Aware Magazine: July 2011

AWARE A quarterly publication of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

magazine July 2011

The 154th Commencement of Garrett-Evangelical Page 7

Aware Magazine • July 2011 Features 3 | Presidential Perspective:

The Concessions of the Church

4 | Steads Commit $5 Million to Garrett-Evangelical

5 | Celebration and Reconsecration of Loder and Stead Halls

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6 | Hoekstra and Amerson Receive Eliza Garrett Service Awards

The 154th Commencement of Garrett-Evangelical

7 | Garrett-Evangelical Celebrates 154th Commencement

8 | Oglesby and Coston Receive Distinguished Alum Awards

9 | Introducing a Few of Our New Graduates

9 11 Kathy Abend (G-ETS 2011), Senior Chapel Preacher

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12 | Cutting Edges: A Theology of Empty Shirts or Justice?

13 | Professors Harkness and Wysner Inspired Women in Ministry

14 | 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.

ADDRESS

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PHONE 1.800.SEMINARY (800.736.4627)

A Theology of Empty Shirts or Justice?

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WEBSITE PRESIDENT EDITORIAL BOARD

www.garrett.edu Philip A. Amerson Betty Campbell David Heetland April McGlothin-Eller Shane Nichols Jim Noseworthy

Presidential Perspective: The Concessions of the Church Imagine my surprise when I opened the newspaper. While serving as a parish pastor, a reporter asked for my summer reading list. I mentioned five or six books, mostly books that had been stacked for months unread on my nightstand. These became my “summer reading list.” That Philip A. Amerson weekend I opened the newspaper to the headline “Books Recommended for Summer Reading.” There was my list—with a typo in the very first title! It caused me to laugh out loud.

Instead of The Confessions of St. Augustine, there had been a communications glitch, and the title of this Christian classic had been changed to The Concessions of St. Augustine.

I am recently returned from my yearly spring pilgrimage to United Methodist annual conferences. As I visited alums and encouraged future students, there was also time to “listen in” on the hopes and challenges in the church. I listened to reports on evolving ministries. Often I was inspired and, I confess, on more than one occasion I was disappointed.

My distress can be appropriately titled “the concessions of the church.” Too often I heard desperation to try something, anything, to increase attendance and membership in congregations. Too often strategies appeared to be “the concessions of the church” rather than a faithful witness to Christ. There were concessions out of fear, concessions to avoid conflict, concessions for ideological purity or to a new gimmick or marketing strategy.

You may be wondering if I can give you an example of what I mean by “concessions of the church.” Yes. In one gathering I listened as an exuberant young person proudly announced a new mission project. I couldn’t wait to hear what was behind this enthusiasm. The mission project was—a car wash. The young person asked, “What is more important than building strong congregations?” I waited, waited for a reference to feeding the hungry poor, educating children in Afghanistan, or digging wells for people without water www.garrett.edu

in the Sudan. Nope. None of that. Instead, mission had become a car wash for “my congregation.” And what was the good news? Only this—new members or visitors got their car wash free! It was a promotional technique.

I was struck by how this differed from sentiments of the hymn written by our own Professor Georgia Harkness for the Second World Council of Churches gathering on our campus in 1954. She penned: Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways, showing to wandering souls the path of light, walk thou beside us lest the tempting byways lure us away from thee to endless night.

Somehow the car wash theology turned the great Missio Dei, the activity and attribute of God in the world, into a strategy for washed and polished automobiles. We have diminished God’s love for all into suds for a few—those few who can help our local church grow. I understand the importance of congregational vitality, and I know my adolescent theology wasn’t much better than what was being expressed by this enthusiastic youngster. Outcomes are important, but there is a deeper question—for what purpose? My experience as pastor taught me that when we reached beyond our walls and sought to be where God’s purposes were expressed by active love in the world, a congregation’s health and vitality were improved. A congregation is not an end in itself but an instrument, a dynamic embodiment, of God’s love and reconciliation.

And, you may ask, what inspired me at these conferences? It was the work of those who saw strong congregations as a means to an end. I found many of these folks are graduates of Garrett-Evangelical. They understood what Dietrich Bonhoeffer put so succinctly many years ago: “The church is the church only when it exists for others.”

I was inspired watching our graduates being ordained.

I was inspired as they were sent out to places of ministry. I am aware that our graduates are making a difference as pastors, youth ministers, and university chaplains. They provide a theology for the exuberant young and old more profound than mission as a car wash. We need these witnesses and others in changing our concessions into confessions of faith.

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Steads Commit $5 Million to Garrett-Evangelical It was announced at the seminary’s board of trustees “We are glad that our commitment has helped the meeting on May 12, 2011, that Jerre and Mary Joy Stead seminary address its significant deferred maintenance,” of Scottsdale, Arizona, have made Stead said. “These renovations a commitment of $5 million to will help ensure that the quality Garrett-Evangelical’s unrestricted of its buildings matches the endowment. education within them.”

