Chaliengiesponse
ChaliengiESPONSE
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Page 7 Page 28
More Than a Magazine Title by Alice Hunt .... . 2
Letter from the Editor: On Renaming the Magazine 4
Our ECOmmuniry: Alumni and Student Stories . ...5
Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipiencs . . .. 10
Challenge & Response Op Ed: Eco-jusrrichr? by Rachel Mikva II
The Greening of the Seminary: An Interview with Dirk Danker, Architect by Maria Hetman .. . 12
The New Building Initiative Continues by Megan Davis-Ochi 14
The Dean's Desk ...... 16
Clare Butterfield: Eco-juscice Finds its Place in Faith by Maria Hetman. 18
Radical Hospitality: Honoring Cherie Miller 20
CTS People: Joe Burt . . 21
CTS People: Intersections, The Rev. Phyllis Pennese by]oe Burt 22
The Thomas and Colleen Henry Scholarship. .. 23
Photo Diary: On Campus Wimer/Spring 2012 ...... 24
What Manner of Woman is This: Womanists Making a Difference in Academy, Church, and Sociery . 26
The G. Campbell Morgan Award for Excellence in Preaching .. 27
Art Matters: The Gift of "Golden Scares of Grace," a First Exhibit in our New Home by Scott Haldeman ...... 28
Donor Roll: lOa Donors in 100 Days ... .30
Communiry Connection: The Other Side of Hurt, A Performance Welcomed at CTS by Deb Derylak ...... 32
In Memoriam ...... 33
Alumni/ae Notes 34
CTS Fall Happenings . . 35
Comments and Corrections . .... 35 LETTER from the editor ON RENAMING THE MAGAZINE by Maria Hetman, Editor
DEAR READERS,
Perhaps you were surprised to see the magazine CTS "The book Challenge & Response in your mailbox and wondered what Challenge happened to rhe familiar TOwer News. Perhaps you already and Response: knew from announcements in our e-newslerrer and on our The Chicago website that our magazine had been renamed. Perhaps you Theological were one of the many who submitted suggestions for a new Seminary Story, name or were even on rhe renaming committee itself. No 1960-1980 matter who you are, I think it is important to refresh your (Exploration memory about the history of the name "Challenge and Press, 1999) Response" and why I, as editor, believe that it is a fitting citle. was written by our long time and beloved Academic Dean, Perry Lefevre. The decision to rename rhe magazine arose during LeFevre had been our dean and theologian guiding us discussions surrounding the Seminary's recent relocation through the turbulent years (1960-1980) covered in the to 1407 East 60th Street. Our previous building at 57th book. The book rells the story of rhe many challenges of and University was distinguished by its tall rower. The those years and of the ways that faculty and students (and changing architectural form of our dwelling place (now also staff and trustees) sought, often successfully, ro craft minus a tower) made it clear that the name of the magazine creative and courageous responses: creating a distinctive could no longer apply. Since the relocation is a chance to curriculum in the aftermath of our separation from renew our commitments, it is also an appropriate time to federation with the Divinity School of the University of rename the magazine. Based on the submissions we received Chicago; seeking to overcome the ami-Judaism characteristic from a community-wide contest held in the fall of2011, of most Christian theology and biblical study; forging the new name was chosen by a cornmirree composed of pathways of solidarity with the Civil Rights movernenr, President Alice Hunt, the Development team (including The Woodlawn Organization, the anti-Apartheid myself), and a student and faculty representative. The movement; organizing for peace in the midst of the Vietnam title "CTS Challenge & Response" was selected because it war; responding, however faltering at first, to the women's reflects the vision and mission ofCTS and speaks ro our movement and to the sexual revolution. values and commitments, capturing something at the core of our disposition in the world. It is a thought-provoking "In the years since 1980 when Perry's book concludes, and contemporary tide which tells the story of CTS and CTS has continued to seek faithful responses to the many its diverse faculty, staff, trustees, students, alumni/ae, and challenges posed by church and society in our time. Our friends who are active in all facets of ministry. Though the newly titled magazine will chronicle that process as we magazine's name has changed, its content and focus will collectively tell our story forward." remain largely the same-telling the stories of our incredible community-with additions in the form of permanent I hope you will enjoy reading this first edition of
columns with rotating authors (see pages 11 and 32) which CTS Challenge & Response. In it, yOLi will learn of the will speak directly to the notion of challenge and response. many-faceted ways in which the CTS community is indeed responding co ever-changing challenges in the fu; President Hunt notes in this issue, the name church and the world. "Challenge & Response" also has a rich history which links
the magazine to our past, thus drawing on that tradition and reframing it for a contemporary world. Professor challenge Ted Jennings reflects: CTS RESPONSE
Above (lift to right): Challenge and Response; The Chicago Theological Seminary Story, 1960-1980 (Explomrion Press, /999), byftm~er CTS Dean Perry LeFevre. An archival photo of Dr. Perry LeFevre, Academic Dean at CTS from /960-1980.
~ CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary CTS ECOmmunity Eco-Justice on Campus
ARAM MITCHELL (M.A. '13) is a leader on campus when recognize the way in which all of our commitments it comes to pushing CTS to live up to its eco-potential. are interconnected. CTS cannot be an insrrumenr of During [he fall of201 0, Ph.D. student Will Andrews dynamic social and global change without adopting an ecological consciousness. As an institution, CTS does approached Aram and asked if he and Ph.D. student nor champion a hierarchy of social issues with one David Dorapalli (see page 6) would help re-convene the issue demanding priority over another. We cultivate an Eco-jusrice Student Group which had been losing steam. ecology of commitments where successful advocacy of Aram dove in. In his time as co-coordinator, the Group has one issue is woven rogecher with successful advocacy of been working hard to increase awareness of eco-justice ar al! others. CTS and to garner community participation. Since 2011, they have hosted three ceo-justice rhemed chapel services, As an M.A. student in Religious Studies, Aram focuses on sponsored an Earth Day community lunch, led students on ecofeminism and eschatology. His interest in these subjects an ceo-justice overnight camping trip in Wisconsin, and and his enthusiasm and leadership for ceo-justice were begun to develop a plan for donating leftover food from partially formed as an undergraduate student in upstate CTS events to those in need. One of their most significant New York where he studied outdoor recreation and spent his ongoing initiatives was the purchase of reusable plates for summers guiding wilderness adventure trips for youth. Prior use at community lunches and other events, which they have to coming to CTS, he spent a year traveling with his partner, sold to over 100 community members. The use of reusable during which time they worked on farms and spent several plates, Aram says "CUtSdown our collective waste stream." months managing "The Yoga Farm," which he describes as "a rustic eco-rourism destination in Costa Rica." Moving to a LEED-Silver certified building has provided Aram a special opportunity ro help lead CTS on the path to The impact of the Eco-jusrice Student Group and the move greater sustainabiliry, While the new building is structured co a LEED-cerrified building have already influenced the to reduce our impact on the environment, Aram points out Seminary's habits. CTS has reduced its use of bon led water, that being sustainable is not a permanent condition but committed to using biodegradable tableware at special rather requires an ongoing, conscious, collective effort. One events, and begun adding "sustainable" as a criterion in of his most important contributions to CTS has been his purchasing local food for community lunch. leadership on the Green Building Task Force, particularly In the past few years there has been an increase in CTS in drafting a proposed addition to the CTS Statement of courses that connect with the theme of eco-jusrice, and the Commitments related to eco-jusrice. This initiative, once Center for Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Studies, under the complete, would set CTS at the vanguard of theological leadership of Rabbi Dr. Rachel Mikva, has organized several education on sustainabiliry issues. Aram is passionate and activities touching on the theme of food justice including serious about achieving this: gleaning during Sukkor. Aram is optimistic about the Along with committing ro sustainable practices in future: "I believe that if we cultivate this seed of expressed our administrative operations, social gatherings, commitment, especially in the soil of this time of transition, and the maintenance of our new facilities, we must we will grow something mighty and lush."
Above: Amm MitchelL (second ftom Left) with members oj/he Eco-juaice Studem Group on a summer 201 J camping trip.
The Eco-Justice Student Group exists for two primary reasons: I) Toamplify environmental justice issues in the CTScommunity, 2)Toprovide resourcesand opportunities for CTScommunity stimulating dialogue and action toward having a moresustainable membersto explore their manyconnectionswith the earth and presencein our immediate neighborhoodand the world as a whole. other earthlings.
~ To read Aram's full essay on an Eco-Justice Statement of Commitments. visit www.ctschicago.edu/crblog
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu 5 CTS ECOmmunity Ecology, Gender, and Religion in India David Augustine Dorapalli
Ph.D. student DAVID AUGUSTINE DORAPALLI, who hails David was drawn to CTS because of his "deep interest in from Chennai City, India, stands our among the CTS biblical hermeneutics, the presence of Dr. Ken Stone whom student body in his engagement with issues of ceo-justice [he] read and was intrigued by, CTS's outstanding faculty,
on theoretical and practicallevels. His work spans (\'10 and irs history of theological rigor and active questioning." countries. He is President and Founder of an India-based He hopes that his research will bring to light "marginalized environmental organization called Greenspirir Society, knowledge of rural women about water" and Furthermore which "is committed to bringing abour a clean and investigate rheological ideas of how religion can playa vital healthy environment in specific communities by raising role in communicating this knowledge. David writes, awareness and garnering community participation." 1 believe that religion and theology can be transmitters His research at CTS focuses on "che deployment of eeo/ of knowledge of water and water resource-management. gender-sensitive hermeneutics ofbiblical themes of water There is already a growing need for religious insrirucions against the backdrop of the global water crisis and the to think critically about natural resources, bur since issue of underprivileged female children and women who India's water crisis is unparalleled in the enormity of are water-carriers in India." While at CTS David has also its impact on life in all forms, the relevance of taken a leadership role as one of the co-coordinators of the cultivating awareness of this in religious spheres Eco-justice Student Group. His unique perspective on eeo- becomes very crucial. justice enriches CTS discussion about ways that theological As co-coordinator of the Eco-justice Student Group, education can contribute to environmental justice. His work David has assisted other students in organizing conversations demonstrates the linkage between environmental justice and centering on ecological themes including how CTS can be other social justice issues. a leader in eco-sensiriviry; After he graduates from CTS, he David has witnessed first-hand that the issues of plans "to continue his community development projects environmental justice cannot be ignored without at the same with rural folk, especially in North India where the need time ignoring the suffering of the poor, who absorb the lion's is high." In addition he will teach at Gurukul Lutheran share of the burden of environmental crisis. While there are Theological College and Research Institute in Chennai a number of environmental problems besetting India, access (he also taught there before coming to CTS), where he to clean water is one of the most serious. David's work has "plans to design new GenderlEco-Theology courses for largely focused on this issue. David writes: seminaries in India."
