Save These Dates in October

Posted by DJL on Oct 5, 2014 in News | 0 comments

One of the delightful things about this new role I am playing at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia is to be a major promoter of the many wonderful things that happen on our campus. And so as I look ahead to a full and fruitful October, I want to call your attention to three in particular. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, I hope you will drop by. Even if you’re not, two of them will be live streamed as well as recorded for later online viewing, and the other has an online component as well. So, in order of date….

On Tuesday, October 7, Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary (New York) will present the William Lazareth Lecture in Theology and Ethics . His presentation is entitled “In the Midst of New Dimensions: From Social Justice to Creation Justice.” The lecture begins at 11:30 am in Benbow Hall of the Brossman Center on the seminary campus. One of the world’s foremost Christian environmental ethicists, Rasmussen has mentored a generation of Christians in eco-theology and “green religion.” He has published more than a dozen books, including the landmark, award-winning Earth Community, Earth Ethics . His most recent book, Earth-honoring Faith: Religious Ethics in a New Key (Oxford University Press), is the 2014 Nautilus Book Awards: the Gold Prize for best book in in Ecology/Environment and the Grand Prize for best book overall. If you can’t join us, look for the streaming video and later video recording at the LTSP website.

On Thursday, October 16, we celebrate the Seminary turning 150 years young. Yes, young, as we not only honor a faithful past but look forward to a bright, daring, and vibrant future. Festivities begin that afternoon with a 2:00 reception and celebration of the legacy of my predecessor and teacher, Philip Krey. We move into the city for a 5:30 worship service at the original site of the seminary, and then to the Benjamin Franklin Hotel (think the dance competition scenes of Silver Linings Playbook) for a Gala Banquet and celebration featuring our presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. For more information, check out the webpage devoted to the anniversary celebration. Also, you can find a wonderful online version of the commemorative booklet prepared for the event.

On Tuesday, October 21, Sam Katz will present at our October Convocation to talk about Human Rights in and around Philadelphia. Katz, a local politician, businessman, and award winning documentary film maker, will share part of the story he has been telling via his Emmy Award winning documentary series sharing the history of Philadelphia from the ground up with a particular focus on human rights. If you’re in the area, we’ll gather in Benbow at 11:30. If you can’t join us, look for the live stream at ltsp.edu.