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December 2018

NEWS FROM LIFELONG LEARNING: CONTINUING EDUCATION

As we prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child, the Lifelong Learning team has been preparing our offerings for 2019 as well. We are excited to announce our line-up of Spring Evening  Courses:

 As is our tradition, we will kick off our spring courses with an evening Taste of Lifelong Learning on Thursday, January 24th. We are thrilled to have two brothers visiting from the Society of St. John the Evangelist, a monastic community of the Episcopal Church. who seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. Please join us for an evening of reflection and conversation, and bring your own questions about journeying with God.
 
In addition to our evening community classes, remember that lifelong learners interested in master-level courses may apply to audit through the Auditor Program (applications due by January 15).
 



We are pleased to announce new offerings coming in the new year for church leaders (and emerging ones):

  • Preaching Workshops with the Rev. Mark Jefferson, Visiting Professor of Homiletics, for lay and ordained preachers — an on-campus daytime strategic preaching workshop on February 6, an online webinar on Intergenerational Preaching on March 27, and a weekend retreat April 26-27 (co-led by the Rev. Kathy Grieb).
  • “Faith in the Field” Leadership Series, offering both online webinars and on-campus panel discussions on topics such as "Clergy Transitions," "Breaking the Stained Glass Ceiling," and "Faithful Response to the Opioid Crisis" 
  • “Time to Breathe and Be,” with practices for nourishing the spirit — including seasonal "Spirituality Saturdays" workshops for mind, body and soul; and monthly sabbath mini-retreats.

Look for registration links and information on upcoming events below and on our website. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at lifelonglearning@vts.edu.
 
The Lifelong Learning Team wishes you and yours many blessings during this Christmas Season and we look forward to seeing you in person or online in the New Year!

— Diane M. Wright, Senior Associate for Lifelong Learning

and Director of Continuing Education

Help us promote our events within our communities! Post or forward these flyers, which can be downloaded and printed by clicking below.

Spring Calendar of Events
An Evening with the Brothers of SSJE
Evening Community Classes
Listening to God Weekend Retreat

FEATURED EVENTS NEXT MONTH

Listening to God In Our Lives — A Weekend Retreat

 
Friday, January 11, 6 - 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 12, 9:30-3:30 p.m. 
($95 - Early Bird $85 through 12/21)


"Should I choose this path rather than that one?" "What is the meaning of the experience I am having?" "How can I follow Christ more faithfully?" "What would that even mean?" Start your new year by taking time to sit with questions like these, listening for God's direction for your life through quiet prayer, guided meditation, and talking with others who are on the same journey. Dr. Kathy Staudt, Adjunct Professor in Theological Studies, leads this popular annual retreat. 

Praying Our Lives — An Evening Conversation with Brothers from SSJE


Thursday, January 24, 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. (Free)

The brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist are a monastic community of the Episcopal Church who seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. At this special evening event, Brothers Keith and Luke will offer words of encouragement and guidance on showing up with God as we truly are, in the midst of our stressful and busy lives. Join us for an evening of reflection and conversation, and bring your own questions about journeying with God.

SPRING EVENING COURSES

Spelling Doesn't Count: Writing as a Spiritual Practice

Six sessions on Tuesdays from January 29 to March 5, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. ($120)

What would it be like to write just for you and God? Deepen your awareness of the holy in everyday life, and explore new ways that writing can enhance the life of the spirit. Taught by Dr. Kathy Staudt, Adjunct Professor in Theological Studies at VTS. 
 


The Psalms: Ancient Texts in Today's Contexts

Four sessions on Thursdays from January 31 to February 28, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ($100)

The Psalms contain some of the most ancient and beautiful texts of our tradition, encompassing joy and triumph; anger and grief. Consider the broader issues in the Psalms with deeper study of individual psalms and examine their poetic features as well as their form and function. Taught by the Rev. Melody Knowles, Ph.D.,  Associate Professor of Old Testament at VTS.
 