India's huge and growing population is putting a Though his research, a "hermeneutical-theological approach severe strain on all of the country's narural resources. to understanding how biblical interpretation, gender! Most water sources are contaminated by sewage and ecological concern, and ecocheology actively intersect," agricultural runoff. India has made progress in the may be complex, his larger vision translates simply: supply of safe water ro its people, bur gross disparity in coverage exists across the country. Although access ro Now it is becoming increasingly inevitable to include drinking water has improved, the World Bank estimates eco-juscice issues with social justice matters because of that 21% of communicable diseases in India are related the unquestionable link we as humans have with the to unsafe water. In India, diarrhea alone causes more earth and the environment ... We need a religious basis than 1,600 deaths daily. that treats ecological issues as social justice issues. This should be emphasized in the curricula of theological schools and not treated as a dichotomy but rather as a fabric with both issues woven together and addressed together.
6 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Semina CTS ECOmmunity PHOTO DIARY: The CTS ECOmmunity in Action ...
First row: Till/lila Boyd (M:Dhl. '12) on (1 bike tour of}emsalem during the CTS Study Tour to Israeland Palestine,january 201 J.
Springflowers growing 011 the JOlirth floor green roof
A reusable plate sold by the Eco-jueice Smdenr Group for use lit community tunch nnd other CTS events. Second row: Eco-justice Chapel in 2011. Graham Taylor Chapel at the 5757 S. Unioersity budding.
Amy Roveli-Rixx (M.Div. '/4) at glenning f1( the College o/Lake County community garden dllring 5ukkot in October 201 J. Historically, 511kkot is a harvest/thallksgivillgftstivol. Gleaning invo/ues picking kfiooer crops and distributing them to the needy. Cleaning dllring 511kkof is organiud at CTS by the Center for jewish, Christian, and Islamic SrI/dies.
Third row: Plower Communion, fl Unitarian Universalist tradition, at the El/rth Day Eca-justice Worship, Aprit20/2.
Summer 2012 Iwww.ctschicago.edu 7 Fallen Trees Find New Purpose at CTS
The vision for the lectern and tables originated in 2008 when Dr. Scott Haldeman stayed in Craig's home in Parr Washington, Wisconsin while attending his ordination. Dr. Haldeman saw some of the woodworking Craig had done. Dr. Haldeman, who was also parr of the design team for the new building, called him soon afterward and asked him to design the pieces for the fourth floor chapel. Craig said yes and began to work on them in 2010.
Craig's interest in woodworking began as a child growing up in Western Wisconsin in what he describes as "the middle of farm country." His grandfathers were In June 1998, the "driftless region" of Wisconsin where carpenters and what he calls "tinkerers," and his father, THE REv. CRAJG MODAHL (M.Dlv. '06) lives was hit an engineer by profession, spent his free time building by a bizarre windstorm. Over the course of a few hours the houses in which his family lived. In his basement hundreds of rrees, some of them nearly a century old, workshop his father would also make many of the were uprooted. The black walnut tables (three of them, family's Christmas gifts by hand. It was in that very same including a communion cable) and lectern in our fourth workshop where Craig would get his start experimenting floor chapel were built by Craig from wood that he with woodworking. lovingly salvaged from these very rrees. In a sermon that he delivered during the dedication of the lectern and Craig is a gifted woodworker, bur he is also blessed with communion table, he said: other talents. Since 1987 he has worked with people who have developmental disabilities. In 1991, he and his wife These trees were not harvested from the most Sandy founded Balance Inc., a nonprofit organization desirable standing timber with perfect grain and serving this population, where he serves as executive uniform color. These are the fallen, discarded, director. In addition to rwo children of his own-Sata used, and abused remains. They have flaws, defects, (21) and Elizabeth (l2)-he is also a foster parent to blemishes, and so many imperfections. Their vulnerability is evident at the surface and their another child and provides care for rwo adults with strength is found deep in their core. These are the developmental disabilities. In 2008, he was ordained in scars of life that strengthen the soul within. And the DCC "as a specialized minister working to improve whar better place to house them, what berrer place inclusion of people with disabilities in congregations," to feature them and gather around them in God's and he currently serves on the DCC Disabilities service rhan CTS? This is a place where so many who Ministries Board. Prior to his work with people who have have been felled by injustice, rejected by convention, developmental disabilities, Craig spent (Vola years in the discarded for lack of "perfection" can find home, a Peace Corps in Kenya where he taught woodworking! deep nurturing soil and the opportunity to transform carpentry as a vocation. the world.
~ CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary CIS ECOmmunity
"It was a very different rype of craft there as they did nor have power tools. I often learned alongside my students how ro use hand tools and traditional joinery techniques."
Over rhe years, Craig grew to enjoy working with wood that is perceived as having flaws or defects.
''A friend of mine described my 'subconscious' attraction as a reflection of the work I do professionally. He felt that my work with people with developmental disabilities involved finding beauty and value in people who are often discarded or seen as flawed."
"Their vulnerability is evident at the surface and their strength is found deep in their core. These are the scars of life that strengthen the soul within."
- The Rev. Craig Modahl (MDlv '061
In later conversations with Dr. Haldeman, Craig discovered thar several of his classmates were seek..inga way to remember three of their classmates-Anthony Hollins, Sharon Ebay, and Linda Mitchell Cooper- who had died either during rheir time ar CTS or shortly after. The tables and lecterns became gifts in their
memory, "to honor these, our friends, who knew toO well the relentless, buffering winds of life" yer "who also knew very well how to transform that damage inca stunning bursrs of color and light, ferocious strength, unbounded compassion, and renewed life that thrived in the light of Christ."
Each time you find yourself in the fourth floor chapel, meditate for a moment on the meaning of the communion table and lectern. Notice how gathering around them brings them, as Craig preached in his sermon, "new purpose and new life for people seeking hope, sharing the life-giving, life-affirming word of God."
L~ft pag~: The Reo. Craig Modahl in the CTS chapel witb bis tables.
This pag~, from top to bottom: The R~y. Craig ModaM works 011 building {[ table fOr rhe CTS chllpel. The lectern in the fOurth floor chapel.
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu ~ DISTINGUISHED HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS
Chicago Theological Seminary recognized nine remarkable individuals with honorary d~grces at comm~nc~me~t on
May 12,20 J 2. The degrees were awarded to those who have shown extraordinary ccmrrurrnent to fostering Justice and mercy in the world and include FATHER ROY BOURGEOIS, DR. INGRID MATTSON, MRS. CHERIE MILLER, and the members of SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK.
Father Roy Bourgeois, who is known for his support of women's ordination in the Roman Catholic Church, also delivered the commencemenr address.
Father Roy Bourgeois Dr. Ingrid Mattson Cherie Miller Sweet Honey In The Rock<'iJ
Father Roy Bourgeois is the founder of the School of the Americas Or. Ingrid Mattson is Director of the Macdonald Center for the Watch and is active in support of the ordination of women in the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations and Professor Catholic Church. Father Bourgeois faces dismissal proceedings of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford from the Maryknoll Order for his refusal to recant his position on Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. Or. Mattson earned her Ph.D. the ordination of women, and his status as an ordained priest in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago in 1999. Her is being reviewed by the Vatican. Following college, he served research is focused on Islamic law and society. Her most recent in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy. He then entered seminary and book is The Story 01the Out'en. Its History and Place in Muslim Life was ordained as a Maryknoll Missionary, serving for five years (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007), and she is currently working on a book in Bolivia. He became an outspoken critic of US foreign policy in dealing with Islamic ethics. From 1987-1988 she lived in Pakistan Central America and founded the School of the Americas Watch, where she worked with Afghan refugee women. In 2001 she was an organization devoted to closing the Fort Benning-based elected Vice-President of the Islamic Society of North America program that trained many right wing terror squads in Central (ISNAj, and in 2006 she was elected President of the organization. America. Every year, several thousand gather for civil disobedience Or. Mattson is both the first convert to Islam to lead the ISNA and outside the base gates. Father Bourgeois lives in Columbus, the first female to lead the ISNA. On July I, 2012, she will begin Georgia. CTS honors him for his courage and his steadfast an appointment as the inaugural London and Windsor Community commitment to justice. Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College's (Canada) Faculty of Theology. CTS honors Or. Mattson for her commitment to Sweet Honey In The Rock" includes members Aisha Kahlil, interreligious engagement, understanding and collaboration on a Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Nitanju Casel, Shirley Saxton, range of justice issues. and Ysaye Barnwell, and is an internationally renowned female a cappella ensemble. They describe their repertoire as "steeped in Mrs. Cherie Miller will be retiring at the end of June. She has the sacred music of the Black church and the clarion calls of the faithfully served CTS as Registrar and Director of Studies for civil rights movement." Sweet Honey In The Rock was the featured 35 years. For her tireless service, for her tenacity for details, ensemble in our 2011 Scholarship Concert, which was part of the for her love for CTS's students, and for her dedicated care and new building dedication celebration. Their joyful sound welcomed guidance for their programs of study and leading them toward many to CTS's new home. For their ministry of song, of education, the realization of their goals, CTS honors her (read more on of entertainment that leads to justice action, and of activism that page 201. entertains, CTS honors members of Sweet Honey In The Rock.
