
The 2024 LPTS Mosaic Symposium includes an orientation day on Tuesday, September 3, as well as a seminary course with the theme Faith in Action on Wednesday and Thursday, September 4-5. We will conclude our time together that week with the Presidential Inauguration on the morning of Friday, September 6.
Printable ScheduleMosaic Symposium Overview

As we welcome new students to our Seminary community this fall, including those taking most of their classes remotely, we are excited to announce a new initiative to foster community and learning. The faculty of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has developed a unique course that will bring together all students across various degree programs and learning modalities for an annual in-person experience.
Introducing the 2024 LPTS Mosaic Symposium! This new venture will take place on September 4-5, 2024, from breakfast through dinner each day, on the Seminary campus. The course, titled Mosaic Symposium: Faith in Action for Fall 2024, is a 1-credit, two-day intensive program designed to provide embodied, communal, and artistic experiences alongside multidisciplinary theological reflection.
Participants will enjoy shared meals, classroom sessions with multiple LPTS faculty, hands-on activities, mosaic making, Convocation, and a field trip to engage with local alumni who are actively putting their faith into action. Additionally, this year's symposium will coincide with the Presidential Inauguration on Friday, September 6, offering a rich thematic and temporal intersection.
We look forward to this new opportunity for community-building, fellowship, and learning, and we can't wait to see you there!
About the 1-Credit Course

