Founders' Day

On St. Matthew's Day, Sept. 21, 1952, a worship service opened the first academic year of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The annual Founders' Day lecture features topics related to Lutheranism's particular challenges on the West Coast.

The Rev. David Vásquez-Levy, DMin, will give this year’s keynote lecture, “Finding Level.” Apocalypse, prophets and a vision of the possible extremes in weather conditions, ideological positions and inequality are tearing at the fabric of our churches, communities, countries and nations. At the same time, our connection to one another is made evident by everything from a global pandemic to global social awakening. What does this moment demand from and offer to the church and its leadership in the world?

Vásquez-Levy serves as president of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California — a progressive, multidenominational seminary and center for social justice that prepares theologically and spiritually rooted leaders to work for the well-being of all. A committed pastor, nationally recognized higher education and immigration leader, and a sought-after speaker, Vásquez-Levy leads at the intersection of faith, higher education and social change.

Schedule of events:

• 9 a.m.: Welcome and distinguished alumni awards
• 9:20 a.m.: Green Justice Seminary and Center for Climate Justice and Faith
• 9:50 a.m.: Break
• 10:05 a.m.: Lecture with Q&A followed by a break
• 11:05 a.m.: Worship

Registration is required for the Zoom webinar events at https://tinyurl.com/online2021foundersday.

View the worship service via Zoom at https://clu.zoom.us/j/94071989862.

Register