What Are You Reading? Part II

The “What Are You Reading?” summer series continues this week with a list of books from Garrett-Evangelical President Philip Amerson and Dr. Osvaldo Vena, Professor of New Testament Interpretation.

President Philip Amerson’s List:
•    Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
•    Allah: A Christian Response by Miraslov Volf
•    The Surrendered by Chang-Rae Lee
•    Fables and Distances: New and Selected Essays by John A. Haines
•    The Pastor: A Memoir by Eugene Peterson
•    The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America by Jonathan Kozol
•    Song Yet Sung by James McBride

Dr. Osvaldo Vena’s List:
•    Democratizing Biblical Studies. Toward an Emancipatory Educational Space by Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza (WJK, 2009).
This book proposes a new paradigm for biblical study, one which is less competitive and which allows for a variety of voices to be equally heard in a democratic dialogue. It tries to subvert the idea that the study of the bible is the domain of either the church or the academy and places it in the public domain.
•    Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor by Leonard Boff, a Brazilian theologian.
It is a book on ecological theology that applies the principles of liberation theology to answering the questions of poverty and ecological degradation.
•    In order to keep up with my Latin American heritage I am reading also the complete works of Jorge Luis Borges.

Seminary, A Creative Writer’s Nightmare?

Becky Wilson

Looking back on the Spring 2011 semester, my first as a full time M.Div. student at Garrett-Evangelical, many things stand out. Although writing about my experiences during the snow storm of the century that occurred in late January is tempting, I want to tell you about my classes.

Enrolled in both Introduction to Old Testament and Introduction to New Testament, along with Spiritual Direction and Companionship, I knew that I had my work cut out for me.  My biggest fear about the work load was not the work load itself, but rather that in keeping up with the assigned readings and reflections and in exegetical researching and writing that I would have no time or desire to write creatively.

I began writing poetry, stories and essays as a child. At the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy, words are my passion and being able to express myself on paper is as essential to me as breathing. As I first looked over course syllabi, I saw the assignment listings as a sign that my fear of seminary was coming true; that academics had overtaken creativity.

What happened over the course of the next few months was shocking and amazing. All of my fears were unfounded. Academics did not squash creativity, but rather enhanced it. Coursework was both challenging and inspiring. What I discovered during this semester is that Garrett-Evangelical is not only committed to creating bold leaders for the world, but that they are committed to doing so creatively as well. In all three of my courses, there was opportunity for creative expression and thought.

My Old Testament professor often incorporated movie clips into class lectures and discussions. On one occasion, students were given the opportunity to write a psalm based on the death of one of the movie’s characters. My New Testament professor offered students extra credit for creative expressions of material covered in class. In my Spiritual Direction and Companionship course, the final project had an optional component consisting of reading a novel and then creating a piece of art or a poem that captured one’s reaction. At the time that I read the novel, a friend of mine was in the final stages of a courageous battle with lung cancer. As the novel’s main character reminded me of my friend, I was able to write a poem about our miraculous friendship and get credit for it. Surely, this was a writer’s dream.

The classroom is not the only place where creativity is valued at Garrett-Evangelical. In March of this year, as the Chapel celebrated Woman’s History, I was honored to read an original poem during one of the week’s services. The lectionary text for the week was John 4:5-42, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well. This poem was originally written several years ago, but was reshaped and reworked for not only the service, but for my New Testament extra credit assignment as well.

Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, a creative writer’s dream come true.

you see for me

there was a time when the world was only dark
no matter the color of the glasses I wore

I could not see the light that others swore to me existed
after years of shame and pain it all became unbearable
living with open eyes
and so I chose deliberately to close them 

and just as I wished I did not see a thing

not hunger, not hatred
not homelessness, not heartache
no injustice, no prejudice, no war

then one day unexpected yet right on time she came 

speaking hope proclaiming something more

just because it’s easy doesn’t mean that it’s right
your eyes closed to darkness are also closed to light
bathe in this fountain, drink from this well, and then tell me what you see

despite the fear that filled me
I did and then I said

where there is hunger I see the multitudes all being fed
where there is hatred I see lovers, champions for women & children & men
where there is heartache I see joy-filled faces
rivers of justice are flowing 
equality vibrant and growing
I see peace inside all people
peace within all places

I wonder
 will you too bathe in this fountain, drink from this well
will you go and tell the world what God can do
will you embrace the life-giving light
will you pray to see fully everyday?

