Vantage Summer 08 by Columbia Theological Seminary

New updates on the Campaign for Columbia—page 16

God works through These sacraments are not things, but events: Baptism and a gathered people in the presence of God take material objects the Lord’s Supper and with Word proclaimed and preached and the Spirit invoked, sing, move, wash, and eat in multiple ways so that love abounds, truth is spoken, and grace flows. to form us into God’s own people. From Invitation to Christ: A Guide to Sacramental Practices, 2006 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), on behalf of the Office of Theology and Worship.

The early church, following Jesus, took three primary elements of life —water, bread, and wine— to become basic symbols of offering life to God as Jesus had offered his life.

Washed with the water of baptism… we receive new life in Christ and present our bodies as living sacrifices to God.

Eating bread and drinking wine… we receive the sustaining presence of Christ, remember God’s covenant promise, and pledge our obedience anew.

Through the Sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity as the people of God, and marks them for service…

from the Directory for Worship, W-1.3033

Summer 2008

President’s Message

As Family Reun ion W h e n J o s e ph a n d h i s b rot h e r s met in Egypt (Genesis 41-45), their family fight defined them, and whose fault was that? Remembering his brothers’ boyhood jealousy, their plot to get rid of him, and their selling him to traders who took him away to Egypt, Joseph would probably say that his brothers were guilty. On the other hand, I imagine the brothers being peeved with Joseph. A famine had been going on for years, and Joseph’s family was starving to death. Why hadn’t Joseph reached out to help them? Was he carrying a grudge? Or was Joseph anxious and defensive, turned into a hoarder because he believed Pharaoh’s myth that food would run out? When Joseph saw his brothers begging for food, he recognized the longing they all shared for a family reunion. Hugging, kissing, crying, they gave themselves to one another. They realized they did not have to look out for self-interest, that they could risk loving one another because God’s abundant grace would be enough for them, even enough to free them from their guilt. The hungry brothers wanted to be rid of their guilt about

the family squabble. Joseph wanted to be rid of his guilt for not sending for his brothers in their crisis, wanted to be released from the isolation created by Pharaoh’s nightmare of scarcity. Joseph and his brothers needed one another. In giving themselves to one another, their hungers were fed and their longings were met. Isn’t this what happens for us through the grace given to us in baptism? We are brought into the family where we renounce evil, where we become part of God’s story of reconciliation, where our relationships are redefined, where God’s blessings are sustained for all, where we give ourselves to one another. Then as we gather at the Lord’s Table, we receive from one another the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Forgiveness is offered and forgiveness is received. It is a family reunion. Our sacraments define us as God’s family. Let us celebrate and rejoice!

L a u r a M e n d e n h a ll C ov e r art b y Dana Matt hew s Baptismal Font Under Shelter. 16 x 20, black and white silver gelatin print with oil paint Dana Matthews is a partner in Vintage Vignettes Photography Studio, Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and has an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her work has been featured in dozens of solo and group exhibitions across the country. The cover image and others throughout this issue of Vantage are used with her permission. These photographs of outdoor baptismal fonts were taken between 1985 and 1992 in the black-belt region of Alabama. She writes: “Towards the end of my project, the fonts were becoming scarce as baptisms were being moved indoors into a more ‘civilized’ setting, and the fonts were being covered in dirt. I suspect there are no more fonts left standing at this time.”

Martha Moore-Keish Receives Lilly Grant

Communion plate, ca. 1878. Menefee Memorial Presbyterian Church, Owingsville, KY. Image published with permission of Presbytery of Transylvania. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

T h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f T h e o l o g i c a l S c h o o l s (ATS) has awarded a Lilly Theological Scholars Grant to Martha Moore-Keish, assistant professor of theology. Her project is titled Eucharist and Puja: Exploring Eucharistic Theology and the Practice in South India. Moore-Keish’s project recognizes America’s shifting religious scene and U.S. churches’ strong interest in sacramental renewal. She will explore the complex relationships between Eucharist and culture in new ways and plans to visit south India to investigate Eucharistic theology and practice there. Her research will include reading theological works not readily available outside of South Asia, and will focus on observing and engaging in Eucharistic practices, as well as talking with contemporary Indian Christian scholars about Eucharistic practice and reflection. She says that she hopes to bring back fresh perspectives on the cultural and sacramental questions that face U.S. Christians today. Moore-Keish is one of 25 recipients of a Lilly Theological Scholars Grant for 2008-2009. The grant program is supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. This is the eleventh year ATS has awarded the grants.

New Issu e of O nline Journal Availabl e Now !

www.atthispoint.net

journal, @ this point: theological investigations in church and culture. This issue, which includes a video component, is titled “The Seductiveness of the Familiar.” Contributors focus on how our desire to live a faithful life often conflicts with the family structures and culture in which we live.Viewers can see and hear Professor Emeritus Erskine Clarke introduce the topic.Video clips also show selected viewers responding to questions about the topic. Lesson plans continue to be provided for adult class use. Developed with church members in mind and published twice a year, @ this point is free and available only online at www.atthispoint.net. All the content can be downloaded and reproduced without charge.

Paul Huh

Receives Grant to Advance Korean American Ministry T h e C a lv i n I n s t i t u t e

Christian Worship,

Grand Rapids, MI, has awarded a $15,000 Worship Renewal Grant to Paul Huh, assistant professor of worship and director of

Korean American Ministries. Huh will develop worship and music

about new issues and announcements.

conferences for Korean American pastors, lay people, and children.

this point

The faculty has released a new issue of its free online

Each issue of @ this point focuses on a particular

The conferences will help pastors and other church leaders to design

topic from the perspective of a variety of theological

and experience cross-generational and multi-cultural liturgy that

disciplines and includes a lead article, response articles,

follows the church year and sacramental theology.

and teaching resources to guide further discussion.

As part of Columbia’s new Korean American ministries program, the conferences will be offered through the seminary’s

It’s always touching to see someone baptized, but it has been very challenging for Presbyterians to see adult baptisms nowadays. My presbytery reported nine adult baptisms in 2007, and three of them were from my congregation. I was thankful as well as troubled for the result.

Center for Lifelong Learning. The new program aims to bring Korean and American cultures and languages together in worship. This is important, says Huh, because worship for first- and secondgeneration Korean Americans is usually compartmentalized.

Joo n Lee ’94

Columbia Seminary Offers Lay Leader Training Courses C olumbia T heological S eminary ’ s C enter for L ifelong L earning now offers three courses for missional leaders of immigrant new church developments. The courses are offered through the Lay Leader Training Certificate Program (LLTP), a partnership of the seminary and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. Two of the courses, Presbyterian History and Polity and The Sacraments: Theology and Practice, are part of LLTP’S English track. Introduction to New Church Development is part of the program’s Spanish track. Classes meet on the seminary campus in Decatur. Columbia’s LLTP is available in three tracks—Spanish, Portuguese and English—with a fourth track soon to be offered in Korean. For more information about the program and cost, please contact the coordinator for the track that you are interested in: English or Portuguese—the Rev. D. Lucas de Paiva Pina, lupapi@bellsouth.net, 770-402-0402; Spanish—the Rev. Nelson Donado, ndonado@yahoo.com, 404-209-0830. Dr. Paul Huh, assistant professor of ministry and director of Korean American ministries, is planning the Korean Lay Leader Training Program. Communion cups and trays. Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, NC. Image published with permission of Presbytery of Western North Carolina. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

An Inte rview wi th M a rth a Moo re - Ke i sh

Baptism Font. Dana Matthews, Newburne, AL.