Jerre Stead, who serves as chair Special guests, including of the board of trustees at Northwestern University President Garrett-Evangelical, is also coMorton Schapiro, joined the chair of the seminary’s Forging trustees in a tour of the renovated Our Future: Phase Three capital facilities. Schapiro commented on campaign. The Steads had made the long partnership between the an earlier campaign commitment seminary and Northwestern and to endow three full-tuition plus complimented Garrett-Evangelical stipend scholarships for students at on making these improvements. the seminary.

In addition to their gifts for the In announcing this most recent unrestricted endowment and commitment, Mr. Stead challenged leadership scholarships, Jerre and the other trustees to match his gift Mary Joy Stead have previously and help lead the way in reaching funded the Jerre and Mary Joy the $100 million campaign goal. The Stead Center for Ethics and Mary Joy and Jerre Stead Stead gift will help the seminary Values and the Jerre and Mary Joy address the largest component of the campaign—building Stead Chair of Christian Social Ethics. “We try to give the seminary’s unrestricted endowment. where we can make the most difference,” noted Stead,

“and we believe that Garrett-Evangelical is making a In reflecting on the generosity of Jerre and Mary Joy Stead, big difference in preparing the kind of leadership our Garrett-Evangelical President Philip Amerson remarked, churches need.”

“The thoughtful generosity and wise stewardship of Jerre and Mary Joy is marvelous. They are making a President Amerson noted, “An unrestricted endowment is transformative difference at Garrett-Evangelical. We are vital to the long-term strength of the seminary. Campus and blessed. They join the hundreds of others who give gifts, community needs and strategic goals change from time to large and small, so that we can prepare bold leaders for the time. Earnings from an unrestricted endowment allow the church, the academy, and the world.” seminary to address those needs and goals and stay on the

cutting edge of theological education.”

Earnings from this commitment will be used initially to

help cover the costs of campus improvements, especially “The campaign total now exceeds $67 million,” said the renovation of Loder and Lesemann Halls. A David Heetland, vice president for development. “We rededication service for these renovated facilities was hope that the Stead commitment will inspire and held in conjunction with the May board meeting. In challenge others to consider what more they can do, response to this generous gift from the Steads, the board so that we can reach the $100 million goal soon. Gifts of trustees voted unanimously to rename Lesemann Hall for unrestricted endowment are especially welcome, as as the Jerre and Mary Joy Stead Hall. Louis Lesemann are gifts for endowed scholarships, faculty support, and served as president of Chicago Training School for 16 program support.” If you would like further information years. The seminary will continue to honor Lesemann’s on how you can help Garrett-Evangelical reach this legacy by naming the third floor of the newly renovated challenging goal, contact David Heetland at Stead Hall as the Lesemann Office Suite.

David.Heetland@garrett.edu or call 847.866.3970.

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Celebration and Reconsecration of Loder and Stead Halls Prior to commencement on May 13, Garrett-Evangelical commemorated the opening of Loder Hall and the continuing renovation of Stead Hall with two concerts of celebration and open houses on May 11 and May 12. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, members of the Northwestern University community, including President Morton Schapiro, and the Evanston community all had an opportunity to tour the renovated facilities. The May 11 concert featured Garrett-Evangelical Ph.D. student, and Grammy nominated artist, Cynthia Wilson. It was a wonderful night of music that included President Philip Amerson singing a duet with Wilson. The May 12 concert featured Edward J. Spytek, a renowned organist.

Spytek was joined by violinist Morna Roberts and flutist Joyce Oakes.

On May 12, trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni celebrated the renovations with a service of reconsecration. Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader (G-ETS 1976) reflected, “the gospel we’ve dedicated our life to is the best, and the service and ministry we offer in the name of the Sharon Zimmerman Rader gospel has got to be the best as well.” Lee Hoekstra was honored with the Eliza Garrett Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding oversight of these renovation projects. (See article on following page.) The reconsecration service is available for viewing online at www.garrett.edu/renovation.

The new features of Loder Hall include a student center, bookstore, high-tech classroom, kitchen and cafeteria, meditation chapel, prayer and study room, 38 modern dorm rooms with private baths, guest suites, and a beautiful rooftop garden. With the installation of a geothermal system, dual flushing toilets, temperature sensors, automated lighting, and other environmental enhancements, this renovation project has been certified Gold in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Throughout the month of May, construction crews and the seminary’s own building and grounds staff worked at top speed to put finishing touches on the building and landscaping to be ready to welcome students to summer school in June. Students are very appreciative of the new dining service, cheerful dining area and lounge, and the many new conveniences the building offers.

Linda Johnson, D.Min. student says, “I am impressed by the use of ecologically-friendly materials, the emphasis on recycling, water conservation, and the spaciousness of the bedrooms with baths. It’s like staying at the Ritz.” Fellow D.Min. student, Steve Trefz, agrees that, “the new Loder Hall offers spaces for relaxation, study, fellowship, and food, as well as the opportunity to experience all of the learning centers of GarrettEvangelical and Northwestern University within easy walking distance.”

When completed, Stead Hall will be connected directly to the United Library and will serve as a workroom, conference room, and offices for the library staff and the Stead Center for Ethics and Values. Renovation of Stead Hall is still ongoing with completion expected by fall of 2011.

