News from Harvard’s Veritas et Caritas Memorial Church! Truth and Love Spring 2014 from the professor’s desk Jonathan L. Walton

igher education is being Baptism and Holy Communion are offered at least once per month transformed. Techno- at the Memorial Church. Also, alongside our commitment to mul- Hlogical innovation has tifaith dialogue and critical approaches to the study of religion, both expanded and displaced we continue to share a consistent, two-thousand-year-old message traditional notions of the class- about God’s abiding love and amazing grace as evidenced in the room, as online instruction and form of a Palestinian Jewish woodworker, Jesus of Nazareth. Web-enhanced teaching spaces Throughout the pages of this newsletter, you will see the many are becoming the norm. Collab- ways this community seeks to be a space of grace at the center of orative learning environments . The Memorial Church is a central site of human con- along with multimedia teaching nection. Local retirees, visiting alums, and members of HUCTW and assignments will continue to ( Clerical and Technical Workers) start their day grow and to promote intellectual cross-pollination. There are many The Memorial Church reasons to welcome this educa- tional revolution. Increasing the is a central site opportunities for experiential learning and dismantling boundaries of human connection. once created by disciplines and physical distance are cause for ex- citement. As President Faust likes to say, “Harvard is about possi- shoulder“ to shoulder with students at Morning Prayers. Thousands bilities.” download the beautiful music of Gund University Choirmaster Nevertheless, technological innovation demands ethical recon- Edward Jones and the University Choir from as far away as Johan- siderations. From Johannes Gutenberg to Bill Gates, radical shifts in nesburg and London. And our Sunday morning worship” service the production and dissemination of knowledge always impact how continues to attract students, staff, faculty, and community members communities view the distribution of resources, access to services, from across the Greater Boston area. Such connections bring me joy! and social obligations. For instance, federal cuts to research funding In addition, the Memorial Church expanded our offerings this reveals a culture that increasingly views higher education as a private year to further our reach into the community. Some of you know rather than a public good. An increased emphasis on learning out- that teaching is my passion, which is why I instituted a monthly comes and “practical competencies” can threaten curricular options Bible Study this year entitled Reading the Bible in Its World for that cultivate imaginative, artistic responses to fundamental human Your World. Not only did this allow me to engage with members questions regarding the right, the good, and the just. We must also of the larger community in an intimate classroom setting, but remain cognizant of the ways advanced technologies can both fos- new friendships and prayer-partners developed among many of ter and disrupt human community. Computer avatars and online (continued on next page…) profiles should never replace face-to-face encounters, nor should we uncritically embrace an all-encompassing e-networked world. These are just a few of the reasons why the Memorial Church In This Issue: of Harvard University matters. During times of rapid change, we From the Professor’s Desk 1 all need an axis mundi, a place of centering and connection to that From the Choirmaster 2 which is sacred. This is particularly true for our students. There is Pusey Minister’s Report 4–5 comfort in examining new ideas, engaging a wide variety of cul- Our New Senior Minister 6 tures, and accepting unique challenges when students feel they are a part of a community in which intergenerational rituals are prac- Ministry Fellow Report 7 ticed and familiar stories are told. For this reason the ordinances of In Pictures 8

1 www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu News from Harvard’s Memorial Church!

