Upcoming Events

All classes and events will take place online.

Difficult Texts: What the Bible Really Says About Poverty, Authority, and the Status Quo

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

Knee-Deep in Flotsam: Reimagining Ministry Now That Everything Has Changed

Albright-Deering Lecture in Methodist Studies with Kenda Creasy Dean, Feb. 18, 2021 (Registration deadline: Feb. 4, 2021)

Hope and Healing: Responding to Mental Health Issues in Youth and Young Adults

With Michelle Snyder, March 17, 25, April 7, 2021

Other Upcoming Events

Click on the image to learn more.

A Spiritual Formation Required Course with L. Roger Owens, March 7-10, 2021

Religion and the Common Good with Valarie Kaur, Parker J. Palmer, and Carrie Newcomer, May 24-25, 2021 (photo credit Dave DiCello)

I heard a loud voice from the throne say, "Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Then the one seated on the throne said, "Look! I’m making all things new." He also said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:3-5

What a vision, friends—and after a year like the one we have put behind us, what a vision to propel us into the new beginning we have just been given! Throughout both Testaments, our God is always making things new - and the vision of the “new” is always marked by the well-being, abundant life, and flourishing of all creation. The Incarnation reminds me of the precious invitation we have from God to participate in this holy and whole-making work; God has chosen to dwell among us, to make our lives the place where this vision will become real, trustworthy, and true!

However, we are not there yet. We will not get there by simply “putting the past behind us.” We have much healing work to do in the year ahead, many things to grieve, breaches to repair, and hurting people to hold. How are we, as individuals and communities, to turn to this work?

We have filled our coming months in Continuing Education with online opportunities to gather, pray, discuss, and imagine how our faith and traditions prepare us for times such as these:

• Four Wednesdays in February, the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, will lead us in a Wednesday night Bible study exploring the scriptural texts that call us to be on the side of the poor. Convene a group at your church to participate in this together!

• At our Albright-Deering event, the Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean asks the question on most pastors’ minds: “How do we reimagine ministry now that everything has changed?” Registration ends early for this event, so sign up soon!

• We are coming to terms with the impact this past year has had on the mental health of all of us, especially our young people. Join us for Hope and Healing—a program designed to provide the tools you need to offer spiritual care more effectively to youth and young adults affected by mental illness and mental health issues. Come for one intensive day or join us for all three sessions.

All of these events are free!

In addition, here is something else to look forward to: we are delighted that the one and only Parker J. Palmer will be keynoting our Henderson Summer Leadership Conference, along with civil rights activist / author Valarie Kaur and singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer! Together we will reclaim our religious commitments and communities as mechanisms for advancing the common good and the flourishing of all. Registration will be limited for this event.

Behold, God makes all things new—and God asks to do that work with us, not just for us. How will we say yes to that invitation in 2021?

Happy, Hopeful New Year!
Helen Blier
Director, Continuing Education

P.S. The Seminary is pleased to offer our 2021 Lenten Devotional. This free online resource provides a devotional for each day of Lent based on the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s daily lectionary. This year's devotionals are written by PTS alums and can be accessed in various ways: read and listen online or print and share, receive daily e-mails, follow along on Facebook and Twitter, download our free Android or Apple app, or request your printed copy. Additionally, other Lenten resources will be available for download soon. Visit the website to learn more.

Looking Forward at PTS

Faith-based Nonprofit Training for Church Leaders
Have you heard or even uttered the phrase, "I didn’t learn how to do that in seminary!"? Have you wondered "Who even does know how to draft a policy for financial management oversight?"

Join the Seminary’s Church Planting Initiative Feb. 22, March 22, and April 26, 2021, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., for "Faith-based Nonprofit Training." During these virtual sessions, church leaders will discuss such topics as human resources for staff and volunteers, cultural competencies, funds development, responsible community engagement, and other topics relevant to new and inherited church contexts. We’ll address the day-to-day skills that aren’t covered in theology courses and are perhaps best learned alongside practice once you are in the field. The price is $100 for all three sessions. Space is limited! Contact Karen Rohrer, director of the Seminary’s Church Planting Initiative, with questions: krohrer@pts.edu or 412-924-1412.