Recreation
Recreation is not just for fun, it is reCREATION of the faith-body connection. Recreation provides space, opportunity, and support for creativity and innovation in educational leadership in congregations, church professionals, and all people of faith as it integrates theory and practice.
At Union Presbyterian Seminary, we are devoted to finding and reaffirming faith experiences rooted in the mundane. We believe that a well-lived life in/of faith continues after the church service. We strive to assist our students, staff, faculty, and community members in finding the expansive connection between church, faith, and daily activities and experiences in the world.
Our ReCreation program offers an enjoyable, non-competitive athletic experience that is founded in faith. We want to reorient our understanding of how we live and lead as a part of the landscape in the midst of this complex, mysterious, and exhilarating time of thriving.
We are committed to nurturing dynamic and relevant faith that sustains faithful living throughout our entire lives. ReCreation is meant to allow us to foster a faith/body connection that shapes the ways we understand and engage the world and requires the development of new educational theories, approaches, and resources.
The history of Union Presbyterian Seminary is storied and integral to our approach to ministry and faith. The Union Experience we offer today is built upon our long-lasting history and connection with the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE, formally known as the Assembly’s Training School c.1914). After the federation of PSCE and Union Theological Seminary, Union Presbyterian Seminary carries forth the commitment to integrate excellence in Christian Education into theological education.
In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ for this complex world, the Presbyterian School of Christian Education seeks to enrich and advance the educational ministry of the church. The work of the church demands much of its leaders, calling for superior natural and spiritual qualifications and specialized training. Christian workers must be prepared to engage in many different kinds of service.
Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE)
The Presbyterian School of Christian Education established core values that UPSem carries on today.
Real-life integration of theory and practice
Maintaining a flexible and innovative response to the ways of the Spirit in changing times
Deepening faith while sharpening reason
The importance of being genuinely ecumenical, interracial, and international
A Historic Precedent
In the 1960’s mandated integration of schools and housing was taking place across the United States. However, city leaders were not moving quickly to address the social aspects of integration. The City Recreation Department had no intention to provide integrated recreation areas in the Northside. Glenn Bannerman (Professor of Recreation and Outdoor Education), and Charles E.S. Kraemer (President of PSCE) worked to change that. They provided a skating rink, pool and game parlor, and snack bar. Children and youth, regardless of race or economic status, could come and enjoy recreation together. Union Presbyterian Seminary carries this important legacy of meeting community needs through Christian recreation.
Engaging in ReCreation at UPSem
Elective Courses
During the semester, UPSem professors offer opportunities for students to embody the experience of play in order to find and deepen a faith/body connection.
Community Engagement
The Leadership Institute provides opportunities for the community to gather through events in our green spaces, book clubs, and intentional engagement.
Finding Faith Outdoors
Community worship has been held on the grounds of Yaupon Place, with participants planting native bushes and shrubs and clearing weeds around the Labyrinth while singing hymns and listening to scripture read aloud.
Supporting Students
Chaplains Rev. Mairi Renwick and Rev. Amanda Shanks, along with the Dean of Students, Rev. Lisa McLennan, work to craft intentional opportunities for recreation and play in student life and to mentor the student government in gaining leadership experience in planning and implementing programming on both campuses.
Nourishing our Bodies, Nourishing our Faith
During courses offered at both our Charlotte and Richmond campuses, our leadership embodies radical hospitality through meaningful community meals. When we nourish ourselves in community, we nourish our faith.
Bannerman Supplemental Fund for Recreation
Funding for co-curricular opportunities for students is vital for their experience of play, recreation, and intentional community. Students can contact the academic dean to apply for funding from the Bannerman Fund, named for Glenn Bannerman, beloved Professor Emeritus of Recreation and Outdoor Education at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.