Un ity Through God’s grace in a few crumbs. All of creation sits at the same table and shares the same meal. Lovers, strangers and enemies rub elbows, pass the loaf, and say, “This is Christ’s body broken for you.” Suddenly we are in community with those whom we seek and those whom we avoid. M eg F l annagan ’06

VANTAGE Summer 2008

for The Atlanta Journal Constitution, religion writer Moira Bucciarelli sought a local expert to bring clarity to the complex subject of religious sacraments. Perhaps expecting a dry academic interview, Bucciarelli seemed surprised by what she found in Martha Moore-Keish, Columbia’s assistant professor of theology. Her article, “Unity Through Sacraments,” began: “Take one look at Martha Moore-Keish— the black leather jacket, the blue Converse sneakers, the wide-mouthed laugh—and the first thing that comes to mind is not liturgical theologian. Yet that is Moore-Keish’s vocation.” Martha’s commitment to liturgical theology is not limited to the classroom on our campus. On the national level, she is an active participant in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Reformed-Catholic dialogue. Internationally Martha is the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s theologian on the Commission of Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva. As Bucciarelli noted, Martha is “one of only a few women at either table.” Following is an excerpt from their interview about Martha’s work with the WCC: orking on an article

What is the goal of your work on baptism? The goal is to move to mutual recognition of baptism, and to help all churches see in other denominations a faithful expression of what it means to be a Christian. What does that mean in practice? What power will your document have? The document will be commended to member churches as a study and teaching document, not a policy document. The WCC has no power to make policy in the churches, it’s there to facilitate conversation and cooperation between the denominations. Can you tell us why sacramental unity matters? It’s important because unity in the sacraments helps the world to see the church as a more credible witness. Too often people see isolated church communities that are more interested in fighting each other than working together. When the church makes the news, it’s about scandal, one church denouncing another, or a church splitting. So the movement toward sacramental unity is an attempt to say: All of that is tragic and true, but it’s not all there is. Was there ever a breakthrough moment in your work on baptism? There was one in 2001, when we discussed that we all—Baptists, Orthodox, Catholic, Reformed and others— thought about baptism not as an isolated moment where water is on the body, but as a larger process of formation through a lifetime; that sense of growth and nurture is shared by all Christians, even though they may differ on how they place the event of baptism itself. How does your work address those real differences, like Baptists who believe baptism requires a public profession of faith? The understanding of Christian unity is no longer uniformity, but unity in diversity. So the goal is not to reduce everything to the lowest common denominator, but to say: We share a common goal, which in this case is mutual recognition of baptism; but we acknowledge that people do baptism differently. In my WCC work, there are Baptist communions who say they regard infant baptism as irregular, but that if we reach mutual recognition, some will agree to recognize the baptism and not rebaptize. And that is really happening. There are churches around the world that are taking that step. Because in that case, the move is to look at the larger pattern of baptism I mentioned earlier. That understanding makes it easier for adherents to adult baptism and infant baptism to see common ground. Excerpts from Moira Bucciarelli’s article on Martha Moore-Keish are reprinted with permission from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, copyright 2008.

Chaplain’s communion set, furnished by the Committee on Chaplains of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. James Lewis Russell Papers. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

Once a very sick, non-church person with AIDS requested to be baptized by immersion in a private ceremony. When he couldn’t climb the stairs to the baptismal pool I sprinkled him. No problem there. The church had been kicked out of its association decades ago for not requiring immersion. The idea of baptizing a non-member in a private ceremony, however, bothered me. Sometimes (perhaps all the time) we need to throw out our “precious theology” and our rigid ritual requirements. C h r is Ay e rs ( DM in ’ 9 7 )

Communion set. Francis Borel Mayes Papers. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

Revival Meeting. Courtesy of New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA.

ravished with the love of christ The Eucharistic Theology of the American Holy Fairs by Ki mb erly B racken Long

Communion plate. St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s, NC. Image published with permission of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

“I w a s s o r a v i s h e d w i t h t h e L o v e o f C h r i s t t h a t n i g h t t h a t I c o u l d s l e e p l i t t l e , and all next Morning and day, I was in the same frame . . . All the rest of that week, I continued rejoicing in the near views of the Sacrament in that Place, hoping I would then get my Interest in Christ and my Marriage Covenant with him sealed there.” So wrote Catherine Cameron, after worshiping at a sacramental revival in Cambuslang, Scotland, in 1742. In his book Holy Fairs: Scotland and the Making of American Revivalism, Leigh Eric Schmidt argues that the roots of American revivalism can be found in the Scots-Irish sacramental occasions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. So what sort of eucharistic theology was at work in the midst of these events that were marked by emotionalism and enthusiasm? A significant element of this theology was the use of language from the Song of Songs, as well as other biblical marital imagery, to describe, as did Catherine Cameron, the believer’s union with Christ in communion. Studying medieval writers, along with Calvin, Scottish preachers and worshipers, and American sources, I have found that these American sacramental occasions exhibited a eucharistic theology solidly Reformed. They also included a mystical strain expressed within the context of frontier revivalism. Along with Calvin, who believed that union with Christ was the goal of the Christian I was dirty from insurmountable acts of sin. My Father life, frontier revival preachers sought to used his spiritual soap of the Holy Spirit and Holy water woo communicants with the language to wash me. God washed my face, behind my ears, of love, promising union, faithfulness, and the hard to reach areas of my soul. I am clean and and the fulfillment of longing. transformed forever by God’s Grace. Angela B oy d- Wyatt MATS ’ 0 4

Inside of Baptismal Font. Dana Matthews.

That there were such things as “Holy Fairs” may surprise many of us Presbyterians who grew up in churches where the Lord’s Supper was served. We were taught that the practice of quarterly communion came from our Scots-Irish tradition, with no mention of sacramental festivals. Ironically the steadily declining lack of communion observances in Scotland contributed to the rise of the sacramental occasions. In spite of official prescriptions of monthly or quarterly observances, Scottish Presbyterians celebrated the sacrament less frequently, even to the extent of lapsing for several years. As celebrations grew less frequent and annual sacraments became more common, the festival quality re-emerged. From May to October, worshipers and revelers from around the Scottish countryside would make their way from kirk to kirk, celebrating the harvest and renewing ties with family and friends. For many it was their annual time of spiritual renewal; for others it was more about social delights than spiritual ones. Not everyone welcomed these “Holy Fairs.” There was concern that Presbyterian intellectual rigor and the sense of order not be overtaken by the passion and emotion often expressed on these occasions. Still, as Presbyterians today reclaim the centrality of the sacraments, a new embracing of the power of sacraments is in order. While the church need not return to the practices of the American frontier, it must consider how sacramental celebrations might be enriched so that communicants experience spiritual vitality, intellectual understanding, emotional fervor, and physical engagement. Our worship can also be enriched by the recognition that Presbyterian theology and practice has, from the very start, included a mystical strain. In many Presbyterian services in the United States, worship has been drained of any palpable sense of mystery. The tradition’s strong grounding in intellectual understanding has been a gift to the church, but the gift has come at a dear price. An ongoing conversation between those involved in liturgical matters and those who are engaged in the study of spirituality could yield great rewards for the renewal of Presbyterian worship. This look back into our history also reminds us that passion is an integral part of vital worship. Perhaps if there is one thing that can be learned from the holy fairs, it is that in the sacraments we are made part of the mystery and passion that is at the heart of the faith—and that union with Christ is not only something to be understood, but experienced—a union of minds, hearts, and wills that leads to the passionate living out of divine love in the world. Kimberly Bracken Long is assistant professor of worship and coordinator of worship resources for congregations. This article has been adapted from an article by the same name that was published in the journal Call to Worship, volume 39.1, 2005-2006. Long’s dissertation on the topic will be published in the series Studies in Reformed History and Theology (date to be announced).

Communion chalice and paten. Gift of E. L. Daniel. Eugene Lewis Daniel Collection, Columbia Theological Seminary.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

When I was at Columbia, there was a healthy debate among the theological faculty about the meaning and purpose of infant baptism. Unfortunately, I have not heard this sort of debate anywhere else. On the one hand, I was thrilled to present my infant child to the Lord for baptism. I love the focus it gives us on God’s grace. On the other hand, I am extremely uncomfortable with the new catechism that claims eternal salvation for ALL of the baptized. Not only does this deny our need to ACCEPT the grace offered us in Christ, it also means that Hitler and Stalin are awaiting us in heaven! Neal Neuenschwander ’92

Baptism and Water Symbolism in Korea by Paul Jungg ap Huh This article is taken from the original published in the journal Call to Worship, vol. 39.4, 2006.

