United Lutheran Seminary

ULS will be closed on July 4.

Lillian Scoggins, a dedicated employee of LTSP who worked in the Krauth Library for 32 years, passed away on June 22.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 6 at 10:00AM in the Shaeffer-Ashmead Memorial Chapel, United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Obituary of Lillian Jane Maxine Scoggins
August 27, 1930- June 22, 2024

Lillian J. Scoggins was born on August 27, 1930 in Uniontown, PA to Hughlene and Jerry Carpenter. When her parents died as a result of a tragic fire, she was raised by her beloved Aunt, Emma Gertrude Page Moore. She graduated from high school in Philadelphia. She met and married Rudolph Scoggins, Sr. in 1948, and with that union she had four children: Rudolph Jr., Judith, Elizabeth and David Scoggins.

Lillian worked for 32 years at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now ULS) as a librarian at the Krauth Memorial Library, completing her tenure there as Assistant Director. She was honored by the seminary with the naming of the Lillian Scoggins Music Room. Long after raising her children, at the age of 65 she attended Chestnut Hill College. In May of 1995, she graduated with a B.A. in Music.

The joy of music was always in her heart. Lillian had an amazing voice and sang in many choirs including the Senior and Festival of Hymns Choirs at Janes United Methodist Church; the adult choir at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church where she also directed the children’s choir; the Clayton White Singers; and the William Douglas Celebration Choir. She also assisted in creating shawls for the sick and homebound church members.

Travel was very exciting for Lillian. When she traveled, she found new adventures wherever she went. Among the places she traveled were South Africa, California, Hawaii, and other parts of the USA. When she traveled, she would often bring back souvenirs or rocks from the places she visited. She also loved cruises.

Lillian was predeceased in death by her husband Rudolph Scoggins, Sr. and her two children, Judith and David. Those who will forever remember her and the joy and laughter she brought to them are her brother, Robert Carpenter, Sr., her cousin, Rev. Gladys G. Moore, her two children, Rudolph Jr. (Brigette) and Elizabeth; four grandchildren: Nicholas (Amy), Ralph Jarvis, Jr. Lindsay, and Devon (Monique), one nephew, Robert Carpenter, Jr. and two great grandchildren; her longtime friend, Marian Garfield, and a host of other friends and loved ones.

ULS will be closed on June 19 in recognition of Juneteenth.

President Erwin will preach this Sunday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 10:30AM - 30 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331
https://stmattlutheran.org/

The Rev. Nathan D. Pipho (‘02 LTSP) Worcester, Mass., was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, June 6-8, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Pipho was elected on the fifth ballot, with 261 votes.

The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Worcester, since 2016. Previously he was pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Quincy, Mass.
Bishop-elect Pipho begins his term on Aug. 1; he will be installed Sept. 7 at Trinity.

The Rev. James E. Hazelwood is retiring after serving as synod bishop since 2012.

The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival took place over the past few days in the outdoor pavilion on the Gettysburg campus. There was a terrific turnout!
https://www.gettysburgbrassbandfestival.com/

President Erwin will preach this Sunday morning at 10AM at
Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Schedule:

Trinity Lutheran Church ALL are welcome to Hear God’s Word, Receive Christ’s Supper, and Live in the Spirit. Centered in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, celebrating the gift of God’s welcoming love...

President Erwin joined past alumni and faculty from the Urban Theological Institute at ULS last week at The Baptist Worship Center in Philadelphia, Bishop Millicent Hunter, Pastor. The gala event was organized by Veronica Reynolds (’24) and Regina Richardson (’24).

The annual Asian Theological Institute kicked off the week with a lovely reception in Philadelphia. Twenty students and seven faculty are here from seminaries and universities around the world. Learn more at ULS.edu/ati

ULS will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.

https://www.unitedlutheranseminary.edu/calendar/kindling-faith-pride-month-learning-event

Be a better ally! This event is for all folks who wish to love and support their LGBTQ siblings in Christ!

Kindling Faith: Pride Month Learning Event | United Lutheran Seminary

https://www.unitedlutheranseminary.edu/calendar/kindling-faith-elca-social-statement-online-via-zoom

As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues? Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in your own community.

Kindling Faith: ELCA Social Statement (Online via Zoom) | United Lutheran Seminary

Yesterday’s Festival of Eucharist and Commencement Ceremony are now available on our YouTube channel.
https://youtube.com/

United Lutheran Seminary - YouTube Located in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ULS owns a non-monetized channel and does not receive any revenue from ads placed by YouTube and has no ...

The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Anderson delivered today’s commencement address. She and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton received honorary degrees. President R. Guy Erwin, Rev. Dr. Peter Boehringer (ULS Board Chair) and Dean Jayakiran Sebastian presented. Check back here early next week for the You Tube link for today’s celebratory events and congratulations again to our graduates!

Class of 2024 and the ULS faculty at today’s commencement.

Presiding ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preaches at today’s Eucharist Festival as part of Commencement events.

