Aware Magazine | January 2019

AWARE A Quarterly Publication of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

January 2019

Aware Magazine • January 2019 Contents 3 | Presidential Perspective

4 The fall new student orientation wasn’t all work! Our newest students had an opportunity to relax and play.

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4 | Our Newest Students: Meet the

Entering Class of 2018 8 | Alumna Supports Seminary

through Gift Annuities 10 | Cutting Edges: Ecumenism and

Ecumenical Dialogue 11 | CBE’s Board of Visitors

Welcomes New Members 12 | Garrett-Evangelical Welcomes

Four New Trustees 14 | In Memoriam

Alums from six different decades gathered in Chicago for an evening of fun and fellowship.

14 | A Night Out in the City for

Fellowship and Networking 15 | Alum News

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 400 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. GarrettEvangelical 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.

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Ceciley Akins Katharine Duke Joseph R. Emmick David L. Heetland Krista J. McNeil Shane A. Nichols Tasha Sargent PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Burlingham of Burlingham Productions Shane A. Nichols

Presidential Perspective “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.” (Mt. 2:10, CEB) The wise ones, those three “foreigners,” came from the East, seeking the birthplace of the new King of the Jews. They looked to a star in the sky to guide them to the exact location of the newborn. When I read again this familiar story of Epiphany, I was captured by their experience of following the movement of a star in the eastern sky. Somehow, they already knew it was “His star” when they approached King Herod in Jerusalem. There, they learned they should be headed to Bethlehem, but where in Bethlehem? Søren Kierkegaard suggested these wise ones were following “only a rumor,” while the learned ones remained in Jerusalem taking no action. What faith they embodied to simply follow a star to just the right place!

As we look to the future, Gen Z (b.

1995-2015) is already well-represented in our student body and will only continue to be increasingly so.

This generation has been recognized as the most educated, connected, and sophisticated generation yet. These qualities also come with a challenge to our theological schools to be responsive with new curricula, inter-culturally sensitive pedagogies, and technologically informed delivery formats. At the same time, we must continue to steward the eternal treasures of our faith.

While the wise ones had already made a long journey, it would take them about two more hours to walk the approximately six miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. They traveled in the dark of night carrying gifts and filled with joy, looking only to the star to find their way until, finally, it stood over the shelter of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, the divine child.

To them was revealed the new Hope for the world.

There is no question that Gen Z is the future leadership of the church. They describe themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.” They speak about spiritual hunger and the desire to find deeper purpose in life, to be meaningfully involved in making a transformative difference in the world. They do not want the “Spirit,” nor their own spirits, to be quenched by what is perceived as expensive and bureaucratic denominational conflicts about who is in and who is out. They see a hurting world, and they are full of energy and wonderful new ideas about different forms of ministry. In some ways, they are looking for a “North Star” to provide a reliable sense of location and grounding, even as they are already committed to love neighbor as self. I do believe they are one place where we may see God doing a new thing. Let us not be blind to it.

This calls to mind the North Star, Polaris, in the Northern hemisphere. It reliably lies almost directly above the North Pole and has been long used to help aviators and navigators locate themselves when other means of direction are not available. It becomes the basis of the often asked, familiar question, what is your “North Star?” What grounds, centers, or “locates” a person’s sense of purpose in life. We ask it to know what the motivating and directing forces are of someone’s life.

At Garrett-Evangelical, we are often caught up in preparing our graduates to be effective leaders, who can respond to the justice issues of our time. These concerns do abound, and they demand our attention and energy as followers of Christ who seek to love our neighbors as ourselves. We do not shrink back from this commandment. Neither do we lose sight of the first great commandment as the foundation, the North Star if you will, of our faith telling us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and then, to turn to our neighbor, grounded, located in the love of God that informs our love for the least of these.

January 2019

No matter what happens in 2019, Garrett-Evangelical is committed to preparing new generations of leadership for the church and for the world, to preparing the Gen Z generation and the Alpha generation thereafter. We have the resources to do so, thanks to you. We will stay the course.

Blessings to you in this new year, and may our faith in the One who came as the divine child, the Hope of the world, be renewed and strengthened.

Aware Magazine

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Our Newest Students: Meet the Entering Class of 2018 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 non-profit leader, and more.

