Sept. 17; Oct. 1, 15; Nov. 5, 19; Dec. 3, 17
11:45 AM CT

Our group seeks to facilitate mutual support and conversation between students who are under the broad umbrella of nominally Pagan traditions or approaches. We have self-identified Heathens, Wiccans, Druids, and, of course, Pagans among our known numbers. We also foster a space for sharing ritual notes, ideas about chaplaincy, and interfaith engagement. And we welcome any United student who is Pagan-friendly/curious/adjacent. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Sometimes just to chat. And, on occasion, to gather in ritual.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Black, Indigenous, Multiracial and People of Color (BIPOC)

Sept. 24; Oct. 1; Nov. 5; Dec. 3
7:00 PM CST

A time for reflection, resilience, and reverence. Let us build a community that sustains us beyond the “gaze.” Bring your concerns, your prayers, and your dreams for ministry. Bring a ritual that honors our BIPOC ancestors. Bring humor, love, and joy to this place for us to be.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

On October 4-6, the Prairie Star District of the UUMA will be having their fall retreat. ALL United UUs with aspirant or candidate status—no matter where you live—are warmly invited to participate. There will be in-person hubs in St. Paul and Iowa as well as an online hub. The theme is Playful Leadership: Play as a Form of Resistance, and Rev. Karen Hutt will be giving the 2021 Odyssey talk.

For more information, contact Rev. Sara Smalley at revsara@uunorthfield.org.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Information and Skill Building

Every Monday at 12 noon CT

If you’re enrolled in a degree program that requires you to complete one unit of CPE, these informational sessions will answer all of your questions. Prior to coming to UTS, Rev. Karen Hutt was a CPE Educator at four major hospitals in Chicago and most recently at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She is currently leading a local CPE Program in Public Chaplaincy. Given the nature of the pandemic, programs will vary throughout the country. This will require you to have a coherent plan for your application process and site selection. All sessions will be informational based on the questions you bring. Get familiar with acpe.edu. Individual meetings: calendly.com/khutt

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Karen Hutt for more information.

There will be no Arts Lunch on Tuesday Oct. 5, but students are encouraged to gather without Professor Awes Freeman in the Intersection (and online using the usual zoom info) to work on their pages for the Queer Theofuturism Coloring Book!

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Jennifer Awes-Freeman for more information.

All are invited to a shared Contemplative Gathering every Wednesday morning to gather together in silence and sit in communal contemplation. This is an opportunity to find grounding in the moment, and to share in that grounding energy with similarly self-directed explorers. The last ten minutes of the session are devoted to sharing aloud prayers that have been submitted during the week. Please use this form to submit your prayer request.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Members of the United community are invited to join The Ministry Lab’s Midweek Retreat every Wednesday at 12 PM CST. Take a half an hour each week to be present with God, your Self, and others. Develop your personal practice and discover how deepened awareness and greater emotional and spiritual balance enable you to engage more fully, creatively and energetically in the essential work of God’s Beloved Community. To learn more or to get on the weekly reminder email, contact Emily Meyer (’09): ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu.

Every Wednesday – 12 noon to 1:00 PM CT

You imagine yourself in a ministry, but you can’t quite visualize it. You think you understand what the job market is like for chaplains, but you are uncertain what path will fit your particular needs. Come meet with your future colleagues from around the nation, make connections, and ask practical direct questions about your future career paths.

Stuff Chaplains Do (Sept.15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10)
Stuff Ministers Do in Rural Areas (Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17)
Stuff Ministers Do in Urban Areas (Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24)
Stuff Non-Profit Directors Do (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1)

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

“God, Gender and Sexuality”

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact chapel@unitedseminary.edu with questions or concerns.

Dean Kyle Roberts invites you to our next regularly scheduled “Student/Faculty Conversation” Friday, Oct. 8, from 1:00-2:00 PM CT. Our topic for conversation will be, “How can United better serve our various constituents around issues of public concern?” In order to increase the number of contributors to the discussion and to increase the diversity of perspectives included, the faculty would like to limit the number of questions/comments to two per participant. We hope that this will encourage greater attendance and create an expectation for everyone who would like to contribute to be able to do so. I hope to see many of you there!

