Windows Summer 2005

AUSTIN PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY WINDOWS SUMMER 2005

ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN OTHER CULTURES LOOKING OUTWARD

aybe you have seen, as I have, one of those t-shirts that portrays across one’s chest a big blue picture of the plan- Met as seen from some distant satellite wending its way through the heavens. From off to one side, an arrow is drawn to one tiny point in the midst of that planet, and across the bottom of the scene are written the words, “You are here.” I am both amused and appreciative when I am thus reminded of how large is our world, and how small is our own presence in it. Or maybe it’s a small world after all, as we move around in it with greater ease to ever more distant destinations. Through travel seminars, a growing multicultural presence in our student body, formal relationships with seminaries in other parts of the world, and visitors coming from other lands both to learn and to teach here, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is enabling new and profound levels of engagement with both the largeness and the smallness of the world to which we are called to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. Much of this issue of Windows is devoted to exploring specific instances in which, through learning opportunities available President Wardlaw (right) with 2005 Commencement here, we North Americans from the First World have had our per- speaker David McKechnie spectives enlarged by encounters with people from other cultures—either on our turf or theirs—and the transformational differences such instances have made. The net result is that, in the The President’s Preaching and church and in the world, biases are turned upside down, new com- Speaking Engagements mitments are ignited, we and our premature certainties are made July 17-22, Preacher, Presbyterian Association of smaller, and something about the Gospel and its reach is made Musicians Western Worship and Music larger. Conference, Albuquerque Sometimes this happens in Stellenbosch, sometimes it hap- Aug. 7-12, Preacher and Teacher, “A Church for pens in Delhi, sometimes in Debrecen, sometimes in Mexico City. Our Time” Conference, Montreat And sometimes it happens in Austin. Around our dining room Aug. 12-13, Keynote Speaker Presbytery of table a month and a half ago, the Rev. Isaac Banda shared a meal Sheppards and Lapsley, Birmingham, Alabama with me and my family and told us of what he was looking for- Aug. 14, Preacher, Independent PC, Birmingham ward to when he would begin his journey home in a week or two, Aug. 28, Preacher, Trinity PC, McKinney, Texas almost a year from when he came to the Seminary from Katete to work on an additional degree here. Earlier in the evening, we had Sept. 18, Preacher, Grand Avenue PC, Sherman, all stood in the kitchen around an atlas while he pointed out the Texas landmarks of his native Zambia and of his denomination, the Sept. 25, Preacher, First PC, Shreveport Reformed Church of Zambia. Throughout our time around that Sept. 28, Host, Ambassador Forum and table, we reflected on the stark differences between our culture and President’s Colloquium, Austin his, and the implications that those differences have for the way Oct. 9, Preacher, Shandon PC, Columbia, South the faith is proclaimed, and the poverty that is really wealth and Carolina the wealth that is really poverty; and when that evening was over, Oct. 16, Preacher, St. Andrew’s PC, Austin to put it briefly, it was as if the landscape of our churchly universe Oct. 23, Preacher, The Church at Horseshoe Bay, had been rearranged and there was now an arrow pointing to a Horseshoe Bay, Texas new spot where a caption stated, “You are here.” Nov. 6-7, Preacher and Teacher, Lakeview PC, Read on, and see if, in a similar way, this issue makes your New Orleans world smaller and larger, all at once. Nov. 13, Preacher, Westminster PC, Austin Theodore J. Wardlaw Nov. 20, Preacher, First PC, Clinton, South Carolina President CONTENTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Encountering Christ in other Cultures Elizabeth C. Williams, Chair 2-10 Michael D. Allen 4 Trading spaces Carolyn W. Beaird Teaching in Africa becomes a learning experience Dianne E. Brown James W. Bruce Jr. 5 Trading places F. M. “Mac” Bellingrath III Zambian pastor spends a year as an ecumenical fellow Cassandra Carr 6 Trading graces Peggy L. Clark South African’s presence embodies the faith of Ephesians James G. Cooper Elizabeth Blanton Flowers 7 A passage to India Donald R. Frampton Study trip expands student’s paradigm for dialogue Judye G. Hartman Bruce G. Herlin 9 The church, one and catholic Robert T. Herres Professor Arun Jones on the unity and diversity of the church James R. Hunt J Carter King III 11 The Class of 2005 Catherine O. Lowry John M. McCoy Jr. 16 Community news Blair R. Monie 19 Development news Virginia L. Olszewski William C. Powers Jr. 21 Faculty news Cheryl Covey Ramsey Sydney F. Reding 24 Alumni/ae news Max R. Sherman Back cover Photos from the 2005 commencement Jerry Jay Smith Hugh H. Williamson III Judy A. Woodward WINDOWS Summer 2005 Trustees Emeriti Volume 120 Number 2 Clarence N. Frierson EDITOR Stephen A. Matthews Randal Whittington Edward D. Vickery CONTRIBUTORS John Evans Michael Jinkins Timothy Kubatzky Shannon Neufeld Jeremy Pippin Georgia Smith Prescott Williams Publisher & Mailing Statement Cover photograph by Karolina Wright

Windows is published three times each year by Austin Presbyterian Theological The theological schools of the Seminary. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ISSN 2056-0556 no longer receive funding from Non-profit bulk mail permit no. 2473 the basic mission budget of the Austin Seminary Windows Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary General Assembly. Churches 100 E. 27th St. are asked to contribute 1% of Austin, TX 78705-5797 Theological Education Fund their operating budgets to the phone: 512-472-6736 (1% Plan) e-mail: [email protected] fund, which is then distributed fax: 512-479-0738 to the seminaries. www.austinseminary.edu encountering Christ in other cultures

hat I’ll miss most about Austin Semi- nary,” said senior Jean Reardon near “W the end of her last semester, “is this wonderful sense of community and getting to know people from so many different traditions. And I think most especially of my trip to Zambia, a year ago in January, which widened my view of the church.” Over the years, Austin Seminary has explored a number of different ways of encouraging encounters with the univer- sal church. Currently, there are three significant ways this is achieved: courses in the Master of Divinity curriculum, travel seminars to foreign lands, and an exchange of students and faculty from institutions outside the United States. Through courses such as “The Church in India, “Explor- ing Korean Christianity,” “The Church in Africa, “The Church in Latin America,” and “Worship and Inculturation: Interdisciplinary Investigations,” Mission and Evangelism Professor Arun Jones invites students to explore the riches of Christian presence and witness in a variety of cultures and contexts. These classroom electives open students to the great diversity of Christ’s body, and help them to see ways to engage this diversity in their own lives and ministries,

2 through travel seminars, cross-cultural mission, or spe- Theological College in Zambia, the University of cialized work such as ministry with immigrants or at the Stellenbosch in South Africa, and the Presbyterian Texas-Mexico border. Theological Seminary of Mexico. The primary focus of When Elma Gunther of Dallas, Texas, died in 1986, these relationships is to facilitate an exchange of students leaving $1 million to Austin Seminary in her estate, her and faculty and to encourage collaborative research beneficence created an opportunity for generations of stu- between the institutions. dents to personally touch the world outside their own The Academy of Reformed Theology in Debrecen in experience. With the funds, then-President Jack Stotts eastern Hungary is one of only three places in Hungary created the Gunther Scholarship for cross-cultural travel, where clergy of the Reformed Church of Hungary are making a subsidized international journey available to trained. According to Old Testament Professor Andrew each masters-level student. Now, every January Austin Dearman, “After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the [PC Seminary professors lead study tours to such places as the (USA)] General Assembly urged seminaries to form rela- Middle East, Africa, India, Central America, and Europe. tionships in places formerly behind the Iron Curtain.” In Obviously travel seminars broaden students’ aware- 1991, Dearman, on his way to the Middle East with a ness of the world, but they also embolden their awareness group of Seminary students, met with the administration of God, of scripture, of the life of the church, and of at Debrecen. Following that, a steady flow of students themselves. “I’m not sure there is a better educational from Hungary has made their way to Austin Seminary. activity we provide than the travel seminars,” says Inspired by the Presbyterian Church’s long history of Academic Dean and Professor of Pastoral Theology mission involvement with African churches, this year the Michael Jinkins, who has led several trips to Scotland. “I Seminary formalized an agreement with Justo Mwale have been amazed again and again at the way students Theological College in Lusaka. Part of the Reformed change their own thinking because of their engagement Church in Zambia, Justo Mwale is in the process of with people of faith in other parts of the world. The word adding a masters program in theology, currently not avail- transformation gets used a lot these days, but travel semi- able in Zambia, and Austin Seminary has agreed to serve nars can be transformative for students. in a peer review relationship with the College. “I have been particularly pleased (and surprised),” Furthermore, one student will be invited every other year adds Jinkins, “to see how students are challenged most by to study as an ecumenical fellow, and Justo Mwale the people they meet on these trips: people in churches, Theological College will be “open to hosting students certainly, but also people on the street. They come home from Austin Seminary on an ad hoc basis.” loaded with stories of conversations they have had. One Arrangements are being negotiated with two other MATS student, for example, dates his awareness that he institutions: the University of Stellenbosch in South was called to ordained ministry to a conversation he had Africa and the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of with a professor at a Scottish university.” Mexico, in Mexico City. The agreements between the Finally, Austin Seminary has implemented agree- schools will include travel seminars, student and faculty ments with—or is in conversation with—four theological visits, and the Austin Seminary faculty’s cooperation in institutions on three continents: the Debrecen Reformed Stellenbosch’s PhD program. ▲ Theology University in Hungary, Justo Mwale

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 3 Trading spaces Teaching in Africa becomes a learning experience for Austin professor

