Aware Magazine | January 2018

AWARE A Quarterly Publication of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

January 2018

Aware Magazine • January 2018 Aware is published quarterly by the development office for alums and friends of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church.

Founded in 1853, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction.

Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alums serve church and society around the world.

EDITORIAL BOARD

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ceciley Akins Katharine Duke David L. Heetland Krista J. McNeil Shane A. Nichols Tasha Sargent

Bill Burlingham of Burlingham Productions Shane A. Nichols

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 2121 Sheridan Road | Evanston, IL 60201 800.SEMINARY | www.Garrett.edu

Contents 3 | Presidential Perspective 4 | Our Newest Students: Meet the

Entering Class of 2017 9 | Reverend Glen Hulbert Wants

Others to Experience Garrett- Evangelical 10 | Garrett-Evangelical Alumna

Persues Her Dual Interest in Law

and Religion to Make a Difference 12 | Cutting Edges: God Is at Work

Among Young Adults!

13 | Latest Faculty Publications 14 | In Memoriam 15 | Remembering Former Professor

Linda Jane Vogel

Accepting Nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Alum Awards Annually, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary recognizes two graduates with the Distinguished Alum award. One award is given to an alum who graduated more than 25 years ago and a second award is given to an alum who graduated less than 25 years ago or less. Nominees should embody the principles of Christian service in effective ministry and be graduates of Garrett-Evangelical or one of its parent bodies (Garrett Biblical Institute, Garrett Theological Seminary, Evangelical Theological Seminary, or the Chicago Training School).

Nominations must be received by July 27, 2018. Persons previously nominated will be considered and will not require a second nomination to insure their consideration. To download the nomination form, go to Garrett.edu/DistinguishedAlums. Or contact Ceciley Akins, director of stewardship, at 847.866.3971 or Ceciley.Akins@Garrett.edu.

Presidential Perspective It’s the beginning of a new calendar year, and while we have just celebrated Epiphany, I also want to consider the little ‘e’ epiphany that is happening here at the school—the slowly dawning awareness that finally turns into an “aha,” rather than the sudden flash of insight we often associate with the word, “Epiphany.” Though the awareness has been gradual in coming, the power of its impact is critically important for what we are doing here and for what our alums are facing in their ministries. Put simply, we cannot keep doing theological education the same way we have been doing it.

We know the religious landscape of the United States is shifting dramatically. The unaffiliated and the “nones” may be our fastest growing religious demographic. Sociologists of religion believe that by 2042, Christianity will no longer be the dominant faith in this country. Church membership is declining in almost every quarter. More and more persons are identifying themselves as spiritual, rather than religious, because many have tired of institutional hypocrisies and too much institutional focus rather than the single-mindedness of getting God’s work done.

I am confident many of you are facing the consequences of some of these shifts. This is not likely the landscape nor the Church you expected to serve.

And yet, these are the realities we face. The seminary must provide relevant and responsive theological education, both for our current students and for our alums.

The great news is that God is still doing a new thing in our midst. In The Message translation of Isaiah, we read: “Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”

(Isaiah 49:19ff) “Pay close attention now: I’m creating new heavens and a new earth . . . Look ahead with joy.

Anticipate what I’m creating.” (Isaiah 65:17ff)

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With these words in mind, we are looking ahead with joy, and we are seeking to discern the new thing God is doing, committed to collaborating with God in it.

We have launched a new master of divinity curriculum (described in the April 2017 issue of Aware), developed two new master of arts programs (one in spiritual direction and one in public ministry), and are deep into a creative young adult ministry initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. You can read more about this initiative on page 12. Our Connectional Learning programs specifically seek to address the contemporary concerns of ministry and are designed to be more accessible through webinars, online offerings, and “Garrett on the Road” programs hosted near you.

For a listing of upcoming Connectional Learning opportunities, see the back cover.

We are welcoming new students who come to explore what it means to follow Jesus and to engage the life of the mind. Some want to serve the community beyond the walls of the church as ordained leaders or as laypersons. Some will specialize in other ministries, such as community organizing, ecological sustainability, spiritual direction, or mental health ministries; and many are called to serve the church in new and creative ways. Students who know they will be serving a quickly changing world are also drawn to the intentional diversity of our community.

Whatever the particular external focus of a particular ministry, we never lose sight of the reality that the heart beat of our mission is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the command to love God, to serve neighbor, and to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We give thanks to God for the witness of our alums in their lifetime devotion to relevant and responsive ministry.

May we wait upon the Lord, looking ahead with joy and believing that God is still doing a new thing among us!

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Our Newest Students: Meet the Entering Class of 2017 This past September, we welcomed our newest students to the seminary. They demonstrate a wide range of past experiences and future plans, and the seminary is extremely proud of their commitment to follow their call to serve God, the church, and their communities.

As they prepare for a life of ministry, these students desire to be stretched theologically, to be culturally competent and aware of their social location, and to be mentored and empowered in their practice of ministry. They seek to renew and redefine what it means to be a minister, a Christian community organizer, a chaplain, a faith-based nonprofit leader, and more.

On the following pages are the stories of six promising students who are beginning their studies at GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary.

