Seed & Harvest TRINITY SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY FALL/WINTER 2017

How a Harvest of Crops is Nourishing Souls page 5

Laurie Thompson on Courage New Faces at Trinity Online Education page 3 page 10 page 20 DEAN’S CORNER From the Dean and President IN THIS ISSUE “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

Volume 42 | Number 1 Habakkuk 1:5 cited by the Apostle Paul in 2 From the Dean and President Acts 13:41 3 Claiming Courage in the Crucible 4 When Building Walls Can Build Relationships Dear Friends, 5 Harvesting for the Kingdom Those of you who remember the 6 Courage in Ministry: God’s Power earliest days of Trinity School for Ministry in Our Weakness will undoubtedly have some visual images in your mind that will never leave. When the 7 #friendshipforever The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III, Seminary first bought the old grocery store 8 The Lord Be With You Dean and President that has become our Academic Center, the 9 Courage to Start Anew campus consisted of tired, dark, defunct buildings that allowed for little flow of 10 New Faces at Trinity air and no sunlight. A box factory was situated a mere five feet away from the 11 Meet the Boards of Trinity Library. The box factory burned down, and the dramatic story of the Library’s 12 January Term rescue has been frequently recounted. Behind the current parking lot there 14 Alumni News were a series of enormous warehouses and factory buildings that blocked any view of the Ambridge hills behind. 18 Trinity Travel 20 Online Education: Supporting All Today that has changed. The hills are clearly visible and the sun Calls to Ministry shines brightly on to the back of the Library. Close to 11th Street, an attractive 21 The Story of an Ordinary Guy Cobblestone Hotel sits in the foreground, with a new Ambridge High School with an Extraordinary God in the background. Since my first visit to Ambridge, I have always dreamed of a recreational playing field. In the past nine months we have seen numerous 22 Workers for the Harvest trucks bringing in huge quantities of fresh, clean dirt to set up the field. The 23 From the Director of final raking and cleaning up has happened, and the workers have hydra-seeded Development the turf. By springtime, it will be a healthy, vibrant green field upon which Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture students can walk, enjoy their children or play sports. The Rev. Jon Henson, quotations are from The Holy Bible, English our senior class president, tells me the three-time Luther Bowl Champion Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good Kneelers flag football team is eager to start using it for practices. There are News Publishers. Used by permission. All plans to re-inaugurate the Cranmer Bowl in addition to the ongoing Luther rights reserved. Bowl. Cover Photo by Rodrigo De Medeiros. I am grateful to God for a fresh and well-cared-for campus. I am thrilled by the presence of two new members of our faculty, The Rev. Dr. David Ney and The Rev. Dr. Jack Gabig, as well as our new Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations, Mary Lou Harju, along with our new graphic designer, Alexandra Morra. Suffice it to say, their presence among us, with an incoming class that is arguably the largest we have ever seen at Trinity, gives us a wonderful sense of vibrant energy and excitement here in Ambridge, Pennsylvania! Come visit us and share our excitement! In His mercy,

2 SEED & HARVEST DEAN’S CORNER

CLAIMING COURAGE IN THE CRUCIBLE

By The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III

“The crucible of our formation is the monotony of our daily routines.” The Rev. Tish Harrison Warren, The Liturgy of the Ordinary,p.34

hat is courage? Yahweh to be clean (see Psalm 19:9) that is commended WAs I survey the many dictionary definitions, by the Bible. His fidelity to protect his heart for God is I am surprised to see the variety and diversity of what makes his life a heroic model of courage, not just ways in which people have defined courage. The Free his actions which he did in obedience to his call. Dictionary says that courage is: “The state or quality of Grow in the integrated life of the Holy Spirit. mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or Courage is a result of the steady working of God’s Spirit vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence.” Merriam- in our lives. For this reason, it has always bothered Webster nuances the meaning in a different way: “The me when people misquote the passage beginning ability to do something that you know is difficult or in Galatians 5:22. “But the fruit of the spirit is love, dangerous.” The Cambridge Dictionary shades it in joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, another direction: “The ability to control your fear gentleness and self-control...”; the word fruit is in the in a dangerous or difficult situation.” The Oxford singular for a reason. God’s graceful work in our lives is Dictionary definition is the one I find the simplest and restoring His character in us in multi-dimensional ways most compelling: “The ability to do something that that we can barely begin to grasp. Here at Trinity, God frightens one.” I believe Holy Scripture supports this last is giving us courage to face into the changing world definition by teaching us three particular paths that lead of theological education and formation. Our Board, to courage. faculty and staff are keenly aware that our audience Eschew the dramatic. In the early days of adolescence, of students is evolving, and the context of formation I wanted my life to have significance. I fantasized looks very different than it did forty years ago when about heroic and dramatic actions where my life would we were founded. The organic work of the Holy Spirit be sacrificed to save others. I learned that this is not is changing us both as individuals and corporately as a unusual for teenage boys. However, when I met Christ seminary community. We continue to yield to the Holy and began the process of formation and discipleship Spirit in His ongoing work of transformation. in my own life, friends taught me that the response to Celebrate the faithful. The possibility of courage for Christ’s death on the cross should be first and foremost the future dwells in celebrating and honoring the faith the motivation to live, not die, for God. The Rev. of the past. As the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff Tish Harrison Warren, in her engaging book quoted have reflected on our 40th year of theological education above, says: “In the small moments of my lostness and at Trinity School for Ministry, we have many such brokenness, I need to develop the habit of admitting heroes who have acted faithfully and courageously. the truth of who I am–not running to justify myself or Alf Stanway, in the last years of his life and ministry, minimize my sin... repentance is not usually a moment helped us understand how to trust God in prayer and wrought in high drama. It is the steady drumbeat of life act faithfully. John Guest shook the status quo by bold in Christ,” (pages 56-7). and unapologetic evangelism in the pulpit of a staid The clearest unveiling of this idea is most readily seen in suburban Episcopal Church. John Rodgers left a secure the life of King David. While his life had many moments teaching position in an esteemed Episcopal seminary to of drama and heroic sacrifice, it is his cry for his fear of boldly proclaim the hope of the cross and resurrection.

