Grace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Among our goals as your alumni team for UPSem is to help connect our generations of graduates. We want you to connect with all the news and events that Union Presbyterian Seminary has to offer in your life and vocation. We hope, also, that you may find a place here to connect with others…your seminary and PSCE classmates and friends…current and former faculty members …current students and members of the seminary communities in Charlotte and Richmond.
We hope this will be a webpage that you may visit often, not only for news and updates of the seminary, but to share the news of your life and ministry with us.Come here to learn more about seminary and alumni gatherings on our two campuses and perhaps in your area. Discover ways that you may support the seminary in its mission to educate and prepare women and men for ministry in a variety of places.
Let us hear from you and share with you the news of how we live and serve together by grace through faith! We hope you will enjoy what you find here and also share your news with us!
Members of the UPSem Black Alumni Association - at Sprunt Lectures - 05.07.19
Fourteen UPSem alums, who entered UTS and PSCE in the winter, summer and fall of 1975, gathered for a ‘mini-reunion’ at Montreat in mid-September. Pictured here, on the steps of the Brearley House of the South Carolina Inn, on September 13, 2022 are, left to right, front row: Roberta Ingersoll, Bill Ingersoll; second row: Chuck Henderson, Bob Brearley, Finley Sutton David Sutton; third row: Nancy R. Blakely, Mary Ann Brearley, Margaret Wilson-Stayton, Claude Wilson-Stayton; fourth row /top row: Charlie Blakely, Vicky Jones, Bob Fiedler, and Dusty Fiedler.
Cookout at Sprunt Lectures 2019
Ten UPSem alums and spouses gathered in the home of Dean (B.D.'69, Th.M.'70, Ph.D.'74) and Rebecca Thompson, in Monte Vista Grove Homes, Pasadena, CA, on November 23, 2019.
APCE 2021 Virtual UPSem Alumni Event on February 3, 2021.
Dr. Karen-Marie Yust PowerPoint on Children's Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at APCE 2021 Virtual UPSem Alumni Event on February 3, 2021.
Jeannie DeMotte Ford (M.A.'83), 2021 APCE Educator of the Year, was recognized during the APCE 2021 Virtual UPSem Alumni Event on February 3, 2021.
SPRUNT 2020: The Sprunt Lectures closed with a panel discussion and with closing remarks by President Brian Blount. Pictured are (clockwise from top left) Karen-Marie Yust, Gene Roehlkepartain, Allan Cole, Brian Blount, Clay Macaulay, and Evelyn Parker.
Attending the reception are (left to right): James Lee (Ph.D.'12), Dean Thompson (B.D.'70, Th.M.'71, Ph.D.'74), Charlene Jin (Ph.D.'07) and Rebecca Thompson.
Cookout at Sprunt Lectures 2019
Huw (Th.M.'71) and Rachel (M.A.'72) Christopher co-host a morning reception for alums and spouses in Monte Vista Grove Homes, Pasadena, CA, November 23, 2019.
Rocky Mountaineer PSCE Reunion Tour
Cookout at Sprunt Lectures 2019
UTS Entering Class of 1979 Reunion
UTS Entering Class of 1979 Reunion
UTS Entering Class of 1979 Reunion
Greetings from seminary alumni and friends gathered on July 25, 2019 at Massanetta!
Dr. John Carroll was the Bible study leader each morning for the 2019 Massanetta Bible Conference.
Heather Woodworth Brannon (M.Div. ‘19) was the recent UPSem graduate invited to preach for the 2019 Massanetta Bible Conference, in Hudson Auditorium.
Dr. John Carroll chats with recent alums at the seminary luncheon.
Alumni and friends of UPSem gather for the luncheon in Grant Dining Room, Massanetta.
Dr. Will Willimon, Professor at Duke Divinity School and a bishop in the United Methodist Church, stops by to greet Brian and Sharon Blount after the luncheon concluded.
30 alumni and friends attended the UPSem Luncheon, June 21, 2019, during the United Methodist Virginia Annual Conference in Roanoke
The Rev. Dr. Paul Baker (M.Div.’12) offers the benediction as the seminary luncheon concludes at the Blue Ridge Hotel and Conference Center in Roanoke, June 21st.
Cookout at Sprunt Lectures 2019
Cookout at Sprunt Lectures 2019
UTS Class of 1969 - 50th reunion - 05.07.19
Dr. Lance Watson (M.A.'86) was the preacher for the 2019 Sprunt Lectures, May 7-8, 2019.
Dr. John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation, Yale Divinity School, delivered the four Sprunt Lectures on the theme, What Are Biblical Values? May 6-8, 2019.
Dr. Dean Thompson, center (B.D.'69, Th.M.'70, Ph.D.'74) was recognized as the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus, shown here with his wife, Rebecca Thompson, and UPSem president, Dr. Brian K. Blount, 05.07.19.
Dr. Lewis Galloway (D.Min.'77, Th.M.'79) addresses the Alumni Luncheon, 05.07.19 at Sprunt Lectures.
