Vol. 58, No. 1 - Summer 201 7
learning together
COVER PHOTO: Elli in the Rain, featuring the daughter of Taylor’s Suzanne Van Herk. Photo by Tim Willson, 2017.
published by Taylor College and Seminary
Big ‘Little’ Opportunity Children’s Ministry Around the World, pg. 3-13
Alumni Profile Sheryl Grunwald (’83, ‘95), pg. 21
GVND Cruise Upcoming Alumni Reconnect with Fellow Singers, pg. 22
Let The Little Children Come To Me
A Note from the President One of the ways that Jesus challenged the social order of his day was to insist on the value of children. It’s not even that children were able to have the same faith and trust as adults: he went so far as to tell adults that they needed to be more like children. In a context that did not value the young, the value he placed on them was counter-cultural. In this issue of The Bridge, we celebrate the ways the church serves the young, and hear from ministries that involve and include them. We would love to hear from you about what is taking place in your ministry to children. I will be traveling and speaking over the summer, then I will be moving into a season of greatly reduced responsibilities as I enjoy my first sabbatical in many years. The Board of Trustees has granted me a fivemonth sabbatical, during which time I will be mostly away from the office. Between now and January, I will be doing some soul care and personal study, using this time to prepare for a busy 2018. The coming year will see further development in the growing relationship between Taylor and Sioux Falls Seminary. We continue to find ways to work together, drawing on our individual strengths and finding new opportunities. We are also innovating, seeking to
creatively serve students around the world who are eager for theological education. This is an exciting time! Of course, there are always challenges and questions, but we see much promise in the shifts and trends we see in education and in our culture. Pray with us that we will respond faithfully, using the resources God has entrusted to us to their greatest purpose. We always welcome your comments and suggestions. As mentioned, I will be “off the grid” for a few months, but the team at Taylor and Sioux Falls can entertain your emails or phone calls in my absence. I look forward to reconnecting in the New Year. Have a wonderful summer! Shalom!
David Williams, Ph.D. President, Taylor College and Seminary
Sunday School is a staple of church ministry in the modern, western church, and has been for many years. It’s easy to take for granted that children’s ministry operates quietly in the background, providing childcare for the adults who are going to church. But is that actually what is happening? There seems to be a surging movement taking place in the children’s ministry wing – one that sees children not as “the Church of tomorrow”, but as the Church. It is startling to realize that not all cultures value children (especially girls). In these cultures, churches that intentionally value, educate and disciple children are bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel, the good news of a Love without favourites. The weak, the poor, the small, the uneducated – all have a place of privilege in the Kingdom. This issue of The Bridge explores the profound opportunity and promise of ministry to children. You will hear from church leaders, including Taylor alumni and students, who are changing the world by changing the lives of kids during the all-important developmental years. Read and rejoice at what love in action looks like! Thank you for your continued support of Christian education at Taylor. Tim Willson Editor, The Bridge
Vol. 58, No. 1, Summer 2017 Published by Taylor College and Seminary to communicate with students, alumni, friends and supporters, as part of our mission to develop Christ-minded leaders who make a difference in the world. Editor: Tim Willson TheBridge@Taylor-Edu.ca Taylor College and Seminary 11525 - 23 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3 COVER PHOTO: Elli in the Rain, by Tim Tim Willson. © 2017, Taylor Seminary. Cover: Willson
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Photo: Sheryl Grunwald (’83, ‘95) enjoys a group hug following a training session in western Mongolia. (Photo supplied by the author)
Discipling Children, and Training Trainers Serving the World’s Largest Unreached People Group by Sheryl Grunwald (’83, DBS; ‘95, MDiv)
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ike many, many people I see in the Church, I was taught about Jesus as a child. Born into a strong Christian farming family near Edmonton, I was raised in church, and during a Vacation Bible School when I was 9, my teacher (an older grandmother from the congregation) took me aside and asked if I wanted to have a personal relationship with Christ. My ‘Yes!’ to that invitation was a natural next step in my faith journey; I was beaming inside and out as we shared the news with the director of the VBS. What happened next, though, still puzzles me – and I have seen it repeated many times. It was as if the church felt their mission had been accomplished when I prayed a salvation prayer; there wasn’t a lot of intentionality in discipling me and encouraging me in my faith beyond expecting me to continue attending Sunday School. Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
In spite of everything that did or didn’t happen around me, I grew to love God (by God’s grace). But as I watched other kids who grew up with me turning away from the church and having little or nothing to do with God, I began to wonder what they had missed. Later, as a children’s pastor, I watched kids who were excited about God as children grow into indifferent teenagers, and it made me wonder what we could have done differently or better to help these young people stay connected in their faith. TRAINING THE TRAINERS Following ten years as a children’s pastor in Calgary, I joined the staff of Kidzana Ministries in 2005 where I now serve as Global Training Director. Much of my time is focused on equipping children’s ministry
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ABOVE: Sheryl Grunwald serving as facilitator for the Global Children's Forum Leadership Experience in South Africa 2016.
