COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vantage WINTER 1992-93 Mrs. Carter speaks on The Atlanta Project Addressing 250 members of the semi- nary community at an October 6 reception and dinner meeting, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter outlined goals for The Atlanta Project, a newly formed non-profit network designed to help the metro area's poor citizens, and challenged Columbia Seminary to be actively involved. Mrs. Carter spoke at the seminary during the fall meeting of the Board of Directors. Earlier in the day, John Fife, moderator oi the Presbyterian Church (USA), preached in chapel. Since its inception early in 1992, The Atlanta Project has enlisted more than 100,000 volunteers representing individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and churches. Launched by former President Jimmy Carter, the mission began official operations October 1, and community interest continues to be spurred by the project's broad-sweeping efforts to stem homelessness, teenage preg- nancy, poverty, and other urban problems. "Jimmy says one reason we're getting so much cooperation is that people hope," Mrs. Carter said. "They hope that, somewhere on God's earth, problems can be solved." Mrs. Carter urged members of the seminary community to join the grassroots effort by becoming volun- teer tutors, counselors, mentors to children, church liaisons, and "friends m need" for elderly persons. Nearly $25 million has been raised already for the inner-city campaign The project was born after Mr. Carter and Emory University President James Laney discussed options for narrowing the gulf between Atlanta's "haves and have-nots." Mr. Carter shared the idea with individuals and groups and, sparked by the enthusi- asm it generated, an organizational blueprint was sketched. "I think the reason we thought this would work is our involvement with Habitat for Humanity," Mrs. Carter said. She and Mr. Carter are high-profile volunteers with the non- profit organization, which constructs high-quality, low-cost homes for the Mana Harris. Alumni/ae Lecturer Brian Wren, Smyth Lecturer President Douglas W. Oldenburg and Mrs. Rosalynn S. Carter economically disadvantaged. "It is amazing how a person's life changes with a house. We have found when people go to a house that belongs to them, the first thing they talk about is what college their kids are going to attend." As ideas for The Atlanta Project solidified into plan, organizers Continued on page 5 1993 Forum offers lectures and reunions John Claypool, Cut* Preacher Bert Carm.chael. Luncheon Speaker Columbia Seminary invites all friends and alumni/ae to its 1993 Forum, January 25-27. The three-day event will bring noted speakers and preach- ers to the campus and will also be a time for class reunions and other activities. This year's Smyth Lecturer is Brian Wren, English hymnwriter, poet, and theologian who now lives in Maine. He is a major contributor to Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship and the author of Education for Justice and the hymn collections, Faith Looking Forward, Praising a Mystery, and Neiv Beginnings. His lectures are scheduled for January 25 at 3:30 p.m. and January 26 and 27 at 11:30 a.m. Maria Harris, religious educator, will be the Alumni/ae Lecturer. A member of the faculties of Auburn Theological Seminary and New York University, she has served as editor of Professional Approaches for Christian Educators. Her books include The Faith of Parents and Fashion Me a People: Curriculum and the Church. The theme of her lectures will be "A Spirituality for Adults at Century's End." She will lecture January 25 at 1:30 p.m. and January 26 and 27 at 9 a.m. John Claypool, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama, will be guest preacher for Forum. Well-known lecturer and author, his books include Glad Reun- ion, Opening Blind Eyes, and The Light Within You. His sermon titles are "Good Luck! Bad Luck!" and "The Service of Understanding." Dr. Claypool will preach January 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Alumni/ae activities will be conducted throughout Forum. On Tuesday, January 26, the Rev. Bert Carmichael '67 will speak at the Alumni/ae Luncheon and Association Meeting at 12:30 p.m. Mr. Carmichael is full-time chaplain at Cobb Hospital and Medical Center in Austell, Georgia. He has served pastorates in Kentucky and was an Army chaplain in a military hospital in Vietnam. Continued on page 2 From the President Douglas W. Oldenburg A few decades ago, some far-sighted people spotted a trend: financial giving to theological institutions from denominational bodies was on a downward curve! In the Presbyterian Church, such denominational giving over the past twenty years has de- creased from about 25 percent of oui operating budgets to about 5 percent today- The reunited Presbyterian Church (USA) sought to stem the receding tide by a new system for funding our theological institutions the Theological Education Fund, sometimes known as the 1 ' - Plan. About 20 percent of our congregations are participating in the fund today, but the giving level has not yet matched the total amount given through previous funding patterns. It became clear to those far- sighted people that our seminaries had to become more intentional about ''development" - developing friends and supporters to help finance our mission. Thus, development offices were established and persons were called to the task 1 1 n the past several years, Colum- bia Seminary has benefited greatly from the services of Jim Dickenson, vice president for development and New curriculum to emphasize 'real-life ministry situations' Columbia Seminary is in the third year of a program to redesign its curricu- lum. According to Catherine Gonzalez, professor of church history and Curriculum Committee chairper- son, the process has revealed several foundational concepts. Columbia's curriculum review and revision, funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, is part of a larger effort to address the unique circumstances of free-stand- ing, denominationally based seminar- ies. In its national magazine Progre^ sions, Lilly recently featured Colum- bia, placing the seminary in the midst of this century's most searching ex- amination of theological education in North America. Since 1990, Columbia's faculty and administration have studied the present curriculum, listening to criticisms and suggestions from students, alumni/ae, pastors, lay people, and other church leaders. They have also analyzed the church's message and ministry in contempo- rary society. After the anaylsis and consulta- tion, two fundamental perspectives have emerged. First, the classical disciplines of Bible, theology, and history should remain central to theological education, and second, more attention to spiritual formation in seminary coursework is needed. According to Dr. Gonzalez, pastors who were interviewed felt strongly about both. "We asked them, 'If you were selecting a seminary today, knowing what you now know of ministry, what would you look for in theological education?'" They did not respond with a call for more training in administration or church polity. "Instead, they asked for more depth in the study of the scriptures, history, theology, and spirituality." As a result, the new curriculum will be grounded in these areas of study. Revisions will also allow