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Information and Skill Building

Every Monday at 12 noon CT

If you’re enrolled in a degree program that requires you to complete one unit of CPE, these informational sessions will answer all of your questions. Prior to coming to UTS, Rev. Karen Hutt was a CPE Educator at four major hospitals in Chicago and most recently at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She is currently leading a local CPE Program in Public Chaplaincy. Given the nature of the pandemic, programs will vary throughout the country. This will require you to have a coherent plan for your application process and site selection. All sessions will be informational based on the questions you bring. Get familiar with acpe.edu. Individual meetings: calendly.com/khutt

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Karen Hutt for more information.

A Different Kind of Theology: Fiction, Imagination, and New Realities
Byran Bliss (MFA, MTS, and United DMin student)

Fiction has always had a theological bent. On a basic level, fiction introduces us to new realities. For the writer and the reader, it helps us to see the world differently—to imagine a different world. When we are asked to read fiction theologically, we engage the text in a new way—one that asks us to confront theological biases, to adapt our dogma to these new realities in a way that might push us outside of traditional or orthodox religious beliefs. The result is more than just good literature: it’s the opportunity for transformation.

Bryan Bliss is the author of four novels, including We’ll Fly Away, which was longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award and was a Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award. His next book, Bad Things, Good People, and God, will be released in January. He hold’s an M.F.A. in creative writing from Seattle Pacific University, an M.T.S. from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He lives in St. Paul with his family.

Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from noon to 1 PM. Find Zoom information in the Monday Morning e-newsletter or contact Dr. Awes Freeman for information (jawes-freeman@unitedseminary.edu).

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact chapel@unitedseminary.edu with questions or concerns.

All are invited to a shared Contemplative Gathering every Wednesday morning to gather together in silence and sit in communal contemplation. This is an opportunity to find grounding in the moment, and to share in that grounding energy with similarly self-directed explorers. The last ten minutes of the session are devoted to sharing aloud prayers that have been submitted during the week. Please use this form to submit your prayer request.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Members of the United community are invited to join The Ministry Lab’s Midweek Retreat every Wednesday at 12 PM CST. Take a half an hour each week to be present with God, your Self, and others. Develop your personal practice and discover how deepened awareness and greater emotional and spiritual balance enable you to engage more fully, creatively and energetically in the essential work of God’s Beloved Community. To learn more or to get on the weekly reminder email, contact Emily Meyer (’09): ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu.

Every Wednesday – 12 noon to 1:00 PM CT

You imagine yourself in a ministry, but you can’t quite visualize it. You think you understand what the job market is like for chaplains, but you are uncertain what path will fit your particular needs. Come meet with your future colleagues from around the nation, make connections, and ask practical direct questions about your future career paths.

Stuff Chaplains Do (Sept.15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10)
Stuff Ministers Do in Rural Areas (Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17)
Stuff Ministers Do in Urban Areas (Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24)
Stuff Non-Profit Directors Do (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1)

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

Screening of The Boy Who Found Gold (2016) and conversation with Father Bill McNichols

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 14 for a screening of the documentary The Boy Who Found Gold (2016), followed by a conversation with Father Bill. See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link.

William Hart McNichols is a world renowned artist, heralded by Time magazine as ‘among the most famous creators of Christian iconic images in the world.’ As a young Catholic priest from 1983-1990 he was immersed in a life-altering journey working as a chaplain at St. Vincent’s AIDS hospice in New York city. It was during this time that he became an early pioneer for LGBT rights within the Catholic church. He would speak out in the national news as well as work closely with the founding members of DIGNITY/USA. In 1990 he was called out of the city and into the desert of New Mexico where he began a six year apprenticeship to master the ancient art of painting icons. For the past 25 years he has received non-stop commissions for his work and has never signed his name to a single icon. All of his works hang anonymously in churches and colleges around the world, including the Vatican Museum. Born into the most powerful political family in the history of Colorado, McNichols colorful life has crossed paths with both presidents and popes, peace activists and martyrs. His imagery possesses a sensuality that is both beautiful and provocative and his subjects include individuals from all different faiths, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish. His message as a priest, artist and man speaks to the most powerful element of the human spirit: Mercy.
—theboywhofoundgold.com

Call for Submissions: The Queer Theofuturism Coloring Book

In anticipation of LGBTQ History Month this October, the United arts community invites submissions for the second annual Queer Theofuturism Coloring Book. The history of the surviving and thriving of LGBTQ people in the US has been shaped by folks who imagined new ways of seeing, loving, being, and connecting with the holy. In the United tradition of play and creativity, we invite all students, staff, faculty, and alums to submit line drawings that reimagine myths, sacred stories, or any spiritual or religious images in ways that challenge and play with assumptions about gender, bodies, love, and spirituality. Everyone is encouraged to unleash whatever kind of queer spirit sparkles in your soul and reimagine old stories and see what might be possible for a future that is more just, more colorful, and includes all of us. We can’t wait to see what comes out! The images will be compiled and available for download on the United blog and will also be available as a free print book at Symposium Week. For best printing results please use a dark marker or pen on white paper. Last year’s edition is here. Send files in jpeg, tiff, or PDF format with the subject line QUEER to submissions@unitedseminary.edu by October 15. Send questions and inquiries to Professor Awes Freeman.

