Vantage Spring 2019

S P R I N G

C O L U M B I A

T H E O L O G I C A L

2019

S E M I N A R Y

TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

IN THIS ISSUE

VANTAGE POINT

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NEW CTS MEDIA

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REASONABLE SERVICE

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LIFELONG LEARNING

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TAUTA PANTA

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NEWS FROM COLUMBIA

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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

pg 30

FACULTY & STAFF

pg 41

BEST OF THE BLOG

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EDITORS

Michael K. Thompson Corie Cox

PRIVILEGE, POWER, COURAGE, AND KOREA

A recent trip overseas recharges a student’s personal and professional sense of mission.

DESIGN

Lucy Ke

PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael K. Thompson

CONTRIBUTORS

FEATURE

REACHING TOWARD HOPE Insights in humility

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BRIDGING CULTURAL PARALLAX THROUGH MINISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY

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THIS IS US — BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE

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Brandon Maxwell’s tips for welcoming others to campus

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ART IS HEALING

Margo Richardson asks, “How is your soul?”

Jess Adams Julie Bailey ’09 Michael Lee Cook ThD ’14 Sarah Erickson ’03/DEdMin ’10 Israel Galindo Heidi Gleason Chassidy Goggins Thomas Hampton ’19 Brian D. Hecker Lucas Jones ’20 Brandon T. Maxwell Carl McColman Steven Miller Caitlin Reeves Margo Richardson ’19 Valrie Thompson Leanne Van Dyk Haruko Nawata Ward Debra Weir

LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY

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Interview with Michael Lee Cook THE PACIFIC, ASIAN, AND NORTH AMERICAN ASIAN WOMEN IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY (PANAAWTM)

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46

PG 34th Annual Conference held at Columbia

An educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

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This issue of VANTAGE is available online at www.ctsnet.edu.

Art for the cover design of Vantage this year is provided by alumnus Ross Boone.

Learn more about his work at http://rawspoon.com.

VANTAGE

P O I N T

REACHING TOWARD HOPE A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all.”

You may remember this line of a poem by Emily Dickinson.

I have always enjoyed that image of hope as a bird that sings and doesn’t stop, a little bird that resides in the soul.

Hope, of course, is much more than a winsome metaphor from a favorite poet. It is a central Christian virtue. As I write these words, Easter is right around the corner and hope is front and center as I lean into the promise and joy of Easter. Hope has a big job description; it is a Christian virtue needed to withstand the storms and stresses of our day to day lives. It is expansive and sturdy and patient and gutsy and tender. It does not just appear from thin air; rather, it is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The first women disciples knew this as they ran to tell the others; something absolutely enormous had just happened and nothing and no one would ever be the same. Hope Dr. Leanne Van Dyk PRESIDENT is, in fact, a one-word summary of the gospel.

And so hope gives us confident expectation for our future. It also carries us forward through difficult days, painful losses, and missed opportunities. One of our students, Marben Bland, preached a sermon in chapel this week entitled, “Hold On” — it was a strong word about how our hope in Jesus surrounds us, supports us, and equips us.

We talk a lot about calling and vocation at Columbia Seminary. We talk about vocations in the church and service to the world. We talk about ministry contexts and opportunities. We talk about how best we can “educate and nurture imaginative, faithful, and effective leaders for the sake of the church and the world”, as our mission statement says. All of these conversations are ultimately about hope because they explore how we are called to participate in God’s plans and purposes for the world.

In recent months, the community at Columbia Theological Seminary has deeply discerned that living into our common Christian hope means that we must be attentive to the needs of a wide and wondrous variety of people from around the world.

Hope is, in fact, a one-word summary of the gospel.

We are newly committed to listening to the multiple stories on our campus. Our international students, for example, are a gift to us because they have their own stories of hope.

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As I continue to serve Columbia Seminary, I know that this community can rest in hope and be confident in God’s leading. This does not mean that our work is easy. Romans 12:11 is a good reminder, “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.” I know that our alumni and friends are equally committed to ministries of hope. As I look at our diverse seminary community, I realize that it expands even more in all of your diverse communities. We are deeply connected in a common ministry and also a common hope. This is both an encouragement and a motivation, isn’t it?

We share the same “DNA in Christ” because we are baptized into his death and resurrection. That is our

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encouragement. Because we are so connected, we also have responsibilities to one another and to the whole world that God so loved. That is our motivation. “Hang On”, said our student, Marben. And so we do, God helping us.

Blessings,

Leanne Van Dyk PRESIDENT

B R I D G I N G C U LT U R A L PA R A L L A X THROUGH MINISTRY & TECHNOLOGY B Y M I C H A E L T H O M P S O N , D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

S P R I N G

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When Thomas Hampton (MDiv ’19) came to Columbia Theological Seminary in the fall of 2016, it might have seemed like a huge departure from his previous experience as an engineering student at Case Western Reserve University. He is, after all, among a select group of neural electrical engineers that can build what are commonly known as cochlear implants.

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BRIDGING CULTURAL PARALLAX continued

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ochlear implants are a controversial technology that enable a person who is deaf to hear. Many in the Deaf communities of the United States see value in their culture developed around being deaf.

In this view, deafness is a difference in human experience, rather than a disability or disease. However, many countries around the world have neither the developed Deaf culture of the United States, nor affordable access to technologies like cochlear implants. This is where Thomas seeks to serve a variety of needs through dialogue with these various communities and through building an innovative product.

First and foremost, Thomas is using his education at Columbia Seminary to learn better how to minister among the deaf and navigate these cultural tensions. And often these tensions intersect with other cultural divides such as ethnicity and wealth.

Thomas has created a new company called Parallax to create discussion and solutions around these sorts of issues. Parallax is “the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions.” It is how we acquire depth perception in our vision using both eyes.

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The Hatch accelerator taught me about humility in predicting what other people want instead of assuming what I think would be best for them .... There are obvious parallels in all areas of effective ministry.

In addition, Thomas is creating new inventions that will help people who are deaf. Most significantly, he patented a new solution last fall for his version of a cochlear implant. Instead of needing its own microphone and sound processor, his version would utilize the ones many people carry around in their pocket every day—in their cell phone. Current costs of a cochlear implant are now around $25,000. Thomas’ goal is to create a cell phone app that would make the cochlear implant up to 100 times cheaper, making it more affordable around the world for just a few hundred dollars. He describes the design as “a generic drug price decrease, with a redesign for global connection.”

“I was contacted by an audiologist in Lima, Peru,” Thomas says. “He is working with a family there who desperately want a less expensive solution. My goal is to give people options, so that they don’t have to make decisions purely based on a financial limit.”

Thomas continues his engineering work and research alongside his M.Div. studies. In each course, he integrates what he has learned previously to build his knowledge for ministering in this space. Even in his engineering work, he wants to build solutions to match needs identified by deaf communities.

Last spring, he took a course titled “Human Difference, Divine Justice, and Worship” with Dr. Rebecca Spurrier—who did much of her doctoral work in disability studies as it relates to worship. As part of his contextual education course, Thomas participated in a program called “The Hatch” at CenterForm in downtown Atlanta, GA. The Hatch serves as “an early stage social innovation accelerator” that develops

ideas to make a social impact. Co-founders John and Katheryn Heinz say that this 10-week accelerator program helps people “identify what works and what doesn’t and why.”

“The Hatch accelerator taught me about humility in predicting what other people want instead of assuming what I think would be best for them,” said Thomas. “In business terms, I view finding a fit between a product and a market as a method for systematically testing empathy and modifying my thoughts. There are obvious parallels in all areas of effective ministry.”

In addition to completing his studies at Columbia Seminary, Thomas is now completing a PhD through The Global Center for Advanced Studies (GCAS) in Dublin, Ireland. After graduation, he will begin a second PhD in Intercultural Studies with a focus in Global Development at Asbury Theological Seminary this fall.

For more information about the Parallax Hearing Company, visit parallaxhearing.com. To learn more about CenterForm and The Hatch, go to www.centerform.org.

Columbia Theological Seminary is “cultivating faithful leaders for God’s changing world.” As an educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia Seminary is a community of theological inquiry, leadership development, and formation for ministry in the service of the Church of Jesus Christ. Columbia Seminary offers six graduate degree programs and dozens of courses and events as a resource for church professionals and lay people through The Center for Lifelong Learning. For more information, please visit www.CTSnet.edu.

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THIS IS US, B U T I T D O E S N ’ T H AV E T O B E B Y R E V. B R A N D O N T. M A X W E L L , D E A N O F S T U D E N T S

Before you read any further, please accept this disclaimer.

Below, I reflect on a recent incident of racial profiling at CTS. To some, this reflection may not reflect well on us. However, if you are a prospective student, donor, alumni, local pastor, or a combination of these things, I hope you will read and come to understand that we are a community that is honest about where we are; that we are striving to be and do better. Racial profiling occurs in every community, every college, every seminary across the country. That doesn’t make it right.

It makes it a reality. A reality that we at Columbia Theological Seminary are working to transform. And the first step toward transformation is telling the truth. And the truth is—this is us, but it doesn’t have to be.

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n 2008, a new social networking service hit the virtual shelves of app stores: NextDoor. For the longest time, I avoided the service. At that time, I had Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. I did not need yet another service on which to waste time. Last year, after moving to a new neighborhood, and deleting most of my social media accounts, I gave in. I downloaded the NextDoor app and almost immediately regretted the decision.

After being approved to join my neighborhood, I read post after post referencing “suspicious black people” walking in the neighborhood. Initially, I channeled my socialjustice-warrior-former-seminarian energy and took every (white) person to task.

“What is the person doing? Were they just being black?” I’d ask.

“Activities are suspicious. People are not.” I’d declare definitively in the comment thread.

