United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

Community Programming

The mission of Community Programming at United Theological Seminary seeks to sustain religious leaders and serve as a resource of theological inquiry, spiritual formation, and ethical development for the wider community.

We offer exciting courses, workshops, lectures, exhibits, and more throughout the year that include educational opportunities for congregational leaders (both ordained and lay), as well as opportunities for spiritual enrichment and theological exploration. The newly established Academy for Vital Christianity offers longer-term courses designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition. Please join us for a program that meets your needs and interests.

END-OF-LIFE CARE CHOICES: ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
BROWN BAG LUNCH DISCUSSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
12:15-1:15 PM

Stefan Pomrenke, a medical representative from “Honoring Choices Minnesota,” will present resources and lead a discussion that is open to anyone. Co-sponsored by Honoring Choices Minnesota.**

Stefan Pomrenke, MD, MPH, MATS, is a recently graduated family physician with a deep interest in the intersection of theology and preventive health. His studies in theology surrounded the works of Reinhold Niebuhr and how Christian Realism can engage the current status of healthcare in America. His studies in public health put these ideals into practice, studying the readiness of seminarians to discuss end-of-life issues with their future congregants. The original study was created in Richmond, Va., and replicated in Minnesota, including United as a study participant. He sees the engagement of the church in creation care, preventive health, and advanced care planning as vital to the ongoing health of the church.

Fee: No charge or preregistration required
Lunch: You may purchase a meal in United's Context Café or bring your own.
Event location: Steckel Learning Center

**Honoring Choices Minnesota is an effort of the Twin Cities Medical Society and its foundation to encourage families and communities to have discussions regarding end-of-life care choices. Twin Cities Public Television is supporting "Honoring Choices Minnesota" with efforts to reach and engage Minnesota citizens in this effort.

Twin Cities Medical Society (TCMS) is a membership organization representing over 5,000 practicing physicians, resident physicians, and medical students in the seven-county metro area. TCMS exists to connect, represent, and engage physicians in improving the practice of medicine, policy development, and public health initiatives. Honoring Choices Minnesota has been a key project since 2008.

One of the nation's leading public media organizations, Twin Cities Public Television (tpt) uses television, interactive media, and community engagement to advance education, culture, and citizenship. Based in St. Paul, tpt is one of the highest-rated PBS affiliates in the nation, reaching over 1.3 million people each month through multiple broadcast and online channels. The mission of tpt is to "enrich lives and strengthen our community through the power of media."

EMERGING AND EMERGENT CHURCH COMMUNITIES: CONVERSATIONS AND PRACTICES THAT ARE TRANSFORMING CHURCH
KATHY SMITH
TUESDAY, MARCH 6
9:00 AM-Noon

Traditional and emergent congregations define what it means to be "church" differently. Emergent communities tend to attract people who do not find traditional forms of church life-giving. This workshop will include research and observations drawn from Kathy's doctoral work and forthcoming book. Participants will have a chance to consider what led to this movement; engage the questions, theology, and practices that are shaping these new communities; and discuss what this means for traditional congregations.

Kathy Smith is a Presbyterian minister who lives in Golden Valley, Minn. She and her husband Dan have two adult sons. Smith recently completed doctoral work at United and will graduate in the spring; her research focuses on community in two church contexts: one a traditional mainline church and the other an emergent church. Kathy has served Presbyterian churches for more than 25 years in youth, Christian education, secretarial, and pastoral roles. She is a parish associate at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Golden Valley. Her forthcoming book to be published by the Alban Institute is tentatively titled: Unbridled Church.

Fee: $30
Students: $15 (seminary student rate)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 28
Event location: Strobel Room (McMillan 209)
Registration: Print downloadable registration form

THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB

In celebration of United’s 50-year anniversary, we will read books that treat themes that have been core to United’s educational objectives and mission. Facilitated by members of the current faculty/staff and emeriti/ae faculty members, this book club offers an opportunity to read books that represent the innovate thinking and creative experience that define the educational experience at United. The books and discussion will provide thought-provoking and stimulating conversations with insights for our lives today. (The featured book is to be read before the session, at which time it will be discussed.)

		THURSDAY, MARCH 29 7:30 PM The Religious Imagination of American Women Mary Farrell Bednarowski, author & facilitator

Fee: $10 Registration deadline: Thursday, March 22 Event location: Strobel Room (McMillan 209) Registration: Print downloadable registration form

		THURSDAY, MAY 10 7:30 PM God in Public: Four Ways American Christianity and Public Life Relate by Mark G. Toulouse Steve Newcom, facilitator

Fee: $10 Registration deadline: Thursday, May 3 Event location: Strobel Room (McMillan 209) Registration: Print downloadable registration form

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REFLECTIONS ON END-OF-LIFE CHOICES
JAMES B. NELSON
MONDAY, APRIL 23
7:30 PM

Theological reflections by emeritus professor James B. Nelson followed by a panel response. Co-sponsored by Honoring Choices Minnesota.**

James B. Nelson is emeritus professor of Christian ethics at United. He has a B.D., M.A., and Ph.D. from Yale University, honorary doctorates from Dickinson College and William Mitchell College of Law, and has been a visiting scholar at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Nelson has written a number of books and lectured widely on Christian ethics, sexual theology, and bio-medical ethics.

Fee: $10 $15 at the door
Students: No charge
Registration deadline: Monday, April 16
Event location: Bigelow Chapel
Registration: Print downloadable registration form

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THE CENTER HOLDS: PERSONAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE MARRIAGE AMENDMENT
CAROLYN PRESSLER & SUE EBBERS
TUESDAY, MAY 1
1:00-4:00 PM

United faculty member Carolyn Pressler and her partner of 15 years, Sue Ebbers, dean of the seminary, provide personal stories and biblical and theological tools for helping your congregation respond to the marriage amendment.

Fee: $30
Students: $15
Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 24
Event location: Strobel Room (McMillan 209)
Registration: Print downloadable registration form

Other Events

Across the Lines: Artists Exploring Reconciliation
Featuring playwright Aamera Siddiqui and pianist/vocalist Lori Dokken
Friday, March 30
7:30 PM
$10 (payable at the door)

Through music, dance, visual art, and spoken word, Twin Cities artists from a variety of cultures and disciplines will explore the meaning of reconciliation on a personal and global level.

Please check back for more details.

link

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Westminster Town Hall Forum
Parker Palmer, writer, activist, founder of The Center for Courage & Renewal
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Thursday, April 19
Noon-1:00 PM
No charge. Co-sponsored by United.

Based on his latest book, Healing the Heart of Democracy, Palmer will explore ways to undercut America’s political tensions and restore a democracy of the common good.

Please check back for more details.

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Spring Convocation Preview Event
Tuesday, April 24
4:00-6:00 PM

Hosted by the Alum Council, this event includes conversation with retired and current faculty, new program updates, and chats with alum artists about their art.

Please check back for more details.

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“The Amen Corner”Discussion Panels
Guthrie Theater
Tuesday, May 15, following 7:30 PM performance
Saturday, June 9, following 1:00 PM performance

Discussion panels explore themes of life and salvation raised in Penumbra Theatre’s production of James Baldwin’s masterpiece. (in conjunction with the Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Consortium of Theological Schools)

Please check back for more details.