workers globally and casting a vision for reaching the largest unreached people group in the world: CHILDREN! In fact, the work has expanded to the point where my focus is on multiplying myself—training indigenous children's ministry trainers who then can equip the children's ministry workers in their nations. Because of cultural and language differences, I'm not the best person to train in East Africa, or in South Asia: the East Africans and South Asians are the best. So we identify key leaders that already have a passion for children, have some teaching skill, and we train them to become trainers so they can take the material, translate it, and run with it in their own context. Equipping local people to do the ministry well multiplies the number of children we can reach and disciple for Christ. And training indigenous trainers leads to a father-reaching Kingdom impact. In February of last year, an unprecedented gathering in India brought together key leaders from multiple regions and organizations to envision ways of working together to reach India’s 450-million children. These leaders then committed to train 9,000 children’s ministry workers; imagine the hundreds of thousands of young lives touched by this commitment! As part of the global leadership team of the “1for50” Movement, a movement that seeks to train one children's worker for every 50 children in the world, I help facilitate an annual global retreat. In May 2017, 95 children's ministry leaders from 20 countries gathered in Kenya to share amazing stories of what
God is doing in the lives of children, to dream, pray and strategize together what we could do to reach and disciple every child in every community all around the world...We realize that the task is far from finished and time is short. Of the 2.3 billion children in the world, it is estimated that at least 1.5 billion do not yet know Jesus Christ as Saviour, and we know that people are more spiritually responsive when they are young. The term “4/14 window” refers to a window of time in a person’s life between the ages of 4 and 14 when they are most open to spiritual things. We would think that churches would embrace this incredible time of openness. One of my colleagues was working with pastors in West Africa, where the ministry to children is very limited. He asked the pastors why churches do not focus on children, but it was difficult to get an answer from them. One reason given was because children did not give as much offering as adults, but the saddest reason was, “We do not think children can understand spiritual things.” These leaders are missing a window of opportunity, time they will never get back. I think people sometimes forget that the foundations of faith are built in childhood. Adults forget that children are watching them, observing what is going on around them, learning and imitating, and deciding if the faith they see in the people around them is real faith. So there must be a place for children in the church. At the same time, children are unique in the way they think and in the way they process information; that means that there are unique ways we can bring faith and the Bible and spiritual 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
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experiences down to a level that is meaningful for them. We do this in story, experiential activities, imaginative play, worship and practical ministry. The goal is really getting them excited about who God is because they're seeing it in the people around them. Many children's ministries in North American churches showcase creative and innovative approaches, and churches seem to be investing more time and resources in the discipleship of children. But in other parts of the world there is still a pronounced lack of appreciation for ministry to children, much of it based on cultural perceptions. I work in cultures where children in general are not highly valued, which is reminiscent of biblical culture. Although children were seen as blessings
remind church leaders and children's workers that Jesus' commission was to make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20), and we can easily lose sight of that goal when we focus on our children’s ministry programs and events. Many complex factors impact a child’s faith journey, including culture, family influence, spiritual warfare, friends, media and so on. But a strong focus in my ministry has been the emphasis on discipleship. Making disciples of Jesus takes time. In fact, whether we realize it or not, our children are being discipled by someone all week long: media, internet, friends, school, family. We are sadly mistaken if we think we can adequately equip children to be disciples of Jesus with just one hour per week in Sunday School.
PHOTOS: (Left) Sheryl Grunwald speaking at a national children’s ministry gathering in 2016. (Middle) Participating in a feeding program in the Philippines. (Right) Facilitator for the Global Children’s Forum (GCF) Leadership Experience (LE), a 5-week intensive training course in South Africa in March/April 2016). (Photos supplied by the author)
from God (Ps. 127:3), they were ignored or considered a necessary nuisance until they reached an age where they would be productive. So when I serve in cultures that don't value children, I see the attitude of indifference carry over to the churches. In many places churches do not even have a children's ministry. I've observed churches where the children will be the first ones to arrive on a Sunday morning, only to be chased off the benches as the adults show up, and told to go play outside. What message do those children hear? “Church is not for children. You are not important to God.” But Jesus was very clear. When the disciples tried to turn the children away, he rebuked his disciples and said, “Let the LITTLE children come to me, and don't hinder them because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Those words still ring true for disciples today. T.I.M.E. Discipleship is critical in children’s ministry. I often
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So, T.I.M.E. is an acronym that I use to communicate four simple disciple-making concepts: Teachable Moments, Intentionality, Modelling Faith, and Encountering God. First, we must use the Teachable Moments of everyday life situations, providing spiritual insights to questions our children ask about God and connecting God to their personal issues. To communicate God's ever-present care we must be present with children, observing and listening, ready to help them see God in the context of real life. (See Deut. 6:6,7) Second, we must be Intentional about teaching our children about God. Psalm 78:4-7 speaks of telling the next generation what God has done and teaching them His commands. “Then they would put their trust in God, and would not forget His deeds, but would keep His commands.” Third, we must Model an Authentic Faith. One of the greatest faith models in my life was my mom, Hannah Grunwald. I learned about the ministry of caring and
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hospitality by watching my mother, who cooked meals and took them to someone who was sick, who welcomed visitors to our family meals, who called people to encourage them. I saw her spend time studying her Bible in devotions and as she prepared Sunday school lessons for her class. She wasn't perfect, but she lived out what she believed, modeling and helping me set a good foundation of faith. Our children are watching us. What are they learning about following Jesus from our examples? Children have a special sense for hypocrisy, and our actions need to match our words. Fourth, I see the necessity of helping young disciples Encounter God, giving them opportunities to experience God and fall in love with Him. Do you believe that children can meet God and have a significant encounter with Him? In prayer, worship, in nature, in seeing God work in their lives – we must guide children toward these encounters as Eli did with young Samuel (1 Sam. 3). There is so much at stake in the lives of our children. Let's commit ourselves as parents, grandparents, children's workers and church members to do all we can to make disciples of the next generation through our attentiveness, our words, and actions. IN SEMINARY When I was in seminary, one of the things I did that probably drove my professors crazy was tailor as many assignments as possible towards children's ministry. When I took a course on eschatology, I did a survey of what children’s curricula taught about heaven, hell and the end times. When I took a course on missions, I wrote on children as an unreached people
group and how Jesus was counter-cultural in the way He reached out to them. I tried to bring my passion into my whole theological study, and I appreciated the grace of the professors for allowing me to do that, because that is a lot of what I carried away as well – them hearing my passion and allowing me to explore it in those theological constructs. I find myself back in school after 20 years. I entered a PhD program in Holistic Child Development last year after being challenged by a friend and colleague in Ethiopia, Amberbir, who asked me where I saw myself in ten years and what I was doing to prepare for the future. At first I was taken aback by that question but it led me to pray seriously about where God was leading. I am excited to be back in school, studying what I love with students from around the world. MY MINISTRY There are so many needs among the world’s children, and many of them are heartbreaking. My prayer is that every child in the world would experience a loving relationship with somebody who loves Jesus, someone who can walk the journey with them – and through that person, come to experience Christ’s love for themselves. We need a lot more people involved in the task, which is why I do what I do. I encourage you to consider your role in passing along your faith to a new generation, by serving yourself or by encouraging and supporting those who minister to the children of the world. TB Sheryl Grunwald is the International Training Director for Kidzana Ministries. She is a Distinguished Alumnus of Taylor and a two-time graduate of the institution. She earned a Diploma in Biblical Studies in 1983 (NABC), and an MDiv in 1995 (EBS).
Our Gift to You: Children’s Ministry DVD In 2016, Taylor filmed a series of interviews with leading children’s ministry practitioners. This conversation about the changes taking place in children’s ministry through the local church has been developed into a mini-curriculum, available free of charge to any church or ministry worker who would like it. First shown at the Baptist World Congress in Vancouver in 2016, this has already proven to be a worthy discussion-starter. The DVD includes a 30-minute program of relevant and practical interviews on this topic, and a 20-minute conversation with Sheryl Grunwald about the children’s ministry movement around the world. A handy discussion guide is also provided so ministry leaders can watch and discuss these programs with their volunteers. This project flows from Taylor’s mission, to develop Christ-minded leaders who make a difference in the world. To receive a free copy for your church, simply visit www.Taylor-Edu.ca/Resources Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca
INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY PHOTO: Dr. Cory Seibel stands in the darkened sanctuary of Central Baptist Church in Edmonton on a quiet summer morning. A member of the pastoral team at Central, Cory is also an academic who writes and speaks frequently on the topic of intergenerational ministry. He believes that children and adults both benefit from a shared experience of worship.