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Eventually, I deleted my account. However, the fractured racialized logic that tells us some people are suspicious—some people don’t belong—continues to stalk me. Recently, at Columbia Seminary, we have had a couple incidents of racial profiling on campus. Each time this has involved a person of color being told they do not belong on our campus in some shape, form, or fashion. After the most recent occurrence, I drafted an email to the Columbia community, inviting us to think more deeply about our understanding of community and belonging.

As you read the copy of the email I sent to the community, I hope you will reflect on your own context, your own neighborhood, your own place of employment, your own seminary and how you might challenge the notion that some people belong and others do not.

About a month ago, an African American gentleman was on campus to interview with the Refectory staff. When this young man asked a member of our community for directions to the Refectory, the person allegedly responded, “I can’t tell you that. You don’t belong here. You need to leave this campus now.” The young man declined the job offer to work in the Refectory because his first interaction with us was being told he didn’t belong here.

On Tuesday, a brown man was working near the polling center in the Richards Center. He was an Agnes Scott Public Safety Officer in uniform who was patrolling campus to ensure campus safety. A member of our community called Agnes Scott Public Safety to report him being on campus—even though he was in uniform that clearly identified him as an Agnes Scott Public Safety Officer. Both of these occurrences are racial profiling. They are incidents wherein we have made assumptions about who belongs here and who does not based solely on their physical appearance.

I would love to write to you, “This is not us.” However, the difficult reality is, this is us. But it doesn’t have to be. We can,

. . . AS YOU READ THIS, I HOPE YOU WILL REFLECT ON YOUR OWN CONTEXT . . . AND HOW YOU MIGHT CHALLENGE THE NOTION THAT SOME PEOPLE BELONG AND OTHERS DO NOT.

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THIS IS US, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE continued

indeed, we must be and do better. Our commitment to campus safety cannot eclipse our commitment to being a community that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and one that values justice. This email is not intended to shame anyone. It is, however, intended to call us to better.

First, I want to remind you, people are not suspicious, activities are. If you encounter a person you do not know on campus— regardless of their race, ethnicity, attire, gender presentation, etc.

—your first impulse should always be to acknowledge them as a human. Their presence is not suspicious. If you see a person you do not know, here are some tips for how to engage:

PEOPLE ARE NOT SUSPICIOUS. ACTIVITIES ARE. YOUR FIRST IMPULSE SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEM AS HUMAN.

1. Approach the person, introduce yourself, and ask their name. “Hi, I’m Brandon. I’m the Dean of Students here. What is your name?” This is both hospitable and enhances campus safety by letting the person know they have been seen—and being seen (not viewed) is a good thing.

2. Offer assistance. “Can I help you find something or someone?”

This creates a hospitable campus environment for guests and visitors, while also creating a safe environment for all. It communicates that we are both aware of our surroundings and committed to being helpful.

3. If the person clearly identifies themselves and tells you where they are headed, walk them there and connect them with the person or office they are seeking. “Nice to meet you, Felicia.

I know where that office is. Let me take you there.” Again, this enhances campus safety while also conveying hospitality. It helps the person get to their destination and helps you ensure they are telling the truth about the nature of their business on campus.

4. If, and only if, you’ve engaged in the first three tips above, and the person responds in a way that raises caution (i.e., they avoid your questions, they deny your help and run away, etc.), contact Agnes Scott Public Safety.

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Now, if someone is on campus and you observe them engaged in suspicious activity, don’t ask questions. Skip the tips listed above and call Agnes Scott Public Safety immediately. Suspicious activities might include: walking between multiple cars while looking into car windows, jiggling car door handles, testing office door handles to see if they are unlocked, rummaging behind a desk or in an office that is not theirs, hiding when they’ve been seen, tampering with building access locks, repeatedly trying wrong building access codes, etc. Again, if you observe a person engaged in suspicious activity, call Agnes Scott Public Safety immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I am always open to conversation and mutual learning. I am grateful for this community and the ways we continue to struggle together to become a place where all can flourish and live into the fullness of God’s love and freedom.

S P R I N G

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With courage and determination, Brandon The Rev. Brandon T. Maxwell serves as Vice President for Student Affairs & Community Life, Dean of Students at Columbia Theological Seminary. He holds an MDiv from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, as well as both a BBA in Management and a BA in Religion from Belmont University. In 2012-2013 he was a Lutherischer WeltBund Fellow at Georg-August-Universität in Göttingen, Germany where he studied intercultural theology and education. Since arriving at Columbia, Brandon has led equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and transformed the seminary’s student affairs programming and services.

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PRIVILEGE, POWER, COURAGE, AND KOREA B Y L U C A S J O N E S , M D I V ’ 20

Have you ever experienced true gratitude? Have you felt a type of gratitude that is more than a simple customary “thank you”? Have you witnessed gratitude that goes beyond any individual person—the sort of appreciation that disregards anything you have ever done or likely will ever do?

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t is the thanks that might appear at first superficial, but actually runs far deeper than my skin tone, my family of heritage, or my gender. The acknowledgment and appreciation I felt during my Columbia Theological Seminary Explorations trip to Korea was not because of my current actions or even individual identity, but it was because of the seminary I attend, the church I’m a part of, and the nation I was born into. Yet it is not because of what that church is doing now, or even, depending on who you ask, what our current American administration is accomplishing in the terms of global diplomacy or the lack there of.

Left to right: Lucas Jones, Christóphe Abreu Rosario, Dana Riley, Emily Mooneyhan, Dr. William Yoo, Ebenezer Alonge, and Dr. Bill Brown.

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As our group of mostly PC(USA) Americans received gift after gift, and endless acts of hospitality and kindness in this beautifully complex, and relatively young country, we were reminded of what our church did over 130 years ago, and what our country did nearly 70 years ago. It was almost as if the hospitality we received was an act aimed toward the missionaries who fearlessly traveled to a foreign land to bring the good news of the Gospel, and to the soldiers who were sent to that same land to fight for democracy.

At Yanghwajin Cemetery, a place dedicated to the graves of foreign mission workers, we learned about Rosetta Sherwood Hall. Our enthusiastic tour guide told us passionate tales (the words were translated, but the hand motions and facial expressions were sufficient) of how Rosetta left her life in America behind and went to Korea in 1890 at the age of 25 to be a medical missionary. In Korea she established schools, hospitals, and even trained the first Korean female physician while creating a medical school specifically for women.

During her initial and very long journey across the Pacific Ocean she celebrated her 25th birthday, and in doing so wrote this prayer in her journal:

“It is my 25th birthday. But the dear Heavenly Father is with me here upon His mighty Ocean and He will surely be with me upon the other side.”

I certainly did not pray this prayer while flying quasi-comfortably aboard a Delta airliner nearly 130 years later, but I am grateful that God met me, like Rosetta, in Korea.

I have always been skeptical of missionaries, or what our current more progressive culture calls “mission workers.” The more I learned about Christianity’s past mission movements the more I noticed the correlated trends of colonialism and exploitation. Desmond Tutu summarized the history of Christian missionaries in his own African context: “When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land.

They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes.

When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.”

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PRIVILEGE, POWER, COURAGE, AND KOREA continued

And the story Bishop Tutu describes is not too different from other countries in the Global South where Western powers used the Jesus Christ and the cross he was crucified on, as a symbol and mighty force to support the very chains of systematic, economic, and imperialistic oppression that Christ in his ministry here on earth stood so firmly against. Some would argue that it was the same ironic oppression that led to Christ’s death at the hands of imperial capital punishment.

Yet this trip reminded me that painting with a broad brush sometimes makes for a horrible painting. What I found in Korea was that our missiological history is far more complex.

Yes the women and men, many of who were American Presbyterians, who ventured to Korea in the 19th century came to this land with a tremendous amount of power and privilege. As they schlepped advanced technologies, medical expertise and superior financial resources the first missionaries were welcomed into Korea by the Ruling class and given prime pieces of real estate to establish their work. In addition to these technologies, they carried Bibles containing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many Koreans already had read this Gospel after a group of missionaries and native Korean and Japanese people decided to translate it preemptively.

Yes, the Americans had power, influence, and privilege. And yes it’s easy to look at their work with salty and judgmental eyes from our hypercritical and “log eye” filled 2019 perspective. Yet more than their capacity of privilege was their capacity for courageous faith.

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Rosetta exemplifies this providential and bold faith here in her journal: “I do feel that the eye of the LORD is upon me that he has guided me all the way, that he has ‘chosen’ my work for me, and that ‘all weary thought and care’ resigning. He will help me ‘to do and to bear.’ So why should I not be happy?”

This trip has reminded me of my own privilege, but done so in such a new context. As a 6'7", able-bodied, well-educated, upper middle class, white, heterosexual, American male, I check off just about every box in terms of natural and unearned superiority as is defined by our unjust white dominant, patriarchal society. In many classrooms, boardrooms, and sanctuaries I am given a louder and more significant voice automatically because of who I am in the eyes of those who see and hear me. In a metaphorical way, like the first Korean Missionaries I am most often automatically granted the prime real estate, close to the ear of the “King.” At Columbia Seminary I hear about my privilege often, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but at a point I must admit to being guilty of selectively tuning out to the jabs and comments I get from my more oppressed minority colleagues. This trip took these somewhat stale thoughts and propelled them back into a much needed relevancy. I have come to realize that all of what I might possess in terms of privilege and power, I severely lack in courage and faith. It is the latter, infinitely more than the first that truly matters.

It’s hard to imagine from my air conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled room what tremendous faith those first missionaries must have had in coming to Korea. Like

James and John they dropped their nets and followed Christ into an uncertain world. That is where they felt called, and that is where they went: Young and fresh seminary and medical graduates eager to be a light for the world. From our experiences in Korea, it seems that so many people, equally formed from the Imago Dei are eternally grateful and sing praises that this handful of 20-year-olds answered God’s call.