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

Cassandra Chee Degree Program – Master of Divinity Hometown – Kirkland, Washington Personal Information – I am 2.5th generation Korean, fourth generation Okinawan, and fifth generation Chinese. I grew up on Duwamish land, also known now as Kirkland, Washington. I attended the University of Washington, where I graduated with a degree in visual communications design. I enjoy block printing, playing ukulele and piano, singing, and listening to stories.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I decided to attend seminary because I wanted to learn more about how the gospel is liberating for those who have been historically oppressed by it. I also wanted to learn how God has positioned me to work alongside those who are marginalized and oppressed by churches. I

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decided to attend Garrett-Evangelical because it is a place where I am known not only as a student, but also as a community member.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I have enjoyed that GarrettEvangelical is a place where curiosity is welcome in the classroom. It is refreshing for me to witness faculty facilitate conversation in which both faculty and students can humbly learn from one another.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – Garrett-Evangelical has strengthened my faith by giving me the tools to think critically. I am being invited to reframe my inherited theology by thinking about “What questions did we ask today?” instead of “What did we learn today?” Learning in this framework has helped me to deconstruct my theology and to begin to heal from the parts of my faith that are laced with white heteropatriarchy.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? – I do not know where the Spirit will lead me after seminary, but I know my work will center on being a force of love in solidarity with my chosen family: queer people of color.

January 2019

Mack Owings Degree Program – Master of Divinity Hometown – Sweetser, Indiana Personal Information – I grew up in rural Indiana and then attended the University of Indianapolis. I majored in religion and received minors in chemistry and biology. When not studying for school, I enjoy playing guitar, playing Pokémon Go and other video games, and watching movies with friends.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I decided to attend GarrettEvangelical because of its emphasis on social justice.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – What I enjoy most about seminary so far is being in a community of believers who are passionate about learning and impacting the world for the better.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – My faith has been strengthened at Garrett-Evangelical through the weekly chapel services and deep conversations with my classmates.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? – After seminary, I see Christ leading me to minister to youth, especially those who are LGBTQ.

Sara Miller Degree Program – Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Clinical Track) Hometown – Louisville, Kentucky

January 2019

Since attending Garrett-Evangelical, my view and understanding of God continues to expand.

I am seeing God from cultural lenses and viewpoints that I haven’t previously considered.

Personal Information – I received my undergraduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and going to antique shops with my spouse. I am a lover of puppy snuggles, donuts with coffee, walks around my neighborhood, city lights, writing spoken word, and watching documentaries.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I chose Garrett-Evangelical because I wanted to study at a place that valued inclusivity and seeking justice as much as I do. I wanted to be at a place that pushes me to have deeper, harder conversations and to give me the field experience to apply what I am learning.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with my classmates, hearing their stories, and learning from them how I can be a better person, friend, and pastor. There is such diversity in the first-year class alone, and it gives me hope for our world and the ways it will benefit from them as they continue to lean into God’s call in their lives.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – Since attending GarrettEvangelical, my view and my understanding of God continue to expand. I am seeing God from cultural lenses and viewpoints that I haven’t previously considered. This has challenged me to stretch my theological frameworks and consequently lean into the mystery of the God I love.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? – I am passionate about helping local churches develop a practical theology of suffering that they can apply immediately to ministries, both inside and outside their walls. I am especially passionate about collaborating with teenagers (and the adults who love them!) to explore what it means to suffer well. .

(Continued on page 6) Aware Magazine

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Our Newest Students (Continued) Pranalika Parmar Degree Program – Master of Arts in Christian Education Hometown – Anand, Gujarat, India Personal Information – I come from India, a land of diversity. I am a medical school graduate and pursued my medical education from a state medical university in Russia. When I am not traveling, hiking, cooking, or reading, I am a physician to sponsor my hobbies. My parents and my brother are my life’s greatest blessings received from God. I consider my vocation to serve my community and church the second most crucial part of my life.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I decided to attend Garrett Evangelical primarily because it’s well known for its theological education, and the general reputation of the seminary is excellent. I wanted to seek a wellrounded theological education in western religion, especially Christianity. In this respect, I am confident that the faculty, provisions, and the acclaimed resources of Garrett Evangelical are exceptional! All these will provide me with the theological knowledge, experience, and awareness that will prepare me to think critically and creatively from a wide range of perspectives for our developing world. What has driven my application toward the Christian education program the most is that the program is tailored to provide training in Christian education as well as in youth ministry.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – What I am enjoying most about Garrett-Evangelical is access to the unlimited biblical resources from the Styberg Library. The teaching faculty on campus is extremely helpful, and the professors have devoted their time and effort to me.

I owe a special thanks to Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran.

