Resources abound for this year’s observance, set for Sept. 15 or whenever best fits a congregation’s schedule
by Gregg Brekke for the Presbyterian Foundation | Special to Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Bill Davis and the Rev. Zoë Garry are staff for Theological Education Funds Development in the Presbyterian Foundation. (Photo courtesy of the Presbyterian Foundation)
The Rev. Bill Davis, the new Senior Director of Theological Education Funds Development in the Presbyterian Foundation, said he is excited to invite congregations to observe Theological Education Sunday this September.
“It is an important Sunday to recognize as it emphasizes the importance of educating future church leaders in faith, ministry and service,” he said. “Theological education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with the complexities of the modern world while being grounded in the way of Jesus.”
Theological Education Sunday is celebrated each September in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This year, Theological Education Sunday is officially set for September 15, or whenever best fits your congregation’s schedule.
Resources for celebration
A sample liturgy, which includes a bulletin announcement, hymn selections, scripture suggestions and prayers, and a newsletter or bulletin announcement are available for download along with other resources at the Presbyterian Foundation website to help you prepare for and celebrate this important day.
Bulletin inserts include testimonies from the Rev. Emily McGinley, senior pastor of City Church in San Francisco, and the Rev. Sam Codington, pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in San Diego.
“The support I received provided freedom and space to engage scripture, theology, and tradition, and to learn how to draw critical connections between these and the world we live in for the sake of the congregations I serve,” McGinley said.
Coddington reflected, “My seminary education has informed my eyes and heart to discern the contemporaneity of the biblical text and to prayerfully interpret my faith as a vocation of action in the world.”
Additionally, PowerPoint slides are available for your use in projection or in your digital worship service.
“Theological Education Sunday is an invitation to be part of the future of the church by supporting our seminaries and future pastors,” said the Rev. Zoë Garry, Associate Director of Theological Education Funds Development. “It is through your generous gifts that we are able to continue to support our Presbyterian seminaries and covenant partners throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, providing scholarships, programs and unique opportunities to our Presbyterian students and future leaders.”
Recent research shows 91% of Presbyterian seminary graduates are employed in the fields they’ve been called to serve in within one year. Thanks to donations to the Theological Education Fund, Presbyterian seminary graduates have less debt than their peers at other seminaries, giving them more flexibility to follow the call of God, no matter where it might lead.
“By honoring Theological Education Sunday, the church acknowledges its responsibility to nurture new generations of leaders who will continue to carry forward the wisdom, courage and faith of this great cloud of witnesses, ensuring that the teachings of Christ remain vibrant and relevant long into the future,” Davis said.
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