Written by: United Theological Seminary February 1, 2021

Todd Lippert: United’s 2020 Distinguished Alum

Copy of Todd Smith Lippert-010-2

United celebrates 2020 Distinguished Alum Todd Lippert! Since his graduation in 2003, Todd has lived into United’s missional values and a commitment to the Common Good through ministry to United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as public service as a Minnesota state lawmaker.

Karen Smith Sellers (‘76, ‘13), a current trustee on the United Board, nominated Todd. She says, “Todd models brilliantly the ways in which a graduate theological education at United Seminary prepares one for effective leadership in diverse sectors.”

Todd’s recent congregational ministry includes serving as the Senior Minister at First United Church of Christ (Northfield, MN) from 2012 to 2020, prior to his current call at Mayflower United Church of Christ (Minneapolis, MN) as a Community Minister. He has also served the wider UCC as chair of the CUE Seminaries committee and as a member of the Minnesota Conference UCC Board of Directors.

His colleague at Mayflower, Rev. Sarah Campbell (‘89), says of Todd, “I was stunned by his artful public speaking. Since then, I’ve witnessed him speaking on the floor of the Minnesota House—speaking, persuading, convincing his colleagues, even as a first-year representative. We are going to see more of Lippert in the years ahead—his pastoral listening across the aisle, but also his effectively moving legislation and culture towards a more caring economy in our state, for the earth, and the less powerful. UTS, you taught Rev. Lippert the gospel well!”

As a Minnesota state representative, Todd serves Northfield, MN and surrounding areas (District 20B). He holds leadership roles in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) caucus as Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chair of the Long-Term Care Division. Todd also sits on a diverse set of committees, providing the opportunity for him to best represent his district and all Minnesotans: the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, Behavioral Health Policy Division, Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, and Environmental and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee.

Todd’s work at the state capitol began years prior to his being elected to office. As an active member of the faith-based organizing group ISAIAH, he worked with the immigrant community to advocate for their needs through policy proposals and coalition-building.

About his legislative and advocacy work, Todd says, “I got involved in politics because I believe in the Common Good. Good for a few is not good enough. I am a person of faith. I follow the great commandment: Love God by loving our neighbor. We need to see ourselves in our neighbors and realize there is more that unites us than divides us. We are in this together, and to solve our greatest challenges we will need to come together in new ways.

“My goal is to make our government work for everyone. Our Common Good campaign affirms the dignity and value of every one. It challenges all of us to create a Minnesota where everyone is thriving, everyone has enough, and everyone has the opportunities they need. Working together we can direct resources to children and families. We can create a healthcare system that is affordable and available to everyone, and we can respond to climate change while creating economic opportunities.”

Todd is exemplary of the many ways in which United’s theological education prepares students to be effective leaders in any number of settings. A pastor, a politician, a public servant — no matter the official title or role, Todd tends to the needs of his community in service to the Common Good.

Join us in celebrating and congratulating Todd as this year’s Distinguished Alum!

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January 22, 2026

Statement by President Molly T. Marshall on Community Response Efforts

These are fraught days for us. Those who call the Twin Cities home persist under the pall of a federal occupation, bracing each day for word of a new atrocity. In the weeks since an ICE agent killed Renee Good, we have seen the good people of Minneapolis and St. Paul show up for one another as armed federal agents patrol our communities, violating due process and cruelly abducting thousands of people. I think often of our friends and neighbors—including some members of the United community—as they live under the acute terror ICE has wrought on their neighborhoods. Many rely on the aid of a trusted few to meet their basic needs. Facing an oppressive force, our communities have turned outward with resilience, toward one another, embodying anew the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” I have been deeply moved by the courage of my neighbors and, in particular, United’s students, alums, trustees, and faculty and staff. They model solidarity despite extreme cold, attending vigils, leading music, creating art, and keeping watch with whistles over their neighborhoods while ICE patrols their streets. Chaplains involved in interfaith organizations are supporting local demonstrations and assisting in de-escalation efforts. Lay leaders, prompted to care for their vulnerable neighbors, are picking up groceries, taking kids to school, and meeting material needs in a vast network of mutual aid. Indeed, this is servant leadership. This week, clergy and faith leaders of myriad traditions are answering MARCH’s call to resist this importunate occupation and bear witness to its harm. With members of our United community engaged in rapid response efforts, the seminary will be closed on Friday, January 23. And, in solidarity with fellow clergy and elected officials, I reaffirm my call that ICE must immediately end its terrorizing of the Twin Cities, leave Minnesota altogether, and bring to justice the agent who killed Ms. Good. Social transformation is one of United’s longstanding pillars, and we are seeing the real-world witness of faith and community leaders equipped for the work of justice and peace. In the words of Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, director of our Social Transformation Program, “Faith leaders are shaping Minnesota’s response to be highly ethical and effective.” The common good, though under grave threat, is in the committed stewardship of our very best. In the days ahead, may we be courageous in our convictions for the love and dignity of our neighbors. Rev. Molly T. Marshall, Phd President About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • 651-255-6138

Lauren Busey (’07) Ministers to a New Beloved Community at Pickledilly Skokie

Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned an undergraduate degree from Luther College, and thought she would probably attend a Lutheran seminary. Then, at a Luther College women’s retreat, Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Nueger (’80)— Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005)—was the featured speaker and knew Lauren’s campus pastor. “So,” Lauren remembers, “we just kind of got to talking, and within a couple of weeks, I was enrolled at United.” United “was a good fit,” Lauren asserts. She found a welcoming community of fellow students and treasured professors. Those who had the greatest impact include Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship, and Theology and the Arts, 2001–2012), Dr. Marilyn Salmon† (Professor Emerita of New Testament Theology, 1989–2014), and Dr. Carolyn Pressler (Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, 1990–2020). After seminary, Lauren accepted a call back home in Evanston, Illinois, at the church where she grew up, Trinity Lutheran Church. Despite being a bit apprehensive about serving as the director of Faith Formation at her home church, Lauren found that the parishioners were warmly welcoming and supportive. She’s been there ever since and notes that the flexibility of the position allowed for a positive work-life balance. Lauren and her wife are raising two children. Just this year, however, Lauren, along with her wife and two business partners, embarked on a new venture—and in February 2025, the four co-owners opened a new state-of-the-art pickleball court in Skokie, Illinois. Dubbed Pickledilly Skokie, the new indoor space features 11.5 courts under high ceilings, lockers, a lounge area, and a pro shop. Plus, the venue is in the same complex as Sketchbook Brewing Company and has abundant free parking. So what happened? “I think my wife would say that I’ve always been the big idea person,” Lauren explains. Usually, she continues, Amy “nods and smiles and keeps on going,” but this time she agreed with the idea. Both Lauren and Amy are avid pickleball players, and Lauren says she found that the activity was much more of a “community-based sport.” Community was the key. As Lauren stated in a July 18, 2025, interview for Ryan Glatzhofer’s The Locals: Stories of Courageous Entrepreneurs, “One of the things that has always been a passion of mine is bringing people together.” Going a step further, she said more recently, “One of our pillars is that this is a safe space, and we are welcoming here.” How did United prepare Lauren for entrepreneurship? “United was really helpful to me in expanding my worldview and my understanding of diversity and not assuming you know where people are coming from.” As for the connection to ministry, Lauren asserts, “We’re still grounded in the same way of taking care of people, and loving people, and meeting them where they are.” __________________________ † of blessed memory

Images of Hope: Advent in Art

Art has the tremendous power to restore us in a time when our world seems to make no sense and we need a moment of respite and encouragement from our daily struggles. A single photograph of a flower or a laughing child can buoy our spirit to carry on. (more…)