“I, and perhaps you too, came to Union in pursuit of finding my Self. When people asked me why I decided to attend Union, I always replied, ‘An existential crisis.’”

The luxury condo building in the middle of Union Seminary, affectionately known as the “tower,” is slowly opening up to residents. Black studies scholars help us make sense of such a display of capitalism and contradiction.

I reflected on feeling unsettled upon returning to campus, and why that’s maybe a good thing.

We need non-Black activists to raise their voices about reproductive justice issues holistically, and not only when it is trending.

How can the Union community better support workers like Charles and ensure that all who pass through Union’s doors are impacted for the better?

One night this semester I was in class, and we were discussing the process of sorting out things we have to do, get to do, want to do, and don’t have to do. It was insightful, and felt very mature in that peculiarly “pastoral” way that many of us here in seminary are aiming for. And a quote came to my mind that felt very apt. Not thinking much about the source, I started to type it into the chat box of our zoom lecture-- something along the lines of “I might not have everything that I want, but I’m grateful for all the things I don’t have that I don’t want.” It then occurred to me that that quote, I was pretty sure, came from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. I laughed at myself, and threw that citation into my message.

So much is happening around us and within us right now. In the business of life, we invite you to take a sacred pause and to listen to and reflect on this song.

I am keeping you in my thoughts as I read through your letter to the Philippians. I can’t say it puts me at ease though, Paul. I’m just a few chapters in and you’re already talking about how much you want to be with Christ. I’m learning a lot in my Pastoral Care and Listening classes and if I might be so bold as to “hunch,” it sounds like you might be having some feelings around our friend Jesus. Frankly, since your potentially guilt ridden reflections have become foundational text for Christianty, I think it is only fair to read them with the knowledge that you definitely have some stuff going on.

To Joan (wherever you are), and the sun at 00.00 today

“We do not know the reason Union extended its hand to Brother West, but given the institution's silence on the issue of Palestine it is my conclusion that it has more to do with West’s fame and academic prowess than his fervent support for Palestine. Yet, despite these covetous intentions, West’s presence at UTS embodies a prophetic call to action.“