Preparing Christian Leaders
2006 Commissioning Service and Graduation
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ne of the highlights of the ADC year is the annual Commissioning Service, which took place this year on 12 May 2006 at the historic Wolfville Baptist Church. Following a banquet for graduands, their families and friends, and ADC supporters, 26 students were formally commissioned to the gospel ministry. The service was enriched by the musical leadership of Mr. Robert Rushton on the organ, worship leadership by ADC faculty, the participation of Acadia University Chaplain, Rev. Roger Prentice, and Academic Vice-President, Dr. Ralph Nilson.
2006 Graduates with Faculty
A moving Act of Commissioning involving the students, their professors and field supervisors was led by President Lee McDonald following Dr. Harry Gardner, Executive Minister of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, extended a warm welcome to the students on behalf of the constituency. This year’s preach-
2006 July 2, No. 01 0 Vol.
Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Watt & Fenwick Bursaries. . . . . . . 3 Tukasi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Crosing the Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New Book on the Scrolls . . . . . . . 7
er was Dr. Jonathan Wilson, the outgoing Professor of Theology and Ethics, who challenged and inspired the congregation on the theme, “Delighting, Embracing, Going.” Many people from Wolfville Baptist and the home churches of the graduands contributed to make this event a joyful and memorable occasion. Continued on Page 3
Hayward Lectures. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Faculty Whereabouts. . . . . . . . . . . 8 Evans on The Gospel of Judas . . . 8 Events of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Obituary- Dr. E. Thompson. . . . 10 Obituary- Dr. W. Bryant. . . . . . . 10 Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New Faculty, Dr. Brackney . . . . . 11 Ribbon Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Race & The Baptist Church . . . . 12 Rally in the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Moncton Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fenerty Group Support . . . . . . . 14 Day for Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Praxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Students, Alumni in Prague . . . . 15 Alumni Chaplain. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Student News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 1
Dear Friends of Acadia Divinity College: THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO THE MINISTRY OF THE SEMINARY! Once again, we are completing a very good year and we are most grateful for your continuing support of this ministry. The overall enrollment this year has been around 190 students, a new record for the College. Also, our endowments have been up this year and we reached our goal in giving for the year. We will have our largest graduating class in years and the prospects for placement are looking good. As many of you know, we have been concerned about the growing student debt as our graduates enter Christian ministry. I am very pleased that several leaders in our CABC and some very capable laypersons have been meeting to deal with this problem. One of the regional ministers, Rev. Wayne Fevens, has been leading this group and we hope to have some good news to share with current and future students entering ADC. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel on this and we are hopeful. We continue to seek additional bursary money for students as well and David Watt has been able to interest several new donors in recent months. We have had some changes in our faculty positions at the College this year. We are, saddened to lose the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Wilson who has accepted the position of Pioneer MacDonald Professor of Theology and Ethics at Carey Theological College in
ADC Today is published twice a year by the Development Office, Acadia Divinity College. It is distributed free of charge to friends of Acadia Divinity College. Editorial Note: Missing student photos from the Oct. 2005 Newsletter included Darren Millett, Chris Keezer and Ruth Gessner.
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Vancouver. We are quite pleased, however, to welcome as our new professor of Christian Theology and Ethics the Rev. Dr. William Brackney, former Principal of McMaster Divinity College and Professor of Historical Theology, who will begin his tenure with us July 1 of this year. (See other comments about him later in the Newsletter.) Recently, Dr. Robert Wilson stepped down as Academic Dean to return to full-time teaching and Dr. Christopher Killacky will serve as interim academic dean until a replacement is found. Dr. Killacky comes to us from England and has his Ph.D. in theology from the University of Potscheftrom in South Africa. Rev. Carol Anne Janzen completed her twoyear appointment at the College last July and recently began her role as Executive Assistant to the President in addition to teaching responsibilities. We congratulate Rev. Bruce Fawcett, Director of Youth Ministry Program, on the milestone achievement of successfully defending his dissertation and receiving his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wales. Many of you are aware of all of the media attention Dr. Craig Evans continues to draw; national and international TV and radio stations (BBC, NBC, CTV) as well as the National Geographic channel, magazines, and numerous newspapers covering his contributions to biblical studies and for the recently published ancient Gospel According to Judas. Because of his expertise in Gospel research, he was asked to serve on this international panel of distinguished scholars to review that ancient
Editor: Trisha Urquhart Email: trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca Writing: N. Armstrong, R. Embree, C. Evans, B. Fawcett, D. Huestis, C. Janzen, S. Keddy, M. Krueger, A. MacRae, L. McDonald, D. Watt, J. Mitchell, R. Taylor, T. Urquhart, J. Wilson Design, Publishing & Distribution: PinPointCreative.com; Mark MacDonald
text. We are grateful for his contributions to the College. Dr. Glenn Wooden just published his second book on the Greek translation of the Old Testament called Septuagint Research and several other faculty members are in the midst of their scholarly publishing of books and academic papers. We are very proud of their accomplishments in this area, and they all continue to accept invitations to preach in CABC and other churches in this region. When you come to Convention this summer, come see what you have accomplished at ADC! You have been terrific! The faculty and staff of the College count it a privilege to serve the Lord here at ADC and we continue to rejoice at what God does in the lives of our students in such their short time of study and reflection here. As I get ready to start my last year as president of the College, we rejoice at all the good things God has done here and we are grateful for the privilege of serving the Lord. I should also add that this summer Mary (my wife) and I will be welcomed and sworn in as Canadian citizens! What a joy for us! Come visit us when you can and please continue to pray for us. LEE M. MCDONALD, President
Dr. David Watt asked Dr. Terry Atkinson and Rev. Nancy Murphy to aid him in holding an ADC Luncheon at Brunswick Street Baptist Church in February. It was a great success and these two alumni invite you to consider holding an ADC Luncheon.
