Category: News

In September, Calvary Presbyterian Church hosted a gathering for supporters and friends of the new seminary — and heard presentations by Dr. David Tomlinson and other board members.

On September 12, 2012, a M.Div level course on Spirituality for Ministry began at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, with class sessions being taught by a wealth of professors and pastors, each bringing expertise in various spiritual practices to enrich the life of the pastor and the congregation.

Thank you and Informational Luncheon New Southern California Seminary hosted a festive luncheon attended by more than 100 persons on May 23 at the San Marino Community Church. The event offered an opportunity to say thank you to friends who have supported this new venture during its first year as well as introduce new friends to the vision and plans for the coming year. Host pastor Jeff O’Grady brought greetings from his partner congregation. Lynn Cheney, Senior Pastor of the Westwood Presbyterian Church, also a partner congregation, offered a timely invocation. During lunch Ron White encouraged each of the fourteen tables to exchange ideas and question about the new seminary in conversations convened by members of the Steering Committee. After lunch, Coordinator Dave Tomlinson offered “A New Southern California Update.” He spoke about the almost completed process of incorporation as well as talks with the Association of Theological Schools held Continue Reading

On May 17, 2012, the new seminary’s Lay Academy offered its first class for a course on the New Testament – taught by Dr. David Cortez Fuentes at Tustin Presbyterian Church.  We are excited to offer this dynamic model of lay education!

NSCSEM is now officially incorporated in the State of California as: New Presbyterian Seminary; Southern California.  We are immediately moving to the next steps of filing for 501 C-3 (tax exempt) status, securing the first Board of Trustees and developing initial bylaws to file with the state.

On April 30, 2012, conversations were held with Dr. Lester Ruiz of the Commission on Accreditation for the Association of Theological Seminaries — with an eye toward developing a timeline for accreditation and identifying the steps and tasks ahead.  More conversations will be held in the months ahead!

On January 11, 2012, Dale Morgan hosted a gathering at Pilgrim Place to hear presentations by Dr. David Tomlinson and Dr. Jack Rogers regarding plans for the new seminary, and new supporters were welcomed.

On November 13, 2011, board member Madelon Maupin and husband George Birdsong hosted a group of Orange County folks interested in the new seminary.  Held at the Santa Ana Country Club, there was a strong turnout and expressions of support for the endeavor.  Presentations were made by the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Prichard and Dr. Ron White.

On September 21, 2011, a lively discussion took place at Monte Vista Grove in Pasadena as folks gathered to hear about plans for the new seminary.  Convened by Edmundo and Jane Atkins Vasquez, program ideas were shared and feedback gathered.

On July 30, 2011, over 30 Hispanic church leaders from around Southern California met at Pasadena Presbyterian Church to learn about plans for a new seminary and provide input.  The group was convened by Edmundo and Jane Atkins Vasquez, and presentations were made by Dr. Ron White and Dr. Jack Rogers.