Kairos #192

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kairoj kairos A Weekly Newspaper Life in Zambia Fellow seminary student Melea White, who currently lives and works in Zambia, shares her reflections about her life in Luska.

Invite to Write Middler Jeff Saddington, Junior Amanda Robinson and Dual Degree student Amber Reber reply to the invitation to write.

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Five Minutes with. . . Reporter Christian Schmidt catches three people and asks them five questions.

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Life is about Relationships: Reflections from Zambia Melea White is a Senior MDiv/MSSW dual degree student currently completing her studies in Luska, Zambia.

Some American friends who were staying on the campus of Justo Mwale Theological University College in Lusaka, Zambia, left in August. They offered to let me stay in their house until the woman replacing them comes in November (so I could save some money and watch after the house). Their only request was that I keep their housekeeper, a Zambian woman, on for the two months I live here.

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John Calvin Pumpkin Carved by John Leedy

Interview by Krystal Leedy Reporter Krystal Leedy interviews Homiletics Professor Rev. Dr. Kristin Saldine. Find out why

Corpus Christi Challenge Student group Corpus Christi invites the seminary community to involve themselves in social justice issues.

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Issue 192, Nov. 2-6 , 2009 Student Senate Meeting Notes Student Senate makes their notes public. See minutes of their “summit” and of the 10/27 meeting.

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I know that people have different ideas about a white person hiring someone from a different ethnic group for a job like housekeeping. Some believe that one is merely providing employment for a person in need, others believe that one is feeding into the system of racism, and yet others fall somewhere in-between. I am constantly thinking about what my racial status and/ or privilege does in any given situation, so I tend to fall more in line with the idea that hiring a person from any group perpetuates negative racial stereotypes (and the fact that living quarters for the house help, which is often on the house owner’s land, is referred to as the “servants’ quarters” here does not help). This does not mean that I think everyone should agree with me – I understand that other people simply want to provide someone in need with a job, and I respect this decision.

Needless to say, when I was asked to keep their Those of you who know me would know that I considered housekeeper on, I was incredibly uncomfortable. I was happy to help this woman out, so initially I thought about this a terrible request. just paying her and telling her not to come and clean, but © 2009 Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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then realized that this could easily be misunderstood, and did not want her thinking I did not trust her or want her in the house. Then I thought I had come up with the perfect solution. My friend told me that the housekeeper could not read or write because she stopped attending school at grade four. SO, I decided that I would have her help me learn Nyanja and I would help her learn to read – I would pay her for helping me and teach her to read along the way.

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Divine Mystery Amanda Robinson is a Unitarian Universalist Junior MDiv student and native to the Austin Region.

Now two months into my seminary journey, I am still feeling very welcomed at APTS. That welcome is one of the reasons I chose to come here. Another is that I didn’t want to go to a school where everybody thinks just like me; I wanted to be challenged to think and grow in With this idea in mind, I decided that I would talk to her different ways. about my idea the first day she was at the house. I was so disappointed when I discovered that she speaks very little English. There was no way we could communicate well enough to teach each other as much as I had hoped we would. I realized in that moment that I was a huge jerk. What was I thinking? I was just assuming that she would gratefully accept my offer to educate her. Even though I was uncomfortable with her ‘working for me,’ wasn’t it just as racist for me to think that I, an educated white woman, could just swoop in and educate her, which I was essentially doing to make myself feel better?

Now that I am here, I am enjoying my classes and finding that the professors are genuinely passionate, not just about their subjects, but also about what we are all doing here. They believe that what they do—and what we do— matters, and I appreciate that, even if I don’t always believe in the same way that they do. I come from traditions that honor and recognize God in and through many forms, names, and religions. In the same way that I am known to different people in different ways: daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, student, etc., God is known to different people in different ways: Rama, Shiva, Jesus, Buddha, Yahweh, Allah, etc.

In the time we’ve been together, though, we have formed a relationship. We are able to communicate relatively well now, and have shared many things with each other. Two weeks ago, she taught me some Nyanja sayings and I taught her the English alphabet.

