Continuing Education

Continuing Education events are designed for ordained Church of the Brethren ministers, but non-Brethren clergy and interested laypersons are also welcome to attend. Please register by clicking on links below. Print registration form and mail to SVMC. Thank you. 

Current offerings:

Enriching the Lives of Older Adults

Date: Monday, October 23, 2017; 9 AM - 3 PM
Location: Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA
Led by: Linda Titzell, Jenn Holcomb, and their team members: Kathy Staub & Trenton Greenawalt

This informative event will explore the spiritual nurturing of older adults including the uniqueness of this generation, how they may feel spiritually nourished, and what we need to be aware of as we minister to and with them. Other themes that will be explored include: boredom and loneliness experienced in the aging process and how these feelings impact the overall health of older individuals, ways to adapt to the challenges that come with aging to live an enriched life, and what aging in place means, whether that be in one's own home, a retirement facility, or in the home of a loved one, and what resources are available to support aging in place. Cost is $60.00 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and 0.5 CEUs).

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, October 9th, 2017

Go and Do Likewise: The Practices of Christology  

Date: Thursday, November 2, 2017; 9 AM - 4 PM
Location: Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA 
Keynote by: Dr. Nathanael Inglis, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, Bethany Theological Seminary

The heart of Christian theology is understanding who Jesus is and how he saves. Yes, even though Brethren often emphasize a lived theology, Christology can too easily be reduced to an intellectual formula that is disconnected from the life of faith. In this symposium, we consider Jesus by starting with the practices that he taught his disciples. Through presentations and discussion groups, we will discover how Christology is first and foremost "showing who Christ is," and we will reflect on what it means to practice Christology today. Cost is $60.00 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and 0.6 CEUs).  

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Monday, October 9th, 2017

Science, Theology, and the Church Today: Ministry with Youth and Young Adults 

Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018; 9 AM - 4 PM
Location: Elizabethtown College, Susquehanna Room
Presenter: Dr. Russell Haitch, Professor of Christian Education, Bethany Theological Seminary

 A major challenge for Christian thinking is bringing together the world of science and the world of God's Spirit. By focusing mainly on ministry with youth and young adults - the church of the future, which is also the church today - this seminar offers information and insights into key areas of science and theology, including topics such as these: 

  • what neuroscience is telling us about adolescent brain development and what it means for parenting and pastoring

  • evolution, the anthropic principle, biblical creation and how to help young people form a coherent understanding of human origins

  • what social science is really saying about the "nones" and why churches have been getting the wrong message 

  • the challenge of rising atheism and how Christians can respond in word and deed
  • the proliferation of social media technology and how it can help or hinder young people longing for community that goes deeper than connectivity 

Cost is $60.00 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and 0.6 CEUs). 
 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 16, 2018

Future Events in the Planning:

SVMC 25th Anniversary

SVMC will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2018. Watch for some special events that will mark this milestone!

Registration forms will soon be available at http://www.etown.edu/programs/svmc/continuing-education, or contact Karen Hodges via phone at 717-361-1450 or email at svmc@etown.edu.