Spring 2012 | Volume 57 | No. 2

CHIMES 18-page San Francisco Theological Seminary Commemorative Special Edition featuring Inauguration Address, event highlights & photos

Faith & Public Life

ALSO INSIDE Student Life 22 | Faculty News 27 | Alumni News 32 Spring 2012 | Volume 57 | No. 2 EOL FROM THE PRESIDENT H OG T I O C

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Dear Friends, Southern California campus, which was a vibrant part of Chimes is a biannual publication of SFTS’s mission for more than two decades. The closing of San Francisco Theological Seminary INSIDE My inauguration last February was an “expe- (105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo, Faculty members at thethe core southern campus for financial reasons in February 2011 California, 94960, 415.451.2800), rience of a lifetime,” which I will never forget. was a heartrending end to a magnificent, spirited adventure a nonprofit corporation conducting Something profound happened in that moment, a theological seminary solely consecrated 02 Administrative Cabinet Report of educating future Churchin theological leaders education. to educating suitable persons for the not just to me but to all of us. Fresh ideas were offices and work of Christian service. 03 entertained, new conversations were begun and The SFTS Southern California campus was born in Chimes is distributed without charge to alumni/ae, pastors, friends, and deep commitments were strengthened or born 1990 at the request of churches across Southern California constituents of the Presbyterian Church anew. All in all, we opened ourselves to the fu- to serve those who live and minister there. Like its north- (U.S.A.). Total circulation is 4,500. 03 2012 Distinguished Alumni ture, a future to which God is calling us. I am ern cousin, the southern campus was both Reformed and SFTS does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, color, physical grateful and proud to be a part of SFTS, and ex- ecumenical. Both campuses embraced diversity in its many disability, or national and ethnic origin cited about the possibilities that lie ahead. manifestations, but the southern campus fostered an ethos in its educational programs, student 04 of inclusion that capitalized on Southern California’s amaz- activities, employment, admission 04 Inauguration Commemorative policies, in the administration of its And now it is May, and the end of the school year is ing mix of cultures, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic scholarship and loan programs, or upon us. We will confer degrees upon new graduates. Grad- backgrounds in an impressive way. in any other school-administered programs. This policy complies with the uations are always moments of celebration. Family and requirements of the Internal Revenue friends gather to bask in the glow of accomplishment and There were differences, too. From the beginning the Service Procedure 321-1, Title VI of the 22 Student Life pride, beaming from the faces of those who are ready to ven- southern campus was intentionally a commuter school that Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments as amended ture forth in ministry, teaching and service. O happy day! catered to those living in the region. It focused on those and enforced by the Department of 22 who were in second careers, on recent immigrants, and on Health, Education and Welfare. Graduates know that what they have learned during those already working, offering night and weekend courses. 27 Faculty News their course of study cannot be easily summarized or even Its educational model stressed innovation, cross-cultural in- put into words. Their education is, in one sense, greater teraction, and mutual learning appropriate to the salad mix than the sum of all their experiences inside the classroom of cultures, background and experience that came together and out. It is a refining fire of inquiry, wonder, challenge, in the classroom. There is much to admire, and much to 32 32 Alumni News surprise, discovery and opportunity, which molded them – emulate, in what transpired there. heart, soul, mind and strength – into someone different and better than they were when it all began. It was a mixture of The Southern California campus will always be a part of discipline and grace, hard work and serendipity, intention SFTS’s history. Its graduates are spread across the world in Administration: Board of Trustees: ministries of teaching, justice, preaching and service. Those and circumstance. President - James L. McDonald Chair - Peter J. van Bever Paul S. Kim who will graduate from SFTS’s Southern California campus Academic Dean - Elizabeth Liebert First Vice Chair - Marion J. Stanton Karen L. Kohne They know, despite too little sleep, too much worry, and have been through the refiner’s fire, endured and emerged VP Finance - Barbara Brenner Buder Second Vice Chair -Martha Longbrake Timothy C. Lanham, M.Div. ’88 moments of doubt and disappointment, that their educa- on the other side. Now they are ready to join their sisters VP Communications - Kay Carney Third Vice Chair - James A. Cochran Jackie L Leonard, M.Div. ’88 tion at SFTS was worth it. Formal education, whatever its and brothers in the faith, wherever they received their for- VP Development - Cecilia Tonsing Secretary - Earldean V. S. Robbins William N. Parham, Jr. Associate VP Development - Lynn Dunn Treasurer - Paul S. Nazarian, M.Div. ’84 Hugh J. Ralston limitations and eccentricities, is a powerful experience of mal education, and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Associate Dean/Registrar - Polly Coote John J. Reynolds personal formation and intellectual growth. And the pre- Hallelujah! Associate Dean/Chaplain - Scott Clark Adlai J. Amor Stephen J. Rhoades cious byproducts of such an experience are the deep friend- Browne Barr Juan Sarmiento, MATS ’01 ships and sense of community forged with others who have We wish all our SFTS graduates, north and south, joy Editor-in-Chief: Kay Carney Rosario de Lugo Batlle Bill Saul and Godspeed! Managing Editor: Holly Woolard Jerilynn I. Blackstone Wanda L. Sawyers shared in the humbling, shaping and empowering dynamic James A. Cochran Eric J. Snyder, M.Div./MA ’74; D.Min. ’79 Art Direction: Dennis Bolt of theological education. It is a powerful bond that often Gary W. Demarest Scott W. Syme lasts a lifetime. Grace and peace, Writers: Kay Carney, Lynn Dunn, Tom DeMund Candice L. Unruh James L. McDonald, Christopher L. Janet W. Doak Peter Whitelock This year we will have two graduation ceremonies for Schilling, Lucas Walker, Holly Woolard Wayne Hoffman Joanne Whitt, M.Div. ’97; D.Min. ’07 R. John Harris, M.Div. ’71- Alumni/ae Rep. Steven E. Wirth, D.Min. ’94 Photos: Jeff Ferguson, Vaughn Filmore SFTS graduates – one in San Anselmo, the other in Pasa- Bernard W. Hindman Joseph Woollett Larry Pickard, Richard Wheeler. dena. There is some sadness in this, because this is the last Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald John W. Hokenstad Special thanks to the Marin Independent President and Professor of Faith and Public Life James P. Johnson Life Trustee - James P. Johnson graduation ceremony for those who have been part of the Journal for Alumni News head shots. Carney, Tonsing fill key roles on administrative cabinet

an Francisco Theological Semi- dence Hospital, she was the Chair of nary President Jim McDonald all Fund Development Chief Officers is pleased to announce that Kay for 20 West Coast hospitals. For the SCarney has been named as Vice Presi- past four years, she also has served dent of Communications and Cecilia as a Trustee of Saybrook University, 2012 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Tonsing has been named as Vice Presi- successfully chairing the presidential dent of Development. McDonald, the search committee. 11th president in SFTS history, has Tonsing also received three suc- Rev. Dr. Joseph Kang Carney Tonsing Rev. Dr. ChangBok Chung been working hard to round out his cessive gubernatorial appointments administrative cabinet since taking and served as the Chair of California’s Doctor of the Science of Theology Doctor of the Science of Theology staff and students at SFTS is indeed an over in July 2011. Historic Preservation Commission. honor,” Carney said. “For me, there is Class of 1978 Class of 1981 The addition of Carney and Tons- On her “watch,” California funded, no better opportunity than to join an ing brings vital educational, nonprofit designed and completed a new state ar- organization whose strong desire is to ev. Dr. Joseph Kang’s passion for theology and and institutional experience to SFTS. chive building in Sacramento, drawing ev. Dr. ChangBok Chung came to the United make a difference in the community biblical scholarship has taken him around the Carney was McDonald’s first key rave reviews for aesthetic appeal and States to further his theological studies. He re- and world.” world from Korea to the United States to Malawi hire, joining the Seminary staff in functionality. turned to Korea and emerged as a well-respected A resident of Oakland, Calif., Car- inR southeast Africa and even Russia. teacherR and seminary president who helped build a bridge November 2011 just in time to serve Tonsing earned a Bachelor of Arts ney earned a Bachelor of Arts from In 1990, nine years after earning a doctorate from San on the 2012 Presidential Inauguration degree from Holy Names University of understanding throughout the Pacific Rim. University of California, Berkeley, Francisco Theological Seminary, Kang was invited by the Committee. She previously worked as in Oakland, received a Master’s degree “His contribution to the churches in Korea by educat- Master of Public Administration from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of World Missions to Vice President of Communications at in Public Administration from Cali- ing seminary students to be faithful preachers is widely California State University East Bay serve as a missionary professor at Zomba Theological Col- The Bay Institute/Aquarium of the Bay fornia State University East Bay, and recognized,” said Dr. Syngman Rhee, former Presbyterian and a PhD in Public Policy from Gold- lege in Zomba, Malawi. and was Statewide Communications completed additional graduate work at Church (U.S.A.) moder- en Gate University, San Francisco. He taught Old and New Director at the American Lung Asso- Stanford University’s Graduate School ator. “I am very proud to Tonsing, also a resident of Oak- Testament at the Presbyte- ciation of California, where she won of Business in its Senior Executive Pro- be called his friend and land, has impressive credentials as a rian seminary for 10 years. national awards for communications gram. we are so grateful for his professional in nonprofit development Kang spent the next and branding excellence. “It is my sense that I am joining a contributions to Korean with a specialty in philanthropy. She 11 years teaching biblical She has critical nonprofit expe- truly impressive transformative group churches and the church holds two professional credentials: studies in Moscow and rience, working for the Sierra Club of scholars and learners, a unique and of Jesus Christ ecumeni- Certified Fund Raising Executive St. Petersburg, Russia. He Legal Defense Fund (now known as loving Christian academic community cally.” (CFRE) and Life Fellow (FAHP). was at Moscow Presby- EarthJustice) for nearly five years as located in a beautiful setting”, Tonsing For the past eight These credentials are the baseline in- terian Theological Acad- National Vice President of Commu- said. “I’m delighted to be here.” years, Chung has served ternational designation for a unified emy for two years, but nications. EarthJustice is a nonprofit Carney, Tonsing and McDonald as president of Hanil credentialing program for fundraising decided to move on after public interest law firm dedicated to are joined on the SFTS Administrative University and Presby- executives. The Fellow is an earned it became clear that the protecting natural resources and wild- Cabinet by the following: Elizabeth terian Theological Semi- designation, considered a top level of institution was becoming life, and to defending the right of all Liebert, Vice President for Academic nary in Jeonju, Korea. achievement in the field of health care a Bible school instead of a people to a healthy environment. Early Affairs & Dean; Barbara Brenner Bud- He will honorably retire resource development - a line of work theological seminary. The in her career, Carney was the Direc- er, Vice President for Administration later this year after more where Tonsing has spent 25 years. PC(USA) Mission Board tor of Public Information and Public and Finance & CFO; Polly Coote, than 30 years in theo- For more than a decade, Tonsing offered Kang the opportu- Affairs for the City of Oakland, when Associate Dean, Associate Professor & logical education. was the President and CEO of the St. nity to teach Old and New former SFTS board member Henry Registrar; Scott Clark, Interim Asso- During his time at Luke's Hospital Foundation in San Testament in St. Petersburg at the ELCROS (Evangelical Gardner was City Manager. Carney’s ciate Dean of Student Life; and Lynn Hanil Seminary, Chung helped the institution become Francisco. There, she guided the insti- Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States) Theologi- career also includes serving as Associ- Dunn, Associate Vice President of De- debt-free and established it as an outstanding theologi- tution through three successful capital cal Seminary. He retired from the ecumenical Lutheran ate Producer for ABC, NBC and PBS velopment. cal institution respected throughout the world. He has campaigns. She has also held high-lev- seminary in 2011. television. worked tirelessly to see Hanil Seminary become a vital el development positions with the Cal- Kang was nominated as a Distinguished Alum by As a communications strategist, center for global mission, a champion for the role of wom- ifornia State Parks Foundation, Mercy Dr. Herman Waetjen, SFTS Robert S. Dollar Professor Carney has helped organizations with en in the church and theological education, and a leader Housing, Sutter Health and Hospice of New Testament Emeritus. Here’s what Waetjen had to media, public relations, brand devel- in welcoming disabled students to seminary. Foundation, and the Foundation for say about him: opment and marketing, partnership Chung received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Osteoporosis Research & Education, “Throughout those years of teaching, Joe has also com- building and program development. Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary (PCTS) among others. While serving at Provi- posed and published articles and essays that communi- “I have always been passionate in Seoul, Korea, in 1969 before coming to America to con- cate some startling new insights into biblical texts. His about and committed to public inter- tinue his studies. He graduated from Columbia Theologi- distinguished service to the PC(USA) and beyond to the est and social justice work, and join- cal Seminary in 1974 with a Master of Theology degree. ing the stellar faculty, administrators, >>Continued on page 36 >>Continued on page 36

02 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 03 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

President Jim McDonald is joined by his wife, Rev. Dr. Dean McDonald, in breaking bread during the Inauguration Service.