Hoekstra and Amerson Receive Eliza Garrett Awards The Eliza Garrett Distinguished Service Award is presented in the name and spirit of Eliza Clark Garrett, who was the inspiration and chief benefactor and founder of Garrett Biblical Institute. The award is given to honor persons who, by their imaginative acts of communal restoration and healing, reflect God’s mission and purposes for our world. This year two Eliza Garrett awards were presented.

On May 12, at the service of reconsecration for Loder and Stead Halls, trustee Lee Hoekstra was presented the award for his outstanding service in overseeing the renovations of Loder and Stead Halls.

When Garrett-Evangelical decided to renovate these buildings and seek Lee Hoekstra Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, Hoekstra provided much needed expertise and leadership to the project.

Hoekstra helped coordinate work from beginning to end, ensuring that the building would provide space for community, residence, and learning.

In presenting the award to Hoekstra, President Philip Amerson said, “What an astonishing contribution Lee has made, and we are delighted to present the Eliza Garrett Distinguished Service Award for his visionary stewardship of our campus renovations.” When presented with the award, Hoekstra said, “It has been a pleasure working on this project, and I want to thank everyone who was involved, in particular John Carter and Cheryl Larsen.” John Carter is director and Cheryl Larson is assistant director of building and grounds at Garrett-Evangelical.

Hoekstra joined Garrett-Evangelical’s board of trustees in 2002, serving first on the development committee and currently serving on the finance and business affairs committee. Within the last several years, Hoekstra has been a key member of the facilities committee, which focuses on the seminary’s deferred maintenance and renovation work. Hoekstra has served as treasurer of the board since 2008 and as a member of

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the committee on trusteeship since 2009.

Hoekstra operates Aspen Custom Homes, a custom homebuilding company in Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife, Margeret, are members of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, where he has held various positions of lay leadership.

At the trustee dinner on May 12, the leadership team of the school surprised President Amerson by presenting him with the Eliza Garrett Award for his exceptional leadership and service to the seminary.

In presenting the award to Amerson, Lallene Rector, vice president for academic affairs, said, “It has been your vision and your perseverance and Philip Amerson your service that bring us to this happy occasion of celebrating the tremendous strength of our seminary, and specifically the inspiration and gift of newly renovated spaces within which we, and those who come after us, will for many years worship, learn, rest, create, teach, and fellowship together.”

After receiving the award, Amerson said, “It is an honor, and quite a surprise, to receive this award.

I am grateful to be able to work with this great administrative team and community, all of whom have helped make all of these projects, renovations, and improvements to our beloved seminary possible.”

Amerson was inaugurated president of GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary in June 2006. He is also professor of the sociology of religion. Previously, Amerson served as president of Claremont School of Theology and taught at several colleges and graduate schools. As an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, he served for 21 years as a pastor of several congregations. He currently serves as president of the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools and as a member of several United Methodist commissions or task forces. Amerson is married to Elaine, formerly the director of leadership for The United Methodist Church’s California-Pacific Annual Conference.

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Garrett-Evangelical Celebrates 154th Commencement On Friday, May 13, Garrett-Evangelical celebrated its 154th commencement at First United Methodist Church in Evanston. The seminary awarded 62 degrees, including eight doctor of philosophy; six doctor of ministry; 36 master of divinity; six master of arts – in Christian education, in music ministry, in pastoral care and counseling, and in spiritual formation and evangelism; and six master of theological studies.

for the rest of our lives we would be trying to grow tall enough to wear.” Palmer suggested that the graduates, and indeed all of us, have three crowns to aspire to wear: a crown to continue in robust theological engagement; a crown to live more meaningfully and faithfully in the global village in which we find ourselves; and a crown of character and righteousness. To hear Palmer’s entire address, visit us online at www.garrett.edu/videos.

Garrett-Evangelical’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to Dennis M. Oglesby, Jr., who graduated in 1995 with a master of divinity degree, and Phyllis Coston, who graduated in 1958 with a master of arts degree. (See more about these distinguished alums on the following page.)

Elected to the episcopacy in 2000 by the North Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church, Palmer was assigned to the Iowa area, where he served until assuming episcopal responsibilities in the Illinois area (Illinois Great Rivers Conference) in 2008. He served as president of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry from 2004 to 2008 and as president of the Council of Bishops from April 2008 to May 2010.

Bishop of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, delivered the commencement address and was also awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree for his years of service to The United Methodist Church. In presenting the honorary degree, President Philip Amerson said, “Today we recognize Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer, imaginative and dynamic pastor, preacher, episcopal leader, and man of hope-filled initiatives for the church.” Palmer responded, saying, “On behalf of The United Methodist Church and all of the churches that Garrett-Evangelical touches, many of which are represented here today, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the way you are changing the world and transforming lives.”

Palmer’s address, “There’s a Crown above Your Head,” spoke of Howard Thurman’s experience as a student at Morehouse College. In his autobiography, With Head and Heart, Thurman said of his faculty and mentors, “It was as if they were placing a crown above our heads that

Palmer received his undergraduate degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a master of divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. Ordained a deacon and probationary member in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 1977, Palmer was ordained an elder in full connection in the East Ohio Conference in 1981.

