The Open Door Fall 2012

The Open Door Fall 2012 Inside this Issue 2 Message from the President 8 The 2012 Commencement Address 16 Building a Recovery Bridge 19 Course Reflections: “Judaism, Christianity & Islam: Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?!” www.bts.edu MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT new academic Committee, to the celebrations of the lives of those Ayear is begin- alums who have died. This Open Door reminds us ning, with anticipa- that we are still firmly engaged in the work of today, tion, preparation, while anticipating a re-imagined future. celebration, and hope for another season of We recognize that navigating the tricky terrain of teaching, learning, endings and beginnings calls for careful consideration and formation for of the attention we give to this present ending, over ministries that will and against a future beginning. The process of be marked by charac- discernment and decision-making will continue, as ter and competence. we seek clarity about structure and strategy for our This is what we do. third century. But in these coming months, we must This is why we are here, and how we will be remembered. focus our energy, excitement, and hope on the goal We have work to do – business as usual – the same im- of ending well. Our trustees and academic dean, our portant ministry that BTS has carried out for generations. faculty and staff, are also committed to this goal – for our students, but also for each other, as well as our And yet, this beginning is different from the almost wider community of graduates and friends. 200 beginnings that have come before. This beginning is tempered by the reality of an ending. This year will Starting with luncheon gatherings on each campus and end with a final commencement. This year begins with the all-campus Opening Convocation and Installation the installation of the final president of BTS, and ends in Waterville on September 15th, continuing with our with the opening of a new chapter, which will mean the January Convocation, and looking ahead to our last closing of the previous chapter. commencement service in June of 2013, we want to be mindful of the power of rituals. In these settings, as I am mindful of the tug and pull of endings and well as in other events and activities yet to be created, beginnings. To become the 11th president of BTS, I we will celebrate, honor, give attention to – with deep am leaving the church I have served for 25 years. I feel gratitude – the legacy of our past, including our alums excitement, energy, and hope about the challenge of and donors; the present contributions and concerns being a part of the “new thing” God may be doing at of our current BTS students, staff, and faculty; and the BTS, but I am so aware of the loss I am feeling about work of teaching and learning that continues to reflect ending my ministry in Presque Isle. I believe radical our affection for BTS, and our commitment to a call change is necessary for BTS and other seminaries at to serve God, embodying a love of God and neighbor this time, though I am torn by my own emotional ties in all things. as a BTS graduate, and an even deeper concern for the direct impact of the impending changes – the personal We are on a journey of discovery, but not just for a and professional challenges of this ending – on faculty, future. We are committed to be faithful to the work staff, and students. we share here and now. We ask for your prayers and support – without ending – at this beginning of a new In this issue of the Open Door, some items point to academic year. the future focus of the Third Century and Transition committees. The greater volume of content witnesses Peace be with you, to our historic purpose and its current embodiment, as reflected in the lives of some of our BTS family – students, recent grads, faculty – who are making a difference in God’s world. From graduations and The Reverend Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood ordinations, to Marvin Ellison’s new book, to students President with active ministries, to the work of the Transition 2 Bangor Theological Seminary MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT PHIL GLEASON ince becoming the that there will be twists and turns in the road ahead. SChair of the Board To be sure, we’re all in new territory, a place that of Trustees in May none of us wanted to be, and while we are anxious of this year, I have about what comes next I hope that we will continue had a first row seat to to talk candidly about our concerns, and rely on one observe the BTS team another for comfort and support. As always, open in action as it has never and honest communication is key, and the trustees been before. Following are committed to being as forthcoming as we can are summaries of the about our activities and plans for the future. activities of the Third Century Committee We are united by our loyalty to BTS and its history and the Transition and mission. We believe that there is a continuing Committee, which are role for the seminary in the religious and cultural both doing essential work to plan our future and work life of Maine and beyond, and with God’s help we are through the numerous transitional issues which must committed to find it. be addressed between now and June 2013. Phil Gleason is a business lawyer and senior partner But the team I refer to consists of more than just at Bernstein Shur in Portland, Maine. He has been trustees. All of our staff are now wearing multiple on the Board of Trustees of the Seminary since 2007 hats, even more than they wore in more “normal” and is the current Chair. He is a long-time member times. Academic Dean Steven Lewis and the rest of Foreside Community Church, United Church of of the faculty are committed to making this last Christ, in Falmouth, Maine, where he has held several academic year the best it can be for our students. Bob leadership positions. Phil and his wife Mary Schendel Grove-Markwood has shed the “interim” title and has (also an attorney) have two grown children and have graciously agreed to remain as our President through each been involved in a number of civic and charitable until September 2013. activities. Phil has many interests including classical music, cooking, wine, and sports of all kinds. He is an There’s no denying that we face many challenges, and avid skier, fly fisherman, and road cyclist. Staff Changes Caroline Hammond, our staff accountant, resigned a rich experience as a controller and CFO, and has at the end of June to take a similar position with supported a number of small and mid-sized businesses the Bangor Public Library. We are so grateful for and organizations during times of transition similar Caroline’s consistently faithful service since 2009, to our own. Nick is in the accounting degree program and wish her well in her new endeavor. at Husson University. He is entering his 5th and last year in the master’s program. He completed an In August, Rachel Grivois was hired to be our new internship at the accounting firm Baker Newman staff accountant. Rachel will be responsible for Noyes in Portland where he worked a full semester managing the overall functioning of the business in their tax department. Upon completion, Nick office and will be assisted by newly hired bookkeeper, was offered a full-time position after graduation in Nick Norton. Both will be part-time employees in May 2013. Nick came highly recommended by his the business office. accounting professor and references. Rachel is a certified public accountant who brings We welcome them to the BTS community! The Open Door - Fall 2012 3 Third Century Committee Update by Gary DeLong, Chair of the Third Century Committee alike, learning and preparation must e were trained for of our “thought-partners” and to be cutting edge and lifelong. We something that no longer the Holy Spirit, who continues to “W are committed to being part of the exists” is how a young, competent inspire us with confidence that the process. pastor described her feelings of church is the way God gets God’s serving a congregation now that work done in the world. Members of the Third Century she is a few years out of seminary. Committee include: Mark Monson- Listening to and pondering We believe that words such as Alley, Carla Bailey, Ken Brookes, provocative feelings and ideas like equipping and supporting faith Gary DeLong (Chair), Allison Keef, that and many others, some similar leaders for theologically grounded Phil Gleason, and Robert Grove- and others quite different, play a and effective 21st century ministries Markwood large role in the work of the Third start to help us shape an exciting Century Committee. and compelling mission. Gary DeLong served as the We have been listening: to We have listened and now we are Executive Director of the Maine Sea stakeholders, which has included under construction laying a keel, Coast Mission, a nonprofit serving pastors, alumni, and others shaping the hull, creating a plan, one the islands and coastal communities from across the northern New that will sail. Thanks to everyone of Downeast Maine from 1999 to England landscape, to laity, who has cared enough to come to 2010. Prior to this, he was the senior seminary faculty, denominational summer meetings near and far.

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