Celebration embraces diversity The Allen Temple Men’s Chorus from Oakland blessed the packed sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo.

gies Washington, Inc., and former press years, were Ricardo Moreno (M.Div. gressional District that includes the city emphasizes social justice secretary for President Bill Clinton. Dr. ’02) and Adlai Amor, a new member of Oakland, could not attend but offered Daniel Aleshire, executive director of the of the SFTS board of trustees. Pro- a heartfelt letter of support that was By Holly Woolard Association of Theological Schools, also ceeds from the Inauguration Service read during the Inauguration Service. participated as well as Dr. Heidi Hadsell, offering went toward Bread and the ong before the inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald Music was a key part of Inaugura- president of Hartford Seminary, and Rev. Marin and San Francisco Food Banks. tion Weekend, featuring a concert by Dr. Martha Taylor, SFTS adjunct profes- The town of San Anselmo was rep- as 11th president of San Francisco Theological Seminary, the former the Cyrus Chestnut Trio on Feb. 10 at sor and Christian leadership facilitator. resented by Mayor Tom McInerney and First Presbyterian Church, San An- The Inauguration Symposium was The Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen director of Bread for the World promised that his inaugural selmo. During the Inauguration Service one of several occasions when people of Meholick of St. Nicholas Orthodox celebration would be “festive and fun.” faith offered reflective thoughts on the Church. Among the SFTS board of on Feb. 11, there were performances by The more than 500 people who gathered in San Ansel- Worship on Feb. 10. Among her many experiences, Dean Inauguration theme of “Faith and Pub- trustees members participating in the the Allen Temple Men’s Chorus of Oak- moL Feb. 10-11 for Inauguration Weekend not only helped McDonald directed the College of Preachers at Washing- lic Life.” Others who participated in the Inauguration Service were Rev. Dr. land, the SFTS Korean Student Sing- McDonald celebrate, but they were inspired by lectures, ton National Cathedral for five years and was a frequent weekend events included Chris Rhodes, Joanne Whitt, pastor of First Presby- ers and the SFTS Seminary Singers. worship and fellowship. preacher and worship leader in the Cathedral’s services. representing the Presbyterian Church terian Church, San Anselmo, Peter van Following the Inauguration Service, McDonald’s inauguration address on Feb. 11 at First After community lunch on Feb. 10, noted journal- (U.S.A.) General Assembly Mission Bever, board chair, and Jan Doak, chair a reception was held at Alexander Hall Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo, was titled “The Real ist and best-selling author Keith Boykin gave a keynote Council, President McDonald’s former of the presidential search committee. on the SFTS campus. As the crowd be- Presence of Christ in the 21st Century.” McDonald called speech as part of the Inauguration Symposium. Boykin is pastor, Rev. Dr. Roy Howard of Saint Current and former SFTS faculty mem- gan to dwindle, President McDonald on those in attendance to seek justice, continuing a long a CNBC political commentator and social justice advocate Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Rock- bers who spoke during the Inaugura- jammed on his flute with a local jazz tradition of service by the SFTS community. “Compassion who attended law school with President Barack Obama. ville, Md., and Dr. James Donahue, pres- tion Service were Dr. Elizabeth Liebert, ensemble, marking a festive and pleas- is the essence of what it means to be the human beings God Boykin’s rousing address brought attendees to their feet as ident of the Graduate Theological Union. dean of the seminary, Rev. Dr. Eugene antly unexpected note to close a his- Representing Bread for the World, Park and Rev. Dr. Marvin Chaney. created us to be.” they stood in ovation after his hour-long speech. toric weekend for the SFTS community. Rev. Dr. Dean McDonald, the president’s wife, helped In addition to Boykin, the Inauguration Symposium the Washington, D.C., nonprofit where U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, set the tone for the weekend by preaching at Community panel included Mike McCurry, partner at Public Strate- President McDonald worked for 13 who represents California’s 9th Con- Holly Woolard is communications manager at SFTS.

04 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 05 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

Dr. Daniel Aleshire & Mike McCurry KEYNOTE SPEECH Social justice advocate says religion should be tool for love By Kay Carney Boykin responded to the often-used catch phrase, “What owerful. Dynamic. Inspiring. Amazing. Attendees spoke would Jesus do?” Although a great question, he suggested that these words after hearing noted journalist and best-sell- people need to examine their own ideologies: “Rather than ing author Keith Boykin deliver the pre-inaugural key- assuming that we must automatically speak on behalf of the Pnote address. Lord, are we working on the side of the Lord? Are we putting Speaking for nearly one hour, Boykin, into practice what the Lord teaches us about love, care and a regular commentator with CNBC, for- humility? If we are to use our faith for good … to positively “Fear mer assistant to President Bill Clinton affect public life, then we must overcome fear with love.” Dr. Heidi and Harvard Law School classmate with In closing, Boykin issued a challenge to Hadsell is the President Barack Obama, wasted no time the audience: “When you dare to be in rousing the crowd at First Presbyte- powerful, to use your strength in the Rev. Dr. Martha Taylor antithesis rian Church, San Anselmo. service of your vision, then it will “Fear is the antithesis of love,” become less and less important SYMPOSIUM of love.” said Boykin, speaking on the whether or not you are afraid. You theme of Faith and Public Life. will be replacing fear with love.” — Keith Boykin He shared stories and examples Aleshire, Hadsell, McCurry, Taylor of how racism, sexism, LGBT Kay Carney is vice president issues and other social and po- of communications at SFTS. litical conversations are being compartmentalized share experiences and hopes and categorized based upon people’s fears. “People use By Holly Woolard Rev. Dr. Martha Taylor, SFTS ad- their faith in the public arena to alienate those who he Inauguration Symposium at junct professor and Christian lead- disagree with them,” he added. Boykin spoke First Presbyterian Church, San An- “Theological ership facilitator. of anti-Semitic, homophobic and anti-civil selmo, included distinguished pan- Aleshire’s experiences and in- Telists with rich experiences at the crossroads rights groups that mobilize and use religion education is a soul- sights in theological education are as the foundation for their hate. “Religion of faith and public service. Expounding on heightened by his role in the As- should be used as a tool for love, and not those experiences, insights and convictions, shaping experience, sociation of Theological Schools, a weapon for hate.” their collective voices helped define the in- which is comprised of 261 seminar- auguration theme of “Faith & Public Life.” you really don’t ies, schools of theology and divin- Noted journalist and CNBC commen- ity schools in the United States and tator Keith Boykin opened the symposium come out on the Canada. His most recent work is with the keynote speech. Earthen Vessels: Hopeful Reflections In addition to Boykin, the Inaugura- other side quite the on the Work and Future of Theologi- tion Symposium panelists were: Dr. Dan- cal Schools. iel Aleshire, executive director of the Asso- way you were when “Theological education is a ciation of Theological Schools; Dr. Heidi soul-shaping experience,” Aleshire Hadsell, president of Hartford Seminary; you came in.” said. “You really don’t come out Mike McCurry, partner at Public Strate- on the other side quite the way you gies Washington, Inc., and former press — Dr. Daniel Aleshire were when you came in. It is a for- secretary for President Bill Clinton; and mational pattern of education, not

06 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 07 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary INAUGURATION ADDRESS • FEBRUARY 11, 2012 just informational, and it has long-lasting effects as founda- tional frames of reference.” Aleshire elaborated on the many ways seminaries and theo- logical schools relate to the public. He pointed out that voices differ from institution to institution as well as each school’s public. The one thing all of these institutions have in common is that they “serve as educators to cultivate a broader public voice.” He closed with this thought: “Humility belongs even more in our moral advocacy.” Besides her role as a theological educator, Hadsell is a fa- The Real Presence of Christ miliar face around SFTS since her father, John Hadsell, was a longtime professor in San Anselmo. Before Hartford, Heidi Hadsell was director of the Ecumenical Institute of the World st Council of Churches in Switzerland, and served as professor of in the 21 Century social ethics and vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at McCormick Theological Seminary. She is co-editor of Changing the Way Seminaries Teach: Pedagogies for Interfaith Dialogue. Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald Hadsell is committed to helping Christians engage in re- ligious pluralism and developing relationships between people San Francisco Theological Seminary • Inaugural Address of other faiths. She says emphases on Islam in America and peacemaking have helped push Hartford Seminary into the February 11, 2012 public arena. Isaiah 58: 6-11 “We wanted to help our students and our publics and Mark 6: 30-44 our churches understand Islam, engage Islam as an emerging American religion, and as a religion worthy of being our coun- nd here we are! – Gathered together to seminaries in the wrong direction. It alienates seminaries terpart in conversation partner. And we want to help American consider the future of theological education, from the Church and produces graduates who must pain- churches come to terms with the fact of religious plurality in and in particular, the important role that San the United States.” fully reorient themselves to the realities of congregational Taylor specializes in church leadership development, work- McCurry has served as spokesman for the Department of Francisco Theological Seminary has to play and community life. shop facilitation, Christian education and strategic planning for inA the years to come. And we should begin with the State and in leadership roles in several national political cam- churches. The former pastor of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church In no way do I mean by that observation to denigrate or paigns. Active within the administration of the United Meth- acknowledgement that SFTS and every seminary is first in Oakland earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from SFTS. odist Church, he strives to make meaningful connections be- malign scholarship or the importance of brilliant schol- As a person of faith who serves the African-American com- and foremost here to serve not itself nor its institutional tween faith and public policy. ars to a good seminary education. Seminaries need great munity, Taylor pointed out that her training and teaching at survival and self-interest, but something larger, something “The primary challenge we have is how to overcome fear scholars and so does the Church. But seminary scholars SFTS are often very different from the reality of her ministries. more profound. and how to relearn love and the Golden Rule if we are going to must be clear that their ultimate service is not to the Taylor believes she has been called to have a pastoral and do anything about the desperately poor situation we’re in with Academy but to something larger, and more profound. prophetic role in communities plagued by unemployment, What is that larger purpose? A few might say that semi- our political discourse,” McCurry said. crime, drugs, overcrowded schools and teen pregnancies. naries should serve the Academy — i.e., the academic McCurry pointed fingers at the poor role the media play in Others would say that seminaries should exist to serve the “What I am tasked to do is to try to bring my theological community — by fostering erudite scholarship that reflecting the complexities of issues and in promoting under- Church. And therein lies a great deal of anxiety and con- understanding to a community of people who live on the mar- standing through education and political debate. He also put deepens the Church’s understanding of a core set of sub- cern. Because many are worried about the future of the gins,” Taylor explained. “I try to help people understand not some onus on pastors to fully engage their congregations in jects, and which challenges the Church’s culture-bound only the nature of sin and salvation, but I am trying to help Church, or at least, about the future of the Presbyterian controversial issues of the day. orthodoxies, mythologies, ingrained practices. But the people see the presence of God in their everyday life situations. Church (U.S.A.). We fear that the denomination is falling “There’s a responsibility in our DNA as a country to think “In the words of Jesse Jackson, I’m trying to keep hope Academy long ago distanced itself from the Church and apart, shrinking, splitting, going bankrupt, committing about the role religion plays in our life together and how our alive.” even from faith. Over time, the Academy has become heresy or apostasy, stuck in the past, afraid of change, or faith calls us to be brothers and sisters and to live in commu- ever more specialized and atomized in its subject matter losing the battle against an increasingly secular and reli- nion with each other,” McCurry said. Holly Woolard is communications manager at SFTS. and theoretical formulations. Serving the Academy pulls giously indifferent culture. (Pick your poison.)

08 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 09 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary INAUGURATION ADDRESS • FEBRUARY 11, 2012

Oh, we of little faith! We have it backwards. We focus on Just so, seminaries, including this one, should exist to serve That very human need – to take time away from routine, the preservation and defense of the Church; we concentrate not the Church, but the Gospel. Because when the Gospel to assess our lives, to make fresh commitments, to open on our institutions; we cling to our structures, forms, and is proclaimed in word and deed, the Church of Jesus Christ ourselves to God’s Spirit – is one of the quintessential rules instead of opening ourselves to the power and guid- becomes visible and present. If seminaries serve the reasons why seminary education is important in the ance of the Holy Spirit. Gospel, the Church will thrive. twenty-first century. Seminaries should be a place set apart, where the pace of life is slowed to synchronize We don’t need to defend the Church. And this is the Gospel, the Good News by which we live with God’s time. and move and have our being, and to which we testify, in In fact, despite what we may be experiencing here in the word and deed: That God, who made heaven and earth In the week after Christmas this year, there was an article United States, today Christianity is thriving. Today, one in and all that lives, came to live among us, as one of us, in in the New York Times called “The Joy of Quiet.” 2 In it three people in the world proclaim their allegiance to Chris- the person of Jesus. And that through Jesus’ life, death, the author, Pico Iyer, describes the “urgency of slowing tian faith.1 and resurrection, all the obstacles that stand in the way of down.” He put it this way: our relationship to our Creator, to the Here in the twenty-first century, Author and Source of Life, have been The average American teenager sends or Christianity has become a truly removed. Anyone in Christ is a new receives 75 text messages a day, though global faith A new report from the creation. Jesus the Christ, who over- one girl in Sacramento managed to Pew Forum on Religion and Public The real presence came sin and death through the power handle an average of 10,000 every 24 Life tracks the remarkable changes of Love, is still present among us, still hours for a month. Since luxury, as any that have occurred worldwide over of Christ at work in the world through the Holy economist will tell you, is a function of the past hundred years. The report Spirit, to teach and heal, and make all scarcity, the children of tomorrow … notes that in the Middle East and in the world is things new in him. will crave nothing more than freedom, North Africa, where Christianity if only for a short while, from all the originated, a mere 4 percent of the strengthened and The real presence of Christ in the blinking machines, streaming videos and population are adherents. In sub- world is not dependent on the Church. scrolling headlines that leave them feel- Saharan Africa, however, Christian- extended when But the Church and seminaries can and ing empty and too full all at once. ity has exploded. A hundred years should point to and embody the real ago, 9 percent were Christian; today seminaries presence of Christ through our words He continues, 63 percent follow Jesus – a seven- and actions. The real presence of fold increase. Today there are more embrace and Christ in the world is strengthened A series of tests in recent years has Protestants in Nigeria than in Ger- and extended when seminaries em- In John, it says they went up a mountain. Either way, I shown … that after spending time in many, more Presbyterians in Kenya proclaim brace and proclaim the Gospel. think it’s clear that Jesus had gone on a retreat, withdrawn quiet rural settings, subjects “exhibit than in the United States. from the daily rigors, taken some time to regroup and be greater attentiveness, stronger memory the Gospel. The passage from Mark helps us refreshed, to rest and to pray, to be in touch with God and generally improved cognition. Their Today Christianity is alive and well, understand how seminaries, including and ground his humanity in God’s will. brains become both calmer and sharper.” and it is everywhere, across the this one, can embrace and proclaim the More than that, empathy, as well as deep Let’s not underestimate that move on Jesus’ part. God globe. That is the work of God, Gospel. thought, depends … on neural processes the movement of the Holy Spirit, knows, we live in a world moving at an ever-faster pace that are “inherently slow.” the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus feeding the multitudes is clearly one of the more of breakneck speed. It’s almost laughable, isn’t it, to important moments in his ministry. The story of the loaves compare the pace of 2012 with the pace of the world in That’s why driving cars in traffic can be hazardous to and fishes appears in all four Gospels and twice in Matthew Jesus’ time. But if Jesus needed to take time to retreat, both our mental health and our Christian faith and why and Mark. It’s familiar not only to all of us but to many to regroup, rest and pray in his time, when the world we need seminaries, and specifically why we need this who know little about Christianity. traveled by foot and donkey, and communicated by word seminary, with its deep commitment to the nurture of 1 See Pew Research Center, Forum on Religion and Public Life, Global of mouth, why wouldn’t we also think that we — and all Christian spirituality. The need for a place that Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian So first let’s note this: In Matthew and Mark, it says he and of those who live in the world of instant communica- Population. December 2011. Available online at http://www.pewforum. org/Christian/Global-Christianity-worlds-christian-population.aspx the disciples went into the wilderness, to a “deserted place.” tion, technology-driven global community, and 24-7 social networks — don’t’ need the same thing? 2 Pico Iyer, “The Joy of Quiet,” New York Times, Dec. 29, 2011.