Photos: Tricia Koning
10 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary Challenge & Response eco-JUSTRICH?? OpEd
by Rachel Mikva
Some folks insist that environmenralism is only for che rich. Frequently, the story is more complicated. The matrix of When J pay double for cage-free eggs or a premium for my concerns raises so many questions that we feel ill-equipped hybrid car or listen sympathetically to a friend who cannot to act and, confounded by our own limitations, we do afford ro repair her car so that it will pass the emissions nothing. Serious eco-justice work must transcend test-l recognize privilege is involved. On the other hand, as anthropocentrism and recognize the deep ecology of climate changes escalate and natural resources are depleted, the universe. the burden will surely fall disproportionately on the poor, Abraham Joshua Heschel cautioned us over fifry years ago as it always does. They already suffer most from toxic waste (here I gender-sensitize his God in Search o/Man); and chemical poisoning; from hurricanes, droughts, and other natural disasters. Serious ceo-justice work has to Our age is one in which usefulness is thought to be the account for the intersectionalities of environmental chief merit of nature; in which the attainment of power, concerns with poverty, power, and context. the utilization of its resources is taken (Q be the chief purpose ofhumaniry in God's creation. Humanity has Lees talk about chocolate-not as much Fun as eating it, indeed become primarily a tool-making animal, and the but it provides a useful example. world is now a gigantic tool-box for the satisfaction of our needs. Environment-You can buy chocolate in the U.S. that is certified organic, with cacao grown in the shade to You may have heard some religious enthusiast quote Genesis preserve the surrounding ecosystem and to provide shelter 1:28 to rationalize such thinking: Fill the earth and master For migratory birds, using less energy than conventional it... Self-justifying proofrexting is a long-standing tradition; Farming. It seems ridiculously expensive, however, generally some folks used it to excuse slavery. The Hebrew Bible five times as much as your average Hershey bar-a wealthy neither created slavery nor outlawed it-bur it did present person's indulgence. a God of liberation and a radical equality in creation, and eventually we gOt me point. Similarly, how could the God Poverty-Over half of the world's chocolate comes From of all creation not care if humaniry chews up the earth and plantations in West Africa with slave labor conditions and spits it out, destroying ourselves in the process? the conscription of young children-more than 200,000 children. Three dollars for a "fair trade" chocolate bar A closer reading of the Hebrew Bible presents manifold suddenly doesn't seem out of reach when it allows the people ideas about the relationship between human beings and the universe, both prescriptive and descriptive. These include picking the cacao to send their children co school rather than sell them into slavery. We are not entitled to affordable Job, itself a mulrivocal (ext, bur one that surely teaches a chocolate at the price of human trafficking. deep ecology. When God appears to Job in his suffering, Job is chalJenged to recognize the integral but Finite place of
Power-Hershey resisted attempts to force disclosure of human beings in the universe. It is not to shame Job with their cacao sources, and they will not sign a fair-trade his smallness, but to demonstrate that our desires-even for pledge. Were all the world's major chocolate manufacturers justice-do not establish the summarive purpose of creation. to pull our From West African plantations, it would surely At the same time, God calls on Job to clothe himself with cause massive suFFering-but their complicity perpetuates glory and majesty, to implement justice as best as he is able cycles of oppression, illiteracy, poverty, and powerlessness. within the ecology of existence. The intersections of ecology This is the way we have come co expect power to work in and justice are, in some measure, beyond our grasp. And yet, the world. It is a story about chocolate, however, so there is this is our charge as well. some sweetness. In January, Hershey pledged $10 million toward improving working conditions and combating child The Rabbi DJ: Rachel Mikva is labor on the plantations-and announced the introduction Rabbi Herman Scbaalman Chair of its certified fair-trade organic "Bliss" brand. This is only a in fetoisb Studies fwd Director of the beginning ... bur it turns our there is also power among the CTS Centerforfewisb, Christian, ranks of chocolate-loving activists. and Islamic Studies.
Summer 2012 I www.ctschicago.edu 11 THE DOORS OF OUR NEW BUILDING officially opened in developing rhe firm's portfolio of]K-12 and higher on January 9, 2012. In the several months since then we educational projects and has also served as,Principal in have settled into OUf offices, held seminars and lecrures in Charge on a number of multi- and single family housing OUf classrooms, worshipped, sung, and mourned in our projects." Danker describes his work as client-driven. chapels, and eaten together in the sun-filled dining room. He strives to meet the unique needs of those people and In short, the building has come co life! Now that the great communities for whom individual buildings are meant bustle of excitement-the groundbreaking, construction, by incorporating elements that include sustainabiliry, dedication, and move-has passed, we are able to reflect energy efficiency, and maintainability. For him, LEED on this space, how it is shaping OUf community, and certification is one way ro gauge that these goals are being perhaps how we are shaping the space. In this time of met. He has worked on a number of sustainable, LEED reflection, we interviewed DIRK DANKER, the Principal buildings including a dining hall ar rhe University of Architect at Nagle Harrray, the firm responsible for Illinois at Urbana Champaign, a library in Bolingbrook, designing our new building ar 1407 East 60rh Street, and the Ogden International School of Chicago. He says that LEED certification has only become prevalent in the Danker joined Nagle Harrray in 1978 when rhe firm last 10 yeats, but that prior to that he and his firm kepr was ten years old and was named a principal in 1986. energy efficiency in mind. According to his biography, "he has been instrumental
Above: The finished building at dusk. Photo: Tom Rossiter.
12 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theolopjcal Semjnarv The CTS building at 1407 East 60th Street is characterized by the use of narural materials such as wood and Stone and emphasizes natural lighting, green space, and open, airy public spaces. Traces of Danker's architectural influences-Scandinavian modernism and Finnish architect Alvar Aalto-c-can be found in these design elements. The style of Scandinavian modernism, Danker says, adds a softer edge co modernist design. "The architects of this school rend to use more natural materials, their buildings are nor overly big or pretentious, and they are concerned with design which is sensitive to the building's communiry and purpose." Danker says that this idea can be observed in skylights in the atrium space on the fourth floor, as rhey allow light to hirer all the
Going through the wood portico at the north entrance ... evokes a movement "from the 'profane' to sacred ..." way down to the first floor. He also mentions the fourth floor chapel which offers worshippers rhe feeling of being As we continue to dwell in this building and discover its both indoors and outdoors at once, in relationship with unique features and the feeling it evokes, experiencing the sky and with the garden on the green roof. Danker's it as a whole and in parts, we might not readily notice favorite aspect of the building is its sense of intimacy: its sustainable elements. As Danker points out, "there "going through the wood portico at the north entrance, aren't a lor of visible attributes associated with LEED one immediately encounters the chapel." This evokes a certification, bur there's a general overarching idea that movement "from rhe 'profane' to sacred, and when this plays into it all that can be experienced." Danker suggests notion is layered with teaching and office spaces, coupled that aside from experiencing the overall idea of the with open areas for communal gathering, there is at once building through simply "living" in it, one might take a a sense of privacy and a welcoming." moment to touch the natural wood (from local sources) in various elements of the building, or to notice the The joy and challenge of rhe CTS building was one terazzo (flooring in the stair atrium), which has recycled and me same for Danker. While he deeply enjoyed the glass in it. sense of collaboration with CTS and involving us in the answering of aesthetic questions, he also found it challenging (and yet rewarding) to meld all the different possible uses of this space into one entity.
Above: The buildillg under construction, Apri12011.
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu ~ As our first commencement anchored by our new TnJanuary of2012, DON AND ELLEN CLARK home passes, REv. AYANNA JOHNSON, Director of seeded the initiative with their unrestricted gift of Community Life, shared her thoughts on our new $1,000,000, challenging others to match their gift home: "We are choosing to use the blessing of our with an additional $1,000,000 over the next five years. new building to contribute to the future of theological Already a number of donors have stepped forward with education. This blessing is a privilege and we rnusr be an significant gifts and pledges at the time of our building example as people with privilege. We must lise our gifted dedication. Those pledges are now being fulfilled, time to imagine a new future." moving us roward the goal of raising $200,000 in each CTS celebrates the remarkable, generous friends and of the next five years. Your gifts to the New Building leaders who responded to the call as early participants Initiative are needed to complete this effort and help in the New Building Initiative as we entered our secure the mission of CTS into the future. new home. Spurred by his or her love of CTS or a Gifts given to Chicago Theological Seminary's commitment to our mission and vision, each donor to New Building Initiative suppOrt: the New Building Initiative has made an investment in a theological community of learning that celebrates • Religious leadership development diversity and critical inquiry in pursuit of the increase • Leading edge scholarship of justice and mercy. We are grateful for their early leadership, and the New Building Initiarive continues! • Responsive, innovative curriculum Progressive Christianity
Above: CTS students smdy in the Learning Commons in the library on the third floor of the new building. Photo: Tom Rossiter.
14 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary "We are choosing to use the blessing of our new building to contribute to the future of theological education. This blessing is a privilege and we must be an example as people with privilege We must use our gifted time to imagine a new future."
- The Rev. Ayanna Johnson, Director of Community Life
There also continue to be many naming and recognition opportunities in the new building available (Q donors ar multiple levels. We offer these opportunities so that all those who pass through our doors may bear witness and draw strength from your faith and suPPOrt. Remember, aJI gifts matter and are appreciated. Please give as you are able.
Naming Opportunities within the new space begin with a gifr of$1.000 for an engraved brick paver for rhe CTS garden and span rhe array of spaces wirhin the bUilding: from classrooms, to kitchens, to seminar rooms, to the North or South Green Roof-even the 4rh Floor Chapel irself. Opportunities range from
$1,000 to $1.5 million. The best way (Q learn more and explore the different possibilities is to call Megan Davis- Ochi, Vice President for Advancement at 773.896.2431 or email her at [email protected].
Megan Davis-Ocbi is the Vice President for Advancement at CT5.