Denise Ann Belista Degree Program – Master of Divinity Hometown – Seattle, Washington Personal Information – I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington in Seattle.

I completed a bachelor of arts in early childhood and family studies and minored in diversity. I enjoy being with children and learning about families—I like meeting new people. I like to be outside and exploring—going on walks, traveling, and trying new places to eat. I also enjoy snowboarding.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I decided to attend seminary at Garrett-Evangelical because of the community. During my campus visit, I felt welcomed by the friendly faces of everyone who greeted me, and while sitting in on a class that was one week into the semester, I could feel the bond already formed between the students and enjoyed the discussions, ideas, and questions raised.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – So far, apart from my classes, I am also enjoying community meal. I enjoy going to chapel and walking over to community meal afterward to share a meal and conversation with fellow friends, staff, and faculty.

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How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – Since attending Garrett-Evangelical, my faith has been strengthened as a lot of what I believe was both challenged and reaffirmed. I am given new perspectives and am challenged through discussions with my diverse group of classmates, as well as through the readings and lectures.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? – After seminary, I believe Christ is leading me to ordained ministry as an elder in The United Methodist Church, serving as a chaplain in a hospital setting in pediatrics.

Kimberly Chin Degree Program - Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling Hometown – Denver, Colorado Personal Information – I went to the University of Colorado at Boulder and double majored in English and psychology. My hobbies include drawing, painting, doing anything creative, hiking, running (ran my first half-marathon in March), cooking/ baking, if I’m not tired, watching documentaries/TED talks, and traveling! The things that are important to me are family, life-long learning, diverse community, creation-care, and vocational ministry that addresses any or all forms of intersectional injustice.

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Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – While I was in fulltime ministry with college students, I kept coming across theological and praxis issues I was unprepared to address, so that led me to look into pursuing a seminary education as a way to compliment my ministry. In particular, I was interested in studying mental health at a seminary because I wanted my clinical practice to be informed by and integrated with faith even if I end up working in secular counseling settings. Out of the various seminaries I looked into, Garrett-Evangelical definitely stood out because it matched all my core values for diverse faculty/students, affirming women in leadership, and a commitment to sustainability, public theology, and justice. On my visit, everyone was so welcoming, and the significant scholarship helped as well!

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I love that all my classes are committed to decolonizing theology. Before seminary, I was mostly exposed to White, western, male perspectives, so it’s refreshing to be reading and learning from women of color, LGBTQIA, theologians, and global perspectives. I’m also really grateful to have met such a rich community at Garrett-Evangelical with people from various backgrounds and life stages.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – My faith has become more inclusive, and I’ve been able to explore the question: Who am I in relation to self, God, and others through the different lenses of race, gender, class, sexuality, and various other identities that affect my faith? I’ve also been strengthened in the importance of hermeneutics, and this has made my faith richer because I’m more informed about the Bible’s original context, authors, historical background, misinterpretations, and the Hebrew/ Greek meanings that get lost in translation, etc.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? – I hope to integrate mental health and faith while also coming alongside the church and various organizations to make the world a more just place for current and future generations.

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Justin DaMetz Degree Program – Master of Theological Studies

Hometown – Wichita, Kansas, but by way of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Personal Information – I did my undergraduate work at Oklahoma City University in political science and spent five years working in politics before deciding to go to seminary. I have two wonderful children, Julian (5) and Evelyn (3), who live in Tulsa with their mom.

When not in class, I like to read, watch good television shows, explore Chicago, and eat great food!

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I chose to go to seminary for the same reason I studied political science and worked in the political realm: the calling to work for a better, more just, and humane world for all people, regardless of their background. The reason seminary appeals to me in pursuit of this goal is it gives me the ability to help people develop their own moral and theological reasons for acting in the world. I came to Garrett-Evangelical after two years at another seminary because of GarrettEvangelical’s twin commitments to academic rigor and spreading the love of God in a diverse world.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – Besides the opportunity to go to school in a great city like Chicago, I enjoy being able to work with the distinguished and accomplished scholars who make up both the faculty and my fellow students. I can’t ask for better people to be around and to learn from as I challenge myself to do my best work.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – Garrett-Evangelical does a great job connecting the intellectual side of faith with praxis, with the lived reality of a love-filled spirit working for justice. As someone who tends toward the academic and internal side of faith, I appreciate being at a place that reminds and challenges me that I am doing this work not just for me, but also in order to serve others in a tangible way.

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Our Newest Students (Continued) Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I hope right back into the classroom! After my master of theological studies, I intend to pursue my PhD here at Garrett-Evangelical and then move into a career of teaching, writing, and working for a better world informed by the love of God.

Michael Washington Degree Program – Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology, Personality, and Culture

Hometown – The South Side of Chicago

Personal Information – I went to college at the University of Illinois and studied psychology. I studied theology at Wheaton College Graduate School and completed my master of divinity degree here at Garrett-Evangelical more years ago than I believe. My wife, Dawn, and I have two beautiful sons, Bryce and Brooks. They, along with my educational experience, are my collective hobby. I also like to cook and write.

