General Classes, Workshops, and Seminars

Scriptures and Tradition: What the Bible REALLY Says! (1213-26)

Edith Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, PTS
Tradition is a debated topic in our day. Some think that it is a way of limiting life and maintaining rigid order, while others are fascinated with it as a link to the past. Christians also quarrel about its importance, particularly when they are thinking about the authority of Scripture and the life of the Holy Spirit. This course will read the Old and New Testaments to see how they deal with tradition and what they have to say about it. Be prepared for some surprises, and even an exposé of mistranslations of Biblical passages due to the bias of translators in this matter! / Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m., April 9-30, 2013 / $80 / 0.8 CEUs

Brochure and Registration Form                    Online Registration

Where to Belong If Anywhere? (1213-27)

Susan Kendall, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, PTS
The desire to belong and to live life with compassion and dignity remains steady despite the seeming collapse of institutions, authority, and meaning brought about by technology, economics, religious tensions, and more predictions of change. We will explore together through a collaborative process what remains, what has always been, and what always will be using that center to reflect on what all of this might mean for each of us. A selection of readings will be provided, mostly short essays both ancient and new, to serve as the common conversational point. / Mon. evenings, May 6,  13, and 20, 2013 / 7:00-8:30 p.m. / $50 / 0.45 CEUs

Brochure and Registration Form                      Online Registration

Reflecting on The Sermon on the Mount (1213-28)

Journey Inward; Journey Outward

Bonnie Thurston, Author, Educator, Spiritual Director and Former Professor of New Testament, PTS
This is a special offering in our ongoing series of workshops for Christian educators, pastors, and all who work in educational ministries in the Church. Rather than the usual format of a morning keynote presentation and afternoon individual workshops, this is an all-day event with teacher, Bonnie Thurston. After a brief introduction to the Sermon and its structure, we shall consider the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12 - and perhaps write some of our own), the matter of perfection (Matthew 5:43-48), and what it might mean to be obedient to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon. There will be time to ask your most burning questions about Matthew 5-7. / Tues., April 16, 2013 / 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. / $35 / 0.6 CEUs

Brochure and Registration Form                            Online Registration

Spiritual and Emotional Growth through Life: Insights from the Ministry of Fred Rogers (1213-35)

Summer Leadership Conference

Amy Hollingsworth, Psychologist, College Professor, and Author of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, Martha A. Robbins, Joan Marshall Associate Professor of Pastoral Care, PTS, and Steven S. Tuell, James S. Kelso Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, PTS
Now in its 73^rd year, this annual conference provides spiritual enrichment and growth both for clergy and church members. It seeks especially to provide insights and ideas for them to carry back home to strengthen their own congregations. This year, the first day of the conference will focus on Mr. Rogers, children, and spirituality and will provide continuing education credits for psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family counselors. / Sun., June 9, 7:00 p.m.–Wed., June 12, 5:00 p.m., 2013 / 6.0 CEUs / A wait-list for on-campus housing is available by e-mailing ConEd@pts.edu.

Brochure                              Online Registration

Spirituality in the Home, Church, and World (1314-04)

30^th Annual Teacher Training Workshop

Keynote Presenter:  B. DeNeice Welch, Senior Pastor, Bidwell Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. Our annual Teacher Training Workshop offers information and insturction for teachers of all grade levels. In addition to the keynote presentation, workshops will be offered on a variety of topics aimed at both new and seasoned teachers. This greatly loved fall workshop is co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh Presbytery, and Mt. Ararat Bapttist Church.  / Sat., September 28, 2013, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Finishing with Vitality: A Seminar for Pastors (1314-05)

David C. Rich, Retired PC(USA) Minister, Educator, and Consultant to Pastors and Congregations
The retirement of a pastor from his or her ministry is a unique and critical transition involving the pastor, spouse, staff, and congregation. Planning together for this transition offers the pastor and congregational leadership the opportunity to manage the transition. It also serves as the first step toward working together to do their best in ministry in their last months or years together.  Developing and implementing a transition plan builds a solid foundation for ministry - for the congregation and the retiring pastor. A transition plan allows the pastor and congregational leadership to have control of the transition and avoids the pastor becoming a "lame duck" by providing direction for the remaining months of vital ministry until the retirement date. / Thurs., Oct. 3, 1:00 p.m. - Fri., Oct . 4, 4:00 p.m., 2013

Training for Interim Ministers (Basic Unit, Part I) (1314-06)

This course introduces experienced pastors to the unique needs and dynamics of congregations during times of pastoral transition and/or congregational transformation. Attention will be given to (1) the tasks of a congregation in transition and transformation; and (2) the skills and opportunities needed for those who lead in these times. / Mon., Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m. - Fri., Oct. 11, 12:00 p.m., 2013 / 3.0 CEUs

Growing into Tomorrow...Today: A Retirement Planning Seminary (1314-16)

A Service of the Board of Pensions

Join The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for a holistic retirement planning seminar designed to help mid- to late-career Benefits Plan members explore steps they can take today to prepare for their best retirement tomorrow. The seminar will be led by a Board of Pensions Education Specialist and Retirement Planning Consultant couple. Seating is limited to 30 participants. Visit the "Educational Resources" section of www.pensions.org to see the seminar content overview and listings. / Wed., November 6, 9:00 a.m. - Thurs., November 7, 5:00 p.m., 2013 / This seminar is a service of the BOP at no charge to members. / Refreshments and lodging extra.

Religious Education Theory and Practice (1314-08)

A Church Educators' Certification Elective

 Joyce MacKichan Walker, Minister of Education, Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton, N.J. / Mon., October 21 - Fri., October 25, 2013 / 3.0 CEUs