The Wesley Student Journal Returns!

Reemerging Anew: Editor's Note

The Wesley Student Journal has traditionally been a space of expression for graduate students to explore faith tensions, theological praxis and journal about the seminary journey. Over time and throughout a myriad of circumstances, disheartening events, and grief related to the pandemics of a global health emergency, ongoing social injustice and uprisings, and the uncertain state of the church, the Wesley Student Journal has transformed into a space of reflection for the Wesley community that includes collaborative efforts from seminarian students and faculty and writers across the globe.

The Wesley Student Journal’s reemergence intends to be a space for reflection for the Wesley Community to reveal the journey of “the call” from varied perspectives, including academia, worship, liturgy curation, and ponderings about traditional and non-traditional ministry, mental health matters and self-care. This issue focuses on the periods of reflection throughout the liturgical year from Advent to Easter. It explores sorrow, hope, and what it means to care for self-care and take seriously the concerns of others throughout the seasons as we navigate the ebbs and flows of life, recognizing the liturgical calendar. The WSJ reemergence issue also honors women’s sacred existence sharing how the Wesley community has celebrated women’s voices in myriad ways.

As the Wesley Student Journal reemerges, it is symbolic of the intentional fellowship and imaginative prophetic efforts of the Wesley Community sprinkling about our community. May the visuals of fellowship, words of encouragement, and reflections of our contributors offer encouragement along the seminary journey and urge imaginative, responsive hope as you navigate “the call”.

Amen and Ase

Yasika Bigham