The practices that people use to connect and interact with divinity are different, too—study, meditation, prayer, chanting, magic—but they are the same in that they are all expressions of humanity reaching out and opening up to divinity.

Last week, she taught me some things in the garden. Joyfully, I have been able to pass on greetings from her previous employers/friends, who left Zambia, which is very special to her. In the end, I have learned much more from her than she has from me. But isn’t that how it always goes?!

Through my work, I have the great privilege to talk to and meet people of faith from different denominations and religious traditions who are working on justice issues in their congregations and communities.

I work for an interfaith education and advocacy organization called Texas Impact, whose motto is “people Indeed, life is about relationships. It is about letting them of faith working for justice.” I feel blessed to be able to form over time, and waiting until there is appropriate visit different houses of worship, to pray with people space to teach and learn from one another. over meals, and to listen to people’s stories about their -Melea White congregations—their joys, frustrations, and concerns. Regardless of the denomination or the religion, the challenges and joys of being in community are the same. Whenever I find myself in a house of worship for the first time, I feel like a kid in a candy store; I love to explore these spaces that are central to the community, spaces 2

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that are both functional and sacred. I venture into the sanctuary and try to get a feel for the worship space. I wander down hallways and peer into classrooms. I locate the nursery and smile at the bright, cheery spaces people create for their youngest members.

I think the reason is simple. We’re really glad to have visitors here. We want people to check out our community and see if it’s right for them. It’s not the place for everybody, but I truly believe that it’s the best place on earth if you’re meant to be here.

It is pretty clear to me that all religious communities are groups of people who come together intentionally to serve each other, God (however She is known there), and the world the best way they can. And each congregation is a beautiful, amazing thing.

For me, it was perfect. I wanted a place where I felt like part of a big family, where I could live on-campus with my fellow students, where I could get support, love and motivation to be my best. (And being back in Austin didn’t hurt matters.)

At this moment of my life, I feel like I am in the place that I am supposed to be right now, lack of sleep notwithstanding. And I think this is why I find myself more easily moved to tears lately—they are tears of joy and beauty, you see. My religious background, job, family, and seminary experience are conspiring together to reveal the infinite beauty, expanse, and variety of divine Mystery in all areas of my life. For that and so much more, I am immensely grateful. - Amanda Robinson

From that Discovery Weekend last February, I felt that this could be that place for me. Eight weeks in, I still feel that way. My classmates are some of my best friends, and I can’t imagine going through this without them. Even in the midst of midterms, remembering what brought me here helped me stay positive.

I know I’m the right place for me. And I hope my fellow students remember what brought them here. And, for any prospective students reading this, my blessings and a little advice: Take a look around, ask every crazy question you have, let this place and these people tell you what it’s Christian Schmidt is a junior MDiv Unitarian Universalist student like to be here. And I hope to see you next Fall. under care of the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Conference. -Christian Schmidt

Making a discovery

I remember it like it was last week, and given that it really was just eight months ago, that’s not so strange. I drove over from Bryan, where I had been living the past 3 years, back to my hometown to visit Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary for Discovery Weekend.

Thanksgiving Celebration Lunch! Wednesday, November 18th, 11:45 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

I wasn’t at all sure I wanted to attend APTS, but I knew that there had been Unitarian Universalist students here Dean Michael Jinkins will bestow blessings upon the Thanksgiving meal at 11:45 a.m. in the past, and staying in Texas had great appeal for me. So I was ready to give it a try, even if just for a weekend. MENU The first person I met on campus (if memory serves) was Sally Wright, and if that wasn’t a sign, I don’t know what is. Sally grew up in Bryan, so we at least had that to talk about. She was friendly, and helpful, and really seemed happy I was checking out the seminary.

Turkey and Dressing Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole Cranberry Sauce

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Pumpkin Pie Pecan Pie And she wasn’t alone. This school does prospective student weekends right. I won’t knock any other schools, Cost is $6.00 and includes a drink. Please note but I visited three others and applied to one more, and that this will be the only meal option for this day. this was far and away the best impression I had.