The Gift of Children The Blessings of Intergenerational Ministry at Central Baptist Church by Dr. Cory Seibel
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n addition to my work as a pastor, I have spent a good chunk of my adult life working as an academic. For many years, my scholarship has focused on helping churches grow as vibrant intergenerational communities of faith. I am committed to advocating for the benefits that people of different ages can experience when they share life together within the church. For this reason, I was excited when our church staff team decided that we would begin including children in our worship services. Like many churches, we had tended to employ a fairly segregated approach to ministering among people of different ages. This included Sunday morning children's programming that kept kids in the church basement while adults participated in “big church� upstairs in the sanctuary.
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However, after some reading and discussion, our staff concluded that it is important for children to mix with people of other generations and to participate with them in corporate worship. This led us to adopt a half-service format. Children now join with adults for the first part of the worship service and then are dismissed to kid's ministry mid-service. This might sound like a small step. For us, it has been a significant one. It represents our desire to keep growing as an intentionally intergenerational congregation. The time on Sunday mornings when I dismiss the children and send them off to participate in our kids' ministry program has become a weekly highlight for me. As brief as it is, this moment provides a valuable opportunity to reinforce the message that, even as we prepare to send children out of the service, the
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adults who remain in the sanctuary have a shared responsibility for supporting God's work in the lives of the boys and girls in our midst. The research leaves little question on this point—kids benefit greatly when adults invest in them. This moment also provides me the opportunity to draw attention to the important place that children hold within the life of the church. As we send the children away, I feel that it is essential to emphasize that we benefit from having these boys and girls among us. Children are a gift! Both children and adults need to hear this message on a regular basis. RECEIVING THE GIFTS CHILDREN BRING In what ways do we benefit from being in community with children? -Dr. Cory We can identify some fairly obvious answers to this question. For example, many of us find the enthusiasm and sincerity children possess to be energizing and encouraging—a source of hope for the future. This is truly valuable. However, if we dig a little deeper, we can recognize that the presence of children within the church offers us the opportunity to discover several important things about ourselves. These discoveries can be tremendous gifts to us. I will explore three of them here briefly. WHAT CAPTIVATES OUR FOCUS? Within the life of most churches today, there are many things competing for our attention. Figuring out what we should prioritize can be challenging at times. Scripture leaves little doubt that God intends for the community of faith to see investing in each new generation of children as a significant priority. In key passages like Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78, the ancient Hebrew community was urged to pass along to its children a vital understanding of God's statutes and mighty deeds. We can see this reflected in Psalm 71:18 (NIV): “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Despite this heritage, Jesus' disciples were
convinced that they had their priorities straight when they “rebuked” those who were bringing children to be blessed by Jesus (Matthew 19:13). They seem to have assumed that these children were inconveniencing Jesus or inhibiting his main work. However, Jesus set them straight. He insisted that children should not be hindered from coming to him. To him, they were a priority, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (v. 14, NIV). The presence of children within the church brings this issue into focus for us, as well. How do we view children—as somehow peripheral to our mission, or as an integral part of that mission? Would we prefer for children to be “out of sight and out of mind,” or are we actively striving to invest in them and to include them in the life of the church? One important gift that we Seibel receive from children, then, is the opportunity to examine what captivates our focus and to renew our commitment to prioritize the things that matter in God's kingdom. WHAT CONSTITUTES OUR FOUNDATION? While I truly love kids, I must confess that I find no audience more challenging to address than children. In fact, for me it is far easier to teach a group of seminary students than a group of elementary-aged children. Teaching kids forces me to cut through the complexities of my adult understanding and to focus on the foundational tenets of my faith. The author of Hebrews urges us to progress beyond “the elementary truths of God's word,” which are like the milk by which infants are nourished (5:12-13, NIV). Instead, we are encouraged to feed on the “solid food” that is suitable for those who are mature (v. 14). As we grow in Christ, we clearly are not meant to continue thinking like children (I Cor. 14:20; Ephesians 4:13-15). At the same time, as my experience illustrates, the presence of children within the church challenges us to communicate the essentials of the Christian faith in a way that is understandable to them. This challenge prompts us to return to the heart of our faith, to identify the core of what we believe so that we can share this treasure with them. It is a special thing when we see kids embrace the
Scripture leaves little doubt that God intends for the community of faith to see investing in each new generation of children as a significant priority.