Yet just as I believe we worship a dynamic God, I think that the calls which we receive from our God change with the needs and groans of the world.

God might not be calling me away from America to cross an ocean on a late 19th century steam ship, accompanied by a hand full of Bibles and no earthly idea what I’m getting myself into. However, it could be possible that God is calling me away from my sheltered mono-cultural existence here at Columbia Seminary and to act courageously, taking risks to witness the ways God is working within the different and marginal communities I don’t even notice—people, many of whom have been invisible to me, I sit amongst in lectures and chapel here at Columbia Seminary.

I also don’t think God is calling me to drop my education and enlist in the US Army to go across the world and fight against oppressive rule, hoping to ensure a democratic and prosperous future for a people I know little about. Yet maybe God is asking me to strap on my work boots here at home, and fight against the normative oppressive systems, which I am benefiting from, and that leave so many of the most vulnerable citizens of this great city and country in dire circumstances.

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My point is that courage and faith are not exclusively tied up with one specific location or time.

I cannot simply rest on the shoulders of those who came before me saying, “Okay, all the brave work of Christians has been accomplished, now I just have to work to maintain it while taking as few risks as possible.” That would be too easy.

Just as it was for Moses, Esther, Rosetta Hall, Miriam, Ruth, Horace Underwood, Elijah, Mary, and Samuel Moffett, God continues to lead us down new pathways that are sometimes lightly worn—if traveled at all. These ways can be marked with obstacles, barriers, and awkward situations that require courage in our own selves, that in turn requires faith in something greater than our own selves: The Triune God who created us, walked along side us, died for us, and sustains us.

God has given me privilege. God has given this country, this seminary, and this denomination power.

That is a fact, and rather than simply feel guilty about it, we might ask ourselves a crucial question: What shall we do with it? Will we seek our own gains utilizing trickery to colonize, oppress and profit: like Ahab and Jezebel who left Naboth landless and dead? Or will we act courageously, giving life to the world through courageous faith relying on God, and being a voice for liberation for all people through the endless Grace of Jesus Christ?

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God has given me privilege. God has given this country, this seminary, and this denomination power. That is a fact, and rather than simply feel guilty about it, we might ask ourselves a crucial question: What shall we do with it?

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ART IS HEALING

B Y M A R G O R I C H A R D S O N , M D I V ’ 19

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — M AT T H E W 11:28-30

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y soul is weary and my body needs rest.” We hear these cries daily not only in our individual ministries, but throughout our society. Yet, we live in a world that forgets the importance of rest, encouraging us to ignore the weight of our souls and the fragileness of our bodies.

My three years at Columbia Theological Seminary have taught me so much, but I am especially forever grateful I learned the importance of true intentional care—for self and for others.

So, readers, I ask you all . . . How is your soul? And does your body need rest?

In my experience, I see how we often ask each other these questions, yet we rarely know how to respond when the questions are answered truthfully.

About a year ago, I became the student pastor of a small congregation just outside of Atlanta. During my weekly pastoral care visits I found myself in a very interesting place. I was watching people whose souls were heavy and whose

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bodies needed rest. They were fearful of grief and afraid of what might “come up” if they truly allowed themselves to process the trauma they were experiencing. Thankfully, I was enrolled in two of the most meaningful classes of my seminary experience.

The first was a preaching class called “Novel Preaching,” taught by Dr. Jake Myers and author Joshilyn Jackson. It taught me the power of storytelling and the importance of carefully selected words.

The second was a class called “Death and Dying,” taught by Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp. It taught me the importance of care and the power of lived experience and shared story.

Both classes gave me a place to bridge my love for education and literature with my pastoral voice. The novel preaching course, in particular, looked at various genres of writing and my favorite was a new-to-me style of writing. The book Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly introduced me to the style of micro-memoir writing.

This new-found love for condensed memoir writing led me to develop a final project. I would create a short book of micro-memoirs written after sitting down and having the honor of hearing people’s stories of grief and trauma. My love for this project has continued since last year and I have now had the privilege of working with dozens of individuals.

As an artistic mind, writing has always been a spiritual practice that fills me with life. Painting and drawing have also been hobbies of mine and have been therapeutic practices that I have used when dealing with my own trauma and grief.

During my first conversation for this project, I decided to paint and draw while listening to a peer’s grief story. My hope is that by using visual art, I will be able to possibly help capture a different look into shared stories of crisis grief.

After each conversation, I sat down and wrote a short micro-memoir about the grief that was shared. The only question I asked in a sitting was: “Would you please share your grief story with me?”

I believe that processing grief is not only challenging, but is beautiful, yet so often it is a practice that we do alone. I believe in the power of artistic expression, and I believe that the stories of our lives can paint beautifully, yet often painful art. Each of these stories of lived experience is a piece of a mosaic.

Pieces of broken times in people’s lives that are put together to create something new and hopefully beautiful.

C R A Y O N S He was an artist you know?

Really good he was . . .

Even as a little boy he was always coloring on the walls.

Some of his scribbles are still on the wall behind the couch.

We asked him to move out last year, we hadn’t spoken much since.

You know he hadn’t been himself for years.

I just hope he knew that we loved him.

Written during a pastoral visit with a family whose son had just lost his life to suicide after struggling with addiction most of his young adult life.

I believe in the healing power of storytelling and I believe in the healing power of art. Over the past year, I have interviewed people who have shared stories of illness, tragic death, disability, sexual assault, death by suicide, addiction and domestic violence. I am continuously honored for the incredible gifts of conversations and vulnerability.

Following every interview, my goal has been to start the micro-memoir writing process within 24 hours. This way, the interview is fresh. I also believe that it is important for the writing process to be as collaborative as possible, so I ask the individual interviewed to edit

the memoir and give me suggestions. I have tried to keep Beth Ann Fennelly’s description of micro-memoir in my brain during this entire process. Fennelly says that micro-memoirs are short, bright glimpses into rich lives. Micro-memoirs are not to be mistaken as slivers of a bigger creation; rather, the goal is that they should be able to stand alone and tell a full story.

I believe that the process of writing something so concise encourages people to look deeper into the emotions that they feel, so that they know what they want their reader to feel.

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LIFELONG LEARNING

LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY MICHAEL LEE COOK, ThD ’14

This feature explores the thoughts and experiences of Leadership in Ministry (LIM) faculty member Michael Lee Cook. This article is part of a feature series on Leadership in Ministry faculty found on our blog www.ctsnet.edu/columbia-connections. Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) offers a way of thinking that affects every aspect of leadership in ministry. Workshops are taught by BFST experts and help participants confidently lead their congregations and organizations. Participants gain insight from learning with others while sharing their unique vocational challenges and joys.

THE CHURCH . . . IS . . . STRUGGLING TO UNDERSTAND ITS ROLE IN A CHANGING SOCIAL LANDSCAPE . . .

FROM ORGANIZED RELIGION INTO THE SPACE OF “SPIRITUALITY.”

How long have you been a faculty member with LIM? How did you become a part of the faculty?

I have been a faculty member of LIM for two years. I was invited to join the LIM faculty by Dr. Israel Galindo after having been a faculty member of pastoral care and counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary.

What do you enjoy most about teaching and coaching in the workshop?

The environment allows for unparalleled opportunity for personal reflection, growth, and development for both faculty coaches and participants. Together, through conversation, lectures, genogram construction, and practical application, we gain a richer understanding and appreciation for the unique ways our family histories impact our personal and professional functioning in ministry and beyond as well as shape our view of the world around us. The framework for teaching and practice is theoretically grounded in the richness of BFST. This makes LIM an impressive opportunity for ministers, lay persons, and other professionals to grow.

In what ways do you see the workshop helping congregational and other leaders?

The church in the broadest sense of the concept is experiencing tremendous change and struggling to understand its role in a changing social landscape that is shifting away from organized religion into the space of “spirituality.” These systemic and ideological changes are stirring up a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty for denominations, religious leaders, and congregations. Consequently, such a moment calls for a steady cadre of non-anxious leaders who can creatively “think” their

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way through these transitions, rather than being “emotionally reactive” to them.

LIM workshops present a tremendous opportunity to help leaders develop skills that make this steadiness possible in anxious times, particularly in the area of selfdifferentiation.

Why do you think BFST is appropriate as a “theory of practice” for clergy?

Leadership, pastoral or otherwise, is all about relationships. When relationships are healthy and well, we tend to flourish. When relationships are broken and unwell, we tend to flounder. BFST provides a sound theoretical and practical basis for which to understand the nature of relationships as an emotional and systemic process. That is, the theory teaches that we are all inter-connected and our functioning is impacted and highly influenced by the relationships we shared and continue to with our families of origin. Even more, the theory helps us to understand that our leadership style(s) are often deeply rooted in how well we have or have not differentiated from these early familial relationships. At bottom, the theory teaches that we were someone’s daughter or son before we became someone’s pastor or leader, and this understanding makes all the difference in the world of relationships.

Which of your presentations are favorites for you? Why? Leaving Home Disconnected: Some Considerations of Emotional Cutoff is my favorite presentation. I really enjoyed developing this presentation. I believe it speaks to one of the most important concepts of BFST. Further, I found the presentation very helpful in my own efforts to understand the emotional cutoffs in my own story and the practical implications they have on my efforts at greater self-differentiation.

In its basic form, emotional cutoff is a way of managing emotionally-charged relationships with significant others, particularly parental figures. This is carried out by essential “cutting off” the relationship. However, the cutoff does not resolve the emotional tension, it more often intensifies it because the unresolved emotional attachment remains a part of the emotional process within the family of origin. This makes it necessary to mend cutoffs as a means of growing on the scale of selfdifferentiation and to improve one’s relationship functioning.

EMOTIONAL CUTOFF IS A WAY OF MANAGING EMOTIONALLYCHARGED RELATIONSHIPS WITH SIGNIFICANT OTHERS, PARTICULARLY PARENTAL FIGURES.