For work, I am a chaplain and associate certified educator with ACPE, also known as a CPE supervisor, at Northwestern Medicine.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I returned to GarrettEvangelical because of my quality master of divinity experience. The program is a perfect fit for my interests in pastoral care, pastoral education, and the general project of doing something good for the world. I knew several of the faculty still and was excited to be invited to come and learn more.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I enjoy the new experience of re-examining texts, of engaging in work that’s already strengthening my work in CPE, and the experience of repositioning myself as a scholar. Most of my pastoral experience up to September was in the local church.

Becoming a scholar is an enjoyable part of life right now. While I’m still figuring out what that means for me, enjoyable is a word that fits.

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How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – My faith is nourished by the wide and broad community of persons here who keep trying to be faithful.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I anticipate deepening my work in clinical pastoral education, possibly through writing. Beyond that, I’m open for what’s next. I’m learning to like surprises.

Jill Colleen Nowlen Degree Program – Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction Hometown – Mayville, Wisconsin Personal Information – I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor of arts in social work in 1984 and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a master of arts in social work in 1986. I have been working in the field of mental health as a clinical social worker for the past 30 years. In addition, I am a captain in the Wisconsin National Guard and have served in the reserve component of the Army as a behavioral health officer for the past seven years.

My husband and two adult children are a daily blessing to me, along with our Golden Doodle puppy named, Norton! We enjoy traveling, bicycling, cooking, and being outside gardening, hiking, or snowshoeing, as well as kayaking on the vast system of rivers and whitewater in the state of Wisconsin. I also enjoy photography and will someday return to painting and poetry writing. The small, rural town of Mayville offers an amazing mix of opportunities for outreach, social justice, and fellowship through The United Methodist Church (UMC), and I am pleased to call it home for the past three years.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I choose GarrettEvangelical in response to my pastor, Rev. AHyun January 2018

Lee (G-ETS 2015), who received her doctorate here in pastoral counseling. She has been a wonderful example of how to combine the gifts of healing, cross-cultural dialogue, and pastoral counseling within the offices of pastor and deacon within the UMC. I will pursue the office of deacon to combine my experience in serving those who are mentally ill, victims of trauma, elderly, and veterans with the need to address the exclusion of the new generation of “nones” in our society (those who identify with no particular religion, but consider themselves “spiritual”). I believe that a ministry set out to create the space needed for dialogue among these cultural distinctions is part of my calling. GarrettEvangelical, in particular, offers a cross-cultural, Christian teaching community as a place to equip me with the tools necessary to be fruitful in ordained ministry as a deacon in these areas.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I like how Garrett-Evangelical organizes a student-accessible community of worship

with a variety of options for prayer, music, communion, and reflection. The table liturgies, as well as the creative applications for expression and participation as a faith community, are refreshing and a much needed reminder of “what we preach!” I also like how each of the professors takes on a pastoral component when interacting with the complexities of student backgrounds, circumstances, and developmental stages in the seminary experience. It is not static, and the professors seem to understand, respect, and provide guidance in that process of learning and growing as faithful leaders in the global Christian community.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – In the aftershock of tackling 17 credits of graduate work, thinking that I was only taking 15, I have come to rely on the grace of God as embodied through the Garrett-Evangelical community and, of course, the support of my family, friends, and church.

(Continued on page 8)

2017 Academic Convocation Address Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary welcomed Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church, as its keynote speaker for the 2017 Academic Convocation on September 13, 2017. Committed to advocacy, education, and justice, Henry-Crowe’s address was titled, “Be On Your Way.” President Lallene J. Rector noted: “We were extremely excited to welcome Dr. Henry-Crowe to campus.

Her work at the GBCS is a wonderful embodiment of public theology at work in the church and in the world. As such, her presence on our campus provided a special opportunity for the community to engage her understanding and practice as a public theologian.”

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Henry-Crowe joined GBCS in 2014, where she leads the agency in the work of implementing the Social Principles and other policy statements of The United Methodist Church. Prior to coming to GBCS, HenryCrowe served for 22 years at Emory University as dean of chapel and religious life. She also served for 16 years as a member of the United Methodist Judicial Council, the denomination’s “Supreme Court.” She was the first woman elected president of the Judicial Council, serving in that role from 2008-2012.

In 2000, Henry-Crowe was named Chaplain of the Year by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

She has been repeatedly recognized for her work and commitment to social justice.

In her convocation address, Henry-Crowe draws upon Genesis 12:1 and God’s call to Abram to “go from your country.” You can watch Henry-Crowe’s academic convocation address in its entirety online at YouTube.com/GarrettSeminary.

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Our Newest Students (Continued) As a commuter student, it is not always easy to feel a part of the seminary community, but I do feel welcomed, seen, and understood for my unique needs, not only as a commuter but also as an older, secondcareer student. I am learning how to interact with the wonderfully experienced and passionate students who are younger and/or who are from other cultures from around the world. We come together as people of faith, and we share the struggles of continuous and intense coursework among the demands of everyday life as human beings just trying to survive.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I am not completely sure, but I envision serving either in a community of outreach to the marginalized within rural society or specific to a healthcare setting with senior citizens, veterans, or hospice. Mental health has always been my passion, and coming to Garrett-Evangelical is an answer to prayer in terms of answering that call in ways that invoke healing at the core of one’s being. So many people are broken by mental illness, the impact of trauma (physical, sexual, and emotional) and the loneliness of this society that it breaks my heart. There has got to be a better way to care for one another, and I hope to find some clues along the path while attending Garrett-Evangelical!