signifi- cant variety in teaching methods and learning opportunities. Professors will be able to design more effective and dynamic courses using interdiscipli- nary instruction. "We want to help students see the interrelationships between the theological disciplines and real-life situations of church ministry," Dr. Gonzalez says. "This kind of learning happens best when there is communication across disci- plinary lines." "Prayer, for example, is such a large topic that most seminaries do not offer a course on it. The reason is that the topic doesn't fit into any one discipline," she explains. In an interdisciplinary format, the topic becomes not only possible, but very rich. "One faculty person could discuss the history of prayer, another the psychology of prayer, while a Christian education professor could teach how to teach prayer." Rather than a string of lectures, such courses would offer active in-class dialogue between faculty and students. Under the revised curriculum, seminarians will also benefit from more elective courses and a regulated workload, in which students may take no more than four courses in a term. "We recognize that our student body no longer consists of 22-year-old men living a semi-monastic life," Dr. Gonzalez says. "The new curriculum will be more sensitive to the needs of students with families and part-time jobs." While the new curriculum will probably not be implemented until the fall of 1994, benefits of the review process are already evident. Robert Ramey, professor of church ministry, has invited Dr. Gonzalez to teach the history of the sacraments in his course for second year students. According to Dr. Gonzalez, "This commitment to interdisciplinary learning has sparked some wonderful imagination among our faculty." Greg Lund '95 seminary relations, and Bonneau Dickson, field representative. Both are retiring at the end of this calendar year, and we are profoundly grateful to them. Please read the special articles in this issue of Vantage regarding their outstanding service to ( . ilumbia. The success of their efforts is reflected in the enclosed long list of friends, churches, and foundations which have supported us (Please see the Acknowledgement supplement ) Without such support, we simply could not exist It is evidence that although support from traditional denominational structures has dimin- ished, Columbia continues to be funded by the Presbyterian family through gifts from individuals and congregations. This is the first time we have published a donor list, and there is always the danger that we will leave someone out. We have tried to be very careful to avoid omissions, but if it has happened, we ask your forgive- ness and understanding. The purpose of publishing such a list is to say a public "Thank you!" and to remind all of us of the large number of individu- als, churches, and foundations that support us and make it all possible. We trust each of you feels a sense of deep satisfaction in knowing that you are helping to do one of the most important things in the world - training the future leaders of the church! Can you think of anything more worthy of your support? With warmest regards, Winter reading suggestions by Columbia's faculty God for Us by Catherine Mowry La Cugna Faith Seeking Understanding by Daniel L. Migliore Flying to Nowhere by John Fuller A Peace Reader (revised) by Joseph J. Fahey and Richard Armstrong God the Economist by M. Douglas Meeks Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison Death and Desire: The Rhetoric of Gender in the Apocalypse of John by Tina Pippin A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean Theocracy in Paul's Praxis and Theology by Dieter Georgi Truth to Tell: The Gospel as Public Truth by Lesslie Newbigin Retelling a Life by Roy Schafer The Meaning of Peace ed. by P-B. Yoder A Thousand At res by Jane Smiley Parable of Ten Preachers by Thomas Troeger The Spirit of Life: A Universal Affirmation by Jiirgen Moltmann How to Reach Secular People by George Hunter Culture Wars by James Davidson Hunter Catholics by Brian Moore Pax Roniana and the Peace of Jesus Christ by Klaus Wengst Types of Christian Theology by Hans W. Frei Working the Angles by Eugene Peterson The Passion of Interpretation by W. Dow Edgerton Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene The Inside Story: A Narrative Approach to Religious Understanding and Truth by Paul Brockelman Constructing a Public Theology by Ronald Thiemann Video Kids: Making Sense of Nintendo by E.F. Provenzo Slavery as Salvation by Dale B. Martin Jesus Christ in Modern Thought by John Macquarrie Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature by Roland Murphy Mark and Luke in Poststructuralist Perspectives by Stephen B. Moore 1993 Forum continued from page 1 Alumni/ae in reunion classes will have a luncheon on Wednesday, January 27, at 12:30 p.m., at Forum's concluding event. The following alumni/ae serve as reunion chairs: 1938, 1933, and earlier - Bonneau Dickson 1943- Will Ormond 1948 - Tom Horton 1953 - Doug Hix & Trent Howell 1958 - Harrv Philips 1963- Charles Talley 1968- Hubert Wardlaw 1973 - William Lancaster 1978 - Walter Peters 1983 - Robert Blumer 1988- Mike Castronis 1992 -Catherine Taylor Women students and alumnae will meet for a dinner on Tuesday evening, January 26, at 6 p.m. The dinner will follow a 5 p.m. gathering. In addition, participants will have an opportunity for informal questions and conversation with the lecturers and preacher January 28 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. All alumni/ae and friends of the seminary are invited to the campus for these three days of lectures, worship, and reunions. For more information or to register for Forum, call 404/378-8821. LJ VANTAGE Columbia strengthens ties with Jamaica and Hungary In the decade since Columbia Semi- nary launched a "globalization program" to integrate international and multicultural experiences in theological education, it has estab- lished the required Alternative Context for Ministry course, quad- rupled enrollment of international students, and established important ties with the church and seminaries in Jamaica, Hungary, Kenya, Korea, and Great Britain. The ties with the Caribbean and Eastern Europe are a particularly important component of Columbia's globalization effort this year and are proving beneficial for all partners - pointing to a desire for intercultural mutuality and theological dialogue. Columbia's relationship with the church in Jamaica began in 1978. That year the Atlanta Theological Associa- tion (ATA) and 16 Caribbean partici- pants met in Atlanta to discuss "Internationalizing Theological Education." At the conclusion of the Lilly-funded conference, it was agreed a program should be developed for continued dialogue and sharing of resources by churches and the theo- logical institutions of the two areas. Program committees were appointed for both the Caribbean and Atlanta areas with instructions to work together in the development of certain projects. Since that charge was issued, more than 30 Columbia students have completed summer supervised ministries in Jamaica, and over 120 Columbia students have participated in a January seminar in Jamaica. In addition, there have been annual continuing education excursions to Jamaica, student exchange programs and a joint Doctor of Ministry pro- gram between Columbia and