Lifelong Learning Events

For more information about opportunities listed below, to register online, or to download a registration form, go to www.ctsnet.edu > Lifelong Learning > Courses and Events. Then click on the dates of the courses and events you wish to attend. You may also call the registrar, Pat Roper, at 404-687-4587, for more information or to register by phone. Unless otherwise noted, events take place on the seminary campus, in Decatur, GA. Some events listed below require registration through the Presbyterian Board of Pensions. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for most events. Inquire at time of registration/event sign in.

May 6–8

Creative Practices in the New Rural (Strengthening Rural Ministry Conference). Join pastors and church leaders engaged in rural ministry, for the inaugural Strengthening Rural Ministry Conference. Keynote speaker is L. Shannon Jung, Professor of Town and Country Ministries at the Saint Paul School of  Theology in Kansas City, MO. Jung serves on the Rural Ministry Staff Support team, a national committee of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The conference includes a lecture by Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann, and case study discussion groups in which participants will explore creative practices in rural ministry. Workshop topics and leaders include Christian education in the rural church (Assistant Professor of Christian Education Kathy Dawson); new paradigms of parish leadership (Chuck Traylor, executive presbyter of the Presbytery of the Northern Plains in Fargo, ND), and parish redevelopment in rural settings (Rural Ministry Fellowship Recipient Marilyn Wullschleger, Marysville, KS). Register by April 22. $150 (includes 2 lunches; housing not included).

July 13–18

Earth Community and End of the World Spirituality (Certificate in Spiritual Formation). This course examines the earliest Christians’ “end of the world” and “new creation” spiritualities, particularly as they pose problems and possibilities for engaging the earth as an integral element in Christian spirituality. We will also explore theological dimensions of ecological issues facing this generation of the church. Occasional students are welcome; enrollment in the certificate program is not required. Leader: Stan Saunders, associate professor of New Testament. $350.

July 21–25

Religion in Appalachia (Montreat Summer Series 2008). This free lecture series is part of the seminary’s program in Presbyterian and Reformed History and Theology. At Montreat (NC) Conference Center. Lectures are 2:30-3:30 p.m. daily. Stone carving exhibition and demonstration on Tuesday evening. Shape note singing on Wednesday evening. Details on page 17.

July 21–July 24

Character Ethics in the Gospel of Mark. Explore how Mark develops characters —Jesus, the disciples, the crowds, the enemies, and God. What do the combined sets of characters—with their virtues and vices—convey about the character of a follower of Christ? Examine how the narrative develops what a follower’s character should be. Learn how to study a Gospel using character ethics. Leader: Steven Kraftchick, New Testament scholar and director of advanced studies at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Cost TBA.

July 28–July 30

Baptism & Eucharist: Ancient Practices in a Time of Renewal. A celebration of the sacraments from a more holistic understanding of the human person, human community, and the earth, this course considers how Jesus’ practices become our sacraments; how sacraments nourish us for life in the world, and how sacramental practices lead us to Christian public commitments. Designed for pastors and other church professionals, worship planners, lay leaders, and anyone interested in this theme. Leaders: Samuel E. Torvend, Pacific Lutheran University, author of Daily Bread, Holy Meal: Opening the Gifts of Holy Communion; and Kimberly B. Long, assistant professor of worship and editor of Call to Worship: Liturgy, Music, Preaching & the Arts. Register by July 14. $175 (includes Tuesday lunch).

July 28–August 1

Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor (2008 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study training, morning course). At Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, Alpharetta, GA). The Gospel of Luke contains stories that show the mission of Jesus to be the revelation of the beginning of the Messianic Age—a celebration of God’s jubilee for all people. In this course, authored by Dale Lindsay Morgan, we will examine the idea of jubilee, and the response Jesus received in his ministry. With instructor Rebecca Parker, begin to consider our own responses to Jesus and the call to be witnesses to the gospel in our own churches, in our communities, and in the world. Explore the texts, make personal connections with the themes, and receive practical ideas for teaching this series. Designed for women who will be teaching this series, this workshop is open to anyone interested in the topic. Register by July 21. Leader: Rebecca Parker. $90 ($85 for members of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church).

NOTE: This workshop is also offered two other times this summer, on the seminary campus in Decatur: August 4–6 (weekday course) and August 8–9. See below for more information.

July 31–August 3

An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (Certificate in Spiritual Formation – Weekend Immersion Experience). Join us for this feast for the soul. Explore the origins of the Christian spiritual tradition. Participants will study the formative elements of biblical, monastic, and Reformed spirituality. There will be the opportunity for personal reflection through guided meditative journaling, exploring one’s own unique journey with the living God. Community and practical application of acquired knowledge are also part of this experience. This course is the starting place for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Occasional students are welcome. Leader: TBA. $300.

August 4–6

Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor (2008 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study training, weekday course). See description for July 28-August 1 event. Register by July 12. Leader: Dale Lindsay Morgan, author of the 2008-2009 Horizons Bible study. $90 (includes 3 lunches).

August 8–9

Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor (2008 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study training, weekend course). See description for July 28-August 1 event. Register by July 25. Leader: Rebecca Parker. $70 (includes lunch).

August 22–23

Programming with a Plan: Intentional Youth Ministry. This Youth Leadership Ministry Initiative (YMLI) event will explore a very practical side of youth ministry. Participants will examine various aspects and approaches in program planning and participate in a session during which they can assess their own programs. Leaders: Lynne Turnage and Eric Dillenbeck. Facilitators: Sarah Erickson and Neema Cyrus Franklin. $150 (includes 2 meals).