December 12, 2008
Dear Alums,
O come, Desire of nations,
Bind in one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Whether in Germany working for a major telecommunications company, or in South Africa in the academy; in Lebanon training Christian leaders or in Afghanistan serving those whose lives are in peril; in England as pastor of a diverse congregation or in India binding wounds and bringing a peaceful presence in the midst of fear and chaos--there are those of us who are singing those familiar words of the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" with renewed passion. Indeed, into each of the 130 countries where former students of Fuller Theological Seminary live and minister, during this season when we reflect on the advent of the Word become flesh, may Christ come and be our King of peace.
Emmanuel shall come!
Bert Jacklitch
Associate Director
Alumni/ae and Church Relations
ALUMNI/AE IN ACTION
Communicating the Gospel in Corporate Germany
Andrea Baare-Nair (MAICS '93), who lives and works in Bonn, Germany, serves as volunteer chaplain for a group of fellow employees called Christians at Telekom. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5942.
COUNCIL CORNER
Nurturing God’s Gifts
Alumni/ae Council Chair-elect Clint Le Bruyns (MAT ’99), who serves with the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, offers thoughts on being responsible stewards of the gifts God has given us. Read his reflection at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5960.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Alumni/ae Council
The Alumni/ae Council is currently seeking nominees for three council positions coming open in June 2009, with service beginning September 2009. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5510.
Distinguished Alumni/ae Award
The council is also seeking nominees for Fuller’s Distinguished Alumni/ae Award, recognizing and honoring alumni/ae actively contributing to God's work in the world. This rotating award will focus this year on School of Psychology alumni/ae. Read more at julia.fuller.edu/departments/alum/Distinguished_Alum_Nominations_form.pdf (PDF, 169KB).
FULLER NEWS
Christmas Reflections from the Fuller Community
In a new website feature, members of the Fuller community offer personal reflections on the season of Advent and Christmas. Read the reflections at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/home-feature-stories/christmas2008-stories-list.aspx.
Bill Pannell Offers "Reflections on an Election"
Senior Professor of Preaching William E. Pannell reflects on the significance of the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States. Read his reflection at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/news/pannell-election-reflection.aspx.
Lloyd John Ogilvie Speaks in Chapel
"An Attitude of Gratitude" was the theme of a message delivered by noted preacher and former U.S. Senate Chaplain Lloyd John Ogilvie in an all-seminary chapel service. Read more at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/news/ogilvie-chapelrecap1108.aspx.
Craig Detweiler Appears on ABC's Nightline
Craig Detweiler, associate professor of theology and culture and co-director of Fuller's Reel Spirituality Institute, was interviewed on ABC's Nightline about Christians connecting with popular culture. Read more and view the video at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/news/detweile-nightline08.aspx.
Video: Clayton Schmit Discusses Preacher's Role
Clayton Schmit, associate professor of preaching and academic director of the Brehm Center, is one of several preaching leaders featured in brief videos on workingpreacher.org. View the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGjt8_hKeQU&feature=related.
David Bundy Discusses New Library
David Bundy, associate provost for library services, discusses Fuller's new David Allan Hubbard Library, scheduled to open beginning in January 2009, in a podcast. Read more and hear the podcast at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/news/bundy-podcast1108.aspx.
Global Diversity Grows in MAGL Program
The primarily online Master of Arts in Global Leadership (MAGL) program continues to grow, with a new group of students hailing from 13 different countries. Read more at www.fuller.edu/news-and-events/news/magl-update-11-08.aspx.
UPCOMING EVENTS: CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Continuing Education Courses through Fuller DMin
To make Doctor of Ministry education accessible to more members of the church community, several courses have been opened to a limited number of non-program participants. Read more and see course list at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=4942.
Integration Symposium 2009
"The Pearls and the Perils: Practicing Psychology in Mission and Aid Settings" will be the topic of the Integration Symposium, offered by the School of Psychology February 19-20, 2009, with psychologist Kelly O'Donnell, of Member Care International, as speaker. Read more at www.fuller.edu/symposium.
Ministry Enrichment Seminars
Upcoming 2009 Ministry Enrichment Seminars, open to all at no charge, will include Recognizing and Helping Those with Mental Illness in the Church, Self-Care for Pastors: Attending to the Mind, Body, and Spirit, and a panel discussion on Women in Ministry. For details, visit www.fuller.edu/current-students/resources/field-ed/ministry-enrichment-seminars.aspx.
UPCOMING EVENTS: PASADENA
Hispanic Church Studies Events
The Hispanic Church Studies Department will host a Welcome Lunch for Hispanic students and friends on Thursday, January 15, at 12:30 p.m. in Barker Commons, and a Spanish Language Chapel on Thursday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hispanic Center's Student Lounge. For more information, contact hisp-ministries@dept.fuller.edu or 626-584-5586.
