Wesley Theological Seminary » Alumni » eCalling for Graduates Archive

"[The resurrection of Christ] means a new way of life has been unleashed upon the world where reconciliation is actually possible at last, where the things that have divided the nations and torn them apart can actually be addressed."- from an excerpt of an interview with Christian author Bishop N.T. Wright in this month's issue of eCalling for Graduates

- Wesley Ministry Network at a glance
- Why this book?
- Simply Christian bonus video excerpt, an interview with N.T. Wright
- What do you say?
- Grad News and Notes
- Upcoming events
- About eCalling for Graduates
- About Wesley

Wesley Ministry Network at a glance

Wesley Ministry Network (WMN) provides video-based Christian education courses designed by experts for laypersons in all denominations. These courses are a vehicle for connecting the church's best teachers with the whole church.

Each course consists of six-to-10 class sessions with a leading scholar giving a video introduction for each session. Course work includes detailed leader and participant guides with readings, summaries and reflection and discussion questions. Also, each course comes with a corresponding website that contains supplemental materials.

Last year alone, WMN shipped more than 1,400 course kits to churches around the world. These courses reached an estimated 21,000 participants.

Serious Answers to Hard Questions, released in 2006, featured a who's-who of theologians including retired United Methodist Bishop Ken Carder, John Polkinghorne of Cambridge University, Richard Hays of Duke Divinity School, Ben Witherington of Asbury Theological Seminary and Amy-Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University. This course addresses 10 stumbling blocks to faith, such as evangelism and tolerance, other religions, evil and the sins of the church.

Simply Christian, WMN's sixth course, will be released at the end of this month. (see "Why this book" article below for more details)

The seventh course, currently in the works, will delve into the most controversial issues found at the intersection of science and religion. Dr. Frances S. Collins will host this new course. Dr. Collins, as the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, successfully led the effort to complete Human Genome Project. In the past few months he's been featured in Time and National Geographic magazines. He recently authored the book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief.

For more information about WMN or the courses, visit http://www.wesleyministrynetwork.com/

Why this book?

The Rev. Dr. Craig Hill, Wesley's professor of the New Testament and director of the Wesley Ministry Network, provides insights on the Christian education program's newest course.

When we began Wesley Ministry Network four years ago, our first few courses were geared toward advanced adult education groups that wanted substantial lessons for lay people in churches of all denominations. These were essentially 300-level courses. Churches received these very well, but we soon realized that churches also needed something at the 100 level.

N.T. (Tom) Wright is a widely known and respected New Testament scholar and Christian speaker. He's well-regarded for both his academic and ministerial achievements, which includes most recently serving as Bishop of Durham, England. He's written more than thirty books, including the award-winning The Resurrection of the Son of God. While I was in England last year filming Tom Wright for a portion of the Serious Answers to Hard Questions course, he told me about his forthcoming book Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. As he described the book, I realized that this was what our lay education program needed to offer churches, especially those with seekers or beginners classes, a sort of 101 to Christianity. Also, I was struck by the insightful metaphors Tom used that will allow people to see some basic ideas in a new and fresh light.

In Simply Christian, Tom is trying to deal with the things most Christians in history have believed. It's a stimulating place to begin thinking about what the core of Christianity is. Tom's view is one well worth exploring, but it's not the only view. I hope everyone who participates in this Wesley Ministry Network course sees this is a starting point for the conversation, not the last word. Because this is a starting point for conversation, we've built questions into the curriculum that ask, in effect, "Do you agree with this?" We're encouraging the people participating in the small group exercises to listen faithfully to one another. So in the leader's and participants' guides we consciously give permission for people to disagree. Too often when controversial ideas are discussed in our culture, people vilify those with opposing stances. It's in our churches that we can put into practice the concept of respectfully and lovingly discussing and even disagreeing.

Simply Christian bonus video excerpt: an interview with N.T. Wright

In the bonus video that comes with the new Wesley Ministry Network course, Simply Christian, N.T. Wright speaks with Richard Hays of Duke Divinity School about the book the new course is based on and important faith issues. This in-depth, 75 minute conversation is divided into nine sections that can be viewed independently or together. Read an excerpt from the section "Evil."

What do you think?

Last week, Wesley hosted a meeting of our President's Advisory Council (PAC). This group consists of lay leaders from churches of a variety of denominations in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The purpose of the council is to offer Wesley's president, the Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, input from a church-goer's perspective and to give feedback on how things are going in Wesley's partner churches. The advice this group provides, just like that given by Wesley's Alumni Council, is very valuable. Last week's PAC meeting encouraged us so much that we're hoping to get additional feedback from other members of the Wesley community, namely you. Please send us an email and let us know what important issues your church is facing that we as the academy for the church need to know about. Thank you for your help.

