SLT opening worship and keynote: “Seasons of Longing” – Liz and Matt Myer Boulton

Liz and Matt Myer Boulton open the 2016 School for Leadership Training with their first keynote addressing the conference’s overall theme of Oasis.

The ancient poetry of the Christian tradition in Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 understands and recognizes seasons of longing and fulfillment, repentance and mercy, violence and love, death and life, wilderness and oasis. Using scripture, song, worship, photography, and short films, Rev. Elizabeth Myer Boulton and Rev. Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton explore how the ancient rhythms of the Christian year can provide us distinctive opportunities to name and mourn the barren places in our lives, in our churches, and in the world – all the while searching, creating, and proclaiming the manifold ways God provides experiences of oasis: peace, reconciliation, and genuine joy.

Rev. Elizabeth Myer Boulton is the President and Creative Director of the SALT Project, a not-for-profit project dedicated to reclaiming and sharing the beauty of Christian life through film, photography, music, poetry, and ideas.

Ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rev. Myer holds degrees from Trent University and the University of Chicago Divinity School, is a two-time Emmy Award Winner, and the proud mama of Jonah Myer Boulton and Margaret Beatrice Boulton.

Rev. Matthew Myer Boulton, named the sixth president of Christian Theological Seminary, was most recently Associate Professor of Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

In his teaching and research, Boulton has explored ways in which Christian worship founds and forms Christian life. This exploration draws together his interests in the history and practices of Christian liturgy; theology and public life; biblical interpretation and proclamation; and the performing arts, including theater, music, and film.