A n E n g l i s h i d i o m , “wet behind the ears,” means “naïve,” alluding to the newly born, recently born, still wet. There is a similar expression in Korean: “When did your ears emerge?” The question is asked to learn one’s birthday and the reply follows, “my ears emerged on such and such a day.” Those who are newly baptized in Jesus’ name are newly born by water and the Spirit. They are also called “wet behind the ears.” Naïve and inexperienced, still wet and full of life, they emerge from the living water. Baptism is the beginning of the church, giving new life, covenant, and promise. Baptism signifies the birth of the Korean Church. The first Protestant worship recorded in Korea began with the Baptism of Koreans in Manchuria at 1879 by Rev. J. MacIntyre, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. As is true in many cultures, stories about the symbolism of water abound in Korea and in the Korean church context. One such story connects baptism as a sacrament of conversion, pardoning, and cleansing with a historical event: King Sunjo during the Yi dynasty lost a war against Mongolian invaders. The victors took the losers’ wives and servants from the land. A peace treaty later allowed the Korean captives to return home. The newly liberated women couldn’t enter the city wall, however, because of guilt, shame, and rejection by their families. The king decreed that all the returning women should wash their bodies in the river and no questions should be asked about their past. Yet no one dared to enter the river. It wasn’t until the female survivors inside the city wall came out to the riverbank and reached out their hands to the returning captives that they washed in the river together. The divisions were erased. Forgiveness, pardon, and conversion took place along with the washing away of guilt, shame, and denial. The place is now called Hongje (means “wide love”) stream. In another story, an ancient cultural ritual takes on new meaning for Christian worship and is a reminder that in baptism we are incorporated into the body of Christ: Ancient Korean mothers started their days early in the morning with a prayer, a lighted candle, and a bowl of fresh water drawn from the well at daybreak. This bowl of water was also used at wedding rituals, the bride and groom exchanging their vows facing the daybreak water and bowing toward each other for the marital promise. In this ritual, the bowl of water represents heaven and earth. To have a fresh start of the day like dew in the early morning, Korean mothers joined heaven with earth represented by the bowl of water, and prayed that their wish would come true. Baptism and the birth of the Korean church introduced dawn prayer in relation to this earlier practice of the daybreak ritual. People getting up early before the sun dawned, to gather in the church to worship daily, came from the belief that offering a bowl of fresh water embodies heaven and earth. Stories and symbols of water represent the faith that even a small mustard seed has restored the sacramental importance of baptism in Korean churches. The Kingdom of God and baptized people of all nations will live in the river of justice overflowing with grace and peace.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

Baptismal bowl. Smith’s Presbyterian Church, Smith’s Turnout, SC. Image published with permission of. Presbytery of Providence. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

Holding a child at baptism while saying, “Though you do not know it yet little one, it was for you that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was for you he walked among us teaching and healing. It was for you he died and rose again.” I am “graced!” Gene Lassiter ’72

Baptismal bowl. First Presbyterian Church, Welsh, LA. Image published with the church’s permission. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

record For th e

Communion cup. Greenville Presbyterian Church, Donalds, SC. Image published with permission of Greenville Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

John Herndon ’85

Looking at Life with New C arefulness O n F e b r u a r y 10, t h e c o n g r e g a t i o n o f F e ll o w s h i p P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h , i n H u n t s v i ll e , A L, honored John Herndon ’85 with a celebration of his full recovery from the near-fatal brain aneurysm he suffered last summer. Their pastor for 22 years, Herndon had to learn to walk and talk again over a period of several months. Herndon is also a psychophysiologist who had a 20-year career with NASA. His job was to help evaluate prospective astronauts’ physical and mental fitness for space flight. “He was looking at the interplay of influence between mind and body in demanding circumstances,” writes Kay Campbell, Faith and Values editor of The Huntsville Times. Her article on John Herndon, “From NASA to the Pulpit,” was published in the paper’s February 1 edition. In Campbell’s interview with John Herndon, he noted that “the astronauts who were also believers seemed to have an anchor in optimism that also helped them in their work.” Campbell wrote that “Herndon said his own brush with death has taught him to look at life with a new carefulness and with a sense of how close to death we all are—a parallel to how astronauts treat each space mission. When you know you’re in danger, you’ll make certain everything is done right,” Herndon said. “Tragedy is always a part of life. I’ve learned to look at life with a sense of urgency, and with a sense of urgency about sharing the good news of the gospel with people.” Communion cups and tray. Hebron Presbyterian Church, Carnesville, GA. Image published with permission of Hebron Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

We are grateful to Kay Campbell and to Michael Mercier, chief photographer of The Huntsville Times, for allowing us to reprint portions of the article and to use the image of John Herndon.

As a student at Columbia Seminary one of the things that made the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper special to me was the placement of a simple metal tray and cup on the communion table.Those symbols of the bread and wine were a gift to the seminary by Chaplain Eugene Daniel ’36, who had used them to serve communion to allied prisoners of war in a Nazi prison camp during WW II.Those symbols were especially meaningful to me as some of my fellow airmen from the 8th Air Force, based in England, had bailed out over Germany and wound up in prison camps.The horror and futility of war was further impressed on me when our B-17 flew deep into Germany in June, 1945, after hostilities had ceased, to a prisoner of war camp. We filled the plane with weak, feeble airmen who had spent many months and years as prisoners and flew them back to England.That simple tray and cup on the table at Columbia Seminary was a symbol of hope to me. R i ch ar d A . D odds ’ 5 4 Not e : An image of this communion set is on page 7. VANTAGE Summer 2008

record For th e

Alumni/ae 1950s Robert Dendy ’57 celebrated 50 years of ministry by returning to churches served in Clarkesville, GA; Galax, VA; and Seneca, SC…..Bill Mounts ’58 celebrated 50 years in ministry…..George Telford ’58 was elected chair of the General Assembly’s Committee on Ecumenical Relations for another four years. 1960s Richard Cushman ’65 retired June 8, 2008 after serving 30 years at Dorchester church, Summerville, SC…..Robert Newman ’61 retired as interim associate pastor of First church, Charleston, WV….. G. “Buddy” Hollyfield ’62 is vice president for development at San Pablo Theological Seminary, Merida, Mexico….. David Scott Hargrove ’66 retired from teaching at University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS…..Bill Hull ’66 retired after 28 years at Kirkwood church, Bradenton, FL…..Marion Boozer ’68 retired as pastor of McCullough church and Whitmire church, Whitmire, SC…..Hunter Coleman ’68 retired as pastor of First church, Highlands, NC….. Morris “Skip” Ehrlich ’68 became pastor at First church, Texas City, TX…..Samuel Hale ’68 retired as pastor of Cullowhee church, Cullowhee, NC…..Carl Schlich ’69 retired as executive presbyter, Savannah (GA) Presbytery. 1970s James Bumgardner ’70 retired as pastor of Faith church, Laurinburg, NC….. William Hunt ’70, retired as chief administrative officer, Hunt County Shared Ministries, Inc., Greenville, TX…..Ernie Johnson ’72 began his 17th year as minister of Highland church, Fayetteville, NC…..Caroline Leach ’72 and Gibson “Nibs” Stroupe ’75 received the Peacemaking Award from the Peacemaking Committee of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, GA….. Ralph Aker ’75 is interim pastor at College Park church, Orlando, FL….. David Anderson ’76…..retired and lives in Hermitage, TN…..Lib McGregor Simmons ’79 is pastor of Davidson College church, Davidson, NC. 1980s Buren Blankenship ’80 is pastor of Trinity church, Starkville, MS….. Ira Howard (DMin ’85) and his wife, Shirley, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary…..Mary Huie-Jolly ’86 returned to Decatur, GA, after serving as professor of New Testament at Knox College in New Zealand…..Frederick Talbot (DMin ’87) received the Lux et Veritas award from Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT, for “applying the compassion of Christ to the diverse needs of the human condition through the wider church and other organizations;” received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA.

