calendar April 3, 2024 in News

Kindling Faith Programs – Summer 2024

This summer and fall, Kindling Faith is sponsoring a number of programs for everyone. Highlights include Theological Education with Adults focusing on 1 & 2 Corinthians; Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate (for Deacons, Pastors, and Spouses); Relevant Worship in a Strange New World; and more. Plus information on United Lutheran Seminary’s Spring and Fall Convocations.

Details and registration links below.

1. Theological Learning with Adults featuring Dr. Allison deForest Professor of New Testament, July 14 – 19 Many of us are very used to encountering texts from Paul’s 1st and 2nd Letters to the church in Corinth in the bits offered in the Lectionary on Sunday mornings. Some of these bits are favorites – some of Paul’s greatest hits – others seem deeply troubling and contradictory. During this week, we will examine the biblical books 1 & 2 Corinthians as a whole, taking into account the fact that they are part of a larger set of communications between Paul and the church that he founded in Corinth. The hope is that this holistic approach will deepen our understanding of what each individual passage says and means. Click here to register.

2. Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate (and Morning Conversations with David Hayward, aka NakedPastor: July 28-August 2. It’s been a year. Wars. Politics. Covid (again). The leaking toilet in the parish hall. You name it. Deacons and Pastors (and spouses): you deserve a break—some time away at a place apart. Welcome to the Gettysburg campus of ULS for a week of relaxation and meaningful moments. This year, you are welcome to bring your spouse and family members (each additional family member is only $100). On Thursday evening, we will have the Second Annual Bestowing of the Blessed Gourd Award given to the church leader with the most bizarre ministry story from the past year. Hope you can join us. BONUS: Lower Susquehanna Rostered Leaders can attend for free thanks to a generous grant from the synod! Click here to register.

3. Summer Ministry Institute: Relevant Worship in a Strange New World with Rev. Jonathan Rundman and Rev. Sarah and Erik Teichmann, August 11 – 16. Over the course of five days, spend time with songleader and composer Rev. Jonathan Rundman with Rev. Sarah and Erik Teichmann in an interactive discussion about worship and congregational participation. We’ll examine our personal histories as people-in-the-pews, explore our own creativity, focus on lots of practical application (technology, psychology, theology, repertoire), and crowdsource best practices for worship/music planning in our congregations. Fun! Joy! Harmony! Contemplation! Wondering! Friends! For more information on our presenters, click here. Click here to register.

Other Kindling Faith Opportunities

1. In the Footsteps of St. Paul. Journey to Greece with Revs. Drs. Angela and Martin Otto-Zimmann, October 24 – November 5^th. More information here.

2. Spring Convocation on the Gettysburg Campus will take place April 24^th. The theme is “Theodicy” and will feature Dr. Natalia Marandiuc and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kate Bowler. Both in-person and online. Register here.

3. *NEW* Event for Pride Month! Tuesday, June 11^th on the Gettysburg Campus. Special learning opportunity with Colby Martin and Dr. Diana Sorrentino. Click here to learn more and register!

4. Fall Convocation on the Philadelphia Campus will take place on September 18^th featuring Pastor Chris and Jamie Breusehoff, author of Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children. Both in-person and online. Register here.