The OSTS was founded in 1964 as part of the Ottawa Presbytery of the United Church of Canada to provide theological formation to lay Christians. Over the years, it became an independent Christian institution, pursued a more ecumenical mission and incorporated a larger interfaith perspective. Today, the OSTS opens its doors to all who have an interest in deepening their understanding of theology and spirituality.
UPCOMING COURSES
Winter Term 2026 (January 5 – March 16, 2026)
First half – Jan 5-Feb 2 (7:30-9:30 p.m.)
Course G: Ancient Wisdom [ZOOM]
This course explores the diverse meanings of “wisdom” in the Old and New Testaments, Classical Greek philosophy, and other ancient literature. Living as we do in what some call an “unwise age,” this course draws on ancient texts to explore what wisdom means for us now.
Jane Dawson lectured with OSTS in the days she lived in Ottawa. She obtained her PhD in Philosophy from UBC and now teaches Humanities; Language, Arts and Culture at the University of Victoria, B.C. She lives on Vancouver Island where she enjoys the natural environment of mountains and the sea. (See Winter Term Course Material for more information about this course.)
Course H: A Christian Response to Scientific Materialism [ZOOM]
In popular consciousness and for the average churchgoer, science and theology, and more broadly, faith and reason, are perceived as being at odds with each other. This course will confront this misconception. It will equip Christians to respond to the challenges posed by scientific materialism and challenge non-believers’ preconceived notions.
Dr. Scott D. G. Ventureyra is an author, theologian, and philosopher. He completed his PhD in philosophical theology at Carleton University/Dominican University College in Ottawa. He has published in the domains of philosophical theology, systematic theology, natural theology, and the philosophy of religion. He has also done research in the areas of philosophy of mind and consciousness studies. (See Winter Term Course Material for more information about this course.)
Course I: CANCELLED
Second half – Feb 9-Mar 16 (7:30-9:30 p.m.)
Course J: Tender Hearts, Resilient Spirits: Hearing Women’s Voices from the Bible [ZOOM]
How many women’s names can you list from the Bible? Of these, do you know their stories from their perspectives or the voice of the narrator? Who is really telling the stories of these influential women in the Bible and are they still important to our faith communities today?
Rev. Chung Yan Lam is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and currently serving All Saints’ Westboro Anglican Church in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. She is in the process of pursuing doctorate studies in biblical interpretation. She is passionate about theology and biblical studies, exploring new cultures, and eating good food. (See Winter Term Course Material for more information about this course.)
Course K: The Emergence and Evolution of Christian Architecture [ZOOM]
This course surveys the social and political environment in which the first Christian churches emerged, and how these factors continue to influence the building of churches, influencing their location, size, structure, and style. Participants will explore how theology, technology, liturgy, and politics shaped and continue to shape church architecture.
Vicki Bennett, PhD. Trained in medieval and classical archaeology and has worked on sites Western Europe and Roman North Africa. She is passionate about the learning that built space offers to those who pause to listen. (See Winter Term Course Material for more information about this course.)
Course L: Weathered Honesty: Psalms Leading us from Lament to Praise [ZOOM]
On this journey we will discuss why the Psalms are so important, why they are included in worship, and will identify different types of psalms (pride, thanksgiving, lament, royal, historic). Students will be asked to write a psalm, and maybe we will write one as a group on the theme of the week.
Rev. Chris grew up Roman Catholic, dabbled in Buddhism, studied the Beat Generation, felt the call of God to minister in the Presbyterian church and currently pastors at Westminster Presbyterian in Westboro where he lives with his wife and three sons. (See Winter Term Course Material for more information about this course.)
ABOUT OUR MINISTRIES
- English
The present OSTS Dean and Officers of the Executive Board are:
Dean: Rev. Dr. Glen Stoudt
The Dean is a non-elected position that is filled on a rotating annual basis by a person from either the United, Anglican, Presbyterian, or Roman Catholic churches of Ottawa.
Acting President: Peter Melvin
Vice-President: TBA
Past President: Ann Babin
Secretary: TBA
Treasurer: Jeff Bartkiewicz
Registration Coodinator: Bernie Ladouceur
Curriculum Chair: Moira Toomey
Publicity Chair: Norma Wrightly
Finance Chair: Bernie Ladouceur
Nominations Chair: Ann Babin
Web Maintainer: TBA