Sept. 17; Oct. 1, 15; Nov. 5, 19; Dec. 3, 17
11:45 AM CT

Our group seeks to facilitate mutual support and conversation between students who are under the broad umbrella of nominally Pagan traditions or approaches. We have self-identified Heathens, Wiccans, Druids, and, of course, Pagans among our known numbers. We also foster a space for sharing ritual notes, ideas about chaplaincy, and interfaith engagement. And we welcome any United student who is Pagan-friendly/curious/adjacent. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Sometimes just to chat. And, on occasion, to gather in ritual.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Information and Skill Building

Every Monday at 12 noon CT

If you’re enrolled in a degree program that requires you to complete one unit of CPE, these informational sessions will answer all of your questions. Prior to coming to UTS, Rev. Karen Hutt was a CPE Educator at four major hospitals in Chicago and most recently at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She is currently leading a local CPE Program in Public Chaplaincy. Given the nature of the pandemic, programs will vary throughout the country. This will require you to have a coherent plan for your application process and site selection. All sessions will be informational based on the questions you bring. Get familiar with acpe.edu. Individual meetings: calendly.com/khutt

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Karen Hutt for more information.

Sept. 20; Oct. 18; Nov. 22
3:00 PM CT

The Baptist community group is an invitation to all to gather and support one another in seminary and to explore issues, concerns, theology, and faith development. This is a new group at UTS and we are excited that you may join us.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

A delegation from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light will be traveling to Glasgow for the UN Climate Talks in November, and MNIPL wants to display hundreds of prayers, hopes, and visions for a healthy climate to world leaders. Join us to create a fabric “prayer square”!

To join the Tuesday Arts Lunch online, use the Zoom link in this week’s Monday Morning e-newsletter or contact Dr. Awes Freeman for information (jawes-freeman@unitedseminary.edu).

All are invited to a shared Contemplative Gathering every Wednesday morning to gather together in silence and sit in communal contemplation. This is an opportunity to find grounding in the moment, and to share in that grounding energy with similarly self-directed explorers. The last ten minutes of the session are devoted to sharing aloud prayers that have been submitted during the week. Please use this form to submit your prayer request.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Members of the United community are invited to join The Ministry Lab’s Midweek Retreat every Wednesday at 12 PM CST. Take a half an hour each week to be present with God, your Self, and others. Develop your personal practice and discover how deepened awareness and greater emotional and spiritual balance enable you to engage more fully, creatively and energetically in the essential work of God’s Beloved Community. To learn more or to get on the weekly reminder email, contact Emily Meyer (’09): ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu.

Every Wednesday – 12 noon to 1:00 PM CT

You imagine yourself in a ministry, but you can’t quite visualize it. You think you understand what the job market is like for chaplains, but you are uncertain what path will fit your particular needs. Come meet with your future colleagues from around the nation, make connections, and ask practical direct questions about your future career paths.

Stuff Chaplains Do (Sept.15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10)
Stuff Ministers Do in Rural Areas (Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17)
Stuff Ministers Do in Urban Areas (Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24)
Stuff Non-Profit Directors Do (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1)

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact chapel@unitedseminary.edu with questions or concerns.

Essentials for Ministry
Confidence in Conflict: Navigating the Struggle

When you hear the word conflict, what reaction happens in your body? Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with conflict? How do you develop the capacity to enter into conflict well? These are some burning questions that we’ll explore with you in this conflict workshop.

Learn more & register >

Some scholarships are available for this Leaderwise workshop. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

Presented by Dr. Demian Wheeler

In this lecture, we will explore the theology of religions, a subfield within theology that probes the theological implications of religious diversity. What does religious diversity teach us about the nature of humanity, the nature of religion, and the nature of the divine? Why are there so many religions, and how do they relate to one another? How do our encounters with other faith traditions affect the way we interpret the meaning, truth, and mission of our own tradition? Come and learn about how different theologians have grappled with these challenging questions.