Can you give one example of how the theory has helped you in your work or life?

The theory has helped me in many ways. As a family therapist, it has helped me stay out of the triangles in the families and couples that I see in practice. This allows for greater objectivity in counseling and serves as a way of modeling selfdifferentiation for my clients. The theory has also supported me in my role as a father. It has given me insights on how my own experience of being fathered impacts the way I father my children. This understanding has led me to be more mindful of the connection between these two experiences in ways that allow my parenting to be less anxious and more thoughtful.

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LIFELONG LEARNING

If someone doesn’t see the value in the program and the positive impact it can have on participants, what would you say to them?

Bowen indicated that “it requires about three generations for a majority of people to hear and accept a new discovery, a new idea, or a new belief that threatens a firmly held view of the world. Each generation hears and accepts a little more until the third generation accepts it as established fact.” In which case, I would invite “skeptics” to consider the generational perspective of BFST and view it as a gift to those they care about most. That is, BFST allows participants to learn some things useful about their relationship functioning today that may save their unborn family members from having to do hard and difficult emotional and relational work left undone in the current generation. To participate in a LIM workshop is truly sowing and reaping that provides an emotional harvest for all, now and in generations to come.

If you’re looking to learn how the concepts of the family emotional process can be applied to all aspects of ministry, Leadership in Ministry workshops may be for you. Those seeking to explore the theological implications of this concept, opportunities for personal ministry reflection through small groups and presentations, guidance on genograms and family of origin issues and prefer in a group setting, could benefit from LIM. Visit leadershipinministry.org to learn more about the program.

I WOULD INVITE “SKEPTICS” TO CONSIDER THE GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF BFST AND VIEW IT AS A GIFT TO THOSE THEY CARE ABOUT MOST.

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Dr. Michael Lee Cook, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist and pastoral counselor in private practice at Micah Counseling Services, a parish-based counseling center at St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church. In this ministry, he engages in the therapeutic practice of helping individuals, couples, families, and groups deal with and find effective solutions to the transitions and complexities of life that impact their mental and spiritual well-being and overall functioning. Michael has extensive clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, family systems theory, and the use of spiritual resources in counseling. He holds an optimistic view of human nature and resists the urge to pathologize clients by supporting the idea that problems are not in people, but rather people struggle against problems.

NEW @CTS MEDIA Columbia Theological Seminary increasingly uses videos to share information, introduce students, and even provide mini-lectures on important topics. It’s one of the best ways to tell about our great programs. View them and share them with friends!

ADVENT LECTIONARY DISCUSSIONS

• Week 1: Raj Nadella and Martha Moore-Keish • Week 2: Beth Johnson and Bill Harkins • Week 3: Kathy Dawson and Mark Douglas • Week 4: Jake Myers and Brennan Breed

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SECOND CAREER STUDENTS

• Mel Cody, MDiv ’21, is active in Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and she knew God was calling her to seminary and a life serving the church.

• Dana Riley, MDiv ’20, a mother of four and member of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL, heard her call to seminary more recently and in a way surprising to her.

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Learn more about how you can support students like Mel and Dana at www.ctsnet.edu/give.

COLUMBIA FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE SCHOL ARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

• Colleen Cook • Dallas Anne Thompson • Sarah Vungsuanching Lane • Michael Gable Learn more about Columbia Friendship Circle and these scholarship recipients at www.ctsnet.edu/columbiafriendship-circle.

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For these and other videos, please visit us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/ctsmedia.

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SERVICE

SPIRITUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY

B Y C A R L McC O L M A N

How Can New Ways of Communicating and Learning Support Our Ancient Practices of Prayer?

On my blog I recently wrote about smartphone apps that are designed to support a daily prayer practice. Most of the people who left comments on the post expressed how much they appreciated apps like the ones I wrote about, since they found that in today's busy world, having words for prayer available on their phone simply made sense.

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TECHNOLOGY IS SIMPLY A TOOL—AND LIKE ANY TOOL, IT CAN BE USED WISELY OR POORLY.

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ut, predictably, one person came along and made a disparaging comment— quoting a conservative Catholic cardinal—that using a smartphone to pray, instead of a traditional paper-and-ink prayer book, in effect “desacralized” the prayer. I thought this was nonsense, and I said as much. But perhaps it’s a question worth considering. When it comes to technology—from our portable electronic devices, to such newfangled tools as social media groups and streaming videos—can we truly say whether it helps, or actually hinders, our spiritual lives?

Probably the most reasonable answer is, “it depends.”

Technology, after all, didn’t just originate with the first computer. Books and candles are just as much forms of “technology” as e-readers and LED lights.

Technology is simply a tool—and like any tool, it can be used wisely or poorly.

Naturally, it’s important to acknowledge how some forms of technology are more powerful or more morally ambiguous than other forms. Consider the difference between solar power and nuclear power. Reliance on nuclear power requires a strong security infrastructure which in turn depends on a significant government presence to provide that security; solar power, on the other hand, poses very little threat as a terrorist target; therefore solar energy could more easily be implemented in a society with a limited government.

Fortunately, the technologies that impact our spiritual lives are not as controversial or potentially dangerous as nuclear power! But even communications technology can have a real impact in peoples’ lives. Many historians see a meaningful connection between Gutenberg’s movable type printing press (ca. 1450) and the Protestant reformations that began less than 70 years later. Less happily, others have suggested that the development of mass communications (specifically, radio) in the early twentieth century helped to make Hitler’s rise to power possible.

So: when we pray, or when we gather for worship, or when we study scripture or theology, how does the use of the latest forms of technology impact the way we respond to God’s call in our lives? Does technology support our quest for God, or does it introduce new problems into the mix? A brief article like this cannot even begin to address that question—other than to say, this is a question for our time, and hopefully all Christians who care about meaningful ways to live our discipleship while engaged with today's world will prayerfully discern how technology can help us grow in grace—or introduce new challenges into our spiritual lives.

Like most educational institutions, Columbia Seminary has embraced online learning as a tool for both current seminarians and lifelong learners. I have taught three online courses for the Center for Lifelong Learning, with a fourth scheduled for this fall. I confess that when I was first approached about teaching an online course—even for the Spirituality Program—I was skeptical. Communal conversation, shared prayer, and face-to-face interaction with both peers and course leaders are essential elements for a meaningful theological educational experience, even in the highly poetic and subjective world of spirituality. How can this translate to an online learning experience, where students are separated not only by many miles, but even by different time zones?

What I learned, partially through the mentorship of Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning Israel Galindo and partially through my own experience, is that online learning is truly a different educational experience. And like anything else in life that's

COLUMBIA SEMINARY HAS EMBRACED ONLINE LEARNING AS A TOOL FOR BOTH CURRENT SEMINARIANS AND LIFELONG LEARNERS.

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SPIRITUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY continued

THIS FALL, I’LL BE FACILITATING AN ONLINE COURSE ON “SPIRITUAL JOURNALING.”

“different” from something else, difference can be measured in both positive and negative ways. Forgive me for repeating myself, but technology is a tool, and all tools have their uses and their limitations. Everyone knows you don’t use a screwdriver to pound in a nail—or a hammer to install screws. Technology’s place in education— or in spirituality—likewise needs to be evaluated by its own strengths, and not by comparison with other tools for learning or communication.

This fall, I'll be facilitating an online course on “Spiritual Journaling”—a particularly good topic for online learning. Each student is asked to keep his or her own daily journal, seeing that practice as a way of praying—in other words, as an integral part of their daily spiritual walk. The course itself functions as a forum where the students, in conversation with me and most especially with each other, reflect on the experience of spiritual journaling, encourage and support each other, and explore some larger themes such as the role of creativity, self-expression, and discipline in the spiritual life. These are rich, deep questions, that are well-served when students have the leisure to prayerfully reflect on their meaning over time. Online courses for the Spirituality Program typically last four weeks or more, in contrast to most “traditional” spirituality offerings that take place over a four-day period. Therefore, the online course gives us all the time to meaningfully experience a daily practice like journaling, and the freedom to contemplate and ponder the questions that we all reflect on together—as a community, even if one divided by miles and time zones.

Online learning will never replace the classroom, just as flashy new technologies (like ebooks) will never fully replace tried-and-true “classic technologies” (with a paper and ink book, you never have to worry about the battery running out). We may not have all the answers about which types of technologies best support our spiritual lives—but if we approach all forms of technology in a spirit of prayer and trust in God, we can discern together which tools best equip us for discipleship and mission.

Carl McColman is a Christian author, blogger, podcaster and retreat leader based in Stone Mountain, GA. He has been an instructor with the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program since 2011.

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LIFELONG LEARNING

SPIRITUALITY PROGRAM NEWS

The Center for Lifelong Learning congratulates the following people who completed the Certificate in Spiritual Formation in 2018. This program requires a substantial investment in learning, theological reflection and prayer and takes several years to complete. Each person completes a practicum project in their ministry setting; the practicum titles are listed below.

L E E A R M S T R O N G , Winter Springs, FL

Practicing Sabbath

J U D I T H E L B , Signal Mountain, TN Resting in the Lord M A R L E N E D A U B E R T , Elgin, IL

Spirituality of Water Retreat

A N N H AT F I E L D , Berwyn, PA

A Women’s Retreat at Westminster C A R O L E C O L L I N S , New York, NY

In addition, we wish to recognize first cohort to complete the Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

This program requires 4 weeklong residencies and an 18-month supervised practicum.