Right: Picture a/daily lift in our Smdenr Com mom. Photo: Tom Rossiter. h rt LEED-Silver Since moving, into our new state:~~~ree;tain'January. the .space has Arrivals and Departures ·tied building at 1407 E. 60 h' learning, worship, and cern \d new opportunities for te~c ;g, I would like to call your We are happy to welcome a new staff member to CTS and create . A. Interim Academic can, d r CTS this semester. mmulllry. "'" h happene a, to welcome another in a new role, while we also note the ~~rye:~~~:~~::~:~~~:~bg~utC;:T~l~~:~:7:~~;~:~:;~[~e~~~[R~;~:e. departure of a long-time member of our community. d . meccers at > r- b my office III 0 other aca ernIe us please feel free to stop ,Y I' S member 20\2. If you arc on camp , "1\ turn from sabbatlca In Cr JOE BURT, our new Manager of Alumni/ae Relations 138. Dean Ken Stone WI re and Special Events, began in January (read more on TIMOTHY J. SANDOVAL, PH.D. . Professor of Hebre'>V Bible page 21). d . Dean and AssoCIate Interim Aca emrc . 0 edu We also recognize the extraordinary commitment of 773.896.2481 \ tsandoval@ctschlcag . CHERIE MILLER, Director of Studies and Registrar, who, after 35 years, is retiring at the end of June. A dinner for staff, faculty, and Cherie's family and friends celebrating and Welcome to our New Students honoring her years of service was held on April 19, and she was acknowledged by students during community lunch on
We were happy to welcome (0 CTS (his semester five April 25. Cherie was also honored at Commencement on new students who either entered CTS for the first time May 12 with an honorary doctoral degree (read more on or returned to CTS for a second degree: DANIEL CRUMP page 20). (M.DIY.), ADEBAYOARowow (M.DIV.), LESTER RAIlE Upon Cherie Miller's retirement at the end of June, ELENA (M.DIV.), PUMSUP SHIM (S.T.M.), and DEVRIN LINDSEY JIMENEZ, currently CTS's Assistant Dean for Academic (S.A.L.). We look forward to the contributions that all five of Administration and Director of Online Learning, will these students will make to our learning community! take on the new roles of Registrar and Director of Student Convocation and Sabbaticals Learning Assessment. We are excited that Elena will be continuing her work with us at CTS in these new capacities. Our first Convocation in the new building rook place on Wednesday, February 1 at Recent Publications 12:00 noon in the fourth floor chapel. Congratulations to our faculty members with recent DR. LEE H. BUTLER, JR., Professor of book releases: DR. SUSANTHISTLETHWAJTE, editor of Theology and Psychology gave an address Interfaith Just Peacemaking: jewish, Christian, and Muslim Lee Butler titled "Do you Dream in Color]: Religion, Terror, and the American Dream." Perspectives on the New Paradigm of Peace and War; DR. KEN STONE for Bible Trouble: Queer Reading at the DR. TED JENNINGS, Boundaries of Biblical Scholarship, co-edited with Teresa J. Professor of Biblical and Hornsby; and DR. RACHEL MIKVA for Midrash vaYosha: Constructive Theology Translation, Annotation, and Commentary. and DR. Bo MYlJNG SEO, Associate Professor uc.,~..""" of Theology and Cultural Midrash vaYosha Criticism, will be on sabbatical starting this summer. DR. KEN STONE, Academic Dean and Professor of Hebrew ""''''''':l;-- Clockwise from fOp left: Tedjennings, 80 Bible, Culture, and Myung Seo, Ken Stone, find Dow Edgerton --, Herrnenutics, and DR. Dow EDGERTON, Professor of Ministry, are currently on semester-length sabbaticals and will be returning in the fall.
16 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary Castaneda Lecture On February 22, THE REv. BARBARA BOLSEN (M.Drv. '98), Vice-President The annual GILBERTO CASTANEDA of Programs, and THE REv. DAVID LECTURE took place on Thursday, April WEASLEY (M.Dlv. '09), Community and 26. This year's Castaneda Lecture, called Congregational Relations Coordinator, "Triangles & Rainbows: Constructing a both of The Night Ministry, shared their Queer of Color Theology," was given by powerful experiences with us. The Rev. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Cheng. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Cheng Boisen oversees all agency programs at The Cheng is Assistant Professor of Historical Night Ministry, including outreach and and Systematic Theology at Episcopal Divinity School. He mobile health, youth parenting support, holds a Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.A. from Union Theological and me youth shelter nerwork. The Rev. Barbara Boisen Seminary in New York, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, Weasley conducts outreach to corporations and Dauid Weas{ey and a B.A. from Yale College. Professor Cheng's research and faith-based organizations to increase interests relate to the intersections of sexuality, race, and awareness of and suPPOrt for The Night Ministry's mission theology. He is rhe author of Radical Love: An Introduction to and goals. Queer Theology (Seabury, 20 II), and he is currently working On February 29, we were honored by on a book project entitled From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ (Seabury). Cheng's essays have a presentation from FATHER MICHAEL appeared in a number of anthologies, including the second PFLEGER, Pastor of the Faith Community of Sr. Sabina. Father Pfleger is an active edition of Sexuality and the Sacred (Westminster/John Knox, 2010) and The Queer Bible Commentary (SCM, 200G). His advocate against youth and community articles have been published in a number of peer-reviewed violence, organizing the church's Michael Pfkger neighborhood of Auburn Gresham, as well journals including me Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion; as the city of Chicago, for peace and community building. Journal of Technology, Theology, and Religion; Semeia: and He also shared with us his own formative experiences Spiritus. Cheng serves on the steering committee of the with The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Black Asian North American Religion, Culture, and Society Group Panther Party that led him toward nonviolent activism and of the American Academy of Religion. In 2011, he delivered community empowerment for justice. the fourth annual John E. Boswell Lecture at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry in On April 25, THE REv. PHYLLIS Berkeley, California. Cheng is an ordained minister with the PENNESE (M.D/v. '04), inspired us with Metropolitan Community Churches, and he contributes to her story about forming the first African the religion section of the Huffingron Post. American congregation for LG BTQ people in Chicago (read more on page 22). Fireside Chats Phyllis Pennae Fireside chats typically take place on The CTS "FIRESIDE CHAT" series continued this year in particular Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters our new building. This series, organized by our Director in our fourth floor chapel at 5: 15 p.m. and are open to of Community Life REv. AYANNAJOHNSON, gives CTS the public. For more information, please contact Ayanna students an opportunity to dialogue about ministry and Johnson at [email protected]. leadership for social transformation with experienced religious and community leaders.
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Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu !Z The Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield: ECO-JUSTICE FINDS ITS PLACE IN FAITH
by Maria Hetman
THE REv. DR. CLARE BUTTERFIELD'S (D.MIN. '08) work This was long enough ago that ir preceded the in the field of ceo-justice speaks directly ro those in ministry industrialization and centralization of agriculture that who care about ecological justice, who are looking for a way is the norm now. Then many of my neighbors farmed on 160 acres or less. Now you would be hard-pressed ro articulate the connection between eco-justice and faith, to find a farm under 1000 acres in the same area. One and who want {Q offer their congregation ways to take action of my neighbors died of cancer. Another committed around eco-jusrice on an everyday level. Faith in Place, the suicide. It was clear to me from the beginning that organization Butterfield founded 13 years ago, "partners farming is hard work and that the economic structures with congregations of all faiths to connect the teachings of around it are not good for people. The farm worker faith to the practices of care for the environment," Growing unionization movement was coming into being at from zero to over 900 congregations (including Christian, the same period of time, and I can remember people Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Baha'i, standing outside the local IGA asking us not to buy the and Unitarian Universalist) in rhe past 13 years, and from grapes, as the farm families drove into town to get their groceries (even then, mostly not locally grown). one half-time staff member to seven full-time staff, Faith in Place not only demonstrates the importance of eco-justice Though Butterfield did nor remain in the country during within diverse communities of faith but shows the deep need her early adult years, her journey would eventually lead her for this son of outreach. back to some of the issues confronting rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. After twelve years working Faith in Place, under Butterfield's leadership as founder as a tax and corporate lawyer based in Washington D.C. and executive director, is a powerful example of helping and Chicago, she decided to attend seminary at Meadville congregations to realize their full potential as stewards of the Lombard and became a Unitarian Universalist minister. It earth and human communities. Perhaps her unique vision was during that time that she started a project at the Center came in part from her experiences growing up in Central for Neighborhood Technology, which spun off to become Illinois on what she describes as "something like a farm" in Faith in Place. By then, Butterfield was already on the path Champaign County. Her dad was a college professor but her to connecting the missing dots between ministry and eco- family lived in the country surrounded by neighbors who justice. Yet, she felt in many ways that she was still fumbling were farmers. to make those connections more apparent.
Above: The Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield (center) with Faith in Places Summer Youth Ambassador Program, sponsored by Com Ed. The Ambassadors learned about energy conservation options for homeowners and went out into the community to spread the word. The bags contain energy efficiem products, which they distributed to 500 homes. Also pictured: LaTtmya Lane (M.A. '09), /flr left.
~ CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary "We're using the impact of coal as a way to raise consciousness among all people of faith abouLhow one kind of exploitation (of the earth) leads inevitably The longer I worked on issues of sustainabiliry as they were linked to the theologies and teachings of our to other kinds (of people)" various religious traditions, the more I could see that I didn't understand enough about theological thought or history. There had to be reasons in the theology that - The Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield ID.MIN. 'OBI. congregations were slow to see environmental issues as Executive Director of Faith in Place moral issues, and there had to be theologies that could help with this. I went to CTS for a D.Min. to explore this further, and it turned out to be an invaluable exploration both personally and professionally.
When asked why those interested in ministry should care about ecological crises, Butterfield said, "The impacts of humans on the planet are just starting to be felt in a systematic way. These are huge human impacts that will be felt most urgently by the poor of the world. That is why we have to be engaged in [those issues]' even if we don't consider our role to be as stewards of the rest of creation- the non-human part, which God made and called good."
The "practices of care for the environment" and human communities to which Faith in Place helps congregations connect include energy and water conservation, renewable technologies (solar, solar thermal, geothermal, wind), We're using the impact of coal as a way to raise support for local and sustainable farming, and policy consciousness among all people of faith about our advocacy. Butterfield gave one of many examples of the exploitation of resources and how one kind of issues with which Faith in Place is engaged: exploirarion (of the earth) leads inevitably to other kinds (of people). Once yOli claim the right to take Our energy project is our Illinois Interfaith Power & things simply because you need them, without regard Light campaign, which puts us in partnership with the to their intrinsic value, treating them as a means to 38 other Interfaith Power & Light organizations in your end rather than an end in themselves, you've other states. We work together on a religious response crossed an ethical line. And it's always easier to cross to climate change, including energy conservation and it rhe second time ... How yOll see your relationship to policies. We're abour to rake a group of clergy on a tour the rest oflife is likely ro be pretty consistent in your of coal mining areas in Illinois as parr of this effort, life. If you see yourself as a consumer, with permission with the hope that they will spread the word about to be instrumental about others, this will tend to play how destructive mining practices are in lIlinois, how out whether in your relationship to inanimate things or unnecessary they are (because we have to stop using places and your relationships ro other humans. coal), how damaging they are to water and to the lives of local people, once they've seen these things for The Rev. Dr. Butterfield's long-term plans for Faith in themselves. Place demonstrate her enduring commitment and passion. The focus on coal is just the beginning of a larger vision for "We intend to work as hard as we can in as many directions educating and mobilizing those who care. as we can, in partnership with OUf friends of all faiths, to bring about a JUStand sustainable future."
To learn more about Faith in Place, visit www.faithinplace.org
Above: The Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield fpeaks at a preiS event at an EPA hearing in Rosemont, Illinois.