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Five Questions with. . by Christian Schmidt

Jessica Goad

John Pflug

Holly Clark

UMC Junior MDiv student

PC(U.S.A) Senior MDiv student

PC(U.S.A) Junior MDiv student

What’s your favorite snack? Kirkland brand trail mix, because it tastes good. They put real M&Ms, not those fake ones.

What’s your favorite snack? Nuts, just different kinds of nuts. They’re high in protein and very easy, there’s no cooking. They’re convenient and taste good. How many Bibles do you own? Seven.

What’s your favorite snack? Chips and sour cream and onion dip. How many Bibles do you own? Five or six

What did you do for Fall Break? I played Madden, for nine days, pretty much. And I took care of my wife. How did you decide to come to APTS? It was close to my wife’s family. How many Bibles do you own? Four What did you do for Fall Break? I went to Tucson and hung out with my family and friends. How did you decide to come to APTS? It was the only seminary at which I felt that I could really become a part of the community. What was the last book of the Bible that you read? Hosea

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What was the last book of the Bible that you read? John

What did you do for Fall Break? I went camping at Enchanted Rock. Yay! How did you decide to come to APTS? I was already living here. What was the last book of the Bible that you read? Jeremiah

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“Strength for the Journey”

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were in Act I, I will not pull the wisdom card at this point because I do not feel very wise.

How much continuity is there in my life between the years covering 1969 to 2008 and now? The only time I think about this is when I am asked the question, “How different will becoming a pastor or a chaplain be versus I fall into an unofficial category of student here at APTS when you were in industry, since you were there for so easily labeled “a second-career” person. That is very LONNNG?” obvious when you see me. I was fortunate to have spent 35 wonderful, challenging years immediately before Surprisingly, I believe it will have much similarity. Yes, APTS as a Johnson & Johnson executive, beginning as a being a chaplain or in congregational ministry will college student at the end of the 1960’s and ending here in certainly not have the same smells, sights, and sounds of Austin in August of 2008. the production lines of Johnson’s® Baby Powder, Johnson’s® Baby Shampoo, Band-Aid® Brand Adhesive This was not like working in the same place for all those Bandages, or Acuvue® Brand Contact Lenses, in the 70’s, years, as I had at least 15 distinct assignments within 6 of 80’s, or 2000’s, or selling products in Japan in the 90’s. J&J’s 180-some companies around the world. These assignments were exciting opportunities, and my But my industry career, in hindsight, was remarkably business career could have continued. But it began to pastoral in the sense that I cared for thousands of occur to me about 10 years ago, in a very slow process, employees who had constant turmoil in their lives when that my life might be undergoing a shift that would not not at work and had tension and conflict to deal with in be able to be satisfied with more corporate moves. the workplace. Jeff Saddington is a Middler MDiv student and an Inquirer for Minister of Word and Sacrament under care of Mission Presbytery.

In no way did I understand this shift at the time. “What In order to have efficient work processes, managers need is happening to me?” I said on many occasions. to be concerned about and be keenly aware of all this turmoil and conflict, since good management is really just Outside of my business experience, I have been an effort to empower people to manage themselves by influenced significantly over the past 40 years through providing them listening ears, adequate resources, volunteer work with the homeless and hungry, prisoners training, expectations, direction, and feedback. having no hope, and with international adoption of children who have no families to love them. The employees working for me needed to know that I cared about them and their families 24/7, not just when I definitely did not feel in control about all of this “call we were at work together. They needed to know that evolution,” but it has been an exciting time. I suspect that they were capable of solving most of their own problems, many of my fellow students here have had similar “I-amand that their relationships with those around them were not-in-control” experiences and probably more primarily their own responsibility. It now feels somewhat interesting, weaving, meandering personal journeys to pastoral, although it did not at the time. APTS. Author Parker Palmer in Let Your Life Speak describes The title of this article is “Strength for the Journey,” after vocation as “not an act of will…but at its deepest level it the title of a book of sermons authored by Peter Gomes, is something I can’t not do, for reasons I’m unable to professor at Harvard University. His sermons, rich in explain to anyone else and don’t fully understand myself imagery, humor, and insight, directed toward the students but that are nonetheless compelling.” in that university, began to work in my heart and mind in the late 1990’s about my own vocational journey and the That is exactly how both my Act I and Act II feel to me. I discernment that I knew that I desperately needed. am excited to learn and prepare for Act III, regardless of its set design, and I feel so blessed to be in this place So, is APTS a “second call” for me? Or is it merely “Act called Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I pray II” to the same play, started immediately after a short for strength for the journey, for me and for my loving retirement “intermission” consisting of a single Labor family who support me! Day weekend in 2008? While the characters in this play are a little older, a little heavier, and a lot slower than they -Jeff Saddington

