CARE ABOUT WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT?

SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE AND COMPETE TO WIN THE 2012 GREELEY AWARD

The UU-UNO invites submissions of sermons or addresses that speak to building a more just international community. The award honors the memory of Reverend Dana McLean Greeley, the first president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and a strong supporter of the United Nations. Winners receive a $1000.00 honorarium and the opportunity to deliver the winning address at the 2012 UUA General Assembly in Phoenix, AZ.

What better incentive to write a great UN Sunday sermon?

For more information visit:

http://www.uu-uno.org/dana-greeley-address/

Send submissions by February 1, 2012 vie email to greeleysermon@uu-uno.org. Papers highlighting the work of the UN and the UU-UNO will enjoy priority consideration.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet resource produced by Alice! Health Promotion at Columbia University — a division of ColumbiaHealth.

This site has three frequently used features (among the many):

• New Go Ask Alice! Q&As of the Week gives you the most recently published inquiries and responses — this section is updated every Friday.
   
• Search Go Ask Alice! lets you find health information by subject via a search of the ever-growing Go Ask Alice! archives containing over 3,000 previously-posted questions and answers, and reader responses.  The search box is located at the top of every page on the site.
   
• Ask Alice! gives you the chance to ask and submit a question to Alice!

Go Ask Alice! is produced and funded entirely by Columbia University. The site does not receive funding to promote specific products, nor does it accept advertising of any sort.

Go Ask Alice! is a health Q&A Internet resource. It provides readers with reliable, accurate, accessible, culturally competent information and a range of thoughtful perspectives so that they can make responsible decisions concerning their health and well-being. Information provided by Go Ask Alice! is not medical advice and not meant to replace consultation with a health care professional.

Go Ask Alice! answers questions about alcohol & other drugs; emotional health; fitness & nutrition; general health; relationships; and sexual & reproductive health.

Go Ask Alice! here: www.goaskalice.columbia.edu

Are you looking for training opportunities where you will share life together with other adults engaged in intentional community? If so Formation House may be for you.

Whether sharing meals, prayer times or community life training sessions, the common life of Formation House is all around tables.

Costs and compensation during the residency varies for every person.  The most popular financial arrangement involves having all expenses covered, plus benefits and a $5,000 credit towards student loan repayment.

Those who complete the 11-month residency, incorporate Formation House training into their future goals of providing leadership at established worshipping communities, or coordinating with friends to start new Christian intentional communities.

For more details on the residency and information on how to apply, go to: http://www.formationhouse.org/

The African American Faith-Based Bereavement Initiative (AAFBBI) was created specifically for the African American Christian faith community to improve supports for families experiencing losses.

On line, downloadable resource.  http://nccc.georgetown.edu/AAFBBI/index.html

Each summer, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts a summer internship program in Washington, DC for students with all types of disabilities.

The application deadline is January 6^th. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

AAPD’s Summer Internship Program offers college students, law students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities the opportunity to work in public service for ten weeks on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. This ten week experience gives interns the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the workforce. Interns receive a living stipend, expenses covered for travel to and from DC, and fully-accessible housing

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on or before January 6, 2012.

Apply Now!  www.aapd.com/internship 

For additional information on the AAPD Summer Internship Program, please contact AAPD at 202-521-4306 or by email to internship@aapd.com.

Union can nominate ONLY TWO graduating seniors for the David Read Preacher/Scholar Award.  If you are interested in applying please contact Professor Barbara Lundblad (lundblad@uts.columbia.edu) with your submission of an audiotape and sermon manuscript by the end of this semester (December 21, 2011).  In turn, two Union nominees will be selected and have the month of January to complete the application by the deadline of January 31, 2012.

The seminary scholarship application process for the 2012-13 academic-year has begun.  The following scholarship applications are now available to UCC seminarians at http://www.ucc.org/scholarships/applications.html.

• PhD Scholarship Award for those preparing to teach in a seminary setting.  Application deadline is March 20.

• Garrett Trust Fund Scholarship for one-time emergency need, available year-reound to full time MDIV students.

• Cannon Endowment Fund Scholarship for students preparing for Military Chaplaincy.  Members of the United Church of Chirst, Christian Church Disciples of Christ, United Methodist and Presbyterian, USA, may apply.  Application deadline is April 1.

• William R. Johnson Scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year seminary students who are LGBT.  Application deadline is April 1.

• The Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Theological Students.  Application deadline is March 1.

• The Rev. Dr. Hector E. Lopez Scholarship for Latina and Latino UCC Seminarians (atttending a UCC Seminary).  Application deadline is March 1.