Kaitlyn Frantz Degree Program Master of Divinity Hometown – Fort Worth, Texas Personal Information – I graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana. I enjoy dancing, hiking, and being a part of a faith community.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – As a certified candidate for ordination as a deacon, I was excited about GarrettEvangelical’s support for the role of the deacon in The United Methodist Church. I felt that the faculty would be able to teach not only theology, church history, and Bible classes, but also help me know how to take all

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of the theoretical work and apply it in the world with communities of all different cultural backgrounds.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I am definitely enjoying the class discussions that revolve around social justice. One can easily see that not only are the students invested in correcting injustices, the faculty are, too. We recently had a discussion about what does the mission of church and God, Missio Dei, look like if we consider the radical unity and community within Trinitarian theology. I could sit in a class about that topic for days.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – I have, for the first time, seen how academia and spirituality do not have to pull at each other, but can actually be disciplines that are strengthened by one another. Simply because people hear God’s voice in communal prayer does not make them less scholarly. And, simply because people are invested in studying the documentary hypothesis does not mean they disbelieve God’s ability to work in the world and with God’s people. This unity in academia and spirituality has helped strengthen my faith.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– While I am always up for the Holy Spirit molding her call on my life for as long as I live, currently I believe I am called to be a deacon in The United Methodist Church, specifically working on discipleship. I could see that call developing in a myriad of ways, but for right now, I see both missions and evangelism intertwining. I would like to educate our adult lay leaders to engage in missions and evangelism in a new and radical way that is founded in relationships rather than conversion. I think this work is an important part of discipleship.

These students are just six of 439 reasons to support Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary this fiscal year. Our mission is to prepare bold Christian leaders for the church and the world. Gifts to the annual fund keep that vision alive by supporting our incredible diversity of students, programs, and faculty. To make your gift today, go to Garrett.edu/Giving.

To hear from more students who are currently studying at Garrett-Evangelical, go to Garrett.edu/StudentStories.

January 2018

Reverend Glen Hulbert Wants Others to Experience Garrett-Evangelical Rev. Glen Hulbert (GBI 1954) fondly remembers the years he spent studying for his master of divinity degree at Garrett Biblical Institute. “I appreciated my time at Garrett so much,” he recalled. “It was almost like living in a miniature Kingdom of God. The quality of the student body and the faculty was outstanding. It was just a beautiful experience for me.”

Hulbert, now retired after 40 years of ministry, said he wanted to be sure other students would have a similar opportunity to attend and enjoy GarrettEvangelical. That’s why he decided to donate his summer cottage and two stony lake lots in Shelby, Michigan, to the seminary in exchange for a two-life deferred gift annuity.

“I feel that I have been so blessed over my life span and in my ministry,” he said. “I wanted to carry that on by supporting the seminary. I definitely wanted others to have the kind of experience I had.”

Hulbert had an interest in ministry early in his life while growing up in South Bend, Indiana. Many people, from his neighbor to his college professors, urged him to consider the ministry. Yet, while serving in World War II and while attending The University of Notre Dame and Kalamazoo College, where he majored in political science and economics, he still considered going into law. “I thought I could serve humanity by being in law and helping people find justice there,” he explained.

In the end, he chose the ministry. “Actually, you could say the ministry chose me,” he said. While at The University of Notre Dame, one of his professors urged him to consider the priesthood. “I told him I was a Methodist, and he said, ‘then you ought to consider that.’”

When he transferred to Kalamazoo College because he wanted to attend a Protestant college, a professor there, along with the dean of the college, urged him to consider the ministry. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1950 and enrolled at Garrett Biblical Institute later that fall.

Four years later, after graduating from Garrett in 1954, he began a 40-year ministry at churches throughout January 2018

Indiana. Right out of Garrett, he went to Trinity Church in Lafayette, Indiana, as an associate pastor.

There he married Jeanette Nichols, his wife of 53 years. The couple adopted two children, Karla (born in Korea) and Timothy.

After serving Trinity Church in Lafayette for three years, he moved across town to Brown Street Methodist Church and served four years there before he went to the Merrillville Methodist Church in Merrillville, Indiana, for about seven years. He also served Zionsville Methodist Church in Zionsville, Indiana, Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntington, Indiana, and Congress Street United Methodist Church in Lafayette, Indiana.

He retired from the First Methodist Church in Griffith, Indiana, in 1993 and moved back to Lafayette, where he volunteered with the Northern Indiana United Methodist Foundation, going to churches and talking to them about endowment funds and other items related to endowments.

His strength, he said, was “relating to people.”

“I found some marvelous people in all of those congregations,” he said. While in Zionsville, he earned a master of sacred theology degree at Christian Theological Seminary and became part of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

“Counseling is something I contributed to each of those congregations,” he said.

Several years ago, Hulbert reconnected with GarrettEvangelical and decided to donate his Michigan property. He also included Garrett-Evangelical in his living will. “I feel that I have been blessed so much over my life span in ministry, and I wanted to help the seminary that educated me,” he said.” It was something I could do to be a good steward of my life’s blessings.”