N A N C Y M A X W E L L , Sarasota, FL S T E WA R T PAT T I S O N , Guilderland, NY G L E N I C E J O H N S O N , Decatur, GA T O N I B . H A G E R M A N , Charlotte, NC

God and Racism

B R A N D I C . W O O T E N , Rochester, NY

M I R I A M H O L L A R , Boyne City, MI The Beatitudes: Blissfully Belonging to God, The Commandments of Blessedness

B E T H A . H A M I LT O N , New Windsor, IL

C H E R Y L H E N R Y , Durham, NC

Everyday Saints Women’s Retreat

L I N D A A R N O L D , Highlands, NC Looking at the Lessons of Advent

We have awarded the Certificate in Spiritual Formation to 225 individuals since its inception 25 years ago.

More information about the program can be found at www.ctsnet.edu/certificate-in-spiritual-formation

C H E R Y L H . K E L L E Y , Gainesville, GA B E T H B R O C K M A N , Durham, NC D A P H N E R E I L E Y , Tucker, GA

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction was launched in 2016. The second cohort is expected to complete the program in 2020. Applications for the next cohort will open in July, 2019. More information about the program can be found at www.ctsnet.edu/certificatespiritual-direction

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COURSE SCHEDULE

LEARN � EXPLORE � CONNECT with the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary

May 13–15 Leadership in Ministry Boston I with Israel Galindo, Margaret Marcuson, Meg Hess, Rebecca Maccini, Elaine Boomer May 20–22 Leadership in Ministry Portland I with Israel Galindo, Margaret Marcuson, Julie Josund Aug. 1–30 Contemporary Readings in Christian Education: Children’s Faith Development ONLINE COURSE with Kathy Dawson Aug. 5–7 Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the 10 Commandments Horizons Bible Study with Eugenia A. Gamble

Aug. 12–14 Spiritual Dimensions of the Enneagram with Sandra C. Smith Sept. 19–22 Spiritual Direction: An Introduction with Deedra Rich, Debra Weir Sept. 23–25 Leadership in Ministry Workshop B II Lynchburg with Israel Galindo, Bill Pyle, Elaine Boomer, Carla Toenniessen Sept. 25–Dec. 31 Mentor Coaching ONLINE COURSE with Chris Holmes Sept. 28–Oct 10 Desert Spiritualities of the Southwest Pilgrimage with Wayne Mell, Debra Weir

Sept. 30–Oct 2 Leadership in Ministry Boston II with Israel Galindo, Margaret Marcuson, Meg Hess, Rebecca Maccini, Elaine Boomer Sept. 30–Oct 25 Your Sacred Story: The Spiritual Practice of Journaling ONLINE COURSE with Carl McColman Oct. 1–31 In Life and In Death: Helping in End-of-Life Challenges ONLINE COURSE with Hank Dunn Oct. 7–9 Leadership in Ministry Kansas City II with Keith Harder, Meg Hess, Israel Galindo

Oct. 17–20 Spiritualty, Spirits and the Holy Spirit with Martha Moore-Keish Nov.4–Dec. 13 Introduction to the New Testament ONLINE COURSE with Art Wright Nov. 5–7 Big Ideas in Youth Ministry II: Fearless Dialogues with Fearless Dialogues leader team, Shelley Donaldson, Tully Fletcher, Michelle Thomas Bush and more Nov. 11–13 Leadership in Ministry Atlanta Fall I with Israel Galindo, Michael Cook, James Lamkin, Rebecca Maccini, Skip Johnson, Dan Koger, Vanessa Ellison

www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning

T A U T A P A N T A

WE ARE ALL PART OF A LIVING TRADITION that reaches back to the earliest days of God’s people reflecting on their world, their experience of God, and their sense of God’s calling. Tauta Panta refers to “all these things,” as in “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33).

These are notes from our journey as alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Columbia Theological Seminary.

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

DECEMBER 15, 2018

DECEMBER 7, 2018

Dr. Beth Johnson Retires Congratulations to Dr. Beth Johnson, the J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament, on her recent retirement from Columbia Theological Seminary!

For the past 20 years, Dr. Johnson has been a role model for women—as a colleague and a friend, and an inspiring teacher for countless Columbia Seminary students.

A benefactor of the Seminary has proposed the creation of a new E. Elizabeth Johnson Scholarship at Columbia Theological Seminary to honor her scholarship, teaching, and faithful work. It also recognizes her impact as a daughter, wife, mother, and friend to many. Reflecting the values exhibited by Beth in all facets of her life, the scholarship will support students who are called to and have gifts for ministry, but face financial challenges that might keep them from a seminary education. You may designate your next gift for Columbia Seminary to “Beth Johnson.”

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Author, Scholar, Preacher Dr. Frank Thomas To Give 2019 Smyth Lectures Columbia Theological Seminary announces that author, scholar and renowned preacher Dr. Frank A. Thomas, the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, will be the 2019 Smyth lecturer. Thomas will deliver two lectures offered free to the public in the Harrington Center Chapel on the seminary campus located at 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA. The first lecture will be on Tuesday, February 5, at 7:00-8:00 pm, and the second lecture on Wednesday, February 6 at 11:00 am–12:00 pm. A reception will be held immediately after the first lecture.

FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Ella Mae Phelps Archives Collection On Display The C. Benton Kline, Jr., Special Collections and Archives and the John Bulow Campbell Library invite you to the library’s first floor reading room to view the current exhibit, “Tireless Energy and Enviable Service.”

The exhibit highlights the work of Ella Mae Phelps, a lifelong member of the historically African American Grace Presbyterian Church in WinstonSalem, NC. Her archival papers document three decades as church secretary and director of Christian education and detail her leadership and witness within the Presbyterian Church.

Rising Tide MARCH 14, 2019

Rising Tide Comes To Atlanta On March 28 Central Presbyterian Church, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) are proud to bring The Crossroads Project: Rising Tide to Atlanta on March 28, 2019. Rising Tide is a collaborative performance created by the Fry Street Quartet with climate physicist Dr. Robert Davies of the Crossroads Project.

COLUMBIA IN THE NEWS DECEMBER 20, 2018

On Being (www.wnyc.org) Walter Brueggeman: The Prophetic Imagination Walter Brueggemann is one of the world’s great teachers about the prophets who both anchor the Hebrew Bible and have transcended it across history.

He translates their imagination from the chaos of ancient times to our own. He somehow also embodies this tradition’s fearless truth-telling together with fierce hope—and how it conveys ideas with disarming language. “The task is reframing,” he says, “so that we can re-experience the social realities that are right in front of us, from a different angle.”

Presbyterian Mission (www.presbyterianmission.org) — Stories about Migration and Border Crossings: • February 8, 2019 Former U.S. Poet Laureate opens conference by turning the immigrant story around • February 9, 2019 Dancing about immigration • February 12, 2019 Migration conference closes with call for ‘spring cleaning of the spirit’ • February 25, 2019 Migration conference just the beginning for Columbia Theological Seminary MARCH 14, 2019

Presbyterian Outlook (pres-outlook.org) — William Brown to lead Bible study at Big Tent. (OGA) Attendees of this year’s Big Tent celebration in Baltimore will have an opportunity to engage in indepth Bible study. Dr. William P. Brown, the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, will be leading.

“For me, the place where I find the most joy in sharing and studying the Bible is together with those who read the biblical text differently than I do,” said Brown.

MARCH 29, 2019

AIJCast (www.aijcast.com) — Jeffery Tribble, Part 1 and Part 2.

Prof. Jeffery Tribble talks about being a bridge between church and seminary, and the role of music in his life and faith.

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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

Homecoming ’19 CONNECTION • LEARNING • FELLOWSHIP This year’s event took place February 4-6 and included worship, lectures and workshops by Columbia Theological Seminary faculty and alumni, and also—for the first time in many years— included the 2019 Smyth Lectures. We welcomed Dr. Frank Thomas, Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, as our 2019 Smyth lecturer.

Here are a few moments from Homecoming ’19.

Left to right: Dr. Perzavia Pralow, Rev. Jeanette Pinkston Jackson, Dr. Ella Busby, and Rev. Ernestine Cole.

At bottom, left: Brennan Breed and Kathy Reed perform bluegrass for worship.

Below—Front row, left to right: Tom Sizemore, Cecilio (Woody) Lajara, Hanok Kim Bang, Richard Caldwell. Back row, left to right: Will Hart, Jack Westlund, Lee Carroll, Phil Gehman, and Bob Wallace.

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FOSTER CONNORS, G E H M A N R E C E I V E 2 0 1 9 A L U M N I AWA R D S

C

olumbia Theological Seminary presented the 2019 Alumni Awards during the annual “Homecoming” alumni reunion event. Philip R. “Phil” Gehman (MDiv ’68) received the Distinguished Service Award, as someone who represents the ideals of Columbia Theological Seminary. Kate Foster Connors (MDiv ’01) received the Pioneer in Ministry award, as someone who engages ministry with passion, commitment and dedication.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The Rev. Dr. Philip R. “Phil” Gehman

The Rev. Dr. Philip R. “Phil” Gehman (MDiv ’68) served at Columbia Theological Seminary first as Director of Admissions and Placement and then as Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Life from 1985 to 2003. He later served as a representative and Assistant Corporate Secretary on the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Previously, Gehman served three churches: First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, VA, and First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, NC, as Associate Pastor, as well as Faith Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, NC, as Pastor.

In addition to earning his MDiv at Columbia Theological Seminary, Gehman studied history at Wheaton College (BA), church history at the University of Chicago Divinity School, and Union Presbyterian Seminary (DMin).

“While on campus as a member of the Board, I was able to observe Phil’s personal and professional interactions with students, faculty and staff—all of which were warm, cordial, and exemplary,” wrote Jim Lowry (MDiv ’66). “In particular, I along with many others, have observed the extraordinary care he took with seniors as they moved through ordination exams and the call process . . . Indeed, throughout his career, Phil has been a prime example of what it means to be a faithful and theologically astute servant leader.”

