COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEM IN ARY Vantage FALL 1994 Three positions filled at Columbia Three new appointments have been made at Columbia Seminary. The Board of Trustees recently added a faculty position in world Christianity and appointed a director of continu- ing education and associate director of the John Bulow Campbell Library. Carlos F. Cardoza-Orlandi, a native of Puerto Rico, has been named assistant professor of world Christian- ity. He began teaching in September. A specialist in the church in Central America and the Caribbean, Cardoza- Orlandi earned a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he is a candidate for the Ph.D. He has traveled and preached in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. As an ordained minister of the Dis- ciples of Christ, he served three churches in Puerto Rico and worked also as a supply preacher and interim pastor for Hispanic congregations in New York. He earned a Master of Di- vinity at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and his bachelor's degree at the University of Puerto Rico. Executive Vice President and Dean of Faculty James Hudnut- Beumler said, "Carlos' ability to engage a wide variety of students on the vital issues that Christianity faces as a worldwide movement attracted us to him. We welcome his inspired teaching and lively understanding to our faculty." Rebecca S. Parker, the seminary's director of admissions since 1988, began her new job as continuing education director in June. She brings an extensive background in ministry and teaching to her new position and is in demand as a speaker at church conferences and academic workshops. Before coming to Columbia, Parker served as a staff associate for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Atlanta and as associate pastor at Atlanta's Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and Rhodes College. Dr. Hudnut-Beumler said, "Rebecca's abilities as a teacher are well known to the churches of our area, and her skills in organizing and marketing the seminary are outstand- ing. We are very pleased that she will have the opportunity to bring both of these talents to her new post." Clayton H. Hulet has been named associate director of the library and reference librarian. He had been a half-time reference librarian at the seminary. Jiang hum (left) from Nanjing and Jia De Wu from Beijing are exchange students selected by the China Christian Council and supported by the Henry Luce Foundation grant. Jiang Lian has served as translator for the three Columbia groups traveling to China. Both students will participate in the Missionary Reunion. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi Rebecca Parker In his new job Hulet provides reference services and administers the library's public services. He also shares responsibility for collection development and acquisitions. Hulet holds an M.S.L.S. from Clark Atlanta University and the M.A. in theological studies from Columbia. Dean Hudnut-Beumler said, "All of us who have known Clay as a lover of books and a helpful guide to information are pleased to welcome him to this new role. We are confi- dent that he will provide exemplary service and leadership here at Colum- bia." Clay Hulet Historic reunion builds ties with China i As part of an expanding relationship with the People's Republic of China, Columbia Seminary will host a historic reunion of former Presbyte- rian missionaries to China in October. Bishop K. H. Ting, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), suggested the Columbia reunion. "He wants to make it known that there is deep appreciation on the part of Chinese Christians and leaders of the Protestant church in China for what the missionaries did," said G. Thomp- son Brown, a professor emeritus at Columbia who chairs the reunion's program committee. The gathering will also recognize the accomplish- ments of the church in China 45 years since the rise of Chinese communism. The China Missionary Reunion will bring more than 140 former missionaries, their children, Chinese church leaders, and experts in Sino- American relations to the Columbia campus October 14-16. "This is one of the most historic things Columbia has done in a long time," said Brown. The son of mis- sionaries who served in northern China's Jiangsu province, Brown is author of Christianity in the People's Republic of China. "This is the first time missionaries to China have gotten together in years and years. Some are in their 80s and 90s. We want to give them the opportunity to talk to each other. "When the U.S.-China relation- ship first opened up again in 1979," Brown said, "there was a great deal of suspicion about missionaries. The missionary had been identified with the colonial period. At that time all the government could say about religion was that it was the opiate of the Continued on page 5 Looking ahead Douglas W. Oldenburg, President As we begin a new academic year, I would like to share with you some of the exciting things that will happen at Columbia during the next 12 months. 1 . New curriculum After four years of intensive study and discus- sion, we will introduce our first-year students to Columbia's new Master of Divinity curriculum. It will feature more interdisciplinary courses, more electives, and more congregation- based learning. We are confident it will increase our effectiveness in preparing leaders for local congrega- tions. 2. China Missionary Reunion: At the request of Bishop K. H. Ting, president of the China Christian Council, we will host a reunion of former Presbyterian missionaries to China and their children on our campus, October 14-16. We have invited Bishop Ting to talk about the church in China and U.S. Ambassador Stapleton Roy to give his perspective on China. More than 140 persons have registered for this historic event. For more information, see the article on page 1 . 3. Inaugural dinner of Columbia Founders and major gift sot ieties: We will host our first dinner for major donors during the Board of Trustees meeting on October 4. Dr. Robert Bohl, moderator of the PC(USA) General Asembly, will be our keynote speaker. 4. Neir faculty: We welcome Dr. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi as our new professor in world Christianity, beginning in the fall term, and Dr. Kathleen O'Connor as our new professor of Old Testament, beginning Columbia co-sponsors Reformed theology book series Making the latest insights of Re- formed theology accessible to contem- porary Christians is one of the goals of a new series of books co-sponsored by Columbia Seminary and Westminster/John Knox Press. With the financial assistance provided by five Presbyterian congre- gations, the seminary and Westminster/john Knox will publish at least ten books in Reformed theol- ogy over the next five years. Called "The Columbia Series in Reformed Theology," the project aims to "examine significant individuals, events, and issues in the development of this tradition and examine their implications for contemporary Chris- tian faith and life." Two Columbia professors, Shirley Guthrie and George Stroup, serve on the editorial board along with Brian Gerrish of the University of Chicago, Donald McKim of Memphis Theologi- cal Seminary, Amy Plantinga-Pauw of Louisville Theological Seminary, and Cynthia Thompson of Westminster/ John Knox Press. 