Rev. Dr. Tran has interacted with me not just to

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I decided to attend Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary primarily because it’s well known for its theological education, and the general reputation of the seminary is excellent. I wanted to seek a well-rounded theological education in western religion, especially Christianity. In this respect, I am confident that the faculty, provisions, and the acclaimed resources of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary are exceptional!

explain the theological learning material, but also helped me improve my academic writing. My advisor, Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee has offered me valuable future career advice and inspired me to consider deacon studies after hearing my vocational interests. Hearing from Rev. Dr. Lee that my vocational goal resonates more with working as deacon gave me new ways to look at my calling to work in church ministry. Now, I am on a path to pursue my master of arts in Christian education with a concentration in deacon studies.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – I knew that seminary education is hard – emotionally as well as mentally. However, I learned that it is a part of a process to deconstruct our thinking to reconstruct it spiritually. I am in the process of thinking theologically and connecting my learning with my spiritual life, beliefs, and faith.

It is fascinating for me to know that the historical background of text and scripture could construct or deconstruct its meaning. I realize that being a Christian does not entitle me to have the right interpretation of scripture, a biblical text, and most importantly, God. The first semester of studying at Garrett-Evangelical has strengthened my relationship with God. Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I envision myself working for the community to connect people with the church and strengthen their faith.

January 2019

Danny Profit, Jr. Degree Program – Master of Divinity Hometown – Chicago, Illinois Personal Information – I was born in Chicago but spent most of my childhood in Berkeley, a western suburb of Chicago. I received my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Aurora University. Some of the things I regularly enjoy are spending time with my wife and son, playing and watching sports, reading about history, culture, and politics, watching documentaries, and catching up on the latest Marvel movies.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I believe God has called me to pastoral ministry, and after several years of wanting to attend seminary but not being able to do so, the opportunity came for me to pursue theological education. Garrett-Evangelical was my top choice for seminary because of the school’s ethos and commitment to public theology and human flourishing.

I knew that I would be challenged, encouraged, and adequately prepared for parish ministry.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I am really enjoying the community of professors and students and staff I have connected with. I have also really appreciated the authors and theological writings we have been engaging in my classes.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – My desire and commitment to a deeper spirituality and connection with God has grown since starting seminary. I have also been challenged to apply my faith in ways that are truer to who I am and that contribute to the work of justice and peace in the world.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I want to pastor a local church congregation, either an existing one or a new one. I want to lead a faith January 2019

community that loves God and people, is committed to our neighborhood, especially to those being marginalized, and that works for liberation, justice, and peace in all of our spaces of influence.

Alberto Ramirez Salazar Degree Program – Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling Hometown – Nuevo Laredo, Mexico Personal Information – I am a naturalized citizen of the United States, originally from Mexico. I have lived in the United States for more than 10 years. I went to college in Tijuana, Mexico, where I received a bachelor of science in psychology. I also went to seminary in Monterrey, Mexico, and received a bachelor of arts in theology. I like to watch good movies, read good books, and spend time with my family, especially my granddaughter.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and GarrettEvangelical in particular? – I decided to attend Garrett-Evangelical for its great scholarship program, its academics, and its history of social justice advocacy.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? – I have enjoyed most that this institution cares about me, my needs, my dreams, and my professional development.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? – My faith has been challenged to respond adequately to the problems of the contemporary society.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary?

– I see Christ leading me to places where mental and spiritual health are necessary. This program will expand my ministry with clinical skills in order to help my parishioners and people from the community in a more holistic way.

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Alumna Supports Seminary Through Gift Annuities Rev. Deborah Johnson (G-ETS 1981) heard her call while working in campus ministry at Iowa State University.

She had grown up in Northern Michigan near Cadillac and went to college at Central Michigan University, where she majored in education.

She had planned to become an elementary school teacher, she said, but later changed her mind after becoming involved with the Wesley Foundation on campus. Instead of being a teacher after she graduated in 1974, she accepted a twoyear position in campus ministry at Iowa State.

meet with other women and learn things differently.

“We had a class in pastoral care for women and a class on church administration for women, where we learned about boilers and tuck pointing and other things we might not have known about,” she said. “It was great community building with other women students, but also very practical.”

After graduating in 1981, Johnson became the pastor of the Manton United Methodist Church, about 20 minutes from where her parents were living. “It was like coming home,” she said.