GRADUATION
Strengthening the Church in Indonesia
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I Missing individual graduation photos: Marlene Knowles, Peter Holmes and Jon Dixon On the following Sunday afternoon, 14 May 2006, 31 students from Acadia Divinity College (the Faculty of Theology of Acadia University) graduated at the University’s Spring Convocation. Dr. Richard Longenecker received the honorary Doctor of Divinity; a distinguished New Testament scholar who has developed an international reputation teaching in several theological schools for 40 years and lecturing widely in North America, he also L to R: Honorary D.D. recipient Dr. Richard Longenecker, Renee established the prestigious Embree (University Medal in Theology Recipient) and Dr. Lee McDonald, President, ADC Bingham New Testament Colloquium at McMaster Divinity College. The University Medal in completing the Master of Divinity program. The ADC community offers its prayers and Theology was awarded this year to Miss Renee Embree who is currently the Youth Pastor at blessings to the graduates in the ministries to Alton Baptist Churches, NS. This award is given which God will call them. to one who attains the highest ranking while
By Dr. Bruce Fawcett
n November I had the privilege of leading a team of four Canadians to teach at the Pontianak Theological Seminary on the island of Borneo. Canadian Baptist Ministries and a group of ministry partners cooperated to launch this seminary several decades ago. Over the years the seminary has grown to become one of the largest seminaries in South-East Asia. Representing CBM, our team members were: Rev. Jerry Reddy (Hillside Baptist, Moncton NB), Rev. Phil Styles (Highfield Baptist, Moncton NB) and Rev. Elden Faulkner (Trinity Baptist, Sherwood Park AB). CBM missionaries Darrel and Laura Lee Bustin and Bill and Janice Dyck, who teach at the seminary, hosted us and translated for us. Elden Faulkner and I taught an introductory course on youth ministry and Jerry Reddy and Phil Styles taught a class on church leadership. In spite of the fact that approximately 75% of the population of Indonesia is under 18 years of age, the seminary does not normally have youth ministry courses as a regular part of its curriculum. It was a pleasure for our whole team to contribute to the strengthening of the church in Indonesia and a particular joy to contribute foundational teaching to a group of church leaders who are wrestling with the question of how to transmit successfully the faith to this large generation of young people.
ADC establishes Watt and Fenwick Bursaries
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e are pleased to share the good news of establishment of two funds to help support the mission of training future leaders at Acadia Divinity College.
Director of Supervised Field Education and Dean of Students. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Lorraine, two daughters Kim and Angie, and their families.
The Dr. Byron W. Fenwick Memorial Bursary
The John and Francis Watt and Bruce Watt Missions Endowment
Dr. Byron Fenwick served his Lord joyfully throughout his life as pastor, denominational leaders, mentor and friend. He served on the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College and, at the time of his death in 2005, he was
This endowment will be used for Mission projects at Acadia Divinity College, to assist in the training of Christian leaders in cross-cultural and global leadership and has been established by Dr. David, Neil and Murray Watt, in loving
memory of their parents and brother. John and Francis Watt raised their sons in Fredericton, NB and were very involved with their local churches. Bruce, the oldest of the four boys died of cancer at age 60. He had studied at Acadia University and was actively involved in the theology program, became a Physical Education teacher and was very active in church life. He is survived by his wife Eleanor and two daughters and a grandchild.
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Emmanuel Tukasi
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By Andrew D. MacRae
hen we first secured affiliate status for the first of our Nigerian affiliates, the Christ International Divinity College (CINDICO, I was able to offer full scholarships to two applicants from Nigeria. One of these was Emmanuel Tukasi, who was admitted on the strength of his BTh from the United Missionary Theological College in Ilorin, Nigeria.I first met him in the bush, at the edge of the CINCIDO campus, and presented him with his letter of admission and scholarship. After three outstanding years, he completed his MDiv degree in 1993, achieving the University Medal in Theology as the most outstanding student for the three years of his study. The following year he added the MRE degree. He then applied and, with our strong recommendation, was admitted to Princeton
Crossing the Bridge:
The Mandate to Connect
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Joseph Mitchell, ’05
he long thin arm of a nine year old girl shot up. She crooked her neck, furrowed her eyebrows, and interrogated, “How did Jesus die on the cross?” No sooner had we gathered on the grass to have a conversation when a second girl approached us and said, “Can I listen about Jesus too?” In one of the buggiest moments in Bayside Camp’s history I shared the gospel with two girls
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Theological Seminary in the fall of 1994. He returned to Nigeria for a time, and then proceeded to further graduate studies. Last weekend, I received an email from him, in which he gave me the good news that he has successfully completed his PhD degree at King’s College, University of London. In his
email, he wrote: How are you and your wife? I apologize for not keeping in touch with you before now. I got your e-mail from Acadia website. How are you spending your time after retirement?
who had never heard it before. Despite the ravaging mosquitoes their eyes were wide and attentive. Their bodies leaned forward in eager anticipation. Their cheeks flushed with apparent conviction as they learned that the perfect Son of God had died for them. Instinctively they knew that they were face to face with the biggest decision of their lives. The actions of
I would like to take this time to say thank you for the role you have played in the person I have now become. I am currently pastoring a Christ Apostolic church in London, England with my wife, Toyin, and two children, Molly and Nicholas. I completed my PhD at King’s College, London in September in New Testament and Early Judaism, John and the Dead Sea Scrolls. For who I am and who I will become, I am grateful to God for people like you who believed in me and found the resources that have brought out the best of me. Thanks a million times. May God bless you today and always. EMMANUEL TUKASI, PHD –London This is the kind of email that makes our work at ADC so worthwhile, and that gives us a real share in the world mission of the Gospel. Although his studies have been in England, he has continued to serve an African congregation in London.
Christ demanded a response. “Can we pray now?” the first girl blurted out interrupting me. I hadn’t even explained that a prayer of commitment was the appropriate response to the gospel, so I decided to play dumb. “What would you like to pray about?” I asked.
“I want to tell Jesus that I believe in him!” she said, “and thank him for everything he did for me.” The sinner’s prayer, for her, was neither compliance to my wishes nor religious custom. It was simply the natural response of a hungry heart to the call of Christ. Today’s children are the most unchurched generation in Canadian history. A faithless generation of parents has created a spiritual vacuum for their truth-hungry children. At camp kids discover that the gospel satisfies the questions that their parents never Continued on Page 5
BRIDGE
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answered for them; namely, “what is the purpose of life?” and “where does my value come from?” In fact 50% of the commitments made this summer were made by campers with no church affiliation. They were not nominal Catholic, or nominal Anglican or nominal Baptist. They were nothing, and this statistic can be expected to rise. (53% of our campers were Baptist). Both of the girls mentioned above asked me to persuade their parents to let them go to church. In fact, one of them told me that the household rule was “no sleepovers on Saturday night” to ensure that she didn’t attend church with a friend on Sunday morning. That she was permitted to attend a Christian camp, however, speaks volumes about the public’s perception of the actual church building. In many cases, Camp is the bridge which connects the church to a lost world. Parents who would never darken a church door are happy to send their kids to a week of crafts and canoeing even if it is Christ-centered. That we are a bridge must be central to every camp’s vision.
