Tag: Advancement

Featured Post

Dr. Ginger Morgan Announced as New Associate Professor and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, April 16, 2026 — United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is thrilled to announce that Dr. Ginger Morgan will join its faculty as the new Associate Professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Program Director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. Dr. Morgan will come to United from Madison, WI, where she is concluding her role at the Presbyterian Student Center Foundation as director of Candid and Community Initiatives. She is a highly qualified program director and chaplain with experience in healthcare, campus ministry, and higher education. With a PhD in Religion and Psychological Studies from Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Morgan draws from her theological and multidisciplinary education in her work. Interreligious studies is one of United’s four pillars, and the Interreligious Chaplaincy (IRC) program—unique among peer institutions—constitutes the largest and fastest-growing of the seminary’s programs over the past five years. In alignment with United’s ethos, Dr. Morgan is a gifted scholar of religious pluralism, highly educated in progressive theological education, and foregrounds justice in chaplaincy and pastoral care. These values are evident in a chapter titled “Many Doors: Expanding Thresholds for Grace,” written by Dr. Morgan for the upcoming book Dispatches from Campus (Augsburg Fortress Press). Dr. Morgan’s career also reflects her personal experiences and identity. Writing to the search committee, she shared, “My formation includes reconciling my lesbian identity with my faith and living as a religious minority in India during high school, both of which shaped my intercultural perspective and vocational commitments.” She continued, “Throughout my career, I have sought to create inclusive spaces of belonging, whether supporting LGBTQIA+ students, young adults in recovery from addiction, or building programs attentive to justice and equity." Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall, President, reflects, “United welcomes Dr. Ginger Morgan with confidence and great enthusiasm. Her varied leadership roles, especially in chaplaincy, equip her uniquely to lead our robust IRC program and to teach pastoral and spiritual care.” In his announcement to the student body, Dr. Kyle Roberts—Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs—noted that Dr. Morgan’s “career in chaplaincy spans hospital, hospice, and higher education contexts, and extensive program leadership experience.” He added, “I want to thank Dr. Demian Wheeler for leading this search process, especially during its formative stages during my sabbatical.” After participating in a months-long faculty search and on-site candidate lecture, being recommended by a unanimous faculty vote, and gaining approval from the Board of Trustees’ Academic Committee, Dr. Morgan will officially begin on July 1. Students, faculty, and staff are eager to welcome her to United for this exciting new chapter. For more information about United’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program, click here. 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 educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • (651) 255-6138 Admissions and Enrollment admissions@unitedseminary.edu

Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and the MN Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) are offering a one-day workshop on congregational fundraising, a partnership made possible by a denomination grant. Cultivating Generous Congregations maps the new landscape of religious giving and stewardship and provides you and your team with tools for building a culture of generosity unique to the congregation’s needs and challenges. As the Lake Institute says about the training: “We invite you and your ministry team to participate in a seminar experience that could change the way you and your congregation approach giving and generosity. Cultivating Generous Congregations (CGC) is an interactive seminar offered… in partnership with denominational or network organizations, demonstrating how pastors and ministry leaders can unearth and energize congregational generosity by exploring the significant and necessary steps to creating lasting cultural change within a congregation. Interactive segments of CGC explore theology, the role of adaptive leadership, fiscal transparency, and the importance of donor care, with action steps to impact the exploration and experience of generosity for both laity and clergy. This course can be tailored for many faith traditions or demographics.” According to The Lake Institute, this seminar will help participants: rethink their role in church/meeting finances; become better stewards of their donors’ gifts; and awaken an ongoing spirit of generosity within their communities. Registration Register at this link. To learn more or ask questions, please contact Rev. WendyVanderHart, Generosity Officer, via email or by phone at 612.465.7181. For questions related to United, please contact Ryan Currens, United’s Institutional Major Gifts Officer. You can learn more about the course and the Lake Institute here. > Access the Institute’s Cultivating Generous Congregations Flyer here. > Who Should Attend? This event is designed for pastors and church leadership. Whether you are an ordained minister, deacon, elder, or lay leader, we welcome all members of a congregation’s pastoral staff and leadership team. Cost Registration is $150 per team of 3–8 people, including the pastor. The reduced course fee is made possible by grant funding. Venue This event is being hosted by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Click here for directions and parking instructions. >