FALL/WINTER 2017 3 Bill Frey unhesitatingly witnessed to the power of God’s a man named Gustavo and his 11-year-old daughter, Holy Spirit in worship and social witness. Peter Moore, Stephanie. Their home was so severely damaged that Paul Zahl, and Fitz Allison taught (and were occasionally everything below the four foot line of their home had to mocked for) the importance of the doctrines of grace and be torn out; virtually everything in this one story home justification by faith. Justyn Terry worked steadily to was destroyed. This meant that our time was mostly align our theological commitments with our educational spent hanging dry-wall, replacing damaged studs, and strategies. pouring concrete. This work was new or unfamiliar for As I reflect back on the faith of these and many other many members of our group, but we were adamant that heroes, I am inclined to see a parallel with the recently we would learn quickly in order to restore Gustavo’s released movie, Dunkirk, directed by Christopher home. Nolan. The attack of an increasingly secular and While physical recovery was a major need and concern atheistic society feels increasingly like the enemies’ for Gustavo and Stephanie, they were also in need of efforts that nearly destroyed the soldiers on the beach. spiritual healing. Our team was able to address the Courageous leaders called upon their country to pastoral needs of Gustavo and Stephanie in addition help the soldiers flee so they could regather and then to their physical needs. During our time with Gustavo face the long war ahead. Many of our alumni show a and Stephanie, we built both walls and relationships. similar courage in proclaiming the Good News across Members of the team played games with Stephanie the globe. In this issue of Seed & Harvest you see our and got to know her. We appreciated some help continued efforts to honor the courageous acts of both hanging drywall from Gustavo, and were able to form past and present leaders in the mission and ministry of a relationship with him while working alongside him Christ. We will continue to honor them through next to repair his home. Gustavo said that the team felt like spring’s graduation when we celebrate 40 years plus of family, and he really appreciated everything that we faithfulness at Trinity. had done. He also told the team that he felt like God had King David knew how to honor the faith of those forgotten him and Stephanie until our team showed up; around him. When he was trapped in dire circumstances we all noticed as the week went on that he seemed to against the Philistines he commented that he would love have a renewed energy. Gustavo and Stephanie would to have some water from the gate at Bethlehem, which often join us for dinner back at Missio Dei, where we was controlled by the enemy. Three men risked all to would share a meal, play games, and worship. This time go and get water for their leader. David was so moved was an important part of their spiritual recovery, and it by the courage of the three mighty men that he refused allowed them get to know Missio Dei and the team on a to drink the water and “poured it out to the Lord” (1 deeper level. Chronicles 11:18). Join us in pouring ourselves out for Although we were not able to fix every house in this the Lord and as we celebrate the faithful in our midst. Houston neighborhood, God revealed to our team that we were making a difference in one family’s life. One member of our team reflected on the trip by saying that he felt like the team was able to help, and we thank God that we could be part of such a trip. When Building Walls Can Build Relationships

By The Rev. Jon and Maizeanne Henson, Students

uring reading week in October, a team of students D from Trinity joined with representatives from SAMS and members of Christ Church, Plano, Texas in the relief efforts to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Upon arrival, our team gathered at Missio Dei, a church on the southeast end of downtown The Houston team, praying with Gustavo and Stephanie. Houston, and immediately began preparations for the work. We focused our work upon a home belonging to

4 SEED & HARVEST COVER STORY

Harvesting for the Kingdom by Matthew Rucker, Student with Mary Lou Harju

Tommie Willis, friend and mentor to The Rev. Eichner. Photo by Rodrigo De Medeiros

ost of us treat words like “harvesting” and Eichner estimates that his farm will yield about 200,000 M “cultivating” as if they exist solely to function pounds of acorn squash, sweet corn, broccoli, green as analogies for the work of Christians in spreading beans, tomatillos, and other fresh vegetables, which the Gospel and growing as disciples of Christ—this will be donated to local food banks. “Most food banks publication is called Seed and Harvest after all. This get the food that is last and left over, but the Food Bank is not the case for The Reverend Jim Eichner (MDiv Farm gives them the first and best of our produce,” says 96), who is not only the Rector of Episcopal Church Eichner. To date, Eichner’s food bank donations have of the Holy Cross in Redmond, Washington, but also yielded 519,617 pounds of food, which is the equivalent operates a fifteen acre farm and food bank. His unique of 2,080,468 servings. The estimated market value of ministry allows him to cultivate and harvest food and these donations is $779,426. relationships, and to be an evangelistic presence with The acorn squash and other vegetables which Eichner neighboring companies. grows and hopes will “squash hunger” are not the only Eichner first laid the seeds for the Food Bank Farm in reason for his ministry. In a region often referred to as 2011, drawing on a love for farming and agriculture he the “least churched region in America,” Eichner loves has fostered since his childhood on a dairy farm. In 2008 the fact that through the Food Bank Farm he is able to he was due for a sabbatical. Unlike many in ministry serve not only his parishioners, but to be “an evangelist who may decide to spend their sabbatical in a research at large.” He recognizes that some of those who library or traveling (he admits to not “sitting still well”) volunteer at his farm would never walk into a church Eichner instead chose to spend his sabbatical working under normal circumstances. One of his donations was on a nearby community agricultural farm. It was during from an atheist, who was happy to donate to a church this experience of providing free labor over a sabbatical that, he felt, was “doing what churches are supposed that his vision began to take root. A few years later he, to be doing.” The Rev. Eichner’s deep relationship with along with twelve volunteers, experienced a fruitful Jesus is the primary motivation for the hard, physical harvest of 3,750 pounds of produce from just three acres work he does at the Food Bank Farm, and it seems that of land. people in the area are noticing. The Food Bank Farm With such a bountiful crop from the beginning, it was honored by Food Lifeline this year as “Donor of the should come as no surprise that the Food Bank Farm Year” and The Alliance of Eastside Agencies presented has grown in both size and influence, through The Eichner’s church with its 2016 Faith Organization Rev. Eichner’s courage to ask for help from others. Award. Thanks to a connection with Eric Fritch, the owner of Eichner remembers his time at Trinity School for Chinook Farms and a parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Ministry fondly, saying “there is not a Sunday I preach Church in Snohomish, Washington, Eichner was able that I’m not grateful for the education I received from to lease fifteen acres of land at a generous price. His Trinity.” It’s obvious to him and those around him that volunteer base has expanded as well, with over 1,000 his ministry extends outside of those Sundays, and that volunteers helping annually. Being only twenty miles words like “seeding” and “harvesting” have multiple and outside of downtown Seattle, the farm is able to draw satisfying meanings for him. “Pure joy is watching the on a volunteer base from nearby companies such as truck that drives off full of food,” comments Eichner. Nordstrom, Microsoft, AT&T, and the United Way.

FALL/WINTER 2017 5 Courage in Ministry: God’s Power in Our Weakness

“When I think of “courage in ministry,” I think of the constant call to remind people that they are much weaker, smaller, and more sinful than they would care to admit, but that God is much more gracious, present and powerful than they can imagine.” Jaime & The Rev. RJ Heijmen and The Rev. Alex Large & Emily -The Rev. RJ Heijmen From The Rev. RJ Heijmen (MDiv 2010), Senior Associate Rector From The Rev. Alex Large (MDiv 2006), Associate for Family for Adult Education, Stewardship and Student Ministries at St. Ministries at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Houston, TX Martin’s Episcopal Church