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu li Radical Hospitality: Honoring Cherie Miller, Director of Studies and Registrar
CHERIE MILLER is something of a CTS legend, and her Cherie Miller is exactly the kind of person who reriremenr on June 30 arret 35 years has demonstrated embodies the vision and mission of Chicago that fact as many of us wonder what daily life at CTS Theological Seminary. She has been the gateway, fonr will be like without her. Impossible as it is to sum up of information, source of pastoral care for students, the Cherie Miller story and the gifts and time she has and minister exrraordinaire for scores of those who bestowed upon the Seminary community, we venture passed through the hallways and classrooms of ro do so anyway and in so doing, seek to honor this CTS during her 35 years of service. Cherie made a incredible person. difference for me and for more than can be named.
Our beloved Cherie came to CTS in 1977. Her husband Because she has embodied the values and commitments Christopher had decided to acquire an M.Div. and a of Chicago Theological Seminary and in so doing has D.Min. for the counseling ministry to which he felt fostered the increase of justice and mercy in the world, called. Cherie recounts: Cherie Miller was awarded an honorary doctor of letters on May 12 at commencement (see page 10 for more After moving to Hyde Park from Evansroo, on a details). She was also recognized by faculty, staff, students, whim I came over to CTS to inquire whether there and alumni/ae at a retirement celebration and special might be a job for me and was hired to work on community lunch in her honor. the very first computer CTS owned ... ir was a very large typewriter-like thing. In the following years, before becoming Registrar, I worked in the business, "For so many of us at CTS, Cherie development, and admissions offices, and finally I worked as assistant to the then Director of Field was the first person we encountered- Education, Dr. Jack Seymour, and the then Director of Studies, Dr. Barbara Brown Zikmund. I became the one to offer us radical hospitality." Registrar in 1980 and Director of Srudies in probably - CTS Alumna the late 1980s.
Cherie has been an exemplar in her profession, and she While she will be greatly missed at CTS and, as Dean is also an exemplary human being, a quality which the Ken Scone said at her retirement parry, CTS is hard co thousands of scudencs who passed through her care are imagine without her, we are grateful co have had her with quick to remember. Indeed, Cherie Miller is not only us for so many years. She has enriched our lives, and we an academic and professional guide, bur also a wise are overjoyed co see her off on her next journey. Now, counselor, loving "Aunt," and the "student's best friend." unburdened by the numerous responsibilities of being In the months following the announcement of her Director of Studies and Registrar, Cherie looks forward co retirement, emails containing memories and srories abour spending more time with her two adult daughters, Emily Cherie from alumni/ae and students have overtaken the and Megan, their spouses, her two grandsons, Jackson inboxes of development staff One in particular sums up (6) and Charlie (2 V,), and her many friends. She and the essence of what so many have written:
£Q CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary her husband Christopher are avid campers and love to travel, and Cherie adores curling up with good books for hours on end. Cherie also looks forward co opportunities at Glencoe Union Church, which she says "has become home." But this is just the beginning. In her own words:
1 approach retirement with a lot of mystery, choosing to step into the unknown where I hope to discover new aspects of being me. Figuring Out how to share the house full-time with my husband Christopher and being a more involved mother and grandmother are only the first adventures. I imagine other adventures will unfold, JUStas when I first came to CTS as a student's spouse.
Knowing Cherie, she will thrive in her new role, just as she thrived here and will rise to any challenge which comes To read the full interview with Cherie, her way. We can be certain that she will profoundly touch visit www.ctschicago.edu/cmiller the livesof all those who are blessed to spend their days in her company.
Left page: President Alice Hnm iuuh Cherie Miller at her retirement party ill April 2012. This page: Cherie Miller with her family at her retirement party in April 2012. From right to Left: Richard Hal/iday (son-in-law), Emily Halliday (daughter), Cherie Miller. Christopher Miller (husband), Megha/l Scileppi (dovglner), 10m Scileppi (son-in-law).
JOE BURT, Manager of "blended" worship that merges the liturgical traditions Alumni Relations and with contemporary elements of rhe worship music Special Events, joined of today. CTS in January of Friends who attended the spring Ministerial and Lay 2012. Many had rheir Leadership Institute witnessed Joe's vision in action first opportunity to during the closing "Praise Fest" which featured rwo meet Joe at the building dynamic music groups-the choir from Epiphany dedication events that UCC and the Praise Team from Covenant UCC- he helped to plan during as a prelude ro the words of The Rev.Verrie Powers, the fall of 20 II. Joe's new tole speaks to CTS's renewed rhe closing speaker. commitment to its family of alumni/ae and our desire to expand every level of communication and service to those Born in Mississippi and raised in central Alabama, who have passed through the halls of CTS. Joe Burt has been a Chicago resident since rhe mid-80s. Joe spent 18 years as a college professor in the humanities Joe brings considerable experience in alumni/ae relations and music. In addition to his musical endeavors, Joe is and special events after working with the development actively involved in social ourreach in Romania and is an office at Northwestern University. He holds degrees in avid sailor. sacred music, voice, theory, and composition, and has studied architecture extensively. Many within the VCC Joe can be reached by phone ar 773.896.2427 or by email perhaps know Joe best as Music Director at Epiphany ar [email protected]. UCC. A church musician from the age of 14, Joe enjoys
Above: joe Bun sailing on Lahe Michigan. Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu 21 THE REv. PHYLLIS PENNESE New Faith Baptist Church in Matteson, Illinois and met the and Pillar of Love, a congregation Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas (MDIV. '81, D.MIN.'86). of rhe United Church of Christ, Rev. Thomas and the faith community at New Hope will be recognized and officially Baptist spoke to her intellect as well as her spirit. And yet, welcomed as the 1,000th "open there was still her unspoken sexual identity. and affirming" church within the With great reservation she confronted Rev. Thomas denomination. In June of this year about her orientation and found not rebuke but love and the UCC Coalition of LGBTQ acceptance. She joined the congregation in 1989 and Concerns will gather at Elmhurst subsequently answered the call to ministry at New Faith College to award this distinction Baptist Church. Initially, she understood her caJling to to the Pillar of Love church and its pastor, The Rev. Phyllis V. Peunese (M.DIV. '04). ministry to be about hospital chaplaincy. She was greatly encouraged by The Rev. Janet MacLean (M.Dlv. '98), When Phyllis, the young daughter of Vito and Daisy Staff Chaplain of Mission and Spiritual Care at Advocate Permese, walked to elementary school, she passed near where Christ Medical Center, to consider CTS for her ministerial Pillar of Love is now located in Summit, Illinois. This is but training. In rime, she completed her application and entered one of rhe many "intersections," both physical and spiritual, rhe ministry program at CTS. During her studies Phyllis that brought CTS alumna, The Rev. Phyllis Pennese, to was the first recipient of the G. Campbell Morgan Award for pastor this amazing congregation. Excellence in Preaching and was also a scholarship recipient of the Gilberta Castaneda Award. These intersections of Phyllis was raised Pentecostal and loved going to church. people and places became a map for Phyllis Pennese. She had a reputation for "knowing the scriptures." Even as a child she had the gift of teaching. Yet, there was a One of the most important intersections and persons in her
nagging conflict that began to surface in her teens. Phyllis life is Bishop Yvette Flunder, founder and pastor of City of recognized she was a lesbian, and this put her at great odds Refuge UCC church in San Francisco, a thriving inner-city with the teachings and values of her Pentecostal roots. congregation that celebrates the radically inclusive love of She began questioning her faith and she left the church in Jesus Christ. It was at that intersection on Howard Street her early twenties. Like many LGBTQyoung people, she that she heard an inner voice say to her, "I have shown you
thought that she must "change herself" to find wholeness the vision of your heart. Now, go back to Chicago to
with God. create It.
AB a career, Phyllis began working with bartered and Pillar of Love Church was established in February of 2003. assaulted women. As part of her work she was invited to The community first gathered in Phyllis's home where it was share her experiences with Clinical Pastoral Education common practice that ministry included doing the laundry (CPE) students, many of whom were training for ministry and offering warm shelter for those present. Eventually, the and religious leadership. It was during this time that she congregation moved to have church at First Congregational crossed paths with The Rev. Dee Brown Daniels who Church in Summit. After a stint in Chicago, Pillar of referred to her work with victims of violence as a ministry. Love UCC rerurned ro meeting and being church in the Phyllis remembers the tremendous encouragement that community of Summit at the same intersection that Phyllis Rev. Daniels provided to her. As she sought out orher recalls walking past in her childhood. avenues for her career, Phyllis believes that God showed her people who had unique and different perspectives on Phyllis is the loving partner ro Vickie Sides and mother to where she might begin to venture. Dr. Iva Carruthers, Brandon. A CTS alumnus, teacher, pasmr, and child of a Professor Emerita at Northeastern Illinois University and loving God, she is awaiting the next exciting intersection in a CTS Life Trustee, gave her affirmation and was aJso the her walk of faith.
first to speak to her about the possibility of seminary and ministerial training. It was during this time that she visited Joe Burt is the Manager of 'Alnmni Relations and Special Events at CTS,
22 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary CHICAGO THEOWGlCAL SEMINARY HONORS AND of Saint Pauls uee, she was an active partner in ministry CELEBRATESthe leadership and faithful witness ofT om and and a lay leader within the congregation. She served as the Colleen Henry. fu Alumnilae of CTS, the Henrys are truly church archivist and historian, editor and writer for the examples of rninisrerialleaders and individuals committed church newsletter, and coordinator and hostess of many to transforming society toward greater justice and mercy! special events in the life of the church including the Saint Pauls Okroberfest. dinners for new members, and social THE REv. TOM HENRY received his Bachelor of Divinity events for the church council and choir members. Her (the academic degree which was a predecessor to the faithful and exemplary service at Saint Pauls uce will Master of Divinity) from the Seminary in 1969. Five years live on through the historical archives, the ministry of following, he was called to be the assistant pasco[ at Saint music within the church, and the generations of people Pauls UCC in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood of Chicago. for whom she cared. In 1982 Rev. Henry was selected as rhe nimh senior pasror of Saint Pauls vee and served in this capacity After 36 years of leadership and ministry, the Henrys for 28 years. During his tenure, rhe church was one of celebrated their retirement from full-rime ministry five congregations that helped co establish The Night in June of20 IO. Saint Pauls UCC commemorated Ministry, a nonprofit social service organization that their tremendous service to the church and the wider connects youth and adults in need co basic resources and community by establishing the Henry Legacy Campaign. opportunities for housing, employment, education, and A portion of this campaign was designared to benefit the supportive services. Additionally, he and Saine Pauls uee Thomas and Colleen Henry Scholarship, an endowed helped to found the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, eTS scholarship fund to help support a ministerial student a comprehensive social service agency serving adult men whose focus is on urban miniseries. At the conclusion of and women who are experiencing homelessness. During the Henry Legacy Campaign, St. Pauls UCC church gave his ministry, Rev. Henry performed more than 400 a gift of $37,500 to the Henry Scholarship. This endowed baptisms, 246 weddings, and 268 funerals. scholarship will provide generous suppOrt to many future ministry students. Ms. COLLEEN YODER HENRY received her Master of Arts in Religious Education from CTS in 1969. CTS celebrates with Saint Pauls UCC the legacy of In the years that Rev. Henry was on the pastoral staff ministerial service of Tom and Colleen Henry!
