Saint Paul eUpdate: Mission and Vision from Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 1 September 2016Message from Dr. Nancy Howell
Executive Vice President
The beginning of each academic year is a joyful time. We reconnect with returning students, greet new students, and reunite as a community of staff and faculty. In this eUpdate, I invite Saint Paul friends and alumni/ae to join the celebration.Convocation at the Saint Paul Kansas campus was August 23, and the Saint Paul Oklahoma campus Convocation was August 30. Both celebrations centered on the theme of mission and vision. President Neil B. Blair delivered his first Convocation address entitled, Mission Never Changing;Vision Ever Changing based on Habakkuk 2:1-3.
Because the Convocation introduced both a new seminary leader with vision for our future and because we dedicated our new mission statement created by the Strategic Planning Team, the celebration helped us to remember blessings and hope that are part of the seminary's history and the future. I invite you into the celebration by sharing with you the litany dedicating the new mission 
statement. New Mission Statement
Centered in Christ and rooted in
the Wesleyan tradition,
Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary of intentional relationships committed to the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life; the exploration of Scripture, tradition, and ministry practices;
and diverse, contextual experience.
Litany on the Mission
We are a community centered in Christ-
In all our work and worship, we seek to see more clearly and feel more deeply Our Savior Jesus Christ-
God made flesh, growing, loving, calling, rebuking, preaching,
God healing, serving, feeding,
welcoming, redeeming, sending.
We are a community rooted in Wesleyan tradition- Pursuing a Christ-shaped life, Read more
MISSION STATEMENT LITANY AND DEDICATION
New Mission Statement
Centered in Christ and rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary of intentional relationships committed to the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life; the exploration of Scripture, tradition, and ministry practices;
and diverse, contextual experience.
Litany on the Mission
We are a community centered in Christ—In all our work and worship, we seek to see more clearly and feel more deeply Our Savior Jesus Christ—God made flesh, growing, loving, calling, rebuking, preaching, God healing, serving, feeding, welcoming, redeeming, sending.
We are a community rooted in Wesleyan tradition—Pursuing a Christ-shaped life, not settling for sin or apathy in the face of suffering.
Loving God as Christ did with all of our hearts, minds, and souls, Loving our neighbors—all neighbors—as ourselves, we put our faith in action:
Doing all the good we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, to all the people we can.
We are a community of intentional relationships—A Kin-dom working together—In the city, in the country, in Kansas and Oklahoma, seminary and church, online and in person, a cord of braided strands not easily broken—Faith seeking collaboration and partnership.
We are a community pursuing ministry formation for ministry innovation—Obedient to the Spirit’s lure, not turning our backs on our traditions by ignoring opportunities for innovation; Not turning our backs on traditions by embracing what is new and exciting; We cultivate faithful imaginations able to engage culture.
We are a community of academic exploration—
Not just in pursuit of simple facts—we bring rigor and curiosity to your Word and world.
Faith seeking understanding and wisdom—wrestling with the Scriptures, partnering with the Spirit and one another; Joyfully, stubbornly, and expectantly pursuing Your truth, Your presence, Your challenge, Your Gospel in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh.
Prayer of Dedication of and to the New Mission
O God, you are able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. We ask your blessing upon this new mission for Saint Paul, that it may reflect your will and way for us and your church.
Give us the endurance and ingenuity to live the mission, to make it plain to the people we serve and the people we teach, not simply in words but by our very deeds, in the name of Jesus, your will and way made flesh.
To your care and protection, Vision-Giving God, we now commit ourselves.
By your Spirit, renew the life of this seminary, so that Christ may be seen more clearly in our midst.
We ask this is the name of the Source, Guide, and Goal of all that is—
to God be glory forever! Amen.
____________________________________________Upcoming Fall Events
September 20, 2016
Stover-Ward Lecture: Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison Pioneers in Women's Theological Education: Deaconess Training Schools
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Kansas Campus: Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel
October 11, 2016
Wayne E. Drake Peace Lecture: Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak Disrupting the Ways of Evil - Following the Ways of Love, Peace, and Justice
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Kansas Campus: Church of the Resurrection, Building B
STAY IN TOUCH
Saint Paul: UM Church of the Resurrection13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
(913) 253-5000
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
Oklahoma City, Ok.ahoma 73106, United States (405) 208-5757
Saint Paul School of Theology
4370 West 109th Street, SUITE 300
Overland Park, Kansas 66211, United States
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