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Interview with Rev. Dr. Kristin Saldine Interview by Krystal Leedy PC(U.S.A.) Middler MDiv Student Kristin Saldine, one of our beloved homiletics professors at APTS, sat down with me for an interview to get the inside scoop on who she is. After only spending a few moments with her, there was no doubt about her ability to be not only a brilliant, distinguished professor but to be a distinguished professor with flair. Here is just a piece of our interview together, but the real story happens when you sit an talk with this wonderful person who has fantastic stories:

Q: Where did you grow up? A: Sacramento, California. It was named after the sacraments. Q: From where did you graduate? A: Whitworth College with a B.A., San Francisco Theological Seminary with an MDiv, and Princeton Theological Seminary with a PhD Q: What has been your greatest travel adventure? A: Picture this: Deep winter 1978. An isolated railroad crossing somewhere in the forest along the Polish-Russian border. Authorities have locked us up overnight in a cramped customs blockhouse without heat or light. I’ve never been so cold. To this day, I carry a flashlight wherever I go. Either that or the goat sacrifice in Turkey. Or maybe piloting that little fishing boat in the stormy North Atlantic sea? Wait, there was swimming with sea lions in Baja. There have been so many… Q: What is your favorite class to teach? A: The one I’m currently teaching, whichever one that is.

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Q: What is one of your preaching pet peeves? A: Preachers who signal the end of their sermons by turning and leaving the pulpit. Q: Where is your favorite pulpit to preach in? A: Miller Chapel, Princeton Seminary. It was the perfect size. Not too big, not too little. Not too narrow, not too wide. It was central in the chapel. Q: What is your favorite instrument to listen to in a worship service? A: The human voice in song. (I then asked a follow-up question, if she had to pick an instrument other than the human voice, which would her favorite be?) I like the organ because it’s the only instrument that breathes like a human. Q: What is your favorite non-academic book? A: Andrew Henry’s Meadow by Doris Burns, a children’s book that my mother’s friend, who grew up on an island, wrote. Q: If you could be a Christian in any other time period, which would you choose? A: A medieval Celtic monastic mapmaker (pre-Viking times, of course) Q: If you were not a professor, what else could you see yourself doing? A: A folk singer or a mapmaker. The mapmaker because I have always loved maps; they represent something and communicate something about what they represent. A folksinger because I already have an album. Q: Do you have a tattoo? A: Yes, but I don’t talk about it much. My parents are still upset. Q: If you could offer one piece of advice to future pastors, what would it be? A: Ride a scooter. It’s fun. It makes you giggle. You have to really concentrate on what you’re doing, so you can’t think about your problems.

Q: What motivated you to get a scooter? A: The lure of the open road…

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Extensions of an Olive Branch Reflections on Identity, Peace, Unity and Community Mary Elizabeth Prentice is a Senior MDiv student and Candidate for Minister of Word and Sacrament under care of Grace Presbytery and the Editor of Kairos.

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In what I thought was a friendly gesture, her eyes told me otherwise, or at least that is what I felt. Maybe she thought I was going to run away with what she had dropped. Maybe she thought - “Greedy Westerner.” Maybe she was having a bad day. Who knows? There was of course a language barrier, but what I thought was a friendly gesture seemed to be taken as an offensive one.

