Minute for Mission: Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus of Nazareth preaches that the reign of God is at hand in his own person and ministry. The future that had been envisioned by the prophets, an Israel restored to a beloved community of peace and justice, is now transformed into a community that includes Gentiles. In this future, the dividing walls that separated races, genders, economic classes, and even religious groupings from one another, enabling some to feel superior over others, are broken down. As these dividing walls are demolished by Christ, God’s future breaks into the present.
As Jesus represents this future in the present, so the church is to represent Jesus. Its prophetic voice is to speak Christ’s transformation of culturally accepted boundaries, representing in its own life and ministry the creation of a new kind of life together.
The focus of theological education is the same as the focus of the church: Jesus Christ and his mission in the world. As a seminary, a teaching institution of the church, Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education seeks to bear witness to the ministry of Jesus Christ in the present. The seminary’s task is to testify to Christ’s presence among us and to heed his call to participate in the reign of God through the power of the Spirit. God’s future calls us to equip those whom God has called, cultivating in them gifts of discernment and study, proclamation and teaching, so that they can live and proclaim the reign of God, and call others to the joyful participation in this transforming Rule.
—Dr. Brian K. Blount, president, Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
Gracious and loving God, as you have transformed us, teach us to be transforming. As we faithfully envision the future delivered to us through the incarnate presence of your Son in our midst, help us to hear your call to renew our focus on that future. So refocused, encourage us and strengthen us that we might live your future in the midst of our present. Amen.
Zeph. 3:14–20
Comfort, Comfort You My People
PH 3, WB 347
Isa. 12:2–6
The First Song of Isaiah
STF 2030
Phil. 4:4–7
I’ve Got Peace Like a River
PH 368
Luke 3:7–18
Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice
PH 409
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 24, 150 Ps. 25, 110
Amos 9:11–15
2 Thess. 2:1–3, 13–17; John 5:30–47 |