Also available to UCC seminarians of coloar are The Richard and Helen Brown Pastoral Scholarships administered by each of the member organizations of the Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries.  For information about the COREM application processes and application deadlines please contact Minister for Affirmative Action and Diversity Initiatives and COREM Liaison at 216.736.2113.

Please do not hesitate to contact Veronica Jefferson, Minister for Grants, Scholarships and Resources with questions or comments about the scholarship program, 1.866.822.8224, Ext. 3839 or jeffersv@ucc.org.   

Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults National College Scholarship Program

To support the financial needs of young adults impacted by cancer and with demonstrated financial need who are seeking a higher education. Financial data: 10 awards of $2,500. (410) 964-0202, (888) 393-3863; Email: kathy@ulmanfund.org.

Application Deadline: March 2012 - To apply click here

If you have AD/HD or ADD and are struggling with your written assignments, organizing your time and materials, recalling information for exams, and sustaining the focus and effort necessary for academic success, attend a January nine day program featuring sessions run by Landmark College staff who have a deep understanding of the nature of AD/HD and ADD, as well as the skills and strategies that effectively address areas of getting started, memory storage and recall, and regulating focus, effort and motivation.

Date & Location

Child Mind Institute
445 Park Avenue, New York City, NY
Wednesday, January 4 to Friday, January 13, 2012
Cost: $2,500

More information contact Alicia Brandon, 802.387.6718 or visit http://www.landmark.edu/nyc/

Sign up for the Disciples Seminarians listserv. It’s the best way to keep up with important news for seminarians such as:

The Disciples Seminarians Conference, sponsored by your general ministries, Spring 2013 (date to be announced), in Nashville, Tenn.

General Assembly 2013 programs that could make your trip more affordable and rewarding.

Information on the Ministerial Student Grant program, which provides funding for research projects, educational experiences outside your school, study-related travel, or other opportunities.

Opportunities to help you prepare for your career in ministry such as internships, educational programs, and professional development.

Signing up is quick and easy. Go to www.helmdisciples.org/listserv, enter your e-mail address, and check the Seminarians box. Be sure to look for the confirmation e-mail.

For more information, contact HELM: helm@helmdisciples.org - (314) 991-3000 - Facebook: Disciples Seminarians 

A groundbreaking conference will happen at Yale University in June 2012.  There are a limited number of scholarships to current seminarians interested in pursuing ministry in higher education.

Every four years, the International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education (IACHE) sponsors a professional conference in collaboration with national chaplain associations. College and university chaplains from around the world come together to hear dynamic speakers, share ideas about emerging trends and forge friendships across multiple cultural, religious and ethnic traditions.  From June 25 to June 29, 2012 in New Haven, Connecticut, which is approximately 90 miles north of New York City, we will be welcoming religious professionals who serve college and university campuses to “Mosaics in Motion: Spiritual Leadership in a Multifaith World.”  This conference will be a wonderful opportunity for seminary students who are interested in chaplaincy in higher education to make connections with current chaplains and learn about the issues that are and will be important in their future work.

The world is no longer static.  Globalization and technology have given unprecedented opportunities to cultivate new kinds of religious literacy that invite those who work in ministry in higher education to actively seek to deepen understanding across all religious and spiritual traditions.  With this global gathering, the hope is, to truly embrace the growing multifaith dimensions of campuses and the chaplaincies that serve them.  This conference will offer innovative approaches to engage and respectively challenge one another across varying perspectives through art, music, conversation and thoughtful reflection.

In 2012 the theme “Mosaics in Motion: Spiritual Leadership in a Multifaith World” will be explored by looking at the core values of:

• religious literacy
• radical hospitality
• service with thoughtful reflection
• creating and sharing sacred space

Conference participants will enjoy a diverse collection of dynamic programs, including keynote addresses and concurrent sessions of roundtables, chaplain voices, and paper presentations.  Participants are welcome to submit proposals for concurrent sessions here. Seminarians interested in applying for the financial assistance can gain more information and complete the form here.

For more information about this unique professional development experience including information on fees, scholarships, important dates, travel and accommodations please see the attached brochure and visit our website, www.globalchaplains2012.com.  Registration has opened! 

GHAP (the Gay Health Advocacy Project), a program of Health Services at Columbia University, is available to provide assistance with all aspects of HIV/AIDS. You can receive information, confidential antibody testing, counseling, and access to medical services for HIV-positive people. If you are positive, GHAP and Health Services will help you with all aspects of obtaining treatment and receiving practical and psychological support. You can contact GHAP at 212-854-6655.

