Upcoming Events

The following classes will take place online.

Spiritual Care in an Age of Social Upheaval

With Danielle Buhuro, Feb. 2, 2022

Entering the Psalms

With Rachel Barenblat, March 10, 17, 24, 31, 2022

Wise Women 2.0: Love

With Jacqui Lewis, Feb. 17, 2022

E*piph*a*ny: (n) a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way

I have always loved the feast of Epiphany. The story holds such a wealth of meaning; three strangers, bearing gifts, guests of a poor teenaged mom and her newborn. The time lapse between the feast of the Incarnation—Christmas—and the recognition of the event’s significance, marked 12 days later. (Hot take: Just because God does something remarkable, it doesn’t mean that we actually recognize it when it happens.) And, the dream they have on the way home! Who among us has the temerity to listen to our dreams?

This year, I am most taken by the courage of the wise men. They had spent their lives watching for signs, discerning the real from the distraction, honing their skills, and cultivating their capacities for wonder and insight. They did this by poring over the sacred texts, consulting with each other, paying close attention to what was happening around them. Then when they saw something they knew to be extraordinary—the star —they packed up and followed where it led. Even though it took them into unknown territory.

Friends, isn’t this akin to what we are being asked to do? Attend carefully to the words of text and neighbor. Pray. Listen. Discern. Be willing to take a journey that will lead us into an unfamiliar landscape and out of our comfort zones. It is not easy, to be sure—and it is even a bit scary. However, this is what we were made for! Remember what met the wise men on the other side—an experience of the divine that opened their eyes, brought them to their knees, and compelled them to deep generosity. All of this, incarnated in the most unexpected of sights: a teenaged mom and her newborn, unremarkable to those who could not see what was really there.

May we too have the courage to step into the unknown—and the ability to recognize God’s presence in that space, likely dressed in the most surprising of ways.

Happy New Year!
Helen Blier
Director, Continuing Education

P.S. Friends, in the interest of comfort and safety, our office is postponing the Kelso Lecture and Community Conversation on Race and Faith until later this year. If you have registered for these events, we will notify you once new dates are set. Thank you for your flexibility.

Attention Carrie Newcomer Fans:

PTS is delighted to be a participating sponsor once again for two of her upcoming livestreamed concerts! Carrie’s experience of the holy in the everyday and her commitment to peace and the well-being of all inspires her songwriting, and she has been a wonderful friend to our Continuing Education program.

Use the following links to purchase your tickets and PTS will receive 30 percent of the proceeds!

January 23 Full Album Concert Tickets

January 27 Special Request Concert Tickets

Two Ways to Help

Speaking of gifts and uncharted territory . . . Wed., Feb. 9 will mark our fourth annual Day of Giving, and we need your support! During these past two years, our commitment has been to care for the caregivers. We have been able to faithfully support you in your lives and ministries with spiritual nourishment and equip you with new strategies to navigate these unprecedented challenges.

There are still communities to serve and people to lift up, as well as a new future God is calling us to build! If you appreciate what we have been doing, you can support this ongoing work by making a contribution or serving as a Day of Giving ambassador. You can make your gift online Feb. 9 during our Day of Giving. If you’d like more information about serving as an ambassador, please contact me at hblier@pts.edu.