Theological Serials Database Available to Alumni/ae The American Theological Library Association Serials (ATLAS) research database is available without charge to all Columbia alumni/ae through the seminary’s John Bulow Campbell Library. The database provides online access to more than 150,000 articles and citations—and to the full text of hundreds of periodicals and journals. Contact the Library Reference Desk at 404-687-4620 or ref-desk@ ctsnet.edu for a proprietary user name and password that identifies you as a Columbia graduate. Then go to http://search.atlaonline.com. Since early 2006, the library has offered the ATLAS database exclusively to alumni/ae. This opportunity is made possible by the library’s participation in a program of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA). There is no charge for this service to alumni/ae; however, you will be asked to provide feedback on how ATLAS can be of use in your congregation and ministry. 10

VANTAGE Summer 2008

Communion pitcher and cup. Tattnall Square Presbyterian Church, Macon, GA. Image published with permission of Tattnall Square Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

1990s Mark Downs ’92 is pastor at Heights church, Houston, TX…..Kyle Fedler ’92, associate professor and chair of the religion department at Ashland University, Ashland, OH, received the university’s 2008 Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award…..Bill Owens ’92 is interim pastor of Richwood church, Richwood, KY…..Nancy Cooper ’93 became chaplain at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, Wilmington, NC…..Becky Downs ’93 became parish associate at Southminster church, Missouri City, TX….. John Hinkle ’94 is senior pastor and head of staff at First church, Murfreesboro, TN…..Matthew Trask ’94 is pastor of Antioch church, Red Springs, NC…..Bak Sungkon ’95 is senior pastor of Junjung church Junju City, Chollabukdo, South Korea….. Calvin Gittner ’96 is pastor at Port Orange church, Port Orange, FL…..Robert Henderson (DMin ’96) became senior minister at Covenant church, Charlotte, NC….. Beverly Thompson ’96 teaches at Interdenominational Theological Center; and serves as parish associate at Dahlonega church, Dahlonega, GA…..Ann Aichinger (ThM ’97) and husband….. Frank Aichinger (DMin ’97) are co-organizing pastors of a new church development in Conover, NC…..Jim Cook ’97 was elected moderator of Buchan Presbytery, northeast Scotland…..Sandy Hill ’97 retired as pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd, Melbourne, FL….. Herman Yoos (DMin ’97) was elected to a six-year term as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, South Carolina Synod…..Todd Green ’98 was appointed visiting assistant professor of religion at Luther College, Decorah, IA …..Pam Leach ’98 was ordained at First church, Tyler, TX and serves as associate pastor of pastoral care…..Ralph Hawkins ’99 became pastor at New Wilmington church, New Wilmington, PA. 2000s Jim Simpson (DMin ’00) is director of church relations at Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC…..Bea Edwards Copeland ’01 is associate pastor at Faith church, Tallahassee, FL…..Brian Copeland ’01 works with an architectural firm in Tallahassee, FL…..Grant MacLean (DMin ’02) became spiritual care coordinator at Hospice of North Idaho, Hayden, ID…..Eric Dillenbeck ’03 will be associate pastor for faith formation and congregational life at Fairmount church, Cleveland Heights, OH…..Roger Courtney Krueger (DMin ’03) won the Baptist History and Heritage Society’s 2008 Baptist Heritage Preaching contest with a sermon titled “Until Moss Grows on My Eyebrows”; and preached his winning sermon at the society’s annual meeting, in Atlanta, GA…..Hope Italiano Lee ’03 received her Doctor of Ministry degree in homiletics from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA…..Martin Nabor (DMin ’03) was elected to a five-year term as chair of the Northern Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church

When I think of a theology of our two sacraments, I always recall a sermon I heard while I was at CTS... “We’re Born Once; We Get Hungry Often” Ray m ond G ut e r man ( DMi n ’ 8 0 )

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In Memoriam Communion set. Benjamin Morgan Palmer Papers. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

J am es Ho ge S m it h , J r . ’ 4 2 , April 15, 2008 J . W. Ston e b rake r ’ 5 0 , March 13, 2008 Wi l l ia m C . R h ode s ’ 5 2, April 2, 2008 J o se ph C . Wagne r ’ 5 2 , January 6, 2008 Ru sse l l B . M o rgan ’ 8 6, Nov. 18, 2007 Ma ry C r ist B row n ’ 9 6 , May 27, 2008 davi d f e lton ’ 0 5, June 23, 2008

Faculty and Staff

of Ghana in West Africa…..Brad Clayton ’04 is associate pastor at Avondale church, Charlotte, NC…..Greg Moore ’04 is stated supply at Trinity church, Canton, GA…..Elizabeth Parker Pang ’04 is stated supply at First church, Copperas Cove, TX…..Jin Kim (DMin ’05) will preach at the 218th General Assembly, San Jose, CA, and this summer will lead the first Princeton Institute for Multicultural Ministry, Princeton, NJ…..Glen Kohlhagen ’05 is pulpit supply pastor for Washington church, Washington, GA…..Susan Smith ’04 is pastor at Mt. Zion church, Sandy Springs, SC…..Matt Schlageter ’05 is staff chaplain at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Nashville, TN…..Meg Flannagan ’06 is associate pastor at First church in Clarkesville, TN, and serves with David Forney, the congregation’s pastor and former associate dean of the faculty at Columbia….. Oliver “Ollie” Wagner (DMin ’06) is pastor of Alpharetta church, Alpharetta, GA…..Michael York ’06 is associate pastor of Alpharetta church, Alpharetta, GA …..Sara Varnado ’07 works with a non-profit organization in Nashville, TN….. Jo Anderson ’07 is associate pastor for music and care at Roswell church, Roswell, GA…..Ryan Baer ’07 received a call to Lakeside church, West Palm Beach, FL….. Christine Hill ’07 entered the Presbytery of Charlotte, NC; and serves as temporary supply pastor at Bethel church, Cornelius, NC…..Jeremy Wilhelmi ’07 is associate pastor to youth and families at Canyon Creek church, Richardson, TX.

Blessed Events Stephanie Boardman Anthony ’02 and Phillip Anthony a son, William Phillip Anthony, June 14, 2007 Megan Watson ’03 and Scott Watson a son, James Ian, April 20, 2007 Abby Cole Keller ’06 and Josh Keller a daughter, Katy Jean Keller, May 16, 2008 Daren Hofmann ’07 and Sarah Hofmann a son, James Herbert Hofmann, May 10, 2008

By god’s grace, on May 18th Palmetto Presbyterian was chartered one year after our first service. We have LOTS of children, so when we baptized our first baby (Luke Martin) in this year of “firsts,” once again we witnessed through baptism, “an outward sign of God’s marvelous grace in our community.”

Genie Hambrick, director of communications, co-led a workshop on “Seminary Sunday” with David Evans of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary at the annual meeting of the Committee on Theological Education/Fund for Theological Education…… William Brown, professor of Old Testament, led a week-long program called “The Spiritualities of Creation” for Columbia’s Certificate Program in Spirituality; preached at Decatur (GA) church; preached on Earth Sabbath Sunday at Edgewood church, Birmingham, AL; preached at North Decatur (GA) church for Creation Care Sunday……Walter Brueggemann, emeritus professor of Old Testament, is the author of Prayers for a Privileged People published by Abingdon Press; his book Spirituality of the Psalms, was published in Hungarian as A Zsoltárok Könyvében by Kálvin János Kiadója, Budapest, Hungary; had articles published in Political Theology and The Catholic Biblical Quarterly; lectured at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Mt. Vernon, OH; addressed Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Trinity church, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA; lectured at Goodson Academy for Preaching, Blackstone, VA; preached and lectured at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Colorado Springs, CO; lectured at the Festival of Homiletics, Minneapolis, MN……Randy Calvo, Jr. ’81, director of alumni/ae and church relations, led a men’s retreat on Henri J.W. Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved, for St. Charles Avenue church, New Orleans, LA; led a five part study called “Resurrection Appearances……Sights for Sore Eyes,” for Eastertide on Wednesday nights at First church, Athens, GA……Dent Davis (DMin ’89), dean and vice president for Lifelong Learning, participated in the spring meeting of the Christian Educator Certification Council of the National Ministries Division of the PC (USA); attended the annual conference of the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education in Ministry (SACEM) and was elected president for 2008-9; published “Dialogue of the Soul: The Phenomenon of Intrapersonal Peace and the Adult Experience of Protestant Religious Education” in Religious Education; taught at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Atlanta, GA; delivered the McGeachy Lectures at Peace Memorial church, Clearwater FL; led a spiritual formation retreat for the Tryon (NC) church……Sarah Erickson ’03, associate director, Center for Lifelong Learning, designed Winter 2008 Older Youth curriculum, unit 1, “We Believe,” and unit 2, “Preparation for Holiness”; selected to serve as curriculum writer for The Present Word, sessions 1-13 for Summer 2010 with Jill Patterson Tolbert ’07; led worship at Bremen (GA) church and Jonesboro (GA) church; participated in Lenten Taize service; served as liturgist and taught at North Decatur (GA) church, Decatur, GA……Steve Hayner, Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, published an article titled “The Protagonist Corner,” for Journal for Preachers (Pentecost 2008); taught a class series on “The Post-resurrection Appearances of Jesus,” at Peachtree church, Atlanta, GA; gave the Board of Trustees: Founder’s Chair Lecture for World Vision International. Seoul, Korea; served as

