Weekend Courses
There are no prerequisites required for these courses, however, registration is required. Please contact admissions@vst.edu
Unless noted, all courses will be held at Vancouver School of Theology]
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
Anglican Liturgy
October 14-15, 2011
REV. DR. PAULA SAMPSON
The Book of Common Prayer, however named, is central to Anglican worship. This course will delve into how that came to be the case, and whether it remains true for the 21st century church. Participants will also discuss the book’s practical applications as they explore the basic dimensions
of Anglican liturgy.
Anglican Polity
November 19-19, 2011
REV. DR. HAROLD MUNN
Bursting wine skins yet keeping them, too. How Anglican polity attempts the impossible by embedding the Spirit and prophetic ministry within the governance structures of church organization. In addition to learning the theory behind Anglican polity, there will be ample opportunity to learn the “nuts and bolts” of how the Anglican church operates in parishes, dioceses, national and international expressions.
Anglican Mission and Ministry
March 23-24, 2012
REV. DR. HAROLD MUNN
There is a contradiction lurking at the centre of congregational life: neglect ministry to members, and clergy are written off as uncaring, neglect mission to the world, and churches are written off as irrelevant. Responding to the demands of ministry and the call to mission is an ongoing tension for clergy and congregations. Keeping those tensions strong is the key to keeping congregations healthy, keeping clergy leadership lively, and resolving the contradiction. We’ll identify these dynamics in congregations, and envision how the tensions can become life-giving for the leader and the congregation as they proclaim and enact God’s imminent kingdom.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CANADA
Worship, Polity, Creeds/Confessions
September 16-17; October 14-15; November 18-19, 2011
REV. DR. HANS KOUWENBERG
This course will help students prepare for their role as ministers and leaders in the PCC. We will explore ways of leading worship, both in regular Sunday services and in special services, discover the content, value and wisdom of the polity of the PCC, and examine the place of creeds and confessions in the PCC. In addition there will be opportunities to explore, with guest presenters, resources for stewardship programs and justice ministries.
Worship, Theological Emphases,
Governance and Mission
January 20–21; February 10–11; March 9–10, 2012
REV. DR. HANS KOEWENBERG
Exploring Presbyterian life and identity through the 4-fold window of worship, theology, governance and mission, this course provides the learner with an opportunity to engage the Presbyterian tradition, as reflected in its communal story, in conversation with current needs and future directions in the practice of Presbyterianism.
NON-DENOMINATIONAL WEEKEND COURSES
Introduction to Christian Worship
February 3-4; February 17-18; March 16-17, 2012
REV. DR. PAULA SAMPSON
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the historical, theological and pastoral dimensions of Christian worship. By participating in and completing the class, students will achieve familiarity with the language and content of liturgical theology and will have developed a working knowledge of how Christian worship has developed and changed over the centuries since the beginning of the church. We will also pay particular attention to the cultural contexts in which Christianity evolved and the cultural influences which shape current practices.
Spirituality of the Psalms
September 23-24; September 30-October 1; November 4-5
DR. GERALD HOBBS & DR. LYNNE MCNAUGHTON
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Hebrew psalms as scripture for praise, prayer and communal proclamation.