ne of the great tasks of parish ministry is to or the last five years I have had the privilege of Orelationally connect the Gospel to your flock. It Fserving at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, under the is at once vital to preach, teach and illustrate the truth leadership of Dr. Russell Levenson, and in partnership of the Gospel through the scriptures. But it is also with Trinity grads Alex Large and Aaron Zimmerman important to be relationally connected to those very (MDiv 2008). St. Martin’s is unusual in its size (9000+ parishioners. Much of Jesus’ greatest teaching was done members), but serving here has afforded me the at the table, in a home or to a handful of his followers. opportunity to oversee, develop and start ministries in many different areas, including outreach, adult While at Trinity, I quickly learned that the Gospel was education, stewardship and capital campaigns, and not just for people outside the church, but that it was for student and young adult ministries, among others. I people inside the church (and the clergy!) as well. And have also had the chance to spearhead the formation of when I preach this message of grace to people over and a new “contemporary” worship service and officiate at over again, they start to actually believe they need it. more baptisms, marriages and funerals than I can count. It has been a fun and fruitful five years. As the Associate for Family Ministries at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Houston, TX, I work primarily with When I think of “courage in ministry,” I think of the parents of children and teenagers. Whether it is through constant call to remind people that they are much conversations at coffee hour on Sundays, in an early weaker, smaller, and more sinful than they would care morning Bible study, or at a lunch with a parent, when to admit, but that God is much more gracious, present clergy and staff connect with parishioners, they create and powerful than they can imagine. As I have often an opening for a deeper relationship. This opens doors commented in my preaching and teaching, there are for pastoral care, healing, and new opportunities for two ways to live: as if we are in control (which is what service and discipleship to the church body. Parishioners our culture and “internal accuser” tell us) or as if God are more likely to contact you when family emergencies is in control. The first is more tempting and seemingly arise, or more likely to answer the call to serve in pragmatic, but always leads to anger and despair. The Sunday school, or on an outreach project. second is scarier and requires faith, but always leads to peace and hope. As former Trinity Dean Paul Zahl Working with people at this level is hard work, but in used to say, “Christianity is not a system for making the long term it is worth it! Having the courage to seek people good, it is a system for helping them to deal out those relationships provides a critical hold for the with the fact that they’re not good.” This is a powerful Spirit to move in the congregation. I am thankful that but sometimes controversial message. It flies in the face my professors at Trinity helped me to learn how to of what people have been told and what they want to illustrate the Gospel and relationally connect it to our believe, but it is true nonetheless. Jesus came for sick people. sinners, not the healthy righteous, and I pray for the courage to boldly proclaim this Good News.

6 SEED & HARVEST #friendshipforever by The Rev. Gary Beson (MDiv 2014) Rector, St. Timothy’s Church, Cane Bay, SC

graduated from Trinity School for Ministry in the of St. Timothy’s would visit in 2016. On that visit, we I spring of 2014, having learned or experienced much were led by the Spirit of God to pursue raising money of what I would need for ministry and planting a for his parent’s village for a water purification and church. At my graduation, one of the experiences that distribution system. I enjoyed the most, but believed would somehow be ending, was my deep friendship with one international In less than one year, our small church is half way to the student. His name is The Rev. Fred Ochieng Onyango goal of $67,000 needed to pay for the system. Fred and (MAR 2013) from the Diocese of Maseno South, in his wife visited our Diocese this year, and while here, Kisumu, Kenya. He attended Trinity with me and during spoke or preached at six other churches. Many of these that time we shared in each other’s lives in and out of churches have become part of what is known as the school. “Kenya Connection” in our diocese.

I wrongly believed at the time, based on my past, that This international, spiritual friendship, born and friends made in college or at various companies in nurtured at Trinity, has filled our church plant with which I had worked, were just that—friends for that love, purpose and focus from the time we started. We time of my life. understand that we are in fact called to unity in the body, no matter where that body is! Fred and I plan to I was astonished when Fred agreed to come to my alternate visits to each other’s countries on this side ordination in South Carolina six months later! He left of heaven and spend eternity together on the other. Kenya and came back to the United States to see me #friendshipforever #thanksTSM #thanksbetoGod and visit others in our Diocese. I did not realize it at the time, but his friendship and partnership would be the most crucial component of St. Timothy’s (our church plant) success.

Fred and I became friends over common interests like wings, beer, and sports, but we quickly realized our love for Jesus and his power to bring new life into anything was something we both shared in our testimonies.

This international, spiritual friendship, born and nurtured at Trinity, has filled our church plant with love, purpose and focus from the time we started. -The Rev. Gary Beson

Our church plant leadership team met Fred at my ordination and couldn’t wait to learn more about his life, family and church in Kenya. On that trip, he spent the night with current Trinity seminarians Jen and Luke Deman, who along with others from our small church, quickly adopted him as ours. He likewise took the message back to Kisumu, where I and another member The Rev. Gary Beson with The Rev. Fred Ochieng Onyango

FALL/WINTER 2017 7 THE LORD BE WITH YOU By Ray Zhu with Matthew Rucker, Students

remember my first Greek class on my first day at worship is not that strange, it’s like we knew each other I Trinity, when Professor Herbster began class with before. a passionate greeting, “The Lord be with you!” Before The prayer book took on a greater meaning for me I was able to even comprehend what he was saying, when I became an officiant in chapel. With the red the entire class responded with a resounding, “And prayer book in my hand, I led the other students and also with you!” This was an unexpected surprise for faculty members through “Suffrages A” from Morning someone from a free-church background. As you can Prayer. As we read it responsively, I could feel the imagine, the same thing happened in chapel when I strength, passion, hope, and excitement of everyone first began, and I felt completely lost. Finally, with help there. As we confessed we cried out, from a fellow student, I managed to find the little red book with a golden cross on the cover called The Book “Show us your mercy, O Lord; of Common Prayer. This was the first time I had seen And Grant us your salvation. the written version of this greeting and response, and I Clothe your ministers with righteousness; realized that I had not even recognized all of the words Let your people sing with joy. the first time I heard them. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.” Ever since those first days at Trinity, this greeting has almost become a daily practice, to the point where my After many days of reading and recitingThe Book of wife and I even use these lines to say grace before a Common Prayer, I started to notice the ways I have meal. As I became more and more familiar with these been gradually and subtly shaped by this red book. lines, I fell in love with them because of their profound Sometimes a line from a prayer pops up in the middle beauty. They are a helpful reminder that the Lord, our of my writing, such as “not only with our lips, but in Father in Heaven, is with us in class, chapel, and at our lives.” When I pray in English I will sometimes pray the dinner table. Every gathering becomes a time of “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true fellowship when we recognize and appreciate God’s God.” The power of this little prayer book to form us is presence using these words. No matter what I am doing, truly amazing, and I would love to share it with more I feel more connected with God and with other people people in my Chinese congregation. Thanks be to God, because of these words. I was able to find a Chinese version online that had been translated by a Christian organization in 1956! My The more I use the red book that was so strange to me prayer is that this little red book would be a blessing to at first, the more familiar it becomes. We read or recite my countrymen, who have suffered under another little the Apostle’s Creed every morning and afternoon in red book with the head of a man on it. May this red chapel, which reminds me of Sunday worship at my book with a cross on it revive them. home church back in Honolulu. Of course, back there we say it in Mandarin. In every Chinese church, we end Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy our morning worship with the Apostolic Benediction, Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for and now I finally know where it comes from. So now ever. Amen. I can say that this little red prayer book we use in

8 SEED & HARVEST Courage to Start Anew by Mary Lou Harju, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations

“Our courage must come from God in order for us to continue to forge ahead when life seems to strike us down; otherwise, we may lose hope.”