the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI). "I think there's been some success in getting people to appreciate the concept of globalization in both places to experience the catholicity of the church," says Professor Ashley Smith, a former president of UTCWI and now a visiting professor at Columbia. "When we're here, we're not just with American Presbyterians. You have studies at UTCWI when the exchange programs began, notes the importance o( the relationship for both schools particularly for students like Ms. Henrv. the first woman exchange student from UTCWI to Columbia. "At UTCWI we have noticed in the last two years a significant in- crease in the enrollment ot women students in all colleges," he says. "We think the relationship with a seminary where women are also trained is important because it gives these women a chance to see that other institutions are also training women." During the fall term at Columbia Ms. Henry joins Professor Smith, \\ ho is teaching "The Church in the Carib- bean Context," his wife Winnie, who is auditing courses, and Professor Byfield, who is studying at Columbia during his sabbatical from UTCWI. After eight years of planning and discussion, the joint Doctor of Minis- try degree program began in fall 1988 - the first such program in Jamaica. "How could two institutions from two radically different cultural contexts offer a course together?" asks Doug Hix, Columbia's director of advanced studies. "It seemed an insuperable prospect. We discussed it off-and-on for eight years, just inching along. In 1988 we finally got it in place and had the first group of 13 Jamaican and Caribbean pastors." The joint D.Min. degree is con- ferred by Columbia, and students are enrolled in Columbia, though most courses are taught in Jamaica. Stu- dents travel to Columbia in July of their second year for a month of studies. Eleven pastors have gradu- ated to date. A second group, formed in 1990, spent July 1992 at Columbia, and Dr. Hix will launch a third group in November. "It took a long time for us to get started," Dr. Hix says, "but in about 10 years we'll have graduated 30 or more. They find it exciting and we do too. We have a strong commitment to its worthiness." A number of U.S. pastors and D.Min. students have also partici- pated in Columbia's continuing education study seminar to Jamaica the week after Easter. The continuing "It truly is the gift of new eyes. n large international groups and people who are not Presbyterians. Students who are not from the South come here and study with people from every continent." Desna Henry, an exchange student from UTCWI, cites the "richness of experiencing another culture" as an important benefit to the exchange program, stressing the importance of "finding how the church operates here and making comparisons with the operation of the church in Jamaica. Also it's a chance to explore the curriculum offered here and the possibilities for later study." Bevis Bvfield, who was dean of education program, which is vari- ously led by Dr. Hix or the Rev. Sara Juengst, Columbia's director of continuing education, may be taken as a D.Min. course. "It's our way of getting the average garden variety pastor, lay person and D.Min. student to experience life and the Christian experience of the people in the Caribbean," Dr. Hix says. Lee Carroll, director of Colum- bia's supervised ministry program, confirms the change brought about by such experiences - both for him personally and for others who have participated. "Who I am in my culture and church is enriched immeasurably (Front row,l~r) Winnie Smith Kingston, Jamaica KarolyToth Budapest Hungary Desna Henry, Petersville Jamaica (Back row, l-r) Andras Lovas Budapest Hungary Ashley Smith, Kingston, Jamaica Bevis Byfield Kingston, Jamaica through experiences in [amaica with these programs," he notes "It tmlj i the gift of new e\ Mr. Carroll oversees Columbia's student interns who, via the ATA, are placed in churches from a vai iel J I il denominations for the 10-week course. All the churches have pastors who are supervisors - and, in many cases, pastors who have studied at Ci ilum- bia. Students live with a host family from the congregation and experience a range of pastoral responsibilities, under the supervision ol a famaii an pastor, who may serve up to six churches. Mr. Carroll notes that students must deal with assumptions about church, culture, and theology while engaged in the practice of ministry. Caucasian students learn what it's like to be in a minority, while black students must contend with cultural assumptions about Americans. "It helps students learn how to work with and understand people who are different from themselves," he says Though Columbia's ties with Hungary were established nearly a decade after the partnership with Jamaica, they quickly proved lobe strong. The formal relationship with Hungary began during 19H4-85, when students Margit Balog and Gyorgy Horvath came to study. The alternative context course, begun in Hungary three years later, helped to deepen the seminary's relationship with the Reformed Church in Hungary. That relationship has broadened in recent years - and may expand still more with opportu- nities arising after the collapse of communism there. Hungarian Bishop KarolyToth is currently a visiting professor, teaching "The Church in a Socialist Cont< Andras Lovas, a Th.M. student, and his wife Dora have also joined the Columbia community for the 1992-93 academic year. Mr. Lovas completed the five-year seminary course at Raday College in Budapest before beginning studies at Columbia. He learned of the Colum- i M.i ex< hange program from the senior pastoi .it the Hud.ilok ( htm h, Dr. [anos P.is/toi, who was a visiting k holai .it < olumbia In 1987 88 \ii,m spending the 1992 93 i. .i.li-mu war in Decatur, Mi I .\.i . plans to return to I lungary, * omplete requirements for his ordination and probably assume the asso i.ite pastoi ship ol [anos Pasztoi I hurch. Karoly Toth, who was bishop from 1977-1991, isnovs president ol i . umenical Study ( entei In Budapest I le will also tea* n in a si hool win. h trains religious lea< hers when he returns to I lungary. Bishop loth remembers the darker hours in I lungary's re< enl history bul says he is hopeful foi the future and ex( Ited about the interai Hon with schools like! olum- bia. "As an e< umenist, this context is extremely important," Bishop Tolh says. "The churches need to know ea< h other, to educate people to be aware ol the universal church ol fesus Christ We belong together." i [e adds, "The whole "i Ea itej n .mil ( . 1 1 1 r . 