simple message of God's love with childlike faith. (Smith & Lundquist Denton, Soul Searching, pp. 163Witnessing this reminds us that, no matter how 164). sophisticated or advanced we become in our Reflecting on the findings of Smith's research, Haydn understanding, the foundation of our faith will Shaw insists that the version of Christian faith always be simple trust in Christ. This is expressed embraced by these teens “is not the real thing.” poignantly in a story about the renowned 20th Instead, argues Shaw, it's been “hacked” (Shaw, Century theologian, Karl Barth. When asked on one Generational IQ, p. 107). occasion how he would summarize his life's work, But here's the real kicker. As Smith continued his he responded with these familiar words: “Jesus research, the tragic reality of Moralistic Therapeutic loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Deism's origins became undeniably clear. These Regardless of age, we are called by Jesus to “receive young people had actually caught this understanding the kingdom of God of faith from their like a child” (Luke parents! 18:17). An This is a cautionary important gift that tale. The presence of we can receive from children within the children is the church, in a very real opportunity to be sense, provides a reminded of what feedback loop by this looks like and to which something of be renewed in faith. the true substance WHAT of our faith is CHARACTERIZES reflected back to us OUR FAITH? over time. This realization is one of The old saying, “Do the most powerful what I say, not what gifts that the I do,” can be traced presence of children back to the 12th can impart to us. It Century Angloinvites us to pay Saxons. Centuries careful attention to later, the truth ABOVE: Dr. Cory Seibel, a pastor and academic, has made inter-generational how we are living remains that kids ministry a key focus of his ministry and his research. Here he stands at Central and accentuates the are most likely to Baptist Church in Edmonton, where he serves. importance of imitate our example. authentically following Jesus. This can be viewed in a positive light when we see evidence that children are catching onto the good CONCLUSION things we have sought to model for them. However, Important things can happen when we include at times it becomes apparent that our children have children in the life of the church. They will certainly picked up the wrong messages from us. benefit from this inclusion, but we stand to benefit in This was illustrated several years ago through the significant ways, too. Children are a gift. Through National Study of Youth and Religion conducted by their presence in the church, God invites us to the American sociologist, Christian Smith. This discover several important things about ourselves. massive study of teens across the US provided These discoveries are God's gracious gifts to us. If we penetrating insight into their religious beliefs and are willing to receive them as gifts, we will be moved behaviour. Smith noted a distorted conception of to live with kingdom focus, sincere faith, and genuine Christian faith that he found to be prevalent among discipleship. At our church, we are still learning what many young people who had grown up in the it means to embrace these gifts. I pray that you are church. Basically, these young people believed the experiencing them, too! TB essence of the Christian message to be that God Dr. Cory Seibel is the Site Pastor at the Connors Hill location of wants us to be good, happy, and to turn to him in Central Baptist Church in Edmonton, AB. He also serves as times of need. To describe this brand of faith, Smith Affiliate Faculty with Taylor Seminary and with Sioux Falls coined the term “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism” Seminary. He and his wife Teresa have one teenaged daughter. Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
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Children’s Ministry at Grace Point Taylor student LuAnne Birkholz leads a thriving program at Grace Point Church of God in south Edmonton. The key? Connection! by Suzanne Van Herk
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LuAnne recognizes that people have varied passions t’s all about connecting for LuAnne Birkholz. and abilities. “Not every volunteer with a heart for That means connecting with kids relationally, kids necessarily has the gift of teaching – and that’s connecting with parents, connecting church with fine!” home, and helping kids connect Biblical truth with the reality of their lives. Switching to a ‘big group, small group’ set up (having all the kids together for a “big group teach time”, Even small changes can make huge differences in then breaking into smaller groups for age-specific how successful these connections are. For instance, teaching and application) provides huge advantages her team makes sure that volunteers can give for everyone. It utilizes the volunteers children their full attention rather who have the gift of teaching – and than having to scramble for keep the messaging consistent across materials. the age groups – while relieving “Having staff prepare materials pressure from other volunteers who ahead of time frees up our want to be with the kids but not in a volunteers to focus solely on the teaching role. And it's a win for the kids – really getting to know them, kids too, as the benefits of multi-age listening to them, praying for and learning settings are becoming with them” LuAnne says. “Having prevalent in education circles. Younger volunteers who can give their kids learn from the older ones in ways undivided attention to the kids is they can't from adults, and older kids irreplaceable, and worth the staff learn teaching skills and a unique level hours in prep!” of compassion from being around and This one example highlights two mindful of littler ones. ABOVE: LuAnne Birkholz (middle) of Grace pillars of the children's ministry Point Church of God with her two ministry mentality at Grace Point: value the assistants, Joy Verner and Lindsey Arnason. Another small way to value kids is removing unnecessary labels (eg, kids, and validate the volunteers. classes for specific grades or ages). LuAnne describes a shift she's witnessed within the “Our classes are simply named by which room they last generation, from ‘Sunday school is so the kids are in rather than ‘Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3’, so if a can go somewhere and do something while the real child brings a friend who is in a different grade they teaching happens for the adults’ to engaging kids in can stay together, or if a child is more comfortable in church and Biblical teaching and applying it to their a classroom that is one year up or down, we have lives NOW. Giving the kids ownership in the church, that flexibility,” LuAnne says. and giving volunteers ownership of what's While Sunday mornings are important, LuAnne is happening within the ministry – truly seeing this as convinced we can't talk about children's ministry an investment of their time. “Volunteers are not without talking about the family unit and the link ‘spot-fillers’’; I'm not hired to provide childcare, but between church and home. ministry”, LuAnne says. No-one gets coerced into “There's been a shift in the focus of ministry from serving, either, since “I would sooner close a door what's being done at church during Sunday school, to and have kids be in the sanctuary with their parents coming alongside the parents and realizing what than force someone into working with kids when often sticks with kids the most is what is modeled their heart isn't fully engaged. But I've never had to and taught at home.” make that choice because, time and time again, I've seen God call people into the roles we need. There For one thing, time at church is severely limited, is something much bigger than any one person, or maybe 1 hour a week. But parents have not only group of people. When the vision is cast for a hours – windows of time when something can be ministry that sees immense value in children, discussed on a deeper level – but minutes: little passionate people will serve.” minutes here and there (in the car, around the dinner
Children’s Ministry at Chilliwack Baptist Taylor alumnus Dave Kirsch reflects on 18 years of children’s ministry by Suzanne Van Herk
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ne of the most powerful things a children’s pastor can witness is kids “coming full circle” – and Dave Kirsch knows all about it. For Chilliwack Baptist's 2017 summer camps, every single one of his 40some “pod” small group leaders is a former camper, now a teenager. That in itself would be exceptional loyalty, but Dave has other volunteers for camp who have been there every year – for 14 years. And every year it's harder to get a spot in these camps, as increasingly parents are calling ahead to ask when registration will open, and when it does, many register that first day before the camps sell out (which they do). The ABOVE: Pastor Dave Kirsch of Chilliwack Baptist Church, where he has served cap is set at 50 kids each week, but it's a soft cap because as Dave says with a laugh, he “just in children’s ministry for 18 years. Dave is a two-time alumnus of Taylor. can't say no to these kids.” chance to connect personally always comes first. I spoke with Dave about how he's cast a vision that Don't stick to a script.” enlists such loyalty, and he says it comes down to his This passion both comes from and is taught to his passion: engaging children so they can be reached volunteers. Dave spoke highly of one who the kids with the Gospel. But the engagement has to come call “Mrs. June” or “the craft lady”, who sees crafts as first – it's not about the program or curriculum. not so much about the thing being made, but an “Camp is for the camper,” Dave says. “Whatever excuse to get close to and spend time with a kid. kind of attitude a kid shows up with in the morning, A two-time Taylor grad (NABC and NABDS), Dave has tailor the camp to meet the need.” This approach been at Chilliwack Baptist for 18 years, and in extends to his weekly church ministry as well. ministry for over 25. He's witnessed what he calls the “It's not about getting through material – it's about “Edu-tainment Pendulum” swing from one extreme connecting with kids. If they don't want to talk, then to the other. teachers have resources to fill the time, but the (article continues on the next page)
(Children’s Ministry at Grace Point, continued from pg. 10) table, during or between everyday tasks) when teaching and faith-building can happen. “The norm for parenting today is wanting the absolute best teachers and role models for our kids, the experts: in coaching sports, teaching music, tutoring academic subjects!” LuAnne says. It leaves parents feeling inadequate, and believing it's best to leave the teaching of spiritual things to the Pastors. But when the importance of having time to process and live out what is learned at church is overlooked, many kids will sense a disconnect, and their faith will begin to break down.” At Grace Point, parents are encouraged to download the Parent Cue app for
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their mobile devices, which provides tools for families to link church and home. Parent Cue is just one of the many resources offered by Reggie Joiner's “Think Orange” curriculum used at Grace Point. As described on their website, “Red represents the heart and the family… yellow represents the church and the light… combined they create orange. The most powerful impact in the spiritual journey of a child is when red and yellow collide and we work together to raise Christ-following kids!” Parents connected with kids who are connected with passionate volunteers – that's the goal of ministry at Grace Point, a goal they are achieving! TB TB
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ABOVE: Chilliwack Baptist Church children’s ministry in action. LEFT: “Mrs. June”, aka The Craft Lady, is a volunteer at Pastor Dave’s church and is an example of someone who focuses on the kids during craft time.