Camp leaders can send as many emails and Christmas cards as they like but unless the follow-up results in campers crossing the bridge and finding a church home, we have failed in our mission. Bayside Camp does not exist to provide young people with a spiritual high independent of the church. We exist to plug new Christians and revitalized youth into the
Alumni Returns For a Visit
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Myles D B Krueger,’88
his past January, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Wolfville and visit the College. It was extremely pleasing to see how good the school looked and I enjoyed meeting the various Faculty who took up their ministries after Sally, our children and I left in 1992 for Scotland. I was greatly inspired by the leadership of Dr. McDonald and the faculty and by the hard
church. Although camp is arguably the church’s most effective evangelistic tool, there is no substitution for the local church. It is God’s chosen setting for fellowship and worship. The local church offers the ongoing discipleship and sustainable spiritual growth that the temporary experience of camp cannot offer. The mandate given to us by Christ is not to make converts but rather life-long disciples, to teach everything that Jesus commanded us. (Matthew 28:19-20). Since camp cannot accomplish that in a single week, we must strive desperately to steer new believers to local congregations. To accomplish this we need two things. Firstly, we need churches that recognize the unique value of camping ministry and choose to support it and promote it.
We must be seen, not as an alien parachurch organization but as a close arm of the church. Secondly, we need a commitment from both camp staff and church leaders to communicate so that no camper falls between the cracks. When I approached the mother of one of the girls mentioned above to inquire
work and dedication of the administrative staff. After being warmly greeted in Chapel, I was delighted to be presented with an “authorized” version of Dr McDonald’s monumental work, Early Christianity and Its Sacred Literature and to be given two beautiful Acadia Divinity College coffee cups which are now in use daily! The worship experience touched me deeply and evidenced the health of the College.
It was actually quite “exciting” spiritually to be at the College.
about letting her go to church, I discovered how both girls ended up at camp. Although described as unreligious by her daughter, the mother had been a camper herself 20 years before. She may be a prime example of a camper who did not cross the bridge into a church and find ongoing discipleship. Nevertheless, she remembered the love and the fun that she experienced at camp. Desiring the same thing for her daughter, she looked up Bayside Camp in the phone book to see if we still existed. Sure enough we did, and as a consequence of our longstanding connection to the community, the daughter and her friend attended camp and discovered Jesus. Now, only time will tell if this latest generation of camper becomes connected and nurtured within Christian community. We wait to see if her children, 20 years from now, will attend Bayside Camp not because of her nostalgia, but because she crossed the bridge.
I was graciously hosted by Dr. Andrew and Jean MacRae for the week which is a treasured memory for me. Due to two stomach operations this past year, my diet has radically changed to which Jean responded with meticulous attention! Dr. MacRae invited me to teach a class in Evangelism (where my heart still is!) and to participate as a Guest Examiner in a very interesting Doctor of Ministry thesis defense. The students were extremely gracious and the candidate did an excellent job of defending his thesis. These experiences Continued on Page 7 5
Alumni News ARMSTRONG, Neil, ’89, and the members of the Tremont UBC, having sold their church building and hall in Tremont to the Church of the Nazarene; have chosen to be known as the “Greenwood Christian Church;” and during this period of transition they are holding church services in a house, but have plans to establish a ministry centre on the property they own in Greenwood commonly called “The Pines.” BARRON, Brian, ’99 has resigned from Centreville Baptist Church, Shelburne County and has accepted a call to Beechwood Baptist Church, NS. BEERS, Jonathan and Kimberly (Mercer), ’99 have a son, Noah John, born on November 13, a sister for Katelyn. BIGELOW, Fred, ’88, has resigned as pastor of the Riverside, Ashmore and New Tusket Baptist Churches, NS. BREWER, Terry, ’90 has been called to Weldon Baptist Church, NB. CANNELL, Michael, ’04, has resigned from Seabright and West Dover Baptist Churches, NS and has accepted a call to the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, NS. CARTER, Jeff, ’95 and wife Deann have wanted to share the joy they have as a family right now as they officially were granted permanent adoptive custody of Matthew Alexander Carter into their family at 11am February 16th 2006! DAVENPORT, Bill, ’91, has accepted a call to part-time Director of the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre in Kentville, and has accepted a call to provide part-time interim ministry with the Newport United Baptist Church at Scotch Village, NS. DEADDER, Virginia, ’06 has accepted a call to part-time ministry with the Mount Denson United Baptist Church. DUFFY, Sarah, ’03, was ordained at Bridgewater United Baptist Church, NS in November. DUNN, Donald, ’96 has resigned from Jordan Falls Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to the Aenon and Western Shore Baptist Churches, NS.
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DUNNETT, John, ’88 has accepted the position of “Minister to Youth and Families” at Kennebecasis Baptist Church, NB. John will conclude his ministry in Chipman, NB, and make the move to his new responsibilities this summer. GALLANT, Leo, ’83 accepted a call to Sussex United Baptist Church, NB. GOUGH, Maxine, ’04, was ordained at Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, NS in Nov. HOPPER, David, ’06 and Melodye welcome a new baby girl, Harmony Mae, born in November by the help of her Dad! HOPPER, Steve, ’95 was inducted at Bayview/South Ohio Baptist Churches, NS on September 25. IRVING, Jeff, ’06 has concluded his ministry with the Harmony United Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to the Havelock United Baptist Church, NB. KENNY, Aaron, ’02 has resigned from Midland Baptist Church, NB to accept a call with his wife, Erica, to serve with Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya. KOHLER, Scott, ’06, has been called to Rockland Dr. United Baptist Church, McAdam, NB. LOCKE, Phil, ’92, has given notice to the Canning United Baptist Church that he will be retiring at the end of 2006. LONDON, Jonathon, ’05, has been called to Waterville/Victoria Corner United Baptist Churches. Oct. ’05 MACCORMACK, Robert, ’95 has accepted a call to Temple/Greenville Baptist Churches, NS. MACK, Andrew, ’06 has concluded his ministry with the Third Horton United Baptist Church, Canaan, NS in order to accept a call to the ministry team at Hillside United Baptist Church, Moncton, NB. MCGAW, Tom, ’88, is working as a Team Lead at the Convergys Call Centre in Cornwallis and Roxanne, ‘’88 is a leader with Weight Watchers and currently living in Bridgetown, NS. MCLEOD, Thelma, ’05 has accepted a call to part-time interim ministry with the Bethany Memorial United Baptist Church in Aldershot, NS.
