In less than three weeks, we will be in St. Cloud for the Minnesota Annual Conference of the UMC! On Tuesday, June 16, United is hosting a lunch gathering in the main dining area. Register for the gathering when you register for the conference! 🍴 Visit buff.ly/ndku2Hx to learn more!

Ready to make a spiritual change? Want to work to promote the common good? United is accepting applications for the fall term through July 1, 2026. Now, more than ever, we need the next generation of creative and compassionate leaders to answer the call.

Are you ready to pursue your spiritual calling without putting your life on hold? United’s accredited degree programs cater to students managing a busy schedule, allowing them to balance coursework with work and family commitments. 💻️ Visit buff.ly/Vtv8tyG to learn more!

During the community chapel service on April 16, as Rev. T. Michael Rock led the last chapel of the spring term, he reminded attendees about the spiritual and practical value of contextual education—opportunities to gain and practice vocational skills in a safe environment.

In the most recent issue of VOICES, we explored a special group of donors: members of the Barnabas Society. These legacy givers include alums, former faculty, and other friends who have included United in their estate plan. 🎁 Visit buff.ly/DloLUBE to read the story.

Eid al-Adha Mubarak! United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities wishes you a blessed and joyful Eid al-Adha.

In just two weeks—at 6:30 PM CT on Wednesday, June 10—we will celebrate the launch of Dr. Pat Browne’s wonderful new book, “Seed Corn Must Not Be Ground: A Memoir of Survival and Resilience.” The event will be onsite and online. In person attentees can enjoy light refreshments.

Thinking about starting seminary this fall? Curious about theological education? We are accepting fall term applications through July 1. 👟 Visit buff.ly/DKnCDSL to take that first step. And remember to ask about scholarships!

United’s story is told in the work of our students and alums. Even as they are equipped for the work of justice and peace, our students are making active impacts on their churches, communities, and our society. buff.ly/9orJe2u

In less than three weeks, we will be in St. Joseph, MN, for the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC (register by the 29th). On Friday, June 12, at 4:45 PM, we will host our annual United Gathering at the Haehn Campus Center. 📋️ Visit buff.ly/kqpm77Q to learn more and register!

Six years ago today, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. We remember the grief and righteous anger that swept through the Twin Cities, the US, and our world. George's life mattered. Black lives matter. May we never shy away from truth-telling and the pursuit of justice.

Next Saturday, May 30, United and the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ are presenting a seminar, “Cultivating Generous Congregations.” The daylong seminar at United helps ministry teams to develop tools to build a culture of generosity tailored to their congregation’s situation.

We're thrilled to be welcoming Rev. Dr. John Thatamanil, our 2025 commencement speaker and professor of Theology and World Religions at Union Theological Seminary, back to the Twin Cities on Wednesday, June 10, as a respondent at Dr. Pat Browne's book launch event for "Seed Corn Must Not Ground."

Are you attending the Annual Meeting of the MN Conference UCC in St. Joseph, MN next month? Please join other United alums and friends at a reception on Friday, June 12, 4:00–5:30 PM at O’Connell’s Student Lounge in the Haehn Campus Center. 📋️ Visit buff.ly/emReoef to sign up!

A Shavuot Reflection from Shai Wise (’11) Shavuot is when we remember how, after leaving Egypt and wandering in the wilderness, the people came to Mount Sinai. At this mountain, they were given the 10 Commandments and responded: “We will do as we hear.”

Graduate education is a significant expense—both in time and money. Fortunately, United can help you secure financial aid or scholarships and explore other options to make seminary more affordable. Have questions? 👋 Visit buff.ly/PA1TRIp to learn more.

Faculty members are a vital and active part of what makes United a transformational seminary. As teachers, student advisors, writers, and advocates, they represent the seminary in the classroom and beyond.

Join us on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 PM CT to celebrate the official launch of “Seed Corn Must Not Be Ground: A Memoir of Survival and Resilience,” the remarkable new book authored by our own Dr. Pat Browne. 🔖 Visit buff.ly/R2ZTyV4 to learn more and register!

Since its inception, United has been sustained by faithful supporters who believe in transformative theological education. One group of dedicated donors, members of United’s Barnabas Society, views their commitment to progressive seminary education as extending for a lifetime and beyond.

Interested in spiritual direction, but not an MDiv? United’s MAL in Spiritual Direction prepares you for spiritual direction vocations in non-ordained settings and offers core theological and leadership training. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/UcIOAaX to learn more!

Commencement is a significant milestone in one’s seminary journey—both an ending and a new beginning. What remains are supportive bonds between United seminary students during seminary and alums after seminary.

If you wish to study from a distant locale, United is well-equipped to support your education from our home base in St. Paul. Our fully accredited online seminary programs are designed for real life. BTW, we are still accepting applications for the fall term! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/LGzBDbu to learn more!

A message from President Molly T. Marshall: My dear friend and fellow Baptist and UCC minister, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, graciously confronted United’s class of 2026 with reality in her Commencement address. She charged her listeners to remember that only transformed people can transform the world.

If you’ll be in St. Paul at the end of May, be sure to stop by House of Hope Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 31, before 10:00 AM. President Marshall will be preaching at that Summit Avenue church and hopes you can attend! ⛪️ Visit buff.ly/v67oCoJ to access the church link.

United is welcoming seminarians for the fall term through July 1! If you feel a calling, apply for a certificate, master’s degree (MA, MAM, MAL, or MDiv), or DMin program in the next six weeks to secure your spot.

Feeling called to seminary? Apply by July 1 to start this fall. And, if you are applying for a degree program, be sure to ask about possible scholarships. 🏁 Visit buff.ly/UbATKnD to get started!

Miss the excitement of starting a new school year? Why not register to audit a course this fall? Study Black Theology, brush up on your theological writing, open yourself to the Hebrew Bible, or choose from other options.

Want to explore the Bible? United’s MDiv in Biblical Studies allows you to engage in the Bible’s historical/cultural contexts, broad narratives, theological themes, and critical issues. It also considers the ethical implications of scriptural interpretation. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/3tvXtaU to learn more!

Considering seminary? At United, you have lots of choices. There are 14 concentrations to choose from in just the MDiv program. There are more choices in our other degree programs—the Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Leadership, and Doctor of Ministry.

An ordained UCC minister, spiritual consultant, author, and public speaker, Rev. Catherine Duncan (’10) found her calling through pivotal life-and-death struggles. After surviving childhood cancer, a second brush with death changed her life. 📖 Visit buff.ly/Fnl3vtE to read about this amazing alum!

During her 2026 commencement address, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler adjured the graduates to “embrace the risk that lies at the very heart of what you believe.

Led by Rev. T. Michael Rock, the April 16 chapel featured readings, a song, and a sermon. In his sermon, T. Michael talked about ministering to people during their worst days, the spiritual importance of community, and the sacred duty to be good earth stewards. 🎦 Visit buff.ly/WzsrAsH to watch!

While commencement is just a couple of weeks in the rear-view mirror for our 2026 graduates, perhaps you would like to work toward a seminary degree, your future commencement ceremony, and a life serving the common good. Apply by July 1 to start this fall. And ask about scholarships!

United and the MN Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) are offering a one-day workshop on May 30 on congregational fundraising, a partnership made possible by a denomination grant.

Earlier this spring, United shared the exciting news that Dr. Ginger Morgan will join its faculty this summer as the new associate professor for Pastoral and Spiritual Care and program director for Interreligious Chaplaincy. She will begin on July 1. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/KXmNcz0 to learn more!

Join us on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 PM CT—onsite and online—to joyously celebrate the launch of Dr. Pat Browne’s remarkable new book, “Seed Corn Must Not Be Ground: A Memoir of Survival and Resistance.”

Are you interested in UU ordination? United’s MDiv in UU Studies program will prepare you for ministerial fellowship in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and for ministry in a Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregation. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/jYHKJz4 to learn more!

President Molly T. Marshall hopes you can join her at House of Hope Presbyterian Church (797 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul) on Sunday, May 31. Molly will be preaching during House of Hope’s 10:00 AM service, and would love to see you there!

Are you going to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC this June at the College of St. Benedict? If so, please join us for a United reception on Friday, June 12, 4:00–5:30 PM at O’Connell’s Student Lounge in the Haehn Campus Center. 📋️ Visit buff.ly/AolpsVd to sign up!

Next Wednesday, May 13, United alum Rev. Catherine Duncan (’10) will join Cathy Wurzer, Dr. Henry Emmons, and Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University for a special event.

Spring has most definitely sprung in Minnesota. Buoyed by the annual emergence of new life in our natural world, United wants to remind you that you are invited to enroll at United by July 1 and begin a new chapter in your life starting this fall.

Have you ever wanted to know more about eco-theology and eco-justice? These are growing fields of study. In our newly published blog, you can delve into the origins of eco-theology and the call to action of eco-justice. 📖 Visit buff.ly/T1YSqF5 to learn more!

If you are planning to attend the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in St. Cloud next month, please also sign up for the lunchtime gathering for United.

United and the MN Conference of the UCC are offering a one-day workshop on congregational fundraising on May 30, starting at 9:00 AM. Held at United, the workshop will provide tools to help attendees build a culture of generosity unique to their congregation. 🎫 Visit buff.ly/bJyvCFw to register!

Rev. T. Michael Rock—our director of Contextual Education and Spiritual Direction, adjunct professor for Spiritual Formation and Contextual Education, and Shepherd of the Chapel—will be preaching at Morningside Hills UCC this Sunday! 📢 Visit buff.ly/Qy7ZQcp to learn more!

If you have been thinking about applying for a Dayton Merit Scholarship, do not delay! Applications are due today! 🧧 Visit buff.ly/Gt7H7TN to see if you qualify. Dayton scholars save 25 to 50 percent on tuition!

During the March 26 chapel, graduating seniors Audrey McCann and Emily McKown offered a chapel with a delightful combination of readings, music, and a thoughtful sermon. Audrey’s sermon was based on scripture from Matthew 5:3–12. 📽️ Visit buff.ly/BkA4j4f to watch in full!

Next month, at the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC, United is hosting a gathering for United alums and friends on Friday, June 12. If you’re planning to attend, please mark your calendar for 4:00 PM on June 12 to meet us at O’Connell’s Student Lounge, in the Haehn Campus Center.

United has secured a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to help spiritual and religious teachers process experiences from Operation Metro Surge, “so that we can remain effective and compassionate educators.” 🎁 Visit buff.ly/l4aTekN to learn more!

During Commencement, we had the distinct joy and privilege of honoring two leaders in social justice, ecumenism, and interreligious engagement.