The 20th annual Hartwick Seminary Summer Institute of Theology will be held on the campus of Hartwick College, Oneonta NY, July 25-30.  The Institute provides all 6 core courses required of Upstate NY Synod Deacon candidates, and has trained nearly 2/3 of all deacons in the synod over the past 20 years.  Also offered are a wide variety of 5 hour Mon-Fri elective courses and one-time 2 1/2 hour seminars for continuing education for commissioned deacons and clergy and personal enrichment for anyone  The Institute is open to all (clergy, laity, Lutherans and others, Christians and seekers).

Theologians in residence will include the Rev Dr. Paul Hinlicky, Prof. Roanoke College, Salem VA; The Rev Dr. Frank Senn, STS, pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Evanston IL (one of the premier liturgical scholars in the country); the Rev Dr. Amy Schifrin, ELCA pastor, York PA and the Rev Dr. Luke Bouman, formerly Director of the Office of Church Relations, Valparaiso Univeristy, Valparaiso IN.  Ecumenical teachers include a Rabbi, an Episcopal and a Roman Catholic Priest, and an Episcopal seminarian.

Fothills Conference and other Upstate NY clergy and laity round out the faculty.

Worship this year will center on the Church Year's major seasons.  UNYS Bishop, the Rev Marie Jerge, will preach at the opening service of Evening Prayer on Sunday July 25. Synod Staff, Pastor Amy Walter-Peterson, will also teach.

A 20th anniversary banquet will be held on Wednesday, July 28 at 6PM in the Stack Lounge, Dewar Hall, Hartwick College followed by the festive Holy Eucharist, in Shineman Chapel.  Music for the Institute will be led by Sally Messner, Luther Seminary, St. Paul Minnesota, Christine Odell, local organist and Patrick Duffy, organist at Atonement, Oneonta and Evangelical, Hartwick Seminary. 

Hartwick College President, Dr. Margaret Drugovich will bring greetings on Sunday evening and at the anniversary banquet. 

A 20th Anniversary Fund has been established to assist the Institute with long-term financial stability and to underwrite the costs of faculty and other programs.

Brochures for this year's Institute will soon be available.  To be sure you receive one call the Institute office at 607-431-4599 or email at: prpaul_theoinst@hotmail.com .