(From the Professor’s Desk continued…) you. What is more, Christian athletes and students from more expressive, evangelical backgrounds pack into the Pusey Room every Wednesday night to lift holy hands in from the worship with Harvard Cru chaplains Pat and Tammy McLeod. This vital and vi- choirmaster brant ministry reflects our commitment to religious diversity among fellow Christians Edward E. Jones on this campus. Whether singing anthems e have had another rich and the Harvard University Choir, and it in Latin or praise songs accompanied by an Term musically in the Me- was a thrilling event. C.P.E. Bach’s mu- acoustic guitar, we will never allow a par- morial Church, and as I sic is emotional to the core and requires a ticular style of worship to exclude students’ W reflect upon the past year, I am delighted dramatic reading — I was delighted with access to the Memorial Church. This is with the work of the Harvard University the intensity of the performance from the what it means for us to be a space of grace! Choir and the Choral Fellows. Follow- Harvard University Choir and our won- In short, I am thrilled to reflect on ing a busy Fall Term — which included derful team of soloists (Amanda For- what the Memorial Church has accom- performances of Britten’s St. Nicolas, a sythe, Jessica Petrus, Jonas Budris ’06, plished this year. The future looks bright. concert of the music of Henry Purcell, and David McFerrin), and the evening The Reverend Dr. Lucy Forster-Smith, choral evensong, and a beautiful pair of was crowned with a rousing performance Sedgwick Chaplain to the University, Christmas carol services — the choir of the composer’s double-choir Heilig. brings nearly three decades of experience returned a week early in January to re- During Holy Week the Choral Fel- in multifaith chaplaincy at the college and cord a CD. The sessions were intense lows presented a moving account of university level to Harvard. Ministry Fel- but rewarding — overseen by the Gram- Buxtehude’s Passiontide masterwork low Alanna Copenhaver’s inexhaustible my-winning engineers of Soundmirror Membra Jesu nostri; Easter Sunday had work ethic and her contagious, positive — and it was a wonderful experience for the full Harvard University Choir arriv- personality continue to catalyze student in- the group to work at such a high level. ing at 7:30 a.m. in time for the first of volvement from across this University. And The final product —Spring Bursts To- two identical communion services. our growing team of seminarians helps to day: A Celebration of Eastertide — can be Our bi-weekly organ recital series provide renewed moral focus and clarity of downloaded for free through the Memo- continues to flourish with a wide-range purpose to the Memorial Church through rial Church’s website (memorialchurch. of styles and repertories on offer from daily worship, working with the Grants harvard.edu). both instruments; I was delighted that Committee, and offering ongoing student The main event of the Spring Term Dr. Murray Forbes Somerville (Gund support groups. was a performance of C.P.E. Bach’s ora- University Organist and Choirmaster, For all of these reasons and more, there torio Die Israeliten in der Wüste, given in 1990–2003) returned to Cambridge to is no reason for us to fear the larger trans- celebration of the composer’s 300th an- give the final recital of the year. In addi- formations underway at Harvard Univer- niversary. This wonderful, though rarely tion, James David Christie and Diane sity. We stand between VERITAS (truth) performed, work brought together mem- Meredith Belcher — two renowned and CARITAS (love) at the Memorial bers of the music depart- Church, and there is no fear in love, as love ment, the Packard Hu- casts out all fear (I John 4:18). Continue to manities Institute (which stand with us! We need one another. For is editing the complete the love of God and the love of humanity works), the Harvard Ba- are… roque Chamber Orches- tra, Grand Harmonie, One Luv, JLW Edward Jones (center) posing with soloist from the recent performance of Die Israeliten in der Wüste. From left to right: David McFerrin, Jessica Petrus, Amanda Forsythe, and Jonas Budris ’06. Photo: Justin Knight