“It was in the practice of doing my ministry, I realized my call,” she said. With the encouragement of Gary Putnam (G-ETS 1965), the campus minister and a Garrett-Evangelical graduate, Johnson explored going to seminary and ultimately chose Garrett-Evangelical for three reasons. First, she was impressed with the number of women enrolled in the master of divinity program at Garrett-Evangelical, and second, she wanted to live in a city.

Four years later, she moved to the Marne United Methodist Church in Marne, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, where she was the pastor for five years.

After that, she helped start a church in Hudsonville, Michigan, and served there for seven years. In 1997, she moved to Lansing Asbury United Methodist Church and served there for 11 years until she moved to the Sturgis United Methodist Church in Sturgis, Michigan. She retired from that church in 2014.

“I had grown up in rural Michigan, and I was planning to come back to Michigan and serve, so I thought that if I were ever to live in a big city, this was my chance,” she said.

She said she was known for creating programs and her mission work. “I had a real emphasis on mission in all of the churches I served,” she said.

Her third reason for attending seminary at GarrettEvangelical was many of the pastors she knew had gone to Garrett-Evangelical. “My reasoning was, these people went to Garrett-Evangelical and learned to be a pastor, so maybe I could too,” she said.

She enrolled in the fall of 1977 and enjoyed her experience tremendously. “It was so fun,” she recalled. “I had never had a woman pastor growing up, and there were women pastors all over the place at Garrett-Evangelical.”

Her first advisor was Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether, which she said, “was like sitting at the feet of a saint.”

At the time, she said, Garrett-Evangelical was paying attention to the fact that women in seminary needed to

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Throughout her ministry, Johnson stayed connected to Garrett-Evangelical, meeting and mentoring students. In 2005, Bill Amundsen, a retired minister in Michigan who was serving as a part-time development associate for the seminary, visited her. “He took me to lunch, and told me how he supported the seminary each year through gift annuities, and said, ‘This is something you could do for Garrett-Evangelical,’” she recalled. “It was a good time in my ministry for me to do that, so I agreed.”

Johnson took out her first gift annuity in 2005, and she has continued to take out one or more gift annuities each year since then, a total of 21 – thus far! It has been an easy, but meaningful way to support GarrettEvangelical, she said, and each year the rate of return on the new gift annuity is a bit higher because she is January 2019

a year older. She has requested that the proceeds from her annuities be used to fund an endowed scholarship in her name.

When Johnson retired in 2014, she was pleased when the lay leaders in her church encouraged the congregation – and former congregations served by Johnson – to add to the scholarship in her name at Garrett-Evangelical. People from every congregation she served contributed to the fund. “I didn’t need gifts when I retired, but people wanted to give me something. It was very touching,” she said.

Although Johnson is technically retired, she still guest preaches at area churches She is also serving as board chair of the Wesley Foundation at Ferris State University and working with the campus ministry there, coming full circle from where she began.

If you are interested in learning more about gift annuities and if they might be right for you, visit our website, PlannedGiving.Garrett.edu, or contact Rev. Dr. David Heetland, senior vice president for planned giving, at David.Heetland@Garrett.edu.

Secure Payments for Life Is a Gift Annuity Right for You?

If you are looking for a way to secure your future, a charitable gift annuity may be the answer for you. Not only will your gift help Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, but you will receive the security of fixed payments for your lifetime backed by our promise to pay. Now is the right time to lock in your payout rate with a gift to fund a charitable gift annuity.

January 2019

To find out how high our payments could be for you and to learn more about charitable gift annuities, visit our new Planned Giving website or contact Rev. Dr. David Heetland, senior vice president for planned giving, at 847.866.3970 or David.Heetland@Garrett.edu.

PlannedGiving.Garrett.edu Aware Magazine

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Cutting Edges: Ecumenism and Ecumenical Dialogue

By Dr. James L. Papandrea, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology On September 20, 2018, Dr. James Papandrea was installed as professor of church history and historical theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, following his promotion to full professor. The article here is excerpted from his promotion lecture entitled, “Common Ground: The Historical Foundation of Ecumenism and Ecumenical Dialogue.”

As many of you know, I was raised Protestant, and now I’m Catholic, so I like to think I’m “bilingual.” As a Catholic on the faculty at a United Methodist seminary, I see myself as a bridge-builder, and I have made it a priority of my teaching here these last 10 years to encourage my students to think ecumenically. My hope for all Garrett-Evangelical graduates is that they will find themselves in leadership in a community, and there they will meet other Christians. And they will reach out to those other Christians and pray with them, so that they can learn from each other, share the gifts of God, and work together – and not embarrass the cause of the gospel.