Mike Fi tze ’91 (D Min ’95) VANTAGE Summer 2008

record For th e

chairman of the board at the board meeting for the International Justice Mission, Washington, DC; served as a trustee at World Vision USA’s board meeting, Pittsburgh, PA; preached on “The Missional Church” for Leadership Weekend at First church, Monroe, LA……Linda Morningstar (MATS ’93), associate director, Center for Lifelong Learning, spoke on “Blessed Feet,” at the women’s spring weekend retreat for Northminster church, Roswell, GA……Rodger Nishioka, associate professor of Christian education, preached at First church, Nashville, TN; gave the keynote address at the Presbytery of Chicago leadership event; lectured on vocation for the Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; preached at Hillsboro church, Nashville, TN; lectured at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH; led youth group at Heritage church, Acworth, GA; preached at the Spiritual Enrichment weekend for Lake Murray church, Chapin, SC……Kathleen O’Connor, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, taught a Sunday school class at Trinity church, Atlanta, GA; published an article, “Lamenting Back to Life,” in Interpretation; attended a Council of the Society of Biblical Literature meeting and responded to a paper on the violence of God in the prophets of Old Testament Colloquium, St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN……Marcia Riggs, J. Erskine Love Professor of Christian Ethics, published an article titled “Education That Promotes Peace and Justice” in To Do Justice: A Guide for Progressive Christians, for John Knox Westminster; spoke on “Middle Passages: A Conversational Conference on Religion in the African Diaspora” at Yale University Divinity School, New Haven, CT……Jeffery Tribble, assistant professor of ministry, reviewed the book “Multiple Paths to Ministry: New Models for Theological Education,” for Teaching Theology and Religion, Blackwell Publishing; served as a proposal consultant for the Fund for Theological Education’s Ministry Fellowship Program and as a mentor scholar for their Calling Congregations program; was elected secretary-treasurer of the executive committee at the biennial meeting of the Association of Practical Theology for 2008-2010 at St. John’s University, Queens, NY; preached and taught regularly at the New Vision A.M.E. Zion Church, Suwanee, GA, a new church development of the Georgia Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church.….Christine Roy Yoder, associate professor of Old Testament, taught a course on Proverbs at Trinity church, Atlanta, GA, officiated at the wedding of Davis Hankins and Stephanie Coble, Lake Toxaway, NC; taught at the “Festival of Women in Worship and Education,” at Central church, Atlanta, GA; served as Bible study leader at the Worship and Music Conference, Montreat, NC; led a Bible study at the Church Unbound Conference, Montreat, NC.

Transitions Go dsp eed!

Richard Blake, public services librarian, has accepted a position as the librarian for graduate and professional studies and health sciences at Waynesburg University, a Presbyterian-related institution, in Waynesburg, PA. Richard has been on the Campbell Library staff for seven and a half years, and a multitude of faculty, students, and staff have come to depend on him for reference and research assistance. His last day at Columbia will be August 1. Erskine Clarke, professor of American religious history, has been named professor emeritus, effective with his retirement from the faculty this summer. An internationally acclaimed historian, author, lecturer, and consultant, he joined the seminary faculty in 1973. He and his wife, the former Nancy Legare Warren, have moved to Montreat, NC. He will continue writing and lecturing on slavery and religion in the American South. A tribute to Erskine Clarke, written by Walter Brueggemann, will be published in the fall issue of Vantage.

Co ngr atul at ions !

( p i ct u r e d , l e ft t o r i g h t )

Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi has been promoted to professor of World Christianity. Kathy Dawson has been promoted to associate professor of Christian education and granted tenure. Rodger Nishioka, associate professor of Christian education, has been awarded tenure. Haruko Nawata Ward has been promoted to associate professor of church history and granted tenure. John White has been reappointed to a second three-year term as dean of students/ vice president for student services.

Students David Rogers ’09 preached at St. Andrews church, Tucker, GA, and organized and led a children’s and youth service celebrating the liturgical year for that congregation; also co-chaired the 50th anniversary steering committee at Shallowford church, Atlanta, GA……Jim Yao ’09 co-presided at Loyd church, La Grange, GA; preached at Calvary church, Marietta, GA…… Nancy Meehan Yao ’09 co-presided at Loyd church, La Grange, GA.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

In baptism, I’m grateful that God marks us with his mark for life. Baptism is something that God does for us, imparting promises—in complete contrast to “infant dedication,” where some say something to God, but do not deign to claim God’s promise. Mar k Jum pe r ’ 8 2

Communion cups. Providence Presbyterian Church, Oxford, KY. Image published with permission of Presbytery of Transylvania. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

record For th e

In preparing to lead at Table for the very first time after ordination, I found these priceless words in our Book of Order, W-2.4011a... “Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the table to be assured of God’s love and grace in Christ Jesus.” I continue to use this message whenever I have the privilege of breaking bread with God’s people.

Communion cups and tray. Hazelwood Presbyterian Church, Hazelwood, NC.Image printed with permission of Presbytery of Western Carolina. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

Joel L. Tolbert ’05 Easter Sunrise A clearing in the Congo The Table is a tree stump The choir is everybody The offering is one ear of corn The ancient woman danced as she laid her gift on the stump Kool Aide and African bread are consecrated and shared He is risen indeed!

Communion cup. Townville Presbyterian Church, Townville, SC. Image published with permission of Townville Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library. (below)

Be n Mathe s ’78 The Lord’s Supper is a powerful vehicle for reconciliation. It’s humbling and holy. When you look someone in the eyes and say, “The body of Christ, broken for you,” animosity and resentment begin to fall away like the crumbs on the floor. Cory S. S tott ’06 In the role of minister for pastoral care, I often share Communion with the home/hospital bound. From bedsides to family rooms to porches I witness tension melt away and tears often form for the homebound, blind, crippled, accident victim or dying.The Holy Spirit administers living grace.

Communion cup. Richland Presbyterian Church, Eastover, SC. Image printed with permission of Richland Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

Tyler Dow ni ng ’84 I am struck by how stingy we’ve become with the elements at the Lord’s Table. If only the feast could reflect God’s abundant favor and boundless generosity to us. Supersize me! Let us magnify God together and being fed, enlarge our witness in a hurting and fearful world. Kare n Jolly ’06 The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper focuses the gathered community on the centrality of the Lordship of Christ in our lives.There is no other Lord. Whenever I officiate at the Supper, along with reminding folks that this is not the Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist...table, I also say this is not the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian or Independent table. Jim Watki ns ’71 (D Mi n ’75) I find the simplicity in which our sacraments are administered meaningful. They are free from aids, props, or “psychological nostrums.” I recently moved a Maundy Thursday communion service from the fellowship hall into the sanctuary. Feedback indicated the simplicity moved worshippers closer to God.

Communion pitcher, 1896. Calvary Presbyterian Church, Jeanerette, LA. Image published with permission of First Presbyterian Church of Iberia Parish, New Iberia, LA. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library. ( ab ov e , L eft )

Communion pitcher and cups. Midway Presbyterian Church, Anderson, SC. Image published with permission of Midway Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library. ( ab ov e , r i gh t )

Si d Le ak ’83 VANTAGE Summer 2008

L i f e l o ng

events

l e a r n i ng

or more information about opportunities listed below, to register online, or to download a registration form, go to www.ctsnet.edu > Lifelong Learners (in the top navigation bar). Then click on the dates of the courses and events you wish to attend. You may also call the registrar, Pat Roper, at 404-687-4587, for more information or to register by phone. Unless otherwise noted, events take place on the seminary campus, in Decatur, GA. Some events listed below require registration through the Presbyterian Board of Pensions. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for most events. Inquire at time of registration/event sign in. August 4–6 Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor. Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Training

Guthrie Scholars, spring 2008: (L to R) John Gallo ’81, Randy Calvo, Jr. ’81, Richard Gillespie ’80, and Stephen Williams (DMin ’01).