Reclaiming the Jewishness of Jesus

Six sessions on Tuesdays from March 26 to April 30, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ($120)

Jesus wasn’t a Christian; he lived and died as a Jew. Or did he? Jewish and Christian faith leaders will shed light on Jesus and his relationship to the Judaisms of his day and ours, opening new paths for dialogue and mutual respect. Coordinated by Ms. Susan G. Sevier, Academic Center Instructor at VTS.
 


To Be Holy Whole: A Journey into New Life

Six sessions on Thursdays from March 28 to May 9, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ($120)

How do we become whole? What is this journey at the heart of Christian faith? Dr. Timothy Sedgwick, Professor of Christian Ethics at VTS, leads a journey into the experience of “life in Christ,” using presentations, reflections, conversations on sacred texts, and practices that offer invitations into a way of life both holy and whole. 

ART AND THEOLOGY

Art and Theology — Reflecting on August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean

Thursday, January 10, 7 - 8:30 p.m. ($20)

August Wilson's play Gem of the Ocean is showing at the Round House Theater through December 30, 2018. Scholar and theater critic Riley Temple will discuss this critically acclaimed production with the director, Timothy Douglas, at this special post-production reflection session at VTS.
 


Art and Theology — Reflecting on Shakespeare's Richard III

Preview Session January 30, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Reflection Session  March 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
($30 for both sessions)


Richard III, Shakespeare’s mesmerizing history play, remains “an irresistible study of villainy and of our addiction to its exploits.” Author and critic Riley Temple will lead a theological engagement with the themes of the play that is showing at the Shakespeare Theatre Company from February 5 - March 10, 2019.

UPCOMING OFFERINGS FROM LIFELONG LEARNING

Spirituality Saturdays: Epiphany
"Praying with Our Bodies: Home by Another Road"

Saturday, February 2, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ($40)

The wise men who visit the Christ Child at Epiphany are warned in a dream to go home "by another road." Following their example, explore coming home to yourself in new ways. Using gentle yoga, guided meditation, and journaling, practice listening for how God speaks to us through our bodies. 

Strategic Preaching: Shaping Sermons for Mission

Wednesday, February 6, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ($50)

Your church has a particular mission, one that is part of the mission of God. How can you preach with that mission in mind? Learn to connect your sermons with the wider strategic goals of your congregation, reinforcing a consistent message with your church over time and challenging your people to live into God’s call on their lives. Join Professor Mark Jefferson, Adjunct Professor of Homiletics at VTS, in this workshop that will include time for working on sermons.

ONLINE

Webinar: How to Be Church Beyond Our Buildings

 
Wednesday, January 16, 3 p.m. EST
(Free, but registration required)

How can faith communities embrace or expand beyond the brick and mortar to find what the Holy Spirit is calling them to do? Join the Rev. Emily Scott and the Rev. Kyle Oliver, hosted by Sarah Stonesifer, for a discussion on how to discern the next steps for finding your mission-driven ministries and new initiatives. 

Coming Up:
Online Class: Hybrid Faith Formation Cohort - February 10 - April 12
Webinar: Beloved Community - February 13, 3.pm. EST
Webinar: Gathering Community Online -  March 13, 3 p.m. EST

IN THE COMMUNITY

"Us Against Them: Ministry in an Age of Polarization"

A One-Day Bowen (Family Systems) Theory Conference for Faith Leaders

Thursday, January 17, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ($75)
George Mason University Arlington Campus


Author, pastor, and pastoral counselor Ronald W. Richardson brings his experience with Bowen theory to the challenge of polarization. The conference will look at how a leader's work on differentiation of self can help a group avoid polarization, and when it does occur, help to manage it. Staying thoughtful, clear, and connected, leaders can embody a principled call to ministry with others in a polarized environment.
 

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Lifelong Learning at VTS Learning  provides continuing education and professional development opportunities for clergy and laypeople, in person and on-line, leveraging the faculty and resources of Virginia Theological Seminary.

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