“Phil Gehman was an important member of Columbia’s administration and faculty for eighteen years,” said Erskine Clarke, Professor Emeritus of US Religious

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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued

and Cultural History. “In faculty meetings one could always count on him to be well-prepared, focused, and wise. By bringing to faculty discussions his experience as a Presbyterian pastor and active presbyter, he helped keep before the faculty its foundational purpose of preparing and nurturing pastors for congregational ministry.”

PIONEER IN MINISTRY AWARD The Rev. Kate Foster Connors (MDiv ’01) is the Executive Director of The Center in Baltimore, MD. She previously served as Associate Pastor at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN, and Youth Pastor at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, MD. Before earning her MDiv at Columbia Theological Seminary, Foster Connors studied government at Wesleyan University (CT).

The website for The Center (www. thecenterbaltimore.org) states, “We offer a different kind of mission experience. Through our model of pairing visiting church groups with local congregations, your group will be led by local leaders to join ongoing ministry in the Baltimore area. Visiting groups are immersed in hands-on experiences with our partners.

Groups also spend time with The Center staff, reflecting on shared experiences through the lenses of Christian faith and social change. Our goal is to send participants home with a renewed sense of call, energized to affect change in their own communities.”

Katie Ricks (MDiv ’02) was the first “test case” as a congregational partner with Foster Connors: “We walked across and along the ‘red lines’ that separate neighborhoods. We reflected on racism in Baltimore

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The Rev. Dr. Kate Foster Connors

and at home in Chapel Hill. We wrestled with the deep socioeconomic divide in our own group. And, we were challenged to envision our call upon returning to Chapel Hill. After each of those three trips, our youth came back to initiate new programs: a monthly lunch with the subsidized housing community on our street (where some of our youth lived), a revitalized afternoon tutoring program, and a literacy camp before the start of school in the fall. These were each youth envisioned and youth led—inspired by the mission and vision of this work that Kate began.”

In 2017 alone, Kate and The Center partnered with 25 churches and community organizations.

In 2018, Kate mentored three summer interns—a college student and two seminarians from Columbia Theological Seminary. The Center was designated as the point organization in Baltimore for the PC(USA) Hands and Feet.

Announcing a new process! Are you a CTS alumni open to the possibility of a new call?

We now have a process in place to help you connect!

F

rom time to time, search committees from churches contact the seminary seeking names of alumni who might be considered the next pastor at their church. To respond to these calls, we have formed an alumni referral network. This group of professors and staff will work to supply church search committees who inquire about our alumni with as many names of potential candidates as we can.

FOR ALUMNI If you are open to being considered for some of the pastoral opportunities that come to our attention, please email Julie Bailey, Director of Alumni and Church Relations, baileyj@ctsnet.edu, and include your PIF or resume, and any other information you think would be helpful, such as geographical boundaries. Your information will be used discreetly and with confidentiality. This is not an attempt to circumvent the work of the PCUSA Church Leadership Connection process. It is simply an effort to knowledgeably respond to the requests that come to the seminary.

FOR CHURCHES SEEKING A PASTOR If you are open to a first-call or recent seminary graduate, please email your church’s MIF or job description to Katie Ricks, Associate Director of Vocation and Spiritual Formation: ricksk@ctsnet.edu.

FOR CHURCHES SEEKING A PASTOR WITH 3 OR MORE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE Please email your church’s MIF or job description to Julie Bailey, baileyj@ctsnet.edu.

“I look to the year ahead with great hope that God might inspire deeper connections between Columbia and her graduates . . . .”

T H E R E V. D AV I D P O W E R S

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MEET YOUR ALUMNI COUNCIL LEADERSHIP

NEW KOREAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ELECTED

NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ELECTED

The Rev. Dr. Soon Steven Son

Rev. David Powers

Steven received his M.Div. from Columbia in 1987, and his DMin. In 1991. He has served six Korean churches in Columbia, SC; Riverdale, GA; Marietta, GA; Birmingham, AL; and Roswell, GA, before retiring in from Covenant Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, AL, in 2015.

With his extensive service in the Korean churches in the South, Steven brings extensive personal connections, and a passion for connecting CTS alumni back to their Alma Mater.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve, and look forward to being an effective and sound bridge between CTS and Korean Students Council, Korean Alumni, Korean Presbyterian Churches and Korean community with networking, fellowship, supporting ministries, helping preparation ministries and fund-raising for cultivating faithful Korean leaders for God’s changing world.”

Rev. David J. Powers is the Senior Pastor of Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison, GA. David received his Master of Divinity from CTS in 2010 after completing undergraduate work at Presbyterian College and a Master of Public Administration at the University of South Carolina. His deepest joy comes from seeing the transforming power of God at work in the lives of his congregants and the community to which he has been called.

“It is my honor to serve Columbia Seminary as Alumni Council President. I look to the year ahead with great hope that God might inspire deeper connections between Columbia and her graduates and that those connections might inspire a vital witness in God’s changing world.”

“I look forward to being an effective . . . bridge between CTS and the Korean Students Council, Korean Alumni, Korean Presbyterian Churches and the Korean community.”

T H E R E V. D R . S O O N S T E V E N S O N

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TT AA UU TT AA PP AA N N TT AA

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued

ALUMNI COUNCIL FALL 2018 MEETING Left to right, back row: Ben Beasley, Arnold Ogunmoyero, SongYin (John) Paik, Michael Kirby, Chad Wright Pittman, Ella Busby, Sunghee Han, Nick Reed, David Powers, Candi Cylar Front row, left to right: Anna Fulmer Duke, Jill Joyner, Noelle Read, Perzavia Praylow, Allison Wehrung

ALUMNI COUNCIL FALL 2018 MEETING

THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING CLASS OF 2018!

David Bailey ’82, Anderson, SC Ben Beasley ’10, Allenhurst, GA Sunghee Han ’13, Atlanta, GA Michael D. Kirby ’03, Evanston, IL

Julie E. Lehman ’92, Montreat, NC Arnold Ogunmoyero ’14, Loganville, GA Carson M. Overstreet ’11, Van Wyck, SC Jeri Parris Perkins ’87, Clinton, SC Noelle H. Read ’99, Anderson, SC Nicholas K. Reed ’07, Auburn, AL

Lauren Scharstein ’07, Nairobi, Kenya Jerry L. Utt ’02, Whitesburg, KY

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MEMBER CLASS OF 2019

MEMBER CLASS 0F 2020

MEMBER CLASS OF 2021

Thomas J. Watkins ’94, Wilson, NC Emily C. Heath ’05, Exeter, NH Manikka L. Bowman ’06, Boston, MA David S. Hill ’11, Florence, SC Anna Fulmer Duke ’12, Mobile, AL Chad Wright Pittman ’16, Anderson, SC

Ryan Baer ’07, Athens, GA Candi Cylar ’14, Smyrna, GA Jill Joyner ’16, Avondale Estates, GA John (SongYin) Paik ’15, Decatur, GA David Powers ’09, Madison, GA Perzavia Praylow ’16, Washington, DC Sylvia Ramos ’15, St. Augustine, FL Allison Wehrung ’15, Oxford, MS Sophia Park ’96, Jonesboro, GA

Phil Gehman ’68, Greer, SC Laurey Hartwell Murphy ’82, Johns Island, SC Marvin Lindsay ’94, Columbia, MO Rick Douylliez ’95, St. Marys, GA Brandi Casto-Waters ’00, Greer, SC Julie Jensen ’05, Fernandina Beach, FL Mary Kathleen Duncan ’11, Greenville, SC Sunghee Han ’13, Atlanta, GA Melva Lowry, ’18, Baltimore, MD

OFFICERS President David Powers ’09 Vice President Sunghee Han ’13 Secretary Chad Wright Pittman ’16 Immediate Past President, Ella Busby ’00

REFRESH, RESEARCH, AND REDISCOVER re:source is a unique gift for all CTS Alumni

• A 24/7 online access to a collection of religious and theological books and articles specially designed for CTS alumni • Lifetime access to resources sent directly to you Contact Erica Durham at DurhamE@ctsnet.edu for login credentials or help!

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T A U T A P A N T A

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued

Alumni Updates 1960s | French L. Arrington, MDiv ’60, was

1990s | Roger Rabey, DMin ’91, received a Lilly

Robert L. Ashford, ThM ’65, is honorably retired.

William (Bill) Reinhold, DMin ’97, retired as General Presbyter/Stated Clerk of Presbytery of Coastal Carolina on October 31, 2018.

awarded the 2018 Lee University School of Religion Distinguished Alumnus Award.

1980s | Donald Frampton, DMin ’82, retired

Grant under the Clergy Renewal Program to bike in Europe and walk in the Apostles’ footsteps.

on Sunday, February 17, 2019 after serving 24 years as Senior Pastor of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, LA. He previously served as Pastor in Charleston, SC and Rockingham, NC.

Todd Green, MDiv ’98, published an article “Teaching Islamophobia in the Age of ISIS” in Teaching Islamic Studies in the Age of ISIS, Islamophobia, and the Internet (Indiana University Press, 2019), edited by Courtney M. Dorroll.

Thomas Cheatham, DMin ’87, honorably retired January 1, 2019 after serving as Stated Supply of First Presbyterian Church, Amory, MS since October 1, 2009.

Class members and spouses from 1968 and 1969 reconnect.

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Front row, left to right: Julie Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Mollie Aumann, Katie Owen Aumann (holding Jack Aumann), Carrie Barnes (holding Violet Barnes), Sara Dorrien Christians (holding Nicholas Christians), Beth Greaves (holding Fritz Napier), Matt Frease, Jacob Frease.

Back row, left to right: Davis Bailey, Hamilton Barnes (holding Miller Barnes), Will Christians, Doug Friesma.

2000s | Brandi Casto-Waters,

MDiv ’00, is the new pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, FL, as of June 2019.