Finally this waiting room interaction/eavesdropping got me to thinking about one time when I stopped at a gas I was at my physical therapy appointment, rehabilitating station along I-35. I was traveling from Austin to Dallas my shoulder, again this past Tuesday. While sitting in the the summer before I left for Northern Ireland (2004). I waiting room a woman gets on her cell phone and begins was late for the required physical you are supposed to complete before becoming a Young Adult Volunteer, but I talking to what sounds like a bank employee. HAD to stop (if you know what I mean)! From what I can surmise in eavesdropping she managed to leave her driver’s license at the bank and was upset I did my business and walked over to wash my hands that for several days while she frantically looked for her and while washing them I noticed directly under the sink driver’s license the bank had “failed” to call her or notify was a wad (and I mean WAD) of $100 bills. I picked it up her via mail or email. She passively aggressively chewed and examined it. For a miniscule of a second I considered out this bank employee and blamed them for not keeping it. (Yes - I know I am broken.) returning her driver’s license promptly - “It is your responsibility to contact me. Why did I have to panic for My thought process was that I was responsible for raising $10,000 to be a YAV and no one had responded to my plea several days and finally contact you?” she challenged. for money yet and that cash would have been VERY I know I don’t have the full story by any means. I can helpful toward my endeavor. surmise there is more behind her comment to the bank But after my millisecond of wavering, I decided not to teller than I heard, but nevertheless, it make me think. keep the cash. (I am not trying to pat myself on the back This incident immediately reminded me of when I was here!) I approached the gas station clerk and handed the walking the streets of Jerusalem last January while on the wad of money over to him. Hurriedly I explained where I seminary trip to the Holy Land. I was on a quest with had found the cash and that I could not stay and call the fellow travelers to find a Magnum Ice Cream Bar in the police. He looked at me as if I was crazy and asked, “You city of Jerusalem. (By the way Magnum Ice Cream Bars found it, why don’t you keep it?” are heaven on a stick. While not sold in the United States of America, they are sold in places like Mexico, Northern I said innocently, “No! Someone might come back looking Ireland, Israel/Palestine, Switzerland and I am hoping in for it.” Turkey!) Needless to say, I have no idea what happened to that The streets of Jerusalem were crowded, after all it was wad of money, nor do I want to know. “rush hour.” Suddenly a Muslim woman in hajib dropped something from her bag. I was directly behind All of these interactions got me to thinking about her and picked it up and began reaching towards her. accountability. Before I touched her to notify her I had what she dropped, she realized that she had dropped something I now use “we” in the sense of those entering into ministry, and turned toward me quickly snatching the item out of academia, and also use “we” as our community here and now. my hand.

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How accountable are we supposed to be to others? Researchers estimate that there are more slaves in the Are we “responsible” for calling someone and notifying world today (27 million!) than there were during the four them of finding their driver’s license? (There isn’t a hundred years of the African slave trade during the phone number listed on a Texas Driver’s License by the colonial era, most of today’s slavery is underground. way.) Often today’s slaves find themselves trafficked into Are we responsible for picking up an object for someone strange lands and forced to work as laborers or if they drop it? prostitutes. Around the world (including the United What are we to do if we find $1,000 cash on the bathroom States) slaves work publicly floor? in restaurants, factories, farm fields (especially on How accountable are we to others? plantations), Would we have called, contacted, mailed or done chocolate something to get the woman’s driver’s license back to laundry facilities, cleaning her? services, and in the sex trade. These slaves exist Should we continue to pick up things and catch people because it is profitable to when they drop something? others for them to exist. Should we have called the police and handed the money There is a market for cheap labor, for cheap chocolate, over in a different manner? and for cheap sex. Choosing I am in no way trying to be a moral agent for the to value these slaves as people more than we value the community or individuals, but this has certainly given economic benefits they provide is part of what it will take me pause this week. It leads me back to the grayness of to abolish modern-day slavery. Here are a few ways you life and I anxiously reside there for now. can get involved: -Mary Elizabeth Prentice

Justice Challenge: Modern Slavery Corpus Christi is issuing a “challenge” to the Seminary community to find ways to practice social justice in our everyday lives. Each week we will highlight a particular issue and offer practical suggestions for making a difference regarding the issue. The challenge is for you to pick just one suggestion and put it into practice, AND, if you so desire, to write about your experience and submit it to Mike Clawson ([email protected]). The best stories will be printed in Kairos and one will be selected at the end of the semester for a special prize.

