Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Archives

James’ epistle and Eric Garner’s death

Posted October 2nd, 2019

During the second day of the Just Worship conference at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, those gathered for the worship service were asked a poignant question by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer: “Can you breathe?”

Sometimes, God is silent

Posted October 1st, 2019

The Just Worship event began at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Monday with a rousing worship service punctuated by passionate message on justice from the Rev. Dr. Paul T. Roberts.

Presbyterian trailblazer Pat McClurg dies at age 80

Posted September 2nd, 2019

Pioneering Presbyterian the Rev. Patricia McClurg, who once shared candy bars with actress Whoopi Goldberg and shared a stage with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sen. Ted Kennedy and Coretta Scott King, died Aug. 25 at age 80. Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 21 at Montreat Presbyterian Church in Montreat, N.C.

Just Worship event coming to Austin seminary Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Posted August 9th, 2019

The second annual Just Worship event will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Like the first one at Columbia Theological Seminary this promises to an extraordinary time led by stirring preachers, exceptional musicians and talented workshop leaders.

UKirk calls a new executive director

Posted July 9th, 2019

The UKirk board of directors has called Rev. Virginia “Gini” Norris-Lane as the executive director and campus ministry advocate for UKirk.

Seminarian discovers God’s love of imperfection by making pottery

Posted June 24th, 2019

When seminarian Alexandra Pappas felt the call to ministry while she was in her late teens, she was intimidated and afraid. Although she was doubtful that God could possibly call someone like her to be a pastor — she constantly battles the desire for perfection, especially in worship and preaching — Pappas decided to go to seminary anyway.

Houston Hodges dies at age 89

Posted June 7th, 2019

When Houston Hodges — a dyed-in-the-wool rural Texan — accepted a call to serve as associate executive presbyter for the Presbytery of San Francisco in the mid-1970s, the most daunting part of the job was navigating Bay Area traffic.

Learning theology from my mother

Posted May 14th, 2019

I was always proud to be a preacher’s kid. Growing up in Arkansas and Texas, it surprised many people when I told them my mother was the preacher, not my father. These types of exchanges certainly came with many puzzled looks.

Austin Young Adult Volunteer believes everyone is welcome to the table

Posted May 13th, 2019

During his junior year at Santa Clara University in California, Noah Westfall learned about the need for volunteers to assist new immigrants preparing for U.S. citizenship exams through the Immigration and Citizenship Program in Santa Clara County.

Seminarian discovers God’s love of imperfection by making pottery

Posted May 13th, 2019

When seminarian Alexandra Pappas felt the call to ministry while in her late teens, she was intimidated and afraid. Doubtful that God could possibly call someone like her to be a pastor — she constantly battles the desire for perfection, especially in worship and preaching — Pappas decided to go to seminary anyway.