FALL 2012
Welcome Steve VanderMolen
Julie VanDerVeen Van Til
Associate Director of Advancement Specializing in Church Relations
On September 4, Rev. Steve VanderMolen joined Western Theological Seminary to serve as the Associate Director of Advancement Specializing in Church Relations and as the Facilitator of Ridder Church Renewal for Canada, New York/ Albany and Wisconsin. Steve is a native of Kalamazoo, MI and a 1977 graduate of Western Theological Seminary. He has served several congregations: New Era Reformed in New Era, MI; Hager Park Reformed in Jenison, MI; First Reformed in Orange City, IA; and Christ Memorial Reformed in Holland, MI. He has provided leadership as a Trustee at Words of Hope, Western Theological Seminary and Northwestern College, in addition to serving as the President of the General Synod of the RCA in 2004-05. “My passion is pastoral ministry in the local church,” says Steve. “I am excited to work here because of my love for both the pastors who serve in the trenches and for the students preparing to lead the church in mission.” Steve and his wife, Corinne, are the parents of four daughters and a son and have four grandchildren.
Interim Dean of Students
Upcoming Events Rev. Julie VanDerVeen Van Til is serving as the interim Dean of Students, a one-year appointment allowing the seminary time to determine the future needs of Student Support services. In this role, Julie supports and encourages students and their families in their pastoral care needs. Julie is a 2001 graduate of WTS and served The Community, an RCA Ministry in Ada, MI with distinction. Prior to seminary, she was the youth pastor at First Reformed Church in South Holland, IL. She also has taught at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids as the Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry. Julie’s experience as a pastor and teacher, combined with her deep commitment to the seminary, makes her an effective dean working with students. “I am honored to join students’ journeys as they navigate their inner life, family, practical ministry, and transformational education,” Julie says. She resides in Lowell, MI with her husband, Andrew Van Til, and two children.
The new look Notice something different? We hope you like the new look of The Commons. Taking inspiration from the vibrant colors of the beautiful art glass in the renovated John R. Mulder Memorial Chapel, Western Theological Seminary has a new logo and new “corporate colors and standards.” Would you like to learn the story behind the windows and the transformation of the chapel? A booklet is available online at www.westernsem.edu/publications You may request a copy of the printed version by contacting Advancement at 616.392.8555, x109 or advancement@westernsem.edu 6
January 14 - March 24, 2013 World Faiths Seeking Understanding Online Learning with Dr. Robert Van Voorst February 15-16 Discipleship and Mission: Practicing Witness Benjamin Conner, George Brown, Jr. and George Hunsberger March 5-8 Preachers, Poets, and Teachers with Walter Brueggemann in Cincinnati, OH Registration Limit 35 April 11-12 Living into Community with Christine Pohl April 16-18 Transition into Ministry summit for graduates from classes 2008-2012 May 1 Journey Group Celebration Stories from our Journey - public welcome May 9-10 Annual Youth Conference with Pete Ward May 28-31 Henri Nouwen: Legacy Retreat with Will Hernandez at Camp Geneva For questions or to register for any of these events, call Tara Macias at 616-392-8555, x133 or go to www.westernsem.edu/journey
Updates Ridder Church Renewal Two Introductory Events took place this fall. The Canadian event attracted 26 pastors and lay people from the RCA and the CRC; the Albany/ New York event gathered 78 pastors and lay people for two days of learning and introduction to Ridder Church Renewal. A third introduction is scheduled for February, 2013 in Wisconsin. All events include representatives from the RCA and CRC. The Synod of the Great Lakes is launching the process in April of 2013. When each of the three introductory areas launch Ridder Church Renewal, the program will be at capacity for the next two years. Welcome Tara Macias On August 1, Tara Macias became the new Administrative Assistant to Journey. Tara provides administrative and organizational support for Journey staff and learning events. She has been part of the WTS community for many years. Her husband, Jose, graduated in 2010. Tara and Jose reside in Holland with their three children.