Andrew Permenter, DMin ’01, is Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL. Dan Stephens, MDiv ’04, was recently promoted to Vice President of Community Impact—Bold Goals Coalition for United Way of Central Alabama.

Jaina Glaze, MDiv ’05, has completed requirements for her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Alabama and will graduate in May 2019.

April Love-Fordham, MDiv ’06, published a new book Galatians: St. Francis & the Christian Life (Wipf & Stock) as part of her Disorderly Parable Bible Studies series.

Kaye Florence, MDiv ’06, retired as pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Kingsport TN, effective December 1, 2018.

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Ryan Baer, MDiv ’07, was installed as Pastor and Head of Staff on Sunday, April 7, at First Presbyterian Church Athens, GA. Lynne McNaughton, DMin ’07, Rector of St. Clement’s Anglican Church, North Vancouver, and deputy prolocutor of General Synod, has been elected the 10th bishop of the diocese of Kootenay.

She was elected on the second ballot during an electoral synod held Saturday, January 19 at the Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels, Kelowna, B.C. Catherine Renken, MDiv ’07, Pastor of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Kennesaw, GA, is the first female chaplain of the Cobb County Police Department.

Tully Fletcher, MDiv ’08, Associate Pastor for Youth & Families in Rockdale County, will be serving and leading the youth and family ministries for three Rockdale county churches: Conyers Presbyterian, Smyrna Presbyterian and The Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection.

Davis Bailey, MDiv ’08, serves as Interim Pastor and Head of Staff at Buford Presbyterian Church in Buford, GA.

T A U T A P A N T A

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued

Christie Ashton, MDiv ’09, is finishing her 9th year as pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, AL. In 2016, she was elected Stated Clerk of North Alabama Presbytery and will serve full-time in that capacity as well.

Mary Cox, MDiv ’09, is part of a Sweet Adeline women’s chorus called “Song of Atlanta.” It was named sixth best in the world (out of 1,000), and Mary was interviewed

by Louise Reitzes on WABE.

2010s | William McKinstry, MDiv ’10, Assistant

Professor of English at Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary. Married to SongHee Lee, student of CTS in the MDiv program. William and SongHee have one son, Azael, born 2016.

Sydne Allen, MDiv ’10, and Travis Allen, MDiv ’11, along with big brothers Barrett and Henry, welcomed Eli Monroe Allen on February 9, 2018.

•

Will you support the future leaders for God’s changing world like Brittney?

“Financial aid at Columbia Seminary is truly a gift - a gift of education, of opportunity, and of community. Without the support I have received, I don’t know where I would have ended up. Now, I have the chance to live fully into this program and institution and to explore the call that I feel on my heart from God without any concern about finances.”

There are many ways you can show your commitment today to the faithful, imaginative, and resilient leaders being equipped for ministry at Columbia Seminary. Please visit ctsnet.edu/give to make a gift online or call Heidi Gleason, Director of Annual Giving at 404-687-4588 to discuss other ways to give.

Brittney Daniel, MDiv ’21 Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania Undergraduate institution: Eastern University Major: Missiology and Anthropology

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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES continued

Andrew Whaley, MDiv ’11, and Rebecca Whaley, along with big sister Joanna, and brother, Simon, welcomed Ruth Ellouise to the family on October 30, 2018. Andrew continues to serve as Pastor of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, VA. Rebekah Abel Lamar, MDiv ’14, has been called to serve as Pastor and Head of Staff at Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile, AL, beginning July 2019.

Perzavia Praylow, MDiv ’16, Pastor, Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church; Board Member of The Presbyterian Historical Society; Board Member, The Mayor's Interfaith Council of Washington, DC; Strategy Team, NEXT Church.

M E M O R I A M

Charles William Thomas West, BD ’56 .

Bruce Parmenter, BD ’61 . . . . . . . . .

Ken Borden, BD ’66 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Carolyn Thompson Smith, MDiv ’00 . .

Vaughn Michael, MDiv ’84 . . . . . . . .

Paul Hackett, MDiv ’05 . . . . . . . . . .

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Jessica Patchett, DMin ’18, is the new Pastor/Head of Staff at Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA as of Sunday, April 21, 2019.

Micah Nutter Dowling, MDiv ’16, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta.

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Peter Bynum, DMin ’17, was installed as Pastor and Head of Staff on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church.

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. February 23, 2019 . February 20, 2019 . December 1, 2018 December 25, 2018 September 19, 2018 . . . March 23, 2019

T A U T A P A N T A

FACULTY & STAFF P U B L I C AT I O N S A N D A C T I V I T Y

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS

2019

April 22–24, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry B, Lynchburg, VA.

April, Bill Harkins Consultation with St. Teresa's Episcopal Church, Acworth, GA.

April 26, Marcia Riggs Presenter for the 2019 Public Health Ethics Forum: Ethical Dilemmas in Child and Adolescent Health at the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.

April 1–5, William Brown Leader for the “Landscapes of Renewal” retreat at Ghost Ranch through the Center for Lifelong Learning.

April 8–10, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry A, Lynchburg, VA. April 11–12, Kathy Dawson Keynoting a conference on innovative ways of doing Christian Heritage Education at the Presbyterian Historical Center in Montreat, NC. April 13, Caitlin Reeves Worked on short film, “Sometimes I Think about Dying,” Georgia Premiere at Plaza Theater, first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

April 13–14, Anna Carter Florence Teaching preachers and leaders of Flint River Presbytery in a 2-day workshop, Columbia Seminary.

April 19, Brennan Breed Preaching Good Friday service at First Presbyterian Church, Marietta, GA.

April 27, Anna Carter Florence Will deliver the Sprinkle Lecture on Preaching at Barton College, Wilson, NC. April 28, Sarah Erickson Leading worship and preaching at Heritage Presbyterian in Acworth, GA. April 28, Leanne Van Dyk Preaching at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, TN. April 30, Bill Harkins Attending American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Approved Supervisor Refresher Course.

May 2–5, Bill Harkins Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Conference, Jekyll Island Conference Center, GA. May 5–8, Kathy Dawson Keynoting Eastern APCE Conference on Christian parenting and teaching of children at Rhodes Conference Center, Chambersburg, PA.

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The Healthy Transitions Wellness Retreats for Ministers and Spouses provide a relaxed atmosphere and confidential setting for healing and encouragement to ministers and their families who have experienced termination, or for those in conflicts possibly leading to termination. Space is limited, so register early.

WHEN September 30-October 3, 2019 COST The cost is $100.00 per person, or $150.00 per couple.

This fee includes housing and meals.

CTSnet.edu/healthy-transitions May 6–10, William Brown Preacher and Keynote speaker for the West Coast Vital Congregations Gathering in Denver, CO. May 6–8, 13–15, Anna Carter Florence Preaching and teaching—along with colleague Bill Brown at the "Revitalizing Congregations" conferences (back to back, in Denver and Atlanta) for the PCUSA Revitalizing Congregations Unit, directed by CTS alum Dr. Kathryn Threadgill.

May 13–15, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry, Boston, MA. May 13–16, William Brown Preacher and Keynote speaker for the East Coast Vital Congregations Gathering in Atlanta.

May 13–20, Bill Harkins Attending Psychological Health Faculty, Episcopal CREDO, Trinity Conference Center, Outer Banks, NC. May 16, Anna Carter Florence Preaching and lecturing at the Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis, MN. 42

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May 20–22, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry, Portland, OR. May 31–June 1, Bill Harkins Keynote Speaker, Pastoral Care for Stephen's Ministers, Village Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, KS. May 31–June 2, Christine Roy Yoder Keynote speaker for the Women’s Conference at Mo-Ranch, Hunt, TX. June 3–5, Leanne Van Dyk Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Board of Commissioners Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA. June 7–8, 21–22, Bill Harkins Clinical Instructor, Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy 30-hour CEU Training, Summit Counseling Center.

June 9, Brennan Breed Leading a bluegrass service for Pentecost at Decatur First United Methodist Church, Decatur, GA.

T A U T A P A N T A

FACULTY & STAFF continued

June 9, Leanne Van Dyk Preaching at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA.

July 28, Leanne Van Dyk Teaching at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA.

June 10–14, Anna Carter Florence Teaching at the Pastoral Institute for Church of Sweden, University of Uppsala, Sweden.

July 31–August 6, Caitlin Reeves Presenting on a panel “Future-Proofing Small Archives: Strategies for Transformative Leadership Transitions” at the Society of American Archivists Conference, Austin, TX.

June 10–17, Bill Harkins Psychological Health Faculty, Episcopal CREDO, Roslyn Conference Center, Richmond, VA. June 12–14, Caitlin Reeves Presenting “Librarians Across Disciplines: Mitigating Archival Chaos” at the American Theological Library Association Conference, Vancouver, BC. June 16, 23, 30, Brennan Breed Teaching adult education class at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA. July 9–12, Bill Harkins CREDO Faculty Convocation, Psychological Health Faculty, Denver, CO. July 16–17, Anna Carter Florence Preaching and lecturing for GA UMC Pastors School, St. Simon’s Island, GA.

July 19–25, Anna Carter Florence Serving as preacher in residence, Bay View Chautauqua, Bay View, MI.

July 22–25, William Brown Invited speaker for the Society for Old Testament Study in Oxford, UK.

August 1–2, Marcia Riggs Participant at National Courageous Conversations “Bridging the Gap Between the Church and the Academy,” Atlanta, GA. August 1–3, William Brown Bible Study leader for the Big Tent in Baltimore, MD. August 5–8, William Brown Bible Keynote speaker for the Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference in Stony Point, NY. August 24, Israel Galindo Preaching First Baptist Church, Roswell, GA. September 4, Leanne Van Dyk Opening Convocation at Columbia Presbyterian Church, Decatur, GA. Sept 8–11, Anna Carter Florence Preaching and lecturing for the UK Festival of Preaching, Oxford, UK.