His pastoral career included pastorates in North Carolina and Ohio. Palmer also served as a district superintendent in the East Ohio Conference.

Palmer and his wife of 34 years, Cynthia, are the parents of two grown children—Monica, a middle school special education teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aaron, who is employed at a financial planning software company in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Oglesby and Coston Receive Distinguished Alum Award Annually, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary presents distinguished alum awards to two persons who have rendered extraordinary service in their ministries.

One award is given to an alum who graduated 25 years ago or less and another is presented to one who graduated more than 25 years ago. The 2011 Distinguished Alum Awards were presented to Dennis Oglesby, Jr. and Phyllis Coston at Garrett-Evangelical’s commencement in May. Dennis M. Oglesby, Jr. earned a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1995. He served as pastor of Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston, Illinois, from 1991 to 1997 and Faith United Methodist Church in Dolton, Illinois, from 1997 to 2000.

Phyllis Coston earned a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia Wesleyan before pursuing a seminary education in 1953. While studying Bible, theology, and Christian education at Garrett Biblical Institute, she was also full-time teacher of eighth grade English and studied language arts and reading at Northwestern University. She earned her master of arts degree in 1958.

Coston joined the West Virginia Wesleyan College faculty in 1963 and became one of the nation’s leaders in educating students with diagnosed learning disabilities. She founded the Learning Center to assist all Wesleyan students in enhancing their reading and learning skills and, in 1982, developed a special services program to assist learningdisabled students, specifically those with dyslexia.

Oglesby is an ordained elder and now a member in full She has also been an connection of the Minnesota Amerson, Coston, and Oglesby outstanding teacher of Annual Conference. In religious education at West Virginia Wesleyan, carrying his six years as senior associate and “Minister to her skills beyond her classroom to help local pastors in the City” at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist very small churches. She was the 1993 recipient of the Church in Minneapolis, he established the Hennepin United Methodist Award for Exemplary Teaching, and she Avenue United Methodist Church Dignity Center, an received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from outreach ministry that serves the needs of the poor and West Virginia Wesleyan in 1998. disenfranchised, as well as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series on Racial Reconciliation.

Coston has been a leader in the West Virginia Annual Conference, serving on the board of deacons and the board In June 2006, he became senior pastor of Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. His high standards of ordained ministry, as well as teaching numerous courses at conference schools of mission. In June 2010 Coston concerning connectional responsibilities, paired with his concern for individuals, serve to bring order and clarity to the was awarded the Francis Asbury Award from the West Virginia Annual Conference for fostering United Methodist process for communicating with and caring for clergy. ministries in higher education.

Oglesby served as chair of the Religion and Race Action Coston has worked for the equality of women and for Team from 2002 to 2008 and was elected as vice-chair equality of ordination for deacons in The United Methodist of Black Methodists for Church Renewal during its 2006 Church. She was consecrated a diaconal minister in the annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the United Methodist West Virginia Annual Conference in 1982 and served as Publishing House in Nashville, Tennessee. His community chair of the board of diaconal ministry in the conference from 1988 to 1996. She was in the first group to be service has been reflected in his participation as a board ordained deacon in 1996 and served as chair of the order member of the Neighborhood Involvement Project, the of deacons of the West Virginia Annual Conference from Center for Urban Education for Hamline University, the African American Men’s Project of Hennepin County, and 1996 to 2008. the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

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Introducing a Few of Our New Graduates Each year at commencement, we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments during their years at seminary and are inspired by their promise and their hopes for the future. This year 62 students graduated, and we commend all of them on their good work and future ministries. Here, three of our graduates contemplate what lies ahead and reflect on how the seminary has prepared them for service to the church and the world.

Kathy Abend, Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background?

I grew up in Casey, Illinois, where my parents still reside.

I graduated from the University of Illinois and moved to Idaho to begin my career in the field of Foods in Business.

I worked in the potato business, married into the potato business, and spent the past twenty-five years raising our children in Blackfoot, Idaho. I have been an active lay member of The United Methodist Church, and active in our local schools and community.

Why did you choose to attend Garrett-Evangelical?

I chose Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for many reasons. The scholarship I received was a determining factor, but the most powerful reason for choosing Garrett-Evangelical is that, after researching available seminaries, I felt it was the best seminary in the country for preparing me to be a pastor in the local church.

After completing my master of divinity degree, I still believe this to be true.

How has your experience and education at GarrettEvangelical shaped your ministry and calling?

I came to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a fairly limited view of God and God’s role in the world.

Garrett-Evangelical stretched my mind, challenged my beliefs, and thrust me into a diverse culture that expanded my image of God, my understanding of my role as a Christian leader in our global world, and the role of the church in the world today.

