For All That Is To Be

Dag Hammarskjöld, the second secretary general of the United Nations, served from 1953 until his death in an airplane crash in 1961. A collection of his private journal reflections, published after his death, includes one of my favorite prayers:

"For all that has been—Thanks. For all that shall be—Yes."

This prayer guides me as the director of Continuing Education. I celebrate the Seminary’s rich history of lifelong theological learning, including programs like the endowed lectures and conferences. Meanwhile, paradigm shifts in theological education and religious communities call for responsive innovation from this office. I am energized by this challenge of aligning existing and new offerings with a broader strategic vision.

In newsletters since May, I’ve been sharing the four core values:

Value 4: CE is strategic in its planning for both maximum impact and faithful stewardship of resources

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has a strong legacy of stability, resourcefulness, and vision. With this in mind, Continuing Education strives for excellence in programming and faithfulness in stewardship of all that is entrusted to us. A feature of our programming is the annual Endowed Lecture Series, made possible by the generosity of those who have gone before us and enabling us to bring world-renowned lecturers to campus, offering many of these events at no cost to participants. Our deep, long-standing relationships with regional judicatories and community partners allow us to reach a wider audience and share resources for the furthering of God’s kingdom. All of this enables us to offer affordable opportunities for lifelong theological learning.

This value is a commitment to living each day in keeping with Hammarskjöld’s prayer. We give thanks for past support, and remain open to a Spirit-led "yes," always seeking opportunities to equip the future of the Church in new ways.

Peace,
The Rev. Erik Hoeke
Director of Continuing Education
McNaugher 211
412-924-1346
ehoeke@pts.edu

P.S. Are you feeling tired or burnt out in your ministry, or simply in need of an adventure to disrupt your regular routines? Current student Emily Cowser has designed and will facilitate a restorative wilderness experience for pastors in early 2025 as part of her M.Div. emphasis in leading new faith communities. You're invited to canoe and camp in the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande. Learn more and apply before the Nov. 22 deadline! Space is limited.

Judaism Is About Love!

A Conversation with Rabbi Shai Held and the Rev. Dr. Jerome Creach

Feb. 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
In Person and Online

A dramatic misinterpretation of the Jewish tradition has shaped the history of the West: Christianity is the religion of love, and Judaism the religion of law. In the face of centuries of this widespread misrepresentation, Rabbi Shai Held recovers the heart of the Jewish tradition in his most recent book, Judaism Is About Love. Rabbi Held will be joined in conversation with the Rev. Dr. Jerome Creach, Robert C. Holland Professor of Old Testament at PTS. Rabbi Held and Dr. Creach will share their mutual scholarly interest in the Hebrew Bible and consider how each of their traditions—Judaism and Christianity—are religions of love rooted in these Scriptures. Learn more.

Albright-Deering Lectures in Methodist Studies

What Do We Do Now? Rebuilding After The Storms Have Passed

Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr.

Feb. 18, 2025, 4:00-7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, In Person and Online

Feb. 19, 2025, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Edinboro United Methodist Church, Edinboro, Pa., In Person Only

The pandemic and debates about disaffiliation have taken a toll on many congregations. Adding to these challenges is an era of declining overall religious participation in the country. While weariness is understandable, inertia and despair are not inevitable. Many congregations now feel freed to explore new directions for their churches as familiar patterns no longer work as they once did. Churches are finding hope and energy as they build on their founding values and and purpose in discerning the next faithful steps God has for their congregations.

Free and open to the public. In collaboration and co-sponsored with the Western PA United Methodist Conference. Learn more.

Elsewhere in the Neighborhood

Transforming Traumas: Fostering Hope and Resilience in our Neighborhoods, LKelso Lecture and Metro-Urban Institute Conference with Keri Day, March 13-14, 2025

PTS News and Resources

Upcoming BookTalk

Season’s Greetings: Christmas Letters from Those Who Were There with Ruth L. Boling ’24

Dec. 5, 2024
In-Person and Online

Rediscover the beloved Christmas story this year through the words of those who were there. From King Herod to the Magi, the innkeeper, the midwife—and even Jesus himself—hear the dramatic stories of the Bible characters forever changed by the miracle that took place in Bethlehem so long ago. As we hear the multiple perspectives on what Jesus’ birth and life meant for these characters of old, we’re invited to ask what it means for us, now, today. Ruth Boling is a 2024 graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry Creative Writing and Public Theology focus and serves as a Presbyterian pastor. Register here.

PTS Advent Devotional and Resource Kit Available

The Seminary’s 2024 Advent Devotional and Resource Kit are now available! These free, online resources provide a devotional for each day of Advent, based on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s daily lectionary, as well as other downloadable resources, including sermons, children's activities, and more. The 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. (Scroll to the bottom of this e-mail, select “Preferences,” watch for an e-mail from GoDaddy with the link to change your subscription, and pick “Devotionals (Advent & Lent)” from the list. Or, enter your information online and select “Devotionals (Advent & Lent).”)

Request your printed copy. Call 412-362-5610 or e-mail reception@pts.edu.

Learn more.

Continuing Education is part of the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative, which includes the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry, Continuing Education, Faith Forming Families Network, Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology, Metro-Urban Institute, Miller Summer Youth Institute, and World Mission Initiative. Together, in their respective and collective work, these programs foster vocational discernment, co-learning, and transformative action for the common good by connecting diverse neighbors locally and globally.