1 1 lnrope is m need ol learning how demo< ra< \ Is fun< tion mg be ause we don'l have experience in that - that is, m mutual tolerance, mutual respe< i, readiness to dialogue, the whole mechanism ol the demo- ( rati, proi ess "We are badly in need of a change ol mentalitj I hat will take a long time. The church should give a good mpleof that toedin ate people to be tolerant not to look at the othei person as the potential enemy but as a potential partner/' The newfound openness in I lungary has brought with it new- found opportunities for the church - noticeably in the area of media [wan Russell-Jones, Columbia's associate professor of theology, media and the church, has proposed that Columbia work with the church there respond to some of its opportunities - following through on the request of many Eastern Europeans. As government regulations are relaxed, and as some governments provide free broadcasting time to Continued on page 5 WINTER 1992-93 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Sara Covin Juengst, Director of Continuing Education, or Richard S. Dietrich, Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031/404-378-8821. December4-5 Presbytia Leadership Training To give presbytery leaders a clearer understanding of the systemic nature ol our polity dealing with specm. needs of the Committee on Preparation foi Ministry,* ommittee on Ministry, and the Permanent Judicial C ommission. ( ost: $50. December 29-January 1 "< EMPLATI VND CELEBRATE" January 5-7 January Sem >R MINISTERS January 5, 12, 19, February 2 LaySchOOI 01 BlBLl AND THEOLOGY January 25-27 Fokum February 5, 12, 19, 26 Morning Lay Schooi ofBibli andTheolog\ February 19-20 Reugion and the Arts: Tin Artoi Storytelling Marchl Conversations with Tex Sampli Reaching Peopli imhe'90s March 2-3 Seasons of Ministry Tiih MlDDl l Vl ttS April 12-20 A WEEK in Jamaica A pilgrimage following Lent and Easter in a Third World country where the church is strong and vibrant. Participants will spend a week in study of Jamaica at United Theological College in Kingston, seeing urban and rural parish work in Ocho Rios, and experiencing life in another culture. For lay persons and clergy. Leader: Doug Hix. Cost: $800 (includes travel, room, board). April 18-21 Ministry or Urn Confer, n. . Through worship, Bible study, small group discussion, reflection, and other activities, participants will seek, hear anew, and respond to Cod's call to ministry in home, workplace church, local and global communities. Montreat Conference Center. Cost: $90. April 25-30 A Week with the TraPPISTK Contemplative Retreat for Men A retreat for men at the Monastery of the Holy Ghost, Conyers, Georgia for reformation, relaxation, and spiritual discipline. Leader: Doug Hix. Lost: $140. April 26-30 A Week at St. Helena's: Contemplative Retreat for Women A retreat for women at St. Helena's convent, Augusta, Georgia. A time to get apart, to pray, to worship and meditate. Led by a community of sisters in a beautiful retreat setting. Leader: Sara Juengst. Cost: $185. April 30-May 2 Fellowship Gathering of Presbyterians Meeting the Master in the Mountains. A weekend gathering of Presbyterians at Montreat Conference Center. Leaders: Douglas Oldenburg, Ben Johnson, Rick Dietrich, and others. May 10-11 Seasons of Ministry: The Last Ten Years A conference to help ministers gain new perspective and energy for the last years of ministry through story-sharing, goal setting, and life planning. Leaders: Members of the Colum- bia faculty. Cost: $75. 'Seasons of ministry' set Led by Columbia faculty members, this March 2-3 seminar for pastors ages 35 to 55 will provide a forum for reflection and discourse about personal and professional issues as- sociated with the "middle years" of ministry. The seminar's goal is to provide new perspective and energy through story-sharing, discourse, and theological reflection. Walter Brueggemann will conduct a biblical study, "Vision for Middle Times." Other topics covered will be "Handling Personal Crises," "Staff Relationships," "Keeping Preach- ing Fresh," "Spiritual Reflection," "Fi- nancial Planning," and a reflection with Douglas Oldenburg. Cost is $75. Par- ticipants are encouraged to attend both the Tex Sample seminar on March 1, and the Middle Years event for maxi- mum benefit. D 'Contemplate and Celeorate' I iNTEMPLA IE AND CELEBRATE" is the 1 1 huh ol the New Year's retreat Offered December 2^ - January 1 by thi I ay Institute of Faith and Life. It i> designed to create opportunities through meditation, study, work, and worship to reflect on the old year and welcome the new. The retreat gives invitation to live simply and quietly in an atmosphere tree from the holiday rush and the pressure of work in the world. There will be opportunities for conversation, spiritual direction, guided prayer with leaders knowledgeable of the lite of the spirit, and time alone with God. Retreat leaders include Joan Gray, minister of Columbia Presbyterian Church, Decatur; Currie Burns, minister of Clifton Presbyterian Church, Atlanta; Rich Stanford, minister of Hillside Presbyterian Church, Decatur; and Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute. For more information or for reser- vations, contact the Lay Institute. Two Winter Lay Schools offered For four Tuesday evenings in January and February, Columbia Seminary will conduct its winter Lay School of Bible and Theology. Four classes will be offered: "Were You There When...?" taught by J. Will Ormond, professor emeritus of biblical exposi- tion; "Listening to Sermons: Old Ways and New," taught by Lucy Rose, assistant professor of preaching and worship; "A Heap of Broken Images," taught by Iwan Russell-Jones, associ- ate professor of theology, media, and the church; and "Matters of Life and Health," taught by Brian Childs, professor of pastoral theology and counseling. Classes will meet on the seminary campus January 5, 12, and 19 and February 2, 1993, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. In addition, the Lay School is offering a morning class on Fridays in February from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The course is "Four Short Books," taught by Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute. Registration is $35 for evening courses and $25 for the morning course. For more information or to register, contact the Lay Institute. ACE program Beginning in January 1993, Columbia Seminary will offer a systematic approach to continuing education for clergy and educators who are not pursuing degrees or certification. Upon completing 32 hours of course work in specified areas, participants will receive a certificate. The initial course, "Reflections on Ministry," will be held Wednesday, January 6, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Sara Juengst, director of continuing education. D January 5-7: Seminars for Ministers I mui\'s wnual January Seminars for Ministers, slated for January 5-7, 1993, will feature a number of out- standing scholars in a wide variety of seminars and will include a luncheon with PC(USA) Moderator John Fife. The regularly offered preaching course will focus on "Preaching to the Baptized During Lent and Easter," using baptism as the liturgical and theological framework and literary , nth ism as an exegetical tool. It will be taught by Charles Campbell, instructor in homiletics at Columbia. Luke Johnson, professor of New Testament and Christian origins at Emory University, will offer a biblical study on "Making Friends with Wicked Mammon: Christian Faith and the Faithful Use of Possessions." This seminar will open the texts of Scrip- ture and experience. Rebecca Chopp, associate profes- sor of systematic theology at Candler School of Theology, will teach "Fierce Grace: Ministry in the North Ameri- can Situation," using the Bible, historical texts, and contemporary theology to examine the witness of the church in the social and personal dimensions of North American life. The seminar will give attention to new tasks and images of ministry. Deborah McKinley, associate for worship in the Theology and Worship Unit of the PC(USA), will present the last of the Supplemental Liturgical Resources, "The Liturgical Year." The seminar will