Written by: United Theological Seminary August 3, 2018

A History of Arts and Spirituality in Christianity with Wilson Yates

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This spring, United is thrilled to be able to make available to the public one of our most beloved courses, taught by one of our most beloved professors–A History of Arts and Spirituality in Christianity with Wilson Yates.

The heart of this course is the opportunity to move beyond “studying” works of art to “experiencing” art. Together we will learn and participate in the process of entering into dialogue with a work of art. The dialogue involves three parts: the viewer (you), the art work, and the artist.

Choose the time period that interests you most, or choose to take the entire course.

We begin with the early church and move through historical eras to modern and contemporary times. In each period we will interpret works in light of the spirituality they express. The course builds on six major roles the arts play in to Christian faith: the liturgical, historical, act of existential questioning, the prophetic, the sacramental role (holy ground) and the visionary role that points to a view of the world we wish to bring into being. The multiple intersections include art, religion, faith and spirituality. Focusing on visual arts and architecture, we will examine the role of these art forms in the church and their influence in shaping Christian spirituality.

The Early Church, Byzantine and late Medieval periods. We begin with the earliest Christian art and architecture followed by an extended treatment of Byzantine Icons; and a treatment of the Duccio from the late medieval period. We will study architecture in the British Isles including Saxon, Gothic, Early English, Tudor, neo-classical and Georgian forms all which can be found in local architecture. Classes will take place at Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church from 1:30-4:30 on Mondays, Jan 23, 30 and Feb 6,13
The Renaissance and the Reformation. We will work, foremost, with Giotto, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt and reformation artists with a consideration of major shifts in architecture that flowed out of the Reformation into the 18th and 19th centuries. The first day will be spent at Mia and present an overview of Renaissance, Reformation, and Counter-Reformation art. Classes will take place at Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church from 1:30-4:30 on Mondays March 6, 13, 20 and 27.
The modern period. We will start with Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Picasso. We will consider the religious significance of their art, and we will treat later decades leading into the contemporary period marked by post-modernism. We will also work more deeply with other artists including Kollwitz, Beckman, Rouault, Watanabe, Jacob Lawrence, and Warhol. We will examine modern architecture including the Bigelow Chapel. Classes will take place at Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church from 1:30-4:30 on Mondays, April 3, 17, 24 and May 1.

REGISTER HERE for one or all three sections of this wonderful course.

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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…)