BY SHANNON NEUFELD n the midst of his forty-two years of service to the Zambia-style, such as putting the clothes outside to dry. Presbyterian Church, Louis Zbinden has discovered She worked in an AIDS orphanage with infants and had Ithat God’s people always have something to learn and the opportunity to make lemonade and read Bible stories new relationships to begin. This revelation came this to young girls three afternoons a week. She also helped spring during his three months as a visiting professor to some of the wives learn more about the English language. Justo Mwale Theological College, in Lusaka, Zambia. He One principal difference Zbinden observed in taught three classes, “Introduction and Overview of the Zambia was the style and length of worship services. Bible,” “Introduction to Pastoral Care and Pastoral Many of the churches had two worship services: one in Counseling,” and “Theology of Ministry.” English and the second in the local vernacular. Music While there, Zbinden, the Louis H. and Katherine S. holds one of the main places in the service, and is most- Zbinden Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership at ly a cappella—some of the churches had pianos, but ordi- Austin Seminary, and his wife, Kip, formed a bond with narily not. Many of the churches had more than one their African brothers and sisters in choir singing during the service. Christ and deepened Austin Because of this, services could last Seminary’s relationship with Justo up to three hours. Mwale. It was so enjoyable that During their stay Zbinden Zbinden plans to return. “They became friends with a student definitely want us to come back named Yotham Zyambe. A 41- next year … it’s a great way to year-old first-year student at Justo cement the relationship between Mwale, Zyambe had wanted to go Austin Seminary and the theologi- to seminary since he was a teenag- cal college in Zambia,” said er. “I found it fascinating to hear Zbinden. him say that he really felt a desire During his term at Justo to become a minister when he was Mwale, January 2 to March 23, the in the eleventh grade, but his par- Zbindens were able to visit other ents, both church members, said parts of Africa as well. “It’s not bad no, he should be an educator,” said to spread the word of Austin Zbinden. “And being an obedient Seminary’s interest in missions and son, he did what they wanted.” in evangelism … in Zambia and Zyambe’s parents wanted him throughout Africa,” said Zbinden. With characteristic Zambian hospitalitality, the to teach and support the family “I had a chance in Johannesburg … daughter of a Justo Mwale professor made these and to help ensure his younger sib- to speak at a Presbyterian church clothes for Louis and Kip Zbinden to wear at an lings could be educated as well. He and bring greetings from their “Agape Dinner,” given in their honor before their went to junior college, earned a brothers and sisters in the return to Austin. teacher’s certificate, and taught for Presbyterian Church in America as about ten years, sending money to well as their brothers and sisters at Austin Seminary.” his parents for his siblings. Eventually, Zyambe relocated Unlike the students in Lusaka who have interacted to Lusaka, away from his family, and met the woman he often with students and faculty from Austin Seminary, married. “That is when he reopened the doors for going the people in Johannesburg were curious about the dif- to seminary,” said Zbinden. ferences such as the ages, previous education level, and Following the deaths of both parents several years number of students. They also wanted to know how ago, Zyambe reconsidered his sense of call to the min- many women attend seminary because they have just istry. The story of Zyambe’s acceptance to the College is begun ordaining women there. one that touched Zbinden deeply. “The happiest day in While in Zambia, Kip experienced daily housework, See “Zbinden,” page 10

4 encountering Christ in other cultures Trading places African pastor exchanges pulpit for desk as ecumenical fellow at Austin Seminary

BY RANDAL WHITTINGTON ast fall, Isaac Banda took leave of his congrega- A worship service for Isaac is far from typical by tions, kissed his wife and daughters good-bye, and American Reformed standards. “Just before coming here Lboarded a plane for a twenty-hour journey whose in June, we had 190 people coming for baptism, we had destination was Austin Seminary. This young man, mak- 97 babies coming for infant baptism, and 128 all said ing his first visit to the U.S. to further his training and they are joining the church and coming for confirma- earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, would join tion—and that is only the Katete congregation.” Because a group of Christians for nine months of study, worship, using the left hand is not respectful, in one service, Isaac and communion. dipped his right hand in the water almost three hundred Isaac is the solo pastor to two rural congregations in times, repeating the words of blessing. “Even the voice Zambia: Nchingilzhya on the border of Mozambique becomes hoarse after a while,” he laughs. with 4,000 members, and Katete, a 45-mile bike ride Sheer numbers have inspired some creativity on away with 3,000 members; he is also chaplain to a mis- Isaac’s part, such as mass marriages. “Last year in June sion school of 1,500 students. there were forty couples, and just before I came [to For a pastor in Austin] we had on the border congregation sixty couples. the Reformed It’s not typical in the Church of Zambia, Reformed tradition the enormity of of conducting wed- Isaac’s responsibility ding ceremonies,” he is not unusual. The admits, “and when I phenomenal growth share this with other of the church cou- pastors, they say pled with a corre- ‘Wow, how did you sponding dearth of do that?’ The envi- prospective pastors is ronment where I am a source of great con- dictates that is how cern. “It’s something it’s going to work, we are all troubling to and people have understand,” says come to appreciate Isaac. “We keep hav- that.” ing more congrega- While he was tions being estab- away, Isaac’s wife, lished, but no minis- Mirriam, did some ters to take charge of While living at Austin Seminary, Isaac Banda immersed himself in his new sur- of the preaching, roundings, including eating tofu enchiladas in Stotts Dining Hall. those congregations.” and elders were in The need is so great charge of the congre- in the rural areas that all graduates of Justo Mwale gations and prayer houses. It is a system he regularly Theological College (from which Isaac received his employs as the only pastor for so many parishioners. “It degree in 2001) are first sent to the more remote loca- is working well for me and my wife—because I am not tions, a policy that has put off some potential students. doing this alone—that of involving a lot of lay leaders,” Isaac elaborates, “Most young guys say, ‘Why go into a he says. “We train them, we call them, and see how we rural area? I’m not going to join your seminary or become can just assist one another in running the church. The lay a pastor to have to go to a rural area with no access to leaders do much of the work, and I try to play a role, a phone, some places with no television, you only see a car sort of manager.” once in a while.’ These are working as hindrances to some The Reformed Church of Zambia opened the doors men.” See “Banda,” page 9

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 5 Trading graces South African’s presence embodies the faith of Ephesians

BY RANDAL WHITTINGTON

he University of Stellenbosch in South Africa is people are interested enough to listen to the complexities, one of Austin Seminary’s newest international the dynamics, the joys, the fears of another context. And conversation partners, in the beginning stages of that is what I have found here. They were interested T enough to actually invite me further than I planned to a formal collaboration. Professor Andrew Dearman was a visiting professor there in 1995 and again in 1998-2000 offer them, to say more about South Africa and the role (due to his associations there, he was elected an honorary of the church in the process of transformation in South life member of the Old Testament Society of Southern Africa. That was the first thing. Africa), and in 2004 Stellenbosch’s Professor Hendrik “Secondly,” she continued, “we were blessed by Bosman lectured at Austin Seminary. This January allowing the two contexts to inform each other and to brought Elna Mouton, professor of New Testament and challenge each other … In various instances, the socio- newly appointed dean, to teach a course on Ephesians. cultural/political situation here in the southern part of When she entered the Austin America is, I would say, thirty-plus Seminary classroom, Mouton was years ahead of the processes in struck by the diversity. “We had an South Africa, and it may also be a intercontinental experience to start comparable phase in terms of the with,” she said, noting the presence church’s development. So, we were of students from Asia and Africa in able to identify analogies in one addition to North America. “But it another’s situations,” she said. also turned out to be a very inter- Faculty and students alike were denominational experience as well blessed by Mouton’s beatific pres- with … a variety of positions on a ence. Middler Steve Vittorini was wide continuum, from more touched that she called him at charismatic to Presbyterian.” home after his class presentation to Modeling class interactions on one affirm his contribution. “She of their required books, Reading in enabled a uniquely spirit-filled Communion, Mouton used the text educational experience,” said of Ephesians as a “golden thread,” a Vittorini. “This played out in her sort of common prism through interactions with the class. In her which to focus their conversations. planning of how the room was “We were forced to bring those organized, she encouraged partici- [differences] to a text which has pative learning. Her opening Sporting her Longhorn shirt, South African profes- much to say about the identity of prayers were one of the most sor Elna Mouton was delighted to become an hon- meaningful parts of the class. She the church in a period of transi- orary Texan during her stay in Austin. tion—very typical of the first cen- recognized that the Spirit had tury in early church history—and we felt a lot in com- brought rich diversity to our class and she honored that.” mon with the challenges facing the early church.” It’s fair to say that Mouton was surprised by the Mouton said, “In the end, we were so surprised to find depth of her experience at Austin Seminary. “Originally I out that we had far more in common than what separat- hoped that we would simply be able to develop a new ed us. We actually were so saddened by the fact that we vision of what the church of Christ in this world would had to admit to one another … how fragmented we are be,” she said. What happened instead, was that “we [as a church].” became a new persona, a group with a new identity Echoing the sentiments of faculty in Stellenbosch which actually grows beyond our individual, national, and Austin, Mouton embraced the value of working with regional, socio-cultural identities. I think I can say, with students and colleagues beyond her own culture: “It’s great confidence and gratitude in my heart, that we ▲ always a great experience to have a sounding board when became the Body of Christ for one another.”

