WINTER 2024-25
Rev. Dr. Garrett-Cobbina: A legacy of leadership and inclusive theological vision Chimes
Since joining San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) in 2006, Rev. Dr. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina has worn multiple hats with grace and expertise. Serving as dean, the Shaw Family Chair for Clinical Pastoral Education, and director of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program and Shaw Chaplaincy Institute for Spiritual Care and Compassionate Leadership, her journey is one marked by transformation and dedication. Yet, behind these impressive credentials lies a surprising past: she was once both a mathematician and a competitive swimmer.
Raised in Indiana during the 1960s, Garrett-Cobbina grew up in a stable, loving, Presbyterian family that valued athletics as well as education. With both parents as physical education teachers, Garrett-Cobbina and her siblings were immersed in sports from a young age. “They understood the importance of play in in education. Our parents actually played with us!”
Her father, an All-American athlete at Indiana University, had even contributed to breaking the color barrier in college basketball. Swimming competitively since childhood, GarrettCobbina recalls family trips to swim meets across states, often facing discrimination at restaurants and hotels due to their race.
Garrett-Cobbina excelled in mathematics, pursuing it as her major at Syracuse University. She initially worked as a systems analyst, but her life took a new direction when she recognized a calling toward theology. “I grew up in a Presbyterian church in Indiana,” she said, where her parents were deacons in the church alongside other prominent Black community leaders. “My church provided me with a solid, inclusive theological point of view,” and her minister supported her when she recognized the spiritual call to earn her master’s in theology and a Master of Divinity from Princeton University. Garrett-Cobbina said she found the unique language of theology “as distinctive as the language of medical doctors. Once I learned that special language, I was on my way.”
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Her path led her to SFTS, where she was thrilled to accept a pioneering role funded by the generosity of Rev. John and Julia Shaw. The Shaw family’s $4 million gift helped establish the Shaw Chair for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), which aligned with Garrett-Cobbina’s vision for fostering compassionate leadership. While developing and accrediting the CPE program, Garrett-Cobbina pursued her Ph.D. at the Graduate Theological Union, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She felt that God provided the opportunity to take on this transformational and meaningful work which she called, “the best experience of my life.”
Garrett-Cobbina ’s impact is historic. She is the first person of color to serve as dean and the first Black woman on SFTS faculty, making her a trailblazer within the institution. Looking to the future, she envisions a seminary that prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration, with a commitment to progressive theological education. Her goals include supporting a diverse student body, expanding partnerships, accommodating Spanish-speaking students, and creating cross-country study programs.
As Garrett-Cobbina guides SFTS into a new era, her vision is deeply rooted in the inclusive values of her childhood church—a fusion of tradition and innovation that promises a brighter, more inclusive future.
Robert Frasier ’81 sent this wonderful picture of a recent SFTS reunion of friends. Over the Labor Day weekend, several SFTS grads and spouses gathered for a mini reunion at the Hyder Homestead cabin above Ft. Collins, CO: Les (’79) and Patti Hyder, Don (’79) and Zell Derryberry, Bob (’80) and Rhoda Frasier, Lynn Jones (’79) and Sue Fleener (’81).
Class notes
Class Notes reflect submissions from Feb. 29, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024*
Earl Arnold ’69 reports that he and his wife Sandra (Brikowski) Arnold are living in retirement at the Paget Price Presbyterian Homes in Owego, NY. Earl’s current ministries are secretary of the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea and as editor on the newsletter team for the New York State Poor People’s Campaign. Sandy is still active with Presbyterian Women, having recently attended a training retreat for the 2024-25 PW Bible Study, “Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation.”
Responding to pleas from their children, Brad Kent ’69 ’94 and his wife Alegría have resettled in Eugene, OR. Now it is promised that they will “have better care in their old age.” While this is appreciated, it is not yet necessary. Brad provides pulpit supply monthly at two small, thriving Presbyterian churches and occasionally to the Lutheran church that is their new church home. After retiring from five years as Moderate of the Cascades Presbytery’s Commission on Preparation for Ministry, he is now on the Commission for Ministry. Just to be involved locally, he is secretary of the Churchill Area Neighbors. Alegría is volunteering with Food for Lane County. For more info, email jbradfordkent@gmail.com and when you do, please share some of your life. He would delight in hearing from you! Abundant grace! Abiding peace!