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1. Educate yourself. Visit www.stopthetraffik.org, read David Batstone’s book Not for Sale, or watch the 2008 documentary Call+Response.

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2. Encourage elected officials to support laws that seek justice. While slavery and importing products made by slaves is technically illegal in the United States, these laws are rarely enforced, and there are few ways to guarantee that companies are truly importing only slave-free products. Write to your

! ! ! This week’s focus is modern slavery. The following is adapted ! from Julie Clawson’s Everyday Justice: The Global Impact ! of Our Daily Choices: 8

local political representatives and encourage them to support laws that require strict enforcement of these laws or that support slave-free labeling on products like chocolate that are commonly produced with slave labor.

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3. Use your purchasing power as a consumer. By choosing to buy fairly traded or “slave-free” chocolate, for instance, you are telling companies that you care about issues like slavery and refuse to be complicit in supporting such practices. Slave-free options are widely available online at

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sites like www.serrv.org, www.globalexchange.org, and www.amazon.com.

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4. Write to companies that commonly utilize slave labor. You can send a direct message to the major chocolate companies like Nestle and Mars to let them know that you care about how they produce their chocolate. Ask them to move beyond vague statements of concern for these issues and find

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ways to guarantee that the chocolate you buy is slave-free.

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5. Raise awareness. Talk about the issue at your church or workplace. Give out slave-free chocolate for Halloween or Easter. Post info about it to your blog or Facebook page. Host a Call+Response documentary viewing party. Organize a fundraiser event. 6. Support modern abolitionist organizations. Organizations exist where you can get directly involved freeing those trapped in slavery

Kairos Guidelines Editorial Guidelines 1. Kairos is the voice of students at Austin Seminary. 2.Kairos generally carries no advertisements for sale of goods or services by individuals. An exception is the sale of a student or professor’s library or other study aids. 3.It is not possible to make all program announcements which are submitted by individual church. Kairos is more likely to be able to run announcements which apply to ecumenical or interfaith groups or groups of churches. 4.No letters which attack individuals or groups will be run in Kairos. This is to be distinguished from letter which might criticize the actions of individuals or groups. 5.Kairos will publish letter to the editor that contribute to Christian conversation on the APTS campus. All letters must be signed. Submission Guidelines: Email submissions to the editor, Mary Elizabeth Prentice, at [email protected]. Editorial decisions are based on urgency, availability of space and editorial guidelines. Deadline is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Submissions made after the deadline must be accompanied by a bribe.

President Ted Wardlaw wants YOU! to have lunch with him.

worldwide. For instance visit www.ijm.org, www.stopthetraffik.org, and www.notforsalecampaign.org. Support these with your time, money, or word of mouth. And again, if you try any of these things above, write to Corpus about it and let us know how it went! -Submitted by Mike Clawson 2nd year MATS Student Churches of God General Conference Mission Statement of Corpus Christi: To be inclusive and supportive of the APTS community and to serve the APTS community by creating a safe place where we can discuss and explore issues threatening the unity and/or the efficacy of the church. Our mission, in its broadest sense includes increasing awareness of and dialogue related to Social and Ecological Justice issues.

Next lunch, Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Sign

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ISSUE 192

What I Learned in My SPM Today Reflections Offering Musings, Insights, and Reflections on Seminary Life Paul Dubois is a Senior MDiv student currently completing a year long SPM at University United Methodist Church.

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was a hindrance to discipleship in a postmodern society. Perhaps. But a year or so ago Fort McKinley United Methodist Church, a dying urban church, ‘merged’ with Ginghamsburg to become a mission outpost. The sign out front no longer says ‘Fort McKinley UMC’, but, rather, ‘Fort McKinley, a Ginghamsburg Community Church.’ So some brands are OK, but others aren’t. Trying to discern the line between hubris and humility has been giving me a headache for most of the afternoon.

