Community by alumna Dr. Melissa Pearce
I sat down to write this letter at least a dozen times. Each attempt has ended with me scribbling down a plethora of thoughts with little direction of where to begin or where to end. Goodbyes are never easy for me. Nor is concisely conveying something as deep as my love for Saint Paul. I…
Read MoreDr. Casey Sigmon on Drawing Closer to God Through Online Worship
Just like many faith communities around the world, Saint Paul School of Theology now offers weekly chapel services online via Zoom. The obvious advantage is that it lets us gather safely for worship during a global pandemic. But it’s equally important to recognize how these technologies actually enhance preaching and worship. “At the heart of…
Read MoreSelf Love by alumna Dr. Melissa Pearce
When my son was in second grade, I received a phone call from his teacher. She relayed to me that she had to repeatedly ask my child to stop talking to his neighboring student. A little perplexed that this behavior had seemed to arise suddenly and did not correlate with his usually quiet demeanor, I…
Read MoreScholar Strike for Racial Justice
The faculty of Saint Paul School of Theology stands in solidarity with the #ScholarStrike for racial justice September 8/9. We commit to opening up space in our classrooms on the 8th/9th to speak out about brutalities by police and others, particularly against communities of color, and to affirm the public witness and liturgy of protestors. We…
Read MoreAlumni to Reconnect with Upcoming Virtual Class Reunions
Saint Paul School of Theology has always been about intentional relationships. It is central to our core and our teaching. Those relationships include our many treasured alumni. Saint Paul fosters community beyond graduation in many ways, including class reunions where alumni can share stories and stay up-to-date on what’s new. While large, in-person gatherings remain…
Read MoreChaplaincy in the Time of COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and other health care facilities have become the front lines, and we have honored and celebrated our health care workers serving our nation’s most vulnerable populations. For the church, the role of chaplain has also been elevated, particularly as most buildings have been shuttered in favor of social-distanced worship and…
Read MoreOnline-Only Course of Study Registration Approaching
Fall 2020 registration for the Course of Study program begins in August. This year’s fall session will be available online only. The program is designed for licensed local pastors, those who are certified for ordained ministry and those under appointment in the United Methodist Church. Course of Study is a specialized continuing education program prescribed…
Read MoreGuiding Emerging Ministers Through Vocational Discernment
People from all walks of life are called to share God’s love with a hurting world, drawing upon their own unique gifts and experiences. How can faith leaders offer support to those in their churches and communities who may be discerning such a call? Dr. Anne Walker, Executive Director of the Oklahoma campus of Saint…
Read MoreWhat Is There to Prevent Me? by alumna Rev. Colleen Riley
What is there to prevent me? One’s narrative identity Acts Ch., 8:27-37 Ethiopian Eunuch Recently I read about a concept called narrative identity as it was described by Dan McAdams, Personality Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University. McAdam’s premise is that we use autobiographical narrative to find meaning using our own lived history. …
Read MoreFollowing God
by Dr. Melissa Pearce, Director of Alumni & Partner Relationships As we sat on the steps of her first appointment, First United Methodist Church of Guthrie, Oklahoma, I grappled with the juxtaposition of her age and the poise with which she detailed her call to ministry and her habit of “following God” faithfully and intentionally.…
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