'The editorial board," said Stroup, "tries to select manuscripts that are both a contribu- tion to theological scholarship and address issues facing the church today." Financial pressures on religious publishing houses have made it more difficult for them to publish scholarly books in theology, but the financial assistance of five churches has en- abled the seminary and Westminster/ John Knox Press to overcome these obstacles. The five churches are First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo, Mississippi; First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee; Spring Hill Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Alabama; St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas; and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Two volumes already have been announced. The first, Union With Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard, written by Dennis E. Tamburello of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, will be published in October, 1994. Accord- ing to Stroup, Tamburello's book demonstrates that "Calvin's under- standing of the believer's union with Christ is much closer to medieval mysticism, especially St. Bernard of Clairvaux, than many Protestants have understood. Tamburello sug- gests there may be more common ground between Catholic and Re- formed spirituality than many people have suspected." The second volume in the series, John Calvin's Exegetical Via Media: An Examination of Exegetical Reasoning in his Old Testament Commentaries by David Puckett, is scheduled to be published in fall, 1995. in the spring term. 5. New administrators: We hope to announce three new appointments during the fall: director of develop- ment and seminary relations, director of the library, and director of admis- sions. 6. Capital campaign: We will complete our capital campaign on December 31, 1995, and hope to celebrate the achievement of our goal of $31 .4 million. In early 1995 we will be conducting campaigns in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Central Florida Presbytery, and Presbytery of New Harmony. Campaigns in some presbyteries will be conducted after December 31, 1995, at their request. 7. Library extension groundbreaking: As soon as a new director of the John Bulow Campbell Library can review our plans and make his/her revisions, we will complete the architectural drawings, receive bids, and begin construction. 8. New schedule for Forum: The Alumni /ae Lecturer and Guest Preacher series of our annual Colum- bia Forum will be combined with continuing education events on January 9-12, 1995, and called Colum- bia Colloquium '95. See the article on page 5 and watch the next issue of Vantage for more information. 9. International students at Colum- bia: We anticipate having students from Hungary, Jamaica, Kenya, Ghana, Italy, Korea, England, Japan, New Zealand, and at least two students from China on our campus during the regular school year. Next summer we will host six Chinese students taking courses in English as a second language. 10. International faculty: We will enjoy having Dr. Howard Gregory (STD '88) from Jamaica and Dr. Isvan Czachesz from Hungary as visiting international faculty. We will also host the moderator of the Church of Scotland on our campus during the first week in May. 1 1 . Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Thanks to an anonymous grant, we are developing a continuing education event for clergy in Israel. It will combine classroom learning, worship, and the visiting of Biblical sites. When you add all this to our regular events Columbia Friendship Circle's Come See Columbia Day, the President's Advisory Council, Board and Alumni/ae Council meetings, convocations, and more, it will prove to be another busy and exciting year. I look forward to it with eager antici- pation and hope to see you on our campus. Thanks be to God for your prayers and many expressions of support. We couldn't do without you! With warmest regards, Alumni welcome Billy Graham to Atlanta A number of Columbia Seminary alumni/ae and their congregations will help with the Rev. Billy Graham's upcoming Atlanta Crusade, October 26-30 in the Georgia Dome. This event, Graham's first Atlanta crusade in 21 years, responds to an invitation from Dr. W. Frank Harrington '60, pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, and the Rev. Cameron Alexander, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church North. Addressing Graham on behalf of Atlanta's religious leaders, Harrington described the city as a place of "grip- ping needs" and "great promise." "We invite you to come over Ito Atlantal in Christ's name, in Christ's cause, to help us," wrote Harrington. Alums such as Dr. Albert A. Myers (D.Min. '86), pastor of Conyers Presbyterian Church, note the crusade's potential for church growth, if congregations prepare. "Follow-up is critical," he noted. "Church growth experts say that without follow-up by churches, people who come forward during an evangelistic rally have a very slim chance of a lasting faith." Participating congregations led by the following alumni include: Robert Ashworth '65, Roswell Presbyterian Church; Joseph Conyers '57, Austell Presbyterian Church; William Hines '58, Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, Gainesville; Leon Jeffords '63, First Presbyterian Church, Douglas- ville; Jim McNaull '72, Morrow Presbyterian Church; Gene Randolph '58, Cumming Presbyterian Church; James Speed '57, First Presbyterian Church, Marietta; and Grady Love '65, Smyrna Presbyterian Church. Two alums serve the Graham Association at the national and international levels: John Akers '65, special assistant to Dr. Graham, and Leighton Ford '55, president, Leighton Ford Ministries. "In the Great Commission Christ calls us to make disciples," said Dr. Myers. 'The crusade is one of the ways this is carried out. It can be a very meaningful experience for Christians who participate." D Greg Lund '95 Conferences on Ministry for prospective students November 4-6, 1994, and February 24-26, 1995 For more information or to register, call the Office of Admissions at the seminary, 404/378-8821. VANTAGE Professors George Stroup and Brian Childs (left and center) congratulate Jeanie Griffin, Bobby Fisher, and Tom Watkins. Columbia grants 106 degrees Columbia awarded 106 degrees on May 22 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. In the commencement address, Harold Clarke, former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, advised graduates to be ready to balance contradictory impulses during minis- try careers. Graduates should be ready to practice patience and impa- tience, he said, and, referring to Malachi 3:16, to begin the task by composing a "book of remembrance" before they get started. "A clear view of the needs of society is a beginning point. Put that in your book. Deciding which of those needs lies within your reach as a problem solver is essential. Put that in your book," he said. W. Frank Harrington, senior pastor of Peachtree church, the largest in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), welcomed graduates, friends, and families to begin the service, which also included a brass and organ fanfare composed by Insick Jang, a Master of Divinity student. Florida Ellis, a member of Columbia's Board of Trustees, conferred degrees, assisted by President Douglas Oldenburg, Executive Vice President and Dean of Faculty James Hudnut- Beumler, and Dean of Students Philip Gehman. Creations of Columbia students also flavored the morning baccalaure- ate service at Memorial Drive Presby- terian Church in Stone Mountain. Janet James, an M.Div. graduate, made 15 Pentecost banners to ring the sanctuary and kites to accompany the procession. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough, a member of Columbia's Board and associate executive presbyter of the Presbytery of New Harmony, South Carolina, challenged the audience in his baccalaureate sermon to be courageous ministers in "a strange world": "Future Christians must say no to fatalism, defeatism, and accidentalism. We must say no to any thought that life is a matter of good or bad luck." Columbia awarded five degrees in the commencement service. Doctoral degree graduates included two Doctor of Theology recipients and 37 Doctor of Ministry recipients. FALL 1994 Sixteen received degrees in the Master of Theology program, includ- ing international students from Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, En- gland, Hungary, and Japan. Four people graduated with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, all with distinction: Barbara Douglass, Steven Snyder, Lynn Tolleson, and Cherie White. Douglass also earned a Columbia Graduate Fellowship for further study. Forty-seven students were awarded Master of Divinity degrees, 18 with distinction (3.6 grade point average): Scott Anderson, Willie Brazil, Kathy Dawson, Laura Dunham, Rebecca Gaudino, Craig Goodrich, Zoe Anne Henderson, Christina Hindley, Dana Hughes, Scott Huie, deborah husband, David Jones, Martin Lifer, Marvin Lindsay, John Ragsdale, Jeanne Reynolds, Timothy Simpson, and Thomas Watkins. Laura Dunham earned honors in the biblical and practical area; Zoe Anne Henderson in the biblical area; and Martin Lifer in the history and doctrinal area. Several other Master of Divinity students earned awards. Rebecca Gaudino earned the Wilds Book Prize for the highest distinction in academic work over the entire seminary pro- gram. Lifer received the second Columbia Graduate Fellowship, as well as the Florrie Wilkes Sanders Prize in Theology for a paper showing theological scholarship and relevance to needs of Christians. The Columbia Friendship Circle Graduate Fellow- ship was presented to Kathy Dawson for advanced study. Timothy Simpson earned the Harvard A. Anderson Fellowship for academic achievement. He also received the Ludwig Richard Max Dewitz Old Testament Studies Award for exegesis work, and one of two Abdullah Awards, provided by alumnus Gabriel Abdullah for the best proposals for biblical instruction and moral and spiritual development in public schools. David Jones received the second Abdullah award. Robert Googe earned both the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of St. Andrew Preaching Award for the year's best sermon and the Will- Con tinued on page 4 1994 Master of Divinity degree placements Scott Anderson associate pastor. First Presbyterian Church, [oplin, MO Steven Arndt, associate pastor, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, Springfield, VA Jeffrey Beebe, Intern, Raleigh Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN Charles Blasdell, associate pastor, First Presbyterian l nun h, Royal Oak, Ml Willie Brazil pastor, C. K. Smith Memorial Presh\ tei ian Church, Albany, GA, and campus minister, Albany State College Albany ( I \ Paul Chaney, associate pastoi I list Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs, FL Sungshik Chang Boin Cho Rita Cochrane Darice Dawson Kathy Dawson, associate pastor, Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL Laura Dunham, associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church, I Dlton 1 lead Island, SC Clayton Faulk, associate pastor, fohn Calvin Presbyterian Church, I lorence,SC Robert Fisher, clinical pastoral education, Georgia Baptist Medical ( lentei Atlanta, GA Rebecca Gaudino Craig Goodrich, d u vi tot ot ( hnstian vocation, F'irsl Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA Robert Googe, pastor, Gum Creek Presbyterian Church, Oxford, GA Jeanie Griffin, clinical pastoral education, Georgia Baptist Medical Cent. . Atlanta, GA David Grove, pastor, First Presbvten. in ( huuh ( edailown i .A Norman Harris, intern, New Trinity United Presb) terian Chin. h,< miden, AL Zoe Anne Henderson, graduate study, Columbia ' < mm.u \ Chris Hester, pastor, Antioch Congregational Christian Church, Doublehead, AL Christina Hindley, clinical pastoral education, North Atlanta Tri-Hospital CPE Center, Atlanta, GA John Hinkle, pastor, Antio. h 1'iesbvtenan ( luirch, Red Springs, NC Dana Hughes, clinical pastoral education, Georgia Baptist Medical Center, Atlanta, GA Scott 1 luie, associate pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sneuville, c ,A deborah husband Janet James, interim associate pastor, Church of the New Covenant, Doraville, GA Sue Johnson, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Ozark, AR David Jones, associate pastor, Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson, SC Joon Won Lee, graduate study, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ Martin Lifer, associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven, FL Marvin Lindsay, pastor, Sweet Springs Presbyterian Church, Sweet Springs, MO, and Range Line Presbyterian Church, Houstonia, MO Stephen Mann Douglas Mar, intern, Myers Park Presbyterian Church, C harlotte, NC Mary McCutchen, clinical pastoral education, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA Peeey Owens, co-pastor, Pinetops and Grace Chapel Presbyterian Churches, Pinetops, NC, and Macclesfield Presbyterian Church, Macclesfield, NC John Ragsdale, graduate study, Columbia Seminary Jeanne Reynolds, graduate study, Columbia Seminary Eric Schaefer, associate pastor, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, Pacific Palisades, CA . Lou Ann Sellers, clinical pastoral education, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, NC Timothy Simpson, pastor, First United Presbyterian Church, Rock Island, IL Dale Sowers , Michelle Thomas-Bush, associate pastor, Fort King Presbyterian Church, Ocala, FL Matthew Trask Thomas Watkins Lawrence Yerger Doctor of Theology Arthur Crosswell, Milton, FL Maake Masango, Parkview, South Africa Master of Theology Henley Bernard, Kingston, Jamaica David Bururia, Chuka, Kenya Michael Carey, Marietta, GA Choong Chun, Seoul, Korea Scott Ellington, Atlanta, GA Jong Heon Ham, Daejon, Korea Sandor Kereskenyi, Debrecen, Hungary Ho Gi Kim, Seoul, Korea Jong Choon Kim, Kimje City, Korea Moosa Kim, Osaka, Japan Master of Theology Unyong Kim, Seoul, Korea Young Lee, Jonesboro, GA M. Beecher Mathes, Athens, GA Si-Gull Nam, Pusan, Korea Amanda Russell-Jones, Manchester, England Christopher Zorn, Salisbury, NC Master of Arts (Theological Studies) Barbara Douglas, Dunwoody, GA Steven Snyder, Atlanta, GA Barbara Tolleson, White Rock, British Columbia Cherie White, Mexico, D.F., Mexico Continued on page 5 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Rebecca S. Parker, Director of Continuing Education, or Richard S. Dietrich, Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life Columbia Thecaogic^lSenuna^ Changes set for Lay Institute Forum, January offers fall Seminars for