The second pattern I observed had to do with I’m sitting in my hotel room in Dayton, Ohio, and not demographic movements over time. because it is Fall Break. My District Superintendent offered to send someone to “Change the World”, a At several times today I heard people expressing dismay conference focused on ministry with the poor. Not ‘to’ about unused church facilities. “It makes me angry,” one the poor. Not ‘for’ the poor, but ‘with’ the poor. person said, “when I see a church with all those facilities Relationship. Partnership. Continuity. The conference is —an education building, a family life center, a sanctuary sponsored by several organizations, and it is being held at and a chapel, but only 20 people worship there.” I’ve thought the same thing before. the various campuses of Ginghamsburg Church. But today, with Ginghamsburg, a large suburban church sending servants into the urban areas to do important I admire the First, because I’m always uncomfortable doing things like work, I sensed something different. conviction of the conference participants to return to the attending conferences, first day of a seminary semester, or walking into any place where I know no one. But also urban areas and put those church facilities to work again. (how to say this gently), Ginghamsburg Church is a mega-church. A few thousand members. New, sprawling But then it occurs to me that perhaps the reason we see so facilities. Lots going on. It is a youthful, high-energy many unused church buildings is because of the ‘whiteflight’ from the inner-city areas 30 or 40 years ago. That environment. I feel way, way out of place. is, those folks who left the urban centers for the suburbs That being said, I have been learning and observing. I are the ones who have abandoned the urban facilities don’t always agree with what is presented, but I only to populate the large suburban churches. And now appreciate the opportunity to be here, and there’s always they look back to find a mission field in the inner city… something to learn. But sometimes, I learn something I that is, within their own heritage. did not expect to learn. After just one day, I find myself puzzling over several patterns that I see emerging from What would the urban churches have looked like if the the conference regarding relationship, partnership, and communities stuck together all those years ago? I have no idea, but I’m wondering if we are at a time when we will continuity. learn a lesson about how connected we are, and that we The first pattern I noticed has to do with branding. cannot simply ‘move away’. Ginghamsburg Church is a United Methodist Church, but I like observing things and thinking about them and you wouldn’t know it on first appearances. making postulates and theorems. That’s why I’m here in The Methodist identity is buried on their website. One of Dayton for this conference. They’re doing some pretty the mantras I have heard today is that if a particular thing wonderful things given their own context. But I’m a bit doesn’t lend itself to making disciples, then it is concerned about these patterns… and I’m concerned with jettisoned. I’m wondering if that is what happened to the how I repeat them in my own context. ‘United Methodist’ brand. I wonder whether the Ginghamsburg leadership felt that the Methodist brand I’m uncomfortable here for a couple reasons.

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Do I attempt to ‘brand’ certain ways of doing or being in I was unsure of the specific context or place it would lead ministry? me to serve. My interests and passions varied then, as they still do today. Pastoral counseling, youth and family When I speak of my church’s Open Doors ministry… do I ministry, and international mission work are some of my cross that line between hubris and humility, that line main interests. beyond which I am building yet another Tower of Babel? While I do feel a deep sense of call to serve through the Is the ministry something I can rightfully claim for my church, I am also very interested in working in the social own, when it truly comes from God? work setting, focusing on human needs and relationships and social justice issues. And do I point fingers at the failure of others’ ministry only to realize that I was complicit in their creation, too? It is my desire to find a balance between seminary and social work. For me, seminary and social work go hand When another church celebrates its inner city work, do I in hand, as living out my faith intersects participating in realize that their ministry has flowered out of my sin? social services. That is, the poor and hungry they are feeding are the As Christians, we are called to love God and to love and same poor and hungry that I have abandoned and serve others. Our faith is lived out in the world as we are ignored? ambassadors for Christ, working for and with other people. Maybe this is why we see these patterns coming and going, again and again, because each of us—as After completing my first two years of seminary study, I individuals, communities, and denominations— returned to the sea of burnt orange, my Alma Mater, to ultimately have to work out our own salvation with fear begin my social work studies at The University of Texas at and trembling. The challenge is relationship, partnership, Austin. continuity. Not my ministry. Not your ministry. But God’s mission. As I reflect on this semester thus far, I see points of -Paul Dubois intersection between social work and divinity. Social work focuses greatly on people in their environment and takes a holistic approach to human life, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. It is important for me as a person of faith to take into consideration all aspects of a person’s life and being.