Holiday Gathering with Current and Former Trustees

Join Us for a Holiday Gathering with Current and Former Trustees You and your spouse/partner are invited to a special holiday gathering for current and former members of United's Board of Trustees on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Attendees will enjoy remarks from Dr. Demian Wheeler, Acting Dean and Sophia Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies, and updates on United from President Molly T. Marshall. We will have a brief program beginning at 2:15 PM. This year's gathering will be held at the home of Julie and Charlie Zelle in Minneapolis. When Saturday, December 6 1:30–3:30 PM Brief Program at 2:15 PM Where Home of Julie and Charlie Zelle 28 Park Lane Minneapolis, MN 55416 Can’t join us in December? Send your regrets to Andrew Fox at afox@unitedsmeinary.edu. RSVP below by Tuesday, November 25.

United Methodist (UMC) Gathering at United

Note: Registration for this event is closed. You are invited to a United Methodist (UMC) gathering at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, happening onsite and online. This is an auspicious opportunity to gather in community, participate in worship, honor three of United’s UMC elders, and share lunch. Our preacher for worship will be Rev. Gloria Roach Thomas (’98), featured in United's Fall 2024 Issue of VOICES. During lunch, we will ask how United can support you, and offer a brief update on United’s work. United and the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church have a dynamic relationship, realized daily through the work of alums and friends. In roles that include pastoral ministry, conference leadership, chaplaincy, volunteers, and academia, there are many ways in which we are tied closely together. United’s formal institutional connection to the MN Conference of the UMC has deep foundations, particularly in and through the leadership of three beloved former members of United’s faculty. As part of our gathering, we will honor these UMC elders in the United community: Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Neuger (’80), Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005) Rev. Martha Postlethwaite, Chaplain and Professor of Spiritual Formation (1992–2014) Rev. Dr. Wilson Yates, President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society, and the Arts (1967–2005) We're also delighted to share the names of our Event Hosts: Rev. Marva Jean Hutchens* (’80) Rev. Kenton V. Johnson (’78) Rev. Sally Howell Johnson (’95) Rev. Robert Kopp (’06) Rev. MaryAnne Korsch* (’16) Judy Lange* Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) Rev. Katie Matson-Daley (’19) Rev. Michelle Miller (’06) Rev. Ruth Phelps (’85)    *denotes member of the event planning committee Registration for this event is now closed. Schedule 11:00 AM Gathering Time and Tour of Space (Optional) 11:30 AM  Chapel • Onsite and Online 12:00 PM Honoring United's Institutional UMC Elders • Onsite and Online 12:15 PM Lunch and Conversation • Onsite 1:15 PM Sending Forth • Onsite Register  

Holiday Tea with Current and Former Trustees

Join Us for a Holiday Tea with Current and Former Trustees Hosts Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) and Cooper Wiggen invite you and your spouse to a special holiday tea for current and former members of United’s Board of Trustees on Saturday, December 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, with a short program at 2:15 PM. Attendees will enjoy remarks from faculty member Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, associate professor of Christian Ethics and Social Transformation supported by the McVay Endowment and the director of the Social Transformation program; updates on United from President Molly T. Marshall; reflections from Grace Guenthner, a student in our MA in Eco-Justice program; and holiday music led by trustee Jeanne Cotter.  This year, the gathering will be held in The Ministry House (425 Groveland Avenue) at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.  When Saturday, December 7 1:30–3:30 PM Brief Program at 2:15 PM Where The Ministry House 425 Groveland Avenue at Hennepin Avenue UMC Minneapolis, MN Host Committee Elizabeth Macaulay (’99) and Cooper Wiggen David and Jeanne Anderson Mary Farrell Bednarowski and Keith Bednarowski Kathi Austin Mahle (’78) and Steve Mahle Kita McVay (’96, ’09) and James Wm Johnson Jack and Marty Rossmann Karen Smith Sellers (’76, ’13) and Dick Sellers Wilson Yates Can’t join us in December? Send your regrets to Andrew Fox at afox@unitedsmeinary.edu, and be sure to save the date for a virtual gathering for current and former Trustees on February 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM CT. RSVP below by Tuesday, November 26.