6 encountering Christ in other cultures A passage to India Study trip exposes student to new paradigm for dialogue

BY KAROLINA WRIGHT hile standing in line to buy books at the Eighteen of us ventured to India to expose ourselves Gandhi museum in Delhi, an Indian man to the vast array of religions that uniquely define this Wapproached me at the counter. He was mid- place. India is a religiously pluralistic country that has dle-aged, with a bushy black beard, a cap on his balding not been without its “religious wars,” where violence head, and a scarf neatly tucked down into his coat. We against one another was rampant. And it would not be engaged in conversation, as he was curious about where I fair to say that animosity and struggles for power are not was from and why I was in India. As I was responding to still present, but there is this sense of acceptance that all his question, he interrupted me mid-sentence, welling up are not the same, nor do all believe the same. While some with excitement as he blurted out, “Do you love the Lord religions bleed into others, making them indistinguish- Jesus?” Surprising myself with my quick response, I said, able, others are like oil and water, remaining utterly dis- “Yes, I do,” realizing I had probably tinct. Yet, somehow all retain one just invited a sales pitch. “Would cultural identity, and it seems that you like a picture of the Lord this reality is part of what makes Jesus?” he asked me. I hesitated for one an Indian. Father George, an a moment. “Sure, I’d love one,” I Orthodox priest we met in the said. He pulled out a wallet-sized South, said to us, “In regards to photo of Jesus: the Caucasian, our relationship with Hindus, it is blue-eyed, clean, hair-brushed very godly. We forget they are Jesus. The familiar Jesus I had come Hindus.” to know. Thoughts flooded back as Though the U.S. is also a very I remembered learning for the first pluralistic country, here religions time that Jesus was dark skinned seem to establish themselves as dis- with dark hair, resembling much tinctly different, far from merging more this Indian man, who held and blending, sometimes far from the Lord’s picture, than me as I even acknowledging the other, watched my pale hand claim it. remaining proud and firm in their He proceeded to pull out own religious stance. another photo and held it up, “Do In no way am I advocating you love the Lord Krishna?” he mixing all religions into one asked. I looked at the colorful watered-down soup, but one thing image: such a peaceful face, large we can learn from India is the black eyes framed by thick brows indispensable role of interfaith dia- and black hair. He was lathered in logue. Dialogue is part of it, but as gold with a crown upon his head. I I write, I realize that this word is Karolina gets help with her sari from their anemic and deficient. Dialogue is was stupefied. Did I even under- Calcutta guide, Henna Basu. stand who Krishna was? I could too safe, too comfortable. Our call stall no longer so I responded, “I goes much beyond dialogue. am still getting to know the Lord Krishna.” He seemed At a recent conference I attended of the Krista content enough with my response, and smiling he hand- Foundation, we explored our understanding of kinship: ed me the photo. “I just came from prayer and wanted to whom we consider kin and why. Jesus forces us to break share this grace with you,” he said and was out the door. out of our small circles of those who are bound to us by blood or those bound to us because we are like each Karolina Wright, a middler student from Diamond Bar, other. Father Greg Boyle, pastor and director of California, was a participant in the 2005 January-term Homeboy Industries in L.A., said, “Jesus wasn’t a man for study seminar in India, led by Professors Arun Jones and others, he was one of others.” This is a radical difference. Whit Bodman.

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 7 It is not that dialogue in itself is bad, but Jesus did not Southern India said, “It is not until the boundaries with- just fraternize with his beloved disciples and simply dia- in ourselves are removed that we can embrace and love logue with the Gentiles. Unless having dialogue meant others truly.” that one walked with, suffered with, rejoiced with, died Reconciliation in Christ: So now the question is, with…. Does this commitment to the welfare of the other, be What I conjure up in my mind when I think of dia- they Jews or Buddhists, somehow forfeit my faith in logue is a diplomatic exchange: an acknowledgement of Christ? I can see some of you getting nervous. No, it is the other and an acceptance of the other—carefully this radical commitment that can only be compelled by avoiding stepping on toes. This may include exactly what the love of Christ! And we live in such a way because, “we we were doing: studying Hinduism, Buddhism, Janism, are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” Sikhism; visiting temples; talking with religious leaders; (2 Cor. 5:14). Jesus, in his great compassion for us, observing a cremation; eating a veggie curry dish along- though we knew not even our own need, brought deliv- side a Muslim. But better that these experiences be a erance and reconciliation to God. How can we not springboard, so that rather than committing ourselves to respond to such lavish grace with like compassion? It is the knowledge of the other and their beliefs, we may com- this ministry that he has handed to us: to be reconcilers. mit ourselves, as Jesus did, to the welfare of the other. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God Out of the wisdom of many we met in India and were making his appeal through us” (v.20). from two conferences I recently attended (Interfaith for Side by side the two hang, Krishna’s deep black eyes Worker Justice and the Krista Foundation) I would like stare out reminding me of all the questions that go unan- to share a few ways in which we may begin this redefin- swered and yet of my call to commit myself to the ‘other’ ing process. and to stand inside the circle. And then there are those Kinship: In the few rallies and protests I have been a blue eyes of Jesus that stare out at me and fill me with part of this year we have shouted, “No peace! No justice!” love and hope. These are eyes of reconciliation, to remind This last weekend it all finally made sense when Father me that his eyes were not blue, but black. ▲ Greg redefined it for me, “No kinship! No justice!” It is a commitment to the other, and in every decision we must ask, how does my decision affect the other? Mother Teresa said it best, “We have just forgotten that we belong to each other.” Unlearning: It is necessary for us to unlearn some things. Sonam Das, an administrator at Serampore College said, “We have to change our language, for exam- Zbinden in Zambia ple ‘non-Christian.’ A Hindu would never call someone a continued from page 4 non-Hindu or a non-Muslim.” It is time to give up the crusade times. We have no monopoly on Jesus. his life was when he went all the way to Johannesburg to Stand in the Circle: I was convicted in talking with be interviewed by the committee that approves whether some Muslim imams who, in referring to conversation you go to seminary or not,” Zbinden explained. “And it about involving the Muslim community in worker justice was a grueling three-day bus trip from Lusaka to issues, confronted us with the reality of their last three- Johannesburg, and then the examination lasted all day and-a-half years as Muslims in the U.S. Post 9/11 more and into the early evening, and when he was finally than 5000 Muslims were arrested, none of whom were approved, he wept. He was thrilled to be there.” guilty of any crime. Major Muslim organizations have Before Zbinden returned to Texas, he presented spent thousands and thousands of dollars just in legal Zyambe with a gift—the suit he brought with him and expenses, not to mention the extreme pain of racial pro- never wore while he was there. “He is now wearing a filing, discrimination, and hate crimes against them. charcoal-gray suit, which is sort of standard for ministers Where was the interfaith community? over there.” Dying: A question we must ask ourselves is, what in Each day, Zbinden experienced new things, and he us needs to die? We have had no trouble throughout his- kept a blog (online journal) detailing the stories of his tory building walls, deeming who is in and who is out, time there on the San Antonio Express-News web site. In and killing those who were out. This is true of all reli- the blog, he recounts, “I am not just teaching over here, gions. But as a bishop of the Mar Thoma Church in but learning every day.” ▲

8 encountering Christ in other cultures The church, one and catholic “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church” —The Nicene Creed

BY ARUN JONES ne of the paradoxes of the church is that it pro- on the other hand, has had the other problem, trying to fesses to be both diverse and unified. The Coun- find ways for local diversity to express itself within Latin Ocil of Jerusalem, described in Acts 15, firmly Church traditions. established that Gentiles did not have to become Jews in The extremely rapid expansion of the church in the order to become Christians: Greek followers of Jesus the non-Western world provides us with great potential to Christ did not have to be circumcised. The letters of live into the paradox of unity and diversity, to be both Paul, especially Galatians and Romans, reinforce this one and catholic. fundamental doctrine of the church. Since that time the In his essay “The Ephesian Moment” (The Cross- church’s norm (although certainly not always its practice) Cultural Process in Christian History, Orbis Books, 1996), has been to allow different peoples, nations, and cultures Andrew Walls offers intriguing suggestions as to how to interpret Christianity for themselves. The church is to unity and diversity work together. He focuses on two pas- be catholic by being indigenous. sages of scripture: Hebrews 11 and the book of Eph- The Coun- esians. Walls cil of Jerusalem, points out that however, did in Hebrews 11 not allow the the author pro- Greeks com- vides a chronol- plete freedom ogy of our in deciding how ancestors in best to interpret faith and then Christianity for goes on to make themselves. The the point that decision of “they did not James, the receive what brother of Jesus, God had prom- at the Council ised, since God makes this clear: Professors Whit Bodman (left) and Arun Jones (right) participate in a gathering with the had provided “We should not Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church in Kerala in southern India. something better trouble (with so that they circumcision) those Gentiles who are turning to God, would not, apart from us, be made perfect” (Heb. 11:39- but we should write to them to abstain only from things 40). polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatev- In other words, previous generations of the faithful, er has been strangled and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). no matter how great they are, are not complete in and of Gentile Christians, in expressing the truth of the gospel themselves: they are made perfect by future generations. in their own terms, needed to take account of the sensi- In the same way we, too, will be made perfect by those bilities of Jewish Christians. who come after us. Walls then weds this temporal under- Since those first days, the church has been called to standing of the people of faith to the cross-cultural live and grow in the tension of being local and particular understanding in Ephesians, where the church is seen as on the one hand, and bearing the marks of unity across one body of Christ comprising both Jew and Gentile. geography, time, and culture on the other. As Protestants, Thus across time and culture, the church is of necessity, our struggle has traditionally been to find some sort of one. unity amidst our diversity; the Roman Catholic Church, “The Ephesian metaphors of the temple and of the body show each of the culture-specific segments as nec- Arun Jones is assistant professor of mission and evangelism at essary to the body but as incomplete in itself. Only in Austin Seminary. Christ does completion, fullness, dwell. And Christ’s

