(Published July 15, 2020)
Philippians 3:13 "Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me."
Grace and peace,
If it weren’t for COVID, Olympic athletes would be arriving in Tokyo right now, preparing for the competition of a lifetime.
If it weren’t for COVID, many kids would be enjoying summer camps or hanging out with friends at the pool.
If it weren’t for COVID, our churches would be worshipping together, individuals singing and hugging and praying side by side.
And yet…even with COVID-19 in our midst, when the things we counted on to mark days and seasons have disappeared, the Holy Spirit is at work in even more powerful ways.
The Holy Spirit is blowing through millions of people who are still marching and protesting and acting, seeking a more just future for black and indigenous persons of color in this country and around the world.
The Holy Spirit is blowing through neighborhood groups that have formed to meet immediate needs of those who are out of work or most vulnerable, seeing one another again for the first time.
And the Holy Spirit is blowing in individuals who are asking bigger questions about the meaning, purpose, and focus of their life and work, ready to step out in faith for the sake of God’s dream for the world.
Maybe you’ve had that experience in the last few months – that unsettled feeling that there’s something more for you to do, a different path you need to take, or the confirmation to move forward. We are here to support you on that journey. If you are anxious or uncertain about whether now is the right time, reach out and talk to us about what it might look like to get started, even with just a few classes. If you’re uncertain about how you’ll form community this fall, reach out and let us connect you with current students and student groups who will journey with you. If you’re nervous about taking classes online, reach out and let us connect you with students and faculty who can share about their experience and help you into your first classes.
Yes, COVID has changed the world as we once knew it, and life seems uncertain right now. But the Spirit is moving, and will not be deterred. Therefore, may we each find and take the next faithful step, urged on by Paul to “forget about the things behind [you] and reach out for the things ahead.” (Phil 3:13, CEB).
We stand ready to walk with you as you discern and step out in faith.
Rev. Beth Ludlum, D.Min.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Wesley Theological Seminary
Many thanks to Alfred Day, General Secretary, GCAH, for his illuminating content for this post. Image: "John Wesley is depicted as a young preacher in this sculpture by Adam Carr located in Melbourne, Australia. Public domain photo by Adam Carr/Wikipedia."www.umcresources.org
"Remember John Wesley's birthday (June 28, 1703 on contemporary calendars and June 17 on the Julian calendar) with this remarkably prescient quote, especially in the context of dismantling racism."
"Wesley was in Bristol in March 1788, the capital of the slave trade in Britain and, years earlier, the launch site for the organized Methodist movement." "Wesley writes - "3 March 1788. Decided to preach on slavery. Vehement noise arose. Satan trying to protect his kingdom. Pray that God would remember those poor outcasts of men and (what seems impossible with men, considering the wealth and power of their oppressors) make a way for them to escape and break their chains in sunder."
" Fast forward to Bristol, England, 2020: "a statue of one of Bristol's men of wealth and power, a high ranking man of Satan's kingdom of slavers, was thrown recently into Bristol's harbor. It was fished out but not restored to its pedestal."
Once again, John Wesley's spiritual compass is true, his commitment to 'social holiness' timeless. May we, like John Wesley - inspired by the beloved example of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, be bold enough to address "the spiritual and economic forces to be confronted in the process."
UPDATE JUNE 18, 2020: The Wesley Administration decided that all 2020 summer courses will remain online. Fall 2020 courses will be offered in numerous ways to ensure social distancing: (a) classes with registration larger than 20 will be taught online (b) classes with registration under 20 can be taught online with occasional face-to-face classroom meetings with social distancing (the final decision is with the instructor). For all students uncomfortable with coming on campus, all online studies will be available until further notice.
"The work of dismantling racism is hard. Very hard. It evokes resentment, denial, anger, fear, and pain. And yet, we must do it. As we dive into this work, we must realize, it is always easy to talk about racism and oppression in general, but it is exceedingly harder to create real, tangible change. ...It is hard, but it is not impossible. We are a people of faith, hope, and determination," said Wesley Board of Governors member Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, episcopal leader and servant of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church (BWCUMC), in a July 8, 2020 BWCUMC statement announcing new efforts by the Conference to dismantle racism.
Bishop Easterling's statement also addressed concerns that may impact the receptivity to this new BWCUMC effort, which included a call for a monthly sermon on racism and one teaching opportunity on racism or systemic oppression by BWCUMC churches. The Discipleship Council provides resources for this journey at bwcumc.org/justicenow .
Read the full statement and access the resources : https://www.bwcumc.org/news-and-views/bishop-easterling-the-time-is-now-to-address-racism/
"Some have argued that this is not the right time to engage this work. That we are stretched thin as we face the realities of COVID-19, a recession, and other exhausting events in our lives. ...To demand that those suffering injustices be patient and wait is itself a manifestation of privilege. If you literally cannot breathe, you cannot wait patiently for air. The time, beloved, is now."
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(images above: Jewish art from Wesley's permanent collection. Center: Marc Chagall, "The Creation," signed lithograph - Ralph & Birgitta Peterson Collection of Modern Religious Art at Wesley. Right: YUKA, bronze sculpture by Tobi Kahn. Photo: Wesley staff.)
The Great (Career) Reset Ensuring Purpose and Meaning in Your Career Two Part Webinar: July 17, 2 PM Eastern.
With the events of the past weeks, many are reconsidering their priorities in future work and looking to explore new opportunities...does this sound like someone you know? Does it sound like you?
Join Wesley Theological Seminary and American University School of Public Affairs for Part Two of a two-part webinar featuring experts in mindful leadership, career advancement, and change management, as well as guides in discernment and wisdom who can help you chart a path to what's next. Part 2: July 17 2:00-5:00 PM Eastern. You do not need to have attended Part One of the webinar to attend Part Two on July 17.
Fall 2020 Course Highlights (*Recommended courses for first-year students, †fulfills requirements for UM students)
ONLINE & HYBRID Highlights _______________________________________
- *†BI-171-HB Intro New Testament: Gospels (Hybrid: DC campus and Online)
- *†BI-101-OL Introduction to Hebrew Bible 1 (Online)
- CF-290-HB Cultivating Mental Health through Spiritual Practice (Hybrid: DC campus and Online)
- CM -247-OL On Visiting the Sick: Methodist Responses to Disease and Pandemic (Online)
- PW-125-B Foundations of Preaching (Baltimore)
- RA-144-HB Scripture in Literature (Hybrid: DC campus and Online)
- RA-260-OL Jewish Art From the Bible to Today Culture (Online)
- ST-229-HB Theologies of Resistance & Liberation: Martin Luther King, Jr. & Mohandas K. Gandhi (Hybrid: Baltimore, MD and Online)
Visit our Try a Class page or email us to learn how to begin your studies: admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
Please pray with us: Oxnam Resources
Within our Oxnam Resources exists a Prayer Wall where you can pray for others and request prayer. Please join us in prayer this and everyday as we seek God for wisdom, comfort, healing, and the blessedness of God's kingdom and will to be done.
Please remember that during this time, We are praying for you and with you. Be safe and healthy, Beloved Community.
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