“For a while, it was all about education – Sunday SCHOOL. That's how I was raised. It was about principles, and transferring knowledge. Sitting still in a classroom and learning.” There are advantages to this method: the consistency of one teacher with the same kids week after week builds relationship and powerful influence. Dave still remembers some of his Sunday school teachers and the positive impact they had on his life. More recently, the pendulum swung too far the other way, towards entertainment. “With the shift to video on computers and TV as teachers, kids got bored. They can think it's all about games and fun, which leads to the ‘dumbing down’ of Scriptural truths,” Dave warns. “The trick is finding a balance on this spectrum.” Although teaching kids with shorter attention spans is challenging, Dave thinks it’s important for the church to teach delayed gratification, both in class and in matters of faith (God may not answer prayers right now). He also puts the onus on adults to engage the kids: “Even your most misbehaved child will follow you when they are engaged. I blame myself first for a kid’s behavioural issues. That’s a humbling admission!” Dave laughs. One of the biggest influences on his ministry has been the teaching models of Sue Miller (formerly of Willow Creek). Miller advocates the “nugget approach” – that each lesson should have a nugget, one point and application step that, if a child remembered nothing else, would stick.
After Miller left Willow Creek, she went to Think Orange with Reggie Joiner, whose curriculum has also been helpful for LuAnne Birkholz (previous page). Dave appreciates that Think Orange has a multimedia approach – video, music, picture/paper resources – and with everything digital, it can be tweaked and changed to meet his individual church's needs. A significant priority is partnering with parents. Dave uses a number of creative ways to bring teaching home, including parenting seminars, social media contact, and blogs. Dave sees value in keeping older kids and younger kids together, but he notes it’s been helpful to “scale up” the material when different ages are together. “Teaching has to reach the older kids in the group,” he says. “Younger kids will scale up [or the older kids can help them understand], but older kids won't take as well to ‘baby-ish material’ and you'll lose them.” Another aspect of children's ministry has been supporting families with special needs. For a number of years Chilliwack Baptist ran Imagine Ministry, offering respite care on Friday evenings for parents of kids with special needs. His experience in ministry has given Dave the ability to see the big picture. “When looking for growth and maturity in a kid’s life, you can’t isolate a single week or lesson,” Dave says. “Look at ministry annually, rather than weekly. Yes, each week is important, it’s a building block, but over time is how you build influence. How a kid grows throughout one grade or school year is what matters.” TB Suzanne Van Herk is part of the communications team at Taylor. She is married to Brian, and they have two daughters, Gwen and Elli, who is featured on the cover of this issue of The Bridge.
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13 From the Mouths of Babes:
Gems from little disciples God and I work together to give love to all the mean people. - Elli, age 4 (Edmonton, AB)
Q: What do you know about Jesus? A: Well...Jesus likes sparkles. And he wants me to play nicely, and never be mean. A friend's 3 year old grand-daughter said this morning that she wants God to buy some mountains and move them here (to Edmonton). -via Sheryl Grunwald
When asked what she learned in Sunday school a three year old replied, "it was about Noah and the disciples crossing the Red Sea.” -via LuAnne Birkholz
Q: What is your favourite part about going to church? A: Wearing fancy dresses. And you give me lots of snacks. - Murielle, age 4
“Mommy, the Bible tells us to help people, right?” Yes, she answers. “Then why aren't we?” - Zach, age 6 (Edmonton, AB)
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The Camino Taylor Students on Pilgrimmage
PHOTOS: Taylor’s MI 546 Global Mission Study Tour returned to the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain in May 2017. Dr. Allan Effa led a sold-out class on a fifteen-day, 318 km pilgrimage of prayer, study, witness, rain, food poisoning, friendship, glorious scenery and blisters – and soaking in cool streams (above). It was life-changing.
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ABOVE: Josiah Black is the new Registrar for both Taylor Seminary and Sioux Falls Seminary, marking an innovative development in the growing relationship between our institutions. BELOW: Su Jin Chong at a farewell gathering at Taylor in May following her resignation.
New Shared Registrar, Closer Partnership Taylor working more closely with Sioux Falls Seminary
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aylor’s new Registrar is one of the signs of a growing and innovative partnership between Taylor Seminary and Sioux Falls Seminary (SFS).
Josiah Black is serving as the Registrar for both institutions, and does so from his home in Illinois, using remote online access. He replaces Su Jin Chong, who resigned after five years of service at Taylor to move with her husband and children to a new pastorate in Ontario. This new arrangement is made possible through new technologies that allow people to work from any location, and also by a growing culture of accepting and embracing change. This shared administrative role will result in cost-savings, but also in a more unified approach to serving students. Along with a shared Registrar, Taylor and SFS are working more closely in a number of ways. Curriculum development is taking place jointly, with ongoing meetings between the two faculties; learning objectives are being brought into alignment and we are moving together to a leading-edge competency-based approach to education. The trustees of both institutions held face-to-face Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
meetings in May, and administrative teams are beginning to work together. Work on bringing the institutions into closer alignment continues even as President Dr. David Williams takes a short sabbatical: his duties are distributed among a number of colleagues, including SFS President Greg Henson who is participating in regular meetings of the administrative team. The pace of change clearly reflects the progress made and goodwill shown on all sides; the vision of our two institutions retaining their separate identities while functioning as one organization is becoming a clearer reality. TB
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in pictures | Grad 2017 1. Adeyemi Kayode (’17) paused before the ceremony for this photo so he could share the grad experience with his wife and family back home in Nigeria. | 2. James Leeson (’17) with his diploma. | 3. Barb Payne (’17) shares her diploma with friends and family following the ceremony. | 4. Ryan Pedde receiving his MDiv from President Dr. David Williams. | 5. Nathanael Trinh (’17) shakes hands with President Williams as he is conferred with his degree. | 6. Edmonton pastor Garry Mullen (’17) shares a laugh with fellow graduands before the ceremony. | 7. Martina Keast (’17), who earned her MTS, waits for the ceremony to begin. | 8. Heather Breitkreuz was both a Taylor student and a Taylor employee as she earned her MTS – and she is all thumbs-up as her degree program winds down. | 9. Greg Garbutt, who was president of the Taylor Seminary Student Association, was also selected by his classmates to be Valedictorian of the Class of 2017. | 10. Ai Ojima (’17) smiles brightly moments after wiping away happy tears. Ai earned the Master of Intercultural Studies-TESOL degree.