Grad News and Notes

For and About Wesley Alums
Please send information you'd like to share with other Wesley alumni to Ann Keeler, director of alumni relations, at Graduates@wesleyseminary.edu.

Recent Death

Thomas Cartwright, D.Min. '03, of the Central Pennsylvania Conference passed away on December 16, at age 45, from cancer.

Celebrations

Jim Hubbard, M.Div. '90, received the Distinguished Lewis Hine Award from the National Child Labor Committee for his photography with Homeless persons. His work hangs in the second floor hallway of the Trott building at Wesley. Learn more about Hubbard and the Hine Award at www.nationalchildlabor.org/hine_2007_hubbard.html.

Ileana Rosas, M.Div. '99, is now the director of Hispanic/Latino ministries for the United Methodist church in the Virginia Conference. She continues also as pastor of Gracia United Methodist Church in Falls Church, Va.

Christopher B. Statz, M.Div. '85, is in the greater Cleveland area, in the East Ohio Annual Conference. He has been married to Anne for twelve years and has two daughters, ages eight and six. His current appointment is pastor of spiritual and congregational growth of Rocky River UMC. His primary emphasis is developing a ministry to shepherd visitors towards connecting them into a church home and develop a church of small groups to create cohesion and learning around common denominators. Rocky River UMC is a church more than 2,000 people from five communities that indicate a 40 percent unchurched or de-churched population.

The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Abts Wright, M.Div. '76, received the 2006 Fortress Press Award for Graduate and Seminary Teaching at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature Conference in Washington, D.C., Nov. 18-21, 2006. She currently serves as professor of Old Testament at the University of the South's School of Theology in Sewanee, Tenn. The Fortress Press Award recognizes professors in the United States for their innovative instruction methods, their approaches to subject areas, or their communication with today's students in biblical studies, religious studies, theology, ethics or ministry.

Wright teaches Hebrew and foundational courses in Old Testament as well as electives in the study and translation from original Hebrew of various Old Testament books.
Author of educational texts, articles, essays and reviews, she contributes to the series International Lesson Annual for Abingdon Press. She is president of the publication Tuesday Morning and continues to write exegetical pieces for this theological journal and preaching resource geared to small-church ministry.

Since 1979, she has taught each summer in the Course of Study School at Wesley. She is an ordained Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and has served several churches in Maryland, West Virginia and Connecticut.

Immersion Opportunities

Have you ever wanted to travel to Spain? Join Catherine Kapikian and Art Thomas May 10-22, 2007 on a Wesley immersion, Spain: Its Culture, Spirituality and Art. The deadline for initial registration down payment of $400 to GTA Tours is due A.S.A.P. To learn more about this immersion, contact Dr. Akiiki "Daisy" Kabagarama at (240) 277-6550 or the PMM office at (202) 885-8666 or Dr. Art Thomas at 410-756-6092 or at athomas@qis.net. Graduates, students, spouses and friends welcome.

Travel to South Korea. The immersion trip to South Korea will highlight cultural, social and political facets allowing participants a deeper understanding of an ancient and powerful country. The itinerary includes visits to Kwanglim Methodist Church, the largest Methodist Church in the world. Also, participants will have the opportunity to speak with Korean-Christian politicians during their visit to the National Assembly. Explore Korea's rich cultural history and traditions during visits to a Korean folk village, shopping in traditional markets, and visits to Jeoldusan (Martyr's Shrine) and Kanghwado SeongGonHoe Songdang, a beautiful Anglican church built to resemble a Buddhist temple. Another highlight is Korea's Demilitarized Zone. Korean immersion participants will experience firsthand the continuing effects of the Cold War and the repercussions it has today. The cost of the trip is approximately $2,500 including airfare, accommodations and extraneous expenses. The Korean immersion is scheduled for May 21 - June 2, 2007. Contact suhm@wesleyseminary.edu as soon as possible for more information or to register and pay the required $300 deposit. The final deposit is due on April 15, 2007.

Visit India. Join this immersion trip to India, Christian Faith Encountering Diverse India: Living World Religions, Resourceful Poor Communities and Historic Ecumenical Churches, on August 2 - 18, 2007. The Rev. Dr. Sathianathan Clarke, Wesley's professor of Theology, Culture and Mission and leader of this immersion trip, is an ordained Minister of the Church of South India, contextual theologian, social activist, ecumenical leader and comparative religionist. This pilgrimage will start in Chennai, which will include an orientation to cultural and theological themes, participation in Christian ministry to the poor and oppressed communities and guided visits to Hindu sites of worship. Next, participants will travel to Kerala to spend five days with Syrian Orthodox and Mar Thoma communities. The trip concludes with four days in Bangalore in an ecumenical setting, where participants will learn about missions in the context of contextualization, globalization and the Dalit, Feminist and Tribal movements. The trip will cost approximately $3,200 including airfare, internal train travel, food, lodging, lectures and site visits, but not visa, health insurance and travel insurance. Contact Clarke at (202) 885-8528 or sclarke@wesleyseminary.edu as soon as possible for more information or to register.

