “Breakfast Epiphanies.”