MELANSON, Derek, '98 and his wife, Alisha, have completed their part-time pastoral ministry at Blissville United Baptist Church and Derek has accepted a call to Nerepis United Baptist Church, NB. Derek and Alisha also have a wonderful 16 month old daughter, Ella Leanna, who was born on October 7, 2004. MOORE, Peter, ’05 has been called to Douglas Baptist Church, NB and he and his wife Patricia welcome a daughter, Leah Jayne Moore, born April 5, 2006. A sister for proud big bothers Adam, Caleb, Nathanael and Jonah! PHILLIPS, David, ’06 who has served as parttime pastor at Wilmot United Baptist Church, NS has accepted a call to full-time pastoral ministry with the Wilmot UBC. PORTER, Greg,’04 was ordained at Truro Heights Baptist Church, NS in November. PURDY, John, ’88 has resigned from Centreville/Rossway Baptist Churches, Digby County, NS. REECE, Mark, ’04, pastor at Paradise United Baptist Church, has taken as his wife Jennifer (nee Parke). RILEY, Jennifer, ’05, has been called to Victoria Road United Baptist Church, NS as Assistant Pastor. SMITH, Danny, ’04 and Lisa have a son, Joshua Smith born February 12. SMITH, Roger, ’05 has resigned as the Interim Pastor of Shediac Baptist Church. He will complete his ministry on June 1st. TRAMLEY, David, ’97 has resigned from Hillgrove Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to Dundas Baptist Church, NB. VEINOTTE, Dennis, ’62 has concluded his interim ministry with the Pereaux United Baptist Church, NS. ZACHARIAS, Danny, ’06 is very pleased to report that his paper “The Influence of Old Greek Daniel 7:13-14 on Matthew’s Son of Man” has been accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, which will convene in Washington DC in November. Congratulations, Danny!
ALUMNI
New Book on the Scrolls
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W Myles Krueger and his family at the Calgary Airport after his return visit to ADC.
enriched my attachment to the College. Finally, a word to my fellow Almuni/ae and to supporters of the College. As an encouragement, I want you to know that Sally and I continue our 15 year old commitment of supporting three scholarships and have just renewed that commitment for another 10 years as well as making ongoing contributions to the Annual Fund. Please keep the College in mind. The College is engaging in an
important and vital ministry for the Church and needs our financial support to fulfill its Mission established by our Lord Jesus. I am not waving our own financial flag; far from that; I am simply hoping to encourage you “by our own example� to support the College. We continue to experience remarkable spiritual satisfaction from our support for the College; the same is available for you! May our Lord bless you deeply.
e are pleased to announce the publication this spring of Christian Beginnings and the Dead Sea Scrolls, edited by John Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament at Yale Divinity School, and Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College. This is the fourth volume to appear in the Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology series, published by Baker Academic. Professors Jonathan Wilson and Glenn Wooden also have chapters in the new book. “The Scrolls are of $ ) 3 * 4 5 * " / great importance # & ( * / / * / ( 4 for understanding "/% 5)& the world of Jesus %&"% 4&" and the early 4 $ 30 - - 4 church,� says Evans. “This book points out treats several very interesting issues.� + 0 ) / + $ 0 - - * / 4 $ 3 " * ( " & 7" / 4 & % * 50 34
Hayward Lectures – Special Edition Exploring the Origins of the Bible
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crowd of 100 turned out Saturday April 1 to hear several scholars, including members of the ADC faculty, speak on the theme of “Exploring the Origins of the Bible,� this year’s special edition of the Hayward Lectures. After the papers there was lively discussion. The papers, which addressed questions concerning the original language of the Bible and the process of canonization, will be published in the Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology (Baker Academic). Keynote Speakers were Prof. Emanuel Tov, Hebrew University and Prof. James H. Charlesoworth, Princeton Theological Seminary.
Atlantic Baptist University is pleased to have presented the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards, on May 5, 2006 to Judge Gerald R. DeBow and Dr. Robert S. Wilson. The Distinguished Alumni Award celebrates the contributions ABU’s alumni make to their communities and professions. It recognizes truly outstanding accomplishments of alumni and the pride they bring to their alma mater. This award will be presented annually to ABU’s alumni.
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Faculty Whereabouts August Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches Wolfville, NS
DR. CRAIG EVANS July 3-14 Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA July 25-29 University of Aberdeen, Scotland REV. CAROL ANNE JANZEN
September 30 Seminar on the Canon, Regal Road Baptist Church Dartmouth, NS
July 9 Pereaux United Baptist Church, NS
DR. LIONEL MORIAH
July 12-15 Acadia University: International Conference of Baptist Studies
September 15-17 CABC Laymen’s retreat, Camp Wildwood, NB
Aug. 22 Acadia University: Atlantic Baptist Women’s Convention, “Communication” workshop
October 28-29 Zion Baptist, Truro, 110th anniversary.
DR. LEE MCDONALD
DR. ROBERT WILSON
July 2006 Mary and Lee McDonald become Canadian Citizens
MAY 28 Bridgewater United Baptist Church, NS
July 9 Waterville United Baptist Church Waterville, NB
October 1 New Cornwall Baptist Church, NS
July 25 - 30 Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas Aberdeen, Scotland
Craig Evans on
The Gospel of Judas By Danny Zacharias ADC’s Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, was in Washington DC April 5-7 as part of the National Geographic Society’s team of experts who published and began the process of studying the Gospel of Judas, mentioned by Irenaeus in 180 AD, but unknown until now. More than 120 media, including Canada’s own CTV and CBC, attended the press release. Evans appeared on several television and radio programs and was featured on the front page of the Chronicle Herald. “The Gospel of Judas portrays Judas as a hero,” Professor Evans explains, “but that is the stuff of second century fiction, not first century history. The real story of Judas is in the New Testament Gospels, not in the newly published Gospel of Judas.”
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October 14 Lunenburg/Queens Association Bridgewater, NS
he world has been abuzz with news on the recently recovered and restored Gospel of Judas, and ADC’s Craig Evans has been amidst the center of the frenzy. Dr. Craig Evans was part of an elite group of scholars enlisted by National Geographic to help understand this second century gnostic document. Below is an interview conducted by Danny Zacharias, ‘06, student of Craig Evans. He conducted the interview with Craig Evans, who was one of the scholars who took part in the National Geographic Project. DZ - Thanks for taking the time to do this Dr. Evans. I know you have been busy these past few days. CE: “Busy” hardly covers it. I have been swamped with interview requests from the media.
The announcement of the discovery, recovery, restoration, and publication of the Gospel of Judas has created a firestorm of interest. DZ - Can you state briefly how you came to be involved in this project and your impression of the project overall. CE: In the summer of 2005 the National Geographic Society expanded its team working on Codex Tchacos, which includes the Gospel of Judas, by adding people who could assist and advise in matters of interpretation and how various constituencies might react to the announcement of the publication of the Gospel of Judas. Marvin Meyer, Elaine Pagels, Bart Ehrman, Donald Senior, and I were added to the team. DZ - What (if any) light does the Gospel of Judas shed on the canonical gospels? CE: The Gospel of Judas is a piece of second-century fiction, which takes a completely different approach to the story of the Passion. I don’t think there is much doubt that the Gospel of Judas is dependent on the New Testament Gospels, including the Gospel of John. DZ - What (if any) light does the Gospel of Judas shed on the historical Jesus and historical Judas? CE: The Gospel of Judas, which greatly emphasizes Judas’ importance and claims that Judas received private instruction from Jesus, alerts us to John 13, where Jesus says to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly,” and where we are told that the other disciples did not understand the point. Of course, the Gospel of Judas may be exploiting this very passage in John, in order to create his fictive narrative, in which Judas is portrayed as acting on Jesus’ instructions. But when one remembers the two incidents in Mark, where Jesus evidently has made private arrangements with some disciples, without the knowledge of the others (as in Mark 11, where two disciples fetch the colt, or Mark 14, where two disciples are led to the upper room), one may rightly wonder if the Gospel of Judas has exploited a third incident, in which Jesus has made a private arrangement with a disciple—in this case the disciple Judas Iscariot.