focus on how to use this resource with a congregation. A fourth seminar, "Blessed Wounds: Pastoral Care of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse," will offer hope for those concerned about child abuse in all its forms. Roberta Noble- man's seminar will center around her evening performance, "Masks and Mirrors," on January 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia chapel. Cost is $3. For more information or to register for the seminars, contact the Office of Continuing Education. Tex Sample visits Columbia Ttx Sample, author of U.S. Lifestyles and Mainline Churches, one of the most provocative analyses of American culture and its effect on the Christian church, will hold a day-long seminar at Columbia on "Reaching People in the '90s." Mr. Sample is a lively, direct, and personal speaker, mixing anecdotes with factual material to discuss developing strategies of mission and evangelism to diverse groups within our culture. This March 1 event will be a tremendous inspiration to pastors and concerned lay persons who desire to be faithful and knowledgeable in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to today's world. Cost is $50. VANTAGE mm The ReiK Sara Juengst and Dr. Ronald Cram Christian education serves laity's ministry in church and world Despite its general perception by many as a "step-child" in theological studies, Christian education is the object of growing respect - drawing increased attention at Columbia and other theological institutions and favorable reviews from some sur- prised students. Columbia student Bob Frost knows firsthand. "I thought the Ministry of Teaching course would be a dull class - learning how to put together a Sunday school book," he admits. "It turned out to be the most important course I've taken!" It's a confession that Dr. Ronald H. Cram, associate professor of Christian education, and the Rev. Sara C. Juengst, director of continuing education, who also teaches Christian education electives, say they hear often. The realization may be sparked by increased recognition of the pastor or church leader as "teacher" instead of "performer." As Christian educa- tors recognize and appeal to the learning styles of a spectrum of church members, the academic discipline is embracing new ways to invite lay persons to be partners in theological reflection and action. Dr. Cram says, "Students attend theological institutions on behalf of the local congregation. The seminary student comes to Columbia to learn how to serve and empower the ministry of the laity in the church and in the world. Jesus showed us that teaching is an act of radical, trans- forming, and risky love. When such love is modeled by a pastor or lay leader, we come to understand in part what it means to teach as Jesus did." The church is becoming increas- ingly aware of laity's vital ministry. Lay persons are nurtured and equipped in the church, very often within the framework of formal Christian educational experiences. "Educational ministry is necessar- ily non-hierarchical and collective," WINTER 1992-93 Dr. Cram says. "Christian education is a way of engaging in Biblical theologi- cal reflection with the entire congrega- tion. Christian education is an essential act of practical theological reflection." Because of that, Ms. Juengst notes. Christian education is also multi- faceted and theologically demanding. "It is a vehicle for putting everything else together," she says. "It helps one to use theology and all the disciplines one has learned. When one under- stands that, it gives a new perspec- tive." "I want to underscore that it is complex," she adds. "There is no easy answer. As the church changes and we recognize new developments about learning, we have to learn to adjust. Usually, there is not much adjustment." It is precisely the local church about which Ms. Juengst and Dr. Cram are centrally and passionately concerned. They applaud the growing respect for Christian education as a vital link in ministry and as a disci- pline of practical theology which invites interdisciplinary dialogue - for the good of the local congregation's mission. "Christian education can't be separated from the whole life of the church," Ms. Juengst says. "If we're about wholeness, we must be using all the knowledge we've acquired to help people become whole. Christian education is a tool to help that hap- pen " Dr. Cram maintains that the importance of effective Christian education cannot be overestimated - that it takes a backseat to other facets of ministry only at a significant cost. '"Loving incompetence' is harmful/' Dr. Cram says. "Leaders can literally love their congregations to death Lack of teaching skills often results in significant individual and communal damage." Dr. Cram and Ms |uengst agree that Columbia has a I [( h heritage in C hristian education While a < ourse in Christian education is not required at all theological seminaries C olumbia has consistently maintained a commit- ment to its important e And tin- \ ision foi ( olumbia s Christian education commitment is expanding - both at immediate and long-range le\ els Both educators acknovs Ledge the importance ol exploring the role >>t art, aesthetic music, drama, and dance in edu< atiort "It we're becoming less and less print- centered as a culture and more and more image-centered, there is no the seminar} of the future >. lunch car avoid these ways ol communicatii Dr. Cram says Still on the drafting table are visions for Columbia to bei ome a Christian education resource center for the Presb) terian Church (USA) .1 superb Christian education library irt the soon-to-be-added library winj increased role in inter-religious dialogue; advocacy lor marginalized people - especially theverj young and very old; and a laboratory setting in which curriculum resources mas be developed and tested. Ms. Juengst says, "With this number of emerging possibilities, 1 think we are on the verge of some- thing important happening at Columbia." Nanqj Graham '93 Study tour goes to 'Places of Paul' ! Ma\ 17 ft mi 6 1993 < olumbia w ill sponsor . travel study toui "i tnd 1 urkej \ isiting sites ,issiu iated w iti> the apo itl< Paul 1 he ti ip is open i" an) one interested in exploring this ancient >\u<-\ fas< inating part ot the world and ii.n ing a more \ i\ id understanding oi New resta men! scenes 1 he toui v\ ill Ln< lude \ isits i" Athens C orinth 1 hessalonia Philippi .in. 1 1 phesus, w iii> a foui da) - mis,' to tin' islands <>t M) konos, ( rete, Santorini, Rhodes, and Patmos 1 ectures on histoi i< al and biblit al sites will be pro\ ided b) 1 h I Phillips \oble, Presb) terian rninistei and former president ol the Board ol Pensions, who has led numerous tours to this area. Toui leadei is Sara ( Juengst, dire toi ol 1 ontinuing educa tion c ost oi the trip is approximatel) $2,995. Contact Ms. [uengst .11 ( olum bia for more information. D Jamaica and Hungary continued from pag churches, Eastern European Chris tians are faced with abundant oppor- tunities but are handicapped by .1 la< k 1 >i experience. "They've not had any training," Dr. Russell-Jones says, "they've not seen much of what other countries are doing because they have been so tightly controlled. So they have no models Dr. Russell-Jones says he hopes to raise $10,000 to underwrite a seminal in Hungary for 30 to 40 people - to , oate a vision among I astern Euro- pean church leaders tor