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11. Val Martens (’17) was honored with multiple academic awards (see below). | 12. Church planter Stephen Kuruvilla (’17) enjoys a moment with his wife following the service. | 13. James Leeson (’17) gets a warm hug. | 14. Jeffery Bebeau (’14, ‘17) accepts his second parchment from Taylor in three years. | 15. Alexander Frimpong (’17) is “hooded” by Board Chair Gregg Becker. | 16. Board Chair Gregg Becker reaches up to hood Andrew Crossman (’17). | 17. (L-R) Ai Ojima, Stephen Kuruvilla, Stephen Epp and Heather Breitkreuz were winners of a Sonnenberg Leadership Scholarship, one of the major year-end awards handed out at Grad each year. A fifth scholarship was presented in absentia to Kent Blanton.
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2017 Scholarships and Academic Awards Canadian Bible Society Award for Public Reading of Scripture: Val Martens Each year the Canadian Bible Society awards a Bible to a student who has demonstrated excellence in the public reading of Scripture. Dewey Intercultural Studies Award: Loudell Herms Former Taylor President Marvin Dewey and his late wife Becky established this scholarship to be awarded to the student who demonstrates competence in and concern for intercultural ministry. Dan Leverette Memorial Scholarship: Christopher Miller The Dan Leverette Memorial Scholarship is given to a Master of Divinity student who demonstrates ability in and commitment to the practice of youth ministry and is preparing for full-time vocational ministry with youth. William Sturhahn Preaching Award: Garry Mullen Made possible by the family of Dr. William Sturhahn, this scholarship is for a graduating student who demonstrates special proficiency in preaching and is seeking placement as a pastor in Canada. Goltz Family Scholarship: Greg Garbutt, Val Martens, Ryan Pedde Established by the family of former President Dr. Walter Goltz, this award is given to full-time program students who are preparing for Christian ministry; the award will be made on the basis of academic performance. The Taylor Alumni Association Scholarship: Gavin Cheng The Alumni Association Scholarship is awarded to a student distinguished in academics and Christian behaviour and seeking placement in full-time vocational ministry. Doris and Gerald Borchert Scholarship in New Testament Studies: Kent Blanton This scholarship is awarded to the full-time, second-year student who demonstrates the highest proficiency in New Testament studies. Faculty Scholarship: Val Martens This scholarship is awarded to the degree student who earned the highest grade point average during the present academic year while completing a minimum of 9 credits each semester. Sonnenberg Leadership Scholarship: (Five Recipients) Kent Blanton, Heather Breitkreuz, Stephen Epp, Stephen Kuruvilla, Ai Ojima This scholarship, established by the late Dr. Joseph Sonnenberg (former president), is given to students who demonstrate giftedness in the area of leadership. We are deeply grateful for the friends of the seminary who have made these scholarships and awards possible; thank you for your generosity. Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
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PHOTOS: 1. The annual Chili Cookoff, organized by the Taylor Seminary Students Association, featured an even bigger selection and variety of recipes this year. | 2. Winners and contributors to the annual TSSA Chili Cookoff. | 3. Pastor Dennis Gulley became an Associate of the E P Wahl Centre this spring, heading up an initiative called Building Healthy Church Staffs. | 4. A delegate at the 2017 E.P. Wahl Lectures asks a question of presenter Dr. Michael Gorman, who spoke about Reading Romans Missionally. | 5. Dr. Jerry Shepherd, with a full classroom for his one-week intensive course during January Intersession. | 6. Students share a laugh during lunch hour in the Taylor Commons. | 7. Dr. Doug Anderson of Sioux Falls Seminary (right) stands with President Dr. David Williams at Taylor. Doug was teaching a course called Crisis Counselling as part of a developing partnership with Sioux Falls Seminary that includes sharing faculty resources. | 8. The inaugural class of the new Parish Nursing Institute stand together following the presentation of Certificates at the end of the 8-day course. Nurses came from across Alberta and BC to learn more about this compassionate care ministry.
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News and Notes In Sympathy We note with sadness and hope the passing of a number of alumni and former Taylor employees. January 3 – Ida Dorn (nee Heinrichs) ('56), who was living in Kelowna at the time of her death. January 6 – Myrtle Ertis, a former student (CTI) and employee who served as a bookkeeper for a time. February 2 – Bertha Janzen ('42) passed away in Medicine Hat at the age of 90. She met her husband Lowell Janzen while both were students at CTI; after a call to ministry, they attended our sister seminary in Rochester and Sioux Falls, then served at churches in Valleyview, AB, Fenwood, SK, Arnprior, ON, and the Chicago and New York areas. March 5 – Rev. Ken Walker ('73, '82), longtime pastor and church planter in the Edmonton area. Active in his community with the Legion and the Chamber of Commerce, he was also the founding pastor of New Hope Community Church. Among the tributes at his funeral was a video message from friend and NHL superstar Jerome Iginla. March 12 – Hulda Ziemer ('56), was 86 when she passed away. She lived in Vernon BC for much of her life and was a longtime employee of Okanagan Telephones, and a longtime faithful member of and volunteer at Faith Baptist Church. March 22 – Estella Reich passed away peacefully at home in Edmonton. A former CTI student, she also served as hospitality coordinator at NABC for a number of years. April 11 – Rev. Fred Merke, age 87. Fred first heard a call to ministry at the 1958 Triennial, organized by E.P. Wahl. A CTI alumnus and a long-serving NAB pastor, he was married to Hildegard for 62 years. April 20 – Rev. Ed Hohn, well-known in NAB circles as a pastor and BC Regional Minister, attended CTI and Sioux Falls Seminary in preparation for a lifetime of ministry. He and his wife Manetta (married for 58 years) served at churches in Saskatoon, Surrey and Kelowna. Ed was remembered as a prayer warrior, a wonderful mentor and a serious game player (Rook!). April 22 – Jake Lang, known by many for his service as our campus administrator during the NABC era, passed away in Kelowna. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth, and their children. Jake was Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
remembered as a hard worker who loved people and had a servant's heart. April 24 – Carrie Stober (’46) (nee Reich) of Medicine Hat passed away at age 90. Carrie was a founding member of Temple Baptist Church. May 25 – Dr. Kevin Quast, former Academic VicePresident of Taylor University College, passed away at the age of 59 in Edmonton. Kevin was remembered as a gifted scholar and pastor, and as someone who was significantly influential in the lives of many who now serve in ministry. He is survived by his wife Sandra and their children, Kira and Graham.