In John 13 we are given the impression Continued on Page 9
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that Jesus is aware of Judas’ intention to betray his master, whereas in the Gospel of Judas we are told that handing Jesus over to the religious authorities was exactly what Jesus intended. I wonder if the historical Jesus actually did have an arrangement with Judas, somewhat on analogy with the aforementioned arrangements to secure the animal and find the upper room. This arrangement may well have provided Judas with the opportunity to betray Jesus, which according to the Gospel of John Jesus foresaw, and which according to the Gospel of Judas was what Jesus had requested.
So although I don’t think the Gospel of Judas gives us first-century history, its second-century spin may well alert us to a different way of reading John 13 that could help us understand better the context in which Judas acted. DZ - What (if any) light does the Gospel of Judas shed on the early church CE: The Gospel of Judas attests the diversity of ideas in the second century and may well witness an early form of Sethian
National Geographic Society aired on the National Geographic Channel a two-hour program on the recently restored and published Gospel of Judas. This document is sure to create a great deal of controversy. Professor Evans was interviewed for the program. As part of the media coverage, including meeting with the ambassador from Egypt. The program may be rebroadcast later on NBC.
Gnosticism. It also confirms the accuracy of Irenaeus, where in Against Heresies 1.31 he describes the Gospel of Judas. It is clear that Ireaneus, writing in 180 CE, was well informed and truthful. DZ - What should pastors and interested lay-people come away with from this new find? CE: Pastors and laity have nothing to fear in the Tchacos Codex and its four tractates, of which the Gospel of Judas is one. The Coptic codex contains tractates that
were composed in the second and third centuries. These tractates tell us about strange and divergent ideas of the life and teaching of Jesus and related themes. The tractates of this codex will not require Christians to make doctrinal or historical adjustments in our understanding of Christian origins and Christian faith. DZ - Finally, the media as a matter of practice likes to distort the words of others. Have any of your words or statements been distorted in the past week that you wish here to correct? CE: I have not seen everything that the media have produced in the last week. I am not aware of anything that I have said that has been distorted. However, I have heard that some people have misunderstood what I have said. My statement, “According to the Gospel of Judas Jesus asked Judas to betray him,” has been taken by one or two to mean that I think Jesus actually did ask Judas to betray him! Of course, this is not what I said. Evidently some people do not read very carefully. At best the Gospel of Judas may assist us in exploring a new interpretive approach to understanding Judas’ relationship to Jesus, but this newly published Gospel will not overthrow the traditional account, nor should it. DZ - Thanks very much Dr. Evans!
April ‘06 Year End ADC Family Banquet at Bethany Memorial Baptist Church, Aldershot
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Events of Interest July 12 – 15 Fourth International Conference on Baptist Studies Acadia Divinity College For more information: acbas@acadiau.ca July 17 – 21 Mulgrave Park United Baptist Church Leading Change in the 21st Century Congregation Dr. Brian Harpell Pastor, First Baptist Church Everett, Washington Mulgrave Park United Baptist Church To Register, call: 902.585.2215 August 23 4:30 pm - Alumni and Friends BBQ Acadia Divinity College RSVP – 902.585.2217/2210 or email: 060519r@acadiau.ca September 5-6 Registration and Orientation Acadia Divinity College October 26-27 Day For Discovery Acadia Divinity College Special Speaker: Dr. Terry Atkinson November 14-16 Hayward Lectures N.T. Wright Renowned New Testament Scholar Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Durham, England January 3-6 J Term Courses February 12-14 Simpson Lectures Tom Bandy President of Easum, Bandy & Associates http://www.easumbandy.com March 1-2 Day For Discovery Acadia Divinity College Special Speaker: Dr. David Morehouse
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Dr. Eugene Mayne Thompson, ADC Alumni ’56 Passed Away
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ugene went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 26 at the age of 75 and leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Rhoda. He certainly is no stranger to Atlantic or Canadian Baptists. Dr. Thompson overcame tuberculosis at an early age, and went on to lead a very full and active life. He graduated from Acadia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954, and a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1956 (later exchanged for a Master of Divinity in 1976). Acadia was full of music in the 50's, to which Dr. Thompson contributed. He was a member of a quartet that toured successfully throughout the maritime provinces recruiting students to Acadia. Dr. Thompson would even help with the creation of a Canada-wide hymnal in 1972, which contained some of his own hymns. He served the Baptist constituency across the country, including Executive Minister of our Atlantic Convention for eleven years. Eugene’s smiles, zest for life and talents will be sadly missed by all.
Rev. Dr. Wrenfred Bryant
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r. Bryant was born in Verdun, Quebec, in 1924. Due to the illhealth of his mother and his father’s many resulting challenges in raising a young family, he had to help care for his siblings
and to leave school at age 14. He attended Arts and Trades School briefly in Montreal, then enlisted in the military, where he served in many wartime situations in Europe, and later pursued his dream by combining work and study over the postwar years. At the Toronto Bible College he met Helen Dyall, his wife of 53 years, with whom he has shared a lifetime of ministry. He was ordained in Hammonds Plains, where his life was celebrated by 600 people in a wonderful service of Thanksgiving on June 6, 2006, in the beautiful new building where Lennett Anderson, one of our graduates, serves as Pastor, who is also Helen and Wrennie’s loved Godson. During Wrennie’s ministry, he served in Guysboro, Halifax, Africville, and also served the black community in many significant ways. Much admired in the Convention, he was the first pastor to be appointed as a Pastor-at-Large, and following retirement in 1989, he was elected Vice-President, then President of the Convention, and served a remarkable retirement pastorate in Lower Sackville. In 1995, I had the honour of presenting him for the award of an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Acadia University, as one of the most distinguished persons of colour Acadia has honoured in this way. At the recent Service of Celebration, many tributes were paid to his life and to their shared ministry, at which I represented the College and its President, and brought the eulogy. Dr. Bryant’s influence will live on, and we at Acadia pay united and heartfelt tribute to his life and ministry and extend our sympathy and our prayers to his beloved wife, Helen.
