Tag: United Days

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April 16, 2026

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

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August 11, 2025

United Days: Interpreting Texts for the Liberation and Flourishing of Our World

Join fellow United alums and students, faculty, and staff for United Days. This year’s two-day homecoming event is themed “Interpreting Texts for the Liberation and Flourishing of Our World.” Drawing on the Hebrew Bible, we will experience new ways to think about leadership in our current landscape. Together, we will engage questions such as: What does it mean to be a neighbor? How do biblical texts provide liberation stories? How might liberation stories restore our souls? What is the liberative power of art? In our exploration of these questions, we will invite the texts to direct us as we work toward the transformation of our human and ecological world. Leaders of faith communities will be challenged to envision their call in new ways. We will also seek liberation and flourishing in musical texts, specifically in the lyrics of Prince, in our Friday morning plenary session. This year’s United Days is being supported by the Gustafson Lectureship in New Testament Studies. Established in honor of Rev. Dr. Henry A. Gustafson, Professor Emeritus of the New Testament (1968–1989), Henry was a lifelong teacher and student of the New Testament. His excitement about the scriptures was infectious among his students and churchgoers who attended his Adult Education classes. His fine mind and gentle manner made him easily accessible to students and colleagues alike. Everyone who knew him had a “Henry Gustafson story.” Henry was a graduate of Yale Divinity School in New Haven and earned his PhD at the University of Chicago. CEUs are available for all plenary sessions for interested attendees. Keep scrolling for more information on our speakers and registration. Speakers Dr. Jennifer Maidrand is United’s visiting assistant professor of Bible, Culture, and Interpretation, supported by the Louisville Institute. A scholar, educator, and activist, Maidrand holds a PhD in Bible and Cultures and an MA in Theological Studies with an emphasis on Religion and Ecology from Drew University. This summer, she spent several weeks in Palestine-Israel researching how biblical interpretation shapes contested landscapes. She has served with Global Ministries (UCC) in Palestine and has valuable experience providing education and advocacy related to the Middle East to diverse churches across the US. Maidrand is a member of the UCC and is committed to fostering interfaith and intercultural community education around sacred texts, the earth, and social justice. Dr. Kenneth Ngwa, this year’s Gustafson lecturer, is the Donald J. Casper Professor of Hebrew Bible and African Biblical Hermeneutics and director of the Religion and Global Health Forum at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Dr. Ngwa holds a Master of Theology degree from the Protestant University of Central Africa in Cameroon, as well as a ThM and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Cameroon, his bilingual and multicultural upbringing colors his perspective on African identities in the world. “For me,” Ngwa observes, “multiplicity is the starting point for a shared life of faith, hope, justice-work, ecological sustainability, research, teaching, empathy, curiosity, dreaming, health/healing, worship, and all that makes life both tender and fragile, but also deeply cherished and durable.” Dr. Pamela (Ayo) Yetunde, JD, MA, ThD, is a pastoral counselor in private practice, an author, and a speaker. She is the author of Dearly Beloved Prince, Spirituality and This Thing Called Life, a book inspired by the Theology of Prince Project she led while a professor at United. Ayo is also the co-director for the Black Buddhism Faculty Project at the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion at Princeton University.   Schedule Thursday, October 23, 2025 8:30 AM    Registration/Gathering/Coffee 9:15 AM    Opening Worship 10:15 AM    Coffee Break 10:50 AM    Welcome by President Molly T. Marshall 11:00 AM    Gustafson Lecture: “A Daughter’s Perspective on Liberation: A Dialogical Reading of Matthew 15:21-28” by Dr. Kenneth Ngwa 12:00 PM    Lunch Join classmates and meet new people for over lunch table conversations. 1:15 PM    Plenary Session: “Terrestrial Interpretation: Earthly Readings in Times of Crisis” by Dr. Jennifer Maidrand 2:15 PM    Break 2:45 PM    Gustafson Lecture: “Dreaming Up Ministries of Liberation and Flourishing: Reflections on Psalm 126” by Dr. Kenneth Ngwa 5:30 PM    Reception at Town and Country 6:00 PM    Banquet at Town and Country Sit with alums from your class and meet newer generations of alums at the banquet. Includes presentation of the 2025 Spirit of United and Distinguished Alum Awards, recognition of our Bossard-Ward Society Members, and updates from President Molly T. Marshall.   Friday, October 24, 2025 8:30 AM    Gathering and Coffee 9:30 AM    Plenary Session: "Becoming Public Theologians from the Inside Out: Prince and How United Makes a Mark in This World" with Dr. Pamela (Ayo) Yetunde, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II 11:00 AM    Songs of Prince and Sweet Treats 11:30 AM    Depart   Registration Details Early registration has been extended through October 8. Space is limited. If you intend to register for the banquet or lunch, we must receive your request by October 16. Onsite registrations (with no food) will close on October 21. We will not be able to accommodate late registrations. If you have food allergies, please contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu. We also have limited scholarships available. If you are unable to cover your registration costs, please contact Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson at cbjohnson@unitedseminary.edu.  Note: For attendees who are coming from afar, United has secured a 10 percent discount at Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast, a Marriott property located north/northwest of United, steps from vibrant restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Visit Delta Hotel’s Preferred Client Reservation Link to check availability. United has also arranged for a discount at the Hampton Inn & Suites University Area, a hotel much closer to United. To access the discount, visit Hampton’s Booking Link and use Group Code LHHT27.   General Attendees Early Registration by October 8 Regular Registration by October 16 Both Days includes lunch and banquet $90 $125 Banquet Only $45 $45 Distance Only not in-person $20 $20 Friday Only $15 $25   United Students must register with United email Early Registration by October 8 Regular Registration by October 16 Both Days includes lunch and banquet $55 $70 Plenaries and Lunch no banquet $15 $15 Plenaries, no Lunch Free registration required Free registration required Distance Only not in-person Free registration required Free registration required Friday Only Free registration required Free registration required Able to do more? Consider adding a gift of $63 for the United Fund in honor of United's 63rd year as a seminary. The United Fund provides the seminary with unrestricted operating funds. If you are interested in making a gift of a different size, click here for our Give page. Note: We are aware of and working quickly to resolve an intermittent issue with our form vendor. If you experience any difficulties registering, please wait a couple of minutes and refresh the page. If you still encounter a problem, contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu, and he will ensure you are registered. We regret any inconvenience.  