n this issue, we are exploring courage and the many underestimated how much new information I would I forms in which it manifests itself in ministry. As the have to learn coming to Trinity! There are new faces and planning for this issue was getting underway, I was very names to learn, new policies and procedures to follow, new to my position and, frankly, I wondered how many Google Drive vs. Microsoft Office to master, but most of articles we could write about courage. Then, as I was all, I am learning to be comfortable with asking for help. interviewing The Reverend Jim Eichner, I found myself trying to convince him that his Food Bank ministry does When I said above that I have learned to lean on take courage in the form of being willing and able to God, I said that with joy, happiness, and a new-found ask for help. As I pondered my conversation with The hope. While I have learned many new and sometimes Reverend Eichner, I realized that so much of life is about challenging things (some might say I can be an “old dog” being courageous. Our courage must come from God in at times) and I still have not mastered Google Drive, my order for us to continue to forge ahead when life seems experience at Trinity has been one of the best of my life. to strike us down; otherwise, we may lose hope. At Trinity, I have found kindness, a welcoming spirit, and most personally fulfilling of all, community. Both By the time this issue arrives in your hands, I will have staff and students have said to me, “We’re glad you’re been at Trinity almost 6 months. My faith has matured here.” That welcome has strengthened me to forge ahead in this short period of time because I have discovered when Google gets me down or when I feel that I should the courage to truly lean on God. I joined Trinity’s have already mastered so many more new skills in these staff with 25 years’ experience in management and few short months! marketing positions in long-term care. I had operated within a vast network of healthcare professionals and I am sharing the outset of my newest adventure was well respected among my colleagues. I had become with you to encourage you to continue praying for, very comfortable in my profession, having worked in supporting, and caring for Trinity School for Ministry. the latest long-term care organization for 13 years. I was In today’s world, we sometimes question who and what certain I would eventually retire from that position. we should support because we are so often disappointed. Know this: Trinity is who and what it says it is—it is God had other plans! I found myself in a situation where a wonderful place in a very small town in western my comfort in that position was no longer enough. My Pennsylvania that is forming courageous Christian husband, who has for years tried (rather unsuccessfully) leaders for mission. Be confident that by doing what to teach me the perfect golf swing, tells me that I will you do, you are a part of a community in which God is “feel it” when I swing correctly. I did not know what definitely present! I am looking forward to continuing he meant until one day I felt the smoothness of the my journey within this community, hopefully for many driver hitting the golf ball using almost no effort of years to come. my own. Finding the posting for this job at Trinity, sending my resume, interviewing and finally accepting an offer felt to me like the perfect golf swing! It was practically effortless as things began to just fall into place. From past experience, I was confident that this ease of transition occurred because Trinity is where God wanted me to be.

While I had no worries about my marketing skills being Mary Lou Harju transferable to a new organization, I think I may have

FALL/WINTER 2017 9 TRINITY NEWS

NEW FACES AT TRINITY!

THE REV. DR. DAVID NEY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHURCH HISTORY

Dr. Ney received his doctorate in theology from Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada. He is an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Canada and most recently served the congregation of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Calgary, Alberta. David’s primary research area is the history and thought of eighteenth-century Anglicanism. His broader interests include: science and religion; history and philosophy of science; history of biblical interpretation; theological interpretation of Scripture; and Christian apologetics in historical perspective. David, his wife Jamie, and their four children moved to the Pittsburgh area in August.

THE REV. DR. JACK GABIG ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY DIRECTOR OF DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM

Dr. Gabig received his MDiv from Trinity School for Ministry in 1997 and served for eight years as Assistant Rector at the Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh, PA. He then moved to England where he completed his PhD at King’s College in London during which time he served as a Chaplain at New College, Oxford. Jack taught at Nahotah House in Wisconsin for 10 years before joining the Trinity faculty. Jack’s research interests are concerned with issues of ancient creedal faith lived out in contemporary contexts, focusing on catechesis, popular culture and mission in America. His publications include the book Youth Religion and Film (2007), articles and reviews in The Journal of Youth and Theology, The Journal of Youth Ministry, The Trinity Journal of Theology and Ministryand the Youth Specialties: On-line Journal. Jack and his wife, Patty, live in Pittsburgh.

10 SEED & HARVEST TRINITY NEWS

MEET THE BOARDS OF TRINITY

Board of Trustees

This past October, Trinity's Board of Trustees met with Paul McNulty (Grove City College), Vince Burens (Coalition for Christian Outreach), and Lisa Slayton (Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation), to reflect on transformational training, the changing profile of students and the need for subversive risk in leadership.

Board of Visitors

The Board of Visitors meets annually in September to share insight and perspective on strategic topics. Trinity benefits from their specialized expertise, advice, and assistance in expanding the School’s visibility and fulfilling its mission.

FALL/WINTER 2017 11 JANUARY TERM 2018

WEEK ONE — JANUARY 8-12

BI 900 Bible in Ministry & Mission PT 650/950 Advanced (DMin) Homiletics The Rev. Dr. Rich Herbster The Rev. Dr. John W. Yates III, This course will include a survey of the Dr. Sarah Hall message in the Old and New Testaments, The course will give and the role of hermeneutics and biblical students an opportunity to theology as they apply to the Church and hone their preaching skills, ministry today. Students will consider­ ways in which they primarily by (1) strengthening and practicing exegetical can use the Bible in ministry and mission, particularly in skills that undergird rich and faithful preaching, and (2) preaching, ethics, apologetics, and missiology. considering and practicing the detailed craft of shaping sermons for effective verbal communication. (Prerequisite: PT550) OT 639/939 Isaiah The Rev. Dr. Don Collett This course is a study of the literary CH 670/970 Modern Church structure, historical context, and (Lutheran Focus) christological witness of the Book of Isaiah. Dr. Gordon Isaac Special attention will be given to the This course surveys the post-Reformation book’s teaching on the servant who dies history of the Lutheran Church. Special on Israel’s behalf, opening blind eyes and deaf ears, that emphasis will be placed on the history of Israel’s mission to the nations may be fulfilled. Lutheranism in North America.

Audit a Master's Level Course: $150 To register, visit www.tsm.edu/intensives

WRITING SONGS for TODAY’S CHURCH

January 8-10 | $150 Andy Piercy | Ryan Flanigan | Wendell Kimbrough | Wen Reagan Free Worship Concert | Tuesday, January 9th, 7pm WEEK TWO — JANUARY 15-19