I came to Garrett-Evangelical believing that my call

to ministry was limited to maintaining small local congregations, but I am leaving with the belief that I am an evangelist. I disliked this word when I came to GarrettEvangelical, and now I am one. Garrett-Evangelical ignited my passion for God and helped me discover gifts within myself that I didn’t know I had. I came to Garrett-Evangelical unable to stand before a congregation without trembling and I leave knowing I can preach God’s Holy Word to even the most intimidating of crowds. I am leaving Garrett-Evangelical as an evangelist, eagerly awaiting every opportunity to share my love of God with the world.

Can you share a moment at Garrett-Evangelical that was an eye-opening or transformative experience?

Preaching for Senior Chapel was an experience that will shape my ministry forever. The entire service was brilliantly created by our class under the supervision of Anne Ferguson. The music, liturgy, communion, and our anointing by the fifty-year alums all converged to create a space for the Spirit to flow wildly. Preaching for that rowdy, responsive crowd was as close to a Pentecostal experience that this United Methodist preacher will ever have. (To hear Abend’s sermon, view it online at www.garrett.edu/videos.)

How do you see your future ministry?

I have been appointed to the Burley United Methodist Church in Burley, Idaho. I love the local church and feel that this is where lives are changed and drawn into God’s mission in the world. I plan to serve and revitalize whatever local church I am appointed to and continue to live in humble gratitude for all God has given to us.

Lucas Pepper, Master of Divinity What is your hometown and educational background?

I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in Inverness, Illinois. I earned a degree in political science with a minor in education studies from American University in Washington, D.C. Much of my college experience was finding ways to connect my faith with political life and discerning ways to engage in education and action for social justice. My senior year I had the great opportunity to intern at the General Board of Church and Society.

Why did you choose to attend Garrett-Evangelical?

I chose Garrett-Evangelical for many reasons. I wanted to come back home and be ordained in the Northern Illinois Conference. I appreciated Garrett-Evangelical’s combination of strong biblical and theological scholarship with practical ministry experience. I was also attracted by the great Christian education faculty, who I knew would help strengthen my skills and approaches to the ministry of education. In addition, I was offered a leadership scholarship.

How has your experience and education at GarrettEvangelical shaped your ministry and calling?

I believe that my field education experiences will continue to be a great asset as I move forward in ministry. For my first field education at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Waukegan, Illinois, the congregation taught me what it means to be a healing congregation and a healing presence in the community.

It was also there that I feel I began to find my voice as a preacher and continued to expand upon my gifts and skills in teaching.

Can you share a moment at Garrett-Evangelical that was an eye-opening or transformative experience?

I will never forget my cross-cultural course in Rome with Dr. Papandrea. One day, as part of the tour of the Vatican, we entered in an underground chamber that, according to the Vatican, holds the bones of St. Peter.

Being so close to the history of the church, and in the very foundation of the Vatican, was something I will never forget.

How do you see your future ministry?

My calling as a deacon has led me into the ministries of teaching, missions, and social justice. I hope to be able to live out my gifts and passions in these areas to help the Holy Spirit form Christians who are committed to making a positive difference in the world and witnessing to the love and grace of God. Starting in August I will be serving as the minister of adult and youth formation at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. I will also be seeking commissioning as a deacon in The United Methodist Church next year. It is my hope that while at Kingswood I can help connect the ministry of the congregation to important needs in the surrounding community.

During my second year, I had the great opportunity to serve as a Beatitudes Society Fellow at Protestants for the Common Good. It is my hope that the skills that I employed and gained at PCG will be helpful in supporting the congregations and organizations that I serve in the future to be a powerful witness for peace and justice in the world.

As one called to be a deacon in the church, I also appreciated the strong group of deacon candidates who met together, helped inform each others’ identities, and affirmed each others’ callings.

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Virgil Woods, Doctor of Ministry What is your hometown and educational background?

I am from Des Moines, Iowa. I have a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University and a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical (2002).

Why did you choose to attend Garrett-Evangelical?

I’m not sure if I chose Garrett-Evangelical or GarrettEvangelical chose me. I was living in Iowa and looking for a place to continue my education. I shared my desire with colleagues and found that many had attended Garrett-Evangelical. I am a member of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and GarrettEvangelical has a great reputation within that church.

The staff made the admissions process easy, and I never applied to another school.

When it was time to enroll in a doctoral program, I had a number of options, but my choice was clear. Once again, the quality of the learning environment at GarrettEvangelical, its faculty, and its staff made my decision an easy one. I enrolled in the doctor of ministry program.

How has your experience and education at GarrettEvangelical shaped your ministry and calling?

Garrett-Evangelical has given me a number of key tools: language for articulating many of my beliefs; the ability to think more critically theologically; heightened awareness of global ministry; and a greater appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.

I am a better theologian and more confident Christian because of my experience at Garrett-Evangelical.

The opportunity to dialogue with others, students and professors alike, challenged my perspectives, beliefs, and ultimately, my faith. My spiritual foundation was shaken only to be rebuilt on a stronger foundation of theological understanding. Garrett-Evangelical taught me how to think, not what to think, and offered an environment that allowed me to wrestle with my own ideologies and struggle with my own faith. It is this same environment that I now try to reproduce in my church.