So for a few moments, let’s go back to when the Church was one – in the days of the Church fathers and mothers – and talk about the ecumenical councils of the early Church – councils that were [and still are] authoritative for the universal Church.

The first two ecumenical councils were in the fourth century (remember that’s the 300s). The Councils of Nicaea (in 325) and Constantinople (in 381) literally defined the Church when they wrote the Nicene Creed.

Christianity itself was defined according to orthodox (correct) belief in the Trinity, including the conviction that Jesus Christ is fully divine, no less than God the Father. This doctrine of the Trinity is the sine qua non of Christianity – the very identity of what it means to be a Christian. The third ecumenical council was in the fifth century, in the year 431. The Council of Ephesus was more specifically about the Second Person of the Trinity. In case any doubted, the council affirmed that Jesus Christ is also fully human and that the full humanity and full divinity of Christ are inseparably united in one Person.

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The affirmations that came out of these three councils were the universal Church’s definitive answer to Jesus’s question, “Who do you say that I am?” So we are all one, as the Body of Christ, to the extent that we all have the same answer to that question.

But why does it matter that we agree?

Why do we need boundaries around orthodoxy? Why not just let all people believe what they want, especially in the twenty-first century? Because a savior who is not fully divine cannot bring God to humanity. And savior who is not truly human cannot bring humanity to God. To be a Christian means to believe in both the humanity and the divinity of Christ, and to accept that Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity. These are the historical boundaries of our common identity as Christians. And it matters because without this common ground, we would have no basis for the unity of the universal Church, the Body of Christ.

The name Christian has never meant simply a “follower of Christ.” What it means to be a Christian was defined by those who came before us, and no one alive today has the authority to change it. The early Church was very inclusive of all people, but not all interpretations – because putting one’s faith in the wrong Christ is the same as having no Christ at all. The historic ecumenical councils are the authoritative interpretations of Scripture and the Incarnation, and the first three ecumenical councils should be accepted by all who call themselves Christians because together they are the very definition of Christianity.

With these first three ecumenical councils as our foundation, we can work together in the spirit of Matthew 25 – sharing our abundance with the poor and homeless, providing comfort, prayer, encouragement, and human contact to the sick and isolated and imprisoned. We can care for the physical bodies of the dying and the dead, and in general work to improve the quality of people’s lives, both physical and spiritual. The Emperor Constantine did not convert the Roman Empire.

Christians converted the Empire, by loving one neighbor at a time. And we can do that again, if we work together.

January 2019

CBE’s Board of Visitors Welcomes New Members The Board of Visitors for the Center for the Church and the Black Experience held its biannual meeting on December 13, 2018. The board discussed the future of the center and upcoming programming, the latest report from the“Living into Our Purpose” campaign to endow the center, and more.

In addition, they welcomed two new members:

Leijia “Jia” Johnson Jia Johnson is a program manager at Sunshine Enterprises, where she manages the partnership with Pathway to Enterprise for Returning Citizens. She is responsible for the program design of services to support formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs in starting and growing their business.

Johnson also had a successful career in corporate consulting with Staples Business Advantage.

Johnson currently serves on the board of Off the Pews, where she is focusing on building community partnerships and program design to serve youth in entrepreneurship. A board member at Community Renewal Society, she serves on the committee for restoring rights for directly impacted persons. This spring, Johnson will co-teach McCormick Theological Seminary’s pilot certificate in theological studies at Cook County Jail.

Johnson has earned certificates in community organizing and race and justice and Gallup’s Coaching Builder Talents. In 2018, she was named one of the “New Faces of Ministry” by The Center for Faith and Service. She is a master of arts in public ministry student at Garrett-Evangelical and has a bachelor of arts in psychology from New Mexico State University.

Michele E. Watkins A proud native of Chicago and daughter of The United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Michele E. Watkins (G-ETS 2010 and 2017) is a scholar-pastor-activist shaped by the Black freedom movement tradition. She serves as the assistant professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego and is a provisional elder in the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Watkins was previously on the faculty of Iliff School of Theology, and prior to that appointment, she served as the assistant pastor at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago. She is the immediate past dean of the Maceo D. Pembroke Institute for Ministerial Recruitment and Leadership Development and the former National College Director of PUSH Excel, an educational initiative of the Rainbow Push Coalition.

Watkins is on the Board of Trustees for 1517 Media.

