The Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College (SITHC for short) is a week-long ecumenical Christian education opportunity for everyone, offered each year at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.
SITHC is committed to providing continuing education and growth in faith for those leading our congregations and personal enrichment for anyone, in an environment of fellowship and worship. It originated as the Lutheran congregations’ training institute for laity called to congregational leadership, but over time has grown into an ecumenical program with participation from members of the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Assembly of God denominations. We like to think of ourselves as an adult “vacation Bible school” experience (without all the props and posters) — where people of different faith traditions who are interested in growing in faith can come together for fun, fellowship, and personal enrichment.
Seminars (2½ hours long) are offered at 9:00am Monday through Friday morning, and on Monday through Thursday at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Daily worship is at 1:15 and will vary in style each day.
Educational topics in recent years have included worship, Biblical studies, pastoral care, church vitality, social justice, church history, spirituality, and perspectives on current events like immigration, political polarization, Palestine/Israel, and the Supreme Court.
Faculty are invited to stay at Hartwick College with room and board provided for as much of the week as they like. While you are here, you are welcome to attend other seminars and to take advantage of the amenities on campus including the library, gym, and pool. Feel free to use this opportunity as a week of study leave, or even as a week-long spiritual retreat — with your meals & lodging covered by your contribution of teaching one or more seminars sometime during the week.
Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College 