REGISTER >

United’s Favorite Lecture Series

Every teacher has one—the lecture that they love the best, the one that they can literally feel in their bones when they deliver it in class. These favorite lectures will be delivered on Zoom, so enjoy it with a family member, invite a far away friend, or host your very own “watch party.” Whatever the format, take this opportunity to learn what it is like to experience the transformative learning experience that happens in the classrooms at United.

St. John UCC of Lincoln, IL is offering a $500-$1,000 scholarship for UCC seminarians. The application is due Oct. 25. Read more here.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Information and Skill Building

Every Monday at 12 noon CT

If you’re enrolled in a degree program that requires you to complete one unit of CPE, these informational sessions will answer all of your questions. Prior to coming to UTS, Rev. Karen Hutt was a CPE Educator at four major hospitals in Chicago and most recently at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She is currently leading a local CPE Program in Public Chaplaincy. Given the nature of the pandemic, programs will vary throughout the country. This will require you to have a coherent plan for your application process and site selection. All sessions will be informational based on the questions you bring. Get familiar with acpe.edu. Individual meetings: calendly.com/khutt

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Karen Hutt for more information.

Sept. 27; Oct. 25; Nov. 22
7:30 PM CT

For seminarians who are combining their service as a spiritual leader with membership in the armed forces. Those pursuing the Chaplain Corp., are currently in the reserves, or on active duty are encouraged to participate. This is also a space for veterans and those considering military service.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

This week artist Daniel Arzola will speak to us about his theory of artivism and his work as a visual artist and human rights activist. Arzola’s work addresses homophobia and transphobia, as well as issues related to immigration. He has delivered talks and exhibited his work in Europe and the Americas. Arzola’s work is currently on display in the United gallery.

To join the Tuesday Arts Lunch online, use the Zoom link in this week’s Monday Morning e-newsletter or contact Dr. Awes Freeman for information (jawes-freeman@unitedseminary.edu).

“Turning the Wheel with Guiding Spirits”

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact chapel@unitedseminary.edu with questions or concerns.

All are invited to a shared Contemplative Gathering every Wednesday morning to gather together in silence and sit in communal contemplation. This is an opportunity to find grounding in the moment, and to share in that grounding energy with similarly self-directed explorers. The last ten minutes of the session are devoted to sharing aloud prayers that have been submitted during the week. Please use this form to submit your prayer request.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link and who to contact for more information.

Members of the United community are invited to join The Ministry Lab’s Midweek Retreat every Wednesday at 12 PM CST. Take a half an hour each week to be present with God, your Self, and others. Develop your personal practice and discover how deepened awareness and greater emotional and spiritual balance enable you to engage more fully, creatively and energetically in the essential work of God’s Beloved Community. To learn more or to get on the weekly reminder email, contact Emily Meyer (’09): ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu.

Every Wednesday – 12 noon to 1:00 PM CT

You imagine yourself in a ministry, but you can’t quite visualize it. You think you understand what the job market is like for chaplains, but you are uncertain what path will fit your particular needs. Come meet with your future colleagues from around the nation, make connections, and ask practical direct questions about your future career paths.

Stuff Chaplains Do (Sept.15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10)
Stuff Ministers Do in Rural Areas (Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17)
Stuff Ministers Do in Urban Areas (Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24)
Stuff Non-Profit Directors Do (Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1)

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

Methodist students and alums of United: Join us on October 28 (Thurs.) from 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM (CST) to hear from Bishop David Alan Bard (’84) of the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church and of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church (and United’s 2021 Distinguished Alum). Bishop Bard will be at the United campus for the meeting, which will also be accessible through Zoom (#381-300-4563). While open to anyone, this event is designed to bring together UMC students and alums in conversation with Bishop Bard. For alums planning to attend, please be aware that anyone visiting United’s campus must be vaccinated and masked. Questions? Contact Dean Kyle Roberts (kroberts@unitedseminary.edu).

Sept. 23; Oct. 28; Nov. 25
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM CT

The Methodist Affinity Lunch Group welcomes all Methodist students, whether UM ordination track or not, to gather and support one another in seminary and to hear from Methodist denominational leaders, ministers, and others who can provide students resources in their journey through seminary and beyond.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.

Sept. 29; Oct. 29; Nov. 19; Dec. 8
3:00 PM CT

A group for mutuality, interdependence and support. Navigate the Aspirant/Candidate process, access grants, engage regional networks and meet with national leadership.

See this week’s Monday Morning for the Zoom meeting link. Contact Rev. Karen Hutt for more information.