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu 23 PHOTO DIARY: On Campus Winter/Spring 2012
Clockwise from top left: The Rev. Dr. Patrick S. Cheng delivers tbe Gilberta Castoiieda Lecture on April 18, 2012.
Dr. Lee H. Butler (right), Professor a/Theology and Psychology, speaks at the Convocation in our new building on February J. His keynote address was entitled "Do you Dream in Colore Religion, Terror, and the American Dream. " Photo: Jam; Huisjen Scott
Left to right: Marian McKinney (S. T.M.) and Deneen Collins (M.Div. '14) during fl CTS chapel celebration of Holi, the Hindu Festivol of Colors. During Holi, which coincides with the welcoming of spring, conventional niles ofrasee, social standing, and gender arc relaxed and celebrants throw colored powder on one another. Pboto.fami Huisjen Scott.
Participants engage in discussion at the Lenten LectioJlary Workshop on january 26 This year's Lenten Lectionary Workshop was titled, "Covenant and Promises: Exploring the Scriptures of the Lenten Season" and [earured Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible and Interim Academic Dean Dr. Timothy Sandoval.
Children llf the Seder for the Children of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar: An Interftith journey of Liberation on April 10. It was a joyous eoening offood, friendship, and conversation about the continuing work of liberation inspired by the story of Passover. The event was coordinated by the CTS Center fOr jewish. Christian, and Islamic Studies, along with parmers Mishkafl Chicago and the Hyde Park M/lJ/im Family Circle. Photo: [ami Hcisjen Scott.
24 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary Clockwise from top left: Dr. Ingrid Mattson delivers a talk on Islamic theology and ethics, "Protecting 'Natural Goodnesse--Tbe Collective Obligation, "at CTS on May 12. The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon and President Alice Hunt at the Ministerial dr Lay Leadership Institute (MLLl) on April 12-14. Dr. Kinnamon is pastor, author, religioltS scholar, and former General Secretary of the National Council of Chnnbes. He delivered the opening address at MLLI, entitled "Elections, Summits, and the Wlimess of the Ecumenical Church. "The theme of this yenr's MLLl was "People of Faith ill the Public AreJIa. " Left to right: Author Katherine Wlil/is Pmhey, CTS staff member Deb Derylok, and The Rev. \.1ortiePowers participate in n workshop at the Ministerial dr Lay Leadership Institute (MLLl) all April 13. The Rev. Pouers {Association Minister for the Chicago Metropolitan Association ofth(! Illinois Confermce afthe United Church afChrist) also delivered the MLL! closing address as a part ofn jayfulll)orship experience of music and word. Emeritus Professor Dr. Andrt LaCocque and Marilyn Price presented "The Golem and the Real Story of the Mabaral ofPrngue" at CTS in March.
Grnduates at Commencement, May 2012. Photo: Tricia Koning.
Summer 2012 I www.ctschicago.edu 25 What Manner of Woman is This: Womanists Making a Difference in Academy, Church, and Society
In 1985, three Black female graduate students at Union to that tiny baby who is growing and becoming such an Theological Seminary in New York-Katie Cannon, incredible young woman, Dr. Terrell puts into practice Jacquelyn Grant, and Delores Williams-began the the core value of woman ism-the commitment to life, journey of scholarly discourse that gave birth to a not merely to survival bur to liberation and creative new realm of Christian theological education called self-expression as central to thriving in community. womanism. This was the start of a movement within In addition to her 17 years of service as a professor at the study of religion and theology that has, in the Chicago Theological Seminary, she is also a teacher of past 27 years, inspired three generations of womanist the Church. She serves as the Academic Dean for the scholars who have contributed greatly to the Academy, Leadership Training Institute for the Midwest Episcopal Church, and Society. Inspired by Alice Walker in her Area of the AME Zion Church. She also teaches in book, In Search of Our Mother's Gardens: Womanist Prose, various Annual Conferences of her denomination on faith Womanist thought signals a "paradigm shift"! where and order, doctrinal precision, creativity, and faith. Black women look to themselves for liberation rather than to others. It has marked an epistemological revolution as Womanist thought signals a they respond to the challenges of life through:
• Radical Subjectivity "paradigm shift" where Black women • Traditional Communalism look to themselves for liberation Redemptive Self-love • Critical Engagement rather than to others. During the weekend of March 1-4,2012, the Black Dr. Speller understands her wornanist calling to be Religious Scholars Group, Inc., celebrated womanist a bridge builder between the academy and the pews. scholarship and practices in New York City, honoring Through workshops and seminars she engages in rhirry-one "Womanist Legends" From across the nation dialogue between teaching and learning, theory and in the gala event, "What Manner of Woman IsThis: praxis, and faith and culture. An important part of her Womanists Making a Difference in Academy, Church, woman ism can be seen in the skills she has cultivated as and Society." The Rev. Dr. JoAnne Marie Terrell, an outstanding quilter and Fabric artist. She views these Associate Professor of Ethics and Theology, and practices as vital parts of her personal development that Dr. Julia M. Speller, Associate Professor of American open new avenues of creativiry in her academic study as a Religious History were among those celebrated. church historian. Equally a Christian educator, Dr. Speller Woman ism for Dr. Terrell is not a theory, it is a life is a gifted innovator of pedagogical strategies that enhance commitment and nowhere better seen in action than the Doctor of Ministry Program at Chicago Theological in her whole-hearted mothering of her twelve-year old Seminary, which she directs. In addition to fifteen years (womanish) girl-child, [ada. in becoming a single mother of service as both teacher and administrator at CTS, she
Above from left to right: Dr. Julia M. Speller, [ada 'Terrell, and Rev. Dr. JoAnne Marie 'Terrell
26 CIS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary RECOMMENOEO READINGS Or. Julia Speller Womanists are "committed to the Review of Answering the Call, African American Women in Higher Education Leadership, edited by Beverly L Bower survival and wholeness of entire and Mimi Wolverton. Teaching Theology & Religion 14, no. 1 (January 2011), 89-91. peoples-male and female." "Increasing Oiversity in Theological School, A Reflection." Theological Education 38, no. 2 (2002), 56-62.
"The Practice of Caring Well." Journat of Supervision has been the Director of Christian Education at Trinity and Training in Ministry 26 (2006), 10-20. United Church of Christ for over twenty-five years. She also shares her life with her husband, Clyde and they are Walkin, the Talk, Keepin' the Faith in Africentric parents to three adult children. Congregations. Pilgrim Press, 2005.
To paraphrase Alice Walker, womanists love food, Spirit, the Or. JoAnne Terrell Moon, roundness, dance, the folks, and love "themselves. Regardless." In addition to this defining motif of self-love, Power in the Blood' The Cross in African American womanists are "committed co the survival and wholeness Experience. Orbis Books, 1998. of entire peoples-male and female." Here at Chicago "Sojourner Truth Oay (August 18)." In Preaching Theological Seminary, we are especially blessed to have rwo God's Transforming Justice, A Lectionary Commentary, womanisr scholars-"Iegends"-with whom to parmer Year B, edited by Ronald J. Allen, Oale P.Andrews, and in education. Dr. Terrell and Dr. Speller challenge the Oawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, 355-360. Westminster John Knox community to re-imagine the contours of our faith, the Press, quality and ever-inclusive character of our commitments, 2011. and to remain whole in our pursuit of survival, liberation, and creative self-expression
1. Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, 'introduction: Writings for Our Lives-Womanism as an Epistemological Revolution," in Deeper Shades of Purple: Wornanism in Religion and Society, ed. Stacey M. Floyd- Thomas (New York: New York University Press, 2006). of church and society, and to establish and nourish ART MATTERS: relationships with those who survive and thrive despite marginalization, oppression, and deprivation-whether far The Gift of "Golden States of Grace," away or very close to home. a First Exhibit in our New Home Nahmias's Golden States of Grace is really about trust. These eleven communities have little reason to trust and yet by Scott Haldeman they trusted Rick-to listen, to see, to create images that honor rather than exploit, to be their spokesperson to the A new building provides new opportunities of many kinds. larger world. He proves himself worthy of that trust. His images dignify and demonstrate the full humanity of these In this instance, the art-friendly palette of OUf great hall and the many spaces equipped ro hang art throughout individuals and communities so often ignored or violated. the building created the perfect back-drop for an exhibit, He not only speaks for them, but he allows them to speak "Golden States of Grace: Prayers of the Disinherited" for themselves. He not only displays the wisdom and beauty (GSG). This collection of black and white photographs, of these peoples and the ways they follow to pray, praise, and along with a sound track of music from the eleven lament, but he invites us in to see ourselves in these others, marginalized religious communities and audio files of the to see them within ourselves. So we, too, may learn to trust voices of those captured in 23 of the 56 images, is the work and dare to be trustworthy and see and listen and speak. of acclaimed artist, author, and activist, RICK NAHMIAS. Such a major exhibit does not happen without much effort. I met Rick, at the behest of Lynn Szwaja, Director of the To Alice Hunt, who helped identify the necessary resources Theology Program at the Henry Luce Foundation, which and trusted enough to sign the contract; and to Brian has provided funds to CTS for arts programming, at the Blackmore (M.A. '11, S.TM. '13), our curator, who made Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion sure the collection arrived safely and, with IT Coordinator in San Diego in November of2004. Rick and I have Rasul Shabazz and Amy Rovell-Rixx (MDlv. '14), brought talked regularly since then about displaying his art-and it safely inside during a rainy morning, and who with Amy, specifically the "Golden States of Grace" collection-at Eric Stricklin (M.Oty. '13), and Andria Davis (M.DIV. '13), CTS. While the journey has often been frustrating for us spent an entire weekend hanging the exhibit with deftness, both, I am now so glad for the wair. That which has been and who will see it safely home, many thanks! said of the divine might be said of this exhibit; GSG didn't The search is on for rhe next exhibit. When our walls are come when I wanted it to ... but it certainly came on time! again empty, I, for one, will grieve the departure of GSG, To see and share the possibilities of art surrounding us for an but this is really just another opportunity. Your ideas and extended period-in this case from April 2 to May 31-is support to keep us surrounded by art that speaks truth, that crucial as we live into Out new space and all that it has to embodies justice, that provokes hope are welcome. Who can offer us. GSG fits well with our commitments to honor all say what our walls will tell us, show us, next! people, to investigate and inculcate both ancient practices and religious ways that are emerging on the periphery D,: Scott Haldeman is Associate Professor of Worship at Chicago Theological Seminary.