Job Announcements

Wesley Seminary does not actively seek job announcements, but when they are sent to us, we forward information applicable to our graduates.

University Chaplain
Illinois Wesleyan University is a residential institution that offers students distinctive opportunities for intellectual development in the liberal arts and selected professional and pre-professional programs. The presence of fifteen faith-based student groups on campus provides for vibrant religious life experiences on campus. Another fifteen political/social activism groups provide significant opportunities for students to engage with the community and promote social justice.

The university chaplain offers spiritual growth opportunities to students; promotes awareness and appreciation of religious diversity; assists in the exploration of ethical questions, issues and values; works closely with campus religious life groups and committees; and provides pastoral care to members of the campus community. The chaplain plays an important part in the student life program and it is anticipated that the chaplain will assist the university community achieve several aspects of our strategic plan with regards to community engagement and social justice. The chaplain will have solid academic credentials and demonstrated experience in pastoral or related roles.

Depending on the interest and qualifications, the chaplain may have an opportunity to teach in an appropriate discipline. A successful candidate will possess a master's degree in divinity or theology with a Ph.D. preferred. Ordination, with preference for the United Methodist Church, is required.

Application deadline: February 15, 2007.
Candidates should submit, preferably electronically, a letter of application, a resume and names of three references to: University Chaplain Search, Human Resources Office, Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900, chaplainsearch@iwu.edu. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer. http://www.iwu.edu/

Upcoming events

Abner Hershberger, A Visiting Artist Returns - running now through March 9
The Dadian Gallery will host Abner Hershberger, as an exhibition in honor of Trever Bennett. Abner Herschberger was one of the seminary's earliest artists in residence, during the1981-82 academic year. Welcoming him back 25 years after his residency, this exhibition presents his recent abstract paintings, which he refers to as 'field notes.' For more information, call (202) 885-8630.

Wesley Days - February 6
Do you know someone exploring a call to ministry? On Tuesday, February 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., individuals interested in the seminary can tour our campus and learn more about our master-level degree programs. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Office of Admissions at (202) 885-8659.

Community Builder Breakfast Presentation - Wednesday, February 21
In this month's Community Builder presentation on Wednesday, February 21, from 7:30 - 9 a.m., Dr. Diedra Kriewald, professor of teaching and formation, will lead a special Ash Wednesday worship service. To RSVP, call (202) 885-8636.

Weekly Chapel Services - Tuesdays and Wednesdays
During the academic year, Wesley Theological Seminary holds weekly worship services on campus in Oxnam Memorial Chapel on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. We warmly invite you to attend and worship with us. Upcoming services include:

- January 30, Wesley's annual Martin Luther King lecture given by Dr. John W. Kinney, dean of School of Theology at Virginia Union.
- February 13, Wesley faculty members Dr. Bobby McLain and Dr. Eileen Guenther will lead a service of Charles Tindley spirituals
- March 20, Wesley's annual Oscar Romero Lecture given by Dr. Jose Irizarry, professor of cultural studies in religious education at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago
- March 27, worship service celebrating Charles Wesley's 300th Birthday

In-Depth Look at Experiencing Worship, Spring Faculty Lecture - Thursday, March 8
Dr. Donald Saliers of the Candler School of Theology lead two sessions as part of Wesley's annual spring faculty lecture, with a dinner Dean's Forum at 5 p.m. in Elderdice Hall.

- "What Languages Shall We Borrow?" at 2 p.m. The words we use in Christian worship depend radically on that which is not verbal. And the non-verbal languages of worship are given focus and point by texts that know the ways of metaphor, parable, story and song. This lecture explores the relationships between non-verbal and verbal dimensions in Eucharist and healing services.

-"Proclamation and Prayer through the Arts" at 7 p.m. The history of Christian worship is also a history of the eye, the ear, the body in gesture and movement, and the related senses. This lecture explores the ways in which human senses are related to the formation and expression of the deep affections: awe, wonder, gratitude, lament, sorrow, hope and compassion. Specific pastoral and liturgical strategies will be proposed.

For more information about these spring faculty lecture sessions, call (202) 885-8630. To RSVP for the dinner Dean's Forum, contact Eleanor Gease.

Exploring Worship that Reaches Congregations - Friday, March 9
Register today to attend Gathering of the Gifted: Book, Font, Table and Song on Friday, March 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dr. Donald Saliers of the Candler School of Theology and Wesley alumni Kari and Alan Jones of Connection Community Church will lead this workshop that explores the nature of attendees gifts and the pastoral work needed for planning and leading worship that reaches today's congregations. For more information, contact Sara Sheppard at (202) 885-8688.