Theologian and author John Swinton, chair of divinity and religious studies at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, will deliver a free public lecture at 7 p.m. Jan. 26. The lecture, “Time, Hospitality and Belonging: Towards a Practical Theology of Disability,” will be held in the Alford Centrum.

Swinton, a widely influential voice on the intersection of theology and disability, has published extensively within the areas of practical theology, mental health and human wellbeing.

Trained as a nurse, chaplain and theologian, he teaches multidisciplinary courses in healthcare and spirituality, and he founded and directs the unique Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. Books Swinton has authored or co-authored include Dementia: Living in the Memories of God, Disability in the Christian Tradition: A Reader, Spirituality and Mental Health Care, and, most recently, Mental Health: The Inclusive Church Resource.

The event is presented by the Theological Commons at MTSO, which promotes the sharing of knowledge and experience between students, faculty, clergy and the public for the benefit of all participants and those they serve.

MTSO Professor Linda Mercadante’s book Belief Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious has been named one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2014 by the multifaith website Spirituality & Practice. The site has more than 170,000 visitors per month.

In a press release, Spirituality & Practice co-directors Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat said, “We congratulate Linda A. Mercadante and Oxford University Press for this exceptional contribution to today’s spiritual renaissance.”

“Every year from the more than 300 books we review on the Spirituality & Practice website, we choose 50 ‘Best Spiritual Books’…. These are the titles that have most impressed and inspired us, and since we only review books that we want to recommend to people for their spiritual journey, this selection actually represents the best of the best.”

Mercadante, who holds the Straker Chair of Historical Theology at MTSO, is an influential author and sought-after speaker on those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. She has been interviewed on the topic by the New York Times and Columbus Dispatch, among others.

Registration is open for the Schooler Institute on Preaching, to be held Feb. 23 and 24. The Monday-Tuesday event will be led by Valerie Bridgeman and Jorge Lockward. Thanks to the generosity of the Schooler Family Foundation, the event is offered to the public without cost, though advance registration is required. MTSO is offering one CEU credit for a $25 administrative processing fee.

Bridgeman is visiting associate professor at MTSO and has recently been appointed to the faculty as associate professor of homiletics and Hebrew Bible.

Jorge Lockward is director of global praise for the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, he was a committee member of the Spanish Language United Methodist Hymnal and has served as consultant on other denominational hymnals.

Visit the Schooler Institute web page to learn more and register.

The Theological Commons at MTSO will host a public Climate Conversation, presented by Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. The event will be held in the Alford Centrum.

While there is no charge, those who plan to participate are asked to register in advance here.

The Climate Conversation features a presentation by Joel Barker of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at Ohio State University and Ted Ford of Ohio Advanced Energy Economy. They will discuss the impact of climate change in Ohio and the potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy to fuel Ohio’s economy. Their presentation will be broadcast live to those gathered at three additional Ohio locations:

• Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., in Cleveland.
• Xavier University, Kennedy Auditorium, Conaton Learning Center, 3800 Victory Parkway, in Cincinnati.
• United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, in Dayton.

Following the presentation, each site will host a conversation about climate change that honors different perspectives, faith affiliations and responses. MTSO's discussion will be moderated by President Jay Rundell. Locally sourced refreshments, featuring food from Seminary Hill Farm, will be served. Displays from Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, along with other environmentally focused groups, will be available for viewing beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Joel Barker is an assistant professor at the School of Earth Sciences at Ohio State University at Marion and research scientist at the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. Ted Ford is the President and CEO of Ohio Advanced Energy Economy Ohio, a trade association that advocates for advanced energy policies, the adoption of advanced energy technologies and the growth of Ohio’s advanced energy sectors.

Ohio Interfaith Power and Light empowers a religious response to climate change and promotes energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. It focuses on tangible results in religious communities, putting faith into action.

Fresh-food lovers have a range of opportunities to participate in community-supported agriculture through Seminary Hill Farm in 2015. Each Thursday this spring, summer and fall, CSA members will pick up a week’s worth of freshly washed fruits and vegetables at the farm, located on the MTSO campus.

More information, along with easy and secure CSA registration, is here.

CSA memberships are offered for three distinct terms. Shares during the eight-week Spring and Fall terms will include such things as salad mix, radishes, asparagus, spinach and herbs. The 12-week Summer Term’s shares will be larger and include premium items such as tomatoes and peppers.

Spring Term, at a price of $240, runs April 30 through June 18. Summer Term, $480, runs July 2 through Sept. 17. Fall Term, $240, runs Sept. 24 through Nov. 12. A special All-Season Membership is available at a reduced price of $900. Memberships are transferable and may be shared by multiple individuals or households.

Produce will be distributed 4-6 p.m. each Thursday at the Seminary Hill Farm barn. An array of selections will be washed, sorted and waiting for pickup by CSA members. Each week’s share will provide a week’s worth of produce for four people.

Sign up today.