If you are interested in donating to GarrettEvangelical or taking out a gift annuity, contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at 847.866.3970 or David.Heetland@Garrett.edu.

You can also learn more on the seminary’s website, Garrett.edu/WaysToGive.

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Garrett-Evangelical Alumna Pursues Her Dual Interest in Law and Religion to Make a Difference Bonnie Allen’s (G-ETS 1999) interest in racial and social justice developed out her direct experience growing up in central Florida. In 1969, when Allen was an eighth grader in Orlando, her school district integrated, and the racial profile of her school changed overnight.

“I had an eighth-grade English teacher, Betty Duncan, who was an amazing role model for me,” remembered Allen.

“She was a white Methodist woman, and she basically said, ‘We are going to do this right.’”

Among other things, Duncan created a biracial committee that Allen joined. “She was just so clear that the right thing to do was to welcome the Black students to what had formerly been an all-white school,” Allen said. “She made a huge impression on me.

“That was the beginning of my awakening around racial justice and broader social justice issues, which simultaneously happened along with my theological and spiritual formation,” Allen continued. “Ever since, I’ve been unable to separate faith and justice.”

Allen and her family were members of a large Presbyterian church in Orlando, where she was an active member of the church’s youth group. There, she was exposed to many points of view that influenced her beliefs. “There were young clergy coming out of seminary at that time who were very progressive,” she said. “They were speaking out on civil rights and desegregation issues and the Vietnam War and all of that.”

Allen remained active in her church throughout high school. After she graduated, she enrolled at Rhodes College, a liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, where she took a lot of religion, philosophy, and political science courses. She graduated in 1978 with a degree in international studies and a dual interest in law and religion.

“I considered the ministry, but I kept talking myself out of it,” she said. “I kept telling myself, I could create more change in the world as a lawyer.” Allen graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1984 and became an appellate court law clerk in Florida. She then practiced law as a civil litigator in Tampa for 10 years.

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During that time, she started taking classes in the religious studies department at the University of South Florida. “I absolutely loved it,” she recalled. She first heard about Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary while in a feminist theology class. “We were reading something by Dr. Rosemary Ruether, who, interestingly, ended up being my advisor at GarrettEvangelical,” she said. “I had never heard of Garrett-Evangelical. I had grown up Presbyterian. But when I started learning about GarrettEvangelical, I decided I would go to seminary and get a PhD and teach. I would leave the legal field; that was my plan.”

Allen began her master of theological studies in 1995, while also working for the American Bar Association (ABA) in Chicago, doing national work to strengthen legal aid as director of the ABA’s Center for Pro Bono.

She said she thoroughly enjoyed her time at seminary.

“I remember that during orientation, a former bishop spoke to us. He said, ‘You are never again going to have the luxury of reading, reflecting, studying, and writing that you are going to have in seminary.’ It’s true. To be able to read and reflect and talk about it in class is just an incredible experience.”

After Allen finished her master’s degree, she decided to take a job in Washington D.C., rather than pursue a PhD. “I would have had another five years of school, and the job market for teaching positions wasn’t very good. It was a practical decision more than anything, and I stayed in public interest law,” she said. “But looking back, it was a good decision, and my seminary experience has informed every career move since.”

She became co-director of the Project for the Future of Equal Justice at the National Legal Aid and Defender Association and worked there for six years. While in that position, she did some spiritual direction work in Maryland and discovered the book by Dr. Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak. The book spoke to her as she continued to struggle with the question, “Is law where I want to be?”

Inspired, she set up a meeting with Parker, who talked to her about the work of the Center for Courage & January 2018

Renewal at the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Shortly after, she became executive director of the Fetzer Institute’s Center for Law and Renewal, where she stayed three years.

“The Fetzer Institute is a unique place,” she said. “Its view is that we can’t solve the social problems in the world unless we get to the spiritual roots of them. Even though I was working on issues related to law, I was able to tilt back a little more to the spiritual side.”

When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi, Allen was compelled to be “on the ground” and started to volunteer for the Mississippi Center for Justice. She helped with community renewal and brought some of the resources of the Fetzer Institute to Mississippi. That work led her to move back to the South where she joined the staff of the Mississippi Center for Justice as director of development, focusing on fundraising and engagement.

But in 2015, Allen returned to Chicago to become executive director of Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for

Civil Rights, an organization working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all people. She said she hopes to stay there until she retires.

According to Allen, it is not unusual for people who pursue public interest law to have a dual interest in law and religion. “Social justice and love of one’s neighbor are core principles in most faith traditions, including Christianity,” she explained. “Jesus challenged the power structure and stood solidly on the side of those who have the least power and wealth. So for lawyers, like me, who pursue public interest law, especially law that addresses issues of racial and economic justice, it is not surprising for there to be a vocational connection to faith.”

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to study at Garrett-Evangelical and earn a degree,” Allen continued.

“Although I did not pursue ordained ministry, I view Garrett-Evangelical’s master of theological studies program as grounding for careers in applied theology, whether it is law, health care, teaching, or social work.”