10 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 11 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary INAUGURATION ADDRESS • FEBRUARY 11, 2012 Latinos are Catholic, more and more are becoming as much as we might wish it. It asks us to enter into summons emotional and moral clarity, and deepens our evangelical, Pentecostal, or even Protestant. For the another person’s reality, to understand their places of understanding of the Gospel and our call to serve it, will great majority of Latinos, regardless of their reli- pain, to share in their brokenness, fear, confusion, and only grow in a world increasingly wedded to the marvels and gious tradition, God is an active force in everyday life. anguish. Since human beings are by nature pain averse, perils of high-speed electronics and communication. Whether Catholic or otherwise, Latinos practice a we don’t automatically gravitate toward the suffering And what about the pervasive violence on our streets, the distinctly spirit-filled form of Christianity. of others. families that can’t stay together because of economic fractur- The church isn’t dying; it’s just changing its face in our But in fact so many of the words that are given to us ing, employment, immigration? What about the widespread midst. The real presence of Christ is all around us, if by our Christian faith are cultivated responses – grace, use of violence to solve tribal and national conflicts? These we only had the eyes to see and the ears to hear. mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love. These are not also are pervasive in our time, and also need centers of theological concepts so much thoughtful moral and spiritual reflection that is biblically and But what happened next? as they are learned responses theologically grounded, and historically sensitive. Those who That’s the key, isn’t it? What to the world in which we live are grounded in a life of deep faith will be the religious lead- happened when the crowd gath- – responses we learn from the ers of the Church to come. ered around Jesus? life of Jesus as we encounter it in Scripture, and in our rela- But that’s the beginning of the story, not its end. Let’s talk Teaching is in fact one of the Compassion about the crowd that gathered around Jesus. Consider for a tionships and interactions with three great hallmarks of Jesus’ others. moment who might have been there. This was a microcosm ministry. He taught, he healed, is the essence of Galilean life – rich and poor, young and old, male and tural dimensions, life experiences and perspectives that SFTS and he fed people. Interest- Compassion is what moved female, Jew and Gentile, from every tribe and nation. It was students bring with them. We need a curriculum designed to ingly, in our text today there is of what it means Jesus to teach, to heal, and to diversity in all its glory. They had no common bond, no expand and deepen our ability to communicate, interact, and no mention of the content of feed hungry people. Compas- unifying purpose, no sense of relationship to one another – learn cross-culturally. Diversity is wasted if it is not engaged Jesus’ teaching on that hillside to be the human sion is what moved God to except this: they were listening to Jesus. It was a gathering in the educational process. classroom. No parables, no liberate the Israelites from their of strangers. Perhaps like a church, or a seminary. sermons, no sayings. The focus beings God oppressors in Egypt. God Second, we must do much more to partner with the His- is on his motivation, on the The celebration of diversity is not simply a tenet of lib- heard their cry. Compassion is panic/Latino community here in the western United States. needs of the people who had created us to be. eralism or progressive politics. Diversity is a hallmark of what moved God to become The last U.S. Census told us that, far and away, the fastest gathered, on his call to action, the presence of the Holy Spirit. Do you remember what the Incarnate One, to become growing population in the United States is Latino. And and on his insistence that the happened at Pentecost long ago? Those who had gathered truly human in Jesus, in order to California has, hands down, the largest concentration of resources the disciples needed from numerous locations across the ancient world began to reconcile the world and make all Latinos, including more than a million and a half here in the to minister to the crowd were speak in their native languages, and all could be understood things new. Compassion is what Bay Area. In the western United States, three in 10 persons already present. – a kind of reversal of the Tower of Babel. The Holy Spirit are Hispanic. moved Jesus to accept the cup of suffering, to take up the cross and break the cycle gives us the capacity of people from different cultures to The Gospels tell us that Jesus’ first response to the hear and learn from each other. That’s the promise and pos- A 2007 study by the Pew Hispanic Center highlights the of violence by dying for the sins of the world. Com- crowd that gathered was compassion. In fact, we passion is what moved Jesus to break bread and share sibility of the Church of Jesus Christ. powerful religious force that Latinos are bringing to the discover if we look at all of the stories of the loaves 3 the cup with his disciples on the night in which he was United States. “Hispanics are transforming the nation’s and fishes, that Jesus’ compassion takes several forms. SFTS is already a diverse seminary, which makes for a rich betrayed. religious landscape, especially the Catholic Church, not only In this story of the feeding of the multitudes, Jesus’ educational experience. But it could be even richer. We can because of their growing numbers but also because they are- compassion moves him to teach. But in Matthew’s do more to open ourselves to the power and guidance of the Compassion is the essence of what it means to be the practicing a distinctive form of Christianity. … While most account, Jesus’ compassion moves him to cure the sick, Holy Spirit. Two points. human beings God created us to be. As the prophet and later his compassion moves him to feed the hun- Isaiah put it so eloquently long ago: First, the possibilities of multi-racial, multi-cultural, global gry crowd. In other words, Jesus’ compassion moved education will come not simply from recruiting a diverse 3 Pew Hispanic Center, Pew Research, Changing Faiths: him to do lots of different things, all of them focused If you remove the yoke from among student body to our campus, but primarily by structuring our Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion, April 25, 2007. on the needs of others. you, the pointing of the finger, the educational methods and experiences, as well as our commu- The report can be found online at speaking of evil, if you offer your http://www.pewhispanic.org/2007/04/25/changing-faiths-latinos-and- Compassion is Jesus’ natural response but it’s a culti- nity life, to draw out and explore-in-depth the social and cul- food to the hungry the-transformation-of-american-religion/ vated response for us. It does not come automatically,

12 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 13 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary INAUGURATION ADDRESS • FEBRUARY 11, 2012

and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, The Gospel of Jesus Christ that this seminary should serve to Washington at their own expense to meet with him. then your light shall rise in the darkness is incarnational and relational. It begins with each one of Here’s how the conversation went: and your gloom be like the noonday. us, with our compassion toward one another and toward the world that God created. It should continue to be manifested “Mr. Bachus,” Elaine said, “I’m not a policy analyst or And in our story from Mark, compassion moves Jesus to en- among us in the regular breaking of bread in community – an economist, but I do know that tens of thousands of sure that the multitudes had something to eat. And he takes faculty, staff, students, and anyone else who would join us. children die every day from preventable causes, more the five loaves and two fish, blesses and breaks the loaves than half of them related to hunger.” and divides the fish, and all eat and are filled. As we become more and more a place of compassionate teaching, we set the stage, and lay the groundwork, for doing Mr. Bachus’ eyes got big. “Wow,” he said. “That’s ter- It was the Lord’s Supper. In this act, the mystery of Christ’s justice — because compassion by itself is not enough. We rible. I didn’t know that. But – and I don’t mean to be life is expressed in the most succinct and stunning way. In also need to take concrete steps to change our relationship disrespectful – let me ask you this: what’s that got to do this act, our lives and the story of Christ’s life are brought with those whom we have alienated or from whom we feel with debt relief?” together in joyful, hopeful celebration and the creation of a estranged. As Doris Donnelly writes: new community. In the sacrament “Well,” said Pat, “here’s how I think about it. As a of breaking bread, we participate in Weeping with the suffering also mo- Like many pastors then and now, his church ran a food mother, if I had to choose between paying off the debt Christ and become his body in the bilizes us to help. We must be willing pantry and offered a variety of services to people in that my grandparents accumulated and feeding my child, world. to get our hands dirty – to participate the neighborhood. But Art remembered something his I’d want to feed my child. Wouldn’t you? I think that’s with the suffering, not merely as on- father had told him many years before. If people are the situation in the poorest countries today – struggling Compassion can move us to do a 4 SFTS students lookers full of suggestions. falling off a cliff, you can run an ambulance service for to pay their debts while so many suffer from hunger. lot of things, things that enact the those who are injured at the bottom of cliff. But if you That’s the essence of justice. Seeking That’s why we want you to become a sponsor of our Gospel and make real the presence should come here really want to help, you should also take time to build a justice is about getting relationships legislation.” of Christ. SFTS should be a place fence at the top. That’s what moved Art and an ecumen- knowing that right. It requires restoring a lost bal- where teaching is motivated by ical group of church folks to start Bread for the World, Spencer Bachus, a conservative Republican, was also a compassion, and where compassion ance in human relationships – balance a collective Christian voice that focuses on policy change Southern Baptist. And that day he agreed to become is taught. It’s teaching that begins no matter the between rich and poor, between the in our nation’s capital. a sponsor. But he became much more than that. Mr. powerful and powerless, between the where students are, with an under- Bachus became a champion of debt relief for poor coun- standing of their confusions, their subject matter, privileged status of celebrity and the Bread for the World’s members – which include lots of tries, and to this day, Mr. Bachus is a strong advocate for hurts, their questions, their long- lowly status of the despised or forgot- their experience people and congregations here in the Bay Area – believe efforts to reduce global poverty. ings, their hopes. And as compas- ten, between the honors bestowed that by changing the policies, programs, and conditions sion is cultivated in the classroom with SFTS faculty upon the vaunted and the disgrace that allow hunger and poverty to persist, they provide Mr. Bachus’ decision to sponsor that legislation showed and community, it’s only natural visited upon the discounted and under- help and opportunity far beyond the communities where the Clinton Administration that debt relief had broad that our embrace of compassion will be valued among us. they live. support. Not only did the administration adopt the poli- would take us into public life cies that relieved the debts of dozens of countries, but Let me illustrate. The founder of and begin to address issues of transformative. The first year I joined Bread for the World as an in- they took those policies to the G-8 leaders of the world’s justice. Bread for the World, where I proudly ternational policy analyst, I was involved in something worked for 13 years before coming biggest economies and negotiated a new deal on debt called the Jubilee debt-relief campaign, a worldwide that is still making a difference for poor people around I want SFTS to be known as a here to SFTS, was a Lutheran pastor effort to cancel the unpayable debt that was strangling the world today. center of teaching excellence. SFTS named Art Simon. In the early 1960s, the world’s poorest countries. Six months after I ar- Art was the pastor of a small con- students should come to expect that when they enter a class- rived, two remarkable women, Pat Pelham and Elaine And it all started because of the faith of two women gregation on Manhattan’s gritty Lower East Side. Crime, room, their lives will be rocked by their encounter with the VanCleave came to Washington as citizen advocates. Pat who engaged the faith of their member of Congress. real presence of Christ. SFTS students should come here substance abuse, single parents, school dropouts, high unem- and Elaine lived in Birmingham, Alabama, and belonged knowing that no matter the subject matter, their experience ployment and empty refrigerators were commonplace. to the Independent Presbyterian Church. They were But let’s bring the question of justice closer to home. with SFTS faculty will be transformative. Here at SFTS, self-described “soccer moms.” Their congressional Here in San Francisco we have a profoundly disturbing students will experience great teaching, powerful healing, representative, Spencer Bachus, had just been appointed saga unfolding. Recently elected San Francisco Sheriff and be given a glimpse of the Heavenly Banquet, when all 4 Doris Donnelly, Spiritual Fitness: Everyday Exercises for Body and Soul chair of the international subcommittee of the House Fi- Ross Mirkarimi has been charged with domestic violence are fed and tears are no more. (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1993), 97. nancial Services Committee. In February 1999, they flew against his wife, a charge he denies.

14 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 15 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, SFTS Shaw INAUGURATION ADDRESS • FEBRUARY 11, 2012 Family Chair Eve Ensler wrote the first set of monologues 15 years for Clinical Pastoral ago after interviewing 200 women about their views on Education sex, relationships, and violence against women. In a 2000 interview, she said, “Women’s empowerment is deeply connected to their sexuality.”6 Every year a new mono- logue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. In 2003, for example, Ensler wrote a new monologue about the plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

When these monologues are performed, as they will be again here a month from now, they bring the difficult and awkward issues of sexuality, power, and violence against women into the light of day, where they can be considered and discussed. They pose questions of justice and ask each of us what we need to do to achieve it. They undermine those who are prone to domestic violence and sexual exploitation.

Justice asks that each and every person, whatever their similarities or differences, be fully respected and have an unshakeable sense of dignity – something easier said than done. In the end, justice requires both word and deed – But those who are familiar with domestic violence see in and word and deed must match. Mirkarimi’s action, and even in his wife’s confused state- “The inauguration created ments about their relationship, the classic pattern of abu- So, seminaries are primarily servants of the Gospel. We sive relationships. As the San Francisco Chronicle noted, are signs of the real presence of Christ in our midst. Our this beautiful common ground. “It’s very common for victims of domestic abuse to refuse primary task is not self-preservation, but the proclama- to report the crime or cooperate with the police or district tion of the Gospel, the demonstration of Christ’s saving We came together and celebrated attorney’s office. Experts point to a number of reasons, presence in our world. We should be, at the heart of who including fear the violence will escalate if it’s reported, we are, evangelical – not in some narrow, ideological sense, Jim McDonald. But more financial reliance on the abuser, worry over a custody battle but in the broadest, Biblical sense. We are bearers of the for children, having nowhere else to live - or simply hold- Good News. Not only are we are tellers of the story than anything, we celebrated 5 ing out hope the relationship will improve.” of God’s saving work in human history. We are the continuation of that story – messengers and message a seminary community that None of us knows how this case will end, but I am proud rolled into one. that here at SFTS there are a group of men and women cares for one another and who decided last year to stage a production of the Vagina So let us break bread together and ask God to make us Monologues. Now those of you who don’t know what the strong to carry on and embody the real presence of Christ is surviving amongst a world Vagina Monologues are, might think this is some kind of in the twenty-first century. pornography thing or a crazy, liberal piece of nonsense. that considers itself But it’s not. decreasingly religious.”

5 Heather Knight, “Why Domestic Abuse Victims Often Refuse to —Rachel Pence SFTS M.Div. Middler Leave,” San Francisco Chronicle, January 19, 2012. See http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/18/ 6 See http://www.randomhouse.com/features/ensler/vm/qna.html. BAVQ1MR407.DTL#ixzz1lll0xKGh

16 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 17 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

“Our seminary life “The jazz concert added a festive is fed by worship. quality to the inauguration. Praising God, A jazz musician once said, prayer, listening and ‘Jazz is restless. It won’t stay put and responding to the it never will,’ which is also a good Word are key to our description of the Holy Spirit. life together. We were reminded that seminary The inauguration education and the Church, infused featured a rich with the Spirit, won’t stand still.”

worship feast with — Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, festive banners, San Anselmo. M.Div. 1997, D.Min. 2007. SFTS Board of Trustees member inspirational music, meaningful Scripture readings and prayers, and a beautifully laid table and font that focused on the weekend’s theme of sacrament.”

— Rev. Dr. Dean McDonald Preacher for the opening Inauguration Worship Service Wife of President Jim McDonald

18 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 19 Inauguration of Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald 11th President of San Francisco Theological Seminary

“Faith and Public Life was a great theme for the inauguration. As Christian theology is becoming largely irrelevant to the new universe of discourses in the 21st century, it is critical for theological educators to look beyond the small enclaves of their conventional purviews. It is very good for SFTS to have someone as president who has substantial experience working in the public arena for justice issues.”

— Rev. Dr. Eugene Eung-Chun Park SFTS Dana and Dave Dornsife Professor of New Testament “The spirit of optimism was genuinely present everywhere and in everyone during this joyful celebration. Energized by the Spirit, supporters near and far appear ready to roll up their sleeves and get on with the important work that lies ahead.”

— Rev. Donald Register SFTS BD 1963

20 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 21 tor. Snyder and her colleague, Phyllis Ongaro, have made it their mission to help the men feel at A Dove-Torn Sky home and offer hospitality by intentionally serv- ing and waiting on the them, restaurant-style. By Lucas Walker While this may seem like something simple, it’s STUDENT LIFE the simple things that let the men know that God may not have considered the fact there are people who care about them. That the whole world would rupture STUDENT LIFE to make space for this dove – “I heard Joy tell one of the men ‘I’m so glad I mean, Jesus slid into the world in the usual way. you guys are with us tonight. This way I know One dove tore the whole sky open. you’re all taken care of,’” said Matthias Peterson- Homeless shelter offers Brandt, a fourth-year Master of Divinity student. If you think about it “To me, that is such a Jesus-like sentiment.” as I’ve been thinking about it – Since First Presbyterian began hosting home- “enriching experience” since I can’t sleep and the wind less men, SFTS students have volunteered at the Is knock slamming shelter. This year, the seminary community took Knock thumping on the extra responsibility of providing all volun- for student volunteers Like the persistent unwanted teers on two nights. …guest is not the right word “Getting help from non-church members and By Christopher L. Schilling who doesn’t get the point of locked doors or doused lights. the SFTS community were two goals of mine,” Anyway, Snyder said. “It was great to have the seminary tanding outside First Presbyterian Church, San as I’ve been thinking about it. Anselmo, three of us held umbrellas as sheets of community involved in supporting the shelter.” One of the hopes for the emergency shelter, rain poured down around us. It was getting dark One dove falls through a rip in the whole world according to Snyder, is to help eradicate the ste- and the cold weather was not making it any bet- Its bones filled reotypical images of homelessness, especially in Ster. On this particular rainy night in March, we expected by the very thing it’s drifting through Marin County where the homeless population a packed house of homeless men seeking shelter from the To land so is often invisible to most people. According to elements, a warm meal and compassion. so lightly statistics provided by St. Vincent de Paul Soci- “Good evening,” said a tall, lanky On the sunburned shoulder of a horrified ety of Marin, there are 1,770 homeless people man in his late 50s as he stepped off “Being Completely poised young man: in Marin and at least 3,000 others on the verge a yellow school bus that brought the Little crescent nails finding purchase in skin. men to the church. “It’s good to see recognized of homelessness. Aid workers believe the num- bers fall far short of reality. For 90 percent of the all of you again tonight.” And then the noise, that voice homeless, their last permanent housing was in One by one, the men stepped off is one of the unyielding as the oblivious wind. the bus and carried their belongings Marin. Most live in San Rafael, Novato and Sau- salito. More than half are white, three quarters into the church. Some of the men No wonder biggest gifts are single, 60 percent are male and 20 percent had book bags, others only had gar- Jesus did what He must: are children. bage bags to store their belongings. walked calmly out from under these men “I seized the opportunity to help cook for the But as they walked off the bus and that tremendously heavy bird into the church hall looking tired men at the shelter because there is a risk of the can receive.” seminary becoming detached from involvement from being on the streets all day, Its leaden weight matched by the voice that followed it down. outside of our studies,” Peterson-Brandt said. they began to engage with volun- — Joy Snyder, He walked into the space where everything is simplified “Also, it can be daunting to look for outside vol- teers from San Francisco Theologi- shelter And only the sun is quite so heavy. cal Seminary. coordinator unteer opportunities. So when I got the email looking for volunteers, I knew I had to sign up.” The emergency shelter program By this point, The homeless men, who were served delicious is run by the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Marin and it was short work is a collaboration of churches and synagogues, which pasta by the seminary students, weren’t the only For angels to come in hordes, take turns providing a warm place for homeless people ones who were touched by their warm hearts lightly lightly to His side to sleep and eat a home-cooked meal. For the past three and generosity. SFTS community members were For temple curtains to rip thunderous winters, First Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo, has likewise filled with warmth and compassion as like a ragged gaping shift been hosting an average of 40 men weekly in its Duncan they dined and had fellowship with the home- in the skin of the air Hall. On two nights this winter, the SFTS community less men. For stones to shift grinding partnered with the church to set up the hall, provide and “Volunteering with the homeless shelter was like old avian bones serve home-cooked meals and wash dishes. But the most an enriching experience,” said Darice Balabanis, important gift SFTS community members gave was being a second-year SFTS student. “Engaging with the And pour forth a young man with nail marks in his a presence in the lives of these men, and taking time to men and women of the faith community to im- shoulder. have fellowship and break bread. pact those at the shelter was both valuable and “Being recognized is one of the biggest gifts these Students cook, serve and clean at emergency homeless shelter. rewarding.” Lucas Walker is a SFTS M.Div. senior and pastoral care intern. This poem was among the seminary’s Daily Lent Devotions, men can receive,” said Joy Snyder, the shelter coordina- Christopher L. Schilling is a SFTS Master of Divinity intern which were distributed via email Feb. 22-April 8. student. He is currently interning at First Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo. 22 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 23 STUDENT LIFE

STUDENT LIFE Pence said it took a lot of effort to put on the 2011 production because people didn’t fully understand what “The Vagina Monologues” were about. However, enthusi- asm quickly built among the women who were perform- ing, and by the end, all participants experienced a shared hope in bringing a voice to other women all across the world who are often suffering in silence. Faith McClellan, a third-year Master of Divinity student, said the monologues are important to hold on a seminary campus because it gives a sense of inter-connect- edness -- how one person can affect another. “The monologues remind us how women who are dif- ferent ages, backgrounds and cultures have been silenced,” McClellan said. Marissa Danney, a second-year Master of Divinity stu- dent at SFTS, saw the monologues as a way to make others aware of the many issues women across the world deal with Leading up to the 2012 performances, SFTS students on a daily basis. and professors exchanged emails, posted blogs and used so- “I think in a lot of ways ‘The Vagina Monologues’ helps cial media to discuss the role of the monologues in respond- SFTS community people hear and understand the voices that have been si- ing to the call to proclaim the Gospel as Christians. lenced,” Danney said. “Some parts of the performance can “The hard part is to realize we are invited ‘to come and be uncomfortable, but it helps people become aware of live,’” Talitha Phillips, a SFTS graduate and performer, learns and grows thanks to voices that they haven’t heard before. And hearing these wrote in her blog. “To live, to breathe, to not apologize voices not only helps others change their for the space we take up, to hunger, to demand justice, own behavior and how they interact with to want, to create. Christ came that we might have “Vagina Monologues” production women in the world, but it also helps life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). them to support these voices to help lift We embody our faith – that God loves them from their silence.” us, heals us, sets us free, and wants us Danney said the monologues are to have that life abundant. We claim it now and step into it now.” By Christopher L. Schilling world who find themselves a manifestation of SFTS’s deep be- Eun-Joo Choi, a fourth-year Master t started last “Hearing these voices not only helps others voiceless when it comes to lief in social justice and community. of Divinity student, said performing and year just as a being abused and oppressed. “We received immense support preparing for the production had a great conversation be- change their own behavior and Rachel Pence, a second- from a community that enjoys hav- impact in her life. “Being a part of this pro- tween four women year Master of Divinity stu- ing dialogue and growing togeth- duction is an empowering experience not at San Francisco how they interact with women in the dent at SFTS, helped organize er, and we have a shared passion only as a woman, but also in claiming human Theological Seminary. But the event last year and was also for stopping violence against rights,” Choi said. “It is a universal right and Iit turned into something that world, but it also helps them to a performer this year. Pence no- women. It’s really a great expe- also a duty as human beings to make efforts to has not only shaped the semi- ticed “The Vagina Monologues” rience for this community.” make sure voices are heard.” nary community, but has helped support these voices to weren’t being performed at seminar- “The Vagina Monologues” SFTS students believe it’s important to in- bring down barriers and provide a ies on a regular basis like they were has received lots of support troduce these issues to the seminary and the voice and a face to millions of women help lift them from on college campuses, prompting her from the seminary. In fact, SFTS Presi- larger community, and hope to build on recent across the world who live in silence. and classmates to plan a production at dent Jim McDonald mentioned the production in dialogue and exchanges to ensure future perfor- Fifteen women who are SFTS stu- SFTS to be a voice for women who find his inauguration address in February, and faculty and staff their silence.” mances at SFTS. dents, staff, faculty and community themselves surrounded in silence when were among the performers this year. Students supported “This is something that needs to be done, especially in members from different ages, cultures and — Marissa Danney, it comes to violence, rape and oppression. the production by serving as ushers and shuttle drivers, and second-year seminaries,” Pence said. “Not all seminaries feel comfort- backgrounds performed “The Vagina Mono- “There is no better place to bring this by helping with post-performance refreshments. Master of logues” in March for the second year in a row. voice than into the church, especially since “The monologues really helped the seminary engage able with it, but it’s something that SFTS stands behind. Divinity I hope it will stand on its own and grow year after year in This production is based on Eve Ensler's origi- student the church has been a place where women have the community,” said Charles Wei, a third-year Master of nal production, which consists of different mono- not always been uplifted,” Pence said. “And at Divinity student who helped with a bake sale following the support and understanding.” logues delivered by women. The goal is to help wom- times, the church has been the source for the op- performance. “It shows the relevance and importance of the Christopher L. Schilling is a SFTS Master of Divinity intern student. en feel empowerment and appreciation for their own pression against women. We want to change that.” issue among the community.” He is currently interning at First Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo. bodies and also be a voice for many women across the

24 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 25 Master’s student awarded scholarship

STUDENT LIFE to study philosophy at Notre Dame By Holly Woolard through the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theol- ogy and the Philosophy Department of the University of acob Xiaoman Li, a second-year master’s student study- California, Berkeley. ing philosophical theology at San Francisco Theologi- “Jacob is an acute thinker,” says Dr. Christopher Ocker, Jcal Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union, SFTS professor of church history. “His contributions to the will spend the next academic year at University of Notre FACULTY NEWS discussions of the Muilenburg-Koenig Seminar last year Dame. His studies will be sponsored by The Nagel Institute were always insightful, and he is cultivating a broad grasp at Calvin College and The Society of Christian Philoso- of Christian intellectual traditions at SFTS. He’s taken full phers (SCP). advantage of the unique learning opportunities offered by World-renowned scholars gather for With major support from the John Templeton Foun- the GTU, including study at Cal’s philosophy department. dation, this initiative is designed for Chinese scholars to We’re all delighted that he has won this prestigious award.” “Bodies in Space and Time” workshop reflect on the relationship between values and virtues. Li’s With his recent appointment to study at one of the appointment will take place in South Bend, Ind., from Au- world’s premiere philosophy programs, Li’s academic pur- he Muilenburg-Koenig His- gust 2012 to May 2013. He is one of eight Chinese students suits will be heightened by weekly interaction with world- tory of Religion Seminar selected to the program, and one of only two who will study renowned philosophy scholars. brought together 17 scholars at Notre Dame. “This appointment will allow me to study with top- Tfor an intense two-day exchange of Like many SFTS students, Li’s studies have been en- notch philosophers, like Peter Van Inwagen, Robert Audi ideas around the theme “Bodies in riched by the seminary’s affiliation with the Graduate Theo- and Thomas Flint,” Li said. “I will be able to know them. Space and Time” on San Francisco logical Union. Li’s academic passion is philosophy, and he’s They will know me.” Theological Seminary’s beautiful cam- been able to augment his theological studies with courses Li is required to attend three graduate classes per se- pus. mester and complete all written work and exams. He will On Feb. 24-25, scholars came from also participate in activities sponsored by the Center for the University of California, Berke- Philosophy of Religion in addition to the Friday morning ley, Stanford, Pepperdine, University discussion groups where work-in-progress of the fellows, of Arizona, University of California, Dr. James Noel Dr. Christopher Ocker faculty members and guests is reviewed. Santa Cruz, Free University of Berlin, Li has always excelled academically even though his Austrian Academy of Sciences, Pacific bodies and spaces are constructed in spoke on leprosy healing in the Gos- interest in philosophy only began during his senior year at School of Religion and the Gradu- particular historical and cultural situ- pel according to Luke, in “Stories Oakland City University in Oakland City, Ind., where he ate Theological Union. The work- ations, and the corporeal and spatial Just under the Skin: Leprosy.” earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His passion for phi- shop also included presentations by dimensions of religious rites, beliefs, 9 SFTS Professor of American Re- losophy was so deep that he began planning to pursue a five SFTS faculty and contributions by sites and practices, especially in the ligion James Noel explored “The PhD in the field, including earning a master’s degree in a a select group of seminary students and contexts of the Ancient Near East and Spatial Dimension of Black Em- relative major. three PhD students from the Graduate Greek and Roman antiquity, medieval bodiment.” As part of his undergraduate studies, Li also spent time Theological Union, with another 15 and early modern Europe, Africa and 9 SFTS Associate Professor of Sys- studying at Harvard University. After graduating from col- faculty and students attending. the African Diaspora, and America tematic Theology Gregory Love lege, he went to seminary in Texas to study philosophy of The goal of the workshop was to and Europe today. examined the relationship of God religion with Greg Welty, an Oxford scholar who studied create conversations over a wide array and nature in the theology of Karl under Richard Swinburne. A year later, Li transferred to of fields relevant to the study of the 9 SFTS Professor of Church His- Barth, in “Does God Have a Body? SFTS and the GTU in search of a Reformed-based educa- Bible and theology in their broadest tory Christopher Ocker introduced Trinity, Spirit, and Nature in Karl tion and increased academic opportunities to pursue phi- historical and cultural contexts. The the workshop with observations Barth’s Doctrine of God.” losophy. He is in his second year at SFTS. disciplines represented included Greek about the relativity of spatial and Other contributions explored cleri- Following his 10-month appointment through the Na- and Roman archeology, Roman histo- corporeal knowledge in the history cal vestments, the baptism of aborted gel Institute, Li will return to the Bay Area to complete ry, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, the of European culture. fetuses in colonial Guatemala, Au- a joint Master of Divinity/Master of Arts degree from New Testament, Hebrew Bible, rab- 9 SFTS Associate Professor of Old gustine and slavery, the poetic figure SFTS and the GTU in the summer of 2013. He then binics, colonial history, early Christian Testament Annette Schellenberg of race in William Blake, and much hopes to pursue a PhD in philosophy at Cornell Uni- art and architecture, literary criticism, spoke on “Spaces, Bodies and God: more. versity. medieval history, Byzantine art his- On the Priestly Understanding of The seminar is funded by a gift Li says he would likely return to China to tory, Dutch Renaissance art, liturgical Holiness,” focusing on priestly pu- from Rev. Dr. Robert Koenig (SFTS teach, write and translate analytic philosophy studies, queer theory, and theology. rity in the literature of the Old Tes- Class of 1969) in memory of the dis- books into Chinese. He believes that improv- The workshop considered bodies tament. tinguished scholar, the late James ing translations will thereby improve the as conditions of collective or individ- 9 SFTS Associate Professor of New Muilenburg, professor of Old Testa- accessibility of western analytic philoso- ual experience, the manner in which Testament Annette Weissenrieder ment at SFTS. phy to more Chinese scholars.

Holly Woolard is communications manager at SFTS.

26 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 27 FACULTY NEWS - - - - Miracle Stories Re Stories Miracle SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 29 www.sfts.edu It is likelyIt that the relationship Weissenrieder presented a paper on The conference examined critically ality with interpretations miracles. of this end, the conferenceTo addressed ancient conceptshow reality, of always came complex, expression to in stories miraculousof healings and their re ception in medicine, art, literature, theology and philosophy, from classic antiquity the to Middle Ages. These bygone concepts help contemporary interpretations ancient of healings gain plausibility. between accounts healings of and concepts reality of applies only to not healingNew Testament narratives, but equally ancient to medical discourse. This is suggesteda by further and likewise binary dubious opposition, rooted in one thedistinction between fact and fiction, namely that between religious healing narratives the on one hand and rational medical discourse on the other. “TheProper Careof Sick: the Medi cal, Social and TheologicalMeanings Healingof Miracles.” The conference paperswill be published Gruyterde by incalled volume a visited. this mixing modern of concepts re of - - - - Affordable on-campus housing available Enrich your ministry through seminars designed by scholars and pastors for pastors. Topics include: Urban Ministries, Pastoral Counseling, Human Relations, and Faith, Food & Hunger. or theiror concepts reality. of Gerd Theissen, for example, as self-evident.resulting The ontology continues under to lie the form-critical study of NT miracle stories, leading to interpretive nuances that pre suppose the distinction fact of vs.no basis fiction but have ineither the texts in question Since David in Hume the 1700s, if earlier, the not interpretation of miracle stories has been dominated thein by the binary West distinction factof vs. fiction. Even the latest re search accepts this modern opposition distinguishesbetween stories with a historical basis and therefore a claim facticityto healings (e.g. interpreted in terms psychosomatic of therapies, or exorcismsin terms socialof therapy) and cloth whole stories of out invented as fictional expressionsof childlike de miraculoussires (e.g. gifts favors). or ------2012 Weissenrieder - - ew Testament miracleew Testament stories are important the for every day life the of church. They 2012 Doctor of Ministry Education & Continuing 2-13 June 4-15, June 18-29, July San Francisco Theological Semi The conference was led At the same time, skepticism is in Summer Seminars evitable. Are these “miracles” fact or fiction? And is this distinction integral theto text an or moder of invention nity? nary teamed with up the University Frankfurtof sponsor to a conference that focused New on Testa 17-18 Nov. miraclement stories and their recep tion from antiquity the to Middle Ages. Thisquestion waspursued in light an of narratives, cient pilgrimages, medical texts and visual im ages, the latter especially from the Catacombs and Byzantine art. SFTSby Associate Professor New of Annette Dr. Testament Weissenrieder, who also teaches at the Graduate Theo logical Stefan Dr. in Berkeley. Union Alkier, at professor New of Testament Johann Wolfgang Goethe University inFrankfurt am Main,was Germany, co-convener. are endlessly preached and on referred into pastoral care study. and Bible International SFTS at “ Stories “Healing on conference N - - - -

If what not, is “good” about In what way is death Christ’s Why is the idea the of virgin What ideas are connected with Is traditional sacrificial language traditional Is 9 9 The Marchworkshop also featured 9 9 9 thanWith more people in 50 at birth so important in the gospels of Luke and Matthew? in historyit and what can with do we today?it Greg Love, Dr. SFTSRev. associate professor systematic of theology, in addition Schellenberg Noel, to and ThisWeissenrieder. of scholars group reflectedon crucifixionthe of Jesus from biblical, theological and homi letical perspectives, answering the fol lowing questions: from Christian theoryatonement still relevant in our world? Good Friday? believer? today’s for relevant tendanceat both workshops,the SFTS faculty is committed offering to simi lar events in learn the future. more To aboutlectures SFTS by faculty and other events, visit www.sfts.edu. - - The Advent workshop The featuredAdvent terpretations, since exchanges like this happen too infrequently. James Noel, Dr. Rev. Weissenrieder, professor American of Religion and the H.Eugene California Farlough Jr. Chair African of American Christian Christopher professor Dr. Ocker, ity, Churchof Annette History, and Dr. Schellenberg, associate professor of This Testament. Old workshop helped answer questions such as: alsogood faculty for members hear to andreflect on eachothers’ unique in ------outside the seminary’s close-knit community community close-knit seminary’s the outside It’s important for SFTS faculty members to connect with people people with connect to members SFTS faculty for important It’s

an Francisco Theological Semi nary faculty members staged two workshops that timed were With expertise in areas such as the According Annette Dr. to Weis to help answer help to age-old questions that arise during the seasons and Advent of Lent.workshop The November in was entitled “TheVirgin Birth:Truths and Myths.”workshop The in March was entitled“The Crucifixion of Jesus: Sac Tragedy?”rificeor African-American Christian experi ences, Church Testa Old History, and New Systematicment, Testament SFTS Theology, facultymembers pre sented a variety views, of along with past and current research topics on that are frequently debated during two defining Christian seasons.

senrieder, SFTSsenrieder, associate professor ofNew Testament, important it’s for SFTS faculty members connect to with the outside people seminary’s close-knit community pastors help to and lay leaders expound and old on new schools thought of the to congre gations and organizations they have been called serve. to added She that it’s S Faculty offer workshops for pastors, lay leaders during Advent, Lent Faculty offer workshops SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012

FACULTY NEWS 28 FACULTY NEWS

Dr. Annette Annette Dr. Weissenrieder, associate professor professor associate of Testament, New of the was co-editor book Contested and Houses Spaces: SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 31 was written by was written by Contested Spaces Religion & TheologyReligion with at Brill Temples in Roman Antiquity and the and Antiquity Roman in Temples L. along with David Testament New Balch. - of archaeolo an international group - Testa gists, art historians and New the who investigated ment scholars houses Roman function of spaces in - Herculane and temples in Pompeii, Ephesus Ostia, um, Corinth, Rome, how The writings explore and Judaea. to un- related artand archaeology are texts, in- Testament New derstanding Supper Lord’s the of narratives cluding and other meals, and the function of ancient temples. Another focus is the - archi different between relationship domus, villae tectural forms (Roman letters and the and insulae) and Paul’s also attended a Weissenrieder Gospels. Africa on “Well in South conference last semester with scholars pri- Being” Africa. Africa and South marily from and a paper on “Illness presented She - Weis Testament.” in the New Healing senrieder was invited to write a paper and Social Places entitled “Sacred Politics of and Tree Fig The Magic: East in in Roman Representation 21:18-22” for an Light of Matthew Miracle Testament to New introduction Zimmermann. Ruben edited by Stories also contributed an article on the She - Testa meaning of the body in New philoso- medicine and ment, ancient für phy for a journal called Zeitschrift Leitfaden des (“Am Testament Neues über sōma in Diskurs Leibes. Der der An- und Philosophie Medizin - a paper on “In completed She tike”). Relationship between The sight Out: - in Ancient Med Self and Outer Inner and in Texts ical and Philosophical will be published in a volume It Paul.” of the from den Heever van Gerhard see Africa. Please of South University con- Stories” page 29 for the “Healing helped lead at Weissenrieder ference in November. SFTS

Dana and David and David Dana Professor Dornsife of Testament, New paper, a presented of dikaio- “Meaning Dr. Annette Dr. Schellenberg, Rev. Dr. Eugene Dr. Rev. Eung-Chun Park, associate professor associate professor of Testament, Old was invited to be- come a member of the editorial board New Creation in Paul’s Letters Paul’s in Creation New - hermeneutics of Je Torah syne in the at the of Matthew,” sus in the Gospel - of Bibli Society of the meeting annual in Francisco held in San cal Literature arti- exegetical wrote He November. 26:57-68” and cles on “Matthew A. 26:69-75” in Cynthia “Matthew eds., Johnson, and E. Elizabeth Jarvis , Westminster on the Gospels Feasting (2012, forthcoming). Knox He John Ryan T. on a book review also wrote Jackson, 2010) in Mohr-Siebeck, (Tübingen: (2012, forth- Interpretation Biblical participatingbe will in He coming). Kong in Hong program the IASACT as a mentor to junior and July in June in universities various scholars from in projects research on working Asia humanities and social sci- religions, ences. papers on Arabic Bible translations translations Bible on Arabic papers and missionary- spiritual au agendas, and biblical interpretation, thority in - Sac in the scripture Hindu the use of Ashram Ashram, a Catholic cidananda Bible called “The in a session in India, at the annual meeting the East” Meets of Religion Academy of the American of Santa at University Region Western Clara in March. - Mono Interpretation for the Biblical the during will teach She Series. graph Seminars of Ministry Summer Doctor entitled seminar is 4-15. Her June Questions in the Theological “Basic Testament.” Old

professor of professor ofprofessor American religion, - Wom helped stage a en- anist Symposium titled “Who Do They - I Am?” at Mc Say Rev. Dr. James Dr. Rev. Noel, Christopher Dr. Ocker, Church History, co- History, Church - the Mui ordinated lenburg-Koenig History of Religion - in Febru Seminar - Berke in Church Baptist Avenue Gee which drew event, The ley in January. lay leaders and nearly 100 pastors, the through seminarians, was offered Black Union’s Theological Graduate Studies Religious Church/Africana which is under the direction Program, an adjunct Taylor, Martha of Noel. of Doctor for the SFTS professor - pro of Divinity Ministry and Master of the sympo- grams, was convener sium, which engaged womanist theol- wom- ogy within the context of Black setting. Noel en in the local church also serves as interim pastor at New in San Church Liberation Presbyterian Francisco. nars. He will lead “Faith, Food and Food lead “Faith, will He nars. Dean Dr. 2-13. Rev. on July Hunger” will also teach wife, Jim’s McDonald, - Counsel leading “Pastoral this season, June and Families” ing with Couples 18-29. ary was (see page 27 for details). He also a panelist in the session “Consid- ering Esther Chung-Kim's Inventing Fa- Use of the Church The Authority: the over Debates thers in Reformation at the annual meeting of Eucharist” - His of Church the American Society was a He tory in Chicago in January. in in a conference commentator the book manu- discussing March script of a colleague in the University history depart- of California, Berkeley, on “Clerical Miller, ment, Maureen 800- Europe, Clothing in Medieval to responses presented Ocker 1200.”

Rev. Dr. James James Dr. Rev. McDonald, of SFTS president of professor and faith and public life, was inaugurated on (See 10-11. Feb. - Spe pages 4-21 for Commemorative schedule McDonald’s cial Edition.) has been packed as he visits with SFTS the na- alumni and friends throughout to he was introduced January, tion. In of Southern of the Synod executives the Presbytery California and Hawaii, Presbytery Hanmi and of the Pacific Paul at a lunch and dinner hosted by he February, trustee. In Kim, SFTS at a dinner in Portland, was honored chair Bever, van Peter by hosted Ore., also gave trustees. He of the SFTS of the to the Presbytery a welcome Presbyterian Tabor Cascades at Mt. Later in February, in Portland. Church for the a presentation gave McDonald Monte at Presbyterian Convocation Ca- in Pasadena, Homes Grove Vista Presbytery Diego San with met He lif. officials and attended a dinner hosted trustee, in SFTS Hoffmann, Wayne by his first will teach McDonald March. this summer as part of course at SFTS - Semi of Ministry Summer the Doctor . From July 8-13, Love Love 8-13, July Christ . From of Cross for the a workshop be leading will at Conference Experience Zephyr Conference Presbyterian Point Zephyr “Science Nev. Tahoe, Lake Center in will look at Faith” and the Christian - and reli science between the relation it is possible will ask how gion. Love that science to act in a world for God is ruled natural laws, chance, by knows will, and is a world and human free The sufferings. filled with massive be a Chris- can course argues that you view a scientific of the tian and have wife, Love’s world at the same time. - will also be teach Anderson Love, Julie NecessaryMira- “The ing a workshop. looks at what it means to forgive, cle” us to for- requires and whether God an annual gath- The conference, give. - many Presby ering of Christians from Northern throughout terian churches to attend. California, invites anyone

dean of the dean of the - pro associate seminary- pro and spiritual fessor of life, participated session in the second of a Wabash-funded Elizabeth Dr. Liebert, Gregory Dr. Rev. Love, fessor of systematic continues theology, to teach adult education series at Presbyterian First Dean’s colloquy in March. Her col- Her in March. colloquy Dean’s - represent of eight deans league group for theo- of contexts ed a wide variety that she reports logical education, and at the were the cases each brought unique and had same time completely has also She a striking commonality. - been selected to participate in the His for deans week Institute panic Summer Rico in June. in Puerto and presidents - Janu In Calif. Burlingame, Church, in a two- group he led the men’s ary, of the relation session investigation Suffering.” and Human “God between he led a five-week January-February, In and God between series on the relation Violent God “Is violence in the Bible. looked at the portrayals of Not?” Or and New and violence in the Old God ob- through and as seen Testaments, servations- of the natural world as guid in Pilgrim - Annie Dillard ed by at Tin conducted a three-week . Love ker Creek - series on happiness at Calvary Presby Calif. Francisco, San terian Church, Optimistic Happiness: of Pursuit “The and Christian Meaning Psychology, looked at the latest Sanctification” by social scientists on what findings makes people happy and asked wheth- goal for er happiness is an appropriate six- a taught also He life. Christian the series on the meaning of the cross week An- San Church, Presbyterian at First Us” Saves God “How selmo, Calif. Jesus’ views of looked at six different The series saving action on the cross. 2010 book was based upon Love’s the How and the Cross: Violence Love, the through Us Saves God Nonviolent

Rev. Dr. Sam Dr. Rev. Hamilton-Poore, - of the Pro director in Christian gram as- and Spirituality of professor sistant Christian spirituali- Rev. Laurie Laurie Rev. Garrett-Cobbina, Family Shaw the for Clinical Chair Education, Pastoral and was a presenter the for celebrant ty, will be returning to South Sudan in Sudan to South will be returning ty, as part of an ecumenical teaching June with pastors and church team, working - of Su Church leaders of the Episcopal of Church dan and the Presbyterian Theological College at the Nile Sudan The oth- State. Nile Upper in Malakal, er members of the teaching team are Divinity Duke Davis, Ellen Dr. pediatri- MD, Morris, Peter School; health specialist; and community cian of Diocese the of Copp Ann Rev. and also visit will Maryland.The group and leaders, congregations, church before Juba ministries in and around - Hamil States. to the United returning - to lead a preach will return ton-Poore 23-27. “Before July at SFTS retreat er’s will the Cross” and Beyond the Cradle of Luke. study and pray the Gospel event blends ser- This unique five-day with spiritual forma- mon preparation S. Robert Wire, Antoinette tion. Dr. Testament, New of Professor Dollar is the co-leader. Emerita, “African American Passover Ritual: American Passover “African An- at St. Liberation” Celebrating Marin Church, Presbyterian drew’s was also the She in April. Calif., City, Association for keynote speaker at the Pacific Education, Clinical Pastoral in April. Calif., Diego, in San Region, “Cultural was entitled address Her and Difference.” Competency/Diversity SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012

FACULTY NEWS 30 ALUMNI NEWS

- is the founder and of director executive - Work & Equal Out the place Advocates, largest non- world’s organization profit - dedicated to creat ing safe and equi- has launched a blog offering children’s assermons as well andideas occasional suggestions for chil ministry in dren’s general. Children’s Today Sermons SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 33 the Heart: Introductions, Forewards Forewards Introductions, the Heart: . This Robert Sardello by & Prefaces - the many in comes from collection for books has authored Sardello tros will Readers on spiritual psychology. under- fresh a deep and discover journey instanding of the spiritual every chapter. her popular series ofpicks up where With books entitled A Time Our Worship in for Use Stories Children: Church United The by (published left off. Like the 1989-92), Press, books, the blog is primarily based Common Lectionary. on the New the biblical goal is to retell “My or a story thenarrative, by inspired periscope, in a way that relates day’s - and their faith develop to children ment. I also keep the busy pastor or storyteller keeping in mind by to a mini- and preparation props has served Deming churches mum.” - in California, Colorado, Pennsylva The nia, Maryland and Delaware. blog can be found at www.childrens sermonstoday.blogspot.com. 1991 Selisse Berry (M.Div.) 1981 (M.Div.) Dianne E. Deming retired from Col- from retired last lege of Marin after working year communityfor the college near SFTS than 42 for more years. was head He counselingthe of departmentwhen he Acts of was the co-editor of the book Acts stepped down. Flynn now spends now Flynn stepped down. at Marin his time volunteering he where Hall, County Juvenile students at with meets regularly helping them the detention center, college or tech- chart a path toward also meets with nical school. He - been re students after they have their leased, helping them achieve to life academic goals and readjust Flynn, To walls. the center’s beyond who helped countless students on of adapt to the pressures probation at the Col- college during his years the question of what lege of Marin, was never to do in his retirement a question. “Thisreally will sound that whatfeel honestly but I hokey, not someone I do is a calling. I’m who was going to go and play golf time.” in his spare such marriages are legal, because the legal, are such marriages does constitution denomination’s as ecclesi- such unions not recognize , Scott Clark astical marriages. Rev. dean of interim associate SFTS and Rev.student life and chaplain, - en SFTS former , Brewster Beverly Spahr represented director, rollment a three- over during her hearings ’09) (M.Div. span. Both Clark year ’08) practiced (M.Div. and Brewster seminary. attending law before 1974 John Lee (D.Min.) 1959 Robert Flynn (BD) continues to stand of rights for the up same-gender cou- ples to marry even the highestthough - court in the Pres Church byterian (U.S.A.) upheld a retired as pastor at retired - Pres Westminster in Church byterian in Calif., Tiburon, He 2011. October - West had been at minster since 1981. has served the He ruling denomina- that she violated officiated at the tional rules. Spahr of 16 same-gender cou- weddings 2008 to November June ples from when same-gender marriages were legal in California. The PC(USA) - Judi Assembly Permanent General 20 cial Commission ruled on Feb. ministers should that Presbyterian not performof same- marriages in states where gender couples even larger Marin community in many community larger Marin a foundingways, including being Communitytrustee of the Marin and a leader in the de- Foundation Interfaith of the Marin velopment began collaborating Council. He in the congregation with a Jewish temporaryoffer to ’80s for shelter to homeless people, which evolved winter of rotating network today’s a 1976 trip Since shelters in Marin. writ- he has researched, to Poland, on Christians who ten and lectured during Jews risked death to rescue is the author of He the Holocaust. , the bi- Rovno Moses of the book The ography of a rescuer. 1969 (BD) Douglas Huneke 1970 Janie Spahr (BD, D.Min. ’87) - - - -

“The UnitedNations“The is ineffec Ateek concluded his talk say by Kay Carney is the vice president of communications Kay Carney is the vice president at SFTS. and justice all, for according Ateek. to believesHe that achieving peace will require the three largest Christian de ing, “Whether your truths about the Promised Land or reside in the Torah the Jerusalem Bible, is a sacred place for all people.” nominations (Catholicism, Protestant ism, Eastern Orthodoxy), which have conferencesmajor and largesse, raise to theirvoices in unison and boldly lead peace. believes charge Ateek the for that Presbyterians can lead the way in action.the progression non-violent of tive because they are weak,” stated Ateek. have operate to from a “We basis truth, of and politics. simply not Granted, this is an ongoing challenge because people, truth some to does not make a difference.” - - - -

—Rev. Dr. Naim Stifan Ateek Dr. —Rev. Whether your truths truths your Whether Bible, Jerusalem is a Jerusalem Bible, Politics have proven to be to disman have Politics proven Ateekstarted his talk offering by “ reside in the Torah or the the or Torah in the reside about the Promised Land Promised the about sacred place for all people.” all for place sacred age speak to ex He justice.” for up pressed that will it take all us of work ing together towardvision a peace of if conflict resolution is ever going to be realized. tling any of effortsto achieve peace Palestine conflict,” said Adesanya. teach to were “If he a class at SFTS, I would be among the firstsignto up!” praise. “Thank God for the Christians, Jews and Muslims who have the cour ------, pub

Muslims during a visit , was published in 2008.

minded San Francisco Theo logical Seminary students, ev. Dr. Naim Dr. Stifanev. Ateek re A Palestinian Christian Cry of

The 2002SFTS Distinguished Ateek was the first to articulatea Ineda Adesanya, SFTS Master of By Kay Carney By R Noted alum Ateek returnsNoted alum to campus conflict talk on Israel/Palestine to give ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI faculty, staff, alums,local clergy, com Reconciliation munity members and other guests that Jerusalem is a sacred placeChris to tians, Jews and Santo Anselmo in March. Alum, who earned a Doctor Minis of addressedtry the near-capac in 1985, ityin crowd Alexander Hall. highlyA regarded Palestinian Christian, Ateek heads the Sabeel Ecumenical Libera tion Theology Jerusalem,Center in His orga which founded he in 1989. nization is actively working bring to peace the to Israel/Palestine conflict. Ateek is also former Canon St. of CathedralGeorge's in Jerusalem. Palestinian theology liberation of in his book, Justice and Only Justice: A Palestinian TheologyLiberationof His book laid the foun lishedin 1989. dation a theology of that addresses the conflict overPalestine and explores its political, religious, biblical and theological dimensions. Ateek’s latest book, Divinity/DASD said middler, def she initely gained new insights from the discussion. Ateek is “Dr. an engaging speaker.wealth The of informationhe brought forth was amazing and pro found, and deepened awareness my of and critical thinking about the Israel/ SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 32 ALUMNI NEWS

SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 35 om Fisher (STD 1988) om Fisher — T was ordained to the position of was ordained Park chaplain at Legacy Meridian Ore., Tualatin, Center in Medical 2. on Dec. min- validated the to ordained was istry of chaplain/Clinical Pastoral SupervisoryEducation Education & Hospital at Stanford Student service ordination was Clinics. Her - Pres Lafayette-Orinda 4 at March Church. byterian gans also serve at Christian Mission there traveling in Rajshahi Hospital CMH is anonce or twice a month. - Hin Muslims, 80-bed facility for earned Christians. Morgan and dus State the Louisiana her MD from in School of Medicine University in in- and an MPH Shreveport the Johns ternational health from Health. School of Public Hopkins United has become pastor at First in Loveland, Church Presbyterian SFTS, graduating from Since Colo. at an orphanage she volunteered and battled humanin rural India returned to When she trafficking. the U.S., she served as pastoral as- Presbyterian Wildwood sociate at in Illinois. Church 2004 Buskirk (M.Div.) Stasia Van 2010 (M.Div.) Annamae Taubeneck Laura Lyter (M.Div.) Laura Lyter Ordinations and Calls has been serving- as a PC(USA) mis sionary since 1989 in Bangladesh Mor- with her husband, Les. The based in the capital city of gans are advisors for they are where Dhaka, health Bangladesh of Church the - Mor ministries. A medical doctor, who live children gan helps treat sees lots of colds She on the street. and skin ailments, and also treats wounds sustained in the rough- But and-tumble life on the streets. than medical care she brings more to the clinic. “I delight in affirm- - pre who are children them as ing Despite God. of the sight in cious many of their lives, the hardness a deep assurance of them treasure Mor- The for them.” love of God’s and associate professor at Ouachita Ouachita at and associate professor He in Arkansas. University Baptist H.B. at fellow resident a also is Institute. Theological Carroll writes a blog called “Pluralism, A Pragmatism: Progressivism, - in a Postmod Pastor Protestant He for Patheos.com. World” ern has been the pastor of Broadview in Chesapeake Beach, Church is cur- 2010. He since July Md., his of revising in the process rently Commu- dissertation, “Practicing Church Free in Progressive, nion into a popularized Congregations” form for publication as a book. and provocative Gregg’s follow To insightful blog posts, progressively go to www.patheos.com/blogs/ carlgregg/. 2009 D.Min. ’12) Carl Gregg (DASD, Cindy Morgan (DASD) Member of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Religious Affairs Committee of Massachusetts, Amherst Religious Member of the University Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church, Athens, Ohio. Ohio University Adjunct Religious Advisor Presbyterian Church, Athens, Ohio. Ohio Pastor Emeritus, First Worship Beyond Beyond Worship explores faithful wor- explores (Wipf & Stock 2012), which (Wipf & Stock (M.Div. ’89). Before seminary, seminary, ’89). Before (M.Div. and fair housing in the San Joaquin Joaquin San and fair housing in the closely with fellow working Valley, - Stan graduate, Rev. Sharon SFTS ley Ghana withThompson served in (U.S.A.) Church the Presbyterian is She Volunteers. Adult Young - pro the ordination in currently Church United the cess through am grateful for theof Christ. “I foundation in scriptural and theo- at SFTS logical study I received that confirmed and deepened my commitment to social justice. I apply skills I learned in organiza- and reflection, tional leadership, empathetic listening every single in this new to role day - and now big needs in a small com- address and grounding Spiritual munity. crucial I continue as remain growth to serve of commit- in wider circles grateful I’m ment and leadership. for the shape of my path, formed and in at SFTS during my years service.” Presbyterian - Na Beyond has published Worship of the Reign tionalism: Practicing God his dis- is based on material from sertation/project. Nationalism which ship as a political act by their allegiance Christians declare in Christ rather than to to God - enabling congre worldly empires, of God’s gations to enact the reality kingdom and embody the gospel for the glory and for the of God - direc is Hewell world. of the sake Program Studies Worship tor of the 2007 Rob Hewell (D.Min.) “SFTS has been very important to me, and I am profoundly appreciative of its of its appreciative “SFTS profoundly and I am me, to been has very important pastors. scholar at creating degree aimed a doctoral offering in work pioneering about thinking and keepreading me to helped only not me of required work The I served.” congregations by the appreciated was but things, was a keynote speak- - er at the “Trans - Tra forming Faith’s conference dition” - Univer at Furman sity in February. was The conference designed for inter- church laity, ested - was named as direc tor of an organiza- tion that provides housing affordable Marin in western Thompson County. was an previously activist for clean air Finding Your New Balance: Balance: New Your Finding - ship services and thought-provok his Landon shares ing discussions, of the nature unique understanding in worship asof our need for rituals a beneficial part of our journey to- healing. This book will open ward to a new of seeing eyes way your for the grieving. Landon love God’s while degree his D.Min. finished struggling Meniere’s with chronic a second on working and is disease book Living with Faith and on Reflections Disease. Chronic members and ministers who want to learn about and practice their faith is founder and senior Flunder well. United pastor of City of Refuge Francisco. of Christ in San Church of the minister is an ordained She - re of Christ. She Church United 4-15 to teach June turns to SFTS of Ministry Summer in the Doctor seminar is entitled Her Seminars. - Ur the in Preaching “Incarnational ban Setting.” 2002 Kim Thompson (M.Div.) 2001 Flunder (D.Min.) Yvette life and

is planting a church is planting a church online.meets that former Reyes-Chow, moderator of the Church Presbyterian (U.S.A), has been an for use of advocate social media in con- gregational Grieving has based his latest book Grieving - A Ministry Re Worship: in Hearts dissertation/ on his D.Min. source explains that An excerpt project. offers Worship in Hearts Grieving an opportunitychallenge ques- to discon- tions concerning a growing and grieve we how nect between the Through God. worship we how wor- creative use of stories, poetry, now wants to flip that paradigm wants to flip that now in a powerful resulting upside down, in wrote He way to establish church. he envisions his blog that the church under the PC(USA) consti- will live leaders he tution. Among the church Derrick is Rev. is seeking help from ’07). Reyes-Chow (M.Div. Weston - points out that his new congrega “a It’s an online church.” tion is “not more For that meets online.” church - Face information, visit the church book page at https://www.facebook. com/groups/193231114114803/. welcomed Giles Mark Geoffrey Kos- Geoffrey Mark Giles welcomed 3. He its into the world on March 8 lbs, 1.5 oz and was 20 weighed inches long. 1999 Nancy Corran (M.Div.) ’12) and Rus Kosits (M.Div. 2000 Michael Landon (DASD, D.Min. ’10) 1995 (M.Div.) Bruce Reyes-Chow and members and friends of her in Church Presbyterian Tippecanoe by honored were Wis., Milwaukee, Greater of Conference Interfaith the and outreach for projects Milwaukee making significant contribu- that are tions to the quality of life in the area. named the was Church Tippecanoe Huebschmann Herbert 2011 Rev. winner. Ministry Award Urban Tippecanoe’s highlights The award Con- Waters ministries of Living Life Center and Divine templative - Minis Weather Intervention Cold try The church’s to the Homeless. includes the Ministries Food-Justice Community Garden Tippecanoe Wellness American and the Native both organic and part of Garden, a larger local, sustainable, holistic learned to have “We health ministry. as be faithful in the big things as well from moved the small things as we a decision model of discernment- action-discernment.to one of action to more have we deeply know We not acting, than acting.” lose by table workplaces for lesbian, gay, for lesbian, gay, table workplaces transgender (LGBT) bisexual and recog- internationally people. This together organization brings nized and executives, employees, LGBT companies 1000 Fortune allies from - Un equality. to focus on workplace & Equal Out der Berry's leadership, 18 regional has expanded to include U.S., and works affiliates in the offers with many global partners. It the including programs numerous which Summit, Workplace annual 2,700 attendees from over convenes best practices 30 countries to share can bring their so that all employees to work. whole selves 1994 DASD ’96) Karen Hagen (M.Div., SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012

ALUMNI NEWS 34

ALUMNI NEWS IN MEMORIAM

1933 professor of religion at College of policies that favor the “haves” rather Wooster and then served as chaplain than the “have nots.” Glenn Darrell Puder and professor of religion at Vassar (BD course work) College. He was named president of 1944 the National Association of College died Dec. 19 in Napa, Calif. He cel- John Lloyd Reimers (BD) and University Chaplains. Bonthius ebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. moved to parish ministry in 1959, passed away on Jan. 23 in Medford, 10. Before earning his M.Div. from accepting a call at Westminster Pres- Ore., at the age of 99. He led Pres- Princeton Theological Seminary and byterian Church in Portland, Ore. byterian congregations in Vallejo, attending SFTS from 1931-33, he He joined voter registration efforts Gridley and Winters, retiring in graduated from Occidental College, in Hattiesburg, Miss., in 1964 and 1978. Among his published works where he met his wife, Dorothy Dis- was honored by Portland’s Jewish was The Pioneer Presbyterian Church ney, the niece of Walt Disney. Puder community with the B’nai B’rith of Winters. In his autobiography, had a sense of call as early as age 12 Brotherhood Award for service to he wrote, “God had a plan for me. and fulfilled his dream of becoming city and state. In 1966, Case West- He used me to instruct and encour- a Presbyterian minister. His early ern Reserve University in Cleveland, age and love people. For Him, I (to churches included Immanuel Pres- The SFTS Alumni Council met on campus prior to Alumni Reunion Weekend April 19-21. The council is proud to announce the development Ohio, asked Bonthius to teach cler- count the countable events) con- byterian Church in Los Angeles and of a new online directory for alumni. To learn more about this tool to help SFTS graduates stay connected, contact Lynn Dunn, associate vice gy of all faiths how to organize for ducted 258 weddings, 568 funeral First Presbyterian Church of Bakers- president for alumni and church relations, at [email protected]. social changes in their communities. services, presided at meetings of all field. In Bakersfield, Puder became The success of this five-year pilot kinds, worked with young people known as “The Pastor to the City,” program led to the formation of the and adults and preached to every- serving as chaplain for the police Action Training Network of Ohio body who would listen.” His greatest >> 2012 Distinguished Alumni Continued from page 03 department and the memorial hos- (ATN), which helped make systemic pital. One of his career highlights loves were fishing and the outdoors, Chung Kang was delivering the invocation at the changes regarding racism, sexism, as well as his writing. There was opening of Disneyland in Anaheim hunger, poverty, public education, never a trip or vacation that wasn't domestic violence and the environ- He earned a Doctor of the Science of Theology degree from international ecumenical communities in Mala- at the invitation of Walt Disney. In written up and shared with others. ment. He also helped organize U.S.- San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1978. Chung’s thesis wi and Russia, his dynamic teaching of the Bible 1995, the Puders moved to Napa He also enjoyed backpacking, camp- Soviet Nuclear Freeze town meetings was entitled A Study of Preaching with Particular Reference to and his original contributions in contextualizing Valley and found a home at First ing and traveling. His other hobbies the Korean Cultural Context. biblical interpretation has made Dr. Kang a su- Presbyterian Church, St. Helena. throughout Maine, and advocated included reading, doing stained glass Chung remained in California until 1980, serving as or- perlative representative of the best in theology He volunteered at St. Helena Hospi- for U.S. justice toward El Salvador work, stamp and coin collecting, ganizing pastor for Daesung Presbyterian Church in Moun- and biblical scholarship.” tal, Napa Valley Museum and taught and Nicaragua. In 1983, Catholic woodworking and other handiwork. tain View, Calif. He returned to Korea to teach theology at Born in South Korea, Kang earned a Master Bible study classes. and Protestant groups in Nicara- He was constantly busy on multiple Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary for 24 years of Theology degree from Hankuk Theological gua asked for support in building a projects, which regularly amazed all until he was named president at Hanil in 2004. In addition Seminary in 1971 before fulfilling his duties in 1943 just economic society by stopping who came in contact with him. the U.S. government Contra War to his numerous academic and church responsibilities, he the Korean Army as a chaplain. He arrived in San Robert Harold Bonthius (BD) also served as adjunct faculty at SFTS in 1985. Anselmo in 1977 to begin his studies at SFTS, against them. Bonthius responded 1945 Chung’s gift as an educator has had far-reaching impacts. earning a Doctor of the Science of Theology de- died Aug. 14 in Worthington, Ohio, by co-founding Witness for Peace James Miller (BD) Rev. Dr. Jana Childers, SFTS professor of homiletics and gree in 1981. at the age of 92. After seminary, he (WFP). For the next 13 years (to speech communication, nominated Chung to be a Distin- Upon graduation, Kang moved to Spring- went on to Union Theological Semi- 1996) he took major leadership roles died on July 16 in Medford, Ore., guished Alum for that very reason. field, Va., with his wife and children to begin nary and Columbia University in in WFP at the international level. As at the age of 91. He was ordained “Dr. Chang has helped me understand Korean preach- pastoral ministry at the First Virginia Korean New York for his MA and PhD de- poor majority groups in Guatemala, shortly after graduating from SFTS. ing, culture and my own students in more ways than I can Presbyterian Church in Annandale, Va. He took grees. His doctoral dissertation be- Mexico, Haiti, Cuba and Colum- He was a member of Redwoods detail in writing,” Childers said. “I have delighted in his over as pastor of the Washington Young Nak came his first book, Christian Paths bia have requested international Presbytery. advice over the years and found him to be a generous men- Presbyterian Church in Silver Springs, Md., in to Self-Acceptance, and was chosen solidarity, WFP has continued to tor also to a number of the M.Div. and PhD students we 1984. He also served on the board of trustees of Book of the Month by the national grow, multiplying U.S. delegations have shared.” the Korean Institute for Human Rights. Religious Book Club. Bonthius was and increasing its challenges to U.S.

36 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 37

In Memoriam In Memoriam

produced/acted/directed over 150 1983 1988 1950 in San Francisco. He started the worked as a fifth-grade special edu- productions while a minister in the church and community group cation teacher at Monte Vista El- church. Later in life she became a key Louis George Jeannot Jack Hanson Phillabaum (D.Min.) Phyllis Hart (MA) which helped troubled youth, pro- ementary in Vacaville. figure in the Denver theater commu- (STD course work) passed away peacefully on Feb. 12 in died Dec. 10 from breast cancer at vided shelter for the homeless and nity until her death. died at the age of 84 on June 28, Tempe, Ariz., at the age of 83. His the age of 85 in Eugene, Ore. She helped others find jobs. He served 1962 2011. Jeannot, who took STD cours- celebration of life was held at Mis- worked as an elementary school churches throughout California, 1975 George F. Bott (BD) es from 1973-83, taught theology for sion del Sol Presbyterian Church in teacher in California before work- Arizona and Oregon. He was also Henry Medd II 18 years at Seattle University and was Tempe in March. He was a retired ing for the Eugene School District a member of various presbyteries died at Pikes Peak Care Center in the director of Religious Education chaplain major in the U.S. Army and for 23 years until her retirement in and the Kiwanis, who emphasize Colorado Springs, Colo., in March (D.Min course work) at St. Michael's Catholic Parish in 60-year Masonic member. Phillabaum 1985. Hart was a tutor in Greek at helping children. He was deeply 2011 at the age of 84. Ordained passed away on March 25 at the Snohomish, Wash., for nine years. enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fish- SFTS and she always felt that expe- interested in peacemaking, classical to the U.S. Navy Chaplaincy by age of 89 at the United Method- ing and Arizona State University rience pushed her toward a life mis- music and singing. A celebration of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), ist Homes Wesley Village Campus, 1984 sports. He was actively involved with sion of education. She connected his life was held in March at Chapel Bott served 37 years with distinc- Jenkins Township, Pa. Medd was a the Military Officers Association of deeply with her classmates. “She al- By The Sea Presbyterian Church in tion in the U.S. Marine Corps and World War II veteran serving in the Jesse L. Trotter, Sr. (D.Min.) America and the Military Order of Lincoln City. in military civilian and penal com- ways spoke highly of her education U.S. Navy. After the war, he earned died in November 2010 in Ocean World Wars. munities. He was employed as an at SFTS, its supportive atmosphere, his BA from Temple University and Springs, Miss., at the age of 85. He 1954 adjuster and investigator, then as and what fun it was to be so im- a Bachelor of Divinity degree from was pastor of Macedonia Missionary mersed in the studies there,’’ Hart’s Taylor McWilliams Potter (M.Div.) a prison chaplain at San Quentin. the Crozer Theological Seminary. Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, SFTS also prayerfully daughter Joanna Jacobs wrote. In His civilian posts also included in- He returned to Temple for his Mas- died peacefully on Dec. 6 in Pasa- Miss. He also served as moderator addition to earning a master’s de- terim pastor at College Presbyterian ter’s degree and later attended SFTS. remembers: dena, Calif., at the age of 84. He emeritus of the Shiloh Missionary gree from SFTS, Hart returned to Church, San Francisco, and sup- Medd was a chaplain at the Veterans served in the U.S. Army Air Corps Baptist District Association. Among school several decades later to re- ply pastor in Florida. He regarded Administration Hospital in Wilkes- Rev. Allan Philp (BD 1946) before receiving a BS in architecture his accomplishments and achieve- ceive a master’s in education from his highest achievement as the care Barre, Pa., for many years. He was a ments are: Founder of Lift Bible Cru- from Penn State and then attending passed away in January 2010 at the University of Oregon. of hundreds of abandoned and or- founding member of the Wyoming sade College and Seminary, Inc., The seminary. He was awarded a Gug- age of 91. He served as pastor at phaned children in Korea and the Valley Meals on Wheels program. Gulf Coast Theological Seminary genheim Fellowship in 1966. As churches in Oregon and California, Malcolm Carrick (BD, ThM 1956) Philippines while serving as senior He was also active with Habitat for and The World Crusade for Christ, an architect and minister, he built and was a member of the Presbytery passed away Oct. 14 at the Hospice chaplain. He received numerous Humanity, Planned Parenthood, In- Inc., Who’s Who in Executive and churches, hospitals and schools of San Joaquin until his passing. Care Center in Richmond, Ky. He medals and awards, including the terfaith Council and was instrumen- Professionals 1999, Personalities of as a missionary and architectural was 86 years old. Following his or- Navy and Marine Corps Commen- tal in establishing homeless shelters the South Award by the Editorial consultant, completing over 120 dination, he was commissioned to dation Medal. at various churches throughout the Board of American Biographical In- Charles F. Ray (MRE 1960) projects in over 40 countries. As be a missionary in Japan and served area. He was a member of Second stitute, A Division of Historical Pres- a Presbyterian minister, he served in that country with his wife, Jean Hollis A. Bartges (BD) Presbyterian Church, Pittston, Pa. ervation of America 1976-77, Gulf churches in California, Thailand, Roger Putnam (M.Div. 1967) passed away in February in Denver, Coast Community Action Agency Carrick, until 1990. Jean, who pre- Oregon, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. 1980 ceded Malcolm in death, was also a Colo., at the age of 75. She started Distinguished Community Service died in April 2010 at the age of 83 in Presbyterian missionary. The Car- 1955 her lifelong love of the stage while Sylvia Van Dyk (M.Div.) Award 1993, WLOX Channel 13 Bend, Ore. ricks were volunteers at Brea Hos- participating in SFTS’s Festival Television Radio Telecast, The Hour died at the age of 72 on Oct. 27 in pital. James W. Hardy (M.Div.) Theatre. She was ordained in 1965 of Commitment Since 1972, former William L. Fischer (BD 1967) Portland, Ore. She enjoyed reading, as assistant to the field director in alderman Ward One, Ocean Springs, died Feb. 24 in Vacaville, Calif., at bicycling, hiking and skiing. She 1953 the Colorado Christian Education Miss., and author of several Christian the age of 86 from complications was a member of the Oregon Nor- Patrick V. Faggianelli publications including a booklet on Arthur Ferdinand Dahlberg due to Alzheimer’s. He served as office and as an assistant pastor at dic Club and Meriwether Women's Saint Andrew’s Church, Denver. ministering to single adults. (M.Div. 1974) (BD, D.Min. ’78) pastor at Community Presbyterian 9-Holers Golf Club. Church in Vacaville in addition to She was associate pastor at West- 1987 died in 2008 in Tampa, Fla., died of heart failure on Feb. 25 in being a marriage and family thera- minster Presbyterian Church, West- at the age of 92. Lincoln City, Ore., at the age of pist. He also worked as a drug and minster, Colo., assistant pastor at Rudolf (Rudi) Versloot (D.Min.) 84. Before attending seminary, he alcohol counselor at Starting Point, First Presbyterian Church, El Paso, Kenneth W. Scovill (D.Min. 1983) died Sept. 21 in Camden, Austra- served as a youth minister in Arca- was a minister at Folsom Prison Texas, assistant pastor at South Gate lia, at the age of 90. He served as died in 2009 in Los Osos, Calif. dia, Calif., where he met his wife, Community Church in Los Ran- and served an internship at Napa minister of Presbyterian churches in chos Presbytery, and assistant pastor Diane. After seminary he worked State Hospital. A loving teacher and Rockdale, Arncliffe and Brisbane and with youth, the poor and unem- mentor, Hardy touched the lives at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church Uniting Church at Asquith/Berowra. ployed while serving his church of many, especially youth when he in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. She

38 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 39 Regarded as one of the most beautiful CALENDAR OF EVENTS locations in Marin County, MAY 20-22 SEPTEMBER San Francisco Theological Seminary is the perfect Supervisor Training for Spiritual Directors 12 8 setting for weddings, Dr. Rebecca Langer and Dr. Maria receptions, conferences, SFTS Southern California Commencement Bowen, both adjunct faculty in the Auxiliary Horizons Bible Study retreats, seminars, film There will be a special celebration for SFTS Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Horizons Bible Study author Rev. production and short- the SFTS Southern California stu- Direction (DASD) program, provide Nancy Benson-Nicol will teach on term sabbaticals. Our beautiful hillside castles, dents, who represent the final graduat- supervisor training for spiritual direc- “Dispatches to God’s Household - The lovely chapels, quality ing class from that campus. 10 a.m. at tors. There is a seminar on the SFTS General Epistles.” Benson-Nicol leads residential conference First Presbyterian Church, Pasadena. campus followed by a year of distance chapel and other convocations at Col- center, attractive learning and a closing weekend semi- lege of the Ozark. She also provides 19 nar. Information: Grounds sabbatical units and spiritual counseling and serves as the SFTS Commencement [email protected]. elegant guest mansion university’s liaison to the Presbyterian are all conveniently Take part in the celebration of academ- Church. Along with the Bible study, for located on lush ic achievement for all 2012 graduates. AUGUST this event will include lunch and a Celebration 14-acre grounds. President Jim McDonald will be the special time for devotions. At First keynote speaker. Rev. Dr. ChangBok 12-17 Presbyterian Church, San Anselmo. Chung and Rev. Dr. Joseph Kang will Information: Sarah Campbell, For more info be honored as the 2012 SFTS Distin- Companions on the Inner Way 415-451-2830; [email protected]. or to schedule guished Alumni. 9:30 a.m. at Bouick Retreat sponsored by Seventh Avenue a tour, contact SFTS Field. Presbyterian Church of San Francisco Conference Services: and the SFTS Program in Christian OCTOBER 800.447.8820 Spirituality. Held at the Zephyr Point July Presbyterian Conference Center on 17-28 ext. 836 conferenceservices Lake Tahoe, the speaker will be Dr. Sacred Quest 23-27 Lisa Fullam, associate professor of @SFTS.edu Before The Cradle & Beyond the Cross Moral Theology at the Jesuit School The SFTS Program in Christian Spiri- of Theology of Santa Clara University. tuality invites you on a Sacred Quest. Join a community of peers to study Information: 415-235-1027; compan- This extraordinary holy adventure and pray the 2012-13 lectionary [email protected]. provides time for silence and personal year in this unique event that blends integration in a wilderness-quest expe- sermon preparation with spiritual 19-20 rience to discern how God is present in formation. Each day begins and ends Furniture Faire your life and to rediscover your gifts, with contemplative worship, and talents and call to service. It is our hope includes both a scholarly and prayerful The SFTS Auxiliary will be collecting that you emerge to serve your commu- approach to the Gospel lectionary texts furniture and household goods for from Advent to Easter. The co-leaders incoming and returning students. The nity with renewed energy, imagination, are Rev. Dr. Sam Hamilton-Poore, drop-off is at Alexander Hall. Informa- clarity and love. At SFTS and Ventana Director of the Program in Christian tion: Sarah Campbell 415-451-2830; Wilderness. Information: 415-451- Spirituality, and Dr. Antoinette Wire, [email protected]. 2838; [email protected]. Robert S. Dollar Professor of New Tes- tament, Emerita, with assistance from worship leaders and spiritual directors. Registration deadline is June 30. Infor- mation: 415-451-2838; [email protected]. Prospective Student Visits Campus visits are available by appointment for prospective students and their families. SFTS also hosts an Inquirers’ Weekend for prospective students each fall and spring semester. For more information, please contact the SFTS Enrollment Team at 800-447-8820 ext. 831 or via e-mail at [email protected]

40 SFTS CHIMES | Spring 2012 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, WI Permit No. #73 105 Seminary Road San Anselmo, CA 94960

CONTINUING EDUCATION The co-leaders will be July 23–27, 2012 Rev. Dr. Sam Hamilton-Poore and Dr. Antoinette Wire. Hamilton-Poore BEFORE is Director of the Program in Christian THE CRADLE Spirituality, Assistant Professor of Christian & BEYOND Spirituality, and a Presbyterian minister who has served THE CROSS congregations in North Carolina, Missouri and Iowa. He is the author of Earth Gospel: A Guide to A LECTIONARY RETREAT FOR PREACHERS Prayer for God’s Creation. Studying and Praying the Gospel of Luke Wire is the SFTS ach day begins and ends with contemplative worship, and includes both Robert S. Dollar a scholarly and prayerful approach to the Gospel lectionary texts from Professor of New Advent to Easter. We will study and pray the Gospel of Luke this E Testament, Emerita. summer. Join a community of peers in this unique event that blends sermon preparation with spiritual formation. Her latest book is The Case for Mark Composed in Performance, which argues that this Gospel was not the product of a literary author, but was composed by those who told the story in early Christian communities over several decades.

Questions? (415) 451-2838 email: [email protected]