---

Becky Wilson is from Detroit, Michigan and is a second year MDiv student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

What Are You Reading? Part I

This year, Garrett-Evangelical is asking entering and current students to read two books before the beginning of the fall semester: How to Think Theologically and Cutting for Stone. So, as our students dive into these books, we decided to check in with our staff and faculty members and ask, “What are you reading?”

 

Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring some of the responses from our beloved faculty and staff members. This week, Dr. David Hogue, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at Garrett-Evangelical, shares his reading list which includes books for work and fun:

American Grace:  How Religion Divides and Unites Us by Robert Putnam and David Campbell

An extended discussion of two large sociological studies that explore how religion has participated in the increasing political polarization in the U.S., how devotion has remained high despite declining denominational commitments, and how the move toward tolerance of diversity may ultimately save us.

Fingerprints of God: A Search for the Science of Spirituality by Barbara Bradley Hagerty 

Raised in a Christian Science family, this NPR correspondent reviews significant neurobiological science in an attempt to understand more fully her own spiritual experiences and how faith contributes to health.  Though most of the science she describes is available from other sources, this volume introduces a popular audience to contemporary thought about the biological processes that may be involved.

The Social Animal:  The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement by David Brooks 

Prolific author David Brooks has summarized important trends in contemporary biological sources for our most intimate relationships and accomplishments in an accessible format.

Out of Our Heads:  Why You Are Not Your Brain and Other Lessons from the Biology of Consciousness by Alva Noe

As a philosopher and cognitive scientist, Noe challenges the current trend in neuroscience toward explaining consciousness only from inside the brain.  While many will disagree with him, as Daniel Dennett says, those of us who do "have our work cut out for us."

The Accidental Mind:  How Brain Evolution Has Given Us Love, Memory, Dreams, and God by David Linden.

A witty, engaging overview of contemporary thought by David Linden, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins.

In the Garden of Beats:  Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larsen

Written by the author of Devil in the White City, this fascinating history tells the story of former University of Chicago history professor William Dodd's appointment by FDR as the first U.S. Ambassador to Hitler's Germany.  Provides important insight into the ways human beings avoid acknowledging the unfolding evil before them, and what happens when it becomes clear.

The Lost Cyclist: The Epic Tail of an American Adventurer And His Mysterious Disappearance by David Herlihy

A fascinating history of Frank Lenz's ill-fated attempt at a solo, around-the-world bicycle trip in the 1880s.

The Poisoner's Handbook:  Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum 

The title says it all.

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King

Offers a new angle on the artist's quandaries, conflicts, and achievements in painting the Sistine Chapel.

What I Learned in My First Year of Ministry

Adrienne Trevethan

It’s been just over a year since I began my position as Director of Christian Education at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston. Although time seemed to move quickly while I was at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, it seems to move much faster now. Of course, my perspective has changed – life in the church has ebbs and flows that move to a different rhythm, and sometimes it takes a while to catch on to how it all works together. Fortunately, serving at Northminster has been a powerful growing experience, and so I offer these reflections not as unsolicited advice or wisdom from someone who knows better, but as a teacher reflecting on her first year of ministry. Here’s some of what I learned in my first year:

I learned to be myself.  That may seem overly simplistic, but it was a valuable lesson to learn in more ways than I can explain. I came into this position following a person who had been here for several years. It would have been easy to constantly compare my way of being in ministry to hers, or to the ministry of other people in my field. Would I be able to accomplish similar things? Would my leadership be strong enough? I realized that being preoccupied with those questions would not help me do the things God was calling me to do (or in the ways in which I was called to do them). I know how I approach teaching and administration, which includes my strengths and my growing edges. If I’m not myself, people will notice. 