courses Ministers September 22-24, 1994 Wr.ting for Publication This intensive workshop will offer e'penenced and aspiring writers the chance to explore the "nuts and bolts" of getting published. Leader: Roland Tapp. Cost: $75. October 17-19 Logos Seminar See article on this page. October 18 25 November 1, 8 Introduction to Christian Enncs A discussion ^f scte of [heb.bl.cal, theological and philosophical foundabons o Chns^an ethics for guidance in Christian decision making. Leader. Marc.a Riggs. Lost. $40. October 21 Cekhf.cat.on for Adm.nistrative Personnel See article on this page. October 21-22 The Force of the Sp.r.t of Cod .n the Prophet Ezekjel An explo- ranon of the portrayal of the Spirit in Ezekiel and a reflection on the _ relat on- sh?p this portrayal may have on our understanding of the work of the Spirit. Leader: Mark Bryan. Cost: $40. November 1-2 Creating a Caring Congregation See article on this page. November 7, 14, 21 History of Christian Spirituality 'An exploration of Chris- dan s^nruality over the course of history. Leader: Cathenne Gonzalez. Cost. $35. December 2-3 Lay School in Birmingham, Alabama Leaders: Shirley Guthrie, Paul Hooker, Richard Dietrich Cost: $35. December 2-3 Presbytery Leadership Training Sponsored by Columbia in coopeTatL with Charleston-Atlantic, Saint Andrew, Savannah, and Western NoThC rolina presbyteries. For presbytery leaders of Committees on Mmrstry and Preparation and Permanent judicial Commission. This seminar wil give presbytery leaders a clearer understanding of the systemic nature of PC(USA) polity in dealing with specific needs of these communities. Cost: $bU Parker Palmer to teach course Parker Palmer, author of The Promise of Paradox, The Company of Strangers and To Know As We Are Known, .will visit the seminary to help lead "Creat- ing a Caring Congregation" on November 1-2, 1994. Dr. Palmer is a writer, teacher, and activist with expertise in education, community, spirituality, and social change. He will address the spirituality of the congregation, including the impor- tance of hospitality to the stranger in Christian life and the potential and limits of caring. Other leaders will include Dr. Frank Harrington, senior pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and Mr. David McKinney, president of the Georgia Alliance for the Mentally 111- They will add practical suggestions and experiences to complement Dr. Palmer's insights. The cost is $75. For more informa- tion or to register, contact the continu- ing education office. D Logos Leadership Training School scheduled On October 17-19, Don Griggs will be on campus to lead the Logos Leader- ship Training School, a program designed for ministry with youth and for children and their families in the local church. Don Griggs has been a leader in Christian education for more than 20 years. To receive the greatest benefit from the event, first-time participants are encouraged to bring a group from their church. Churches already working with the Logos System use these events to train new leaders. For more information, contact the continuing education office. Q In January 1995 Columbia Seminary will inaugurate a new event for church leaders which will combine its Forum and January Seminars for Ministers. The new event, Columbia Colloquium '95, is scheduled for January 9-12, Monday through Thursday, and will include a lecture series, worship services, and alumni/ ae events of the former Forum, as well as the seminars and workshops of the former January Seminars for Minis- ters. Cynthia Campbell, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Salina, Kansas, will be keynote speaker. Formerly a professor of theology and ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dr. Campbell will lecture three times on the colloquium's theme, "Doing Pastoral Theology in a Pluralistic World," and will focus on being religious in a secular society. She will follow her lectures with a continuing education workshop. W. Frank Harrington, Columbia alumnus and senior pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, will preach three times during the week. Wade Huie, alum- nus and professor emeritus, is the Alumni /ae Luncheon Speaker on January 9 and will teach a workshop, "Preaching on Lent and Easter." Other continuing education workshop leaders are: Iwan Russell- Jones, associate professor of theology, media, and the church, on "What's on TV?"; Earl Smith '90, pastor of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, Florida, on "AIDS Re- sources"; and Luke Johnson, professor of New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, on 'The Letter of James." All church leaders, alums, and other interested persons are invited to attend. For more information on Columbia Colloquium '95, contact the seminary at 404/378-8821, and see the winter issue of Vantage. Commencement 1994 continued from page 3 iam Dudley Award for Evangelism. The Dudley prize, granted to a senior demonstrating commitment to church growth, is to pay for continued evange- lism training. Janet James received the Columbia Seminary Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership qualities, spiritual depth, and integrity. The Lyman and Myki Mobley Prize in Biblical Scholarship for studies related to the work of the church was pre- sented to John Ragsdale. Three stu- dents earned the James T. and Celeste M. Boyd Memorial Book Fund Award. Scott Anderson, Willie Brazil, and Zoe Anne Henderson. The award goes to students who wish to build personal theological libraries. D/o/im Tumbull '95 The Lay Institute of Faith and Life of Columbia Seminary offers a number of fall courses in addition to the Evening Lay School. This year there will be courses in ethics, Old Testa- ment, and church history. Dr. Marcia Riggs, associate professor Christian ethics, will teach an introduction to Christian ethics. Students will enter discussion with important biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics. They will also be prompted to re-examine such practical questions as "How do we decide?" and "How do we make right choices?" The class meets on four Tuesday evenings, October 18, 25 and November 1, 8. Dr. Mark Bryan '87, pastor of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, will teach "The Force of the Spirit of God in the Prophet Ezekiel." The course meets Friday evening and Saturday, October 21-22. "In Ezekiel," Dr. Bryan says, "it is the activity of the Spirit of God that makes us aware of God's presence. The course will explore how the Spirit is portrayed in Ezekiel and reflect on how that portrayal may help contemporary Christians understand the work of Spirit in their lives. Dr. Catherine Gonzalez, professor of church history, will offer a short course in the history of Christian spirituality. The class will examine some of the forms Christian spiritual- ity has taken over the centuries, and how those forms are interwoven in the history of the church. The class meets Monday evenings, November 7, 14, and 21. For more information, contact the Lay Institute. D Courses for administrators planned Each year Columbia offers courses designed to help administrative personnel meet requirements for certification. These courses follow the approved list created by the Adminis- trative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA). On October 21, 1994, Professor Catherine Gonzalez