May 2026 Course Descriptions


Anglican Spirituality
This course will explore theological and historical sources for and practices within Anglican Spirituality and Ascetical Theology, drawing upon primary and secondary texts from the tradition. We will especially explore the Book of Common Prayer as a pattern for a personal and communal life of discipleship, integrating the liturgy, prayer and theological reflection; the practice of mental prayer; the daily office; lectio divina; and crafting a rule of life. The importance of spiritual direction and its role in the life of prayer will also be considered.
Students who complete this course will be able to:
  • Articulate the importance of prayer and spiritual practice in Christian discipleship and the practice of ministry.
  • Explain the role of the Book of Common Prayer in Anglican Spirituality.
  • Identify, describe and analyze a spiritual practice from the Anglican Tradition.
  • Craft a personal practice of prayer through a seasonal Rule of Life.
  • Discuss traditional formulations of prayer and the spiritual life, drawing upon Ascetical Theology.
  • Connect personal and communal practices of prayer with the liturgical year.
Required Texts
  • Julia Gatta, Life in Christ: Practicing Christian Spirituality, ISBN 978-0819233110
    Evelyn Underhill, Concerning the Inner Life with The House of the Soul, ISBN 978-1592448081
    Harry Farra, The Little Monk (out of print, pdf provided)
    The Book of Common Prayer
Your Instructor
  • The Rev. Dr. Susan Forshey  is the Associate Professor of Discipleship and Christian Formation, and Director of the MA in Ministry at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, joining the faculty in 2014; and a priest, serving as Associate Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dubuque, since 2021. Mother Susan is a member of the Society of Catholic Priests (SCP). Drawn by a love of monastic history and contemplative prayer, she received a Master of Divinity at St John’s University, Collegeville, a Benedictine abbey, and a PhD in Theological Studies, focusing on Spirituality, from Boston University. A spiritual director and retreat leader, Mother Susan often teaches on the impact of social media technology on the life of prayer, brain science and spiritual practice, liturgical  catechesis, Celtic spirituality, and the contemplative dimensions of education. Her wise cat, Minerva, daily reminds her to get off the smartphone and enjoy the beauty of non-screen life.

Diversity, Justice and the Church's Mission
This course provides an introductory survey of systemic racism in America—its European and colonial  foundations, as well as its costs. We will also look at the position of the Episcopal Church in that history, and explore how systemic oppression plays a role in perpetuating barriers to true diversity and racial reconciliation.  Students will explore how  we can help congregations move along the continuum from “exclusive” to “transformed” spaces. In their final assignment students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the resource materials, gain comprehension of key concepts, and to develop a personal plan for engaging in the work of transforming racist systems. (This workshop satisfies the canonical anti-racism requirements for clergy and lay leaders.)

Required Texts
  • Brown, Austin Channing. I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
  • Cone,  James H.  The Cross and the Lynching Tree.
  • Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1996.
  • Kendi, Ibram X.  How to Be an Antiracist.
Optional Text
  • Stevenson, Bryan. Just Mercy.
Your Instructor
  • A lifelong member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City and the Diocese of West Missouri, Canon Shirley Bolden worked for 41 years at Missouri Gas Energy/Spire. She has served on diocesan and Province VII committees and represented the Diocese
    of West Missouri at multiple Triennials. She is currently in the Diocesan Council and chair of the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission.

New Testament
In this course, students will explore the world and texts of the New Testament.  Special attention will be given to the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the Gospels, epistles, and other NT writings.  Students will gain a general understanding of the major stories, themes, and theological ideas of the New Testament; a basic familiarity with the variety of methods scholars use to interpret the New Testament; and a basic sense of the origins and historical development of the New Testament.

Required Texts
  • The SBL Study Bible (NRSVUE).  Published by Harper Collins, 2023
    • Hardcover (ISBN: 9780062969439 / ISBN 10: 0062969439) or Softcover (ISBN: 9780062969422 / ISBN 10: 0062969420).
    • This Study Bible includes substantive essays and introductions, which will serve as our textbook.  Additional readings will be distributed by email.
Your Instructor
  • Dulcinea Boesenberg is an Associate Professor of Theology at Creighton University, where she been teaching since 2014.  Her research focuses on the New Testament and Second Temple Judaism; she is particularly interested in the interpretation of Scripture in early Judaism and early Christianity as well as in the ways in which Jewish and Christian communities in antiquity defined themselves.  At Creighton, she regularly teaches a core course in Biblical Studies entitled “Early Christian Community and Identity” and occasionally teaches an upper-level course on the history of biblical interpretation.  An Indiana native, Dulcinea holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Hanover College as well as an M.T.S. in Biblical Studies and a Ph.D. in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity from the University of Notre Dame. 
BKSM welcomes you to take courses with us for personal enrichment or continuing education. Classes are richer with occasional students around the table.  We encourage you to experience this remarkable, uplifting community of learning, worship and fellowship for yourself!

May Overview
  • Classes begin on Monday, April 13.  You will receive an email and syllabus directly from your instructor. If you have  not received anything from your instructor by Tuesday, please contact us.
  • The in-person/Zoom Focus Weekend meets  May 9-10, on Saturday from 7:30 am-9:00 pm and on Sunday from 7:30am-12:15pm.
  • The detailed weekend schedule is here.
  • Classes end on Friday, June 12.
  • Grades due June 30.

Tuition & Scholarships
  • Tuition is $100 to audit a class in person or online, $240 to take a class for credit in person, which includes  overnight accommodations at Upton Hall &  meals, $165 to take a class for credit on Zoom.
  • Apply for the $100 Jim Upton lay scholarship. Scholarships also available for students on an ordination track.
  • Many hotels are available throughout Topeka. Most are 15 minutes away or less.
Register for May Courses