merging the Reformed perspective of faith with technological advances The seminar would also expose participants to production and program structuring, giving them the freedom to explore and develop their own patterns "It's easy to forget that the church in Hungary is in a challenging situ- ation," Dr. Russell-Jones says It's a real missionary context. A window of opportunity seems to be open now. Who knows what will happen down the road 1 The whole system 1 1] broadcasting will be shaped m these ITS It the Church isn't in there, shaping the debate, it n ill an opportunity that may never com. again." During the past 15 years, seizing opportunities has been a vital pan 1 il Columbia's efforts to Internationalize theological education. As a result, relationships developed with the church in Jamaica and Hungary have had an impact on hundreds of lives and opened the door for wider theolo- gical conversation in the seminary and across the globe.D Nancy Graham '9 3 Mis Carter at Columbia 1 ontinued from page ' defined the sphere ol greatest need noting especially those metropolitan areas with the highest rates ol teenage pregnancy. The target area whi< h emerged blankets Fulton ( ount) and parts ol 1 teKalband Clayton counties. 1 he high-risk zones whit h are hum.' 1.. more th. in .mini n> people, were divided into 10 "< lusters" ea< ii one feeding into a high schooL \i, 1 ar te] 1 de ignated direi toj foi the Decatur cluster, r hi h feeds into 1 >ecatur l Ugh school, 1 he need is shot king," Mrs, Cartel said "As much as 1 thought 1 knew about the [metropolitan] 1 . immunity/ 1 was shock* d Already otlu'i majoi I ities .ire seeking to model the program, though Mrs, Cartel says Atlanta organizers agreed to develop i he Atlanta Project over a 12-month period before export- ing its ideas to other urban area "We've had requests from almost ry major city," she said. "Our initialsare r.A.P. The Atlanta Project and we hope that will become 1 he \merica Proje< t/" Mrs. Carter said. She noted the proje 1 sgoal is to empowei persons to help thema I not to p.itmni/c them < Mgam/ers hopi to 1 ui through iome red tape and help Atlanta's 1 10 federal agen irk in concert "We don't want t duplicate" What is already being done, Mrs I artei said. "We have set some very high goals and it will take all of us working 1 ii,,., foi the project to be success ful." Mrs. Carter said "We will make mistakes," she added. "We'll try some things that won't work. But the surest way to fail would be not to try." Q For the Record f youl^^^^^^ to con,ribu,e ' thU SeC " 0n ' please send it to the editor. Martin Song (DMin '88) is pastor of the Atlanta Taiwanese Church.....Sam McGregor '92 is pastor of the Slier City NC, church George Stroup, profcssoi oi theology, and Shirley Guthrie, professor of systematii theology , attended the first gathering of the Editorial Board of the C olumbia ] heological Seminary and Westmin- ster/John Knox Press Series on Reformed Theology in Louisville The scries will publish 10 volumes on Reformed theology during the next five years Professors Guthrie and Stroup are co-< hairs ol the Editorial Board. Dr. Stroup preached at First church, Lexington, KV, in October Joseph McNeill (DMin Ml) has been named a missionary by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. The McNeills are in equatorial Brazil, where he will start and de- velop churches and they will be involved in outreach ministries Ford G'Segner '70 is assistant director of military ministn US Army Chaplain Center and School Ft. Monmouth, N] Amanda Lape- Freeberg '90 is pastor of First church, West Barnet, and United church, Barnet Center, VT John Patton, professor of pastoral theology, pre- x, nted a workshop, "Caring for Your Generations," with Professor Brian Childs at the annual meeting of the Society for Practical Theology, which met in Atlanta. Dr. Patton gave three lectures on "The Paradigms oi Pas- toral Care" at the Presbyterian Hospi- tal in Oklahoma City Jeff Aiken '69 is pastor of First church, Allentown, PA. Keith Riddle '91 is associate pastor for program and member development, First church, Fayettev- ille, NC David Gunn, professor ot Old Testament, lectured at Perkins School of Theology and spoke on a panel for Women's Week at Candler School of Theology. At the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, he read a paper on the character of God in Genesis 1-3 to the Reading, Rhetoric, and the Hebrew Bible Section and met with the edito- rial boards of Journal for the Study oj Old Testament and Literary Currents m Biblical Interpretation Scott Arm- strong '88 is pastor of First chun h, Jackson, AL Laura Norris '90 is associate pastor of the Kenmore, NY, church George McDonald '78 is pastor of Central church, Princeton, KY Stan Saunders, visiting profes- sor of New Testament, and Brenda Smith were married August 29 in Weilstetten, Germany Henrietta Wilkinson 'x84 lives in a retirement home in Spanish Fort, AL, where she is resident counselor Tod Linafelt '91 is in the Old Testament Ph.D. program at Emory University Michael Fleenor '79 is pastor of First church, Maysville, KY Dan McMillan '84, pastor oi First church, Lenoir City, TN, received the D.Min. degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary He is also a Reserve Air Force C haplain Lucy Rose, assistant professoi ol preaching and worship, preached at First church, Elberton, GA and was a guest at Bethesda church, Aberdeen NCfora Peacemaking Event, where she preached, taught Sunday school and gave a lecture She preached and [ed .) workshop on worship for Central church, Athens, GA Harrison Taylor '54 is interim pastor I niversity church, San Antonio Jaap Wheelhower (DMin '86) was honorably retired b) Peace er Presbytery in November '91 Victor Yoon, director ot the ( enter tor Asian Ministries, led a Bible study tor a small church celebra- tion in San Antonio and preached in Austin. In October, he lectured at Honam Theological Seminary, Kwangju, Korea, attended the execu- tive forum ot the Synod of the Sun, and preached in Houston David Keister '88 has been called as pastor of Concord church, Sumter, SC Iwan Russell-Jones, associate professor of theology, media, and the church, has taught Sunday school at Central church, Atlanta, and St, Anne's Episcopal Church, Atlanta. He- led a Bible study for InterVars.tv Christian Fellowship at Oglethorpe University and a fall retreat tor South Jacksonville church. His article, "Eighty-one Seconds of Videotape," appeared in Journal for Preachers. C Benton Kline, visiting profes- sor and president emeritus, is teaching .it Union Seminary in Virginia this fall. II, has led workshops and worship for a Northeast Georgia Presbytery Leadership Event and an officers' retreat for the Newnan, GA, BIRTHS To Karen '90 and John '90 McLean, a daughter, Suzanne Hope, Sept. 30, 1992. To Agoston Dobos (ThM '91) and Emoles, a daughter, Emoles, June 29, 1992. To Jon '91 and Kimberly Wallace, a daughter, Erin Kimbro, Dec. 23, 1991. To Ken (MATS '91) and Jackie Young, a son, Andrew Laurin, Aug. 1992. To Susan Moorefield Newton '92 and Taylor, a son, David Taylor, Oct. 18, 1992. To Lisa Majoras '93 and Nelson Fredsell, >i son, Lael Marton Fredsell, Oct. 17, 1992. To Jeff '94 and Cindy Beebe, a son, Benjamin, Sept. 14, 1992. DEATHS John T.N. Keels '32, Oct. 18,1992. Harvell Jackson '33, June 14, 1992. Ernest Edward Gilmore '53, Feb. 14, 1992. Henry