will teach a five- hour course on church history. A two-hour course, "Stress Manage- ment: Relating Relaxation and Spiritu- ality," will be taught by Tanny Waldron, a Columbia student with a background in nursing and health education. The seminars will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on campus. These courses are of interest to church secretaries and are also open to church administrators, business managers, and judicatory personnel. The cost is $35; meals are not included. For information, contact the continuing education office. D VANTAGE China continued from page 1 people and that the missionary was the same as the imperialist and colonialist. "More recently there has been a renewed sense of value now that the Chinese are seeing some of the positive contributions of the mission- aries/' he said. Those contributions include a network of hospitals and ongoing efforts to distribute a Chi- nese-language Bible. Bishop Ting will give the keynote address and participate in a question and answer session with missionaries and their children. Brown will lecture on the history of mission activity in China. He is hopeful that the U.S. Ambassador to China, Stapleton Roy, a child of Presbyterian missionaries to China, will also deliver a major address. Dr. Randy Taylor, former president of San Francisco Theological Seminary, and Bishop Ting will lead the closing worship service. The majority of the weekend, however, will consist of discussion sessions featuring missionaries grouped by the regions in China in which they once worked. Over 140 responses have been received as a result of 300 letters mailed last year. Organizers had compiled a database of names through a network that included the Presbyterian Church's Global Mission Ministry Unit, which will also be represented at the reunion, and old rosters from schools for missionary events suggested by the Chinese as appropriate ways to reestablish the Sino- American relationship of Chris- tians interrupted by the revolution in 1949. The grant will also make possible new exchanges bringing Chinese students and scholars to the United States and sending Columbia students and faculty to the People's Republic of China. Columbia's program will incorpo- rate the following elements: *A conference on Christianity and Modernization in China. This interna- tional academic consultation, in October in Beijing, will explore the relationship of Christianity to mod- ernization in China, the developing world, and the West. Will Coleman '85, assistant professor of theology and hermeneutics, will read a paper and represent Columbia. ^Exchanges bringing Chinese students and scholars to Columbia and the U.S. During the grant period, Colum- bia will sponsor two students a year selected by the CCC for a one-year term of study. Columbia and the CCC will jointly select eight scholars over the three-year period to come for short exchanges. 'Exchanges sending Columbia students and faculty to Nanjing Seminary and the People's Republic of China. Columbia will send three students to Nanjing for a six-week summer program in which they will teach English to Chinese theological stu- dents and to study Chinese culture and the church's life and ministry in China. The following year, the CCC "A number of people would pray out loud at the same time. They were not speaking in tongues, but speaking their own prayers, a very passionate kind of praying. It felt like a wind." children in Shanghai and elsewhere in China. Brown emphasized, though, that Bishop Ting provided much of the impetus. "This is something on his heart," Brown said. "He says that before he is too old to travel, he wants to officially thank these men and women who spent such a significant part of their lives in China." *** The reunion builds on a relation- ship begun in 1991 with a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. Those China contacts and other programs will be expanded by an additional three-year grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. President Douglas W. Oldenburg announced the $210,000 grant in June after being notified by Henry Luce III, president of the foundation. The grant will further support cultural and academic exchanges between Columbia, the CCC, and Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. The most important result of the 1991 grant is that leaders of the CCC and its seminary in Nanjing have established a relationship with American Christians through Colum- bia and are now asking Columbia to join them in working through issues of mutual concern. Columbia's second grant from the Luce Foundation will provide for FALL 1994 Bible, Christian art, music, English, church history, and philosophy. The conference addressed the rapid changes in both countries and the role of the church within culture Both American and Chinese churches, Brueggemann said, tangle with cultural diversity. 'The Chinese have the religious traditions of Taoism and Buddhism, and one would have to say Marxism. The questions tor the church in the two countries are different. Their question is how can the church be authentically Chinese Our question is how can the church keep from being swallowed up by an increasingly secular society In visiting churches in three coastal towns south of Shanghai, Assistant Professor oi I lomiletus Charles Campbell, who led the Columbia group, said he left im- pressed with the size and dedication of their congregations. In the fishing village of Shatang, for example, villagers had pooled resources to construct the largest church building in China. "It is built on the side of a moun- tain," Campbell said. "It's like a medieval cathedral. You are walking along a dirt road and, all of a sudden, there it is, an enormous sanctuary above a little town." Each church visited in Zhejiang province, although relatively isolated, had memberships of 1,000 or more and hosted elaborate receptions for the Columbia visitors. The worship services were energetic. "A number of people would pray out loud at the same time," Campbell said. "They were not speaking in tongues, but speaking their own prayers, a very passionate kind of praying. It felt like a wind."D JohnTurnbuU'95 1994 graduates continued from page 3 will send three students or pastors to Columbia for six weeks of engage- ment with U.S. culture and the life and ministry of the church in the U.S. The two seminaries will carry out two complete exchanges over a four-year period. In addition, Columbia will send faculty members to teach at Nanjing Seminary during the grant. *** During the past three years, 21 faculty members have traveled to China along with students, board members, and administrators. In June Columbia and Nanjing Union Theo- logical Seminary were partners in the consultation, "Churches in Changing Societies," at Nanjing Seminary. Both Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, and Justo Gonzalez, adjunct professor, presented papers at the event. Other major contributions were offered by Bishop K.H. Ting, president of the CCC and president of Nanjing Seminary, and Chen Zemin, dean of the faculty. The conference formed two days of a more extensive itinerary for 16 other Columbia visitors, including faculty, staff, and board members, who spent 18 days in Zhejiang prov- ince, Nanjing, Beijing, and Hong Kong, visiting churches and church leaders. They participated in the