Tax Reform Is Here: Top Giving Strategies for 2018 Tax reform is here. As with any economic change, you may be looking at your finances and wondering how you will be impacted. There are many ways you can make a difference for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary while enjoying financial benefits for yourself. Here are some smart ways to be charitable in 2018: • Donate appreciated stock: With the stock market at or near all-time highs, give your appreciated stocks to Garrett-Evangelical and eliminate capital gains tax.

• Give from your IRA (if you are 70.5 or older): Regardless of whether you itemize your taxes, this gift helps you fulfill your Required Minimum Distribution and is not considered taxable income.

• Name Garrett-Evangelical as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets: These assets remain taxable when distributed to a loved one, but are tax-free when given to a nonprofit.

• Take out a gift annuity: A gift annuity provides you

with a guaranteed income stream for life that is often higher than you can receive from other investments such as certificates of deposit, bond interest, or stock dividends. Gift annuity rates are based on the life expectancy of the annuitant and range from 3 percent (for a 40 year old) to 9 percent (for someone 90 or older). You get an income tax deduction in the year the gift is made, and a portion of each annuity payment is tax-free.

• Make a monthly electronic gift to the seminary: A monthly electronic gift is a simple way to give, and often allows donors to give more than they could with a one-time annual gift.

Gifts by check or credit card are always welcome, and you can give online at Garrett.edu/Giving. If you would like more information on any of these ways to give, contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at 847.866.3970 or David.Heetland@Garrett.edu. He would be happy to discuss which option would be best for you and how your gift can help further our mission to prepare skilled, bold, and articulate religious leaders.

January 2018

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Cutting Edges: God Is at Work Among Young Adults!

Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Assistant Professor of Formation, Youth, and Culture and Director, Garrett-Evangelical Young Adult Initiative Innovation Hub Where is God at work in the lives of young adults?

This is a prevalent question as growing research speaks of the rising decline of church membership among Millennials (those young adults born between 1984-2000). While some Millennials are still striving to find nourishment in traditional congregational settings, many others are seeking, finding, or creating alternative communities to nourish their spiritual life.

In light of this new reality, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, along with 11 other institutions, was invited by the Lilly Endowment Inc. to serve as a young adult innovation hub to assist congregations in better understanding the generational culture of Millennials, wrestle with what role the congregation should play in the lives of young adults, and design faithforming and life-flourishing ministries with young adults.

We are excited to have completed Phase One of our work! In the first phase, we identified 10 congregations to serve as Mentor Congregations. These are congregations we believe are already reaching young adults well. A young adult was selected from each mentoring congregation to serve as a congregational fellow. With the help of Dr. Dori Baker (G-ETS 2000), our research director, and our consultant, Dr. Tobin Belzer, the fellows were trained in an ethnographic approach we call “Holy Listening.” All congregational fellows conducted three-hour interviews with young adults from their congregations regarding their lives as young adults both inside and outside the church.

The team of fellows later came together to analyze and synthesize their interviews. Bethany Stolle, of Stolle Creative, led our fellows and hub team in a style of empathic analysis that brought the interviewees to life before our eyes. Here are some things that we learned from the interviews: • Young adults see the church like a family—always there for them, even if they only rarely show up.

One young adult put it this way, “The church is always there—even if I’m not.”

• Young adults are passionate about the causes that they care about. They sincerely want to make the

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world a better, more equal place. This sometimes shows up in church or religious commitments, but not always. Some young adults are employed in careers that are centered around justice work and are looking for church to be a place that nurtures and supports them. Others perform activism or justice work within the context of their church commitment.

• Young adults do not want the church to be a place that is always judging and correcting them. They are looking for nurture, acceptance, and help—whether it is with spiritual matters or more practical matters.

• Many of the interviewees were thoughtful and eloquent about their faith or lack thereof. It is something they take seriously, even if what they take seriously is their atheism or agnosticism.

• Institutions continue to be less important and relevant to young adults.

We culminated Phase One with a two-day consultation that engaged the voices of denominational leaders, academics, practitioners, and representatives from our congregational fellows. Together we explored the questions, “Where are you seeing God at work in the lives of young adults?” and “What do congregations need to know about young adults to better engage or come alongside young adults?” The two-day consultation was a productive time of intense conversation, gratitude, and hope.

Phase Two has already begun with the recruitment of 12 Launching Congregations (congregations that have a strong desire to be in effective ministry with young adults but are not currently). Together with Mentoring Congregations, each congregation will identify a team of persons who will attend a “Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young Adults” spring weekend course at Garrett-Evangelical. The course includes teaching on the generational culture of Millennials as well as design thinking approaches to assist congregations who will design and implement an innovative ministry project with young adults.

I am grateful for our Innovation Hub Team and for the amazing work done to complete Phase One and the launching of Phase Two. I encourage you to visit our webpage, Garrett.edu/YoungAdultMinistry, often for continued updates from the Innovation Hub Team.

January 2018

Latest Faculty Publications Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s faculty members are widely recognized for their expertise, scholarship, and leadership in the Church and the academy. They represent most of the major Christian denominations and a variety of theological perspectives. Our faculty members have published hundreds of books and articles, and several hold places of international recognition and preeminence in their fields. Below, you will find a sampling of their book publications from the past calendar year.

