Mercersburg Society Convocation 2026
“Theology in Bricks and Glass: Mercersburg and Visual Art and Architecture”
Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, 2026
On the campus of Lancaster Theological Seminary, 555 West James Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
About Our Event
Christian worship spaces offer distinctive theological proclamations, not only through the depictions of biblical characters and saints, but also through the use of color, form, and mass. Different theologies correlate with different artistic styles. We will learn more about how to “read and hear” the glass, stone, bricks, and textures of our churches, with insights from historical examples and the Mercersburg tradition. Workshops will generate suggestions for enhancing congregational celebration and individual devotion.
Thank you to our co-sponsors
Schedule
Monday, June 1, 2026
8:30am Coffee, snacks and registration
9:00am Welcome, Announcements, and Overview of Program
9:30am “Worship Spaces: Building Theology”
Anne Thayer
10:30am Break
10:45am “Medieval Revival Architecture and Expanding Protestant Ideas of the Church”
David Bains
12:00pm Lunch
in the Dietz Refectory
1:00pm “ Santee Chapel: Mercersburg Theology’s Architectural Language”
in Santee Chapel
Peter Schmeichen
1:45PM Workshops 1
Cam Richesson: “Decorating Worship Spaces for Liturgical Seasons”
Mark Koscinski: “The Devotional Use of Icons”
3:00PM Workshops 2
Cam Richesson: “Decorating Worship Spaces for Liturgical Seasons”
Mark Koscinski: “The Devotional Use of Icons”
4:00pm Free Time
5:00pm Reception
5:30pm Dinner
in Dietz Refectory
7:00pm Taizé Service
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
9:15AM “Stained Glass Windows in Mercersburg Churches”
Caroline Dunleavy
10:15AM Break
10:45am. Service of Word and Sacrament
in Santee Chapel
12:00pm Lunch
in the Dietz Refectory
Speakers
Dr. David R. Bains Professor
David is a professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Samford University.
He teaches courses that examine the interaction between theology, culture, architecture, and Christian worship. His worship, theology, and architecture research has appeared in over a dozen books and journals.
Dr. Anne T. Thayer Professor Emerita
Anne served as the Diefenderfer Professor of Mercersburg and Ecumenical Theology and Church History at Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is the author of Thomas Swalwell: A Monastic Life in Books; Penitence, Preaching and the Coming of the Reformation; co-editor of Penitence in the Age of Reformations; and translator and editor of Handbook for Curates.
Caroline Dunleavy Senior Director of Advocacy
Caroline currently serves as Senior Director of Advocacy at Episcopal Community Services. Caroline is an active member of the United Church of Christ. She serves as a Music Minister, researches ecclesiastical stained glass windows, and has been a member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference.
Rev. Dr. Peter Schmiechen President Emeritus
Peter is the President Emeritus of Lancaster Theological Seminary, and former dean of Elmhurst College. A well-known and prolific theologian, he is the author of Christ the Reconciler; Tradition in Crisis; Saving Power; Words Unspoken; and Gift and Promise: An Evangelical Theology of the Lord’s Supper.
Rev. Dr. Mark Koscinski Deacon
Mark Koscinski is an ordained deacon in the Byzantine Catholic Church, serving in Woodland Park, NJ. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer of his diocese, administrator of a parish, and liturgical master of ceremonies for his bishop. He also works as an associate professor of accounting practice at Moravian University. He holds a Doctor of Arts degree in Eastern Christian Spirituality from Drew University; he will receive his Doctor of Ministry degree from the School of Theology of Moravian University this May.
Rev. Dr. Cam Richesson Pastor
Cam Richesson serves as the pastor of Dover United Church of Christ in Dover, Pennsylvania, where the congregation emphasizes social justice, community service, and inclusive spiritual growth. She has long been a pivotal member of the Worship Team of Lancaster Theological Seminary. In addition, Cam is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has had an active practice in York. She will receive her Doctor of Ministry degree from the School of Theology of Moravian University this May.
Mark Koscinski CPA D.Litt. 