ME 900 Ministry in Missiological This course is designed to familiarize pastoral caregivers Perspective (DMin) with the basic forms of mental illness, to consider Dr. Bill Taylor theological and practical questions raised by these This course will survey contemporary conditions, and to strengthen appropriate assessment, missiology for concepts and insights useful triage and referral skills. The course has been designed for ministry in a variety of contexts. Social with clergy in active parish ministry in mind, though all science and other cross-cultural materials who provide pastoral care in any form are welcome. will be included which hold promise for ministry in urban, multi-class, lifestyle enclave, ethnic, international, and PT 670 Intro to Lutheran Liturgy other types of communities. (DMin only) The Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin The worship of God, Father, Son and Holy CH 645/945 Anglican/Episcopal History Spirit is at the center of our life together as Dr. Les Fairfield His people. Through Word and Sacrament, This course covers the fifth and sixth topics God comes to us that we might render in the history curriculum­ at Trinity School glory unto Him. This course will prepare for Ministry. First, it traces the history of seminarians for pastoral liturgical leadership in Lutheran the Church of England from the sixteenth congregational settings. The Lutheran Book of Worship century through to the present day. Second, will serve as a template for practicums in basic liturgical it traces the history of Anglicanism and Episcopalianism­ skills. in America from the seventeenth century onward. It can be helpful to students to take CH625 and CH635 before ST675/975 Engaging Beauty taking this course, but they are not required to do so. Dr. Shirley Kilpatrick The goal of this course will not be to lay PT 725/925 Pastoral Approaches to out one grand formal theological scheme, Mental Illness but to engage beauty from several vantage The Rev. Joanne Martin, LCSW points. We will accomplish this through Mental illness causes a great deal of our encounter with a diverse group of suffering and anxiety for individuals who voices, speaking in a wide variety of forms: poetry, are afflicted, and for their family members. fiction, creative non-fiction, memoir, personal essay, as It can also create confusion and fear for well as works more formally theological, highlighting the the larger community. Given how common mental illness theology of Jonathan Edwards. At all times, we will seek is, pastors routinely encounter concerns for which their what it means for us as human beings to encounter that theological training may not have equipped them. Beauty so Ancient and so New.

building families of faith

Forming Christians to Love the Lord from Generation to Generation January 17-19 | $150 Free public lecture| Trevecca Okholm | january 18 | 7 PM

SPONSORED BY ALUMNI NEWS of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Trinity School for Moves & Transitions Ministry.

The Rev.Paul Gibbons (MDiv 2012; STM 2014) has been (MAR 2017) is serving for 6 months as a Dean Baldwin called as the Rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, SAMS missionary Bridger in the Solomon Islands. He is Ocean Beach, CA. Paul and his wife April welcomed working with SAMS missionaries in the Malaita Diocese their son, Thomas Henry, into the world on September 7, of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. 2017.

The Rev. Dr.William Beck (MDiv 2007) was awarded a Steve and Laura Hanson (MAR 2012) welcomed their DMin degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at daughter, Greta Sara into the world on April 21, 2017. Philadelphia on May 23, 2017. His dissertation is entitled, Martin Luther as Pastor: Caring for Souls After Loss and The Rev.Ethan (MDiv 2016; current STM) and Lindsay What This Means for Pastors Today. He had previously Harrison welcomed their daughter, Maren Anastasia, been awarded an STM in 2008 from the Lutheran into the world on June 27, 2017. Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. The Rev.Christopher Hill (MDiv 2017) was ordained to Stephanie and Micah Chisholm (MAR 2012) welcomed the diaconate on Saturday, June 10, 2017 by The Rt. Rev. their fourth child, Simeon Constantine, into the world on Jim Hobby (MDiv 1985), Bishop of the Anglican Diocese July 19, 2017. of Pittsburgh.

Katherine Noel Collins (MDiv 2013; STM 2016) and The Rev. Dr.Cletus Hull (MDiv 1989) received a PhD in Gregory Pfeifer (MDiv 2013) welcomed their son, Elian Biblical Studies from Regent University, Virginia Beach, Taliesin, into the world on February 10, 2017. VA, on May 6, 2017. His dissertation is entitled, The Grounding of Paul’s Pneumatology in his Christology in The Rev. Canon Dr.Gershinan Paul Dajur (MAR 2010) 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16 has been preferred to the status of Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Jos, Nigeria by The Most Rev. Benjamin The Rev.Terry Johnston (MAR 2009) was ordained to Kwashi. the priesthood in the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia on May 16, 2017. He serves as Pastor of St. Aidan The Rev.Bert Daly (MDiv 2015) began serving as Rector of Lindisfarne Orthodox Church, Nashville, TN. of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Starke, FL, on March 1, 2017. The Rev.Christopher Dean Jones (MDiv 2014) was ordained to the priesthood on July 1, 2017 in Wheaton, The Rev.Jan Dantone (MDiv 2006) has been called as IL, by The Most Rev.Benjamin Kwashi (DMin 2001) the Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Kingsville, TX. on behalf of The Rt. Rev. Neil Lebhar, Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese (ACNA). The Rev.Mary Ellen Doran (MDiv 2017) was ordained to the diaconate on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 by The Rt. The Rev.Lauren Larkin (MDiv 2007; STM 2011) was Rev. Mark Lawrence (MDiv 1980) at St. James Church, ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, August 19, 2017 Charleston, SC. by The Rt. Rev. Greg Brewer, Bishop of Central Florida. She is serving as Religion Teacher at Ascension Episcopal The Rev. CanonMark Eldredge (MDiv 2000) was hired School in Lafayette, LA. by the American Anglican Council as the Director of Church Revitalization and Coaching. The Rev.Christopher Leighton (MDiv 1979) is serving at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Bridgeport, CT. The Rev.Mike Floyd (MDiv 2014) and his parish, Christ Episcopal Church, Huron, OH, were featured in the The Rev.Joanne Martin (MAR 2013) was ordained to the Sandusky Register. The congregation, the second oldest in diaconate on Saturday, June 10, 2017 by The Rt. Rev. Jim the city, which worships in the oldest church building in Hobby, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Huron, had their tower bell restored. The Rev.Frances Metcalf (MDiv 2016) was ordained to The Rev. Dr.Jack Gabig (MDiv 1997) was hired as the diaconate on Saturday, June 10, 2017 by The Rt. Rev. Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director Jim Hobby, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.

14 SEED & HARVEST Church on July 23, 2017. He now serves as Pastor of First The Rev.Zachary Neubauer (MDiv 2017) was ordained United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hammond, IN. to the priesthood on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 by The Rt. Rev. Greg Brewer, Bishop of Central Florida. Zac is Derek Wiertel (MDiv 2014), a PhD student at Wycliffe serving as Associate Rector of Christ Church, Macon, College, Toronto, had an article, Classical Theism and the GA. Problem of Animal Suffering, published in volume 78, Issue 3 of the Journal of Theological Studies. Dan Newton (MDiv 2016) and his wife, Joanna, welcomed their daughter, May Elizabeth Newton, into the world on May 1, 2017. Dan is serving as a Youth Care Requiem Worker for the Goal Program at Auberle in McKeesport, PA. Elisabeth Priest (MAR 2001) passed away on July 25, The Rev.Chris “Poppy” Popadich (MDiv 2015) was 2017. She was a longtime member of the Church of the ordained to the presbyterate at First Presbyterian Church, Savior, Ambridge, PA and an adjunct faculty member in Fresno, CA, on February 26, 2017. Church History at Trinity. Beth was known for her love for her husband, Dana, and her daughter, Sarah; for her The Rev.Keith Pozzuto (MDiv 2008) has been named unwavering friendship to many of us; and most of all, Campus Minister at the Episcopal Student Center, Waco, for her quiet joy and confidence in Jesus, no matter the TX. He serves students at Baylor University, McLennan circumstances. A memorial service was held on October Community College, and Texas State Technical College. 7, 2017 at the Church of the Savior.