Treatment with an HIV expert is covered by the Columbia Health Insurance plan. For people without insurance, an excellent source of high-quality care is available at the Center for Special Studies at New-York Presbyterian Hospital (http://centerforspecialstudies.com). You can use Medicare, Medicaid, or ADAP insurance at this clinic. For the uptown location (East 68th St.) call 212-746-4180; for the downtown location (West 24th St.) call 212-746-7200.

Payment for medication is available to New York State residents through the ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program). This program will pay for medication for those earning under $44,000 per year. Other states have ADAP programs with different levels of eligibility. Columbia students with insurance are eligible for ADAP and will require it to pay for the full cost of medication. For information about ADAP (which also provides access to medical care), see: www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/resources/adap/index.htm.

The following link takes you to the Columbia University Handbook on HIV/AIDS: http://health.columbia.edu/files/healthservices/pdf/GHAP_HIV_Aids_Handbook.pdf

The Center for Palestine Studies at Columbia University's Middle East Institute is pleased to announce the 2012-2013 Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Award in Palestine Studies.  This fellowship seeks to recognize and foster innovative scholarship on issues related to Palestine and Palestinians.  The award will support a scholar working on a book project in any field of the humanities or social sciences.

The international competition is open to all post-doctoral scholars who share the mission of the Center for Palestine Studies to advance the production and circulation of knowledge on Palestinian history, culture, society, and politics through outstanding scholarship.  The one-semester fellowship at Columbia carries a stipend of $25,000 and the status of post-doctoral research fellow or visiting scholar, as appropriate.

This award has been made possible through the generosity of Abdel Mohsin Al-Qattan in honor of his friend, the Palestinian scholar and intellectual, Ibrahim Abu-Lughod (1929-2001).  Their close friendship began in the aftermath of the nakbah of 1948 and evolved into a shared commitment to justice for Palestinians to be realized in part through support for excellence in higher education and scholarship.  In later years, upon the establishment of the A.M. Qattan Foundation in Palestine, Ibrahim Abu-Lughod helped found the Qattan Centre for Educational Research and Development, one of the Foundation's core programs.

Application deadline is February 3, 2012.  More details and application information for 2012-2013 are available on the CPS Fellowship page.

Zen practice enables us to be more vibrantly alive, present and responsive to our life in all its dimensions, inner and outer.  It hollows out in us a profound and dynamic awareness of our authentic relationship to ourselves, our fellow humans, and the entire universe.  As such, anyone can profit from it, and it is compatible with any faith tradition or spiritual practice.   We are enthusiastically inclusive! 

Join Fr. Michael Holleran, Sensei

Where:               Lampman Chapel

When:                 Every Thursday (7:30PM – 9:00PM)

Exception:          1^st Thursday of each month (RM 307)

Each session, as is traditional, will consist of three periods of "zazen" (sitting meditation).  During the second period, the opportunity will be offered for private direction (daisan) with the teacher;  during the third, a dharma talk (teisho) is normally given.  Beginners are always welcome, and are asked to arrive at 7:15 for an intro.

Fr. Michael Koryu Holleran, Sensei, was a Jesuit for 5 years, and then a Carthusian contemplative monk for 22 years, in France, England and the United States.  Since 1994, he has served in Manhattan and the Bronx as a parish priest for the Archdiocese of NY.   In 2009, he became a Sensei in the White Plum Asanga of the Soto Zen tradition, through his mentor, Fr. Robert E. Kennedy, Roshi.

Graduate scholarships are available to students who are motivated by spiritual values, with preference to those considering teaching as a profession.  All the information you need is here:

http://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships.php

The Louisville Institute's Dissertation Fellowship program is designed to support the final year Ph.D. dissertation writing for students engaged in research pertaining to North American Christianity, especially projects related to Christian faith and life, religious institutions, and pastoral leadership. Application deadline: February 1. See link for how to apply: http://www.louisville-institute.org/Grants/programs/dfdetail.aspx

Are you a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, then select from a menu of awards and scholarships and apply here: http://www.uua.org/giving/awardsscholarships/

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation LGBT Scholarship and Mentorship program for Religious and Theological Study seeks to encourage and promote the dialogue on LGBT issues and religion in seminaries and, by extension, in our congregations and communities by investing in the next generation of LGBTQ and allied scholars.

Information on how to apply is here: http://sites.hrc.org/seminaryscholarship/index.asp

Point Foundation provides scholarships for students of merit who have been marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Additionally, Point Foundation provides programs that affect social change by challenging attitudes that contribute to social stigma and its resulting prejudice, which is often experienced by those in the LGBT community.