Ecumenical Preaching Conference
An ecumenical Preaching with Passion Conference will be held Tuesday-Thursday, January 20-22, for Roman Catholic priests and Protestant clergy, sponsored by the Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5516.
Installation Service for Marguerite Shuster
Marguerite Shuster will be installed into the Harold John Ockenga Chair of Preaching and Theology on Tuesday, February 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Pasadena, speaking on "The Hidden Hand of God." For more information, contact theology@fuller.edu or 626-584-5300.
Worship Leadership Conference
The Brehm Center's Fred Bock Institute of Music will host the conference "Forming Hearts, Creating Art: Developing Worship Leadership" on Saturday, February 14, featuring musicians C. Michael Hawn and Gloria Gaither as session leaders. Read more at www.brehmcenter.com/article/fred-bock-institute-of-music-presents-new-worship-conference-forming-hearts-creating-art/.
Book Signing and Celebration with Drs. Brown, Murphy, and Green
Fuller professors Warren S. Brown, Nancey Murphy, and Joel B. Green will be discussing and signing each of their recent book releases at a special event to be held in conjunction with the Integration Symposium Wednesday, February 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5944.
An Evening with N. T. Wright
Bishop and New Testament scholar N. T. Wright will speak at Lake Avenue Church on Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=4948.
City of the Angels Film Festival
The 15th annual City of the Angels Film Festival, cosponsored by Fuller, is being held at a new time this year: Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1. While Hollywood focuses upon the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, this festival will highlight overlooked gems. Read more at www.cityofangelsfilmfest.org.
Reel Spirituality Conference: "Halos and Avatars"
From online role-playing games to social networking sites, virtual selves and digital communities are on the rise. Where is God in a culture of electronic entertainment? Join leading thinkers and game designers for the next Reel Spirituality Conference on this topic Friday, February 27. Details to come; check www.brehmcenter.com or email brehmcenter@fuller.edu.
Auditions for "Man of La Mancha"!
The Brehm Center will be putting on the musical "Man of La Mancha" in April 2009, and all Fuller alumni/ae are invited to audition for a role on Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Read more at www.brehmcenter.com/event/2009-02-28-auditions-for-man-of-la-mancha-open-to-fuller-students--alumniae/.
Save these Dates:
Dialogue Series on Women's Theology
The Women's Concerns Committee of Fuller's All Seminary Council will host a series of dialogues on women and theology March 5, 7, 12, and 14, at 6:00 p.m. each evening. Speakers will include Professors Carolyn Gordon, Desiree Segura-April, and Mignon Jacobs. Details to come.
First-ever MAGL Student Consultation
Students and alumni/ae of the Master of Arts in Global Leadership (MAGL) program will gather for an inaugural consultation of MAGL leaders from around the world on Wednesday-Thursday, March 11-12, in Pasadena. Read more at www.fuller.edu/page.aspx?id=5518.
Alexis Abernethy Inaugural Lecture
Professor of Psychology Alexis Abernethy will offer a professorial inaugural lecture Tuesday, April 14, at 10:00 a.m. in Travis Auditorium, with reception following. Details to come.
Additional Events
To see additional upcoming events for alumni/ae and the larger community, visit www.fuller.edu/about-fuller/news-events/calendars/default.aspx.
UPCOMING EVENTS: FULLER'S REGIONAL CAMPUSES
Fuller Northern California:
Free Audits for Alumni/ae
Alumni/ae in the Northern California area are encouraged to consider taking advantage of the free audits available to Fuller graduates. The class schedule is available online at www.fuller.edu/registrar/schedule. For more information, contact a Northern California office: the Sacramento office at 916-452-2855 or cbaker@fuller.edu, or the Menlo Park office at 650-321-7444 or bethany@fuller.edu.
"Discover Fuller" in Menlo Park
All who are considering a seminary education in the Bay Area are invited to this event on Thursday, January 29, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., to explore what Fuller in Menlo Park is all about. Students, professors, and staff members will be available to answer questions in a casual atmosphere. Please RSVP to 650-321-7444 or renee@fuller.edu.
"Discover Fuller" in Sacramento
A similar event for prospective students will be held in the Sacramento area on Thursday, February 12, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., to learn about the Sacramento campus—with students, professors, and staff members available to answer questions. Please RSVP to 916-452-2855 or cbaker@fuller.edu.
Save the Date: President Mouw to Speak at Joint Event
Fuller Northern California and St. Patrick's Seminary and University will co-host an event entitled "Speaking Christ in Dialog in Contemporary Culture" on Thursday, March 19, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. in Menlo Park, with President Richard J. Mouw as plenary speaker. More details to come.