The Rev. Dr.Chimela Samuel (MAR 2012) received his Stephen M. Conner (MDiv 1982) passed away on DMin degree, with distinction, from Nashotah House on November 20, 2016. Steve retired from the State of Florida June 1, 2017. Probation and Parole in 2008. He spent his remaining years with his wife, Nan, in their home in Panama City The Rev.Geoff Simpson (MDiv 1993) has accepted a call Beach, FL. Steve had been in Vietnam while serving in the to serve as the Associate Rector and Chaplain of School Air Force. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School, Houston, TX.

The Rev.Andrew Thebeau(MDiv 2016; current STM) was ordained to the priesthood by The Rt. Rev. Bill Atwood on September 17, 2017 at St. Bartholomew’s ALUMNI NEWS Anglican Church, Tonawanda, NY, where Andrew currently serves as Curate. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Dr. Gayle Timberlake (MDiv 1993) recently received her PhD in New Testament from North-West University Every other week we send out an email in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Her dissertation is newsletter to our alumni containing updates entitled Repentance Unto Life: Acceptance and Behavioural from your classmates, news from Trinity, and Expectations of Gentiles in the Jerusalem Church in Light job opportunities from parishes looking to of the Experience of Peter and Cornelius (Acts 11:18). hire Trinity graduates. If you would like to receive this email, please contact our Alumni Hans Tolpingrud (MDiv 2016) and Anne McCune were office [email protected]. united in Holy Matrimony on June 24, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Rev.Bo Ubbens (MDiv 2011) is serving as the Rector ALUMNI DIRECTOrY of Christ Church Anglican, Wayne, PA. The Alumni Directory lets you search The Rev.Christopher Wendel (MDiv 2016) was for classmates and friends by name, year, ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament by The or location. This directory is password Rev. John Bradosky of the North American Lutheran protected; please contact our alumni office at [email protected] for access.

FALL/WINTER 2017 15 The trinity bookstore We warmly welcome you to stop in at our bookstore, located on the main campus of Trinity School for Ministry. Open to the public, we offer Trinity branded merchandise and a cultivated collection of Christian resources, from beloved classics to popular and new!

16 SEED & HARVEST Resources from Whitchurch Publishing

Trinity School for Ministry 2018 Lenten Devotional 2018 Lenten Devotional Available in Print and Online As the season of Lent approaches, it is time, once again, to prepare our hearts. It is our hope that this devotional will aid your personal reflections during the Lenten season. The Trinity Lenten Devotional features meditations based on the daily office readings from the Book of Common Prayer and written by Trinity’s faculty, students, and alumni. Available January 2018, $2.00. Preorder by January 15 for a 25% discount.

Discovering the FOUNDATIONSFOUNDATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY FOR Discovering the Lift High the CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Discovering the New Testament

by Stephen F. Noll The Robert E. Webber Center with Erika Moore for an Ancient Evangelical Future New TestamentReclaiming the Christian Tradition for the Life of the Chur Today Old Testament Cross (Updated by Leslie and Lynn by Stephen F. Noll and Expanded

Fairfield with Peter Discovering the Old Testament with Erika Moore Edition) Walker Discovering the by Janet Leighton

The Foundations for Whitchurch Publishing Old Testament is The newly revised Christian Ministry designed to delve version of Lift FOUNDATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY series continues into a history High the Cross with the second of salvation and tells of God’s volume: Discovering the New life with God as expressed in the faithfulness in raising up Trinity Testament. This book will introduce Old Testament. The third volume School for Ministry. It is alive with you to the authors, texts, historical in the Foundations for Christian one instance after another of God’s backgrounds, and core doctrines of Ministry series, this book looks at love, His guidance, His power, and the New Testament. Stories from major themes and events in their His constant working in the hearts first-century life will help you better relationship to Jesus Christ. Our of men and women committed to understand the setting in which interaction with the Old Testament carrying out His will in His way. the New Testament was written. is intended to help us in a lifetime of $14.99 Questions for Bible study and group listening to God speak through his discussion will take you deeper into written Word and apply that Word the teaching of the New Testament, to our lives. and help you better understand $21.99 how it applies to your life in Christ today. Through Discovering the New Testament, you will grow deeper in your faith and be better equipped for a life of service and ministry. Order now through the $21.99 Trinity School for Ministry Bookstore. Visit www.bookstore.tsm.edu or call 724-385-8038.

FALL/WINTER 2017 17 TRINITY TRAVEL

By Marisa Crofts, Student

“Faithfulness takes different forms in different places, yet the same Lord is Lord of all.”

his past summer, Trinity School for Ministry sent And yet, as he recounted the story of his conversion, T three groups out into the world to preach and teach Briody said that his face “radiated a sort of intoxicated the Word of God. Two groups landed in Africa, and one joy.” went to central Asia. While the places in which they served were wildly different, the groups’ experiences ended up having a lot in common—“Faithfulness takes different forms in different places,” sums up senior Deanna Briody, “yet the same Lord is Lord of all.”

EGYPT

Step outside of the Cairo airport, and the first thing you’ll notice is the traffic. Row after row of cars crowd a three- lane highway, and motorcycles zoom between them. This past August, five students and two staff members visited this world to learn from and offer help to the ministries Trinity’s Egypt team with The Most Rev. Mouneer and Mrs. Nancy Anis of the Anglican Church in Egypt. They worked with ministries ranging from Refuge Egypt, an organization He said to her, “Life before . . . was like eating food no dedicated to bridging hostilities between Muslims and good . . . like eating spoiled food . . . Life before Jesus was Christians, to a prison ministry for foreign nationals. “We like . . . living in a tomb.” His love for the Lord reminded hope that our three weeks overseas will prove instrumental Briody of just how powerful Jesus is. “He’s the real deal,” in strengthening the ties between the Church in Egypt she says. “Jesus changes people.” and the Church in America,” says Briody. “For we are one Body, though in vastly different contexts and facing vastly Jesus also weeps with those who suffer. Briody recounted different challenges.” a conversation she had with a Muslim woman who was disillusioned with Egypt and with Islam. Despite this More importantly, the visit challenged the team’s disillusionment, she still doubted the goodness of the preconceptions about what it is like to share the Gospel in Christian God, given his apparent silence in the face of a Muslim country. Briody spoke of two people in particular her pain. Briody responded by telling her the story of who encapsulated this experience for her. The first was a Lazarus, a man for whom Jesus wept. Jesus cried at the man who is a recent convert to Christianity. He must live mouth of his friend’s tomb and then raised him from a double life or face expulsion from his family—or worse. the dead. Our lives are like that, Briody says. The Lord

18 SEED & HARVEST weeps with us in our suffering, and then he raises us from or pharmacists. Through the Kwashi’s ministry, such a that death and into his life. In the end, “all things will future is now attainable for them. “You could feel Christ’s be called out from the grave, [and] death will be undone presence throughout the school and church,” says Knecht, and suffering finished forever,” says Briody. Until then, “and you could see it in the eyes of the children and we kneel before the tombs of our friends and family and parishioners.” Such is the hope we have in Christ. weep with Christ at the sorrows of the world. And yet we rejoice, for Christ “continues to call the world out from the grave.” INDONESIA