Application: http://www.thepointfoundation.org

Find all you need on WMC Foundation Scholarships here - http://wmufoundation.com/index.php?q=content/general-scholarships-0

Are you a full-time member of the United Methodist Church and a full-time student in need of a scholarship. See what the General Board of the United Methodist Church has to offer in scholarships:

http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3538789/

The Beatitudes Society offers:

(1) Auburn Media Training

(2) Summer Fellowships

(3) Prophetic Preaching Worshops

It's all here for you to learn more about: http://www.beatitudessociety.org/what-we-do

The Office of Financial Aid for Studies, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, administers the American Baptist Financial Aid Program that supports college students, graduate students, and seminarians.

You may obtain more information here - http://www.nationalministries.org/education/financial_aid/student_info.cfm

Information about scholarships for:

(1) Lutheran Laywomen

(2) Administrative Leadership

(3) Ordained Ministry

(4) ELCA College and Seminary Leadership

is right here: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Women-of-the-ELCA/Engage-in-action-and-support-one-another-in-our-callings/Scholarships.aspx

The Fund for Leaders is an endowed scholarship resource created to insure that faithful and promising men and women can accept the call to ministry and provide leadership for the ELCA in the 21st Century.

The information is all here: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation/Become-a-Leader/Fund-for-Leaders.aspx 

Primary Purpose

Fund goals

This fund provides grants to students actively working for peace and justice. These need-based scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work at the university level and who are part of the progressive movement on the campus and in the community. Recent grantees have been active in the struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression; building the movement for economic justice; and creating peace through international anti-imperialist solidarity.

The maximum grant amount for a given year (July 1-June 30) is $8,000 depending on the grantee’s circumstances and the amount of money available for disbursement. Grants cover each term of the academic year that they will be applying towards ($4,000 fall semester and $4,000 spring semester, for instance), and student must re-apply every year that additional funding is being sought.

Find out how to apply here: http://davisputter.org/

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR UCC SEMINARIAN SCHOLARSHIPS

To qualify for a United Church of Christ Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria unless otherwise stated:

- Membership in a UCC congregation for at least one year prior to receiving a scholarship;

- Enrollment in an ATS accredited seminary towards a course of study leading to ordained ministry;

- In-care of an Association or Conference at time of application;

- At least a "B" average maintained;

- Agrees to serve in the UCC or a partner church on completion of seminary;

- Demonstrates leadership ability through participation in local church, Association, Conference, or academic environment.

For details on UCC scholarships and application deadlines, please click here:

http://www.ucc.org/ministers/ucc-scholarships-for.html 

Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) will offer a daylong program designed to explore issues regarding gender, dress, and religion. Our very own Dr. Mary Boys is one of several featured guest speakers.  JTS will look at clothing and modesty, both in religious traditions and in the political arena, such as crimes committed against women in the name of family honor. As the discussion about the burka ban in the French Parliament demonstrated, head coverings can be read in multiple ways: as symbols of a religious patriarchy, an embrace of one’s gender, a mark of cultural differentiation, or a rejection of prevailing cultural norms. 

Some featured topics:

·         Clothing as Text

·         Head Covering and Modesty

·         “She Shouldn’t Have Worn That”: Sexual Violence, Modesty, and Blaming the Victim

·         The Naked and the Damned: Stripping in the Bible

·         Unbuttoned: Women’s Clothing and American Jewish Humor

·         Women Clergy and Self-Representation

·         “In Good Taste:  American Jews and the Pursuit of Acceptance" (Evening Public Lecture: 7PM)

When:   March 11, 2012

Where:  Jewish Theological Seminary, 3080 Broadway, NYC

Cost:      Full-Day ($18 includes 2 meals & lecture)

              Evening Public Lecture (Free)

Interested in learning more about about UTS 12 Steps or joining their list-serve, please visit the UTS 12 Steps group at http://groups.google.com/group/uts12steps?hl=en

Click here: http://www.auburnseminary.org/Resources-for-student-financial-planning to view a 30-minute video introducing five recent seminary graduates with some of the financial challenges they faced and decisions they made. Two experienced seminary administrators also offer advice on how to manage finances while in school.

The video, along with accompanying resources, including Financial Planning worksheets, is designed to help you as a studernt plan for how you will pay for your their theological education. All materials, including this video, are free and can be downloaded.