Can you share a moment at Garrett-Evangelical that was an eye-opening or transformative experience?

Yes. During a pastoral care course with Lallene Rector, we were given the task of writing a funeral eulogy for www.garrett.edu

a 12-year-old boy who died as the result of a tragic accident. When many of the Caucasian students read theirs aloud, I knew those eulogies would not work in my context. A major discussion followed and, at that moment, I was made keenly aware of the greater theological disparities that exist between the White Church and the Black Church. I began to understand theology existing in context and the danger of defining one’s own perspective as absolute truth.

How do you see your future ministry?

I am an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and I plan to continue to serve in my current capacity as a senior pastor of Allen Chapel in Rockford, Illinois. I have aspirations to write and share my pastoral experiences with others. Among other projects, I hope to enhance my recent iphone application called Scripture Now. I see my future ministry as one continuing to focus on youth, seniors, and the importance of education. I believe that my education is complete, though learning is a lifetime. My hope is to use my education and status to influence the lives of those who may otherwise remain disenfranchised, discouraged, and displaced. I see myself continuing to do what I have already been doing–ministry.

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Cutting Edges: A Theology of Empty Shirts or Justice?

Barry Bryant, Associate Professor of United Methodist and Wesleyan Studies Where were you at 6:00 p.m. on May 21, 2011? What convened a conference in Jerusalem to investigate the were you thinking? That was the hour that Harold influences of dispensationalism as a source of Palestinian Camping, a radio preacher in California, predicted the oppression. Rosemary Radford Reuther and I attended. At rapture as a prelude to the return of Jesus, the battle of that time I didn’t know I would one day teach at GarrettArmageddon, and the end of the world.

Evangelical and become a part of its long While it provided many with a bonanza history of engaging dispensationalism. of easy material used in derision of Christianity, other Christians tried to For example, Harris Franklin Rall, professor distance themselves from an absurd of theology, wrote Modern Premillennialism theological caricature of what we regularly and the Christian Hope (1920) challenging affirm through the Apostles’ Creed, “…and the dispensationalism of fellow Methodist, he will come again to judge the living and William E. Blackstone. Or, Georgia the dead.” Harold Camping reminds us that Harkness, who wrote, Biblical Backgrounds without serious and constant theological of the Middle East Conflict, which was Barry Bryant reflection we can lose sight of creedal published posthumously in 1976 with fellow significance, relevance, and meaning.

Garrett seminary colleague, Charles F. Kraft.

Then, Rosemary Radford Reuther’s stellar work and While we may rightfully disparage outlandish and support of Palestine resulted in The Wrath of Jonah misguided predictions, they come from the theology of (2002). It is nothing new for Garrett-Evangelical faculty Dispensationalism, which has been a part of American members to provide critical and creative theological culture for over 150 years now. Started by the 19th century reflection on the serious and most vexing theological Irish theologian, John Nelson Darby, it was popularized issues of the day, including the issue of Palestine. by the American pastor, C. I. Scofield, through his Scofield Reference Bible and evangelists such D. L. Moody. This My wife, Rhonda McCarty, and I have made more than view was politicized by the Chicago-based Methodist twenty trips to Palestine. We have seen first-hand the lay preacher, William E. Blackstone, who authored Jesus violence, the oppression, the erection of the apartheid wall, is Coming (1908). More recently Hal Lindsey (The Late the demolition of Palestinian homes, the confiscation of Great Planet Earth), and Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins Palestinian farmland, the usurpation of Palestinian water (Left Behind series) have made millions by marketing this rights, the building of Israeli settlements, the destruction of view of the end times.

Palestinian olive trees, and the humiliation of Palestinians at checkpoints. In spite of these difficulties, there are groups Dispensationalism teaches that in the last days all Jews of Israelis and Palestinians working together in “outrageous must return to the state of Israel, where they will either hope” toward justice, peace, and reconciliation. be converted to Christianity or killed by the anti-Christ.

All of this is a prelude to the battle of Armageddon and From December 28, 2011, to January 10, 2012, a group of Christ’s second coming. If Israel is pushed into conflict Garrett-Evangelical students will be visiting some of those with its Arab neighbors, Armageddon will be accelerated, groups. You are invited to join us. “Outrageous Hope: A hastening the second coming of Christ. Dispensationalism Cross-Cultural Immersion in a Study of Justice, Peace, means that peace postpones Christ’s second coming and and Reconciliation in Israel and Palestine” will be an peacemakers are seen as anti-Christ. opportunity to see first-hand the root causes of the conflict and learn strategies that are being employed by Israelis, So, what was I thinking on May 21, at 6:00 p.m.? I was Palestinians, and others to bring about peace. For more thinking less about the silliness of the rapture and more about information, send an email to barry.bryant@garrett.edu. the seriousness of how this theology participates in oppression.

Eschatology is not about being snatched shirtless up Palestinians see dispensationalism as one source of their into heaven. It is about working for justice, peace, and oppression and a volatile fuel to their conflicts. In 2004, reconciliation until whenever Christ comes. Ours is not a Naim Ateek, Canon of St. George’s Cathedral (Anglican), theology of empty shirts, but one of hope and justice.

