MTSO Educational Technology Coordinator Shannon Harper will lead a seminar, "Bridging the Gap: Using Technology as a Purpose-Driven Tool," at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 in Gault Hall Room 145. The presentation, offering the basics of an online ministry or nonprofit program, will include both live and Internet-based options for participation. To participate online, visit MTSO's Livestream page. Those who have joined Livestream and logged in will have an opportunity to contribute questions in real time via Livestream's chat function.

The seminar is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Harper is passionate about matters relating to ecology and social justice and how they intersect with technology. As a tech chaplain, Harper’s call is to use technology to help bridge the gaps between people trapped by oppressive social systems and the people who have ideas, means, ministries, and/or programs that are intended to inspire, educate, and empower.

Harper holds a bachelor's degree from DeVry University and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology degree from MTSO.

Alumni and friends of MTSO are invited to join MTSO students and faculty for a cross-cultural trip to Israel/ Palestine May 24-June 7, 2017. Full details, including a downloadable information flier, are here. The trip will be led by Professor John Kampen and Associate Professor Yvonne Zimmerman, with Assistant Professor Ryan Schellenberg accompanying.

The individual cost for the trip will be between $3,600 and $4,100, depending on the number of participants. It includes all breakfasts and dinners as well as three lunches. Also, non-students will be considered auditors and will need to pay the audit fee of $200 for the course ($75 for seniors).

A commitment to the trip and a $200 deposit will be required by Dec. 10. Full payment of the fee for the trip is due Feb. 10. That is also when the school will need your passport information. 

MTSO and Seminary Hill Farm are featured The New Food Economy, an online publication covering the production, distribution and consumption of food. The Oct. 26 story "Food's spiritual awakening" identifies MTSO among  schools and churches that are "using gardening and farming as a new kind of religious activism."

After mentioning traditional notions of "church food activism" such as food pantries, bake sales and soup kitchens, the article says, "Just outside Columbus at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, church leaders-in-training are approaching food a little differently." It reports on MTSO's commitment to ecotheology and how that commitment has helped the school attract new students.

MTSO will offer a workshop on LGBTQ competency and full inclusion within faith communities at 1 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Alford Centrum. "Compassionate Competency" will be led by Alex Shanks, project and field director for Equality Ohio, which advocates and educates to achieve fair treatment and equal opportunity for all Ohioans regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Workshop participants will gain knowledge to help them successfully relate to LGBTQ people in their midst with compassion. Shanks will address commonly asked questions, including:

• What does LGBTQ (and the rest of the acronym) stand for?
• Why has the word "queer" become more acceptable?
• What is the difference between gender and sexuality? 

The workshop is free and open to the public. No registration is required. A video stream will be available in real time on MTSO's Livestream page.

We invite you to join supporters of MTSO's mission who have discovered the convenience of Direct Donation. This easy approach divides your contributions into monthly amounts you choose, withdrawn automatically from the checking or savings account you designate. It's a budget-friendly way to invest in MTSO's vital work.

You can set up Direct Donation in minutes with a simple one-page authorization form, available on our website. Your Direct Donation continues as long as you wish; you may modify or end it at any time. 

If you prefer to make a one-time electronic gift, we invite you to visit our online giving page. On behalf of our students and all those they are preparing to serve, thank you for your generous support.