2 Spring 2014 Photo: Justin Knight C.P.E. Bach’s beautiful oratorio Die Israeliten in der Wüste was performed in celebration of the composer’s 300th anniversary to a packed house! local organists — performed our celebrity recitals to ap- long-time members of the Harvard University Choir. In preciative audiences. The organs of the Memorial Church addition, Associate University Organist and Choirmaster will also feature prominently in this June’s National Con- Christian Lane is moving on from his position at the Me- vention of the American Guild of Organists, including morial Church after six years of wonderful music-making. in recitals by Associate University Organist and Choir- I thank him for his leadership, expertise, and beautiful master, Christian Lane. playing over this period, and wish him every success in Harvard’s annual celebration of the Arts, ARTS the future. FIRST, saw a recital of Purcell and Handel by the Choral It continues to be an honor to serve in the Memorial Fellows and the Harvard Chamber Orchestra, as well as Church under the inspiring leadership of Professor Jon- a festival choral evensong, featuring Stanford’s majestic athan L. Walton, and to lead a group of students whose Evening Canticles in A and Britten’s haunting Hymn to St. hard work and exquisite singing make such an important Cecilia — it was a lovely occasion and both events drew contribution to our worship and outreach. I am delighted very large crowds. to report that we have formed a Harvard University Choir Two other events in the Spring Term standout in my alumni committee — under the chairmanship of former mind: the visit of the cast of the ART’s Witness Uganda choir secretary Jim Farmer — and we are dedicated to to perform in our Sunday worship was an extraordinary reaching out to even more of our former students who moment, and we were all deeply moved by the power devoted so much of their time to the music ministry of of this remarkable narrative and music. And for me, this church. On Christmas Eve several former uchoristers personally, the visit of the choir of Emmanuel College, returned to Cambridge to participate in our community Cambridge, in early April was a highlight: my former choir for the Christmas Eve service and I would like this choir, the group has gone from strength to strength under tradition to continue and expand; so if you would like to the leadership of Richard Latham (who was my Junior sing in the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service this year, we Organ Scholar during our undergraduate days!), and to will have a 3:30 p.m. rehearsal in the choir room. Please have Emmanuel sing with the Harvard University Choir come and join us! But before another Christmas is upon during our Sunday service was a real treat. us, let us enjoy the glorious summer months. 3 The end of an academic year is also a time that one must say farewell to our leavers, this year including many

3 News from Harvard’s Memorial Church! The Pusey Minister’s End of Year Report: 2013­–2014

ABOUT THIS REPORT Members of the Memorial Church staff submit a self-assessment report each month. This report includes professional activities, an evaluation of one’s partic- ular responsibilities, and a bibliography of books and articles read. We view this as an opportunity to cultivate a positive culture of transparency and accountabil- ity, while promoting the sorts of disciplined habits needed for proper planning, focused implementation, and thoughtful follow-up. And, of course, we are a University Church. Hence we share reading materials to promote intellectual cross-pollination among the staff. We learn from one another’s reading habits. In this spirit of transparency and accountability, I offer a somewhat condensed activ- ity report for this academic year.

Sermons Preached in the Memorial Church Did you miss September 1, 2013: “A Space of Grace” January 26, 2014: “Power to the People” a service? September 8, 2013: “Counting the Costs” February 2, 2014: “Persecuted for a Purpose” October 6, 2013: “Stir Up the Gifts” March 2, 2014: “A Conversation Worth Having” Sunday sermons November 3, 2013: “Delayed but Not Denied” April 6, 2014: “Filing Personal Exemptions” are available on our November 17 2013: “Get a Life!” April 20, 2014: “Dying Beyond Our Means” website, Harvard’s iTunes U channel, December 1, 2013: “The Road Less Traveled” May 4, 2014: “Keeping Good Company” and Harvard’s December 24, 2013: “The Gift of Gratitude” May 25, 2014: “Other People’s Problems” SoundCloud page.

Public Lectures & March 30, 2014: The Carl Lecture Series, Publications Keynote Presentations First United Methodist Church, “Waking from a Dream” The Harvard Schenectady, New York October 10, 2013: The C. Shelby Rooks Divinity Bulletin, Vol. 41, Nos. 2 & 3, Lecture Series, Chicago Theological Sem- April 12, 2014: Kelly Miller Smith In- Summer and Autumn 2013 inary, Chicago, Illinois stitute Social Justice Forum, Vanderbilt Review of The Rise to Respectability: University Divinity School, Nashville, Race, Religion and the Church of God in October 16, 2013: Fall Convocation Tennessee Address, Howard University Divinity Christ, published in The Journal of School, Washington, D.C. April 24, 2014: Princeton Doll Family American History, Vol. 100, No. 3, Lecture on Religion and Money, Center for December 2013 November 13, 2013: Boston College the Study of Religion, Princeton Universi- Sesquicentennial—Religious Diversity ty, Princeton, New Jersey and the Common Good, Working for the Common Good in Boston, Boisi Center May 17, 2014: Baccalaureate Service, for Religion and American Public Life, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts External Peer-Reviews January 12-13, 2014: The Fred Turnage Provided Lecture Series — Conversations on Chris- tian Citizenship, Lakeside Baptist Church, • 2 scholarly monographs, Duke University Press and Rocky Mount, North Carolina Yale University Press February 24–25, 2014: The Barbara • 1 academic journal article Holmes Lecture Series in African Ameri- • 1 review submitted for tenure can Studies, Memphis Theological Semi- and/or promotion case nary, Memphis, Tennessee Professor Walton with students from his Graduate Seminar at Spark House. 4 Spring 2014