~ To read Brian Blackmore's reflection on GSG,visit www.ctschicago.edu/crblog GURU MAjAYA, Knslli As/man "l have had death drip all Oller me. If anyone can prove that one cannot get AiDS by kissing, III/gil/g, [ust laying in the same bed and holding someone till they die, it would be me. But twenty yenrs later, I still see the shuddering and [ear ofaonI touch me, you have AiDS. '" Guru Ma jaya hugs a woman with AIDS at the Ashram. Living as a jewish howl!wife in Brooklyn unti! the mid-seventies, Ma started her spiritllnl journey after discovering the power of yoga, followed closely by a vision of Christ. Once described as '0 cross berween Mother Teresa and Bette Midler" due to her commitment to service and ribald sense of humor, Guru Mas message over the last thirty yenrs is "There are no throwaway people. "
WALKING MEDIATION. Buddbadbarma Sangha "Time in prison looses all meaning. itjust isn't important allymore. Buddhist practice goes band in hnm/ with that loss/nothingness. It is never about escapefrom prison lift for me, but a helpfid means of remaining centered and a reminder thm noble paths are a personal choice. "Marty, a ueteran of the vietnam \\>(lr,serving nlift sentence for homicide since age 26, takes part in the group's weekly walking meditations. Although raised Methodist, he has used the support and fellowship of this Buddhist grOllp. noting the calming, inlier peace and ftcus it grants him. to overcome alcoholism. To HELP US COMMEMORATE OUR NEW BEGINNINGS IN OUR NEW SEMINARY HOME, we invited all of you to support
CTS with a gift during our" 100 Donors in 100 Days" campaign. We asked if you would be one of OUf inaugural supporters during our first 100 days (january 9 through April 9) in the new building. You responded with generosity, joy, and many messages of best wishes!
Thank you to the 160 Donors who sem us your love and contributions during our 100 Donors in 100 Days!! We are so grateful to you---our Alumni/ae, local church parmers and communities, Friends, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Students.
GIFTS OF $500 AND ABOVE GIFTS UP TO $250
The Rev. Shun-Chung Yang The Rev. Mary K. Andersen
The Rev. Dr. Richard T. Kirchherr Mr. Mark S. Anderson Rev. Craig Mousin and Ms. Chris Inserra The Rev. John P Bauman
Dr. Daniel M. Patte and Mrs. Aline Patte The Rev. Dr. Donald C. Bell
Mr. Richard N. Pererson and The Rev. William J. Best Mr. Wayne Bradley The Rev. Roswell C. Blount
Mr. Greg Pine and The Rev. Jacqueline B. Blue Ms. Rachel Barton Pine Dr. Patricia M. Bombard Naples United Church of Christ, The Rev. Dr. Zenobia S. Brooks Naples, Florida Ms. Barbara E. Bryant Dr. S. Alan Ray and Mrs. Angela K. Ray The Rev. Dr. George Cairns Annual Fund Estate of Harriett T. Ronander F. Ms. Michele Carr GIFTS OF $5,000 AND ABOVE GIFTS OF $250 AND ABOVE The Rev. Paul B. Chae First Congregational Church of Glen Mr. Ralph H. Burlingham Ellyn, Illinois The Rev. Z. W. Colson Mr. Irving V. Clarke Mr. William Kunkel The Rev. Pat G. Conover The Rev. Cornelius De Sngrer and the Ms. Bruce E. Cox GIFTS OF $1,000 AND ABOVE Rev. Priscilla K. De Scigter Mrs. Harriet H. Cramton and Edgebrook Community United Church Mrs. Barbara S. Graves Mr. Roger Cramton of Chrisr, Chicago, Illinois Mr. Robert M. Grossman Mr. Torrance O. Credit First Congregational United Church of Harvard Family United Church of Christ, Ms. Megan Davis-Ochi Christ, Colorado Springs, Colorado Oak Park, lIIinois The Rev. Deb Derylak First United Church of Oak Park, Illinois The Rev. Carlisle H. Krusi The Rev. Clifford G. DiMascio Mr. Donald G. Han The Rev. Dr. John B. McCall Ms. Mary Kristin Doan Hawaii Conference of the United The Rev. Jane A. McMahill and Church of Christ the Rev. David R. McMahill Ms. Edith S. Downing
The Rev. Dr. Alice Hum Ms. Cheryl Miller and The Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy and Ms. Sally L. Olson the Rev. Dr. Christopher Miller the Rev. John Duffy-Guy Saint Peter's United Church of Christ, Mr. Howard A. Nelson The Rev. Dr. Melbalenia D. Evans Chicago, Illinois The Rev. Dr. Syngman Rhee Ms. Stephanie N. Ewing
Winnetka Congregational Church, The Rev. Daniel J. Schifeling The Rev. Dr. Shirley G. Fleming Winnetka, Illinois Or. Robert L. Smith The Rev. Dr. Hugh L. Flemming Sr.
Mr. James D. Stahler The Rev. Dr. James E. Foucher Jr. Above: The Rev. Ayanna jobnson. Director of Community Lift, preaches at the Ash The Rev. David A. Trern bley The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Gettinger Wednesday Chapel Service. lQ CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary Mr. Johnny Gillespie The Rev. Moses E. Mason The Rev. Kent I. Groff The Rev. Leah F. Matthews
The Rev. Paula M. Gustafson The Rev. Dr. Alden E. Matthews
The Rev. Philip S. Hanni Ms. Barbara L. McCornack
Ms. Sherrice Hardin The Rev. Ann H. McLaughlin
The Rev. Alice J. Harper-Jones The Rev. Jacqueline C. Meli
Sister Maureen Harrison R.S.M. The Rev. Debra A. Meyer
The Rev. Or. David M. Held Ms. Patricia A. Morton
Mr. Edward L. Heyer The Rev. Simone Nathan and M r. Roger W. Nathan Mr. John B. Whitehead Sister Katherine A. Hill The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson Women's Fellowship, Church of the Holy The Rev. Susan 1. Howe Cross, Hilo, Hawaii The Rev. Dr. Norman J. Newton Immanuel United Church of Christ, Mr. Wilbur J. Wright Evergreen Park, Illinois The Rev. John O. H. Noer Jr. Mr. Adam B. Yates The Rev. Bruce O. Inglis and The Rev. Linda Noonan The Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Yeo Mrs. Jean W Inglis The Rev. Nels K. Nordstrom The Rev. Gerald W. Zumalr The Rev. Paul E. Irion The Rev. Kathryn A. Obenour
Mrs. Frances D. Isaac The Rev. Gail A. O'Neal The Rev. Abraham Kahikina Akaka Scholarship Restricted Fund The Rev. John W. Kalas Ms. Martha V. Pierce Dr. Jeffrey Akaka Ms. Angela Keith Mr. Willard M. Prouty Ms. Pualani S. Akaka The Rev. James B. Ketcham Ms. Ardis O. Rea
The Rev. Moray J. Loring Kiehl The Rev. Timothy C. Rhodes Jewish/Christian/Islamic Studies Cenrer (JCIS) The Rev. Robert A. Kinsey The Rev. Richard K. Riddoch Tauber Fund, Inc. Dr. Eva L. Salmons Pairhbridge Dr. Timothy J. Sandoval Rabbi Dr. Laurence L. Edwards The Rev. Edward C. Schlachrenhaufen The Rev. Robert D. Grant Mrs. Ann B. Schleiffarth Congregation En Chairn The Rev. Or. David L. Smith
The Rev. Karen M. Steffens The Rev.John H. Thomas
Or. Clinton E. Stockwell Leadership Fund The Rev. Leslie C. Taylor Mr. Richard Harter and Mrs. Angelica Harter The Rev. John H. Thomas
Ms. Mary R. Lamprech The Rev. Dr. Darius Thomas and New Building Initiative Mr. Glenn M. Lehman The Rev. Penny Thomas Ms. Dorothy B. Akoco
The Rev. April Lewton and The Rev. Lyman H. Thompson Dr. Neil Gerdes Or. Garry Sparks The Rev. Catherine J. Tinker Mr. William J. Lutz The Rev. Peggy 1. Low The Rev. Troy C. Underwood Mr. William R. Marrin Ms. Karen J. Ludwig Mrs. Dorothy H. Vetter Keenan and Margaret Sheldon The Rev. Stephen M. Lusk and The Rev. Shelley R. \Xfagener Scholarship Fund The Rev. Ruth A. Lusk Mrs. Kate F. Ward-Turner The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Tucker The Rev. Wilmer E. MacNair The Rev. Dr. Cleveland S. Webber J r. The Rev. Leonard H. Marcilous Geoeral Scholarship Fund for CTS Mr. Robert W. Wells The Rev. Dr. Marcia 1. Marino The Rev. [acki Belile and Ms. Carla Riggs Mrs. Dorothy D. White
AIL those who donated to tbe AI/Nuill Fund ill 2011 nnd 2012 wiLL be recognized on a donor List in the FaLL2012 edition ofCTS Challenge & Response.
Upper rigbt: Arnm MitcheLl (M.A. '13) and Britt Cox (M.Div. '14) at tbe 2012 phone-a-thon. Center: Participants in onr "Passover Seder fOr the Children 0/ Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar: An Interfaith Journey o/Liberation" assist each other with the hand-washing rimal. Carly Notorflllgelo, M.A.R.L. '13, right.
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu 31 community connection The Other Side of Hurt: A PERFORMANCE WELCOMED AT CTS
by Deb Derylnk
On Friday, April 20th CTS hosted a powerful performance of The Other Side of Hurt by the young people who are a part of Yfif'P; the Youth Empowerment Performance Project (www.wesayyepp.com). YEPP, a new initiative which (in their own words) "combines theater and therapy," is committed to emboldening rhe voices of Chicago's street-based LGBTQA youth and sharing their experiences through performance. Many CTS students, staff, and alumni/ae were in the audience, along with friends and neighbors from nearby seminaries, congregations, and organizations. Some of our neighboring congregations intentionally brought their own youth to hear the stories of peers whose voices are often silenced. The performance concluded with an opportunity to talk with the performers, and several young people in the audience lingered afterward to have one-on-one conversations with them. Director of Community Life, Rev. Ayanna Johnson, recorded the event on video in anticipation of future opportunities for viewing and conversation within CTS and with local interfaith leaders.