WHAT MANNER OF WOMAN IS THIS?  Womanists Making A Difference in the Academy, Church and Society

Join the Black Religious Rcholars Group (BRSG) in a celebration and conference paying homage to womanist scholars and preachers as a call to celebrate faith, critical engagement of vocation and to further community empowerment

March 2: Womanist Legends Ball at Gotham Hall

Enjoy the elegance of this "purple tie and gown" gala in tribute to ongoing legacy of over 25 of the nation's foremost womanist scholars and ministers!

March 3:  Deeper Shades of Purple Conference at Union

Come participate in a full day of mentoring workshops, focus groups, and roundtables with renowned Black women clergy and leading scholars!

March 4: @Abyssinian Baptist Church

Worship and experience womanist preaching at its best!

Host Sponsors: Vanderbilt University Divinity School - The Sister Fund - Union Theological Seminary in NYC.

For further information contact the BRSG Headquarters at (615) 936.8453 or by email: blackreligiousscholarsgroup@gmail.com

DFC provides fitness opportunities and pricing plans for the Union community. Students and employees of Union fall under the membership category of 'Affiliated Neighbor'.  Click here for the membership rates and benefits:  http://www.gocolumbialions.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9600&ATCLID=1139300 

Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office assists Columbia students and affiliates in their search for rental housing in non-Columbia-owned buildings located in the metropolitan area. OCHA manages a database of available rooms and apartments known as the Housing Registry and provides information on the rental real estate market in New York City. In addition, OCHA offers one-on-one housing search counseling and is supported in these efforts by our cooperative relationships with two New York City real estate/relocation agencies.

Your Columbia UNI & password is required to search for rooms or apartments in the Housing Registry or to request One-on-One Counseling.

Click here for more information on OCHA http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/intro-ocha-3

As a Presbyterian seminary student, you may be eligible to purchase Medical Plan coverage through the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Seminary Student Program, only if:

• a presbytery verifies that you are under its care, classified as an Inquirer or Candidate, and are “in good faith” preparing for a church vocation within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• the school verifies you are enrolled full time, as defined by the school
• you complete the Seminary Student Benefits Plan Membership Application and provide your anticipated date of graduation
• you include the correct initial dues payment with the form

For medical plan details AND health insurance premiums, click here: http://www.pensions.org/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=369&mode=2

Note: The premium is a little higher than the Columbia Health Plan. 

The Presbyterian Students Program provides practical and theological preparation for Presbyterian students at Union Theological Seminary (Union) seeking ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Through Auburn Seminary located right here at Union, students enrolled in any degree program at Union have access to a “Presbyterian experience” of pastoral formation.  Click here for program details:  http://www.auburnseminary.org/seminary-students?par=22

Seminarian do you need financial support for your theological education? The Fund For Theological Education (FTE) can help you. FTE has several fellowships and grants you can apply for.  Additionally, FTE has a Fund Finder that provides information about financial resources beyond those offered by FTE and by individual theological institutions.

Fund Finder is a full listing of financial aid available for graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral studies in theology and religion. At FTE you can find support offered by churches, denominations, individuals and organizations.

Click here to learn more: http://www.fteleaders.org/pages/explore-fellowships

Since 1996, the Hispanic Theological Initiative’s (HTI) mission is to create and nurture a community of Latina/o scholars (Ph.D., Th.D., and Ed.D) to service the academy and the church.  Its primary goal is to increase the number of Latina/o students and faculty in theological education and, by doing so, better equip US institutions to serve the growing Hispanic population.  Union is a HTI member institution:  To learn more about HTI click here: http://www.ptsem.edu/hti/

This one-day retreat of sharing, solitude, prayer, reflection, discussion and worship is sponsored by the Student Life Committee on Spiritual Formation (formerly, the Resource Team). The retreat is intended to give students time to reflect on the start of fall semester 2011. It is an opportunity to get centered for the academic and spiritual journey ahead, to consider one’s relationship with God, and how we communicate with God. Facilitator/Leaders will present “talks” to launch these reflections and lead group sharing.


Participants are encouraged to bring a bible, a journal or sketchpad, and an object that evokes the start of the fall semester 2011.


Please RSVP by September 16, 2011 to Dean Wilson.


Download the flyer here.

This course is not for credit but is mandatory for 2011 incoming students and is open to returning students to provide a foundation in dealing with boundaries in ministerial relationships with a concentration on professional sexual ethics, sexual health, and ministry skills. The pedagogy of the course offers opportunities for skill development and recognition of best practices in the areas of preventing sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, as well as introducing the skills necessary to be a sexually healthy religious professional. The course will be taught by the Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner, ’02, Executive Director of the Religious Institute and Dr. Bill Finger, President of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Please RSVP by September 9, 2011 to Dean Wilson.

Download the flyer here.