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www.garrett.edu

Professors Harkness and Wysner Inspired Women in Ministry Equipping men and women for bold leadership in the church and society has been a longstanding feature of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. This was reflected when the Chicago Training School, established

by Lucy Rider Meyer in 1885, merged with Garrett Biblical Institute in 1934, creating new opportunities to equip women for ministry and for creating service agencies throughout Chicago.

Meyer, in her 1889 book, Deaconnesses, said, “Just what the next branch may be, or when it may shoot forth, we are not careful to know. Our only concern is that, by no fault of ours, its nourishment be cut off, or the ground around it be not properly tilled.”

Meyer’s vision has lived on at Garrett-Evangelical, where early women faculty members provided inspiration and encouragement to students and countless others who were touched by their writings and ministries. Two notable figures were Georgia Harkness, professor of applied theology at Garrett Biblical Institute from 1939 to 1950, and Glora Wysner, professor of Christian missions from 1961 to 1968 at Garrett Theological Seminary.

Harkness was the seminary’s first female faculty member and the first woman hired to teach theology at any seminary in the United States. Ordained as a minister in 1926, she was not able as a woman to become a full member of a Methodist conference until Georgia Harkness 1956. An early advocate of women’s equality with men in aptitude for the Christian ministry, she played a crucial role in the movement to secure ordination rights for women.

Harkness has been described as one of the first significant American female theologians. In 1958, she was named Churchwoman of the Year by the Religious Heritage Society of America. She wrote many books, including the influential Prayer and the Common Life (1947). Her hymn, “Hope of the World’ was selected by the Hymn Society of America for use at the assembly of the World Council of Churches at Evanston, Illinois, in 1954, and is a favorite in United Methodist Churches and assemblies today. www.garrett.edu

Glora Wysner

Wysner came to the seminary having served as secretary of the International Missionary Council (IMC). She was deeply committed to mission, and her tenure bore witness to the broadening, not only of the curriculum, but also of the ecumenical and global spirit of the school.

Wysner served as a missionary in Algeria from 1926 through 1939. As part of her work for the IMC, she travelled extensively throughout the Near East, and wrote about her experiences in magazine articles and books, such as The Kabyle People (1945) and Near East Panorama (1950).

Wysner played a key role in the development of Church Women United and in strengthening the church’s mission at home and abroad. In 1949, she attended the Near East Christian Council meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, and in 1950, she was consultant from the IMC to the World Conference of Church’s commission on the Life and Work of Women in the Church held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reflecting on the key role Wysner and Harkness had on her life and on the church, Leila Foster (GTS 1964) said, “They were the first women I ever saw preaching a sermon or giving communion.”

Today, 38% of Garrett-Evangelical’s faculty are women, as were 54% of this year’s graduating class. Statistics for fall 2010 indicate 53% of the total enrollment were women (as compared to 35.6% at peer institutions).

Women IMAGES (Women in Ministry at GarrettEvangelical Seminary), is an essential part of the seminary’s continuing support of inclusivity. It provides programs, community and educational opportunities for women, and creates a non-sexist context for theological education.

Looking at the roles Harkness and Wysner played in shaping the future of women in ministry, Lallene Rector, academic dean and vice president for academic affairs reflects, “They persevered at a time when it was difficult to be women on a predominantly male faculty. They were inspiring and pioneering spirits and have left a wonderful legacy.”

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Alum News Lowell A. Gess, ETS 1945, Alexandria, MN, has written a book, Glorious Witnesses for Africa. Gess writes of the growth of the Christian Church in Africa in this book published by Woohoo Communications.

For more information, email info@alexumc.org.

Alan Garfield, GTS 1967, Bonita Springs, FL, retired high school teacher, has been actively involved at the Unity Church of Bonita Springs, FL, where he frequently preaches, teaches classes, and has now become president of the board of trustees.

Bishop Charlene Kammerer, GTS 1972 and 1975, Glen Allen, VA, will be assuming the role of Bishop-inResidence at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University starting in January 2013.

Bill Bates, GTS 1973, Sioux Falls, SD, was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Dakota Wesleyan on April 30, 2011, for his outstanding service and leadership in the Dakotas Conference.

Anne Lippincott, G-ETS 1985 and 1987, Davenport, IA, has been appointed as the Senior Pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church as of July 1, 2011.

Lippincott’s husband, Steven Braudt, has been awarded the Pearson Scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical and will begin full-time in the fall.

Charles Davidson, G-ETS 2003, Black Mountain, NC, has written a book, Bone Dead, and Rising: Vincent Van Gogh and the Self Before God, with a foreword by Lallene Rector. While written for a general audience, the book is intended specifically for pastors and lay caregivers, as well as pastoral counselors and other mental health professionals.

Pamela Lightsey, G-ETS 2005, Boston, MA, will serve as the associate dean for community life and lifelong learning at Boston University School of Theology starting July 1, 2011. Previously she served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Garrett-Evangelical and will be greatly missed.