Rodger Mattson ’77 is working “locums tenums” seeing patients this fall semester at the University of Oklahoma student health clinic, as they had some recent retirements. This summer, he and his wife Beth traveled nearly 9,000 miles from southwest Virginia
to Valdez, Alaska, with their “toy hauler” travel trailer with their motorcycle in the back. Deborah Wright ’78 says she is proudly succeeding at retirement! A wise friend told her to say NO for the first year to every request to serve on a new board/committee/ task force, and to listen to the new rhythm of retirement. That year is up, as she now returns to serve on a Presbytery committee and takes on a leadership position on the Zephyr Point Board. The indulgence of twohour hikes four to five mornings a week keeps her loving the beauty of Marin. Travel has included an Eastern Caribbean sail tracing early slave trade history, followed by a car trip down the Blues Trail, and a variety of Civil Rights sites. “The new Legacy Project sites in Montgomery are off the chart exquisite!” she reports.
Over Labor Day weekend, Robert Frasier ’81 attended a reunion at the Hyder Homestead cabin above Ft. Collins, CO, with Les ’79 and Patti Hyder, Don ’79 and Zell Derryberry, Bob ’80 and Rhoda Frasier, Lynn Jones ’79 and Sue Fleener ’81. The Hyders live in Fresno, CA, and Les is retired and doing some transitional work for North Central California Presbytery. The Derryberrys’ retirement home is in Sheridan, WY. The Frasier’s make their home in Chapman, KS. Bob is retired and serves part time as stated clerk for the Presbytery of Northern Kansas. Sue and Lynn are at home in Loveland, CO.
Tom Murray ’82 recently published two books of a five-book series titled The Draken Saga: The Scrolls and the Summoning and The Draken Saga: The Scourge. Both books are available on Amazon.
Malcolm McQueen ’83 ’93 retired February 2024, having served nearly 41 years in ordained ministry. Over these years his calls included Assistant/Associate Pastor
Tom Murray '82 published the first two titles of a five-book series called The Draken Saga.
at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church (El Cajon, CA, 1983-89); Pastor at Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church (Cortez, CO, 1990-95); Pastor at John Calvin Presbyterian Church (San Antonio, TX, 1996-2014); and Pastor/Senior Pastor at The Church at Horseshoe Bay (Horseshoe Bay, Texas, 2015-24). In the months since retirement, the McQueens have been fifth wheeling their way through Colorado, Utah, and California while living into the phrase: “Retired – Under New Management (see grandkids for details).”
Heather Hennessey ’88 had a wonderful 25 years of parish ministry in Northern California, then 10 years of part-time hospice chaplaincy in retirement. She and her husband, Randy Haynes, live in Redding, CA, and welcome visitors. Heather and Randy report being “happy and healthy.”
Peter Crouch ’89 is the Vice President of Development at Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) in Austin, TX. PCHAS serves 4,500 children and families in need throughout Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana through Christ-centered care and support. Peter has been there since 2011 and is enjoying it immensely!
Bruce Reyes Chow ’95 After nearly 30 years of ordained ministry and serving seven churches in various pastoral roles, Bruce has committed to full-time writing and itineration. Bruce’s most recent book, Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith (Broadleaf, 2024) is in its second printing, and his next book on Jesus (yet-to-be-titled) along with Advent and Lenten Devotionals (Chalice Press) will be out Fall 2025. He is still active in local politics, community organizing, and faith-based activism. In the spring of 2025, he will return to Palestine, leading two delegations in partnership with Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center.
*Only if the notification date was between Feb. 29, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024*
Rev. Teresa Blythe ’00 has published the textbook Spiritual Direction 101 from Apocryphile Press
Karen Simms Tolson ’13 has published Wisdom of Our Elders: Living in Spirit, Wisdom, Deep Mercy, Truth
Bruce recently completed a six-year term on the Board of More Light Presbyterians and now serves on the Board of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. To stay connected, subscribe to his Substack newsletter, The Amalgamation, or connect on most social platforms via @breyeschow. Bruce and his spouse Robin continue to cheer on their three adult children and are flourishing as empty nesters. They now live in San Jose, CA, with their two senior “puppies” and far too many houseplants.