(weekday course). The Gospel of Luke contains stories that show the mission of Jesus to be the revelation of the beginning of the Messianic Age—a celebration of God’s jubilee for all people. In this course, we will examine the idea of jubilee, and the response Jesus received in his ministry. Designed for women who will be teaching this series, this workshop is open to anyone interested in this topic. Leader: Dale Lindsay Morgan, author of the 2008-2009 Horizons Bible study. $90 (includes 3 lunches). August 8–9 Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor. Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Training.

See description above. Leader: Rebecca Parker. $70 (includes lunch).

May 2008. Rural Ministry Conference participants. Front (L to R): Sandy Harris, pastor, First Christian Church, Louisburg, KS; Heather Jepsen, pastor, Community church,Wilbur, WA; Lauren Moore, pastor, First church, Lake Village, AR; Pat Ireland, pastor, First church, Cottonwood Falls, KS; Nancy Oehler Love, pastor, United Church of Crawfordsville, Crawfordsville, IA; Melanie Crawford, associate general presbyter, Presbytery of Northern Kansas; Marilyn Wullshleger, Rural Ministry Fellow and pastor of Memorial church, Marysville, KS; First church, Frankfurt, KS; and First United church, Washington, KS. Middle (L to R): David Meerse, interim general presbyter, Missouri Union Presbytery; Pat Roller, pastor,Tri-Counties Specialized Ministries, Otterville, MO; Bill McLean, pastor, First church, Delphi, IN; Geoff Hubbard, pastor, Cool Spring church, Thaxton, VA; Jeanette Mater, pastor, McVeytown church, McVeytown, PA; David Garth, pastor, South Plains church, Keswick, VA. Back (L to R): Tom Youngblood, student, Memphis Theological Seminary, Disciples of Christ Christian Church, Decatur, AL; Chuck Traylor, executive presbyter, Presbytery of the Northern Plains; Shannon Jung, conference leader and Professor of Town and Country Ministries, Saint Paul School of Theology; Penny Frame, commissioned lay pastor, Canton First church, Canton, IL; Roy Brewton ’81, stated supply pastor, Caswell church, Atkinson, NC.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

August 22–23 Programming with a Plan: Intentional Youth Ministry. In this Youth

Leadership Ministry Initiative (YMLI) event, participants will examine various planning approaches and have the opportunity to assess their own programs. Offered in conjunction with the Youth Ministry Certificate, but anyone may attend. Leaders: Lynne Turnage and Eric Dillenbeck. Facilitators: Sarah Erickson and Neema Cyrus Franklin. $150 (includes 2 meals). On-campus housing additional. September 6 Church-based Evangelism. Lay Leader Training/English. Using case studies,

we will view strategies for corporate congregational witness and address churchbased evangelism through such ministries as worship, service, pastoral care,

L i f e l o ng

and new house fellowship groups. To enroll, you must be a paid registrant in the certification program. Leader: Ray G. Jones. $50 residents in tri-presbytery (Greater Atlanta, Cherokee, Northeast Georgia); $100 outside tri-presbytery area ($75 each additional person from same presbytery). Textbooks not included in fee. September 7–12 Islam Explored: Selected Stories and Spiritualities in a Living Faith. Explore

the life of the Prophet, spiritual leaders, lay spirituality, and current promises and challenges of the Christian-Muslim dialogue. The course provides participants with a comparative approach to spirituality—Islamic and Christian—not only by the use of historical material, but through inter-religious conversations with Muslim scholars and leaders of the Atlanta community. Leader: Carlos CardozaOrlandi. $350. This is a course in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program, but everyone is welcome. September 15–17 Growing Into Tomorrow….Today. A retirement planning seminar for Board of

Pensions benefit plan members. No charge (on-campus meals and housing are extra). Contact the Board of Pensions to register: education@pensions.org or 800773-7752, ext. 7223. September 18 Getting In Shape Fiscally. Clergy and lay benefits plan members under age 50 will

events

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October 23–26 Spiritual Leadership. Certificate in Spiritual Formation course at Montreat

Conference Center. What is spiritual leadership, and what are the characteristics of an effective spiritual leader? How does the Holy Spirit empower spiritual leaders and what kinds of disciplines are needed? These questions and others will be explored in a lecture/discussion format during this course. Participants will have time to reflect on their own leadership settings and be encouraged to write a personal Rule of Life that can help them be better spiritual leaders. This course will be widely focused and helpful to persons growing into spiritual leadership within and outside church settings. Leader: Joan Gray. $378. October 27–31 Guthrie Scholars. The Guthrie Scholars Program is a learning opportunity

offered twice a year on an application basis. Guthrie Scholars are invited to the campus to pursue a topic of their choice that engages a pressing issue of the church from a Reformed perspective. The seminary covers all costs, except travel. For more information, visit www.ctsnet.edu > Lifelong Learners > Special Programs. November 1 Spiritual Gifts and Ministry (Lay Leader Training/English). This course is

discover ways to coordinate coverage and personal finances to maximum advantage. This seminar fulfills one Seminary Debt Assistance Grant application requirement. No charge (on-campus meals and housing are extra). Contact the Board of Pensions to register: education@pensions.org or 800-773-7752, ext. 7223.

designed for lay leaders and ordained pastors interested in discovering their spiritual gifts and ministries, and how to use them in a new church development setting. Leader: Lucas de Paiva Pina. To enroll, you must be a paid registrant in the certification program. $50 residents in tri-presbytery (Greater Atlanta, Cherokee, Northeast Georgia); $100 outside tri-presbytery area ($75 each additional person from same presbytery). Textbooks not included in fee.

September 19–20 The Book of Proverbs: Forming “Fearers of the LORD.” A weekend Bible

November 9–14 Contemplation through the Ages. Certificate in Spiritual Formation course

seminar with Old Testament scholar Christine Roy Yoder. What is good for people in life? How do we live wisely and well? How do we teach our children to do so? These are among the age-old questions at the heart of the book of Proverbs. Come explore how the book engages in theological-ethical formation and wrestles astutely with justice, neighborliness, wealth and poverty, the “stranger,” and what it means to “fear the LORD.” $100.

at the Calvin Center, Hampton, GA. This course will examine four classics in contemplation from different historic periods. Participants will engage in interactive lectures, sharing in small groups, practicing silence together, and finding solitude in the quiet of retreat center. Leader: Ben Johnson, with Paul and Sarah Lang. $350.

October 10–12 Youth Ministry Leadership Beginning Retreat. This Youth Ministry Leadership

Initiative event (YMLI) allows participants to ask important questions about their particular call to youth ministry and youth ministry as a whole. YMLI courses are designed for lay leaders and pastors who are committed to developing strong programs for youth within our churches. Leaders: Rodger Nishioka and Neema Cyrus-Franklin. $150 (includes two meals). On-campus housing additional. October 12–17 Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (Certificate in Spiritual Formation

—Weekend Immersion Experience). Join us for this feast for the soul as you explore the origins of the Christian spiritual tradition. Participants will study the formative elements of biblical, monastic, and Reformed spirituality. There will be an opportunity for personal reflection through guided meditative journaling, exploring one’s own unique journey with the living God. Community and practical application of acquired knowledge are also part of this experience. This course is the starting place for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Occasional students are welcome. Leaders: CTS Faculty. $400. October 23–25 God in Ordinary Time: Faith Practices for Today. Christian practice is a hot

topic right now, as individuals and congregations re-discover the value of walking labyrinths, going on pilgrimages, hammering nails, and keeping prayer journals. In this weekend course, participants will explore some of the reasons why physical practice strengthens the human spirit in ways that mental exercise can only envy, as they experiment with new and old practices for deepening faith day by day. Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. $150; (includes Friday and Saturday lunch). On-campus housing additional.