All alumni, friends and family are warmly welcomed for fellowship and fun! This is a great time to catch up with fellow class mates and see what everyone is up to. On behalf of our President Rev. Randall Read, I would Call (902)585-2217/2210 or like to invite you to the Alumni and Friends Barbeque e-mail: 060519R@acadiau.ca on Wed. August 23rd, 2006 on the ADC campus from We look forward to seeing you there. 4:30 pm to 6:15 p.m. Jen Riley-Secretary, ADC Alumni Association A free will offering will be taken and reservations are required.
Growth, Challenge and Enrichment
Graduating Women Ready to Share Faith Message with Widening Pastoral Circles
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Sara Keddy, Kings County Register, Transcontinental Media.
n the middle of their lives, the end of a big challenge now is the beginning of a new adventure,” says Barb Durling. Durling, Coldbrook, and Virginia DeAdder, North Alton, will both finish degrees at Acadia’s Divinity College in the next few weeks. Both women have taken long and personally challenging roads to reach this point in their lives. Durling says.
“Faith was always important - I don’t remember a time I didn’t believe in God”. There was always that call. At 21, divorced with two children, she moved to Nova Scotia, married a man with four children, and they had two more together. In her 30s, Durling made time for night school to earn her GED, and worked steadily on to a Bachelor or Arts and then a Bachelor of Education from Acadia. Through this time, with a busy family, she worked at the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, and also took people into their home for respite care. “Wherever I was, there was always ministry but women weren’t pastors in the church.” Durling says. One day, while at a funeral led by Cambridge Baptist Church minister Rev. Dr. Judith Saunders, Durling suddenly saw herself working with Saunders. “Judy took me to the Day for Discovery at Acadia, and everything I saw and heard was good - but I told my husband, “I’m not going back tomorrow,” Durling says. The next morning, she realized “I have to go,” she told her husband, and cried. He said he knew. DeAdder, too, comes with a lifetime of exposure to religion - but it was only on the surface, she realizes now.
“I always knew God, but I always feared Him and I had difficulty knowing a relationship with his son, Jesus Christ.” She went to church, but admits she’d never really read the Bible; married, had two children and retired from work in 1995 - the same year her brother, Vaughn, died. “I went through some major struggles - I didn’t
know the Lord. After two months, some Christian friends knew this was coming. I called them at midnight one night and they came to my house with a Bible. “There was so much peace and joy. I did that one day; the next day, I wanted to be a minister and tell everyone.” DeAdder took a few years to feel her way through a newly-personal faith with the thought in her mind, like Durling, that women didn’t go into the ministry. That was a major struggle, but if God was really calling me, I had to go and do it,” DeAdder says. Also worrying her was everyday life - she and her husband, both recently retired, were supposed to travel, start quilts and look forward to grandchildren. Now, with graduation looming, both women are happy. There were worries about their age and starting school again, the financial costs of courses and the actual course work required.
DeAdder says “I think of the scripture, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Both also credit the support and prayer of family and friends, Particularly Cambridge pastor, Dr. Judith Saunders, who took both women and another student minister, Brian Reid, under her wing for their supervised field work. The Cambridge church is really a model, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging,” Durling says. DeAdder says the sense of family created over the winter months came with challenges, too, but she’s realized even more “we’re all God’s children.” DeAdder is looking ahead to May, when she’ll begin as minister for her first church - in Mount Denson. Durling has not had a call yet, but she can picture the church now in her mind “The Lord has led me all this way; I have peace that He knows what’s going to happen.”
Newest Faculty Appointment at ADC
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cadia Divinity College is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. William H. Brackney, who has been appointed Distinguished Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics, Faculty of Theology of Acadia University and Acadia Divinity College, beginning July 1, 2006. Dr. Brackney is a scholar and churchman who is internationally known for his extensive writing in the field of Baptist studies and theology and for his contributions to the global Baptist community. He is a frequent guest lecturer in Europe as well as Canada and the United States and is a gifted communicator in the classroom. Dr. Brackney has a rich history of contributions to theological education not only as a faculty member, but also as an academic dean at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and as Principal of McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, for eleven years. He has authored twenty-six refereed books and more than ninety refereed articles and essays, and delivered more than thirty academic papers at various academic conferences in North America. This position has been held by the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Wilson, who has accepted the position of Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology at Carey Theological College.
The Wilsons were honoured by the ADC Faculty and Staff and Students on two different occasions. Here Cindy Dockendorff has some heartfelt words to say to Jonathan and Marti.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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large crowd filled the foyer of Acadia Divinity College for the dedication of the new elevator in honor of Dr. Dennis Veinotte. Dennis had been the inspiration, in the minds of many, to see the building become accessible. In his welcome and opening remarks, Dr. Lee McDonald acknowledged the many changes in the building that have made the two main floors handicap accessible for faculty, students and visitors.
Race and the (Baptist) Church in Atlantic Canada
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By: Dr. Jonathan Wilson uring the month of February, the ADC community entered into a number of events to help us think about questions of “race” in theological, historical, social, legal, and personal dimensions. The events actually began on January 31, when Elias Mutale and Frank Guinta presented a brief drama and extended interactive discussion. For this time, Drs. Lionel Moriah and Jonathan Wilson combined their classes and invited others to attend. The following day Dr. Wilson spoke in chapel on “The Not-SoHidden Wound.” His title was drawn from the book on racism, The Hidden Wound by the poet-theologian-farmer-prophet Wendel Berry. On the following Wednesday, Feb 8, the Baptist Youth Fellowship of the AUBA, led our worship in chapel. Following both Dr. Wilson’s chapel and the BYF chapel, a “talk-
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David B. Huestis, a close friend of Dennis and Connie Veinotte, recognized the valuable contribution that Dennis has made to the college, the students and wider Christian community. He served as Professor and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education from 1984-2001. Mr. Huestis, in a brief but fun-filled and powerful tribute to Dennis, said,
“In today’s Church, each of us has both an opportunity and a duty to help others.”
best in everyone and encourages them to do their best, regardless of their station in life. One of the main functions of an elevator is to help people move up, reach the next level. It is fitting that a mechanical device should be named after Dennis.
“Hundreds of students can attest that they have moved to far greater heights than they otherwise would have following his example.”
Easter gives hope to all of us. We need to let people know today that God has a purpose for them; they have an opportunity “to make a difference in their journey called life”. Despite his own personal physical limitations, I know of no one who has done this better than Dennis. His genuine love, his deep and abiding concern of others, he always sees the
ADC is grateful to Dr. Dennis Veinotte and his wife Connie for the many years of service given to helping students, through clinical training, to know themselves better and be able to follow and serve Christ more effectively. The Psalmist writes, “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes (Ps. 119:59).” We are also grateful to the many donors who have enabled the school to become handicap accessible. We look forward to providing a welcome to new students who may need these special additions.
back” session was held to provide further conversation and understanding. On Thursday, February 16, Dr. David Watt hosted a panel in his “Missions and the Church” class. Dr. Glenn Wooden emceed a panel of Jennifer Riley, Glenn Gray, Harry Gardner, Winnie Benton, and Lennett Anderson.On the following day, Dr. Lionel Moriah preached on our continuing task as we seek to
be a church faithful to the God of all nations. Many significant challenges for the church are addressed throughout the ADC curriculum and in the halls and lounges. These events were meant to bring an additional learning opportunity for the ADC community and to heighten our awareness of questions of “race” as they are shaped by our culture and our history and to work toward a proper theological understanding and Christian practices that include confession, forgiveness, justice, mercy, reconciliation, partnership, and witness to the God who makes us one in Christ. But we also know that the events of this one month at ADC barely begins the work that we have to do.
Rally in the Valley!
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By: Renee Embree, ’06
hat’s RITV you ask? Well, take hundreds of youth from the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, stuff them into a church until it’s busting at the seams, mix in a worship team with a thumping sound system, add a great speaker, then add prayer, life stories and dramas, bake for one and a half hours, and voila! You have RITV!!! RITV began as a few ADC students came together and sensed God calling them to start a combined youth service, designed for youth across the Valley to gather in the name of Jesus for discipleship and evangelism. Tim Johnson, Todd Coldwell and Renée Embree had the original vision, then there was no
Moncton Luncheon a Success
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By: Ralph Taylor
r. David Watt invited Moncton area Board members and Area Alumni rep to a luncheon on December 2005 to
stopping it. RITV steadily gained momentum and fire. ADC students along with the Eastern Valley Association have been instrumental in following the Spirit of God in this endeavor. John Campbell has done an excellent job heading the committee. Jon Dixon, Mitch DeWare, David Woodworth, Allison Kirkbride, and Pamela Estey together with the others already mentioned work together to glorify God through RITV. RITV has continued to grow since it started in February of 2005. RITV gathers
monthly in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Each rally takes place at a different church in the Valley and each month we find we need more seats! To date over 2,500 youth have attended! Youth come for various reasons and from various backgrounds, but then find themselves encountering the Living Lord. Since the beginning of RITV a number of youth have committed their lives to Christ. A whole lot more have grown in their faith and are taking a stand as Christians. Youth have courageously shared their gifts and stories at RITV. Each month a youth shares their life story about how Christ has changed their life. Youth also lead in prayer, in drama and in some music. Through the youth leading we all have been led both to laughter and to tears. God is mightily at work among the youth of the Valley. As one youth commented to me “Until I went to RITV, I thought Christianity was just for old people. I can’t believe how many people my age are interested in Jesus”. At RITV young people are being changed by God and finding community with young Christians all over the Valley. Come check us out at www.ritv.ca
discuss the possibility of an ADC event in the Moncton area in the New Year.
included Atlantic Baptist University President, Dr. Brian MacArthur, Rev. Ted Newell, Rev. Chet MacPhail and a group of ABU students.
A breakfast or evening gathering was first envisioned. However, the idea of a noon luncheon emerged.
The menu decided upon was fresh garden salad, scrumptious chicken pies and mouthwatering apple crisps made by the committee members, spouses and friends. The luncheon was hosted by First Moncton United Baptist Church. The host committee was assisted by another dozen friends in preparing and serving the more than 75 attendees. The gathADC reps Dr. Chris Killacky, Mrs. Gail Noel, Rev. Dr. David Watt. ering from across the Committee Dale Ritchie, Ralph Taylor, Jessie Fitch, Debbie James greater Moncton area
Guest soloist, Amy Bourque of First Baptist was warmly received for her beautiful numbers, including the touching “I Am a Child of God”. Rev. Dr. John Weiler, Regional Minister, offered Grace. Rev. Jonathan Steeper, Highfield Street Baptist pastor, spoke appreciatively of his student days at ADC. Host pastor and ADC alumnus, Rev. Dr. Richard Jackson, introduced Dr. David Watt, his former pastor and mentor. Dr. Watt and his colleagues, Registrar Gail Noel and Professor Dr. Chris Killacky presented interesting and illuminating updates on students, faculty, staff, programs and vision of Acadia Divinity College.
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Ethel Fenerty Mission Group Supports ADC Students
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“You may give without loving but you can’t love without giving” Philippians 1:6 hile visiting a friend, we were discussing my new position with our church mission group and asked for God’s leading about a local mission project. She mentioned that Dr. Lee McDonald had preached in Chapel that morning, sharing his compassion for the financial needs of the ADC students.
For the next few days, I could not get this thought out of my mind. I prayed, “God, what would you have me do?” The praise song, “Here I Am, Lord” kept ringing in my mind. My heart would not rest. God showed me Scripture, i.e. Isaiah 6:8. At our first mission meeting in January, I proposed an idea to our members to promote missions within our Church. I wanted to start locally with a project that would stir the heart
of our Church family. They all agreed and I made an appointment with Gail Noel, Registrar at Acadia Divinity College. Gail was very enthusiastic about our proposal and, after speaking with other faculty, confirmed dates for delivery of food. Now the work began. I presented my proposal to the Church Family and asked for their support. They gave abundantly; children’s groups, mission groups, Sunday school – everyone supported this vision. On February 17th 2006, we delivered our first truckload of food to ADC. We were greeted with many helpers and received smiles, hugs, of thanks and, before we left, prayed with one student, giving thanks and honor to God. We supplied food for March and April and each time we became more organized. We received many notes of thanks from the students, telling us how much the food was appreciated. Our project reached the ears of women at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Truro and they contributed $400.00 to our project. In the fall of 2006, we have plans to work with other Baptist churches in our area. God knew who needed to be fed and our mission group provided the leadership to carry out this ministry within our Church. To God we give all the honor and glory. NANCIE ARMSTRONG, President- Ethel Fenerty Mission Group Kentville Baptist Church.
Day for Discovery: Discover your Calling
Do you sense God calling you to a leadership role in Christian service? Do you know of someone who might benefit from a word of encouragement to pursue such a calling? Might you, as a pastor or church leader, benefit from information that would help others prepare for Christian service? If you answer YES to any of these questions, we invite you to one of our DAY FOR DISCOVERY EVENTS : November 2-3, 2006 or March 1-2, 2007 at Acadia Divinity College Simply register with us, there is no charge! Our Day for Discovery Speaker for November is TERRY ATKINSON, Senior Pastor, Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Frecdericton, NB. His career involved social work in Moncton and Fredericton before he felt the call to ministry in 1984. Terry works with a pastoral team of 5, with 6 full and part-time support staff. They are presently exploring additional, building facilities to enhance their ministries. Our Day for Discovery Speaker for March is DAVID MOREHOUSE, Senior Pastor, Allison Baptist Church, Saint John, NB. Dave’s passion is to see ministry and mission happen in the local church. As the Lead Pastor of Allison Church since 1986, Dave has seen God move this typical, traditional, Maritime Baptist church through change, growth and difficulties.