Earl Baker 'x63, Nov. 12, 1991, Robert Bay '69, April 1,1991. Charles L. Weltner (MATS '83), Aug. 31,1992. of ministry, preached at the Buford, GA, church, at Cuba church, Blakely, GA, and at Emory church, Atlanta. He conducted a retreat at Montreat for First church, Cartersville, GA. Richard Brooks '80 is stated supply and tentmaker at Grace Covenant church, Birmingham, AL Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, lectured at New Orleans Baptist Seminary, Cleveland Ecumenical Institute, Ingraham House, Bristol, CT. He gave the Morgan Lectures at Lutheran South- ern Theological Seminary and lec- tured and preached at Briarwood church, Jackson, MS. Dr. Bruegge- mann taught at First church, Marietta, GA, and preached at United Church on the Green, New Haven, CT. His articles have been published in Anchor Continued on page 7 f^^TiTcTnohn Mack Walker, depicting Peter, lame*, and John at the TrZsSZ wasvresented to Columbia during the tall meeting of the Board of DirTctoTst pft.unveiled by Sarah WomacK Mr Walker 's sister ,s tn memory of g^L^ R. English, a Columbia graduate of 18,5. church Brian Childs, professor of pastoral theology and counseling, presented "The Family and Pastoral Care" at Magnolia Manor Geriatric Center in Americus, GA. He attended the annual meeting of the Society for Health and Human Values in Mem- phis, and a review was published in Presbyterian Outlook Stephen Vance '81 (DMin '91) is pastor of First church, Muskegon, MI Laura Aull '90 is pastor of voked congregations in Deposit and Hancock, NY Will Coleman '85, instructor in theology, has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at Graduate Theological Union. He has also received a Col- laborative Research Grant from the American Academy of Religion. He will work with Dr. Dwight Hopkins of Santa Clara University on interdisci- plinary studies in theology, herme- neutics, African-American literary criticism, and African-American religious thought Robert Smith '82 has been called as pastor of First church, Roanoke, VA. Shirley Guthrie, professor of systematic theology, has taught at Mo Ranch and at presbytery schools for Presbytery of the Pines and Presby- tery of New Hope. He preached at First church, Newnan, GA, and the Davidson, NC, church and gave the Staley Lectures at Davidson College. He was on a panel concerning theol- ogy and politics at North Decatur church and taught Sunday school at Riverside church, Jacksonville, FL Tully Hunter '90 is pastor of the Raeford, NC, church Gary Bullard '85 has been called as pastor of Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha, NE Charles Talley '63 was honorably retired by Central Florida Presbytery He is adjunct professor at Florida Southern College in Port Charlotte Ann Graham '89 is pastor of the Westkirk church, Pompano Beach, FL Robert Ramey, professor Vantage Volume 84, No. 3, Winter 1992-1993 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 25,000 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 Bonneau H. Dickson For the second time, Bonneau Dickson is retiring - this time from Columbia Seminary. Since 1980, Dr. Dickson, a 1933 Columbia graduate, has served the seminary in its Office of Develop- ment and Seminary Relations. After December 31, he hopes to continue working for the seminary as a volun- teer. At its fall meeting, the seminary's Board of Directors recognized and thanked Dr. Dickson and presented him with a plaque. It reads: "Colum- bia Theological Seminary hereby honors the honorable Reverend Bonneau H. Dickson for his untiring labors, godly ministry, and inesti- mable goodwill as the seminary's field representative." D For the Record continued from page 6 Bible Dictionary on "I and II Samuel" and "Authority of Scripture" and in The Hymn: A Journal of Congregational Song. His book, Old Testament Theol- ogy: Explorations in Structure. Theme. and Text, has been published by Fortress Robert James '56 is interim of First church, Belmont, NC Fred Widmer '44 has retired as adjunct professor at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Ronald Cram, associate professor of Christian education, led teacher education events for First church, Marietta, and the Douglasville, GA, church. He led an adult education seminar at the fall leadership school for Greater Atlanta Presbytery, taught the third grade class at First church, Atlanta, and lectured on "The Trinity and Christian Education" at Trinity church, Atlanta. At the Association of Professors and Researchers in Reli- gious Education annual meeting, he presented a paper, "The Trinity, Mission and Inter-religious Dialogue." Dr. Cram is writer for the new Foun- dation Series Unit on Christian education and had an article, "Chris- tian Education in Theological Educa- tion," published in Religious Education, vol. 87, no. 3 Lee Carroll '68, assistant professor and director of supervised ministry, led a session retreat and preached at Westminster church, Knoxville, TN. He chaired the Search Committee for a new executive director of the Urban Training Organi- zation of Atlanta. Mr. Carroll is moderating a task group from Colum- bia, Johnson C. Smith Seminary, and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, which is designing a training process for a presbytery team to work with urban congregations [n transitional situations. Leeann Rogers Scarbrough '87, pastor of First church. Piedmont, AL, is stated supply of Carmel church, Spring Garden, AL Philip Gehman '68, vice president for student life and dean of students, served on the Southern Association oi Colleges and Schools/Association of Theological Schools Reaccreditation Committee for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in I ouisville William Hurlburt '75 was honorabh retired from the Evergreen, AL. church in January. He is stated supply of First church, Lynnville, TN Joey Byrd '87 is pastoi ol SherriU's Ford, NC, church David Moessner, associate professor of New Testament, wrote an article on the prologue ol the ( lospel of Luke in the Festschrift I rans Nem/iuk The Four Gospels, 1992. Ben Johnson, professor of evan- gelism and church growth, has led officers' and pastors' retreats for s t Andrews-Covenant church, Wilming- ton, NC; the Cumberland Presbyteri- ans in Memphis; Basking Ridge, NJ, church; Miami Presbyterv, Dayton, Ohio; and Community church, Pinehurst, NC. He was keynote speaker for the twenty-fifth anniver- sary dinner of Christian Laity of Chicago. He spoke and led workshops at the Mid-West Celebration of Evangelism in Chicago; North Puget Sound Presbytery; Tres Rios Presby- terv; and Wee Kirk Conference, San Jose Presbytery. Dr. Johnson led seminars for the Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Women of the Church, Myers Park church, Charlotte and was special Order of the Da) Speaker/State of Evangelism PC(USA) for Chicago. D lames F, Dickenson Frank I Willey Vice President Dickenson retires; Willey named director Religion and the Arts planned The annual Religion and the Arts seminar at Columbia will feature storytelling, led by Loralee Cooley, who has worked as a storyteller since 1977. Ms. Cooley has taught story- telling at Clamored Fine Arts Center and was primary founder of the Southern Order of Storytellers. The February 19-20 workshop will include a presentation by Ms. Cooley's husband, Ed, demonstrating the use of narrative and memories in dealing with bereavement; an evening