She holds a doctor of philosophy and master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical, a bachelor of science in psychology from Howard University, and a certification in non-profit management from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

CBE Project Seeks to Educate and Inform Evanston Community on Black History In recognition of 2019 Black History Month, the Center for the Church and the Black Experience, The Herskovits Library of African Studies at Northwestern University, and numerous African American churches and organizations in Evanston have worked corroboratively to create a community project titled, “Out of the African Diaspora to Evanston: The Mosaic of Human Community.”

January 2019

Using a “Stations of the Cross” model to situate the history of Black America, participants will experience Black history from pre-colonial Africa to the present-day through 10 events held in February and March.

To learn more, visit the website:

MosaicOfHumanCommunity.com Aware Magazine

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Garrett-Evangelical Welcomes Four New Trustees In October, the Garrett-Evangelical trustees voted to appoint four new trustees.

They are Susan Colten, Rev. Darryl Franklin, Dr. Daniel Van Haften, and Rev. Anna Voinovich.

Susan Colten

A life-long Presbyterian, Susan Colten is currently certified for ordination in the Presbyterian Church USA (Chicago Presbytery) under the care of the Winnetka Presbyterian Church. At Winnetka Presbyterian, she is a leader of the Stephen Ministry program (one-to-one lay pastoral care), where she teaches, supervises, and supports program activities. Additionally, she provides worship leadership as needed, including preaching and leading and writing liturgy.

Colten has served as the resident chaplain at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, a resource chaplain at Alexian Brother Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, a resource chaplain at Northshore University Health System in Evanston, Illinois, and a student pastor at the Evanshire Presbyterian Church in Skokie, Illinois.

Additionally, Colten has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, including Conagra in Omaha, Nebraska, PepsiCo in Chicago, and Quaker Oats in Chicago. She has experience in project management, leading multifunctional teams, people development, operations analysis, external relations, pastoral service, worship leadership, and adult education. Her volunteer activities include serving as a horticulture volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden (now as a master gardener) and at A Just Harvest, where she works in the garden at Gale Elementary School. For the last five years, she has also been a facilitator and has provided pastoral support for Without Warning, a support group for those with young onset Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

Colten earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1978. She also earned a master of business administration in 1990 from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business (now the Booth School of Business), and master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2011.

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Rev. Darryl Franklin Rev. Darryl Franklin is the CEO and chief investment officer at Oakwood Wealth Advisors, Ltd, based in Lisle, Illinois. Franklin uses his strengths in financial market analysis and passion as an ordained minister to create conservatively designed custom investment portfolios. Having served as a consultant and technical advisor to dozens of Fortune 500 companies, Franklin embraces a pragmatic approach to providing guidance and investment management.

He is the creator of the Franklin Formula methodology of portfolio management for IRA’s and self-directed pension plans. He specializes in faith/values-based wealth management and financial planning for baby boomers and business owners.

Franklin graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago in 1984 with a bachelor of science in computer science. He received his master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2006. After graduating from GarrettEvangelical, he served for two years as a full-time associate pastor at the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lisle, Illinois, a 2,000-plus member congregation. Heeding the words of Paul in 1 Tim. 5:8, he returned to secular work to support his college-bound children. He was recruited by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and “schooled” on Wall Street for three and half years before founding Oakwood Wealth Advisors Ltd. In 2009, he earned a PhD in organizational development from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. Franklin also serves an adjunct professor at Benedictine University’s School of Business, where he teaches Creativity & Innovation in Business, Investment Theory & Portfolio Management, and Investment Analysis.

Franklin is married to Shari Franklin, CPA, a CFO for a Downers-Grove based non-profit. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Patrick and Lyndsey.

January 2019

Dr. Daniel Van Haften In 2007, Dr, Daniel Van Haften retired from Alcatel-Lucent after a 37-year career developing and testing large software and telecommunication systems. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1970 with both a bachelor and master of science in mathematics, Van Haften began his career with Bell Laboratories, working on the SAFEGUARD™ Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems Project.

In 1974, he moved to the Traffic Service Position System, which provided operator services for the Bell System. With the breakup of the Bell System in 1984, the organizations Van Haften worked in evolved to AT&T, to Lucent Technologies, and then to Alcatel-Lucent. In 1981, Van Haften began work on AT&T’s 5ESS™ local digital switch. In 1993, he joined the Intelligent Network project, where he worked until his 2007 retirement.