Guest Preacher Teaching August 4, 2013: The Chautauqua Institution Fall 2013/HDS 3262/Seminar, Beyond Peasants and August 18, 2013: The Ocean Park Association, Proletarians: American Religion and the Early Social Sciences “Chautauqua by the Sea,” Spring 2014/HDS 3200/Lecture, African American Religions: Ocean Park, Maine An Introduction September 29, 2013: Duke University Chapel, Duke University, Advising Durham, North Carolina • 1 Doctoral Advisee (FAS) October 27, 2013: First Presbyterian Church, • 9 Masters Level Advisees (HDS) Allentown, Pennsylvania • 2 Committee on the Study of Religion Advisees (FAS) January 12, 2014: Lakeside Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, North Carolina • 4 Freshman Advisees (FAS) February 9, 2014: Princeton University Chapel, Campus Committee Service Princeton, New Jersey • Theology Search Committee, (HDS) March 9, 2014: Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT • Faculty Council (HDS) • Committee on the Study of Religion (FAS) Professor Walton speaks • Common Spaces Working Group; with attendees after this co-chair, (University-wide) year’s Tillich Lecture. • Email Policy Task Force, (University-wide) • Sexual Assault Task Force, (University-wide)

Bibliography James Crenshaw, Old Testament Stanley Hauerwas and William George Mikes, How to be a Brit: Wisdom: An Introduction. Third Willimon, Resident Aliens. Abing- How to be an Alien, How to be Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Edition. Westminster John Knox. don. 1989 Inimitable, How to be Decadent. Americanah. Anchor. 2013 2010 Penguin. 1986 Abraham Joshua Heschel, Reza Aslan, The Life and Times of Joshua DuBois, The President’s The Prophets. Harper Perennial Michael Moran, The Great Divide: Jesus of Nazareth. Random House. Devotional. Harper One. 2013 Modern Classics. 2001 Global Income Inequality and Its 2013 Cost. Global Post Special Reports. Laurent DuBois, Avengers of the Daniel Stedman Jones, Masters Craig L. Blomberg, 2013 Christians in New World: The Story of the Haitian of the Universe: Hayek, Friedman, an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology Revolution. Harvard University and the Birth of Neoliberal Politics. Ronald Murphy, The Tree of Life: . Zondervan. 2013 of Stewardship Press. 2009 Princeton University Press. 2012 An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Brendan Byrne S.J., The Hospitality Literature. Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub- Gary Dorrien, The Obama Ques- Tony Judt, Ill Fares the Land. of God: A Reading of Luke’s Gospel. lishing Company. 1992 tion: A Progressive Perspective. Penguin Books. 2010 Liturgical Press. 2000 Rowman and Littlefield. 2012. Eboo Patel, Acts of Faith: The Jhumpa Lahiri, The Lowland. Brendan Byrne S.J., A Costly Free- Story of an American Muslim, in the Ann Frykholm, Julian of Norwich: Knopf. 2013 dom: A Theological Reading of Mark’s Struggle for the Soul of a Generation. A Contemplative Biography. Gospel. Liturgical Press. 2008 Judy Lawrence, A Woman of Cour- Beacon. 2010 Paraclete Press. 2010 age & Compassion: Conversations Marcus Borg, Reading the Bible David Penchansky, Understanding Malcolm Gladwell, David and with the Reverend Joan Brown Again for the First Time. Harper Wisdom Literature: Conflict and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Campbell. AuthorHouse. 2009 Collins. 2009 Dissonance. Wm. B. Eerdmans Art of Battling Giants. Little Brown Michael Lewis, Flash Boys: A Wall Publishing Company. 2012 Elizabeth Bradley and Lauren and Company. 2013 Street Revolt. W.W. Norton. 2014 Taylor, The American Healthcare Deb Richardson-Moore, Weight of Philip Goodchild, Theology of Paradox: Why Spending More is Get- Wynton Marsalis, Moving to High- Mercy. Monarch Books. 2012 Money. Duke University Press. ting Us Less. Public Affairs. 2013 er Ground: How Jazz Can Change 2009 M.J. Ryan, Attitudes of Gratitude. Your Life. Random House 2008 Richard Clifford, The Wisdom Conari Press. 2009 Justo L. Gonzaez, Luke: Belief, A Literature: Interpreting Biblical Ivy Jeanne Merrill, Decency and Theological Commentary on the Bible. M.J. Ryan, The Power of Patience: Texts Series. Abingdon. 2011 Nobility: The Life of Jonathan Westminster John Knox. 2011 How to Slow the Rush and Enjoy Myrick Daniels. AuthorHouse. Harvey Cox and Stephanie More Happiness. Harmony. 2003 Paulsell, Lamentations and the Song Richard S. Grossman, Wrong: Nine 2005 Economic Policy Disasters and What of Songs: A Theological Commentary Claire Messud, The Woman We Can Learn. Oxford University on the Bible. Westminster John Upstairs. Knopf. 2013 Knox Pres. 2012 Press. 2013 5 News from Harvard’s Memorial Church!