Thompson Scholars 2008. (Front, L to R) Mark Tippin; Marc Andresen; Karla Fleshman ’99; Karen Berns; (Second Row, L to R) Cory Stott ’06; Ron Hilliard; Steve Hayner, Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth (leader); Jeanette Mater; Renée Notkin; Lynda Clements; Sharol Hayner ’06 (leader); (Back, L to R) Drew Henderson; Bob Merrill; Stephen Fife; Joel Adams; Jerry Deck; Tom Livengood ’07. VANTAGE Summer 2008

Partnerships and the Campaign for Columbia Theological Seminary

by Doug MacMillan, Director of Development

C o l u m b ia T h e o l og ica l S e m ina ry Form s N e w Pa rtn e rs h i p f o r C h u rch Tr ansf orm at io n

“I “

The members, officers, staff, and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie are making a significant commitment to God and the seminary to help recruit and educate talented women and men to be pastors. — Hugh Ward ’75 (below, right), pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Moultrie, GA, with Jimmy Jeter, elder.

t was all about triage,” my friend Roger remembers of his days as an airambulance helicopter pilot in Vietnam. “If the medic on the ground did a good job identifying patients, we could really save some lives. But if the medic sent you the wrong guys, it was just a creative way to get shot.” Plenty of pastors must have similar feelings as they consider the churches they will serve. Some congregations are undeniably healthy. Others face minor challenges, the ecclesiastical equivalent of a sprained ankle or a twisted knee. The remaining churches fall into two categories: those who will die despite our compassion and those who need timely and decisive action to continue living. It’s all about triage: get the equation right and a church just might be saved. Choose wrong and it will likely feel like nothing more than a creative way of getting shot. Seeking to put resources and leaders where they are needed most, Flint River Presbytery and Columbia Theological Seminary recently formed a partnership for church transformation. Called the Flint River Ministry Initiative, the program works three ways:

”

1. It provides scholarships for the training of pastors committed to church transformation; 2. It provides three year ministry grants to churches the presbytery has identified as being good candidates for a chance at long-term health and sustainability; 3. It provides customized, responsive coaching and continuing education for both pastors and lay leaders involved in the work of congregational transformation.

Formation | Transformation

Hope

on the Front Lines

VANTAGE Summer 2008

F o r mat i o n | T ransfo r m at i o n

Endowment

C apita l

$11.7 million

$8.6 million

Operating

$6.5 million

Yet to be designated

$18.7 million

Progress in the Campaign for Columbia The partnership with Flint River Presbytery is part of Columbia Theological Seminary’s $60 million Campaign—Formation and Transformation—through which the seminary’s trustees will enhance Columbia’s ability to serve Christ’s church in the 21st century. The graph above gives an update of funds raised to date and the areas to which these gifts are allocated:

C am pai gn G oal $60 million Total as o f J un e 3 0 , 2 0 0 8 $45.5 million

1. N ew faculty and academic programs in critically important subject areas stretched thin by robust enrollments and by our growing Lifelong Learning programs. 2. S tudent scholarships and financial aid to offset the financial burden that new pastors carry into ministry. 3. A nnual fund gifts to provide direct support to students and strengthen our technology and library resources 4. U pgrade and enhance our classrooms, community spaces, and student residence halls for the growing student body and faculty. We are blessed that a substantial number of gifts to the campaign have yet to be designated, giving our trustees great flexibility in determining how best to make these investments in our program and campus over the next several years. If you would like to know more about the campaign for Columbia, please contact Richard DuBose, vice president for institutional advancement, at 404.687.4568 or duboser@ctsnet.edu.

“

I look forward to seeing what will happen here. It’s exciting to see hope in people’s eyes.

”

— Garrett Andrew (pictured below), pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Albany, GA

“We’re really hopeful that this partnership will help us strengthen a number of our congregations,” says Paul Luthman, Flint River’s executive presbyter. “We want to see churches emerge from risky situations and thrive.” And early indications are that churches will thrive. A year ago, First Presbyterian Church of Albany, GA, routinely averaged 15 to 25 in worship. Like a grand old lady fallen on hard times, the congregation rattled around in its once prestigious building in the middle of downtown. A year later, things are changing. An infusion of capital has allowed the congregation to call a pastor committed to congregational transformation. Membership has grown by 58 percent in the past 12 months. And though the sanctuary isn’t full yet, close to 100 regularly attend worship. “I look forward to seeing what will happen here,” says Garrett Andrew, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. “It’s exciting to see hope in people’s eyes.” And hope, it seems, is contagious. Other congregations around the presbytery have begun joining the effort to fund the Flint River Ministry Initiative. “Well-trained and committed pastoral leadership is key,” says Jimmy Jeter, an elder in First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie, GA. Reflecting those sentiments, Hugh Ward ’75 recently wrote, “The members, officers, staff, and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie are making a significant commitment to God and the seminary to help recruit and educate talented women and men to be pastors.” This is incredibly rewarding work. The needs of the church and the needs of Columbia Seminary cannot be separated, and the Flint River Ministry Initiative makes that link explicit.

F o r mat io n | Tr ansform at ion

VANTAGE Summer 2008

books

Vantage

Vol. 99, No. 4, Summer 2008 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Periodicals postage paid at Decatur, GA Circulation: 13,000 The Office of Institutional Advancement Edito r : Genie Hambrick GUEST Edi to r : Kim Clayton ’84 (DMin ’08)

Living Sacramentally and Worshipping Through The Sacraments R eco m m endat i ons f ro m th e C T S B o o ksto r e and Fac u lt y F o r Yo u r En r ic h m ent and R e ad i ng P l eas u r e

Ass istant Edi to rs : Carol Boe, Sarah Chamberlain ’08, Karen Fleming ’08

by Sue Crannell ’05

Photo Edi to r : Ben Beasley ’10 Desi gn : Lucy Ke Contr i b uto rs Chris Ayers (DMin ’97) Richard Blake Troy Bronsink ’04 Moira Bucciarelli Randy Calvo, Jr. ’81 Scott Chester Pam Cottrell Sue Crannell ’05 Tyler Downing ’84 Richard A. Dodds ’54 Richard DuBose Sarah Erickson ’03 Mike Fitze ’91 (DMin ’95) Meg Flannagan ’06 Raymond Guterman (DMin ’80) Alan Harvey ’86 Paul Huh Ernie Johnson ’72 Karen Jolly ’06 Gene Lassiter ’72 Sid Leak ’83 Joon Lee ’94 Kim Long Ben Mathes ’78 Nelda Mays Laura Mendenhall Martha Moore-Keish Linda Morningstar (MATS ’98) Neal Neuenschwander ’92 Chris Paton Barbara Poe Jody Sauls Cory S. Stott ’06 Joel L. Tolbert ’05 Derek Wadlington ’07 Jim Watkins ’71 (DMin ’75) Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P. O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 p le as e r ec ycl e After you read this issue of Vantage, pass it along to a friend or colleague, or take it to your neighborhood recycling center.

Communion cup tray. Easley Presbyterian Church, Easley, SC. Image published with permission of Easley Presbyterian Church. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VANTAGE Summer 2008

Take this Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles “A love song to the feast at the altar and the feast of a food pantry written with grit, authority and integrity,” says Nora Gallagher about this book. This is the story of how the author lives out her faith through the Eucharistic practice of welcoming everyone to the table by starting a food pantry, not in the fellowship hall, but in the sanctuary of the church around the altar. Do This in Remembrance of Me by Martha Moore-Keish In this book Martha Moore-Keish seeks to place the Reformed tradition in conversation with liturgical theology and ritual theory to move toward a fuller appreciation of the ritual dimension of the Lord’s supper. Ancient Wine, New Wineskins: The Lord’s Supper in Old Testament Perspective by Jon L. Berquist This trailblazing volume juxtaposes traditions of faith from the Old Testament with themes of communion I the early church to produce rich new understandings of the eucharist for today’s worshipers. Torture and Eucharist (Challenges in Contemporary Theology) by William T. Cavanaugh In this engrossing analysis, Cavanaugh contends that the Eucharist is the Church’s response to the use of torture as a social discipline. Remember Who You Are: Baptism as a Model for Christian Life by William Willimon In this book baptism is used as a foundation for a larger study of the Christian faith. Willimon explores the significance of the sacrament in day-to-day living and provides a model for living a Christian life. Pastors will find this book especially helpful for new Christians and for confirmation classes.