Common Worship: Tradition, Formation, Mission (Foundery Books, 2017) Rev. Dr. E. Byron Anderson, Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Worship Bible Sisters: A Year of Devotions with the Women of the Bible (Abingdon Press, 2017) Rev. Dr. Gennifer B. Brooks, Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Preaching and Styberg Preaching Institute Director

January 2018

From Star Wars to Superman: Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films (Sophia Institute Press, 2017) Dr. James Papandrea, Associate Professor of Church History GO! How to Become a Great Commission Church (Foundery Books, 2017) Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones Associate Professor of Evangelism

Korean Women, Self-Esteem, and Practical Theology: Transformative Care (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017)

Reset the Heart: Unlearning Violence, Relearning Hope (Abingdon Press, 2017)

Dr. Jaeyeon Lucy Chung, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Styberg Library

Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran, Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology

Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Ecclesiastes (Abingdon Press, 2017)

So Great a Salvation: Soteriology in the Majority World (Eerdmans, 2017)

Dr. Julie Duncan, Associate Professor of Old Testament

Dr. K. K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament

Rooted and Grounded in Love: Holy Communion for the Whole Creation (Wipf and Stock, 2017)

Reading Scripture and World Civilizations [in Chinese] (Religious Culture Press, 2017)

Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ecology

Dr. K. K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament

Beyond Indulgences: Luther’s Reform of Late Medieval Piety, 1518–1520 (Truman Press, 2017)

Jesus Without Borders: Christologies in the Majority World [in Chinese] (Religious Culture Press, 2017)

Dr. Anna Johnson, Assistant Professor of Reformation Church History

Dr. K. K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament

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In Memoriam Our Christian sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the following alums who have died in Christ.

1940s Frank Boutwell, GBI 1947, Texarkana, TX, died July 16, 2017.

Warren J. McFate, ETS 1948, Newton, IA, died September 20, 2017.

1950s Orra G. Compton, GBI 1950, Spencer, OK, died July 13, 2017.

Alfred D. Hager, GBI 1951, Lenexa, KS, died August 25, 2017.

Richard Carl Pfaltzgraff, ETS 1951, Des Moines, IA, died November 20, 2017.

Reuben H. Gums, ETS 1952, Jamestown, ND, died October 11, 2017.

Billy Gene Hahs, GBI 1952, Saint Louis, MO, died June 18, 2017.

Lloyd Raymond Hansen, ETS 1952, Grand Rapids, MI, died August 22, 2017.

Alfred E. Rau, ETS 1952, Iowa Falls, IA, died November 25, 2017.

Gloria L. King, GBI 1955, Nashville, TN, died June 4, 2017.

Lowen V. Kruse, GBI 1955, Omaha, NE, died November 24, 2017.

Donald Sheffield, GBI 1955, New Hope, MN, died April 12, 2017.

Elton A. Watlington, GBI 1955, Memphis, TN, died November 6, 2017.

Harold S. Miller, GBI 1956, Jackson, MI, died November 16, 2017.

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Roger B. Rollins, GBI 1956, Grand Rapids, MI, died December 1, 2017.

Robert White, GBI 1956, Olathe, KS, died October 9, 2017.

Bonnie Miller, GBI 1957, Enid, OK, died June 15, 2017.

Kenneth Vaught, ETS 1957, Hastings, MI, died December 16, 2017.

James Moore, GBI 1958, Rockford, IL, died December 17, 2017.

Alvin Smith, ETS 1958, Papillion, NE, died December 17, 2016.

William P. Moore, GBI 1959, Nebraska City, NE, died July 31, 2017.

Norman Walter Pilgrim, GBI 1959, Louisville, CO, died August 6, 2006.

Sidney E. Sandridge, GBI 1959, Harvest, AL, died May 4, 2017.

1960s John Grenfell, Jr., GBI 1960, Fort Gratiot, MI, died June 25, 2017.

Christian M. McClure, GBI 1960, Sarasota, FL, died February 23, 2012.

Allan Patriquin, GTS 1963 and 1973, South Hadley, MA, died November 20, 2015.

David P. Struder, ETS 1963, Riverview, FL, died December 4, 2016.

Harry T. Cook, GTS 1964, Royal Oak, MI, died October 9, 2017.

Milton James TenHave, GTS 1964, Clinton, IN, died November 26, 2017.

Vernon Visick, ETS 1964, Claremont, CA, died June 18, 2017.

Robert L. Gossett, ETS 1966, Lombard, IL, died December 10, 2017.

Norman L. Knight, GTS 1967, Des Moines, IA, died October 15, 2017.

Daniel R. Remaley, ETS 1968, Enterprise, AL, died September 1, 2010.

1970s Dennis Buwalda, ETS 1970, Holt, MI, died December 20, 2017.

Dwayne Summers, GTS 1970, Roscoe, IL, died September 2, 2013.

Kim Yong Soon, GBI 1960, East Peoria, IL, died August 31, 2017.

Elizabeth Cartwright Callis Davis, GTS 1971, Columbia, SC, died September 17, 2017.

Hilbert Lohr, ETS 1961, Stoughton, WI, died October 1, 2017.

Robert E. Burns, G-ETS 1975, Chicago, IL, died May 18, 2016.

