Bishop Gregory Palmer of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church has accepted the invitation of MTSO President Jay Rundell to address the school’s 2024 graduates. The commencement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. May 18 in Dickinson Courtyard on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. Guests are welcome, and tickets are not required.

Ordained in 1977 and elected to the episcopacy in 2000, Palmer served as bishop for eight years in Iowa and four years in Illinois before arriving at West Ohio in 2012. He plans to retire at the conclusion of the West Ohio Annual Conference June 1.

Palmer, who received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School and his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, has served on the MTSO Board of Trustees since 2012.

He served as president of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry from 2004 to 2008 and president of the Council of Bishops from April 2008 to May 2010.

“During his quarter-century in the episcopacy, Bishop Palmer has not just seen significant United Methodist history – he has helped to shape it,” Rundell said. “He can preach a little, too. It’s fitting, after 12 years as a trustee and true friend of our school, that he will share his wisdom and inspiration with our graduates.”

MTSO’s Seminary Hill Farm will welcome guests to an open house this Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-noon. No registration is required.

The morning will highlight the work of the farm and MTSO’s land stewardship, which includes removal of invasive plant species, restoration of native prairie and wetland, and creation and maintenance of walking trails.

Open house guests will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the farm’s north and south fields, seed spring vegetables, plant trees, and play in a new children's garden.

Those who wish also can make plans to pick up weekly shares of freshly picked produce through the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture program. The spring season is sold out, but shares are still available for summer and fall. Visit our 2024 CSA page to learn more.

MTSO Assistant Professor of Public and Practical Theology Kate Common will discuss her new book, Undoing Conquest: Ancient Israel, the Bible, and the Future of Christianity, in a faculty lecture at 7 p.m. May 15 in the Alford Centrum.

Originally scheduled for April 2, the lecture was postponed due to a threat of severe weather. It is presented by the Theological Commons at MTSO.

Undoing Conquest explores how biblical conquest narratives shaped Christian ideology, white-settler colonialism and genocide – and considers what to do about it.

The book dives into recent archeological research that reveals a new story of Israelite origins that can help reshape Christian identity and practice. It also presents tangible practices that churches can take to help repair harmful and ongoing legacies of Christian violence.