storytelling concert by Mrs. Cooley and others from the Southern Order of Storytellers; practice in using the storyteller's instruments - voice and body; and storytelling from partici- pants. Participants are encouraged to bring any published materials they use, such as books, records, and tapes for a "show and tell" resource center. Also required of the participants are the following ingredients: enthusiasm and imagination (or a willingness to try for both). The seminar is open to anyone. Cost is $50. For more information, contact Sara C. Juengst at Columbia. As wvh N( 1 1' i \--i yeai [ames F. Dickenson will retire fromi olumbia Seminary as \ i< e presidenl foi devel opment and seminar) relations, effective December 31, \W Mr. Dickenson came to the seminary in April I ms4 from Presbyterian College, where he was vice president foi development. Frank T. Willey has been named director of development and seminary relations and has begun his duties in that position. Commenting on Ins retirement, Mr. Di( kenson says, "I will missdailj contact with the seminary family. I am grateful to have been able to work with tWO fine presidents, | Davison Philips and Douglas W ( Hdenburg "l have enjoyed the opportunirj to work with John A ( onant, i haii ol the hoard, and |ohn I I Weitnauer, chair of the board's Planning and Development Committee, >uu\ the rest of Columbia's fine Board ol I Kre< tors I have a special place in mv heart foi the development and seminary relations staff that has worked with me so diligently through these eight years. There arc main Other persons, including the seminary's faithful supporters, who are too numerous to mention but not forgotten. My appreciation extends to eai h "i them as well " At the fall meeting of the Board of Directors, Mr. Dickenson was re< ni/ed with the following resolutionol appreciation: WHEREAS, James F. Dickenson has served Columbia Theological Semi- nary as Vice President for Develop- ment/Seminary Relations since April 1, 1984, WHEREAS, he has brought to his work a lifetime of dedication and service to Jesus Christ through the Presbyterian Church, as pastor and administrator, WHEREAS, he has served the Church by being involved at every level, that is, the local church, presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly, WHEREAS, he is a skilled profes- sional officer of development, WHEREAS, his careful planning has developed a strong staff, and has identified and cultivated both indi- viduals and foundations who have made and will make ,i difference in the life ol ( olumbia I heologii al Semi nary, Will ki as. his foresight In bringing people on th< Board ol I >ire< tors who b\ tneii vn isdom md gifts ha> e resulted m a BtTOng and effe< tt\ ' Board, Wl [ERE \S, theendowmenl whi< h was fifteen million dollars to hen he came to the Seminar) . is now fiftj million dollars, the increase being due in no small part to ins leadership Wl II I'l VS with v isior and skill he has developed the mosl ambitious . .mipaign in ( oluiiihia I heologii al Seminar) s historj with a goal ol $31/4 iCMJOO, Wl [EREAS undei his leadership the ,,,, , ess "i this fai reai King i ampaign seems as lured, Wl II ki v.. he i retiring or Deo m bei ;i 199 ! following a distinguished careei ol Bei \ it e, I | || K| | . KI , be ii resolved thai the Board ol I >irei torsol I olumbia I heologii al Seminary: Records its gratitudi i<* ( ""I foi the hi'' and rninistrj ol fames i- I Hi t enson, Expresses its lie.utlrlt appM , u i, on foi ins most significant contri- bution to the presenl and future ol i olumbia I heologii al Seminary, Prays for God's continued blessings ,,ii iiun and his family/ And dire ts that a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes ol thi Board of I directors. Mr. Dickenson plans to take "only a partial retirement. I want to con- tinue working as a consultant in the development and fund-raising fiel. I I plan to open an office after the fil ll Ol the year." Frank Willey began working in Columbia's development offi< e in August 1989. When the seminar) "Rooted in Tradition, Growing with \ , ,,m,i i apital campaign went public in fall 1990, he was appointed cam- paign director. On the recommenda- tion of President Oldenburg, Columbia's Board of Directors has approved Mr. Willey to head the Office of Development and Seminary Relations. D WINTER 1992-93 Presbyterian Women invited to Columbia Friendship Circle's 'Come See Columbia Day' i u.i \k, Presbyterian Women from across the southern United States gather tor the Columbia Friendship < ir. le's "( nine See Columbia Da) This year's convocation will be April 1, 1993. Emily Wood, newly elected president of the Columbia Friendship Circle, encourages attendance. "For more than 40 years, Presb) terian Women from Columbia's parent synods (South Atlantic and Living Waters) have actively supported the mission and students of our semi- nary. I urge everyone to come and experience the festivities, worship, and moving student testimonies on the beautiful spring campus." The six recipients of the 1992-93 C olumbia Friendship Circle Scholar- ships will speak: Ann Runnion, ( entral Florida Presbvtery; Tom Pipkin, Tampa Bay Presbvtery; Boin Cho, Northeast Georgia Presbyter) lanet James Hankins, East Tennessee Presbytery; Larry Yerger, Tropical Florida Presbytery; and Tim Simpson, St. Augustine Presbyter) For more information about the Columbia Friendship Circle or "Come See Columbia Day," contact Barbara Poe, CFC Liaison, in the seminary's Office of Development and Seminary Relations, 404/378- 8821. Conference on Ministry for prospective students More than 120 theologians, church leaders, seminar]/ educators, and students attended "Christ and Culture: A Sino-American Dialogue" at Columbia October 23-25. Five scholai - presented papers and fielded questions during the consultation, including three pictured above Wang Wei fan, Chen Zemin, and Philip Wickeri, The consultation funded by a grant from the Luce Foundation, whit h is also funding student/faculty study tours to China in I992and 1993. Front row,l-i Kwok Pui-Lan, faculty member at February 26-28, 1 993 Episcopal Divinity School, who led a Bible study; Wang Weifan associate professor and dean of students at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary; Chen Zemin vice principal and academic dean and professor at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, Jiang Uan, Jiangsu International Culture Exchange Centre in Nanjing, interpreter for Columbia's study tours. Back row. l-r: George Stroup, coordinator of the consultation and professor at Columbia. Philip Wickeri, overseas coordinator of the Amity Foundation: Lennart Hamark, Christian Study Centre in Hong Kong; and Charles Cousar, professor and interim dean of faculty and one president for academic affairs at Columbia To register or receive more information, call the Office of Admissions at the seminary, 404/378-8821. Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Rosalvnn Carter speaks at Columbia 1 Plan to attend Forum 1993 1 From the President 2 Columbia's curriculum review 2 Winter reading recommendations 2 Connections with Jamaica and Hungary 3 Continuing education calendar and offerings 4 Christian education at Columbia 5 For the Record 6 Retirements, new appointment at Columbia 7 'Come See Columbia Day' 8 Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 COLUM B I A THEOLOGICAL SEMI NARY