Our New Senior Minister Lucy A. Forster-Smith

arrived in January to my new position seminarians and I hosted a grief and be- as Sedgwick Chaplain to the University reavement group for students who have lost Iand Senior Minister in the Memorial loved ones. In addition we have been chal- Church in a blizzard. The winter’s chill, lenged in recent days to engage in healthy however, was melted quickly with the discourse on religious difference. Working warmth and welcome of my new communi- with the Harvard Chaplains group has ty. I came from years of blizzards in Minne- been a terrific experience as we seek to sup- sota where I served Macalester College, St. port and challenge one another in our quest Paul, MN, as chaplain for twenty years. I for understanding and peace among reli- was accustomed to the seasons of life in an gious, spiritual and ethical communities. academic community, to the joy of serving But along with things that shake our gifted, remarkably engaged students. But spirits, I have experienced the sheer beauty coming to Harvard has been a wonderful of parents bringing their little ones to the professional change for me: the opportunity waters of baptism and an adult student re- Top photo: taken by Stephanie Mitchell, to work with Professor Jonathan L. Walton ceiving the sacrament of baptism as well. I Harvard photographer. Bottom photo: Rev. Forster-Smith with Prof. Walton on Easter Day. and a very committed professional staff; the have been swept away by the joy of music new experience of leading weekly worship in at Morning Prayers and in Sunday wor- the Memorial Church; getting acquainted ship. The reflections of faculty, staff, and with the remarkable music program with students at Morning Prayers, who bring a gifted student musicians bringing their acu- five-minute reflection to that setting has men to challenging repertoire. My opportu- been the most amazing orientation to the nity at working in this vibrant and reaching range, breadth, and depth of Harvard’s in- community is beyond description. terfaith life I could possible have received. I This first semester has brought highs have begun to meet students who are at the and some lows in our common life, which center of my ministry. They are stunning! is our life story, is it not? Our community I am grateful to be at Harvard and has had losses with the death of several stand ready to serve this community as its students. As the University Chaplain, I Chaplain and as Senior Minister of the have had the privilege of accompanying Memorial Church. Together we will step their friends, faculty and staff through the into the future with energy, intelligence, ‘valley of the shadow of death.’ One of our imagination, and love. 3

Summer Services New This summer, Sunday worship services will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and will run from Sunday, June 29 through UChoir Sunday, August 3. We look forward to welcoming all who remain in the Album! area to worship with us this summer. Please note that services begin an hour earlier during the Summer Term than in the Fall and Spring Terms, and Download Spring Bursts Today: A Celebration of that WHRB, Harvard’s student run radio station, will not broadcast. Please visit the Memorial Church website for the Eastertide for free! Visit our website for details: full preaching schedule: www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu. www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu

6 Spring 2014

Student Life at Ministry MemChurch Fellow Report Alanna Copenhaver

ast August I met with Professor pation. Ushers serve a vital and visible role Walton to interview for the Minis- in our church, as they are the first faces that Ltry Fellow position at the Memorial people see when they enter our church on a Church. During our meeting, he told me Sunday morning. As the gatekeepers to the about the church’s vision of being a space church during services, they work diligently of grace on Harvard’s campus where we to manage the integrity of the worship ex- educate minds, expand hearts, and enrich perience for our congregants. This year the lives. The Memorial Church’s calling is to ushers started to meet for breakfast once a be a place where people are intellectually month at Zoe’s. It is a time for relaxation challenged and spiritually nourished. In and fellowship before Sunday services. A our frantic lives at Harvard, the Memorial frequent topic of conversation is whether Church strives to create an environment the regular or Greek French toast is better. where people find respite, take a moment to (Each usher has a distinct opinion.) connect, and know they are fully loved and We have also started some new tra- accepted. As a university church, we are a ditions this year at the Memorial Church. church that serves the needs of the Univer- Breakfast food appears to be a running sity. When I heard this vision, I knew that theme. We hosted several pancake break- I wanted to be a part of this community. fasts for the undergraduates. During the As the Ministry Fellow, I have the Fall Term finals period, we learned how privilege of meeting and serving students just quickly freshmen can consume 300 from a broad spectrum of the Harvard pancakes: 15 minutes! community. This year we enjoyed the It has also been wonderful to witness growth of some community-building ac- how students have felt welcome to use tivities and programs with increased stu- MemChurch as a place for their student dent involvement. During the Fall Term, gatherings. On Saturday mornings, music Sparks House tailgates became a fixture wafts through the building as the River of the Crimson football season. We had Charles Ensemble practices the Choir an impressive showing of students from Room for their weekly rehearsals. Kuumba various groups on campus, including: Har- stages their annual concert in the sanctuary vard College Faith and Action, Harvard in December. The Interfaith Forum held Hillel, the Harvard cheerleaders, and the their end of the year gathering in the But- Harvard basketball teams. trick Room. We are excited to see students MemCafé continues to be a highlight utilizing this great resource in the center of for students as they pass through the Yard the Yard. on Wednesday mornings. It brings a smile Many New Testament scholars agree to my face when I hear about how much a that Jesus’ table fellowship is one of the cup of coffee and a granola bar means to a most historically reliable actions recorded student after a long night of studying. This in the Gospels. There is something very spring we introduced the MemCafé coffee powerful about sharing meal with someone, mugs and corn hole game boards in an ef- an acceptance of that person on a basic and fort to encourage students to stay and take very fundamental level. I feel deep grati- a break between classes. tude for the time I have spent with students Our undergraduate ministries continue breaking bread and building community. 3 to flourish with dedicated student partici- 7 In Pictures

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1. Harvard Head Basketball Coach Tommy Amaker shares a laugh with Coach Christian Webster ‘13. 2. Cecily and Jonathan with Cabot Housemasters Stephanie and . 3. The McGill kids show off their eggs after the 1 Easter hunt. 4. Church School children hunting for Easter eggs. 4

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5. Members of the University Choir practice for Compline. 6. Prof. David Gergen interviews Joshua DuBois at the Faith & Life Forum on 6 7 April 6 (video on our YouTube page).

7. James Carroll gives a powerful talk at this year’s Tillich Lecture on April 30 (audio available on our website).

8. Harvard Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) gathers in the Pusey Room every Wednesday night.

9. Prof. Walton and William R. Crout celebrate another successful Tillich Lecture.

Want to see more photos? Then visit our Facebook page! 8 9

For more info about MemChurch, please visit us on the web at memorialchurch.harvard.edu, or find us on:

ONE HARVARD YARD, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138-6500 TEL: 617-495-5508 • FAX: 617-499-9166