CTS community members in attendance expressed their great appreciation
for this opportunity to be with the YEPP youth and hear their stories. We are especially grateful to the YEPP team, directed by Bonsai Bermudez and Brett Newton, for all of the time and energy that they put into this final performance of The Other Side of Hurt. Just days before their original March performance date, two of the five original cast members had to leave the ensemble for personal reasons-affecting not only the performance itself, but the spirits ofYEPP youth and adults alike. But the ¥EPP team very quickly regrouped to suppon each other and to bring new ensemble members into the fold, in
order to bring their stories to us here at CTS in April. The youth from YEPP expressed their own deep gratitude at being so warmly embraced by everyone at CTS-from the students who first greeted them and offered a building tour to President Alice Hunt who took the rime to offer her personal hello.
Fresh off of this final performance, YEPP has begun their nexr cycle. The new ensemble is working together to create a new performance piece, which will debut on the north side of Chicago at the end of the summer. CTS looks forward to continuing this exciting partnership, providing another venue for performance in the fall, and crearing additional opportunities for exrended dialogue with area youth. Together with these amazing young people, We Say YEPF!
Deb Derylale is Director oJTbeological Field Education at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Top to bortom: Apollo (center) sings about his love ofjoy and whether the fieling is mutual. Left to right: LUCIlS, Atlantis, and Bailey look on. The ensemble creates a human sculpmre depicting the struggles they /flee and the inspirations they draw upon. Atlantis tells her story of being wrongfidiy thrown into a locker in elementary school and into prison later in lift. Chicago Theological Seminary celebrates the lives and legacies oftbose members of tbe MEMORIAM extended Seminary family iobo have recently passed away. May their spirits find rest find may their loved ones find comfort ami peace tim-jug this time of bereavement.
ELMER E. BAKER (B.D. '47) died on April 13,2012, at his eldest son ofOrmund and Elsa Schulz, Larry grew up in residence in Blue Springs, Missouri. Elmer was born June 29, Benzonia, Michigan and Medina, Ohio. Prior to his studies 1920, in Hanover, New Hampshire, to Rev. Weltie E. and at CTS, he attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio and Annabel (Barnes) Baker. He graduated from Alma College graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956. Larry was in Alma, Michigan, magna cum laude, in June 1942 with an ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ and AB. Degree. After graduating from CTS, he was ordained served his first church in Fontana, Wisconsin. In 1963 he June 8,1947, at First Coogregariooal Church of Highland, moved to New York to become the Associate Director of Illinois. He later received his Master of Sacred Theology the Commission for Racial Justice of the United Church of Degree from Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Christ. Larry served as liaison between the United Church Iowa, summa cum laude on May 15, 1970. He pasrored of Christ and various civil rights organizations including the the First Congregational Church of Elkhart, Indiana, from NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 1953 until 1964. From 1964 until 1976, he was Pasta, of and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He First Congregational Church of Christ in Dubuque, Iowa. was involved in the Freedom Summer project in Mississippi From 1977 until 1985, he was Pasror of Church of Chrisr in 1964, the March from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, United in Bennett, Iowa. He retired from Installed Ministry and the Poor People's March on Washington in 1968. In August I, 1985, and continued ro serve through the Interim 1968, Larry became the director of the National Council of Ministry Program. In June of2000, he retired completely Churches' Anti-Poverty Program and in 1972 was appointed after many years of service. While in Dubuque, Iowa, Elmer as the director of the United Church of Christ's Center for was Chairman of the Mental Health Board. ln addition to Social Action which became the Office for Church in Society. his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by brother, Velorous He was an active participant in the United Farm Workers Weltie Baker, and sister, Beryl Winifred Baker. Elmer is movement and an early critic of the Vietnam War. He helped survived by his wife, Winifred, two daughters, a son, five publicize evidence of illegal conduct by U.S. corporations grandchildren, rwc great-grandchildren, his brother, and a doing business in Rhodesia in violation of U.S. economic host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. sanctions prohibiting trade with the Rhodesia's apartheid government and testified before Congress on the subject. ROBERT J. SANDMAN, friend of CTS, died of a hearr attack In 1968, Larry started a consulting firm, Mid-Hudson and on January 16, 2012. Robert was a retired United Church of Planning Associates, to provide consulting services to local Christ minister. Born in 1927, he graduated from Oberlin public and nonprofit housing development groups. The firm College, Union Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor helped win support for more than $30 million in low and of Ministry Degree from United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. moderate income housing projects. In 1979, Larry moved He served as Migrant Ministry state director and pasror of a from New York ro Billings, Montana to become the Senior Columbus, Ohio, church. He then worked in United Church Minister of the First Congregational Church. In 1985, Larry of Christ denominational administration, retiring in 1992 was named the Senior Minister of the First Congregational as Associate Conference Minister in the Illinois Conference. Church in Alameda where he served until his retirement He dedicated his life to service and justice ministries such as in 2002. In Alameda, Larry was deeply involved in the civil rights, anti-Vietnam War marches, new church ministries community and helped establish, or serve in, a number of for immigrant minority communities, and farmworker labor community organizations such as the Alameda Homeless rights. After retiring he and his wife Olgha (recipient of an Network, the Alameda Development Corporation, the Base honorary D.D. degree from CTS in 1991) spent a year of Reuse Advisory Group, the Alameda Ministerial Association, volunteer work in Istanbul, Turkey among Iraqi, Iranian and the Alameda Tri-High Health Network, among others. In and Bosnian refugees, plus hundreds of African economic recognition of Larry's extensive service to the community, die migrants. He was predeceased by his son, Richard A. city of Alameda named him its "Man of the Year" in 1996. Sandman and grandson Nicholas Sandman, and survived by He was a member of the American Red Cross and served as his wife, two sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren, and rwo chair of the AJameda Chapter, as a member of the Board of great-grandch ildren. the Bay Area Chapter, and as a member of the National Red LAROLD "LARRY" K. SCHULZ (B.D. '63) died peacefully on Cross Diversity Council. In 2002, Larry received the Bay February 21, 2012 at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, California. Area Chapter's annual Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Award for Born in Pasadena, California on July 27, 1934, Larry was a his role in expanding the chapter's inclusiveness and diversity. minister by profession and was an advocate throughout his Survivors include his wife Donna, two sons, a daughter, life for civil rights, peace and social justice, gender equality, (\\,0 step-daughters, ten grandchildren, two brothers, and affordable housing for the poor and homeless, and rights numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in of the disabled and alternative lifestyle communities. The death by his brother Carl.
Summer 20121 www.ctschicago.edu 33 alumni/ae NOTES 1950s 2 0 0 0 S continued DONALD J. SEVETSON (B.D. '57) ADAM KOTSKO (M.A. 'OS, PH.D. '09) recently published his book, recently published a new book, Atkinson: Pioneer Oregon Educator. Why IVe Love Sociopaths: A Guide to Late Capitalist Television. 1990s BOB LAROCHELLE (D.MIN. '07) recently ALLISON J. BUTTRICK PATTON published a new book, Crossing the Street. (M.DN. '99) was called ro be Pasror of The Saugatuck Congregarional Church in EMILY MITCHELL (M.DN. '10) Wesrport, Connecticut in January 2012, was ordained in the UCC on January 29 where she began serving on May I. and installed as Associate Pasror at St. Peter Unired Church of Christ in Lake Zurich, 2000s Illinois on February 12. SHAUN DREFAHL (M.DN. '10) was ordained in the UCC in November LISA SEIWERT 2011 and was called ro be Pasror of (M.DN. '12, Bainbridge Community UCC in Bainbridge S.T.M. '12) Township, Ohio, where he began serving joins the CTS in Decem ber 2011. Admissions and Financial Aid EILEEN GEBBIE (M.DN. '12) Office as the was ordained in rhe UCC on May 13 Assistant Direcror and installed as Associate Pasror at of Admissions and Claremont United Church of Christ in Coordinaror of Recruitment Initiatives. California on June 10. In April 2012, CTS awarded her the G. Campbell Morgan Award for Excellence in Preaching (read more on page 27).
From left to right: Marilee SmjJ(M, Dio. '38) and Eileen Gebbie (M.Div. '12) III Claremont vee on Feb5.2012. The photo ioas taken at the reception after Gebbie was called to be their Associate Pastor.
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34 CTS Challenge & Response I Chicago Theological Seminary CTS fall happenings
THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS will be Tuesday. FIRESIDE CHATS are offered on periodic Wednesdays September 4. throughout the academic year in the fourth floor chapel. Please check our website for updates and announcements THE ANNUAL C. SHELBY ROOKS LECTURE will take about other Fireside speakers. place this year on Thursday, October 11. The speaker is Or. Katie G. Cannon. In 1983, Dr. Cannon became the first COMMUNITY WORSHIP takes place each Wednesday African American woman to receive a Ph.D. from Union during the fall and spring semesters in the fourth floor Theological Seminary and was also the first African American chapel, beginning at noon. The first Community Worship woman to be ordained in the United Presbyterian Church will be held on Wednesday. September 5. Worship is (U.S.A.). Cannon focuses her work in the areas of Christian followed immediately by Community Lunch in the adjacent ethics, womanist theology, and women in religion and society. dining room. Community Lunch is free for all CTS students. She has lectured nationally on theological and ethical topics Faculty members. staff, and guests are encouraged to make and is the author or editor of numerous articles and seven a modest cash donation to underwrite expenses. If you plan books including Katie's Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the on attending community lunch, please email Kim Johnson at Black Community and Black Womanist Ethics. [email protected].
On Wednesday. September 12, Dr. W. Dow Edgerton will speak at the FIRST CONVOCATION and on Wednesday, October 24, Dr. Ken Stone will speak at the second.
For an up-to-date listing of CIS events, please visit • I I • I • CHICAGO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NONPROFIT ORG. 1407 East 60th Street U.S. POSTAGE Chicago, Illinois 60637 PAID MAILED FROM www.ctschicago.edu ZIP CODE 60477 PERMIT NO. 222
Address service requested
The CTS elms 0[2012. Photo: Triad Koning.