Congratulations to the ULS class of 2024!!! The Festival Eucharist and Commencement Ceremony will be available on YouTube early next week. https://www.youtube.com/unitedlutheranseminary

Alumna Kristen Opalinski (LTSP '16) won a top prize for her designs illustrating the Krakow Assembly theme of “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.”

LWF Assembly logo designer wins top awards Polish American artist and theologian Kristen Opalinski has won top awards for her designs illustrating the Krakow Assembly theme of ‘One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. 

The final Service of Holy Communion for the semester is this Wednesday at 12noon in person on both campuses and on YouTube. President Erwin will preach in Gettysburg and Dean Sebastian in Philadelphia.

ULS Chapel Service May 15, 2023 at 12noon ULS Chapel Service from the Philadelphia campus.

The ULS 2024 Festival Eucharist and Commencement will take place this Saturday at St. Peter's in Lancaster, PA. Events will not be livestreamed, but will be available on our YouTube channel by Monday, May 20. https://www.youtube.com/unitedlutheranseminary

ULS is delighted to share the news that Rev. Bryan J. Penman (LTSP '12) was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 3-4 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, PA. He will be installed Sept. 14, time and venue to be announced.
The Rev. Patricia Davenport is retiring after serving as bishop since 2018. Read more: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8227
(Photo courtesy of ministrylink.org)

President R. Guy Erwin is pleased to announce that Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood has been appointed Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs as of July 1. Read more:

Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood named Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at ULS | ULS News The Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, president of United Lutheran Seminary, is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood, The James Franklin Kelly and Hope Eyster Kelly Associate Professor of Public Theology, has been appointed Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2024.....

Our organist and music director, Cathy Elkiss, was featured on the series “Piping Up.” There are some terrific views of the Gettysburg chapel in addition to her uplifting performance. Thank you Stephen Regec for sharing this video.

Piping Up! Pipe Organ on the Battlefield: The Tracker organ at ULS in Gettysburg Episode 14 of Piping Up with Stephen RegecStep into the hallowed halls of the Gettysburg United Lutheran Seminary and prepare to be transported through time ...

The Urban Theological Institute's Certificate graduates were raised up in celebration this past weekend in Philadelphia. Congratulations on your accomplishments!
From left: Rev. Reginald Johnson and Dr. J. Wendell Mapson, instructors: Regina Richardson, graduating student;
Howard Truitt, graduating student; Marlene Dennis, graduating student; Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, president of ULS; Gwendolyn Cain, graduating student; and, Rev. Dr. Quintin Robertson, UTI director.

Please join us in Gettysburg for this event!

Congratulations to Rev. Timothy R. Oslovich (MDiv, LTSP, '97), who was elected to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Alaska Synod of the ELCA. The election took place during the synod assembly, April 26-28, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

Timothy Oslovich Elected Bishop of the ELCA Alaska Synod The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.8 million members. "God's work. Our hands."

Service of Holy Communion this Wednesday at 12Noon in person on both campuses and on YouTube:
Gettysburg: Deacon Chelle Huth, preaching; President Erwin, presiding
Philadelphia: Rev. Dr. Allison deForest, preaching and presiding

United Lutheran Seminary - YouTube Located in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ULS owns a non-monetized channel and does not receive any revenue from ads placed by YouTube and has no ...

Service of Holy Communion this Wednesday at 12Noon in person on both campuses and on YouTube:
Philadelphia: President Erwin, preaching and presiding
Gettysburg: Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, preaching and presiding

United Lutheran Seminary - YouTube Located in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ULS owns a non-monetized channel and does not receive any revenue from ads placed by YouTube and has no ...

Congratulations to "Dr. Q." for this honorable achievement!

https://www.unitedlutheranseminary.edu/calendar/kindling-faith-pride-month-learning-event

Speakers

Colby Martin has been a pastor for more than 20 years. His first decade took place within the evangelical world he was born and raised in to, whereas the past 12 years have been in post-evangelical, progressive Christian churches and spaces. As the author of two books: UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality and The SHIFT: a survival guide for becoming a progressive Christian, and a traveling preacher, Colby continues to advocate for an approach to the Christian faith that is rooted in the Way of Jesus, while also being adaptive to the world we inhabit. As a leading voice in the progressive Christian movement, he believes that keeping an open heart and mind is the key to living a life of love and grace for all.

Dr. Diana Sorrentino , Ph.D., will be presenting "Understanding & Accepting Gender Diversity & Being Transgender: Your foundation for becoming an effective ally!" With Doctorates in Sociology & Psychology, Dr. Sorrentino provides counseling and support for Gender Diverse & Transgender individuals; as well as to provide clinical support for the Medical & Behavioral Healthcare professionals delivering gender affirming care to Gender Diverse & Transgender individuals.

Kindling Faith: Pride Month Learning Event | United Lutheran Seminary Speakers are Colby Martin and Dr. Diana SorrentinoJune 11, 2024 9AM - 3PMULS Gettysburg campus - Valentine Hall61 Seminary RidgeGettysburg, PA 17325