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 9 encountering Christ in other cultures completion … comes from all humanity, from the trans- Banda in Austin lation of the life of Jesus into the lifeways of all the continued from page 5 world’s cultures and subcultures through history” (Walls, 79). Walls concludes that the different culture- and time- specific expressions of the body of Christ are especially to women in 2000, and thus far four women have been important on two accounts: theological and economic. ordained as pastors, a source of conflict in the female- The diversity in the one body of Christ means that dominated church. “It is not easy,” says Isaac. “The we can enrich and correct one another as we engage one major group in the church, seventy-five percent, are another theologically in the life of the church. And our women, and they are not receptive [to women pastors] unity in diversity is absolutely necessary in a world where … It is all based on cultural beliefs and, of course … the majority of the earth’s population, and a majority of quoting the Pauline scripture (often quoted out of con- Christians, are from materially poor parts of the world. text because that was a different scenario which Paul was I would add two other arenas in which the church’s addressing) that women should not speak out in the unity and diversity are important. The first is the politi- church. But, bit by bit, it is working out,” he concludes. cal arena, where diverse Christians can provide a holy “There will be congregations that will not allow them to witness as to what it means to live in unity in an extreme- work there, but there will be congregations that will ly divided world. The second is the aesthetic arena, in accept them.” which Christians can appreciate the beauty arising from Isaac is pleased to see a growing number of young diverse expressions of a common interest and goal. people in his congregations, including many young men. While the Roman Catholic Church has structures “Early in the Katete congregation, there were only three which (in theory) enable it to cross cultures rather easily, or four benches of youths and one [bench] in the choir,” Protestants need to invent ways and means to articulate he says. “The last time, we had almost one full wing Christian unity in the midst of our diversity. Thus we comprised of youths. And this is healthy because the Protestants need to be constantly creative and energetic change is there.” He says the elders have seen this and are in our efforts to bring different cultural segments of the giving the young people roles to play. “They are feeling body of Christ into a unity which is more than a super- that to become leaders they should not wait until they ficial meeting of Christians, and I am thrilled when fac- become adults. If the church is to survive, they should ulty and students spend their mental, spiritual, and play an active role now.” material resources in providing a witness that the church, Now Isaac prepares to return to an active role him- in a fractured and broken world, is both one and self. Those in the Austin Seminary community who prof- catholic. ited from his quiet wisdom and were challenged by his Grounded in the apostolic witness of the first gener- global perspective took delight in his joy as graduation ation, this unity and catholicity is possible only because neared and he contemplated home, Mirriam and their of the presence of the Holy One in our midst, and for four daughters, Rodah, Fanny, Stellah, and Grace, and that presence we give thanks and praise to God. ▲ who knows how many young couples waiting for the pastor’s return. “It’s a great blessing in education for us when a stu- Can I go (or help others to)? dent like Isaac is here,” said Old Testament Professor There are often spaces available on the January term Andy Dearman, who was instrumental in establishing study tours for non-students. In 2006, plans are the relationship with Justo Mwale Theological College. being made for trips to Mexico, with Professor Ismael Helen Boursier, completing her own first year at García, and the Holy Land, with Professor Andrew Austin Seminary, agrees, reflecting on Isaac’s influence Dearman. For dates, cost, and more information, on her own ministry: “When classes began last fall, Isaac please contact Alison Riemersma at (512) 404-4821. asked what my plans were when I completed seminary. I The funds available to support travel seminars said I had no idea as I was brand new here and just for students diminish in proportion to the growth of beginning to discern God’s call. Then he asked if I would the student body. The Office of Institutional consider doing a mission trip to Zambia. I politely Advancement is actively seeking donors interested in shrugged off the idea. However, God watered the seed supplementing the Gunther Scholarship fund. For Isaac planted in September, and I am now planning a more information, please contact Tim Kubatzky at trip to Zambia in May-June 2006!” ▲ (512) 404-4803; [email protected].

10 The Class of 2005 Key to Masters degree entries: graduate’s name and hometown; denomination; first call / placement or future plans. Key to Doctoral degree entries: graduate’s name, current position; title of doctoral project.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies Master of Divinity

Isaac Banda of Katete, Zambia; Paul A. Andresen of Fayetteville, Reformed Church of Zambia; Arkansas; PC(USA); pastor, First pastor, Katete Reformed Church of Presbyterian Church, Berryville, Zambia, Katete, Zambia Arkansas

Steven D. Clem of Pflugerville, Dana Joye Boes of Midland, Texas; Texas; nondenominational; pastor, PC(USA); seeking a call to a Pflugerville Community Church, church Pflugerville, Texas

Jackson “Beaman” Floyd Jr. of Richard L. “Rick” Brooks of Austin, Texas; lobbyist, Austin, Odessa, Texas; PC(USA); pastor, Texas Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina

J. Eugene “Gene” Fojtik of John R. “Bo” Burgener of Austin, Texas; PC(USA); PhD Boulder, Colorado; PC(USA); program (biblical studies), seeking a call to a church University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Bill Wayne McClendon of Austin, Sarah E. Craig of Vicksburg, Texas; Missionary Baptist; seeking a Mississippi; PC(USA); director of call to a church youth ministry, Hope Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas

Gwenda G. Roberts of Midland, Rachel W. Crumley of Banner Elk, Texas; PC(USA); Safe Place of the North Carolina; PC(USA); will Permian Basin, Midland, Texas seek a call to a church

Rodney Shaw of Austin, Texas; Katherine B. “Katie” Cummings United Pentecostal Church; of McLean, Virginia; PC(USA); associate pastor, New Life United associate pastor, Clear Lake Pentecostal Church, Austin, Texas Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 11 The Class of 2005

Jan C. Dittmar of Longview, Victoria A. “Vicky” Kelly of Texas; PC(USA); completion of Roswell, Georgia; PC(USA); active candidacy requirements, summer duty, military chaplaincy, U.S. C.P.E., St. Luke’s Hospital, San Navy Antonio, Texas

Timberly Eckelmann of San Lisa Knaggs of Austin, Texas; Antonio, Texas; PC(USA); seeking PC(USA) working ministry of a call to a church healing with animals, plans to attend a school of veterinary medicine

Crista L. Gregory of Seattle, Reno E. Lauro of Austin, Texas; Washington; PC(USA); seeking a PC(USA); graduate PhD study, call to a church University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland

Chris B. Harper of Dallas, Texas; Patricia “Pat” Hew Lee of PC(USA); seeking temporary Metairie, Louisiana; PC(USA); supply and tentmaking ministry completing candidacy while completing candidacy requirements, CPE residency, East requirements Jefferson Hospital, Metairie, Louisiana Linda A. Herron of Houston, Gyu Hee Lim of Austin, Texas; Texas; PC(USA); seeking a call to a PC(USA); CPE residency, Ben church Taub Hospital, Houston, Texas

Kevin T. Hicks of Roswell, Gilberto C. “Gil” Lopez of Salt Georgia; PC(USA); pastor, Vidalia Lake City, Utah; PC(USA); seeking Presbyterian Church, Vidalia, a call to a church Georgia

Mark S. Hinchcliff of San Britta M. Martin of Ironton, Antonio, Texas; PC(USA); Missouri; PC(USA); seeking a call completing candidacy to a church requirements, seeking a position in a church

Hannah Hooks of Austin, Texas; Dana Jo Mayfield of Big Spring, AME Church; one-year C.P.E. Texas; PC(USA); pastoral assistant, resident, Seton Hospital Network, Presbyterian Church in Lake Travis, Austin Austin, Texas, while completing candidacy requirements

12 The Class of 2005 Kimberly L. Merrill of Mobile, Sabelyn A. Pussman of Austin, Alabama; PC(USA); seeking a call Texas; PC(USA); seeking a call to a to a church church

John R. Michaelson of Austin, Arvilla “Jean” Reardon of Mason, Texas; Assemblies of God Church; Texas; UMC; pastor, First United U.S. Missionary, Brown University Methodist Church, Brackettville, and Rhode Island School of Design Texas campuses, Providence, Rhode Island Carolyn H. Mitchell of The William “Will” Rice of Eden, Woodlands, Texas; PC(USA); New York; UMC; associate pastor, seeking a call to a church Grace United Methodist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas

Craig H. Nakagawa of Albu- Ray P. Santillano of Austin, Texas; querque, New Mexico; PC(USA); PC(USA); temporary supply, First reserve chaplain, Lackland AFB; Presbyterian Church, Yorktown, temporary supply, Trinity United Texas, military chaplaincy, Camp Church of Christ, Niederwald, Mabry, Austin, Texas Texas

Andrew K. Parnell of Olathe, Sandra Seamans of Dallas, Texas; Kansas; PC(USA); 2-year residency PC(USA); one-year CPE residency, in parish ministry, First Presbyter- Children’s Hospital of Dallas and ian Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas

Alice V. Plotts of Navasota, Texas; Kenyatta D. “Ken” Simmons of PC(USA); youth director, First Austin, Texas; Missionary Baptist Presbyterian Church, Wilson, Church North Carolina

Dean J. Pogue of Houston, Texas; Sara E. Singleton of Austin, Texas; PC(USA); seeking a call to a PC(USA); seeking a call to a church church

David B. Pussman of Austin, Danny A. Spears of Corpus Texas; PC(USA); seeking a call to a Christi, Texas; UFMCC Church; church pastor, Metropolitan Community Church of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 13 The Class of 2005 Tamara J. Strehli of Austin, Texas; Veda G. White of Austin, Texas; UMC; pastor, Jefferson United UMC; pastor, United Methodist Methodist Church, San Antonio, Church, Manor, Texas Texas

Phyllis L. “Phyl” Stutzman of Heather Williamsen of Austin, Jefferson City, Missouri; PC(USA); Texas; PC(USA); seeking a call to a seeking a call to a church church