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February 20, 2024

United Days

We are living through perilous and divisive times. The idea of building walls that keep “us” safe from “them” is as much a vexing spiritual and theological problem as it is a social and political one. How might faith leaders and congregations courageously and creatively engage in socially transformative action from a place of spiritual grounding and depth? How might compassionate listening and radical imagination help us forge new connections across lines of difference, build a more just world with others, and facilitate a “revolution of values,” rather than fuel the flames of fear, hatred, and exclusion? We are excited to welcome you back May 9 and 10 as we explore these questions together in plenary sessions and workshops. Susan Draper White and Keynote Speaker Joy Ladin is a widely published author, essayist and poet, literary scholar, and nationally known speaker on transgender issues. From 2003 to 2021, she held the David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in English at Stern College for Women of Yeshiva University; her gender transition and return to teaching in 2008 made her the first openly transgender employee of an Orthodox Jewish institution. Since coming out as transgender in 2008, Joy has become a nationally recognized speaker on transgender issues. She has been featured in many National Public Radio interviews, most notably “On Being with Krista Tippett,” which has been rebroadcast three times, as well as numerous interviews and profiles in numerous publications. Joy holds a PhD in American Literature from Princeton University, where she was awarded the Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship as top graduate student in the Humanities, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Joy has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts writing fellowship, a Fulbright Scholarship, an American Council of Learned Societies Research Fellowship and two Hadassah Brandeis Institute Research fellowships, among other honors. Note: Due to health issues, Joy will be joining us via Zoom. All other workshops will be led by onsite presenters. Schedule Thursday, May 9, 2024 8:30 AM    Registration/Gathering/Coffee 9:00 AM    Opening Worship 10:00 AM    Coffee Break 10:45 AM    Welcome—President Molly T. Marshall 11:00 AM    Susan Draper White Lecture–“Divinity in the Key of ‘She:’ Feminist and Trans Theology in Shekhinah Speaks”—Dr. Joy Ladin Noon    Lunch 1:15 PM    Workshop 1: "Deeply Rooted Leadership for Tumultuous Times"—Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green II and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis Workshop 2: “The ‘Art’ of Organizing”—Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman and Ricardo Pérez  Workshop 3: “Tools of the Trade: Gifts from the Shareable World”—Rev. Frenchye Magee 2:15 PM    Break 2:45 PM    Workshop 1: "Spiritual Formation: A New Vision, the Foundation of Formation"—Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman and Rev. T. Michael Rock Workshop 2: "Deepening Our Roots and Engaging Our Differences"—Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape and Dr. Munjed Murad Workshop 3: “Uprising Theology: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church after the Murder of George Floyd”—Dr. Amy Levad and Rev. Ingrid Arneson Rasmussen   4:00 PM    What’s New at United? A Conversation with Dr. Molly T. Marshall, Dean Kyle Roberts, and friends. Join in a lively conversation with United folks curated by the president and the dean. 4:30 PM    Presentation of Spirit of United Award 6:00 PM    Banquet at Town and Country (includes presentation of Bossard Ward, Distinguished Alum Awards) Friday, May 10, 2024 8:15 AM   Gathering/Coffee 9:00 AM   Plenary—Mike Klein and Nikki McComb from Art is My Weapon 10:00 AM   Break 10:15 AM   Keynote Speech–“Babel and Beyond: Understanding and Responding to the Transformation of Gender”—Joy Ladin 11:15 AM   Final Words/Blessing     This year’s United Days programming was organized by United’s Leadership Center for Social Justice with support from the Susan Draper White Lectures that were established by Priscilla Braun* (’83) in memory of her grandmother, Susan Draper White. This endowed event provides lectures in the areas of women in religion, theology, and ministry. * Deceased Registration Details Early Registration (by April 12) Regular Registration (April 13–April 26) Both Days (including lunch and banquet) $85 Registration closed Current United Student (Plenary only, no meal) $10 $20 Current United Student (Plenary + meals) $50 Registration closed Non-Student Zoom $25 Current United Students Zoom No Cost Note: Space is limited. If you intend to register for the banquet or lunch, we must receive your request by April 26. Onsite registrations (with no food) will close May 1 and we will not be able to accommodate late registrations. If you have food allergies, please contact Andrew Fox at afox@unitedseminary.edu. Able to Do More? Consider adding a gift of $61 for the United Fund in honor of United’s 61st year as a seminary. The United Fund provides unrestricted operating funds for the seminary. If you are interested in making a gift of a different size, click here for our Give page. Registration Form

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