Births Jan 19 – a son born to Aaron Au ('14) and his wife April. He shall be called Ethan Jeremiah. Jan 25 – a son, Timothy, born to Paul Norton ('17) and his wife, Eunice Fu. Feb 16 – a daughter, Hanna Kato, born to Becky Kato ('09, nee Lengefeld) and her husband Elijah. April 16 – a son named David, born on Easter weekend to Taylor Seminary student Derrick Lee and his wife, Renee. May 18 – a daughter named Tori was born to Chantelle (2007-09) and Jeff Behrens, a sister for Lizzie.
Alumni News Congratulations to Dr. Brent Dunbar ('05), who earned his DMin from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May. Congratulations to Dr. Jacky Lau, who earned his PhD from William Carey International University in Pasadena, CA in May. Taylor Seminary has been a big part of Jacky's journey. Pastor Bernard Cheung ('08) retired in January from Bethel Korean Baptist Church, where he has served in ministry for a decade. Congratulations to Pastor Matt Garvin ('15) and his family, who are returning to Australia after accepting a call to serve as Senior Pastor at Citywide Baptist Church in Hobart, Tasmania. Matt has been serving at St. Albert Alliance, and has been a friend and colleague of Taylor President Dr. David Williams in training and teaching with Fusion Canada. Congratulations to Pastor Josh Munan ('94), who has accepted a call from Parkland Baptist Church in Spruce Grove; he had been serving at Carbon
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Community Church. Congratulations to Pastor Nick Thiessen ('12), who (News and Notes, cont. from pg. 19) has accepted the position of senior pastor at Zion Community Baptist Church in Edmonton. Nick has been serving in an associate role at Zion for a number of years. Daniel Read ('04) writes to say that he and his wife are living in Tennessee and have two sons, Liam and Ronan. The couple met at Taylor when it was NABC. Kari Didow ('91, nee Olsen) writes to share the joy of farming outside of New Norway. After her studies at Taylor (NABC), she earned a diploma in Child and Youth Care, got married, and worked in group homes until she and Chad took up farming. Dr. Lou Sawchenko wrote to offer some kind compliments about the December 2016 edition of The Bridge and included an update on life since his time (8 years) teaching at NABC/DS and serving in churches in this area. He taught at various institutions, most recently at Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. He wrote: “So now after hanging up my power points and assorted other academically related paraphernalia, even more travel consumes our lives... so much to see, so little time.”
Faculty News Congratulations to Academic Dean Dr. Ralph Korner (’82) on the publication of his PhD thesis, The Origin and Meaning of Ekklēsia in the Early Jesus Movement (Brill, 2017). In the foreword, leading New Testament scholar Dr. Paul Trebilco called Dr. Korner's work comprehensive, “a very careful piece of scholarship, which is well-argued, carefully constructed, and very thorough. It is characterised by an encyclopaedic knowledge of the ancient sources relating to the use of ekklēsia, by careful argumentation and judicious weighing of the evidence, an exhaustive knowledge of past and present debates about the topics covered and by lucid presentation. Dr. Korner has advanced the discussion significantly and has given us a foundational work for all future discussions of this important and influential term.”
Alumni Updates We invite you to share your news with us -marriages, moves, babies, careers... we want to note these important events! Please stay in touch by email: alumni@Taylor-Edu.ca. Telephone: 780-431-5200
An Invitation to Artists As part of the upcoming onWORD Conference, the E P Wahl Centre is issuing a Call for Submissions to artists. The theme of the 2017 conference is the Prodigal. This parable has likely inspired more art over the past twothousand years than any other, and we hope to add to that history. Artists are invited to read and reflect on the passage in Luke 15, and to submit a painting or drawing for inclusion in the onWORD Art Exhibit. The best pieces, as judged by our jurors, will be awarded prizes in two categories: High School Artists, and Adult Artists. This is an excellent way for artists to engage with the text, and to help us reflect on this powerful and challenging story. Contributors are also encouraged to make their art available for sale at the event through a silent auction. Visit the conference webpage to learn more: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/onWORD
Alumni Profile - Sheryl Grunwald (’83, DBS; ‘95, MDiv) Student: Graduated from Taylor (then NABC) in 1983 and again in 1995 (then Edmonton Baptist Seminary) Hometown: grew up in Leduc, AB, now lives in Calgary (when she’s not on the road) Contact Info: kidzana@telus.net
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aylor professors saw a passion for children’s ministry in Sheryl, and even before the idea of student-directed graduate studies was a “thing” she was given significant latitude to pursue this passion. Sheryl Grunwald delivers the Commencement Address at the 2017 Taylor Seminary Graduation Ceremony, held at McKernan Baptist Church. “When I took a course on eschatology, I did a survey of children’s curriculum on heaven, professors. hell and end times,” Sheryl says. “When I took a “I was invited to teach a children’s ministry intensive course on missions, I wrote on children as an class at the seminary in Ndu, Cameroon. Dr. Syd unreached people group and how Page happened to be teaching at the Jesus was counter-cultural in the seminary that semester too, and I stayed with way He reached out to them. I him and his wife, Faith. It was exciting to talk tried to bring that aspect of my not as professor-student but as colleagues in passion into my whole theological ministry,” she says. “The affirmation and the study, and I appreciated the grace encouragement that he gave, even several of the professors for allowing me years after I had graduated from Taylor, was to do that.” pretty exciting.” Sheryl first came to Taylor (NABC) Another important influence in her life and for her Diploma in Biblical Studies ministry was a course on managing change and returned to Taylor (then and conflict, taught by Professor Ray Seutter. Edmonton Baptist Seminary) and “Understanding how I dealt with conflict, and earned her MDiv in 1995. [how] to be a change agent… carried over into She is a student once again – this pastoral ministry and helped me time at the Asia Graduate School Yearbook pics, 1983 (above) and 1982 (below). understand how I can be more of Theology in Manila where she effective; it has really come back is working towards her PhD. She many, many times over.” knows that having a doctorate will be Sheryl is a leader in a children’s instrumental in opening doors to champion the ministry movement that is picking cause of children's ministry around the world. up steam around the world. She Thinking back on her time at Taylor, Sheryl works primarily as a trainer of those reflects fondly on close relationships she had and who train children’s ministry still has with fellow students, including two workers – a Christ-minded leader classmates who were her prayer partners. who is making a huge difference in Despite being in different ministries and living in the world. You can read more about different cities across Canada, “we are still in her current work in the article on touch, after 20 years, [and] we continue to page 3 in this issue of The Bridge. TB support one another in prayer.” She also recalls the mentoring and nurturing by the
Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
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Your Invitation to the God’s Volunteer / New Day
Sing and Celebrate Cruise
Spend Valentine’s Day 2018 on the Mexican Riviera! Why not celebrate Valentine's Day on a cruise! Three years ago, alumni of God's Volunteers/New Day had a great reunion in Phoenix, Arizona. It was an awesome time of music and fellowship. Organizers Norm Stork and Harry Hiller are at it again, planning another memorable gathering: this is a special invitation for you to join a special cruise to the Mexican Riviera, February 10-17, 2018 organized by God's Volunteers/New Day Alumni.
