Our mission is to inspire and equip leaders to proclaim deeply the life-giving Good News of Jesus Christ and to put faith into action. 
3 November 2021

Dear Friends of The Stevenson School for Ministry,

God said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Do we have a reciprocal obligation to get to know God? No matter if we feel a call to a specific ministry or if we are still discerning, we may long for a deeper understanding of God. Consider our Stevenson School for Ministry classes. Our Winter Term begins the week of November 8. Join us by registering now.

Scholarships are available for members of parishes in the Diocese of Central PA. Please contact Associate Dean Michael or Dean Robyn for details.
Deepen your understanding of who and what God is.


Theology 1
with Dr. Joshua Davis begins Thursday, November 11 from 8:00 – 9:00 PM.

"If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” Systematic theology is the theological discipline that seeks to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. In this course, we will explore topics including the nature of God, Christology, Pneumatology, and Trinitarian theology.

COST: $300 for credit / $100 to audit. To register, click here.
Deciding on the future of our church requires a knowledge of its past.

Church History 1
with The Rev. Dr. Mark Scheneman, begins November 10th, 8:00 - 9:00 PM.

Over the course of ten weeks, students will encounter ten “crossroad” moments in Christian history, each reflecting epic and representative developments in the evolution of faith communities. 

COST: $300 for credit / $100 to audit. To register, click here. 
Experience and learn methods for doing Bible study in small groups.

Leading Bible Study in Small Groups
With Sharon Pearson, a Christian Formation Specialist, begins Tuesday, December 7, 7 – 8:30 PM.

What a privilege it is to lead a Bible study! And what joy and excitement await you as you delve into the sharing the Holy Word of God with others. Join us for 3 weekly sessions

To register, click here.
Sign Up Now for Our Advent Series!
Racial Justice & Advent

“Finding Our Way: Following the North Star to Racial Justice”
Led by The Rev. Carla Christopher Wilson and The Rev. Kevin Barron. Begins Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, 7 - 8:00 PM (4 weeks, online).

Join us for an Advent series that unites the journey towards justice of 2000 years ago with our pilgrimage towards racial justice today. Four evenings of prayer, study, and dialogue focused on the principles of Restorative Justice. Register here.
Loving Pastoral Care & Advent
 
“Tending Our Souls & Preparing Our Hearts”
 Led by Martha Harris MPA, MDiv. and Alexandra MacCracken, Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister. Begins Thursday, December 2, 2021, 6 – 7:00 PM (4 weeks, online).

This Advent series is designed for every church member. It will prepare our hearts for the season of hope through practical and faithful conversations. It will tend to our soul and increase our capacity for being beloved. Let us take time to experience the beautiful readings of the Advent lectionary through the gentle and transformative love of Jesus Christ using the holistic lens of Gestalt Pastoral Care. Register here.
Future Dates
2022 promises to be a great year for the Stevenson School. Mark your calendars now:

  1. Family Faith Formation JAN. 6, 2022, 7 - 8:00 PM (THURS. 5 WEEKS, ONLINE). Led by The Rev. Michael Droege.
  2.  Greening the Creed in Epiphany JAN. 5, 2022, 7 - 8:00 PM (WED. 5 WEEKS, ONLINE). Led by Dr. Collin Cornell.
  3. Faith Development in Community JAN. 6, 2022, 6 - 7:00 PM (THURS. 5 WEEKS, ONLINE) Led by The Rev. Paul Frolick
  4. SSFM Webinar—Becoming Beloved Community: January 8, 2022, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The Stevenson School for Ministry believes that NOW is the time to join a learning cohort to engage in Scripture and discipleship and develop new ways to share the unchanging Good News of Jesus Christ.

Scholarships available where needed most. Please contact The Very Rev. Robyn Szoke-Coolidge for more information.

Our need for local training is critical to the mission of the church and the sustaining of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Central PA. The reality of Christian Education and theological studies has shifted in part because 83% of the congregations in our diocese can only afford half-time or quarter-time clergy leadership.  It is critical for our diocese to continue to educate and deepen our spirituality to strengthen how we follow the Way of Love in a world that often struggles to love. Your gift makes a difference.
Questions? For more information, please contact:
Dean Robyn Szoke-Coolidge, rszoke@diocesecpa.org
Interim Associate Dean Michael Nailor, mnailor@diocesecpa.org