The annual Alumni Luncheon at Sprunt Lectures was held in the James Holderness Dining Room, Richmond Hall, May 7, 2019.
The Rev. Willie Thompson (B.D.'61) attended his 61st consecutive Sprunt Lectures, May 6-8, 2019.
Morning worship in Watts Chapel, during the Sprunt Lectures, 05.07.19.
Dr. J.A. Ross MacKenzie, former UTS professor of Church History, is greeted by alumnus, Dr. Charles Raynal (B.D.'69) in Watts Chapel prior to the morning lecture, 05.07.19.
The 2019 Sprunt Lectures were held May 6, 7, & 8, 2019 in Watts Chapel, UPSem campus in Richmond.
The Rev. Anna George Traynham (M.Div. '14) served as worship leader during the Sprunt Lectures, May 7-8, 2019.
Jeff Kellam, center (M.Div.'69) at the Alumni Luncheon, with Jim Rissmiller, left (M.Div.'69) and Judy Sutherland, right (M.Div.'70).
Dr. Harry Simmons, center (M.A.'84) was named the 2019 BAA Trailblazer of the Year, shown here with the Rev. Delano Douglas, left (M.Div.'04, Th.M.'11), president of the BAA, and Dr. Brian K. Blount, president of UPSem, 05.07.19.
UPSem-Charlotte professor, Dr. Rodney Sadler (2nd from left) moderated the “Faith and Politics” conversation on Sunday afternoon, March 17 at Caldwell Presbyterian in Charlotte.
Prior to the “Just Jesus - Faith and Politics” conversation on March 17 at Caldwell Presbyterian in Charlotte some of our UPSem alumni gathered for a reception.
Alumni Notes
Nicole Partin Abdnour (M.Div./M.A.C.E. ’04) has accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant, SC.
Thom Bower (Ed.D. ’03) now serves as pastor of The Church of Three Crosses, Chicago, IL.
Robert “Bob” E. Button (M.Div. ’67) is currently serving as Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Sanford, NC.
Keli Shipley Cooper (M.Div. ’19) now serves as Pastor of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA.
H. Hampton Deck (M.Div. ’88) honorably retired as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. He was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Vallejo, CA for over 29 years.
Renny Domske (D.Min. ’78) serves as Parish Associate for the Church of the Covenant, Washington, PA.
Connor Ferreri (M.Div./M.A.C.E. ’23) was called to serve as the new Director of Religious Education at U.S. Army Garrison, Fort George G. Meade, MD.
Chad McCain (M.Div. ’09) now serves part time as Hospital Chaplain at Virginia Baptist Hospital, Lynchburg, VA. He is also serving as Supply Pastor in the Presbytery of the Peaks.
Elizabeth Lovell Milford (M.Div./M.A.C.E. ‘09) has accepted a call to serve as pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA.
Crystal R. Sygeel (M.Div./M.A.’96) now serves as pastor of Greenwood United Methodist Church, Glen Allen, VA.
Ernest “Ernie” T. Thompson, III (M.Div. ’88) has retired as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC.
Leah Epps (M.Div. ’16) was installed as vice-moderator of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic in September 2024.
Amy Busse Stoker (M.Div. ’95) received her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, Louisville, KY on May 17, 2024.
Charles L. “Chuck” Aaron, Jr. (Ph.D. ’96) – November 29, 2023
Edward E. Crutchfield, Sr. (Former UTS Board Member ’91-’92) – January 2, 2024
Margaret A. Fox (M.Div. ’88) – December 21, 2023
Katherine “Kathy” Regan Harrold (M.A. ’73) – January 3, 2024
Sandra Lee Harris (M.C.E. ’69) – April 6, 2023
P. Douglas “Doug” Heidt (B.D. ’68, Th.M. ’69, D.Min. ’73), spouse of SharonMcGloshen Heidt (M.C.E. ’68) – February 20, 2024
Brent O. Johnston (D.Min.S. ’86) – May 26, 2023
Theodore “Ted” W. Kalsbeek (D.Min.M. ’80) – August 11, 2023
Fitzhugh M. Legerton (B.D. ’49) – February 7, 2024
Philip G. Lockard (M.C.E. ’66) – December 9, 2023
Margaret McCutchen (PSCE ’63-’64) – April 7, 2024
Roger A. Nicholson (M.Div. ’72), spouse of Pamela M. Nicholson (B.C.E. ’69) – December 29, 2023
George L. Oehler (M.Div. ’72) – January 17, 2024
Timothy T. Pohmer (M.Div. ’57) – March 24, 2023
Robert H. Ramey, Jr. (B.D. ’54, Th.M. ’55, D.Min.M.’74) – October 18, 2023
Loren E. Scott (M.C.E. ’62) – December 24, 2023
Paul R. Snell (B.D. ’69) – February 27, 2024
June Francis Soud (M.A. ’60), spouse of Eugene S. Soud (M.Div. ’61, D.Min.M. ’73) – December 29, 2023
Donald R. Steele (M.Div. ’83), spouse of Kathleen “Kay” Deans Steele (M.Div. ’83) – January 24, 2024
Frances Taylor Gench (M.Div. ’82, Ph.D. ’88) – won an Award of Excellence in Biblical Interpretation for her reflection on female pastoral leadership and the biblical interpretations. The Associated Church Press (ACP) awards recognize the best in faith-based media.