Fuller Northwest:
What Does the "Law" Require of You? Legal Liability in Ministry Workshop
This practical, two-part workshop will be offered Saturday, January 17, and Saturday, February 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, to help pastors, church leaders and seminary students understand and recognize legal principles and risks in order to avoid litigation and legal liability. For details and to register, visit www.fuller.edu/event.aspx?id=5514.
Fuller Southwest:
Professor Appreciation Lunch and Winter Worship Service
This event on Saturday, January 24, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Community Church in Tempe, Arizona, will offer fellowship, worship, and a time to celebrate the professors of Fuller Southwest. Speaker will be Frank Switzer, adjunct instructor of communication and lead pastor of Paradise Valley Community Church. Cost for lunch is $10; please RSVP by January 16 to 602-220-0400.
UPCOMING EVENTS: ACROSS THE U.S.
Alumni/ae Luncheon in Washington DC
A luncheon for alumni/ae and friends will be hosted Wednesday, February 4, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC, in connection with the National Prayer Breakfast. Associate Professor of Communication Carolyn Gordon will speak on “Communicating the Gospel in and through the Church.” For more information, contact bert@fuller.edu or 626-584-5536.
BOOKS OF NOTE
Professor of Marriage and Family Studies Cameron Lee shares the following books he has read recently, suggesting that the three together might make a nice Christmas package:
Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals, by Herbert Anderson and Edward Foley (Jossey-Bass, 1998). For those interested in the relationship of story and ritual, this book is laden with insightful little gems. The writing style is occasionally repetitive, and their use of Crossan's myth/parable distinction seems a bit overworked at points. But the book speaks to a conviction that I share: that "ordinary people yearn for a union between their story and God's story"--and we do them a disservice to not foster such imaginative connections in worship.
On a related note is one of the late Robert Webber's final books, Ancient-Future Worship (Baker, 2008), in which he argues the intriguing thesis that "worship does God's story." That statement might be overdone; but perhaps that is necessary in order to push us toward recapturing the importance of narrative imagination in worship.
Finally, in my own devotional reading, I have always enjoyed the work of Eugene Peterson, who is now four books into his projected five-book series on spiritual theology. The latest volume, Tell it Slant (Eerdmans, 2008), was recently released. In it one finds Peterson's reflections on the use of language in the parables of Luke's travel narrative, as well as the prayers of Jesus. It is Peterson who continually reminds me how Jesus, through language, "is training our imaginations so that we will be able to participate appropriately in the great salvation drama that is taking place right now."Back to top
ALUMNI/AE PUBLICATIONS
Thanks and congratulations to the following alumni/ae whose publications have been donated to our Alumni/ae Bookshelf:
Lawrence D. Hart (DMin '84). Alleluia Is the Song of the Desert: An Exercise for Lent and Other Sacred Times. Cowley Publications, 2004.
Chris Yaw (MDiv '97). Jesus Was an Episcopalian and You Can Be One Too!: A Newcomer's Guide to the Episcopal Church. LeaderResources, 2008.
BULLETIN BOARD
Biblical Study Tour of Israel
Bill Bjoraker (PhD '07), director of Operation Ezekiel, will lead a biblical study tour to Israel March 24 to April 6, and invites interested alums and friends to join the group. The trip will offer firsthand experience of the land and cultures where the events of Scripture took place. Read more at www.ezekielnetwork.org/joomla/.
Fuller Alumni Preside at Thanksgiving Service in London
Alumni Barry Gaeddert (MDiv '89) and John D'Elia (MDiv '90) were the two American clergy presiding at the annual Thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England, which drew 2,200 attendees. Read about the service at www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article5247482.ece and www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/27/europe/london.php.
Current faculty openings at Fuller include a Director of Clinical Training, Clinical Professor, and a new Thrive Chair for Applied Developmental Science. For more information, visit www.fuller.edu/about-fuller/jobs/faculty-positions.aspx.
For more information on job openings for alumni/ae, visit www.fuller.edu/current-students/student-resources/career-services.aspx.
Subscribe to Theology, News and Notes
Theology, News and Notes is published twice a year for alumni/ae and friends of Fuller Seminary. To read past issues of the magazine, visit documents.fuller.edu/news/pubs/tnn/2008_Fall/. If you do not currently receive the magazine and would like a free subscription, please send an e-mail with your current postal address to alum-alumni@dept.fuller.edu.
As always, if you would rather not receive Fuller AlumNews, just tell us by sending a message to enews@fuller.edu with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
Comments and ideas? E-mail us at enews@fuller.edu, call the Alumni/ae Office at 626-584-5498 or write Fuller Theological Seminary, Alumni/ae and Churches Relations Office, 135 North Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182.