Indonesia, a country made up of multiple islands and a NIGERIA plurality of cultures, presents a unique challenge to any mission team. For each new location, there is a different When you travel from one place to another in Nigeria, amalgamation of religions. You could encounter Islam you drive from one gated complex to the next. These walls mixed with tribal religions in one village and Christianity are a testament to the tension wrought by Boko Haram, mixed with Buddhism in the next. The Rev. Canon Dr. John a terrorist group that targets Christians and proponents Macdonald and his team of students and alumni expected of Western education. Church buildings are surrounded this as they prepared for their trip, working out lessons by barbed-wire fences and concrete posts in an attempt and strategies on how to best minister to the children of to stop car bombings. But despite these precautions, the three very different Indonesian cities. They went armed Gospel is not restricted. People like Archbishop Ben (DMin with crafts, games, English lessons and Bible stories in 2001) and Momma Gloria (DMin 2016) Kwashi continue order to minister to the kids in each area. to do good work for the sake of Christ. Oftentimes, the Kwashi’s have more than 40 orphans in their own home, For Macdonald, this past summer was the fourth trip many of whom are students at Zambiri School in Jos, he’s taken in partnership with the Diocese of Singapore. Nigeria. The relationship between the Diocese of Singapore and Trinity has grown over the years, so much so that middler “The people in Jos have experienced so much destruction,” Newman Lawrence felt like Trinity was better known in says Barbara Knecht, DMin Administrator and Online Indonesia than even in Beaver County, home to Trinity’s Education Assistant, who visited the Kwashi’s home in campus. “The church in Asia is growing,” he says, “and Nigeria this summer, “yet they are so trusting in Christ.” Trinity School for Ministry is actively helping it do so.” She cites the children who, after watching their parents die, were taken under the Kwashi’s wing and told of “Much of the time,” says Macdonald, “you don’t see the Christ’s love for them. In their darkest hour, “the Kwashi’s fruit of the ministry you do [on this kind of trip].” Two bring [these children] light.” weeks is too short a time to see the seed you’ve watered grow, agrees Lawrence. But it is still true that the Lord’s word does not return empty.

“In [Western Timor],” says Macdonald, “Newman taught the children the song, ‘I am a C—I am a C-h—I am a C-h- r-i-s-t-i-a-n.’ There was an older boy there who was a Muslim. During the craft project that we did, he wrote on [his craft]: ‘I am a C.’” While the team can’t say whether or not that boy found Christ, they do hope and pray that God would continue the work which the team began and cause the seeds of faith that were sown to bear fruit.

Whether abroad or at home, the Church finds herself Barbara Knecht with Mama Gloria Kwashi united in her proclamation of and hope in Christ. “Life together as Christians—in spite of 6,000 miles,” says During her visit, Knecht was able to attend Zambiri’s doctoral student Lee-Anna Upperman, “is home.” graduation ceremony—the ultimate defiance to Boko Haram. Thirteen children received diplomas that day. They told Knecht that they dream of being doctors or lawyers

FALL/WINTER 2017 19 ONLINE EDUCATION: Supporting All Calls to Ministry

By Russell Vincent Warren Director of Online Education

ot all calls to ministry look the same. Some come the Directors of Online Education and the Doctor of N when you’re young, some after your retirement, Ministry Program; Russ Warren (that’s me!) ostensibly and some intrude into what may be a comfortable directs the whole shebang. career; some call you off to the mission field overseas, some to the mission field in your town; some to that One way that we’re seeking to support your ministerial same field in your home; some call you to teach, others training, whether you’re a for-credit Masters’ level to preach, and still others to sit quietly and listen. Any student or a non-credit Certificate seeker, is by ministry, any service in God’s Kingdom, calls us to take teaming up with the faculty and the Communications up Christ’s courage and step forth in faith. For many, Department to produce high-quality lecture material this will require pulling up stakes and joining us here on for our online classes. Some take you straight into the Ambridge campus for three intensive years of full- the classroom to learn about contemporary Anglican/ time residential study; for others, it will mean remaining Episcopal History; others are a face-to-face tutorial on planted in your ministry context, doing study in the Biblical Interpretation; still others are being imagined as off-hours. something similar to TED talks—all with the intention of engaging you as the student in this great community We talk often about having courage, of stepping out of learners. in faith, of taking risks. Ministry requires that; some might say that ministry is that. In the midst of that, we Technology shouldn’t get in the way of building must not forget that there is a very specific ministry of community with your fellow travelers, or with those encouragement: of supporting others, of lifting them up from whom you are seeking to learn: it can be a in prayer, of giving them a gentle nudge to follow God’s discouragement, instead of a means towards the goal call in our lives. We in the Office of Online Education Christ has set for you. Take heart, be encouraged to go are here to support all these calls to ministry. While where He has called you—we will be by your side, every our jobs are focused on how to best utilize technology step of the way, as we journey together on this narrow in theological education, our ministry is one of and difficult road. encouragement, of helping to keep our online students’ eyes on the prize of the upward calling in Jesus Christ To learn more about taking an online education class, through their years of seminary training. visit www.tsm.edu/online.

First, though, we need some introductions. The Rev. Ernest Buchanan administers and teaches in our Spanish Language Programs; Barbara Knecht assists

20 SEED & HARVEST DEVELOPMENT The Story of an Ordinary Guy with an Extraordinary God By Jack Walsh, Director of Planned Giving

good friend of the school, Jeff, describes himself After Jeff’s four days at Trinity, the Lord responded by Aas “an ordinary guy with an Extraordinary God.” revealing to him how he could multiply his efforts. Jeff An upcoming series in Trinity Today, the school’s established a scholarship endowment that would create eZine, will tell the story of how God led him beyond continuous funds to support Trinity students. The result his comfort zone, then encouraged and enabled him to would produce many church planters as an outreach to fulfill the Lord’s calling. seekers for many years. The following offers a taste of Jeff’s story, but you will But how could creating an endowment happen with want to read the whole thing in his own words to get limited funds? Challenges always seem to emerge; a sense of the power of God, the impact of one man’s making a major gift often conflicts with legitimate obedience, and the way it all interacted with the realities family needs. This created stressful times for Jeff and of life. his wife. But Jeff pressed through these challenges with Jeff retired after a long and rewarding career, during the help of God, and the scholarship has flourished, which he had experienced God’s timing, guidance, and contributing to the education of many students. salvation in both spiritual and physical ways. Freed Jeff did not want to use his or his family name in from work’s daily demands, he began asking: “Lord, designating a title for the endowment, since he believed how can I move from success to significance?” Wise it was not about what he was doing, but about what the friends stepped in with advice, and answers began to Lord was doing. Therefore, Jeff called it the Timothy emerge during a four-day conference on the campus of Endowment, after Timothy of Lystra, a young early Trinity School for Ministry. leader in the church. So as a “force multiplier,” his Like many others, he found Ambridge to be unique and calling was accomplished in a way that also would allow Trinity to be fertile ground for seeking discernment other believers to be involved in the responsibility to on how the Lord would use him next. Jeff believes support and share the gospel at whatever level they in education and communication and the important wanted to participate. responsibility we each have in raising and teaching the You will want to read for yourself the impressive way gospel to successive generations. He expected that his God worked with and through Jeff and his wife to new role would be in these areas. overcome hurdles and help them achieve His plan. To sign up for the eZine, visit tsm.edu/e-newsletter.