dialogue with Nanjing professors of theology, Doctor of Ministry ferome Boone, Cleveland, TN Gusten Brainerd, Montgomery, AL Durwood Broughton, Rocky Mount, NC John Carpenter, Nashville, TN James Crews, Jr., Snellville, GA Keith Curran, New Castle, PA Curry Davis, Jr., Leeds, AL Scott Dunbar. Stone Mountain, GA Jerome Ferrari, Signal Mountain, TN I harlea I Ie) wardj Ardmore, PA Robert |ettords,Si , Winston-Salem, NC Karen lohnson, C artersville, GA Thomas Johnston, Cedar Bluff, AL. Samuel Kengwa, i.iiia, Cameroon Pail] kuh.is, Atlanta, I .A Marcella Klimas. I u< ker, GA Glen Krans, Beaufort, SC Laurie Kraus, Miami FL Robert I al on e, Philadelphia, PA Samuel Matthews, Atlanta, GA |ohn McClearen, Nashville, TN Nancy McCurley, Nashville, TN Vaughn Michael, Morgantown, WV Steven Negle) Seffher, FL Richard Nevvsoine, Kings Mountain NC K Shane Owens, Gastonia, NC Mack Painter, Jr., Greensboro, NC Fred Reynolds, Stockbridge, GA William Rose, Shelby, NC Dale Shaw, Jacksonville, FL Dallas Speight, Pace, FL Mark Tilley, Rocky Mount, NC David Tucker, Winter Park, FL Ridley Usherwood, Cleveland, TN William Williamson, Jr., Columbia, TN Stuart Wilson, Norfolk, VA Phillip Young, Trussville, AL The Columbia Friendship Circle (CFC) surpassed its 1993-94 goalof$32/)00 by raising $32 738 for its projects: graduate fellowships and six Columbia Friendship Circle scholarships. The fellowships are awarded to outstanding graduates who have completed the Master of Divinity degree, recognize superior achievement, and provide support for further study The scholarships, given to men and women who have demonstrated academic and leadership qualities, provide relief to M.Div. students who have family responsibilities. Left to right: Janel Bates, president; Emily Wood, immediate past president; Nan Jones, secretary-historian; Marge Fitzsimons, Synod of Living Waters PW moderator. For new CFC brodiures, contact the CFC Office at the seminary. For the Record If you have recent news you would like to contribute to this section, please send it to the editor. Ronald Cram, associate professor of Christian education, was selected to participate in the National Endow- ment for the Humanities Summer Institute: "Reading Virgil's Acncui in the Humanities Curriculum.".... Cordell Wynn, Board member, is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Educator of the Year, an award given by the National Southern Christian Leader- ship Conference. Dr. Wynn is presi- dent of Stillman College and a perma- nent member of the United Negro College Fund's Board of Directors Joyce Tucker '75 is dean of continuing education at Princeton Theological Seminary Andy Smith '83 received the M.D. degree from Mercer Univer- sity School of Medicine and is an intern /resident in internal medicine at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta Tod Linafelt '91 received a full fellowship to the one-year programme in Jewish Studies for '94- '95 at the Oxford University Centre for Postgraduate Hebrew Studies. He presented a paper at the annual Scholars' Conference at Princeton on the Holocaust Luke Harkey '74 is associate pastor of First church, Charlotte, NC Tim Beal '91 is assistant professor of religious studies at Eckerd College. Brian Childs, professor of pastoral theology and counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary, has been awarded the John Templeton Founda- tion Program in Humility and Theol- ogy prize. Dr. Childs received the award for his essay, "Homosexuality, Theological Ethics, and AIDS," published in Bioethics Forum, spring 1993. In Princeton at a dinner honor- ing James Lapsley, he presented his latest book, The Treasure of Earthen Vessels: Explorations in Theological Anthropology, in his honor. He gave the baccalaureate address at Maryville College and taught a one-week course, "Suffering, Theology, and Medical Ethics," sponsored by Taylor County Hospital (KY) and First Bethel church, Campbellsville. Dr. Childs met with the General Assembly Task Force on Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide at Ghost Ranch, NM, and taught a one-week course for the Institute of Literature, Medicine, and the Health Care Professions in Hiram, OH James Hudnut-Beumler, executive vice president and dean of faculty, presented a paper, "Protes- tants and Giving: The Tithes that Bind?" at the Center on Philanthropy, Indiana University. He was lead presenter at an Association of Theo- logical Schools forum on research in theological education. The forum, in Chicago, heard from Columbia, Luther Northwestern, and Yale seminaries on recent curriculum changes Barbara Benton Flynt (MAYM '89) is director of Christian education at Southminster church, Richmond, VA Charles Clubb '70 is pastor of the Covenant church, Petersburg, VA. David Moessner, associate professor of New Testament, attended the Pew Charitable Trust's summer retreat in Traverse City, MI, along with other grant awardees to report on his year-long project on Luke the Interpreter of Israel. He also attended the general meeting of the Interna- tional Society for New Testament Scholars in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he delivered a paper on 'The Script of the Sciptures in Luke-Acts: Suffering as God's 'Will' (Boute) and 'Way' with the World for 'Release of Sins." ...Marcia Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics, was lecturer and workshop facilitator for the Quadrennial Christian Education Convention of the A ME Zion Church in Salisbury, NC. She was a partici- pant in the Association of Theological Schools Seminar for Women Faculty in Montreal Robert Ramey, profes- sor of ministry, preached at special services at Prospect church, Mooresville, NC, at First Church, Manchester,TN, and at Alamance Church, Greensboro, NC. Dr. Ramey served as consultant for the Long Range Planning Committee of Monticello, GA, church and attended the national Spiritual Formation conference for theological schools Don McCall '52 (STD 75) has been honorably retired from missionary work in China by Grace Presbytery and lives at Montreat. Lucy Rose, assistant professor of preaching and worship, taught the commissioned lay preachers and in the presbytery school for the Presbytery of West Virginia. She has preached at First church, Huntington, WV; Northwest Unitarian-Universal- ist church, Atlanta; Clifton church, Atlanta; Central church, Athens, GA; Spring Hill church, Mobile, AL. Dr. BIRTHS To Ken (DMin '77) and Kim Brown, a son, Lucas Daniel, Feb. 26, 1994. To Chip '88 and Melinda Hatcher, a son, Robert Wood, Feb. 14, 1994. To Bill Perman '91 and Deb Krause, a daughter, Isabel Davies, July 17, 1994. To Paul '94 and Martha Chaney, a daughter, Graceann Marie, Mar. 27, 1994. To John '94 and Leila Hinkle, Juliette Cousar, May 5, 1994. To James Hudnut-Beumler, executive vice president and dean of faculty, and Heidi, a son, Adam James, June 25, 1994. DEATHS Alton Glasure '33, Mar. 25, 1994. M.E.Gregg '37, June 17, 1993. Norman Wilhelm '54, Mar. 3, 1994. Ruth Kehrer Kirkpatrick '63, Jan. 22, 1994. Jack Dunwoody 70, Aug. 27, 1994. Rose taught a D. Min. course for the Association of Chicago Theological Schools' Doctor of Ministry in Preach- ing program and led a workshop at Proclamation '94, a preaching and worship conference, in Nashville Walt Tennyson '93 is associate pastor at The Reformed Church, Bronxville, NY Harold Prince '60, professor