Mark C. Tarrant of Corpus Leigh B. Wisner of Houston, Christi, Texas; PC(USA); Texas; PC(USA); youth minister, completing candidacy requirements First Presbyterian Church, and seeking a position in a church Norman, Oklahoma

Doris J. “Dolly” Thomson of Austin, Texas; UFMCC; chaplain, Seton Hospital, Austin, Texas (summer), seeking full-time chaplaincy position Doctor of Ministry

Kyle R. Toomire of Austin, Texas; George Maurice Campbell Jr., direc- UMC; associate pastor for youth tor of religious education, U.S. Army and young adults, First United 98th Area Support Group, Methodist Church, Austin, Texas Wuerzburg, German; “A Multiple Intelligences Theory Approach to Teaching Adult Christian Spirituality”

Michael A. “Mike” Ulasewich of Robert L. Dalglish Jr., pastor, Gainesville, Florida; PC(USA); Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church, one-year C.P.E. residency program, Canyon Lake, Texas; “The Spirituality Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, of Worship in the Presbyterian Tradi- Florida tion”

Wayne R. Urbanowski Jr. of San Janice Kay Davis, lay ministry and Antonio, Texas; PC(USA); seeking spiritual director, San Antonio, Texas; a call to a church “Lay Preaching in the Catholic Church”

Shannon M. Weisenfels of Dallas, William Clayton Faulk, pastor: Pres- Texas; PC(USA); associate pastor- byterian Church of the Covenant, Christian education and family Port Arthur, Texas; “Always Reform- ministry, First Presbyterian Church, ing: Creating a Christian Education Event to Encourage Theological Midland, Texas Reflection within the Congregation” 14 The Class of 2005 Robert Kenji Flowers, director, Richard Heisler Johnson, psycholo- Wesley Foundation at Baylor Univer- gist, Greenville, Texas; “The Believer sity; “Confirmation Reconsidered: A as Theologian: A Parish-based Model Liturgical Approach to for Multi-generational Theological Making Disciples in a Campus Min- Reflection Set Within the Context of istry Setting” Sacred Time.”

Thomas Lee Jenkins, pastor, First Dale Edward Southorn, associate Presbyterian Church, Kaufman, pastor, Calvin Presbyterian Church, Texas; “Rediscovering Theology in Tigard, Oregon; “Contextual Theo- the Local Congregation: Key Ques- logical Education and Pastoral For- tions Discussed in a Trinitarian mation in a Global Church” Framework”

Commencement: sweltering, crowded, exuberant! t was standing room United, Gainesville, Florida. Ionly for Austin Presby- Kyle R. Toomire is the terian Theological Semi- 2005 recipient of the John nary’s 2005 Commence- B. Spragens Award, funded ment ceremony on Sun- in memory of former Austin day, May 22. The Rev- Seminary professor of Chris- erend Dr. David G. tian education and dean of McKechnie, former students. The award, given Austin Seminary trustee each year to an outstanding and pastor of Grace Pres- graduate selected by the fac- byterian Church, Hous- ulty, is to be used for further ton, in his address, “Falli- training in Christian educa- ble but Fillable,” and tion. Toomire is on the staff Seminary President Ted Wardlaw, areas during their seminary years. of First United Methodist Church, through his charge to the graduates, Dean James Pogue is the 2005 Austin. offered words of advice and encour- recipient of the Charles L. King Hannah Hooks is the first-ever agement while the Metropolitan Preaching Award, given each year to recipient of the newly established AME Church choir provided inspi- a graduating MDiv student for Hendrick-Smith Award for Mission ration in song. The service was fol- excellence in preaching. Pogue is a and Evangelism, which was inspired lowed by a reception on the church member of Grace Presbyterian by John R. “Pete” Hendrick, profes- courtyard in record-breaking heat. Church, Houston. sor emeritus of evangelism and mis- This year’s graduates, who Michael A. Ulasewich is the sions at the Seminary, and funded began as the first entering class in 2005 recipient of the Rachel Austin Seminary’s second century, is Henderlite Award, funded in honor comprised of sixty-five students: of the late Dr. Rachel Henderlite seven received the Master of Arts in who served for several years as pro- Theological Studies degree; fifty, the fessor of Christian education at Master of Divinity degree; and Austin Seminary. The award goes to eight, the Doctor of Ministry a graduating MDiv student who has degree. made a significant contribution to Commencement exercises also cross-cultural and interracial rela- included the granting of special tionships while at the Seminary. Board Chair Elizabeth Currie Williams, awards to graduating seniors who Ulasewich is a member of left, greets David and Linda McKechnie distinguished themselves in four Westminster Presbyterian Church after the service.

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 15 by his uncle, the five fastest- New trustees elected William Smith growing congre- our new trustees have been Sevier. The gations in the Felected to the Austin Seminary award, estab- PC(USA). He Board, effective July 1, 2005. lished by the served on the Dean Pogue, Ted Wardlaw, and Hannah Hooks F. M. “Mac” Seminary’s Austin Semi- Bellingrath III is Board of nary Board of president and vice Trustees in its Trustees from chairman of Auto- meeting prior 1995-2004. matic Vending of to Commence- The Rev- Arkansas, Inc. He ment, is given erend Dr. Carol is a member of First to a graduating Antablin Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff. senior who has Miles, assistant Ulasewich Toomire Bellingrath has served as the execu- shown academic professor of tive director of the Pine Bluff Com- interest in or whose life direction is homiletics, preached during the bac- munity Foundation and is currently focused on evangelism and missions calaureate service on Saturday, May a trustee at Southeast Arkansas Col- in this country or overseas. Hooks is 21. Presiding during the service of lege. He and his wife, Gail, have two a member of Metropolitan African Word and Sacrament were the Rev- young children. Methodist Episcopal Church, erends Dr. Andrew Dearman, pro- James G. Cooper is a stockbro- Austin. fessor of Old Testament, and Stan- ker in Sugar Land, Texas, and an McKechnie, former candidate ley Robertson Hall, associate pro- elder of St. Philip Presbyterian for moderator of the Presbyterian fessor of liturgics; the Reverend Dr. Church in Houston. He retired Church (U.S.A.) 216th General Ann Brown Fields, vice president from PaineWebber, Inc. in 2002. Assembly, served on the staff of First of student affairs, and David Puss- He and his wife, Sandra, have two Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Okla- man, president of the student body, married daughters. homa. In 1975, he assumed the pas- served as liturgists. Both baccalaure- Michael L. torate of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian ate and commencement events were Lindvall is the pas- Church in Beaumont, Texas. He has held at University Presbyterian tor of The Brick been pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Austin. Presbyterian Church since 1981. During his Church, New York. tenure, the membership increased Lindvall has writ- from 1200 to 4500, and is one of ten two novels, The Good News from North Haven, and Leaving North Haven, both published by Crossroad /Carlisle Books, 2002, as well as a volume of accessi- ble theology, The Christian Life: A Geography of God, Geneva Press, 2001. He and his wife, Terri Vaun Smith, have three children. Judy A. Wood- ward is a member of Preston Hollow Some Austin Seminary families celebrat- Presbyterian ed multiple graduations. Clockwise from Church in Dallas, top: High school grad Jordan Tarrant Texas. She is a with his dad, Mark; Dana Mayfield member of the with her daughter, high school graduate Dallas Children’s Theater Board of Holly; Erinn Parnell receives her MS Trustees and trustee of the Wood- from the University of Texas on the heels ward Foundation. She and her hus- of husband Andrew’s MDiv. band, Stan, have two daughters. 16 COMMUNITY NEWS BOARD ACTION Houston Extension to have full- In its Spring 2005 meeting, May 20- 21, the Austin Seminary Board of time administrative presence Trustees took the following action: he Austin Seminary Board of Texas at Austin, an MA from Indi- • Elected Dr. Jennifer L. Lord as TTrustees has appointed the ana University, an MDiv and ThM associate professor of homiletics, Reverend Dr. James S. Currie to be from Austin Seminary, and a PhD effective July 1, 2005. the new associate dean for the from Rice University. He was the Houston Extension program and translator for Rudolf Schnacken- • Elected Dr. David F. White as the assistant professor of American burg’s All Things are Possible to C. Ellis and Nancy Gribble Nelson church history, effective August 1. Believers: Reflections on the Lord’s Associate Professor of Christian This change will allow the Prayer and the Sermon on the Mount Education, effective August 1, 2005. Seminary to double the (Westminster/John • Reelected Dr. Allan H. Cole Jr., time devoted to the Knox, 1995) and Klaus assistant professor of pastoral care, program, therefore Berger’s The Truth for a second three-year term effec- allowing it to potential- Under Lock and Key: tive July 1, 2005. ly double the size of the Jesus and the Dead Sea • Approved the creation of the posi- program itself. Houston Scrolls (Westminster/ tion of full-time director of the is the largest metropoli- John Knox, 1995). Houston extension program and tan area in the country Ordained in the appointed Dr. James S. Currie as that does not have a Presbyterian Church the associate dean for the Houston mainline full degree- (U.S.A.) in 1979, Cur- extension program for a five-year granting theological rie was pastor of North term effective August 1, 2005. Dr. program. This is a first Lincoln Westminster Currie will also hold the title assis- step toward Austin Parish (Whiteside, tant professor of American church Seminary evaluating the viability of Auburn, and Silex Pres- history, a non-tenure track position. such a program. byterian Churches) in Lincoln • Appointed The Rev. Dr. Laura Currently, Currie is the part- County, Missouri, from 1979 to Brooking Lewis for a one-year term time director of Austin Seminary’s 1983; pastor of First Presbyterian as research professor in Christian Houston Extension program and Church in Killeen, Texas, from education. pastor of Westminster Presbyterian 1983 to 1989; pulpit supply in New Covenant Presbytery while pursuing • Appointed The Rev. Dr. C. Ellis Church. Currie will resign from his PhD from 1989 to 1992; and Nelson for a one-year term as Westminster on July 31, 2005. pastor of a new church development research professor in Christian edu- Currie is the author of a book in Missouri Union Presbytery from cation. on the Seminary’s centennial history, Austin Presbyterian Theological 1992 to 1994. He has served as pas- • Approved a search to fill a vacant Seminary: Completing a Century of tor of Westminster Presbyterian faculty position in homiletics. Service (Eakin Press, 2002). He Church in Houston, Texas, since earned a BA from the University of 1995.