John M. Cleghorn (M.Div. ’07) authored Building Belonging The Church’s Call to Create community and House Our Neighbors, published by Westminster John Knox Press, 2024. In many neighborhoods, soaring housing costs have created an alarming wave of instability, leaving congregations situated at the heart of communities grappling with housing insecurity. Simultaneously, societal divisions across ideologies, racial lines, class disparities, and diverse perspectives have eroded the fabric of these communities, leaving a void in shared connections. Churches, amid declining membership and dwindling engagement, have an opportunity to provide a key role in these changing landscapes. In Building Belonging, John Cleghorn, a pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina—a city where prosperity and poverty uncomfortably coexist—shows how numerous congregations across the United States are leading the charge, embracing innovative approaches to ministry that leverage their resources to become havens of both welcome and shelter. By examining the theological and sociological dimensions propelling congregations toward a radical transformation of their material and relational landscapes, this book weaves together narratives, insights, and experiences from diverse congregations at the forefront of this movement. Readers will be inspired to look at the unfolding narrative of unaffordable housing in a new way and be inspired to shape their ministry to harness all available resources to foster access and justice by housing neighbors. Written from the heart of a pastor who is deeply engaged in a church’s yearslong housing journey, this book does not stop at simply showing these challenges. Cleghorn also provides a roadmap for communities to initiate transformative processes, leveraging their unique abilities and resources to tackle significant local issues.
Andrew Das (Ph.D. ’99) authored Remarriage in Early Christianity, published by Eerdmans Publishing Co. in 2024. The New Testament sends mixed messages about divorce. Jesus forbids it in Mark’s and Luke’s Gospels, but he seems to make an exception for victims of infidelity in Matthew’s Gospel. Paul permits divorce in 1 Corinthians when an unbeliever initiates it. Yet other Pauline passages imply that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery. Andrew Das confronts this dissonance in Remarriage in Early Christianity. Challenging scholarly consensus, Das argues that early Christians did not approve of remarriage after divorce. His argument—covering contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, the Gospels, Paul’s letters, and ante-Nicene interpretation—reveals greater consistency in early Christianity than is often assumed. Das pays special attention to the Greek words used in contemporary bills of divorce and in the New Testament, offering much-needed clarity on hotly contested concepts like porneia. At once sensitive and objective, Das finds an exegetically sound answer to the question of remarriage among early Christians. This bold study will challenge scholars and enlighten any Christian concerned with what Scripture has to say on this perennially relevant topic.
David B. Howell (M.Div. ’81) authored All Saved Great and Small: Surviving a Chesapeake Cult and an Appalachian Apocalypse, published by Wipf and Stock Publishers in 2024. The book is the story of a Presbyterian theologian and a consultant to the Department of Homeland Security n religious cults, assists the FBI in their attempt to stop a dangerous cult led by an AI scientist who claims to be a descendant of Mary, mother of Jesus, and has the DNA evidence to prove it.
Thomas A. James (Ph.D. ;04) and David True (Th.M. ’96, Ph.D. ’05) have co-authored a new book in theology and ethics, The Transcendence of Desire: A Theology of Political Agency, published by Palgrave Macmillan. The Transcendence ofDesire is both a sophisticated work of public theology and a bracingly concrete call to action that offers a Christian realism that transcends capitalist realism. And it calls churches to give up pretenses of solvency and lean into their precarity in order to discover new solidarities with their neighbors and connect with the deep desire that has the power to transform politics. This remarkable book performs the prophecy for which it calls.
Merwyn S. Johnson (B.D. ’63, Th.M. ’64) has authored From Then to Now: Calvin’s Hermeneutical Bridge, published by In Christ Supporting Ministries. John Calvin’s use of the Bible was so powerful in sermons, commentaries, and theology because of the necessary step he takes to bridge the time gap from the ancient Scriptures to his audience in 16th Century Geneva. When the interpreter takes this step, the words of the Bible convey the Word of God authentically to contemporary people. For Calvin the hermeneutical bridge is historical typology, identifiable in his sermons, commentaries, and theology (Institutes of the Christian Religion). In the larger context of Biblical interpretation (the hermeneutical circle), historical typology distinguishes Calvin from seven other distinct approaches to the Bible. In the context of Church history, Calvin differs from his predecessors who approached the Bible looking for timeless truth concepts; he also refuses to separate the literal from the spiritual/figurative sense of Scripture, as his forebears had done. In the context of modern Calvin scholarship, we have to check for our own assumptions about the Bible which may keep Calvin from speaking with his own voice. Calvin’s hermeneutical bridge was crucial to his role in reforming Church and culture during the Protestant Reformation. He is helpful today, too, because we are in the midst of an epochal paradigm shift as he was, and Christians face the same issues in the 21st Century that he faced in the 16th Century.
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