Chaplain, Major and Rev. Edgar Shirley Welty ’97 reports, “During my coursework at SFTS, I had gone out dancing and met my wife. We were married in Stewart Chapel. I was in my ‘Campbell of Argyll’ kilt because of an ancestral tie to Rabbie Burns. We hired a bagpiper, snare drummer and two highland dancers and had our reception at Alexander Hall. After earning my M.Div and chaplaincy experience, I received a call to Durand United Church of Christ in Rochester, NY, then served for a rural congregation at Zion Lutheran Church. I returned to the Bay Area to serve Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Tiburon, CA. In 2015, I was commissioned as a Chaplain/Captain in the 31st. CA Regiment of the United States Volunteers. Five years later, I was promoted to Major and given the assignment of “Chief of Chaplains” of our CA Regt.” Edgar is also chaplain for several other organizations.
Rev. Teresa Blythe ’00 has launched an innovative program to train people to become spiritual directors. The Apprentice Training Program of the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction admits applicants with strong spiritual formation backgrounds— from a variety of religious traditions—and offers a nine-month, 20-session live online program designed to work with applicants one-on-one or in small cohorts. Teresa’s over
Chaplain and Major Rev. Edgar Shirley Welty ’97 recalls meeting his wife while at SFTS. They married in Stewart Chapel, with him in his ‘Campbell of Argyll’ kilt honoring ancestor Rabbie Burns, and celebrated with a bagpiper, snare drummer, highland dancers, and a reception at Alexander Hall.
20 years of experience as a spiritual director and former director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson, AZ, led first to the writing of the textbook Spiritual Direction 101 from Apocryphile Press and then to this apprentice program. Teresa was ordained to the ministry of spiritual direction in the UCC in 2011. More information can be found at www.phoenixspiritualdirection.com
Nick Kolivas ’09 has entered his ninth year as a part-time Associate Pastor for Forest Hill Christian Church in San Francisco, and is semi-retired. Prior to this, Nick was a hospice chaplain, and before that, completed a one-year Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency, both in Honolulu, Hawaii. While attending SFTS, Nick completed his seminary internship at Forest Hill Christian Church. He strongly believes that without this internship, he would not be an Associate Pastor at this church today.
Dee Cooper ’11 has continued pastoral ministry in Colorado as Interim Co-Pastor at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church and Interim Pastor at FPC Brighton. She transitioned to Mid Council Ministry leadership, serving as Interim EP for Heartland Presbytery and Gap Presbyter for Coastlands Presbytery. Currently, Dee is the Lead Presbyter for Denver Presbytery. As well, Dee worked with the USAF and Federal chaplaincies, presenting at military bases and keynoting conferences for the P4P (Provide for the Provider) initiative. She is a founder, faculty member, and coach with Restoring Resourcefulness at the Hendricks Institute in Ojai, CA. She also served on the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and is currently involved with the Unification Commission of the General Assembly to establish a new agency between PMA and OGA. Additionally, Dee is part of the faculty for Presbyterian Leader Formation and serve
as Faculty and former Dean for the MALT program for Transitional Presbytery leaders.
Ineda Pearl Player Adessanya ’13 ’14 ’15 returned to SFTS last month as Visiting Lecturer for Christian Spirituality and Interim Director of Spiritual Direction and Formation. Ellen Acton ’97 was one of the first to graduate from the International Feminist Theology program led by Dr. Letty Russell and Dr. Shannon Clarkson. She has continued to be guided by things she learned through that program and the wisdom gained by studying with those wonderful teachers and students at SFTS. Ellen retired from active ministry in the Detroit Presbytery in 2009. She moved to California, then to Seattle to be with her daughter and granddaughter and is delighted to be close to her family. Now a member of the Seattle Presbytery, she continues to be an active participant in worship at Rainier Beach PC in Seattle. Ellen also volunteers as a mentor with a program that assists BIPOC youth ages 14-24 in developing readiness for further education and careers. “Peace to all who read this. May you be blessed in all you do as you walk in the light of Godde.”
Karen Simms Tolson ’13 of Louisville, Kentucky, is editor and author of Wisdom of Our Elders: Living in Spirit, Wisdom, Deep Mercy, and Truth (Wipf and Stock, 2024). The book is a collection of 22 essays that reflect and build on wisdom and sustainable truth with modern applications. The chapters provide accessible teachings and learning concepts based on the 22 contributing writers’ experiences and various religious traditions with contemporary perspectives, offering thought-provoking questions and spiritual exercises. The book can be utilized in reading circles and classrooms to broaden readers’ ideas on wisdom and spirituality from various cultural perspectives.
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