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WINDOWS / Summer 2005 17 COMMUNITY NEWS President’s Colloquium examines divestment issue resbyterian and Jewish congre- pound-gorilla sitting in the room Pgants gathered in Shelton with us, which are our differences.” Chapel on March 30 in an effort to He said the actions of the GA last open further the lines of communi- summer sparked the realization that cation. The President’s Colloquium, the next stage of the friendship “A Difficult Friendship: Divest- needed to begin. ment, Dialogue, and Hope,” invited Bretton-Granatoor addressed two speakers to address the chal- the seven affirmations from a 1987 lenges and opportunities facing the PC(USA) document, “A two communities in the wake of the Theological Understanding of the divestiture vote last summer at the Relationship Between Christians Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Gen- and Jews,” that Small presented eral Assembly. during his lecture. He expressed The Reverend Joseph D. Small frustration that the document was III, associate director for the not passed as policy. PC(USA) Congregational Min- Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor offers his Small agreed that there is istries Division and coordinator for side of the divestment issue. “unfinished work to be done on each the Office of Theology and Wor- gations and synagogues, all over the of these affirmations.” However, he ship/Spiritual Formation, explained country,” said Theodore J. Wardlaw, said the church does not vote to the actions taken by the GA in the president of Austin Seminary. “It is a make theological statements into summer of 2004. “The actions, profoundly important thing today policy, but can choose to call the originating as overtures from three that we offer one another our hands, documents to attention for future different presbyteries, were: 1) to even as we struggle sometimes to study. “The only theological policy direct the Office of Theology and understand each other. When we we have is in the Book of Worship, the Office of Interfaith disagree, let it be that we disagree Confessions,” said Small. He said the- Relations, and the Office of Evange- not as enemies, but as fellow strivers ological work is seen as an “ongoing lism to reexamine and strengthen toward shalom.” conversation within the church and the relationship between Christians Both speakers agreed it was a from the church to conversation and Jews, and to explore the impli- conversation long overdue. “It’s a partners outside of the church.” He cations of this relationship for evan- pleasure to be here … but it’s a said the paper should now be reen- gelism and new church development shame in a way to be here around gaged as a way of “deepening the and not to end funding for messian- what has been billed as a ‘difficult conversation” between Presbyterians ic Jewish congregations; 2) to friendship,’” said Small, “because and Jews, “and to do this not alone, express the opposition of the these gatherings should have been but to do it in active conversation PC(USA) to “Christian Zionism”; taking place over the past decades, and collaboration with Jews.” 3) to call for an end to construction but rarely did. And it only took a Bretton-Granatoor said, “… it of the “separation barrier” in the particularly difficult period in our is painful that one cannot point to West Bank; and 4) a call for the Mis- relationship to bring us together.” something within the PC(USA) and sion Responsibility Through Invest- “This is not a ‘difficult friend- say there’s a definitive articulation of ment Committee to initiate a ship,’ said Rabbi Gary Bretton- where we (the Jewish community) process of “phased selective divest- Granatoor, director of Interfaith stand [in relationship with the ment of PC(USA) holdings of Affairs for the Anti-Defamation covenant] … Perhaps there needs to multinational corporations doing League, “this is a ‘nascent friend- be … a clearer, more definitive business in Israel/Palestine.” ship.’ We’re really at the very begin- understanding of where the church “This action has sparked the nings of a friendship that at best is believes we Jews fit into your theo- renewal of many important conver- forty years in duration … The reali- logical understanding.” sations between rabbis and ty is that for the last forty years we A question and answer session Presbyterian clergy, between congre- have assiduously avoided the 600- followed the presentations.

18 DEVELOPMENT NEWS Trustee honors his wife with the Gene Alice Sherman Chair in Sacred Music

he Gene Alice Sherman Austin Chamber of Commerce, and Chair in Sacred Music is one Distinguished Alumnus for 1992, Tof the newest faculty chairs by Baylor University. During his to be created at Austin Seminary. It term as state senator, Texas Monthly was recently established by the acknowledged him as one of the ten Board of Trustees and is being fund- best legislators in 1973, 1975, and ed by longtime board member Max 1977. Sherman in honor of his wife, Gene “I love listening to Max reflect, Alice. always thoughtfully, on the various “Max and Gene Alice Sherman topics that come up across the land- are a truly inspiring couple, who scape of public life, ethics, educa- love life and live it fully, who care tion, policy development, the arts, about things that matter, who share and, ‘servanthood,’” said Wardlaw. in a profound partnership, and who “I will always be indebted to Max Gene Alice and Max Sherman enjoy the Sherman, who as chair of the exude dynamism, a high view of cit- festivities surrounding Austin Seminary’s izenship, and joy—in great measure spring commencement. Presidential Search Committee, because they know so obviously the invited me to come with my family One to whom ultimately they “This is the kind of thing we to Austin a little over two-and-a-half belong,” said Theodore J. Wardlaw, never dreamed we would be able to years ago.” president of Austin Seminary. do,” said Max Sherman. “We know This chair is one of the first gifts how important it is, and we are for- toward funding of Austin tunate to be able to do something Austin Seminary took the show on Seminary’s Center for Proclamation for the church. Gene Alice has been the road again this spring, hosting a partner in everything in my life, and Worship. The faculty member events for more than one hundred and music has been central to her holding the chair will share innova- current or prospective Ambassadors life. To be able to do something to tions in liturgical music and in Little Rock, Arkansas, and recognize music—we’re excited hymnody with seminary students Oklahoma City. Below: Betty about it.” through the academic curriculum as Matthews visits with alumni/ae Max Sherman was a member of well as with pastors, choir directors, coordinator Georgia Smith prior Austin Seminary’s Board from 1988 and other music leaders participat- to the Little Rock dinner on April to 1997, was reappointed in 1999, ing in the Center’s offerings. 26. For information on the and currently serves on the board. The Shermans have been mar- Ambassador program, please call He is a former professor and dean ried for forty-four years and have (512) 404-4801; or e-mail: emeritus of the L.B.J. School of two children and six grandchildren. [email protected]. Max wanted to honor Gene’s love Public Affairs at the University of for all kinds of music, particularly Texas (1983-1997). Before that, piano and organ music. Gene previ- Sherman served in the Texas Senate, ously served as organist for First leaving in 1977 to become president Presbyterian Church of Amarillo of West Texas State University. He is and continues to enjoy playing. The a graduate of Baylor University and Shermans are both Presbyterian eld- the University of Texas School of ers and are active in all areas of min- Law. Among many things, he is the istry at University Presbyterian 1999 recipient of the Texan of the Church, Austin. They are particu- Year award, given by the Texas larly passionate about the arts. Legislative Conference, Austinite of the Year for 1997, by the Greater

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 19 DEVELOPMENT NEWS The Dorothy Vickery Chair in Homiletics given in memory of wife, mother

he Board of Trustees recent- such a special gift to Austin eral courts, including the Supreme ly announced the Dorothy Seminary.” Court of the United States. A native TVickery Chair in Homiletics A Presbyterian elder, Vickery of Fort Worth, he is a graduate of at Austin Presbyterian Theological joined the Austin Seminary Board of the University of Texas, Austin, and Seminary. A donation made by Trustees in 1977, served until 1995, an honors graduate of the University Trustee Emeritus Edward D. and is a past chair of the board. of Texas School of Law. He has been Vickery, his son, Downey Vickery, Under his leadership, a new genera- listed since 1995 in “The Best and his daughter, Anne Vickery tion of housing was built, additional Lawyers in America in Maritime Stevenson, will fund the new faculty apartments were purchased, and the Law.” position. Edward Vickery is the sin- student dorm, Currie Hall, was ren- gle largest living individual donor in ovated. Also during his term, as a the Seminary’s history. result of the then-largest campaign Jean Brown scholars in the Seminary’s history, the Seminary’s McCord chosen for 2005 Community Center was ach year the faculty awards Jean funded and built; the EBrown Scholarships to four Vickery Atrium is named members of the entering class who in his and Dot’s honor. demonstrate exceptional promise for Vickery is a long- the ministry. The award, made pos- time admirer of the sible by an estate gift from Miss Jean Reverend Dr. C. Ellis Brown of Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Nelson, former interim 1981, covers full tuition and fees, president of Austin room and board, and includes a Seminary and current books/supplies stipend each spring research professor of and fall. Christian Education, and The recipients for 2005 are Austin Seminary’s faithful friend Ed Vickery (seated) is Nelson’s wife, Nancy, Sarah James, First Presbyterian joined by his daughter, Anne, President Ted Wardlaw, and consequently made a Church, Hastings, Nebraska; Emily and Liz Williams, chair of the Board, during the trustee “generous and pivotal Richardson, Westminster Presby- dinner at the president’s manse. gift” to the Nelson Chair terian Church, Austin, Texas; Laura “This chair will strengthen for Christian Education Hudson, First Presbyterian Church, Austin Seminary’s already-enviable in 2001, according to Wardlaw. Sitka, Alaska; and Brian Dees, commitment to the field of homilet- After he completed his pledge to the Grace Presbyterian Church, Mid- ics,” said Theodore J. Wardlaw, pres- Nelson Chair, Vickery began to con- land, Texas. ident of Austin Seminary and pro- sider how he, his daughter, and son “There was an unusually strong fessor of homiletics. “And since could make a lasting tribute to the group of candidates for the awards homiletics is not just an option here memory of his wife, and their moth- this year,” said the Reverend Dr. but at the core of what we do, the er, Dorothy “Dot” Vickery. They Lewis R. Donelson, Ruth A. Camp- Vickery Chair will enable us to eventually chose to establish this bell Professor of New Testament and bring the best teaching preachers to new chair in homiletics in her chair of the admissions committee. this campus where they will find honor. “We think these awards are impor- students who are enthusiastic about A partner with Royston, Rayzor, tant because they represent the Sem- learning how faithfully to proclaim Vickery, and Williams in Houston, inary’s commitment to academic the Word of God. We want to thank Vickery is one of the nation’s top quality. The committee this year Ed, Anne, and Downey for lifting lawyers in maritime law and is a lit- really wished we had more than four up Dot’s memory in perpetuity with igation specialist in all state and fed- awards to give.”