Van Haften donated $1 million to his alma mater, Michigan State University, in 2017 to create a faculty position in deductive literacy, the first endowed professorship in the University’s Department of Mathematics. He helped establish the David and Christy Newhouse Scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical, and made a planned gift to the seminary.

Van Haften is the author of several publications and the co-author of four books: Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason (2010), Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln, and the Structure of Reason (2012), The Ultimate Guide to the Gettysburg Address (2016), and The Ultimate Guide to the Declaration of Independence (2017). Van Haften earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1977.

Rev. Anna Voinovich Rev. Anna Voinovich is the associate pastor at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church in Illinois. She graduated from GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary in May 2018 with a master of divinity degree, was commissioned in June, and started her appointment in Downers Grove on July 1.

While at Garrett-Evangelical, Voinovich received many honors and awards, including the Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Faust Preaching Award, the Moriah’s Promise Honor Award, the Myrtle Saylor Speer Award, and the Styberg Preaching Award. She also worked as an administrative assistant in Garrett-Evangelical’s Hispanic-Latinx Center, was a student representative on the seminary’s LGBTQ Inclusion Task Force, and was a co-chair for Sacred Worth. Anna served as a student intern and licensed local pastor with a group of diverse congregations in West Dundee, Elgin, Carpentersville, and Barrington, Illinois, that were seeking to be in ministry with each other. In this position, she preached in English and Spanish, organized youth group events, created and facilitated adult faith curriculum, and led workshops on human sexuality and gender identity in preparation for the Commission on a Way Forward and the future of The United Methodist Church.

Before attending Garrett-Evangelical, Voinovich earned a degree in Spanish language and literature in 2015 from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she also minored in education and gender and sexuality studies. She also served on summer staff for Appalachia Service Project in 2012.

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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 Frederick L. Rickleff, ETS 1946, Stoughton, WI, died October 21, 2018.

John M. Schmidt, ETS 1946, Sparks, NV, died July 11, 2018.

Gerald Heilman, ETS 1947, Alburtis, PA, died January 23, 2017.

Charles A. Hanson, GBI 1949, Indianapolis, IN, died November 3, 2018.

1950s Kenneth Engelman, GBI 1953, Madison, WI, died September 5, 2018.

David Knecht, GBI 1953, Fargo, ND, died September 11, 2018.

Willard Albertus, ETS 1954, Middletown, RI, died July 29, 2018.

Richard M. Harper, ETS 1954, Brookings, SD, died October 10, 2018.

David S. Schneider, ETS 1954, Minneapolis, MN, died September 28, 2018.

Donald Appleman, ETS 1955, Ponca City, OK, died April 11, 2018.

Duane McGormley, ETS 1967, Adrian, MI, died October 6, 2018.

Harold M. Taber, GBI 1955, Grand Rapids, MI, died August 18, 2018.

1970s

Truman Bachenberg, GBI 1957, Nebraska City, NE, died September 1, 2018.

Leonard L. Sukut, ETS 1958, Naperville, IL, died August 5, 2018.

William Herbert Simmons, GBI 1959¸ died December 24, 2015.

1960s Francis F. Anderson, GBI 1961, Holt, MI, died October 18, 2018.

Phillip Henry Burke, Jr., ETS 1961, Porter, IN, died December 23, 2018.

Harold Fox, GTS 1962, Dayton, OH, died September 24, 2018.

James D. Uhlig, GTS 1962, Galveston, TX, died April 16, 2018.

Robert L. Vaughn, GTS 1964, Creston, IL, died December 16, 2018.

Susan Bennett Stiles, G-ETS 1977, Charlotte, NC, died August 31, 2018.

1980s Ida E. Easley, G-ETS 1984, Las Vegas, NV, died December 29, 2018.

Mary W. Mayes, G-ETS 1984, Minneapolis, MN, died October 30, 2018.

1990s Gladys Crane, G-ETS 1995, Laramie, WY, died October 18, 2018.

Connie S. Porter, G-ETS 1997, Troy, MI, died December 19, 2017.

2000s Carol Madalin, G-ETS 2002, Naperville, IL, died December 21, 2018.

A Night Out in the City for Fellowship and Networking On November 13, 2018, alums representing six decades of GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary graduates gathered at Francesca’s Bryn Mawr in Chicago for an evening of fun, fellowship, and networking. The event, co-sponsored by the seminary’s vocational networking and development offices, was an opportunity for graduates to come together without a formal program or agenda.

Our alums renewed old friendships, started new ones, and caught up with seminary faculty and staff who made the trip down from Evanston.