James Hearne, ETS 1962, Porthill, ID, died July 21, 2017.

Andrew Buehl, G-ETS 1977, Wareham, MA, died September 19, 2002.

Franklin J. Block, ETS 1963, Gladstone, MI, died July 29, 2015.

Paul David Bryant, GTS 1963, Edwardsville, IL, died February 26, 2011.

Clinton McNair, G-ETS 1978, Charlotte, NC, died March 16, 2017.

Charlene Beethoven, G-ETS 1979, Ashland, VA, died June 29, 2017.

January 2018

1980s Kathie Mensendick Hostetter, G-ETS 1980, Rensselaer, IN, died September 11, 2017.

Robert Cotton Fite, G-ETS 1981, Glenview, IL, died August 15, 2017.

Erika Hundrieser, G-ETS 1984, Mount Prospect, IL, died August 21, 2017.

Carol Lynette Little, G-ETS 1986, Harrisville, MS, died December 12, 2017.

Thomas B. Andrews, G-ETS 1987, Kalamazoo, MI, died September 14, 2017.

1990s Mark J. Miller, G-ETS 1990, Chrisney, IN, died October 22, 2017.

Yvonne Parrish, G-ETS 1991, Bruce, WI, died October 31, 2017.

Henry Hall, G-ETS 1993, Glendale, WI, died May 3, 2012.

Dorothy Maloney, G-ETS 1993, Riverside, RI, died August 22, 2012.

2000s Sharon Lynne Mitchell-Shields, G-ETS 2000, Chicago, IL, died September 28, 2014.

Bryon Wixom, Course of Study 2003, Milton, IA, died August 1, 2015.

Have alum news to share? Submit your news at Garrett.edu/Update.

Remembering Former Professor Linda Jane Vogel Rev. Dr. Linda Jane Vogel, 77, died bravely and peacefully on November 8, 2017, at the Pilgrim Place Health Center in Claremont, California, just six weeks after a surprise diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Vogel taught for sixteen years as professor of Christian education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and retired in 2003 as professor emerita of Christian education and senior scholar. Vogel was an ordained deacon of The United Methodist Church and had a distinguished career as a minister, professor of Christian education, activist, and author.

Born Linda Jane Baker into a Santa Fe Railroad family, Vogel was raised in Topeka, Kansas, the eldest of three daughters. She graduated from the Boston University School of Education in 1963, and her advanced theological work was at both Garrett Theological Seminary and Andover Newton. She earned a master of religious education, cum laude, in 1964, and a doctor of philosophy in adult education and gerontology from the University of Iowa in 1981.

Her teaching and writing embody her call to a ministry of justice. Vogel’s life work focused on teaching and learning in faith communities, beginning with children and moving later into a special interest in religious education with older adults. This work, along with her writings in adult education and spirituality, made a significant contribution to our understanding of religious education.

Vogel’s life partner, Rev. Dr. Dwight Vogel, said: “Linda embodied the commitments of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary that faith matters, truth matters, and justice matters. As you incarnate those values in these days when all three are threatened, you will incarnate her spirit and live out in gratitude the gift she has given all of us by her presence in our lives.”

Vogel is survived by her husband; her sisters, Helen Bliege and Kathy Thornburg; her three children and their families, including three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other “adopted” family members, and a great many former students and close friends from around the world.

Memorial gifts can be made the Dwight and Linda Vogel Scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical at Garrett.edu/Giving.

January 2018

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Connectional Learning Regional

On Campus

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has reimagined lifelong learning to create education and training opportunities suited to your unique professional, vocational, and spiritual needs. Connectional Learning meets you where you are and connects you with the education you need, when you need it.

2121 Sheridan Road Evanston, Illinois 60201

Online

February 1, 2018 – March 1, 2018 | Online Course Evangelism for Non-Evangelists Led by Rev. Dr. Heather Lear, Director of Evangelism at The United Methodist Church Discipleship Ministries and Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism

February 17, 2018 | One-Day Workshop Hennepin Avenue UMC, Minneapolis, Minnesota Hope for Creation Led by Rev. Dr. Timothy Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ecology

February 20, 2018 | 12:00 -1:00 p.m. CST | Webinar Something Inside So Strong: Faith, Education, and the Sacredness of All Children Led by Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Assistant Professor of Formation, Youth, and Culture and Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education

February 22, 2018 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST | Webinar The Heartbeat of Leadership: Weaving Together Personal and Professional Leadership for Increased Excellence Led by Rev. Dr. Brenda Buckwell, Director, Living Streams Flowing Water

February 24, 2018 | One-Day Workshop First United Methodist Church, Madison, Wisconsin Something Inside So Strong: Faith, Education, and the Sacredness of All Children Led by Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Assistant Professor of Formation, Youth, and Culture, and Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education

March 14-15, 2018 | Two-Day Conference 2018 CĂĄtedra Paulo Freire Resistencia: Contesting Racist Legacies

More Connectional Learning offerings are constantly being added, and we encourage you to check the website often. For a complete listing of current offerings and to learn more, go to Garrett.edu/ConnectionalLearning.

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EVANSTON, IL PERMIT NO. 326

Keynote speaker: Dr. Donaldo Marcedo, Professor of English and a Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston