It's official! Our 34th annual commencement services will take place on Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 PM CT. Whether you plan to attend in person or watch from afar, please register so we can supply you with a print or digital copy of the program. 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/8QXGuYT to sign up!

United’s faculty, three of whom (left to right: Dr. Jen Maidrand, Dr. Munjed M. Murad, and Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green, II) are shown in this photo from Fall Convocation, have wonderfully diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Ready to take the next step toward a purpose-filled calling that prioritizes the common good? Apply for a Fall 2026 master's or DMin program by March 15, and earn a $1,000 scholarship! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/ct7GEe8 to get started today! Why wait?

As we prepare for our 64th annual commencement on April 26, we are delighted to share that our commencement speaker is Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, a respected author, transformational pastor, vibrant speaker, and the generous founder of Invested Faith.

Want to gain or enhance your theological, strategic, organizational, and practical skills to lead social change for the common good? United’s MAL in Social Transformation might be the perfect fit! 🎓️ Visit buff.ly/k3MIlz8 to learn more about ways in which this degree can be applied.

United’s President, Rev. Molly T. Marshall, PhD, will be guest preaching at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Summit Ave, St. Paul) on Sunday, February 22. We'll look forward to seeing you there!

Cas Burr, who graduates this spring, spoke about ways in which his experiences at United were inspiring in the Fall 2025 VOICES newsletter. Top on his list: UU contacts, stellar faculty, scholarship support, and CPE opportunities. 📗 Visit buff.ly/qsdTyYT to read more!

At United, theology and the arts (meant to include the most expansive arc of creativity and expression) are inextricably intertwined. Art informs theology, and theology informs art. Would you like to engage in theological questions about justice, spirituality, and more through the lens of the arts?

Join United community members and Dale Dobias (’89), the creative force behind the current United exhibit “Re: assembled—An Offering,” for a reception on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT. We will enjoy the art and share light refreshments. 🎨 Visit buff.ly/8pobUw3 to register!

On Tuesday, February 17, at 12:30 PM, T. Michael Rock, our director of Contextual Education and Spiritual Direction, will lead this month’s Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality's Groundings lecture, “Spiritual Direction for Times of Trauma.” 💬 Visit buff.ly/9Ef1L14 to learn more and register!

Seminarians at United are more than just students. They are intentional community builders, deeply curious thinkers, and dedicated theologians. Many serve faithfully on the Student Leadership Collective, mentor fellow students, lead chapel services, and/or join student interest groups.

On this first day of #BlackHistoryMonth, we remember those who have gone before for us, shaping history through their actions and witness. And we celebrate Black history being made every day in our communities, transforming society with creativity and justice, leading us forward.

Feeling drawn to working for the common good? Making a difference in the lives of those searching for an affirming and justice-centered faith experience? Apply for a degree by March 15 and earn a $1,000 scholarship! 🎓 Visit buff.ly/ct7GEe8 to get started!

United offers flexible, accredited online seminary degree programs designed for busy ministry leaders and professionals. Our expert faculty and a supportive interreligious community of peers allow you to immerse yourself in theology, spiritual care, and interreligious studies at your own pace.

Join us Monday, February 23, for our 2026 Susan Draper White Lecture. Dr. Ellen T. Armour is our lecturer, and her talk is titled “Seeing Gender Otherwise: Theology as Visual Practice.” 🎫 Visit buff.ly/pUIAqzx to learn more and register!

Rev. T. Michael Rock, Dir. of Contextual Education and Spiritual Direction, and Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel (’13)—pastors at Lyndale United Church of Christ—were recently interviewed by United Church of Christ News for their participation in rapid response efforts in the Twin Cities. buff.ly/AeNUqBN

🎓 NEWS: Celebrate the class of 2026 at United's 64th Commencement Exercises happening Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 PM CT.

"What I learned in my classes at United and what I have learned again and again since that time is that presence matters. Showing up matters. As a form of care. As a form of protest. As a form of ministry. As the primary practice of Love."

If you've not had a chance to view Dale Dobias’ (’89) art exhibit at United yet, please join us on February 13 from 4:00–6:00 PM to marvel at "Re: assembled—An Offering,” chat with the artist, and enjoy light refreshments. 🎫 Visit buff.ly/8pobUw3 to register so we can plan for you!

We are already in the third week of the Spring term and are overjoyed to see new and returning students on campus and in Zoom rooms. Before we know it, in just 12 weeks, we will be celebrating commencement for our 2026 graduates! 🎓 Visit buff.ly/q811OaK to learn more.

United prepares innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Learn more about our mission, vision, and values at buff.ly/VHM8G3J.

In these fraught days and times of deep grieving, we are inspired by the bravery of United alums who continue to organize, protest, and speak out against ICE's occupation of the Twin Cities.

Are you drawn to supporting individuals and groups in their spiritual development within or outside a church setting? United can help you gain the competencies and credentials you need!

Jonathan Morgan (’11) has more points of connection with United than almost anyone else. He's also a close friend of Wilson Yates. 🎓 Visit buff.ly/Hif1cVo to read more about this dedicated United supporter.

February 13 is the final day of Dale Dobias’ (’86) mini-collage exhibit, “Re:assembled—An Offering,” at United. Starting at 4:00 PM, we will gather to enjoy conversations and light refreshments at a reception for Dale. 🎫 Visit buff.ly/2tggJ96 to learn more and register!

If you are seeking an opportunity to mourn in community, join Faith in Action, the United Church of Christ, General Minister Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, and others at 7 PM CT for a time of lament, prayer, and action.

Need more art in your life? United is currently hosting an exhibit of spiritually provocative mini-collage art pieces created by treasured alum and former United librarian Dale Dobias (’89). The exhibit began January 12 and extends through Friday, February 13. 🎨 Visit buff.ly/f4NPMvJ to learn more.

On Interfaith Alliance’s Jan 17 “State of Belief” Podcast, Paul Brandeis Raushenbush interviewed United alums Rebecca Voelkel (’13) and Jia Starr Brown (’23)—with two others. The episode is “Courage in Community: Minnesota Faith Leaders Respond to ICE Crisis.” 📻 Visit buff.ly/2oo5QkM to listen!

President Molly T. Marshall looks forward to preaching at United Church of Christ in New Brighton (1000 Long Lake Road) tomorrow, January 25, in the 9:30 AM service. She would love to see you there! Visit uccnb.org for details.

A message from President Molly T. Marshall: I have been deeply moved by the courage of my neighbors and, in particular, United’s students, alums, trustees, and faculty and staff.

Alum Lauren Busey (’07) asserts, "was a good fit.” A lifelong Lutheran, she credits United with helping her to value religious diversity and learn how to meet people where they are—an ethos that works well in her new role as part-owner of Pickledilly Skokie. 🎓 Visit buff.ly/N37dHvg to read more!

Are you drawn to ethics and justice, but not ready to pursue a degree? United’s Certificate in Applied Ethics and Justice could be a perfect fit. In 15 credits, you can gain graduate-level training in social change, leadership, and social justice organizing. 📃Visit buff.ly/pGbysr0 to learn more!

Start the year artistically! Today, Tuesday, January 20, at 12:15 PM, please join us in person or via Zoom for our Theology and the Arts Lunch.

This week is going to be a watershed moment.

"We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience." We reflect today on the transformative legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities joins MARCH's call for clergy and faith leaders to come to Minneapolis on January 22 and 23. Modeled after Rev. Dr. King's call for clergy to join him in Selma for a march to Montgomery in 1965, "we therefore call on clergy and faith..."

During our 2025 United Days, Dr. Kenneth Ngwa—a professor at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary—presented two lectures. In this one, he reflects on Psalm 126’s imagery to emphasize the role of dreams in formulating a ministry of liberation and flourishing. 📽️ Visit buff.ly/8tekwwW to view!

Incoming and enrolled students who apply for and earn a Dayton Merit Scholarship can receive multiple years of tuition relief—25 or 50 percent.

Student Alex Sánchez Rodriguez is pursuing an MA in Theology and Religion and hopes, ultimately, to become a theology professor. His experiences with faculty at United were the spark. 🎓 Visit buff.ly/uNzN1UV to learn more about the amazing Alex!

Why do more and more aspiring preachers, social justice leaders, chaplains, and eco-theologians choose United?

Do you feel called to be a compassionate and soul-affirming chaplain, working with people from diverse faith backgrounds and walks of life? United’s MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy might be a perfect fit! 🎓 Visit buff.ly/w79sZol to learn more about this highly sought-after degree!

Are you interested in social justice, in working toward positive change for the common good? If so, United has a Social Transformation program (MAL, MDiv, and DMin) that could be what you need.

Get ready for our 2026 Susan Draper White Lecture. We are excited to be welcoming Dr. Ellen T. Armour for her lecture, “Seeing Gender Otherwise: Theology as Visual Practice,” on Monday, February 23. 🎟️ Visit buff.ly/FhrW1GS to learn more and register for this free event!

Throughout the term, the chapel serves as the beating heart of our community's major events, including guest lectures, Symposium Week, commencement weekend activities, chapel services, and much more. We look forward to gathering with you onsite and online!

Join us at 12:15 PM CT on Tuesday, January 20, for the first Theology and the Arts Lunch of 2026 featuring Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member.

At a time when truth needs to be heard and justice feels in short supply, you have reminded us that, more than ever, transformative theological education is essential. We are deeply grateful for the ways in which you make United’s educational mission possible.

Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned a bachelor's degree from Luther College, and thought she would attend a Lutheran seminary. A chance meeting changed that trajectory, and recently Lauren launched a new business in Skokie, Illinois. 📃 Visit buff.ly/moTtn7k to read more!

United is thrilled to be hosting an exhibit by Dale Dobias (’89), an alum and former staff member, titled “Re: assembled — An Offering.” The exhibit, available for viewing in the center of United’s campus, will be available from January 12 through February 13, 2026.

THROWBACK THURSDAY This photo, taken at the McMillan Center Rededication event in the early 1990s, features a smiling Rev. Dr. Clyde Steckle, Professor Emeritus of Theology, 1970–1995. Clyde, who faithfully served United in myriad ways, passed away on January 11, 2025.

"We are reeling with horror, grief, and anger over the killing of Renee Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis. We hold Ms. Good’s loved ones in our hearts and remember them in our prayers as they navigate sudden, unimaginable loss." buff.ly/3tJDgUZ