President Lallene J. Rector welcomed the group and shared her enthusiasm for Garrett-Evangelical’s future.

14 Aware Magazine

Rev. Katye Chambers (G-ETS 2016), director of vocational networking, encouraged alums to stay connected by participating in the vocational network mentoring program, volunteering for admissions, and attending future events.

Chicago-area alums should watch their emails and mailboxes for news of more alum gatherings in March. For those in the Detroit area, a luncheon for alums and close friends of the seminary will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Birmingham First in Birmingham, Michigan. This luncheon will be held in conjunction with our Garrett on the Road event featuring Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones associate professor of evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical.

January 2019

Alum News Miley Palmer (GTS 1962) received the Peter Akers Award for professional success, outstanding service, and loyalty from McKendree University.

Timothy Hume Behrendt (GTS 1963) retired recently from full-time ministry as a pastor in the Unitarian Church.

He is the owner and executive director of the 500-acre Shawangunk Nature Preserve in Cold Brook, New York.

Douglas Slaughter (G-ETS 1977) was recognized by the Iliff School of Theology Board of Trustees as an honorary trustee.

Timothy Russell (G-ETS 1995) was named vice president of community engagement at Window to the World Communications, Inc. Daniel Smith (G-ETS 2010 and 2015) recently graduated with a master of science in library and information science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and was appointed as research, instruction, and digital services librarian at the Styberg Library at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Shonda Nicole Gladden (G-ETS 2011) received a 2018 Reflective Leadership Grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School, which is awarded to organizations on behalf of a leader who has accomplished significant goals within their work and is ready to design the next chapter.

Mary Bowmann Arents (G-ETS 2016) was appointed as director of annual giving and alum relations at GarrettEvangelical.

Murray (GBI 1925) and Dorothy (GBI 1926) Leiffer Samuel Wong (GTS 1967) has published two books, Unconditional Love: Letters to an Adopted Son (Xlibris 2019) and Unconditional Love: Letters to an Adopted Family (Xlibris 2019), based on the 260 letters that he received over a 30-year period from his American parents Murray Leiffer (GBI 1925) and Dorothy Leiffer (GBI 1926).

Using the words of the Leiffers, Wong shows how this extraordinary couple exemplified the essence of unconditional love in everyday life and how they led a vibrant retirement life after spending 50 years of their life in ministry at the Chicago Training School, Garrett Biblical Institute, and Garrett Theological Seminary. Their letters provide an intimate glimpse of Murray and Dorothy and go beyond what was included in their co-authored book, Enter the Old Portals (The Bureau of Social and Religious Research, 1987).

Murray and Dorothy Leiffer were inducted into the Founders’ Society at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1990.

Accepting Nominations for the 2020 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 fewer than 25 years ago.

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 April 29, 2019. Persons previously nominated will be considered and will not require a second nomination to ensure their consideration.

January 2019

To download the 2020 Distinguished Alum Nomination Form, visit the seminary’s website today or contact Ceciley Akins, director of stewardship and development operations, at 847.866.3971 or Ceciley.Akins@Garrett.edu.

Garrett.edu/DistinguishedAlums Aware Magazine

15

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 7, 2019 – March 14, 2019 | Online Course Evangelism for Non-Evangelists Led by Rev. Dr. Heather Lear, Director of Evangelism at Discipleship Ministries, and Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones Associate Professor of Evangelism

March 2, 2019 | Half-Day Workshop Birmingham First UMC, Birmingham, Michigan Inviting People into God’s Goodness Led by Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones Associate Professor of Evangelism

March 5, 2019 – April 9, 2019 | Online Course Backroads in Rural Ministry Led by Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, Director of Connectional Ministries at Oak Hill UMC in Morgantown, North Carolina

March 6, 2019 – April 27, 2019 | Online Course The Resounding Word: A Lenten Journey toward Resurrection Led by Rev. Dr. Brenda Buckwell, Director, Living Streams Flowing Water

March 7 – 28, 2019 | Webinar Series Legal Risks for Churches Led by Andrew Vorbrich, Chancellor for the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church

March 13-14, 2019 | Two-Day Conference 2019 Cátedra Paulo Freire Unearthing the Bonds that Hold Us Together: Pedagogy of Liberation and Theology of Liberation in Dialogue

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. Peter McClaren, Distinguished Professor in Critical Studies at Chapman University and CoDirector of The Paulo Freire Democratic Project