20 FACULTY NEWS Professors garner grants for book research Babinsky and Lincoln add associate dean to their titles wo Austin Seminary professors Trecently earned research grants ustin Seminary has created two new part-time associate dean positions that will allow them to pursue writ- A and named faculty members to fill them. On July 1, 2005, the Reverend ing projects. Dr. David H. Jensen, Dr. Ellen Babinsky, professor of church history, becomes associate dean for associate professor of constructive student academic affairs, and the Reverend Timothy theology, received the Louisville D. Lincoln, director of seminary assessment and Institute’s Christian Faith and Life library services, becomes associate dean for seminary Grant for 2005 of $45,000. The effectiveness. Both Babinsky and Lincoln will con- Reverend Dr. Arun W. Jones, assis- tinue in their previous posi- tant professor of mission and evan- tions while assuming these gelism, received the 2005 Wabash new responsibilities. Center Summer Research Fellow- “I am looking forward ship Award of $7,000. to working with both of Jensen is one of seven recipients these faculty colleagues of the grant that will support his whose love for Austin Ellen Babinsky research regarding the theology of Seminary goes so deep,” work and vocation. His book will said Michael Jinkins, Austin Seminary’s academic discuss faith and its relationship to dean and professor of pastoral theology. He daily labor in North America, explained that the appointment of the two associate Timothy Lincoln addressing the problem of the alien- deans will ensure that “important but routine mat- ation from faith in an overworked ters” related to student academic affairs and institutional effectiveness “would society. be given the attention they deserve” while allowing him to focus more of his Jones will use the grant for a attention on the instructional mission. seven-week study leave to undertake A member of the faculty since 1988, Babinsky brings to the classroom a research for a book regarding the breadth of training in the history of Christianity as well as specialization in history of the church in north-cen- mysticism. In 1993, she published her own translation of and introduction to tral India in the nineteenth and a 13th-century French mystical text, Marguerite Porete’s “The Mirror of twentieth centuries. He will spend Simple Souls.” The book is a volume in the Classics of Western Spirituality some of the time in England and series. She has delivered a number of papers to the Medieval Institute in Scotland visiting the archives of var- Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is the author of several articles and reviews. ious mission societies. Babinsky served on the Theology Committee of the Caribbean and North American Area Council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Homiletics General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical Relations. An ordained minister professor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Babinsky is a member of New Covenant moves to Presbytery. She is parish associate at Genesis Presbyterian Church, Austin. Minnesota Lincoln has directed the Stitt Library since 1994 and headed the Carol Miles, Seminary’s institutional effectiveness program since 2000. He was part of the assistant pro- team that authored a successful $1.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment fessor of Inc. to create Austin Seminary’s College of Pastoral Leaders. Lincoln has con- homiletics ducted research about theological libraries and doctor of ministry education since 1999, has resigned to take and currently serves on the board of directors of the American Theological a position at Luther Seminary in Library Association. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul, Minnesota. As associate Church in America (ECLA), Lincoln preaches regularly in the Austin area. He professor of homiletics, Miles served as chair of the Ecumenical Ministries Committee of the Southwestern will help implement a new Synod (ECLA) from 1995-1999. He is a member of the Association for strategic initiative in biblical Institutional Research, the American Theological Library Association, the preaching and worship. Beta Phi Mu Library and Information Science Honor Society, and is past president of the Southwest Theological Library Association. WINDOWS / Summer 2005 21 Jennifer Lord called as associate IN BRIEF professor of homiletics Allan Hugh Cole Jr., assistant professor of pastoral care, published ustin Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees recently “The Elegy: A Pastoral Resource Aannounced the appointment of the Reverend Dr. Jennifer L. Lord as the with Complicated Grief” in the new associate professor of homiletics, effective July 1. Lord joins Austin journal Pastoral Psychology. He has Seminary’s faculty from Lancaster also written pre-publication reviews Theological Seminary, in Lancaster, for: Donald Capps’ Fragile Pennsylvania, where she has been assis- Connections: Memoirs of Mental tant professor of worship and preach- Illness for Pastoral Care Professionals ing and dean of the chapel since 2002. (Chalice Press); Donald Capps’ “Jennifer Lord brings a multitude Young Clergy: A Biographical- of gifts to Austin Seminary,” said Development Study (Haworth President Theodore J. Wardlaw. “She is Press); and Robert C. Dykstra’s a committed and passionate teacher, a Images of Pastoral Care: Classic stunning preacher, an academician Readings (Chalice Press). with significant experience as a parish pastor, and a lover of the church. We Old Testament Professor Andrew are eager to welcome her to campus Dearman attended the and look forward to the contributions International Society of Biblical she will make here, to the church, to Literature meeting in Singapore at the fields of homiletics and liturgics the end of June. and beyond.” In July, Stanley R. Hall, associate Lord fills the position vacated by professor of liturgics, will deliver the Reverend Dr. Scott Black Johnston, the former Jean Brown Associate the principal address, on the teach- Professor of Homiletics. Johnston became senior pastor of Trinity ing of worship in seminary, for the Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2003. second annual meeting of the Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she was pastor of First Association for Reformed and Presbyterian Church, Waterville, New York, and was also pastor of Paris Liturgical Worship in Seattle, United Church of Christ, Paris, New York, from 1990 to 1997. Lord earned Washington; he then plans to an AB (ancient studies) from Albion College in 1986, an MDiv from attend the Summer Liturgical Princeton Theological Seminary in 1989, and a PhD from Graduate Institute at Seattle University. Theological Union in 2003. Michael Jinkins, academic dean Among her many interests are liturgical preaching, homiletical theory, and professor of pastoral theology, and lectionary preaching. Her publications include “An Acceptable Offering: delivered the keynote address at the Preaching as a Spiritual Discipline,” in Call to Worship: Liturgy, Preaching and Theological Education Fund the Arts, Vol. 38.2, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church Gathering/Stewardship Network (U.S.A.), 2004, and a book review of Thomas Troeger’s Preaching and Meeting in Austin in April. In June Worship, for Word in Worship Group, North American Academy of Liturgy, he delivered the keynote for the January 2003. “Called to Health, Called to Lord has been a member of the board of the Philadelphia Liturgical Wholeness: A Vision of Ministry Institute and was a commencement speaker in 2003 at the Graduate for the 21st Century,” conference in Theological Union. She earned the Dean’s Travel Grant in 2000 and the Snowbird, Utah. Jinkins has signed Newhall Award for Teaching in 1999, both from the Graduate Theological a contract for a new book, Letters to Union. New Christians, a follow-up to his Lord is married to Casey A. Clapp, an adult critical care nurse and clini- Letters to New Pastors (Eerdmans, cal educator. forthcoming). His article, “Dietrich For the latest information from Austin Seminary: Bonhoeffer and the Politics of www.austinseminary.edu/news/whatnew.html Spirituality,” appears in a recent issue of Hungryhearts. 22 FACULTY NEWS David Jensen, associate professor David F. White to be first holder of the of constructive theology, has published the book, Graced Nelson Chair of Christian Education Vulnerability: A Theology of Childhood (Pilgrim Press). he Reverend Dr. David F. White will be the first person to hold the C. TEllis and Nancy Gribble Nelson Chair of Christian Education when he David Johnson, director of the joins the faculty August 1, 2005; friends of the Nelsons established the chair Supervised Practice of Ministry and in 2000. Certificate in Spiritual Formation C. Ellis Nelson, research professor programs, was the keynote speaker of Christian education, graduated from for “Called to Welcome: A Austin Seminary in 1940, the same Conference on People with year he married Nancy Gribble, Disabilities in Seminaries and daughter of Austin Seminary Professor Congregations,” at Pittsburgh and Mrs. Robert F. Gribble. Ellis has Theological Seminary in April. become, during his almost sixty years of David Jones, director of the highly esteemed service to the church, a Doctor of Ministry program, led a revered and respected colleague. His retreat for new pastors from Denver presence serves as a constant model and Presbytery in February. He will be reminder to the Seminary community the keynote speaker at the Synod of of the significant place of Christian the Sun’s Small Church Pastor’s education and leadership in shaping Retreat at Mo-Ranch in October. the future of the church. “David White brings commitment In May Cynthia Rigby, W. C. to the role of Christian Education in Brown Professor of Theology, deliv- the church, grounding and experience ered a lecture on “Doctrine in the as a parish pastor, and a deep passion for the church’s role in the Christian for- Service of Preaching” at the Festival mation of youth,” said Theodore J. Wardlaw, president of Austin Seminary. of Homiletics in Chicago and “We are thrilled that his gifts will be shared with Austin Seminary and spoke for the board of trustees of throughout the greater church, and that his work here will bring honor to the the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary lifelong contributions of Ellis and Nancy Nelson.” Foundation. In June she was the David White comes from the Candler School of Theology at Emory keynote speaker for the Montreat University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was the visiting assistant professor of conference, “Reclaiming the Text: youth and education and associate director of research for the Youth Truth-Telling in a World of Theological Initiative. White earned a BA in sociology from Mississippi State Denial.” She has been named to University in 1977, an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1981, the advisory board for a new publi- and an MA in religious education and PhD from Claremont School of cation, Vital Theology. Theology in 1996. His dissertation title was “Reclaiming the Prophetic Voice Ralph Underwood, professor of Youth: A Liberative Pedagogy for Youth.” emeritus of pastoral care, is the Ordained in the United Methodist Church, White served the church in author of two chapters published in positions including minister of youth, Upland United Methodist Church, the four-volume Psychology and the Upland, California; co-pastor, Anchor Park United Methodist Church, Bible, edited by J. Harold Ellens Anchorage, Alaska; conference coordinator of youth ministries, Alaska and Wayne G. Rollins (Praeger, Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church; and associate pas- 2004). One chapter, “Winnicott's tor, Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, Pascagoula, Mississippi. Squiggle Game and Biblical White’s publications include, Practicing Discernment with Youth (forth- Interpretation,” is in Volume One; coming, Pilgrim Press, 2005), coauthored with Brian Mahan and Michael the other chapter, “Object Warren, and “A Decade of the Youth Theological Initiative: An Experiment in Relations Theory and Mark 15.33- the Pedagogy of Communion,” in the Journal of Youth and Theology (May 39: Interpreting Ourselves 2004). Interpreting the Bible,” is in White is married to Melissa Wiginton, director of ministry for the Fund Volume Three. for Theological Education, a major initiative of the Lilly Endowment.

WINDOWS / Summer 2005 23 The Dean’s Bookshelf

Little books, big ideas ig ideas do not always come in big books. Indeed, the opposite is often Btrue. Take, for example, Isaiah Berlin’s The Hedgehog and the Fox (1953), an essay on Tolstoy’s theory of history, which opens with the line from the ancient Greek poet, Archilochus: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” Berlin makes the point that Tolstoy wanted to believe he was a hedgehog, but in reality his genius was distinctively foxy. The idea Berlin let loose in this book has taken on a life Austin College President Oscar Page, the of its own and has been applied far beyond Tolstoy scholarship, even mak- Reverend Jill Clupper, and the ing its way to the pages of The New Yorker in which a Charles Barsotti car- Reverend Dr. John Evans. toon shows a hedgehog sitting at a bar asking the bartender if he wants to hear his big idea. Is there a new This year I have added three other little books to my bookshelf, each doctor in the house? boasting very big ideas. The first is James Surowiecki’s The Wisdom of Crowds (Doubleday, 2004). Surowiecki argues that “under the right cir- he Reverend John R. Evans cumstances, groups are remarkably intelligent, and are often smarter than T(MDiv’68), vocation and place- the smartest people in them” (xiii). This eminently readable book, rich in ment officer at Austin Seminary, lively anecdotes, lays out the circumstances under which this argument is received an honorary doctor of true, and its implications. Incidentally, I have never read a better argument humane letters from his alma mater, for the wisdom of Presbyterian polity, made all the more convincing Austin College, during the com- because the author has no intention and probably no awareness that his mencement exercises on May 15, argument could be used as an apologia for Presbyterian polity. I wish every 2005. He also preached during the pastor and lay person would read this wonderful book to remind us again baccalaureate service on May 14. of what a sensible treasure our church’s polity is. Evans received a bachelor’s degree The second book has become one of my all-time favorites. If Disney from Austin College in 1964. hadn’t already ruined the phrase I would call it an “instant classic.” Paul “The college was honored to Woodruff, author of Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue (Oxford, give John Evans the honorary doctor 2001), is a professor of humanities at the University of Texas, Austin, where of humane letters because he is truly he also serves as dean of the highly respected Plan II program. Paul was also an outstanding graduate of the col- Austin Seminary’s 2004 Heyer Lecturer. He writes: “Reverence begins in a lege and has served his church and deep understanding of human limitations; from this grows the capacity to college in such a meaningful way,” be in awe of whatever we believe lies outside our control—God, truth, jus- said Dr. Oscar C. Page, president of tice, nature, even death. The capacity for awe, as it grows, brings with it the Austin College. “He is truly a distin- capacity for respecting fellow human beings, flaws and all” (3). There is no guished individual.” book more needful for people of faith to read today than Reverence. This Evans has received the little book reminds us of what Søren Kierkegaard referred to as the “infi- Distinguished Alumnus Award from nite qualitative difference” between God and us. In a time when people too Austin College and the easily and too quickly blur the line between God’s ways and our ways, it is Distinguished Service Award from important to hear: “If you desire peace in the world, do not pray that every- Austin Seminary. one share your beliefs. Pray instead that all may be reverent” (15). Finally, a great small novel: Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2004), the Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction in 2005. One [email protected]? of the most beautiful and compelling portraits of the life of faith, and of Please visit the alumni/ae faith born of life, ever written: if you haven’t already read this book, (to quote Augustine) “Pick it up, and read!” It reminds us all that God’s grace page of austinseminary.edu is the biggest idea ever. to provide / update your —Michael Jinkins email address.

24 ALUMNI/AE NEWS Theological Education WELCOME… Sunday is September 18 to Elizabeth Margaret Hendrickson, daughter of Brett (MDiv’02) and Please call Georgia Smith at (800) Alexandra Hendrickson (MDiv’01) born November 8, 2004. 777-6127 or (512) 404-4801, or to Katie Elizabeth Grace Reed, daughter of Ray L. (MDiv’99) and e-mail ([email protected]) Catherine L. Reed (MDiv’99), adopted March 17, 2005. to schedule a student, faculty member, or administrator to deliver a sermon or minute for mission about CLASS NOTES the importance of theological edu- NECROLOGY cation. Frank B. Walker (MDiv’50) 1980s Taylor, Texas, June 1, 2005. John H. “Jack” Barden (MDiv’88) 2006 reunions on the way won the Presbyterian Writer’s Mark your calendars! Graduates Len W. Orr (MDiv’51) Mill Guild’s 2005 Angell Award for the from the classes of 1956, 1966, Valley, California, March 18, best first book by a Presbyterian, 1996, 2001, and 2003 will gather 2005. for ’Postle Jack Tales: Gospel Images during MidWinter Lectures, Janu- in New Appalachian Folk Tales. Edward H. Smith (MDiv’64) ary 30-February 1, 2006. Heber Springs, Arkansas, September 18, 2004 1990s Linda Reinhardt (MDiv’96) has Who do you love… published an informational booklet, The Austin Seminary Association is “We Can’t Have it Both Ways: A seeking nominations for the 2006 Reasoned Approach to ASA Awards for service. If you wish ORDINATION Understanding MCS”(Multiple to nominate an Austin Seminary Chemical Sensitivity). alumnus/a, please write a letter of Susan Wyatt Phalen (MDiv’04) recommendation describing his or was ordained as chaplain at St. 2000s her distinguished service to the Joseph Regional Health Center Matthew B. Morse (MDiv’03) was Seminary or the church and mail it in Bryan, Texas, on March 20, appointed to a newly formed to David Evans, director of semi- 2005. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) task nary relations, or visit our website force on serious mental illness. (austinseminary.edu/nominate.html) to nominate electronically. Your suggestion must be received by Sep- Looking for Austin Seminary missionaries tember 23. Winners of the award will be honored at the 2006 Austin Did you spend all or part of your ministry in the international mis- Seminary Association’s Annual Ban- sion program of the Presbyterian Church or other denomination? quet and Meeting at the close of Do you know those who attended Austin Seminary who have MidWinter Lectures. served in mission programs? As part of the Seminary archival program, Professor Emeritus Pete Hendrick and Seminary Archivist Kris Toma want to gather information on the life and work of these persons. We invite you to let us know names and how to be in What’s new? touch with you, them, or members of their families. www.austinseminary.edu /alumni Please contact: Georgia Smith, coordinator of alumni/ae relations • contact the alumni/ae office • tell us your news 100 E. 27th Street • share a photo Austin, TX 78705-5797 (512) 404-4801; [email protected] We’re waiting to hear from you. Rick Brooks

Lisa Knaggs Commencement Gyu Hee Lim 2005 Fall 2005-Spring 2006 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP EDUCATION August 1-5, 2005 Faith & Human Development Christian Educators’ course Ann Fields “hoods” her sister, Jean Reardon Bill McClendon and Monya Stubbs October 14, 2005 Advent Lessons October 17-19, 2005 Youth Education seminar South Central Region Association of Christian Educators (SCRAPCE) October 20-22, 2005 Learning to “Walk Wet”: Baptism and Catechumenal Ministry Cara and Bo Burgener Phyllis Stutzman and Rachel Crumley January 12, 2006 Lenten Lessons WINDOWS Non Profit Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Organization April 17-20, 2006 100 East 27th Street, Austin, Texas 78705-5797 U.S. Postage Pre-Retirement Seminar PAID Address Service Requested Austin, Texas Sponsored by the Board of Pensions Permit No. 2473 April 24-26, 2006 SCRAPCE seminar www.austinseminary.edu (512) 404-4858 [email protected] Summer 2005