During Acadia University’s recent Convocation ceremonies, recipients of this year’s Associated Alumni of Acadia University (AAUA) Faculty Awards were acknowledged. The recipients from left to right are Dr. Tom Herman (Biology) for Excellence in Community Engagement, Dr. Stephen Maitzen (Philosophy) for Excellence in Teaching and Dr. Craig Evans (Acadia Divinity College) for Excellence in Research.
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For more information please call: Phone:(902) 585-2215 Email: pam.connell@acadiau.ca http://adc.acadiau.ca
Simply register with us, there is no charge!
Praxis
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anadian Baptist Ministries it pleased to partner with ADC and announce that Claire Peveril and Murray Wright have been chosen to receive the Praxis Global Discipleship Scholarship for 2006.
Praxis is a scholarship program available upon application to a select group of Canadian Baptists enrolled within an approved theological school and pursuing a graduate degree. The scholarship estimated at $6,500 CAD, will provide the opportunity for accepted participants to engage in a missiological reflection on a significant issue related to the Gospel and Culture in a developing world context. Praxis will engage in a cross cultural mission experience within a cohort learning. This year, Praxis is based out of Beirut, Lebanon at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and will focus on Christian/Islam dialogue. Claire and Murray along with 4 other students will be working with our Global Field Staff, Elie and Mireille Haddad. Elie is the Provost of the Arab Baptist Seminary and Mireille works in the Baptist publications at Dar al-Awlad –a Christian orphanage. The travel dates will be approximately
from June 4-June 28, 2006. There was an orientation in Montreal from April 28-30, 2006. Please remember in prayer our students, Claire and Murray, and the others who will engage in this program of mission study in the Middle East.
ADC Students and Alumni Study in Prague
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n late May and early June a group of 12 students and recent alumni traveled to Prague, Czech Republic as part of the annual Acadia Youth Ministry Institute. The goal of this year’s program was to help those interested in youth ministry understand ministry trends and practices in Europe so that the youth ministries in local churches in Canada might be strengthened and enriched. Participants learned about youth ministry in Europe in three ways. First, they attended a fiveday youth ministry course taught at the International Baptist Theological Seminary by Danish Baptist leader Dr. Soren Ostergaard. Second, an equal number of Baptist youth leaders from a variety of European
countries joined our students for the course. The informal exchange of ministry ideas and practices led to rich fellowship and greater understanding of what effective ministry looks like in different cultures. Third, following the course in Prague, our students traveled in pairs to a variety of European countries where for five days they were observer/participants in mission and ministry. This exposure plus the group debriefing experience gave our students excellent insights to successful models of European youth ministry. The Acadia Youth Ministry Institute is offered annually in partnership with the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. This year’s trip was led by Dr. Bruce Fawcett. The team was hosted in Europe by Dr. Jeff Carter, an adjunct professor of youth ministry at ADC who is a CBM missionary on loan to the European Baptist Federation as a youth ministry researcher and educator.
Please remove and mail with payment, or call with this information.
Name ........................................................................................................................................... ❑ Please accept my gift of Address ........................................................................................................................................ $______________for the ADC Annual Fund. ❑ Please note my change of address. City ....................................................Prov/State ................... Postal/Zip Code ........................ ❑ Please remove my name from the mailing list. Phone ( ) ..................................................Email.............................................................. ❑ Please send me information on the Personally Approved Payment Plan. ❑ Contact me about wills and other gift VISA/MC Number ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ planning options. Expiration Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ Name on VISA/MC ........................................................................................ ADC TODAY Acadia Divinity College Wolfville NS B4P 2R6 http://adc.acadiau.ca
CALL: (902) 585-2217 Fax: (902) 585-2233 EMAIL: adcinfo@acadiau.ca
Spending of funds is confined to Board approved programs and purchases. Each gift designated toward an approved program will be used as designated with the understanding that when any given need has been met, designated gifts will be used where needed most. Gifts are acknowledged and an official receipt issued for income tax purposes.
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Alumni Chaplain Lt (N) Heather Taylor, ’01 Fleet Chaplain, CFB Halifax As I write this, I am on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) FREDERICTON in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and have been for five weeks with another four to go. Initially I felt somewhat like Jonah not wanting to go to Nineveh, but surprisingly I have fallen in love with sailing and the crew to which I minister. The HMCS FREDERICTON is my church. She is a City Class destroyer, with a crew of 232, less than 20 of which being women. My responsibility is to provide spiritual and emotional care for all on board from the newest ordinary seaman to the captain of the ship. My ministry is one of presence. My role is to be seen and available to care for people by taking the time to talk, listen and counsel. One of the many challenges military members face is the delicate balance of work and family. Ministry at sea poses some interesting challenges. Space on board ship is a valuable commodity and of course there isn't a chapel on board per se, so every Sunday from 10001030 the officer’s lounge is transformed into a place of worship. The pews being leather furniture are much more comfortable than
any traditional church; however the television and dining table are interesting additions to a sanctuary. Worship is condensed to half an hour as to make attendance possible because when sailors are not on duty they are sleeping. Either way their time is valuable. The sharing of the Lord’s Supper is also a challenge in 5 m waves! I have been fortunate to not suffer from any seasickness thanks to modern medicine. Finding time alone is often challenging with a lot of people confined to a small space, however God is everywhere.Often when I need some time alone with him I go out on the flight deck and catch a dolphin playing, or a school of flying fish and at night the stars reveal God’s grandeur! My prayer is that every hug I give, smile I exchange and tear I shed is done with the love of Christ. I am so very blessed to be called to such a diverse ministry. I have to thank my husband for his role in enabling me to fulfill
November 2005 at CFB Borden during Chaplain Basic Officer training, Rev. Steven White, Rev. Heather Taylor and Rev. Larry Pardy, all grads of Acadia Divinity College.
God’s call on my life by supporting Charlie and me when God calls me to Nineveh. In May 2006 I will be celebrating one year of being a CF Chaplain. I am one of 16 chaplains who serve the military members and their families at CFB Halifax. Of 16, 3 of us are Baptist. All of us welcome your prayers of strength and wisdom as we serve in this challenging and exciting ministry.
Student News DIXON, Jon and wife Sherrolyn have a new son (third child), born on Nov. 10, Reuben Jonathan. FEWKES, Al, has been called to Middleton United Baptist Church as Youth Pastor. LEVY, Jennifer, has accepted a call to Falmouth United Baptist Church, NS to be their part-time Youth Pastor while she continues as part-time Executive Director of Kingswood Camp. SWALM, Michael, and his wife Tricia are pleased to announce the arrival of their second daughter Elena Joy, born April 25th.
If undeliverable please return to:
Acadia Divinity College 31 Horton Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 41228525
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