Charitable Gift Annuities Trinity has a program of charitable gift annuities. These are simple agreements under which the School receives your gift and in return makes payments to you for the remainder of your life. We have nearly $700,000 in annuities in place, and you can purchase one for as little as $10,000. We can include your spouse for his or her lifetime as well. When you go to be with the Lord, the funds remaining from your original gift are released to be used by the School to form outstanding Christian leaders for mission. The rates are very attractive. Individual Annuity Rates (As of 12/1/2017) Married Couple Annuity Rate (As of 12/1/2017) Age 70 5.1% Age 77 (both) 5.3% Age 75 5.8% Age 82 7.2% Call Jack Walsh for more information at 724-266-3838. Age 86 8.0%

FALL/WINTER 2017 21 DEVELOPMENT

Workers for the Harvest by Jerry Mote, Director of Development

n my column on the next page, I mention that I was in (She’s pictured in what was my first selfie. Sorry IFlorida earlier this year for a fund-raising conference. about the close up!) The conference was helpful to me, but the real value of my trip was in visiting with alumni. Trinity has always • Then, I went to see The Rev. Andy Doan (MDiv accepted students from a variety of faith traditions. 1989), Rector of Solid Rock Church – Anglican This trip demonstrated that, with visits to alumni (AMiA) in Winter Haven. Andy representing the Anglican Church in North America, meets regularly for fellowship Anglican Mission in America, the Episcopal Church, and with other Trinity alumni in a retired Baptist minister. Each of these men and women the area. He told me of the came to Trinity for its evangelical commitments in early days of Trinity and his learning and worship. Here is my summary of the trip. fond memories of Ambridge.

• I met with The Rev. John Eby (MDiv 1988) and his • My final visit was in Eustis, wife Judy at their home in Trinity, FL. (how fitting!) FL to meet with The Rev. Woody Volland (MDiv He is Baptist but loves Trinity 1990) where he is Rector at Epiphany Celebration and even modeled an old Anglican Church (ACNA). He encourages his Trinity sweatshirt. (see photo) parishioners to look for ways He spoke fondly of the early to have the church involved Trinity leadership and added in the community. The that six Trinity grads were due evening that I visited, they to his influence. were hosting a symphony concert in the church, as it’s • I met The Rev. Becky Toalster the largest hall in the area. (MDiv 2011) in Bartow, FL where she is Rector at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Becky worked in the Trinity Development I am grateful to God for these faithful servants of the Office for several years Lord, who share the truth with the spiritually hungry in before receiving her the central Florida area. They are great examples of the calling to the parish. Her rich heritage that Trinity has in preparing workers for prowess at “pranking” the harvest! other staff is legendary – may she carry it forward to her friends in Bartow!

22 SEED & HARVEST From the Director of Development

Who is Watching Over Trinity? The first two answers to this question are the Lord 311 Eleventh Street and the Board of Trustees. While that is plenty, there Ambridge, PA 15003 are others who watch over this School in different ways. We’ve become used to hearing of not-for-profit GENERAL INFORMATION 1-800-874-8754 | 724-266-3838 organizations seeking funds to operate with very fax: 724-266-4617 high overhead costs. This means that few of the funds www.tsm.edu donated get to the people and programs for which Dean and President they were given. While stewardship of donations The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. means little to these organizations, it’s not like that at Thompson III Trinity. The careful, thoughtful, prayerful stewardship Jerry Mote [email protected] of the resources with which we have been entrusted is taken very seriously Academic Dean here. Thanks to our fiscal health, efficient day-to-day operations, innovative Dr. Erika Moore educational programming and overall mission results, the School receives a “seal [email protected] of approval” from two influential organizations – the Evangelical Council for Dean of Administration Financial Accountability (ECFA) and Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Ms. Karen Getz [email protected] Trinity School for Ministry is a Charter Member of the ECFA, which provides Dean of Advancement The Rev. Aidan Smith oversight to 2,100 member organizations. The ECFA accreditation shows our [email protected] supporters that we have demonstrated a commitment to abide by high standards Dean of Students and Director of integrity, accountability and transparency. Learn more at www.ecfa.org. of Alumni Relations Geoffrey Mackey The ATS accreditation demonstrates that Trinity adheres to established guidelines [email protected] for excellent schools. In fact, we received such a good review last year that we are Director of Development not due to be re-evaluated for 10 years. As supporters of our school, I hope that Mr. Jerry Mote you find comfort in knowing that we are an efficient operation that stewards your [email protected] investment wisely—all for the Kingdom of God! SEED & HARVEST This past February, I was fortunate enough to visit Florida for a fund-raising PRODUCTION STAFF [email protected] conference sponsored by ATS. It was tough to leave Pittsburgh in mid-winter to go to 80 degree weather, but hey, I’m a team player! This annual conference is Executive Editor The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. important, giving me the opportunity to meet with development professionals Thompson III from other seminaries. We have a lot in common with other schools, and we [email protected] avoid “reinventing the wheel” by sharing of thoughts and ideas (especially those General Editor with positive results) among ourselves at this conference. Learn more about ATS Ms. Mary Lou Harju at www.ats.edu. [email protected] Layout and Design While these organizations watch over Trinity, our Trustees, and our leadership Ms. Alexandra Morra team, faculty and staff—with God’s guidance—are watching over your investment in us. It is an investment that yields powerful results in the form of the next Soli Deo Gloria generation of evangelical, Bible-believing pastors, teachers, counselors and Seed & Harvest is published biannually by Trinity missionaries. Thank you for your care and support! May the Lord guide you to School for Ministry, www.tsm.edu. Free subscriptions continue as you are able! are available through Trinity’s Development Office. Quantity orders of Seed & Harvest are usually available upon request. Reprint permission: Where copyright is stated, you must contact the copyright holder. In most cases, Trinity will grant permission to reprint items published here provided that they are reprinted in their entirety, credit is given to the author and to Seed & Harvest, Trinity’s web address and telephone number are included, and a copy of your publication is sent to Mary Lou Harju at Trinity. Jerry Mote, Director of Development All contents ©2017. [email protected]

FALL/WINTER 2017 23 Trinity School for Ministry 311 Eleventh Street | Ambridge, PA 15003 phone: 1-800-874-8754 or 724-266-3838 fax: 724-266-4617 | www.tsm.edu

UPCOMING EVENTS

Be A Seminarian for a Day 2018 building families of faith: Forming Feb. 6 | March 15 | April 26 christians to love the lord from Join our community, talk with students & faculty, attend generation to generation classes, have lunch on us, meet the Deans, and tour our campus. January 17 - 19 Speakers for this year’s Catechesis gathering will look at For more information, visit www.tsm.edu/visit or a variety of ages and stages, ranging from parenting small call 1-800-874-8754. Dates subject to change. children, to talking about the faith with our teenagers, to the roles both home and church play in the catechetical process.

Guest Speakers: Trevecca Okholm, Dan Dupee, Jonathan Warren, and Leslie Thyberg

To register, please visit http://www.tsm.edu/catechesis- conference/

www.tsm.edu