Baptism: A Sourcebook Ed. By J. Robert Baker, Larry J. Nyberg, and Victoria Tufano The Sourcebook series of anthologies gathers prose and poetry, hymns and prayers from various times and traditions, all centered on a particular theme, from the seasons of the church year to the foundational moments in the life of a Christian. Each collection offers a treasury of wisdom for use in homilies, prayer services and personal meditation. Taste the Bread: 30 Children’s Sermons on Communion Touch the Water: 30 Children’s Sermons on Baptism By Phyllis Vos Wezeman, Anna L. Liechty, and Kenneth R. Wezeman These two books are designed for clergy and lay leaders to use in preaching to children from kindergarten through upper elementary school. Using selected Scripture passages, the 30 sermons presented in each book focus on biblical stories and theological themes regarding Holy Communion and Baptism. The authors also include helpful cross reflection for hymns, Scripture, teaching, tools, and themes. Other Books On Sacraments to feature on the Web s ite Christ, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper: Recovering the Sacraments for Evangelical Worship By Leonard Vander Zee Often the subject of debate, the sacraments are likewise neglected and superficially understood. In this book, Vander Zee not only opens up a Christ-centered approach to the sacraments but also provides guidance on the practical matters that pastors and parishioners face in the pursuit of a renewed and authentic Christian worship.

A gardener may tell you that vegetables s/he has grown taste better. Possibly. Gardening may be likened to preparing to receive the Lord’s Supper. Preparing to receive this sacrament of grace using Directory for Worship guidelines enables one to appreciate this spiritual food more. Definitely! This has been our experience. Alan Ha rv e y ’ 8 6

A More Profound Alleluia: Theology and Worship in Harmony Leanne Van Dyke, ed. With a chapter by Martha Moore-Keish, “Eucharist = Eschatology” Each chapter of the book pairs an element of the worship service with related Christian teachings: the opening of worship with the doctrine of the Trinity, confession and assurance with sin and grace, creeds and prayers with ecclesiology, proclamation of the Word with revelation and Christology, Eucharist with eschatology, and the ending of worship with ethics. Structuring the book in this way demonstrates how the great confessions of the faith find their natural expression in worship and how the liturgy in turn finds its corollary in doctrine. Baptism: Christ’s Act in the Church By Laurence Hull Stookey The author concentrates on Protestantism, exploring the Calvinistic Eucharist traditions of the Presbyterians, members of the United Church of Christ, and Methodists (of whatever Wesleyan type). He also provides material pertinent to preaching, study of the Eucharist by laity, and practical local reform that implements recent revision of denominational rites. Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals: Weaving Together the Human and the Divine By Herbert Anderson and Edward Foley How can we bring together two of our most powerful vehicles for communication and transformation? Storytelling and ritual making are not merely something that humans do-they are essential for becoming human. Together they enable us to create a world that is both habitable and hospitable. For believers, they are the fundamental means for shaping and sustaining our journey into the Divine. Holy Baptism and Services for the Renewal of Baptism: Supplemental Liturigal Resource # 2 This is a book that develops new services for corporate worship including a Psalter, hymns, and other worship aids. It was assembled by a task force in response to a mandate from the 1981 General Assembly in order to assist the church in discovering a new appreciation for the sacrament of baptism that is central to the church and the Christian life.

® ava i la b l e from t he CTS Booksto re No. of Copies Retail Price Herbert Anderson and Edward Foley Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals: Weaving Together the Human and the Divine $18.00

Columbia Price Prices subject to change

$15.30

Ed. by J. Robert Baker, Larry J. Nyberg, and Victoria Tufano Baptism: A Sourcebook

$18.00

$15.30

Jon L. Berquist Ancient Wine, New Wineskins: The Lord’s Supper in Old Testament Perspective

$22.00

$18.70

William T. Cavanaugh Torture and Eucharist (Challenges in Contemporary Theology)

$49.95

$45.00

Martha Moore-Keish Do This in Remembrance of Me

$20.00

$17.00

Sara Miles Take this Bread: A Radical Conversion

$14.00

$11.90

$21.00

$17.85

Laurence Hull Stookey Baptism: Christ’s Act in the Church

Phylis Vos Wezeman, Anna L. Liechty, and Kenneth R. Wezeman Taste the Bread: 30 Children’s Sermons on Communion

$10.00

$8.50

Touch the Water: 30 Children’s Sermons on Baptism

$10.00

$8.50

Leonard Vander Zee Christ, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper: Recovering the Sacraments for Evangelical Worship

$20.00

$17.00

Ed. by Leanne Van Dyke With a chapter by Martha Moore-Keish A More Profound Alleluia:Theology and Worship in Harmony

$15.00

$12.75

William Willimon Remember Who You Are: Baptism as a Model for Christian Life

$12.00

$10.20

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Holy Baptism and Services for the Renewal of Baptism: Supplemental Liturgical Resource #2

PC(USA) and CTS price:

$20.00

TOTAL AMOUNT FOR BOOKS

One of the great privileges of the ministry is being able to administer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Completing this year, my 36th year in the ministry, I have shared the bread and the cup of our Lord’s Table and the water from His grace filled font with countless people.These two sacraments are visible evidence of the endless relational depth of God’s love in Christ.They ground us to the Gospel reminding us that we serve a risen Lord.They keep us focused on our reformed heritage as Christians.They speak of journey and light our path. They complete our true worship.They are God’s gifts to His church and tangible blessings of God’s grace to all who believe.

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What’s more deconstructive for worshippers than becoming guests at someone else’s party? Including us in font and table the incarnate Christ reminds us that church is not the end-user of the water-of-life or bread-ofheaven—while refining our palates to better taste-andsee the kingdom of heaven “out there.” T roy B ro nsi nk ’ 0 4

VANTAGE Summer 2008

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Giving as a Means of Grace by Pa m Cott rell, d irector o f annual gi vi ng

A s t h e n e w d i r e c t o r f o r t h e C o l u m b i a A n n u a l F u n d , I am grateful for the opportunity to write this brief article for an issue of Vantage that focuses on the sacraments. Initially, this seemed like an easy assignment, and then I began to wonder, “Is there an intrinsic connection between the sacraments and giving?” Christians sometime differ as to what they recognize as sacraments—some recognize as few as two and others as many as seven. Whether two or seven, we all agree, the sacraments are visible expressions of God’s invisible grace. In observing the sacraments, we celebrate God’s amazing gift of grace given to and for the world through the birth, death, and resurrection of God’s son, Jesus. For more than 180 years, Columbia Seminary has answered faithfully to its charge of educating and preparing several thousand men and women for Christian leadership throughout the world. We are committed to giving financial support to our students as they respond to God’s call to a life of ministry. Our endowment and tuition income cover only part of the cost. We rely on gifts to the Columbia Annual Fund from alumni/ae, friends of the seminary, and congregations to make up the difference so that our students do not build up large debts as they prepare for ministry. Therefore, the answer to the question, “Is there a connection between the sacraments and giving” is a resounding YES! Our giving is a natural response to God’s inexhaustible provision of grace that continues to renew and transform us. As Christians, we are called to respond to need—to give faithfully out of our love of others that God’s kingdom might come and God’s will be done on earth… Please consider making your gift to Columbia Seminary today.

• Our giving is a natural response to God’s inexhaustible provision of grace that continues to renew and transform us.

Communion plate. Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Easley, SC. Image published with permission of Presbytery of the Foothills. The Montreat Collection, C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives, John Bulow Campbell Library.

VA N TA G E

s u mme r 2008

P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031 404-378-8821 www.ctsnet.edu

Contents

President’s Message: Sacraments as family reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Martha Moore-Keish receives Lilly grant . . . . . . . . . . 2 Paul Huh receives grant to advance Korean American ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Lay leader training courses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 About Sacraments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 For the Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Lifelong Learning events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Formation | Transformation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 From the bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Unity in the sacraments helps the world to see the church as

a more credible witness. Too often people see isolated church communities that are more interested in fighting each other than working together. When the church makes the news, it’s about scandal, one church denouncing another, or a church splitting. So the movement toward sacramental unity is an attempt to say: All of that is tragic and true, but it’s not all there is. — Ma rt ha Moore-Kei sh

Periodicals Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160