The seminary course Faith in Action reflects on how our faith calls us to do justice in the world. The faculty specifically chose this theme as we welcome new students to our seminary community this fall, including some of learners who will take most of your classes remotely. We created a course to bring all students across degree programs and learning modalities together in person once a year for community-building, fellowship, and learning. We will have an opportunity to ponder on how spirituality calls us toward action in our neighborhoods. This 1-credit, two-day intensive course features embodied, communal, and artistic experiences and multidisciplinary theological reflection. Students will have the chance to meet our faculty and learn from several of them during this week. The course will include meals together, classroom experiences with LPTS faculty, embodied activities, mosaic making, a Convocation worship service, and a field trip to visit local seminary alums who are putting their faith into action. This year’s course will also intersect thematically and temporally with the Presidential Inauguration.
Schedule of Daily Events
New Student Check-In & Light Breakfast
Nelson Hall
Check in, create a name badge, and grab some breakfast as we prepare for a full day of introductions. Welcome to Louisville Seminary!
Opening Worship for Orientation
Caldwell Chapel
"Great is our God and worthy of praise." Psalm 145:3 We begin our orientation time together by worshipping with the seminary community in beautiful Caldwell Chapel.
Meet Your Cohort Introductions
Caldwell Chapel
Get to know your fellow classmates who will journey with you this semester and in the years to come!
Orientation Lunch
McAtee A & B/ Winn Center
Eat lunch with other new students and the seminary's senior leadership. Ask them why they are so passionate about participating in this learning community.
Library & Campus Tour
E.M. White Library | Nelson Hall
Spend the afternoon touring the seminary campus and library, getting your access badge, posing for a picture, and opening your mailbox.
Meet Your Faculty & Advisors
Schlegel 121
Meet the faculty! New students will gather at the President's House to chat with the incredible Louisville Seminary faculty including their faculty advisor.
Dinner with New Students & Faculty
President Pomerville’s home
More details coming soon!
Mosaic Students & Faculty Breakfast
Winn Center
As we begin a full day of learning and reflecting, grab some breakfast.
Morning Prayer
Schlegel 122
Our first day of the Faith in Action class begins in prayer.
Faith in Action with Dr. Justin Reed
Schlegel 122
Dr. Justin Reed, Associate Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, leads a class session on "Faith in Action."
Mosaic Making
Caldwell Chapel
Join us in the chapel to spark our artistic imaginations. Since we are participating in "Mosaic Symposium," we thought we should make a mosaic!
Community Lunch
Winn Center
Enjoy lunch with our amazing seminary staff members! We hear there may be table games.
Faith in Action with Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell
Schlegel 122/123
Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell, Professor of Theology, leads a class session on "Faith in Action."
Faith in Action: Mosaic Making and Storytelling
Schlegel 122/123
Dr. Scott Williamson, Walkup Professor of Theological Ethics, leads a sesion on "Faith in Action" in the chapel as we continue our work on the communal mosaic.
All Student & Faculty Dinner
McAtee A & B/ Winn Center
More details coming soon!
Breakfast
McAtee A & B/ Winn Center
Breakfast is served as we beging our second day of the Faith in Action class.
Mosaic Making
Caldwell Chapel
We conclude our artistic creation this morning with a final session in the Chapel.
Convocation of the 171st Academic Year with address given by Dr. Amy Plantinga Pauw, Henry P. Mobley Jr. Professor of Doctrinal Theology
Caldwell Chapel | Streaming Live at LPTS.edu/watchlive
Dr. Pauw will be addressing the congregation with a reflection titled, “Mephibosheth and the Sea Captain: Disability in a Better World,” based on 2 Samuel 9:2-13. The story of Mephibosheth guides us in working toward a better world in which disability is neither erased nor stigmatized.
Grand Opening of the LouSem Hope Cafe/Community Lunch
Winn Center
We are thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of the Lou Sem Hope Cafe, a vibrant new dining space on the campus of Louisville Seminary. Born from a meaningful partnership between Louisville Seminary and The Hope Buss, a community-centered nonprofit organization led by one of our esteemed alumni, founder and executive director, Stachelle Bussey (MDiv ’20).
The Lou Sem Hope Cafe will be more than just a place to enjoy delicious meals. It is a symbol of hope, community, and collaboration. This unique venture combines the rich traditions of Louisville Seminary with the compassionate mission of The Hope Buss to create a welcoming space where everyone is invited to nourish both body and soul. The Hope Buss strives to create a ripple effect of positive change, where empowered individuals contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. The Hope Buss currently serves the Louisville community through five (5) main initiatives with the goal of addressing food insecurity, housing insecurity, health and wellness, violence interruption, and community engagement in a way that is engaging, impactful, and hopeful. We strive to make available resources accessible, to make hope tangible, and to be led by the community for the community.
As part of the inauguration events, we will host this special complimentary Community Lunch, celebrating the spirit of togetherness that is at the heart of our shared vision. Join us for a delightful meal, engaging conversations, and the opportunity to connect with friends, old and new.
Highlights of the Grand Opening Event:
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from key leaders and partners
- Tours of the newly renovated Lou Sem Hope Cafe
- A specially curated menu featuring signature dishes
- Opportunities to learn more about the mission and future plans of Lou Sem Hope Cafe
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and embarking on this exciting new journey together. Your presence will make this day even more memorable.
Molo Village & The Table Field Trip & Debrief
Various, off-campus
More details coming soon!
Welcome Reception with the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan
Historic Gardencourt
More details coming soon!
Linking Faith & Racial Justice: A Presentatin by the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan
Historic Gardencourt
The Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan grew out of the realization of the Social Justice and Mission Committee at First Presbyterian Lansing that more needed to be done to actively address systemic and structural racism. The Justice League of Greater Lansing exists to work with churches and institutions everywhere to work to repair the breach caused by the historical damage of slavery and its aftermath. In the spirit of repentance for the sin of racism, we seek to build relationships and facilitate reparations between houses of worship and collaborative partners to increase wealth equity for African Americans in the Greater Lansing Area.
Inauguration & Installation of The Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville
Caldwell Chapel | Streaming Live at LPTS.edu/watchlive
It is with great honor and excitement that we invite you to the inauguration and installation ceremony of The Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville, as the eleventh president of Louisville Seminary. This momentous event marks a new chapter in the rich 171-year history of our beloved institution, as we mark the occasion of a leader dedicated to advancing our mission of educating individuals to proclaim the Gospel, care for all, and work for justice in communities everywhere.
The inauguration ceremony will be a celebration of our community’s shared commitment to excellence in theological education and the impactful work we do together. We look forward to reflecting on our past achievements, celebrating our present strengths, and envisioning our future under Dr. Pomerville's inspiring leadership.
Community Picnic
Outside Quad
We are delighted to extend an invitation to a joyous Community Picnic on the Quad. This special gathering will take place immediately following the inauguration ceremony. The Community Picnic is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, community members, and friends of Louisville Seminary to come together in a spirit of fellowship and celebration. Set against the beautiful backdrop of our campus quad, this picnic promises an afternoon of delightful food, engaging activities, and heartwarming connections.
Enjoy the camaraderie of our vibrant community as we mark this significant day in the life of Louisville Seminary. Your presence will add to the joy and spirit of the occasion as we celebrate new beginnings and the bright future ahead.
Community Partner Showcase
Winn Center Lobby (concurrent with the community picnic)
The Community Partner Showcase is a celebration of Louisville Seminary’s collaborations with a diverse array of mission and ministry partners. These organizations play a vital role in enriching our community and extending our shared mission beyond the campus. We invite you to explore their impactful work and engage with the representatives from these esteemed organizations.
Highlights of the Community Partner Showcase and Picnic:
- Exhibits and informational booths from a variety of community partners, showcasing their missions, programs, and opportunities for involvement
- Opportunities to meet and network with community leaders, faculty, students, and other attendees
Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, learning, and celebration. Your presence will contribute to the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines our community.
Special Outdoor Activity
A walk/jog/run exploring various parks and neighborhood surrounding the Louisville Seminary campus.
Outside Laws Lodge
Outside Laws Lodge
Don’t forget to bring your running shoes! We are excited to invite you to a special outdoor activity designed to bring together our community in a healthy and invigorating way. Join us for a walk, jog, or run exploring the beautiful parks and neighborhoods surrounding the Louisville Seminary campus.
This event is part of our ongoing celebration of the new leadership at Louisville Seminary and our commitment to fostering a strong, connected community. Whether you are an avid runner, a casual jogger, or enjoy a leisurely walk, this activity is open to all ages and fitness levels.
Come and experience the camaraderie and shared spirit of our community as we enjoy a morning of exercise, fresh air, and meaningful connections. This event is a wonderful way to explore our neighborhood, promote wellness, and celebrate together.
*SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT MOSAIC MAKING!
Although Mosaic Making is scheduled, the Caldwell Chapel will be open throughout each day beginning Wednesday, September 4, at 11 am, for you to be able to stop in and add to it.
Lodging & Accommodations

On-campus accommodations in our student housing building Laws Lodge may be available to students attending the symposium from out of the area. Room rates are $100/night or $250/week. Housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Lisa Lias, housing coordinator and student success specialist, to make a reservation.