emeritus, won the South Carolina Senior Hardcourt Tennis Tournament in Columbia in April in the 75-year-old division. He and Evelyn live at the Presbyterian Home, Clinton, SC W. Frank Harrington '60 (ThM '61), senior pastor of Peachtree church, Atlanta, received an honorary degree from Budapest Reformed Theological Academy, Budapest, Hungary Allen Derrick '68 has been elected moderator of the General Synod, A.R. Presbyterian Church Erskine Clarke '66, professor of American religious history, met with the McCormick Seminary faculty for their spring retreat on "Globalization of Theologi- cal Education." He gave a lecture on "The Huguenots and the Reformed Tradition" to the South Carolina Huguenot Society and has served as a member of the Centennial Committee planning the one hundredth anniver- sary of Montreat. Gray Norsworthy '85 is pastor of the Shallowford church, Atlanta Sherwood McKay '74 is pastor of First church, Crookston, MN Ernestine Cole, associate dean of students, has preached at Rice Memorial church and Church of the Master, Atlanta and was a workshop and team leader for the Women's and Men's Conference at Montreat. She is a board member of the Urban Training Organization of Atlanta and participated in an urban plunge experience in Atlanta Jerry Blacklaw (DMin '88) is pastor of the Gulf Breeze, FL, church Rebecca Parker, director of continuing educa- tion, taught a four-week series at Trinity church, Atlanta, on "Acts and the Church." She was Rally Day speaker at Druid Hills church, Atlanta Laura Newsome '90 and the Rev. Paul Pittman were married May 28 in Atlanta Marvin Lindsay '94 and Laura Favor were married July 16 in Charlotte Lisa Traynham Nelson '92 is associate pastor of the Prospect church, Mooresville, NC Marvin Randolph '61 is pastor of the Dickinson church, Carlisle, PA Perky Daniel '86 had an ex- tended review of Faulkner and Religion in a recent issue of The Mississippi Quarterly. She was chap- lain of the Georgia House of Represen- tatives in February and is co-chair of the board of Directors of the Interfaith Coalition of Metro Atlanta. John Patton, professor of pastoral theology, has worked with three clinical pastoral education groups during the summer: a group of Air Force chaplains at Grady Hospital, a group at the Covenant Counseling Institute with students placed at Gwinnett Medical Center and the Peachtree Hospice, and a group at the VA Hospital. Dr. Patton has been doing research on the interpretation of verbatims Warner Durnell '78, Board member, is designated pastor of St. Andrew's Church, Nashville. He continues as associate executive of Synod of Living Waters Will Coleman '85, assistant professor of theology and hermeneutics, was baccalaureate speaker at Mills Col- lege. He was respondent to a paper on "Churches in Changing Societies" at Nanjing Theological Seminary, China Doug Hood '87, is pastor of Woodhaven church, Irving, TX. One of his sermons was published in the August issue of Lectionary Homiletics Sara C. Juengst '83 was awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Presbyterian College. She has written the teachers' guide to the study book for children on Africa, Lodu's Escape Grace Tsyr-En Wu (ThM '90) is director of the Kaohsiung Christian Counseling Center in Taiwan Jake Marshall '93 is pastor of the Monticello, GA, church Dan Milford '93 is associate pastor of the Lake Murray church, Chapin, SC. Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute, led the New Pastors Confer- ence at the Chautauqua Institution. He also preached and led a seminar on "Pain and Healing" there. Dr. Dietrich taught at Avondale Church, Charlotte, and is preaching at the Carrollton, GA, church while its pastor receives treatment at Emory University Hospital Harry Wakuteka (DMin '84) is president of Ndesha Seminary in Zaire Dean Strong '88 is organizing pastor, Silver Firs new church development, Everett, WA. ...Jeanne Stevenson- Moessner, adjunct assistant professor of practical theology, hosted a gather- ing of women pastoral theologians at the Society of Pastoral Theology who are working on a volume on pastoral theology, of which Dr. Stevenson- Moessner is editor. Her article was published in The Sewanee Theological Review, and she was seminar leader at the national convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Dr. Stevenson-Moessner is a member of the Theological and Social Concerns Committee of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Southeast region Charles Continued on page 7 Vantage Volume 86, No. 2, Fall 1994 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 26,000 The Office of Development/ Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Director of Publications and Publicity Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 VANTAGE For the Record contin ued from page 6 Campbell, assistant professor of homiletics, was chaplain and preached six times at the Chautauqua Institution, participated in the consul- tation at Nanjing Theological Semi- nary, China, and preached at First church, Dalton, GA George Telford '58, associate professor of theology and church and director of advanced studies, is serving on an Ecclesiology Task Force created at the request of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches. The committee is consulting with persons doing research on congregations, as well as on the churches' clearly changing role in public life. The committee is also in consultation with representatives of the Roman Catholic church and various evangelical churches. John Leith '43 has been inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame at Erskine College, the highest honor given an Erskine graduate or faculty member Daniell Hamby (DMin 77) is general secretary of the Consulta- tion on Church Union. He is a postu- lant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Northern Indiana Charles Cousar '58, profes- sor of New Testament, lectured at the "Festival of Faith" at the Spring Hill church, Mobile, on "The Bible in the Life of the Church. What Else Makes Us Different?" He has preached at Gum Creek church, Covington, GA; Lebanon church, LaFayette, AL; and at the Decatur, GA, church Gloria Jennings '90, director of alumni/ae relations and associate director of the annual fund, attended the Williamsburg Development Institute Conference and has preached at Covenant and St. Andrew churches, Augusta, GA, and the Jefferson, GA, church Wade Huie '46, professor emeritus, has preached at Druid Hills church, Atlanta; First and Central churches, Athens, GA; Decatur church; St. Andrews church, Macon, GA; Shadyside church, Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Huie preached for his son Scott's ordination at Westminster church, Snellville, GA. He taught a supervised ministry in preaching course for D.Min. students. Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, spoke at an ATS seminar for new Ph.D. candidates, lectured at Kirkridge, preached and lectured at UCC Faith Works, Purdue University, and taught at Boston College. Dr. Brueggemann's book, A Social Reading of the Old Testament, has been published by Fortress Press 1 lis articles have appeared in The Witness, Seivanee Theological Review, Religion* Studies Review. Interpretation, and The Anglican Ruthanne Huff, technical Development/ Seminary Relations From the Bookstore No. of copies New titles by Columbia faculty members: A Social Reading of the Old Testament: Prophetic Approaches to Israel's Communal Life by Walter Brueggemann The Treasure of Earthen Vessels: Explorations in Theological Anthropology edited by Brian Childs and David W. Waanders Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV - Year C by Charles B. Cousar, Beverly R. Gaventa, J. Clinton McCann, Jr., and James D. Newsome Retail Columbia price price $17.00 $14.41 $19.99 $16.96 $32.00 $27.16 $17.99 $15.26 Christian Doctrine, Revised Edition by Shirley C. Guthrie Total amount for books Georgia residents: add five percent sales tax Shipping and handling (orders under $20.00, add $4.00; from $20.00 to $49.99, add $5.50; over $50.00, add $7.00. All books shipped via United Parcel Service.) Total Method of payment (please check one): check payable to CTS Bookstore (included with order) VISA MasterCard (please print information below): Visa/MasterCard# xp ' Name (as it appears on card) Street address for UPS shipment: Address _ 5tate ^P SsT^nTtiuTc^ CTS"io^toTe^O. Box 520, Decatur, G A 30031 . ...After all, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. Have you considered a Lit. Income Plan? A Life bu ome Plan with Columbia Seminary will bring you: * The joy of Christian stewardship * A generous life income * An income tax deduction * Possible capital gains and estate tax benefits * Freedom from management worries * Membership in the J. McDowell Richards ku-i\ * An opportunity to establish a named scholarship fund Request for information: Dr Richard A. Dodds, Coordinator of Planned Giving, Columbia Seminary P. O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031-0520 Dear Dr. Dodds: Please send a confidential proposal on a Life Income Plan based on the following information. 1 understand that I incur no obligation through this request for information: 1. Date of birth Donor Spouse Other income beneficiary and cost $. 2. Initial assets I may wish to use to fund a Life Income Plan Cash $ Securities or real estate: Market value $ 3. Income tax data Approximate tax bracket 4. Naming a scholarship fund Scholarship name_ . % Name Address ( L City/State/Zip For the Record Telephone services librarian, attended the annual conference of the American Theologi- cal Library Association in Pittsburgh, where she presided at a workshop on university presses, was elected to the steering committee of the technical services section, and was a member of the Resolutions Committee Ben Johnson, professor of evangelism and church growth, led evangelism seminars for First church Midland, TX, and the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. He has preached at Westminster church, Lubbock, TX, and First church, Midland, TX, and led conferences for the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys and Presbyterian Women of Greater Atlanta Presbytery Evan Campbell '93 is pastor of First church, Rusk, TX Charles Talley '63 has been elected to a three-year term on the Board of the Presbyterian Association of Science and Technology. Douglas W. Oldenburg, presi- dent, has received the Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris causa) from Budapest Reformed Theological Academy, Budapest, Hungary. President and Mrs. Oldenburg traveled to Hungary in June for the conferring of the degree Sharon Core '91, associate pastor of the Brevard-Davidson River church, Brevard, NC, co-directed two weeks of the 1994 Montreat Youth Conference Art Ross, Board mem- ber, has been called as pastor of the White Memorial church, Raleigh, NC. D FALL 1994 Columbia video series marks Signs of the Times' Columbia Seminary has produced a video series called Signs of the Times, which looks at contemporary culture and its impact on Christian lives. Produced by Columbia's Lay Insti- tute of Faith and Life and the Theol- ogy, Media, and the Church Pro- gram, the series is intended for discussion groups and Christian education programs. The series airs for eight weeks this fall on A.I.B., an Atlanta cable network, on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. beginning September 27. It will then be distributed nationally to individu- als and church groups. Columbia professors have prepared a study guide, available from the Lay Insti- tute, to accompany the series. Christ criticized the religious leaders of his day because they could not read "the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:2,3). The series asks: *what are the dominant and defining signs of our times? *are we able to read and interpret them? *to what extent do these signs dominate the lives of Christians? *what resources are available in scripture, the Christian tradition, and experience to shape Christians' lives according to the sign of Christ? The first of the 30-minute pro- grams, called 'The Writing on the Wall," serves as an introduction. Each of the remaining programs concen- trates on one "sign of the times" the television, the car, the gun, the game, the mall, the body, and the computer. Cultural critics and theologians are interviewed at locations where the sign in question is present and operative. A studio discussion with Columbia faculty members follows, in which issues are explored in light of scripture and Christian experience. For more information about the series, which will be available for $40 in December, and how to use it in discussion groups and education programs, or to order the study guide, contact Columbia's Lay Institute, 404/378-8821. Timothy Slemmons '95 is this year's recipient of the prestigious award, the David H.C. Read Preacher /Scholar, a national award which recognizes and encourages excellence among seminary students who show promise of special distinction. The $10,000 award is given by Madi- son Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York, and intended for preacher/scholars who are committed to the parish pulpit. Mr. Slemmons was selected from candidates recommended by Protestant seminaries throughout the country on the basis of his seminary record, biographical statement, recommendations by two professors, sermons on Old and New Testament texts, and the exegetical papers he wrote in support of both sermons. Annual Fund Challenge goes over! Last March the Office of Develop- ment/Seminary Relations projected a serious shortfall in undesignated gifts to the Annual Fund. Rallying to the cause, four members of the Board of Directors collectively pledged to contribute $78,000 to the seminary's Annual Fund, provided the seminary could raise at least that much in the 100 days between March 23 and June 30 from contributors who had not given during the academic year 1993-94. By June 30, qualifying gifts totalling $87,496 had been received by Colum- bia, making this year's Annual Fund campaign a rousing success. Many thanks to the Board of Trustees, graduates, and friends your support of Columbia Seminary's mission and your financial contribu- tions that make our work possible. Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Three positions filled 1 Missionary reunion/China ties 1 Looking ahead 2 Reformed book series 2 Alums welcome Billy Graham 2 Commencement '94 3 Graduates * Continuing education events 4 CFC surpasses goal 5 For the Record 6 From the Bookstore 7 Plan ahead 7 Signs of the Times 8 Student award 8 Annual Fund Challenge goes over 8 Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY