Vancouver School of Theology offers Weekend Courses required for DLM, CDM and Admission Certification in the United Church of Canada

degree/diploma credit ($245) or audit ($122.50)

Contact the Registrar at registrar [at] vst [dot] edu  or (604) 822-9563to register

All are welcome!

DS521 “Forming Our Faith” – Christian Education and Worship in the United Church of Canada

UNITED CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL STUDIES         1.0 credit

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24 (6-9PM) AND SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25 (9AM-5PM) at VST

Instructor:  Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg

Prerequisite:  none

This class provides opportunity to explore the interplay between CE and Worship: how can faith formation benefit from liturgical formation and vice versa? By reviewing the historical divisions of the two disciplines students are encouraged to appreciate the need for the interdisciplinary endeavour and to gain practical insights for their ministries. This course invites us to engage in postcolonial approaches for the formation of our intercultural churches and communities.

DS523 “Landmarks and Legacies” – History and Ethos of the United Church of Canada

UNITED CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL STUDIES         1.0 credit

FRIDAY OCTOBER 15 (6-9PM) AND SATURDAY OCTOBER 16 (9AM-5PM)  at VST

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Brian Thorpe

Prerequisite:  none

The story of the United Church of Canada is told in many different voices over many decades prior to and after union. We will trace the threads of our founding traditions to their earlier roots and read our current context for the legacies of historic events, struggles and aspirations.

DS522 “Patterns of Praise” – History and Practice of Worship and Music in the United Church of Canada        

UNITED CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL STUDIES         1.0 credit

FRIDAY JANUARY 28 (6-9PM) AND SATURDAY JANUARY 29 (9AM-5PM)  at VST

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Harding

Prerequisite:  none

With great passion, knowledge and experience, students will be led through hymns, lectures and readings to an understanding and appreciation of the liturgical traditions that shape the practice of worship in the United Church of Canada today.

DS525 “Practicing the Faith”: Polity and Governance in the United Church of Canada

UNITED CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL STUDIES         1.0 credit

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 (6-9PM) AND SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19 (9AM-5PM)  at VST

Instructor: Janet Gear

Prerequisite:  none

Using pressing issues within the church as a starting place, the course will provide opportunity to study and reflect together the polity and practices of church governance. There will be a focus on practical issues which call for knowledge of UCC polity.

DS624 “Thinking the Faith”- Theology and Doctrine in the United Church of Canada 

UNITED CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL STUDIES         1.0 credit

FRIDAY MARCH 18 (6-9PM) AND SATURDAY MARCH 19 (9AM-5PM)  at VST

Instructor:  Janet Gear

Prerequisites: Course in Theology or equivalent (Diploma students 500 level; MDiv students normally 600 level)

Within the context of external and internal challenges to the church, we will reflect together on the theological resources from which to draw in considering institutional and pastoral life of the church and its public witness.  The class will provide an arena both to acquire and practice the ability to reflect theologically on the church’s statements of faith and provide a forum for articulation of a collective understanding of the purpose of the church and the practice of its ministries.