SAVE THE DATE! FEBRUARY 10-17, 2018
The GVND program ended in 1990; during the time it ran, many lifelong friendships were formed, and time spent together is deeply meaningful. Alumni of NABS/SFS and NABC/Taylor, particularly those who were involved in music in some way during those years, are invited to join this special cruise being organized with the theme “SING AND CELEBRATE”. Everyone is welcome! Organizers recently announced details for the cruise, leaving from Los Angeles for the Mexican Riviera on the Ruby Princess for seven days departing on February 10, 2018. The cruise will be a great time to connect with those with whom you shared musical experiences in the past but also an opportunity to make new friends with similar NAB ties from all over the continent. This announcement is for you if w You at some point in time had a connection with God's Volunteers/New Day through friendships and
associations w You attended NABC/Taylor in Edmonton or NABS/SFS in Sioux Falls and may have participated in one of the
musical groups there; or you lived in Sioux Falls or Edmonton or attended school there and participated in music in one of the surrounding churches. w You have some kind of NAB tie either in the past or currently anywhere in the U.S. or Canada w You love Christian music either as a participant or a listener
Please call Nancy Bogart, our cruise specialist, for information about this cruise, and be sure to ask about any promotions which may be available: 1-800-561-0802. Oh – and be sure to share this with others who may be interested!
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Feb. 10
PORT Los Angeles, CA
ARRIVAL –
GVN D
2- MON
Feb. 11
At Sea - Sing & Celebrate
3 - TUES
Feb. 12
February 10-17, 2018
4 - WED
DEPART 4:00 PM
At Sea - Sing & Celebrate
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Feb. 13
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
10:00 AM
8:00 PM
5 - THU
Feb. 14
Mazatlan, Mexico
7:00 AM
5:00 PM
6 - FRI
Feb. 15
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
7 - SAT
Feb. 16
At Sea - Sing & Celebrate
7:00 AM –
2:00 PM –
8 - SUN
Feb. 17
Los Angeles, CA
7:00 AM
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UPCOMING EVENTS Here are some important dates to note, including deadlines and events. Taylor extends a warm welcome to all who can join us for some of our upcoming educational offerings. Aug. 31:
Student Orientation
Sept. 1:
Deadline for Registration (Fall Semester)
Sept. 5:
First Day of Classes at Taylor Seminary!
Sept. 29-30:
onWORD Conference: PRODIGAL (Art and Faith)
Oct. 25:
CAPS Symposium (Calgary)
Nov. 17:
Flourish Healthy Pastors Workshop (Medicine Hat)
Nov. 25:
Church Board Development Workshop
Feb. 28:
Sabbatical Prep Workshop
onWORD Conference September 29-30, 2017 The annual onWORD Conference, is artful, thoughtful, meaningful – a fresh encounter with scripture. This is a curated experience of the people, places and stories of the Bible using the gifts of artists, and featuring such speakers as Dr. Preston Pouteaux, Dr. David Gowler, Pastor Marv Ziprick, Meg Ziprick-Rieder, Dr. Tony Maan, Tim Willson and Dr. Randy Ritz. One of our featured speakers is Dr. David Gowler of Oxford College of Emory University, author of the new The Parables After Jesus (2017, Baker Academic); he will explore the ‘reception history’ of this story. The conclusion of the onWORD Conference will be a first-century feast with a fatted calf: we will taste the flavors provided by the father and enjoyed by the Lost Son and all their neighbours. Come and experience one of the greatest stories ever told! LOCATION: Bethel Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB REGISTER ONLINE: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/onWORD
Sabbatical Preparation Workshop February 28, 2018 A ministry sabbatical may be the most important step you take in the next year or two – so don’t take a sabbatical without this invaluable one-day preparatory workshop.
2018 E.P. Wahl Lectures March 16, 2018 Dr. Edith Humphrey of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will explore the central role of Scripture in the worship engagements of Christians from the New Testament into the following three centuries. Her overall topic is entitled Worship and the Life of Christ's People. REGISTER ONLINE: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/Events Come and learn with us! 1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca
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The Prodigal Son (ca. 1880 ), by Charles Green and John Swain; Engraving from Cassell’s Illustrated Family Bible (ca. 1880), 7.5” X 6.5”. Stylized colouring added (except to the Lost Son who sits in black and white).
ABOUT THIS IMAGE This image of the Prodigal Son is displayed along with the text of Luke 15 in a massive 150-year old family Bible. This parable has been depicted in art more than almost any other story from the Bible. The 2017 onWORD Conference will explore this art and dig deep into the message of this startling story. Colouring was added except to the starving prodigal who is considering a return to his father.
ABOUT THE ARTIST AND ENGRAVER The above engraving is one of over 900 which appears in the Cassell’s Illustrated Family Bible, published in approximately 1880 by London-based Cassell, Petter & Galpin. This engraving is signed (bottom left) by C Green, artist Charles Green (of Islington, UK). The engraver was evidently John Swain, whose somewhatlegible signature is bottom right (of Swain & Armstrong, Fleet Street, London). This massive Bible offers only a blanket credit for its many illustrators: “The numerous engravings have all been executed by eminent British and Foreign artists.” Taylor alumni are invited to submit photographs, paintings and other visual art projects for publication or display on campus. Learn more at www.Taylor-Edu.ca/creative
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