September 9–11, Israel Galindo Colloquy for Early Call Clergy, Center for Lifelong Learning, Atlanta, GA.

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September 16–18, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry Portland, OR.

R E C E N T P U B L I C AT I O N S

September 16–21, Bill Harkins Psychological Health Faculty, Episcopal CREDO, Trinity Conference Center, Outer Banks NC. September 23–25, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry B Lynchburg, VA. September 28–29, Brennan Breed Teaching and preaching at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, St. Simons, GA. September 29–30, Anna Carter Florence Delivering the MacLeod Lecture in Preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ. September 30–October 2, Israel Galindo Leadership in Ministry Boston, MA. September 30–October 3, Bill Harkins Psychological Health Faculty, Healthy Transitions/ Ministering to Ministers.

F O R

William Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, “What Does It Mean to Bless God?” in Call to Worship: Liturgy, Music, Preaching, and the Arts 52.2 (2018): 16-22.

William Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, “Reading Psalms Sapientially in the Writings,” in The Oxford Handbook of The Writings of the Hebrew Bible, ed. Donn F. Morgan. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019, 151-68.

William Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, “Rebuke, Complaint, Lament, and Praise: Reading Proverbs and Psalms Together,” in Reading Proverbs Intertextually, ed.

Katharine Dell and Will Kynes. LHB/OTS 629; London: T & T Clark, 2019, 65-76.

Tim Hartman, Assistant Professor of Theology, Theology after Colonization: Bediako, Barth, and the Future of Theological Reflection, Notre Dame Press, November 2019.

William Yoo, Assistant Professor of American Religious and Cultural History, three contributions to Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship, Year A, Westminster John Knox Press, 2019.

C L E R G Y

S E R I E S

The Colloquy for Clergy Series provides participants with opportunities to examine common experiences and issues within their distinct clergy group. Clergy who are facing career transition, vocational crossroads, engaging in reflective self-assessment or looking to find support among peers can benefit from a colloquy experience. Registration is now open for the 2019-20 Colloquies.

Colloquy for Women of Color August 19-21, 2019 and January 27-29, 2020 Colloquy for First/Early Call CTS Alums September 9-11, 2019 and February 17-19, 2020 For more information on courses and programs visit www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning 44

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BEST OF THE BLOG

DECEMBER 3, 2018 PLANNING AND ORGANIZING FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FORMATION

BY ISRAEL GALINDO

At the heart of much of what is wrong with the educational program in many churches today is a continued failure to understand the unique corporate nature of both faith and Christian education formation. And while there is increasing interest in the idea of “formation,” few congregational educational leaders seem to actually understand what “faith formation” is and how to plan and organize an educational program with that orientation. Many churches have changed staff titles and program names, incorporating the term “formation,” but few have made essential changes from traditional pedagogical models of education.

In effect, they’ve not only kept the old educational wineskins, but they’ve also not been able to discover new wine. The result can only be the perpetuation of a benign educational program that makes little difference in the lives of those who participate.

JANUARY 21, 2019 RESISTING THE CO-OPTING OF MLK’S LEGACY AND REMEMBERING HIM AS A THEOLOGIAN

BY BILLY MICHAEL HONOR

Martin Luther King Jr. is arguably the most celebrated non-elected citizen in the history of the United States of America. This is evidenced by the fact that Dr. King is the only American to have a federal holiday named in their honor without having served a day in public office.

Yet, despite this high honor and the recognition that

Dr. King routinely receives, there continues to be a general public ignorance about many important aspects of his life. For example, though most Americans celebrate King, the majority have no clue about the intellectual and theological forces that helped to shape MLK into an American civic hero.

MARCH 21 WOMEN IN MINISTRY: CLERGYWOMEN NEED COMMUNITY PART 1

BY MARTHA SPONG

No Man (Woman) is an Island Ministry is one of those jobs that can be hard for other people to understand, and given the need for confidentiality in our work, it shouldn’t be surprising that pastors tend to feel isolated. Even before I started seminary, I served on Committee on Ministry and heard more than one pastor in some kind of trouble naming isolation as a factor. “I had no one I could talk to,” they said, naming existential angst that has both spiritual and psychological implications.

Clergy of all genders needs relational support in order to thrive.

In honor of Women’s History Month, it’s important that we understand how women in ministry can face extra barriers to finding that community.

For the full stories and more, please visit www.CTSnet.edu/columbia-connections.

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P A N A A W T M 3 4 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE H E L D AT C O LU M B I A T H E O L O G I C A L S E M I NA RY

EXCERPTS FROM THE OPENING REMARKS FOR THE PUBLIC FORUM 34 T H A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E , PA N A AW T M A P R I L 1 1 , 2019 C O L U M B I A T H E O L O G I C A L S E M I N A R Y H A R U KO N AWATA WA R D

Welcome to Columbia Theological Seminary. CTS was founded in 1828 in Lexington, GA. In 1927 CTS moved to Decatur, GA. Its 57 acre-campus is located in the City of Decatur, encompassing four square miles, with a majority white population of 24,000, within metropolitan Atlanta, with a majority non-white population of 470,000.

During this final week of Lent, we would like to acknowledge that we stand on the ground which was once flourishing Creek Indian farmland. The economy of the South was developed by numerous African-American enslaved persons, share cloppers and convict laborers from its earliest colonial days. According to Stephanie Hinnerschitz’s A Different Shade of Justice: Asian American Civil Rights in the South, Chinese and Japanese immigrants provided manual labor on farms, railroads and in mines alongside AfricanAmerican workers, during the Reconstruction era in the Jim Crow South. Asian-American women and men also endured segregation, miscegenation laws, racism, economic anxieties, and nativism. Asian-Americans were the targets of anti-immigrant legislation denying them property and citizenship, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the Naturalization Act of 1906, the Oriental Exclusion Act of 1924, and Executive Order 9066 of 1942, which interned more than 120,000 Japanese-American citizens. After World War II, a few Japanese-American families who left the relocation camps arrived in GA and founded innovative businesses such as in the state’s growing poultry industry.

After the reforms of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, more diverse Asians immigrated to the South. They have overcome intimidation and violence while under the 46

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shadow of Stone Mountain, the nation’s largest Confederate monument and birthplace of the modern KKK. Today in Clarkston, just a few miles from here, we find communities of new refugees and immigrants from many Asian lands.

A growing number of Asian-American church leaders have sought theological training from CTS, though the names of the earliest students are hard to find. We remember the courageous “first” students, Rebekah Sang Wha Moon and Ester Leey Sun, who claimed their right to study. We also recognize the spirit of endurance and resistance among the current students of color of all shades and national backgrounds.

PANAAWTM has Presbyterian roots. It began in 1984 with thirteen Asian women in the classroom of the late professor the Rev. Dr. Letty Russell at Yale University. Over the years it has grown to be the largest grassroots network of Pacific Asian, Asian from Asia, and Asian North American women seminarians, faculty, graduate students, clergywomen, and activists.

We are grateful for Columbia Theological Seminary’s hospitality. We would like to thank the President’s Council for their generous financial support. We also received generous donations from CTS’s Korean American Ministries program, Emory University, and Korean churches of greater-Atlanta.

We are also supported by the work of a number of CTS staff members and student volunteers.

This evening, we are delighted to have a panel composed of some of our younger scholars from our local PANAAWTM network and leaders who are experts in their respective fields.

PANAAWTM (the Pacific, Asian, and North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry) held its 34th Annual Conference at Columbia Theological Seminary on April 11-13, on the theme of “Journey toward Justice.”

In her opening remarks, Dr. Haruko Nawata Ward, Professor of Church History at CTS, noted the presence of Asians and Asian Americans in the complex racial histories of the southern US and CTS, and gave a warm welcome to the participants and guests. Representing CTS, President Leanne Van Dyk welcomed the audience and Dr. Marcia Riggs, Professor of Ethics, gave an invocation. About 120 people attended the event.

The opening public panel on “Journey toward Justice: Disrupting Institutional Racism” on April 11 was moderated by Dr. Helen Jin Kim (Assistant Professor of American Religious History, Candler School of Theology, Emory University). The panelists were Ms Jessica Vazquez Torres (CrossRoads Antiracism Organizing and Training), Dr. Christine Hong (Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries at CTS), and the Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz (Deputy Director for Systems & Sustainability at the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum). They discussed such topics as the effects of white supremacy on theological institutions and churches, the need to develop multiple strategies for resistance by building an interracial coalition, and through the cooperation of racial minorities in majority-white institutions. The long-term commitment to dismantling institutional racism and decolonizing American society and church remains a challenge for Asian American women.

Robust discussions continued in conference workshops, plenary panels, liturgical services, and mentoring and fellowship sessions on various justice issues for Asian Americans in academy, church and society. The leaders include CTS alumnae Rev. Sunghee Han (MDiv ’13), and Dr. Sarah Kim (ThD ’10), as well as professors Dr. Kwok Pui Lan (Emory University), Dr. Gale Yee (Episcopal Divinity School), Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock (Volunteers of America), Dr. Nami Kim (Spellman College), Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran (Garrett-Evangelical Seminary), Dr. Jung Ha Kim (Georgia State University); and social activists and church professionals such as Dr. Eunbee Ham (Trinity Presbyterian Church), Ms Aparna Bhattacharyya (RAKSHA), and Attorney Helen Kim Ho. The Campbell Library at CTS is currently displaying books by the PAANAWTM authors through May.

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SAVE THE DATE! Sunday afternoon, October 20, 2019 at the historic Robert Mills House in Columbia, SC. TO COUNT OUR DAYS: TO CELEBRATE OUR STORIES Join us for dinner on the grounds, tours, fellowship, worship, and friends.

Dr. Erskine Clarke will lecture from his new book, To Count Our Days: A History of Columbia Theological Seminary.

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teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart PSALM 90:12

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