Paid Justice and Peace Internship Available

 

The Justice and Witness team of the MN Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking an intern for the academic year 2013/2014. 

The internship supports the work of the Justice and Witness team with a particular focus on connecting UCC congregations with justice networks and other resources to support their justice ministries. This internship will build upon work currently being done by Aaron Lauer. This is a 10 hour a week (400 hours) internship and provides a $2,000 stipend. This internship qualifies as a CS255 Justice and Peace Practicum and fulfills the practicum requirement of the Justice and Peace concentration for students interested in receiving credit for this internship. For more information contact Steve Newcom, Center for Public Ministry:  snewcom@unitedseminary.edu,  651.255.6139.

CS255
Justice and Peace Practicum

Students seeking a CS255 Justice and Peace practicum, required for the Justice and Peace Studies concentration, should contact Steve Newcom, Center for Public Ministry: snewcom@unitedseminary.edu, 651.255.6139. Steve will work with you to locate a practicum location suited to your interests and learning objectives.

Are you planning to

graduate in 2014?   

If you are planning to graduate in 2014, you need to complete the Petition to Graduate form and give it to Susan Hastings by May 31, 2013.  

Prospective MA grads also need to complete the MA Thesis Registration form (due May 31, 2013) and the MA Thesis Proposal and Preliminary Bibliography form (due June 30, 2013).

Included with these forms is information about United specific guidelines, and instructions for setting up your document in MS Word.

If you have Word 2003 please click to download and save these forms.  

If you have questions about any of the forms, please contact Susan at 651.255.6120 or email shastings@unitedseminary.edu. 

In this brand-new program, you will have the opportunity to facilitate discussions with Presbyterian Homes & Services' (PHS) independent living residents to help them grow in their faith journey. All the training and materials are provided by PHS for this twice-a-month, one-hour small group with residents.

Qualifications:

• Passion to help others learn about Scripture and how to apply Scriptural teaching to everyday life.
• Ability to take an ecumenical approach.
• Comfortable to not have "one right answer."
• Great listening skills
• Ability to facilitate others' discussion and learning.
• Belief in and commitment to follow Christian teachings and Scripture.
• An active prayer life, willing to lead prayer during sessions and to pray for participants between sessions.
• Familiarity with Bible Study Fellowship or Community Bible Study principles helpful, but not necessary.
• Dependability and willingness to commit to time required for up to six months.

Julie Brown to Retire
Julie Brown, acting chief advancement officer, has announced that she will retire on June 30, 2013. On May 2, 2013 the trustees recognized and thanked Julie for her outstanding work with the seminary. Julie has been with the seminary for thirteen years primarily as the director of development. She worked with the board of trustees through the development committee, the alum council and was responsible for raising money for the annual fund, scholarships and much more. Julie's dedication and gracious manner have been a gift to the people of this institution.

Sharon Tan appointed Dean of the Seminary

On May 2, 2013, the board of trustees approved the recommendation to appoint Sharon Tan dean of the seminary beginning July 2013. Sharon has  ably served as Associate Dean for the past two years, and looks forward to helping to lead us as we "ride the wave" into United's future.    

Announcing the candidates for the 2013 Graduating Class
The Board of Trustees, The Faculty and the Graduating Class of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities announce   
 

The 51st Annual Commencement Exercises

Sunday, May 19, 3:00 PM

at Plymouth Congregational Church

1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

Commencement Speaker: Karen Smith Sellers

Conference Minister, Minnesota Conference
of the United Church of Christ.

Candidates for the degree Doctor of Divinity honoris causa 

Karen Smith Sellers 

Noah S. Smith

Candidate for the Certificate in Theological and Religious Studies 

          Jeff Alden Pope

Candidate for the Diploma in Advanced Theological Studies 

Candidate for the degree Master of Arts  with a concentration in Religion and Theology 

 Brian Braskich     

Candidate for the degree Master of Arts with a concentration in Theology and the Arts   

Richard Kooyer, awarded posthumously

Candidate for the degree Master of Arts in Religious Leadership

NEWS FROM THE DEAN

SEMINARY NEWS          

Song: Students, alumni, staff, and faculty who wish to participate in the choir for the memorial service will meet at 10:30 AM.

Story: During the service, we will read from a collection of stories, thoughts, poems, and tributes compiled by the UTS community as we remember our dear friend, student, colleague, and mentor, Rich. If you have something you'd like to share, please email it to Laura Thompson at lthompson001@unitedseminary.edu or Cathy Pino at cpino001@unitedseminary.edu. 

Thank you!

Heard the Rumors?

You may have caught wind that United is in the process of developing a new brand identity that is more in sync with the seminary's personality, ethos and mission, and makes us more visible in a competitive landscape. After a lot of work behind the scene, we'd like to hear feedback from the wider community about the options that have been developed. The proposed logos and tag line will be on display in the Context Café from Tuesday, May 14, at 10:00 AM through Thursday afternoon, May 16. Please stop by, have a look and let us know what you think. There will be feedback forms that you can fill out and drop in a box. We're looking forward to hearing from as many students, faculty and staff as possible during the week.

Starting TODAY - Monday, May 13:
...the Bigelow Chapel doors will be kept locked at all times except during public events or weddings. Please use the main entrance at 3000 Fifth St. N.W. While we have not had any incidents of unwanted entry, a recent security review of the seminary produced a recommendation to increase control of building access by keeping the isolated doors at Bigelow locked.

A Message from the Security Committee

SAFETY:  A word that is extremely broad in definition and in many cases not thought about until tragedy strikes. 

Safety is a top priority and value at UTS. In response to this priority the UTS community has formed a Security Committee. This Committee has met a couple times and are looking into ways we can take a holistic view on safety at UTS. This includes: procedures for all kinds of emergencies, developing a Security Plan, consulting with the local Police and Fire Department on training exercises, researching effective practices, etc... 

This will result in additions and changes to our current approach to safety on the UTS Campus.

ENTRANCES: In consulting with the New Brighton Police Departments Safety Specialist we learned how important entrances are as a point of potential vulnerability for those wishing to cause harm. Fewer main entrance points will improve our vulnerability. The following changes will be implemented for the overall safety and security at UTS:

1. Bigelow Chapel Entrance. This entrance that is normally open will now be normally closed. It will be opened for special events, but on an everyday basis it will remain locked.
2. McMillan Center. All exterior McMillan doors will be locked between 6 and 6:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

THIS DOES NOT EFFECT THE ABILITY TO EXIT! 

MORE TO COME:  Trainings, Security Plan, Practice Drills, etc.

Thank you for your cooperation with these implementations. We look forward to continued improvement in Campus Safety. Any input is appreciated and will be taken under advisement.

Brandon Krosch, Director of Physical Plant

Spring Banquet
"Where in the World...?"