Beth Wilterdink, G-ETS 2009, Mentor, OH, has been appointed pastor of Hope Ridge United Methodist Church. Jon Wilterdink, G-ETS 2010, has been appointed as staff pastor at both Hope Ridge and Mentor United Methodist Churches as of July 1, 2011.

Julie Wilson, G-ETS 2011, Evanston, IL, was awarded the 2011 Chalice Press Book Award. This award recognizes outstanding seminarians as determined by faculty and peers at each respective school.

IRA Charitable Rollover Provision Ends December 31, 2011 On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. Among other incentives for charitable giving, the Act extended the IRA charitable rollover. The deadline, originally scheduled at the end of 2009, was extended through December 31, 2011. That date is fast approaching, but it is not too late to take advantage of the tax breaks afforded by this provision.

According to this law, in each of the years 2010 and 2011, an owner of a traditional or Roth IRA who is 70.5 or older may instruct the trustee of the IRA to distribute to a qualified charity up to $100,000 without the distribution being included in taxable income, and that distribution will count toward the IRA owner’s mandatory withdrawal amount. This opportunity will end on December 31 of this year.

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Certain rules must be followed in order to take advantage of this tax break, including: 1. The IRA distribution must go directly to the charity.

2. Private foundations and donor-advised funds are not eligible for the tax-free IRA distributions.

3. The maximum tax-free distribution you can make is $100,000 a year.

4. No benefits (such as annuity income) can be received as a result of the gift.

5. Charitable gifts must be made from a traditional or Roth IRA. Funds in a 401(k), 403(b), or other type of retirement account do not qualify.

If you want to take advantage of this opportunity before the scheduled deadline on December 31, 2011, you are encouraged to consult with your financial advisor as soon as possible. Or contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at 847.866.3970 for more information. www.garrett.edu

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

1940s A. Myron Herrell, GBI 1940, Walnut Creek, CA, died on February 6, 2011.

Robert Mulligan, GBI 1942, Indianapolis, IN, died on April 5, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and five children.

LaVern E. Tooley, ETS 1944, Shelton, WA, died on April 1, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth.

William F. Frank, GBI 1945, South Bend, IN, died on October 12, 2010.

Gilbert L. Shilling, ETS 1947, Sebring, OH, died on April 22, 2011.

Angus Cameron, GBI 1948, Chapel Hill, NC, died on December 12, 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine.

Richard E. Gibbens, ETS 1948, Tulsa, OK, died on January 16, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannine.

Charles C. Klosterman, GBI 1948, Evanston, IL, died on May 28, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice.

1950s Donald B. Woodward, GBI 1950, Edina, MN, died on April 18, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou. Dale Doverspike, ETS 1953, Morristown, TN, died on April 12, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Ann. Willis James Elliott, ETS 1953, Wichita, KS, died on April 25, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Beth.

Nelson E. Stants, ETS 1953, Irwin, PA, died on September 13, 2010.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren.

Elaine Chesley, GBI 1954, Brainerd, MN, died on May 25, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Tom. James Palmer, Sr., GBI 1954, McKinney, TX, died on June 1, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Ellen.

Leo Buechler, ETS 1955, International Falls, MN, died on May 8, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Alma.

1990s Jean Martin, G-ETS 1994, Franklin, IN, died on May 7, 2011.

She is survived by her husband, Ted. 2000s Patricia Ann Scrutchions, G-ETS 2004, Matteson, IL, died on May 8, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Gerald.

John Henderson Cartwright, Former Faculty, Dies in April John Henderson Cartwright, 77, formerly professor of sociology of religion at GarrettEvangelical, passed away at his home on Dataw, St. Helena Island, South Carolina, on April 22, 2011. Education and religion were dominant themes in Cartwright’s life. In 1954, he received an A.B. degree summa cum laude from Wiley College. He earned a bachelor of sacred theology in 1957 and a Ph.D. in the sociology of religion and social ethics in 1972, both from Boston University.

Cartwright was an ordained minister in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He had a distinguished list of professorial and ministerial appointments and positions, including a fellowship at the University of California, Santa Cruz; visiting professor, Princeton Theological Seminary and Oxford University; and tenure at Garrett-Evangelical beginning in 1970 until 1976, when he was appointed the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Social Philosophy at Boston University. He retired from Boston University as professor emeritus in 1998 and moved with his wife, Gloria, to St. Helena Island, where they were involved in numerous projects and organizations in the area.

John is survived by his son, Kevin Michael Cartwright; his daughters, Kristine Elizabeth Cartwright and Kimberly Sue Cartwright; and six grandchildren. www.garrett.edu

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

2121 Sheridan Road Evanston, Illinois 60201

Visit us at www.garrett.edu

Captured by a Compelling Narrative Conference

Sponsored by the Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities at Garrett-Evangelical and The Carpenter Foundation, this conference will gather leaders and educators to explore ways to proclaim the good news for a new generation.

Featuring

Diana Butler-Bass Gregory Ellison

October 27-28, 2011 Information and Registration at www.TransformativeLeaders.org

Walter Fluker

Mike Slaughter

And More