Saint Paul School of Theology for Tuesday, 14 July 2015 - President's eUpdate--Upcoming Events

Saint Paul School of Theology for Tuesday, 14 July 2015 - President's eUpdate--Upcoming Events

Weekly President's eUpdate
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Dear Saint Paul Community,
The 2015-2016 academic year has officially begun. Summer classes are in full swing and Course of Study is on the Resurrection campus the entire month of July. On the Oklahoma City University campus we are hosting the Theology of Mission course for Deaconess and Home Missioner certification. Faculty and staff are completing their annual review processes and CFO Barney Barry is preparing to close the books in preparation for the annual financial audit. There is a natural rhythm to the academic year and it is very different from the ebb and flow of the local parish.
As I begin my second year as president, I am grateful for each of you and for yourprayers, words of encouragement, good and hard questions, suggestions, ideas and financial support.Holy Conversations for alums and donors will resume in the fall. The annual conference gatherings were fun and filled with good food and even better stories of the faithful ministries our alums embody in a variety of ministry settings. It has been a very full first year and year two looks full to overflowing, too.
There are a number of events to announce so you can put these on your calendar and register for each one.
*Opening Convocations
Speaker: Saint Paul President, Rev. H. Sharon Howell
Saint Paul: Church of the Resurrection-Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University-Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
*Harrington Lecture
Speaker: Bishop Steven Charleston
Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
*Peace Lecture
Speaker: Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Saint Paul: Church of the Resurrection
*Commencements
Saint Paul: Church of the Resurrection- May 20, 2015
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University-May 27, 2015
Register for the afternoon community lunch.
It has been delightful to spend time with United Methodist college and university presidents. We have prioritized UM higher education institutions in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Illinois for the initial visits. This month I will visit with Bishop Mueller in Arkansas and the presidents of Philander Smith and Hendrix. I come away from every conversation with a deep appreciation for the faithful leadership of each president and the many challenges we share. We are in collaborative conversation around articulation agreements for student transfers to Saint Paul after three years of defined study in their college.
It is commonly called a 3+3 and allows students to transfer their first year at Saint Paul back to their college so they are able to graduate. It shortens the bachel

or and master degree programs by a year and helps reduce student debt. We are also exploring dual degree programs and the opportunity to share professors to enhance the religion/philosophy departments of the colleges and expand the potential course offerings at Saint Paul.
If you haven't attended a Holy Conversation, watch for announcements and invitations in your area. I hope to see you at the opening convocations, fall lectures or a Holy Conversation.
On the journey with you,

Rev. H. Sharon Howell, President
Saint Paul School of Theology
sharon.howell@spst.edu
STAY IN TOUCH
Saint Paul: UM Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224 United States
(913) 253-5000
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  73106 United States
(405) 208-5757
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Saint Paul School of Theology

4370 West 109th Street, SUITE 300

Overland Park, Kansas 66211 United States
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