• Pathways to Learning and Leadership – online classes taught by UPSem professors and other experts in their fields.  A variety of five-week classes will be offered throughout the year.  If you are working on becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder in your presbytery, check with the presbytery to see if the classes qualify toward that goal.  If you just want to participate in the classes for your own edification, register soon – class sizes are limited!  Each five-week class costs $100.  In September, classes on Biblical Interpretation (foundational course on Tuesdays, beginning September 12 from 7-9 p.m. Eastern time) led by Dr. Carson Brisson, and Worship and Sacraments (on Thursdays, beginning September 7 from 7-9 p.m. Eastern time), led by Dr. Rebecca Davis, will be offered.  More information and registration can be found here.

• Christian Education certification course in Polity, Program, and Mission – This is a HYBRID course, with about 18 hours of work online at home, beginning on September 5, and 12 hours on campus in Richmond (October 3-5, 2017). While this course qualifies for those working on Christian Education certification, it is also open to anyone who is interested in learning about the government and structure of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Led by Rev. H. Carson Rhyne, Jr., General Presbyter/Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the James.  Cost:  $295.  Click here for more information and registration.

• Seminary for a Day – On September 23 in Richmond, enjoy a day of workshops led by UPSem professors on a wide variety of topics (one registrant complained we had too many good choices!), and two keynote addresses, one by Prof. Richard W. Voelz of UPSem on the topic “Conversation Forward:  Preacher, Congregation, and Public in Divided Times,” and one by Prof. Luke Powery of Duke Divinity School, entitled “The Gift of Tears,” using Jeremiah and Jesus to illustrate the role of weeping as a vital Christian practice.  The cost of the day, including a delicious lunch, is only $25.  Choose your workshops and register here.

• Mission Possible:  Embracing the task of strategic visioning – October 9-12. This four-day workshop features Olanda Carr, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation. He and the participants will explore critically and statistically the state of today’s mainline churches, who we are in relation to the larger church, and help develop a mission strategy for your congregation.  For church administrators, this workshop will count for 1.8 CEUs toward your certification or retention requirements.  Pastors, administrators, educators, and church members will come away with practical strategies in leading your congregation. This event will take place on our Richmond campus.  Cost:  $250 ($195 for those who register by September 25), including lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Click here to register.

• Interim/Transitional Ministry training – Week 1 takes place November 13-17 on our Richmond campus.  For pastors interested in interim ministry and/or congregations in transition. The intense 30-hour course provides the basics for understanding interim ministry and transitional ministry.  Led by Hart Edmonds, Laura Sherwood, and Ken McFayden, the curriculum for this course is unique and has been well-received since it was developed a few years ago.  The cost for the week, which begins at 1 p.m. on Monday and ends before noon on Friday, is $395, including lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Registration is limited to 30, and we usually are filled to capacity, so register soon.

Campus housing is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $40 per night for a private room.  If you desire to stay on campus for any of these events, do not delay in registering to ensure you get a room.