I learned that the world doesn’t fall apart from making a major change.  I was told in several classes at Garrett-Evangelical that it isn’t advisable to make a major change in the life of the church until (at least) after the first year. While this may have been sound advice from professors with many years of experience, it doesn’t always account for the realities of ever-changing church cultures and contexts. There are times when we must make choices, and the situation doesn’t wait until we’ve met a monthly requirement. It is difficult to keep a finger on the pulse of the church when things are moving quickly, but it’s necessary. A few months ago, I was profoundly frustrated and disappointed, and now I’m coming up on the end of a 4-month long discernment process that involves making major changes to how we understand education as a church. This is not to say that we have it all figured out; we still have needs and challenges, but we have done this together. It may initially take a nudge from a trusted mentor or senior colleague, but don’t neglect acting when you need to act.  

I learned (am learning) to delegate.  In my first year, I’m fairly certain I spent too much time being lost in details or chasing rabbits. Sure, I got some things done, but my priorities come first for a reason. 

I learned that every interaction matters.  Every interaction I have with members of this church matters – whether it’s a phone call, talking at the coffee hour or after Bible Study. I’m only here for a certain amount of time – I only have a brief window to get to see peoples’ lives, and it’s all meaningful.

I learned that clear communication comes immediately after the Golden Rule.  After the commandment of loving God and neighbor, I suspect that Jesus said something about communicating clearly (which is probably still sitting around in Q somewhere – someone should look into that). The more I can communicate my plans and ideas, the stronger our programs will be. The more opportunities I create for people to communicate with me, the stronger our programs will be. This doesn’t mean that I’ll have a large rush of people running to our open houses or parent meetings, but it does mean that people have the chance to express themselves. We’ve tried various approaches over the last few months, and the people who felt invested had the opportunity to share. As the Presbyterian Church (USA) has taught me, there is wisdom in the process.

I learned to trust my colleagues/mentors.  It took me awhile to open up to my colleagues, which had nothing to do with them, but more to do with my prior experiences in other settings. When I was able to recognize those experiences and let down my guard, then I began to feel like I was truly a part of the staff. I learned to value the experiences of the other staff members, and hear the stories of congregation members to keep perspective. I learned to network with other people in my field across the country so that I would always have a community of shared experiences and resources. Thankfully, Garrett-Evangelical taught me about the importance of keeping a close community, which has been invaluable.   

I learned to over-plan.  Things usually go much more smoothly if I have too many options. I can’t always predict what will happen, but I’ve learned how to deal with it without becoming a complete spaz (well, most of the time).

I learned that balance is necessary.  I don’t necessarily mean time management (although this is important and is covered in many Garrett-Evangelical classes), but balance of spirit. I can’t vision or teach well if I don’t take time for the means of grace. In my experience, it hasn’t come when I’ve planned times of spiritual rest; rather, these moments seem to catch me when I have a little space. There were several times in the winter when I would look out my office window, and the clouds would be dancing across the sky – or the sun would be going down – and I would stop whatever I was doing, and there was an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. I think of Ecclesiastes and the wisdom of finding delight in one’s labor, and I think this is what God calls us to do – live a balanced life, and in doing so, serve more fully.

I learned that the distinctions we create are often false.  This year, I had the chance to do some teaching about my studies so far in Native American theology. There is a phrase often used in Native culture that speaks about the “oneness” of our interactions. Simply put, the distinctions we create that separate ourselves from each other are false.  A Native American theology holds that we find the sacred when we learn to live and work together, and in doing so, we find that we are all connected. Even as we’ve had discussions about our various programs at the church, it’s become all the more clear to me how related our ministries are: Worship is educational; education is worshipful; the music ministry is educational; teaching is sacramental. While we have responsibilities in so many areas, our common work itself is worship. 

I learned that I experience grace the most in “ordinary time.” The most profound moments of grace have come in-between the major events of the liturgical year. I have experienced moments of grace between running from one task to the other; while laughing in the office; in an unexpected hug; in conversations standing in the doorway; while dismissing the kids after Sunday School; in reading the words of a 5^th grader who loves liturgy. 

From someone who hopes to have many more years in educational ministry - be it in local churches or in other settings – for all of the unknowns, all its messiness, and all the challenges of being in community – I can think of no vocation more fulfilling and worthwhile. Thanks be to God. 

---

Adrienne Trevathan is the Director of Christian Education at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL. Adrienne graduated with an M. Div. from Garrett-Evangelical in 2009, and will one day finish her M.A. in Christian Education. Adrienne is a member of the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church.