The Balance Between Seminary and Social Work:

A perspective on the MDiv/MSSW Dual Degree Program at APTS and UT Amber Reber is a member of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) and a third year student enrolled in the Dual Degree Program. In four years of study and in coordination with the University of Texas and APTS, Dual Degree students receive two Masters Level degrees.

People are not one dimensional, but multi-faceted. Furthermore, the social work field is committed to working for social justice and the empowerment of those who are disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed.

I recall learning in Professor Monya Stubbs’ New Testament course that the Greek word δίκαιος meaning “righteous,” also means “justice.” Thus, to seek righteousness in Christian faith is to seek justice for all of From the beginning of my seminary endeavors, I planned God’s people in the world. to enroll in the dual degree program. As part of my social work curriculum this year, I am a In fact, one of the main reasons Austin Seminary appealed part-time intern with The Care Communities, a non-profit to me was this program, as I was interested in both the charitable organization that works to provide practical Christian ministry and social sciences. It seemed this and compassionate support and care for people with program was a perfect fit for my vocational goals, though serious illness, specifically AIDS and cancer.

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Post Seminary Support:

It is amazing to work with an agency whose mission is to care unconditionally for those who are facing critical and serious life burdens. I am excited for the opportunity to serve others with compassionate care and support, as I News from the Office of Christian Leadership learn more about my role as a social worker and as God molds me in new ways. Janet Maykus, Director of Christian Leadership Education and Principal of the College of Pastoral Leaders guides the seminary in supporting clergy after graduation.

While I am not sure exactly where God is calling me to serve in the future, I do have another year and a half of The office of Christian Leadership Education has a school—thank goodness! wonderful challenge before it.  It is here, that we look at Whether I am led to work in a church or in a social work the foundation the seminary has laid for students and we setting, I find comfort in trusting God’s plan for my life. listen to what clergy leaders and lay people say they need With great gratitude for where I am today, I look forward to continue in their formations and educations.  There is no  way our little office can do all that needs to be done, to the rest of my journey. -Amber Reber but we give it the best shot we can! 

The Seminary Community is invited to attend the Installation of the

Rev. K.C. Ptomey to the Louis H. and Katherine S. Zbinden Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Leadership Monday, November 9, 2009 5:30 p.m. Shelton Chapel Austin Seminary Campus

One of the most productive and effective ways we have found to provide as much as we can to as many as we can is to partner with others who are concerned about the life of the church and the well-being of its leaders.  This past summer we took advantage of such an invitation.  The CF Foundation of Atlanta, Georgia, invited Austin Seminary to present a proposal to them that would allow twenty mid-career pastors who had never been to Israel to engage in a spiritual pilgrimage to Israel.  CLE created a program based on Bruggeman’s description of the Psalms…orientation, disorientation, and re-orientation.   We asked pastors to send us applications that described their understandings of pilgrimage, and we asked them to tell us why they believed this particular pilgrimage would be of benefit to them.  We were inundated with proposals.  Choosing the twenty to join the pilgrimage was not an easy task, but it was a rewarding one.   Through their applications we learned where these pastors served and what the conditions are where they serve.  We read of dedication and long hours, of hope and prophetic action.  We read about how tired and spiritually dry many of theses pastors find themselves.  Those chosen as pilgrims were asked to read Beldon Lane’s The Solace of Fierce Landscapes, and they were asked to begin a spiritual journal.  In their journals they were to note their own spiritual landscape. Were they lush and full of fruit or were they barren and parched?   We

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wondered if some might not even be able to describe their orientation.  We wonder if their spiritual landscapes have landscapes.  changed, or if they view those landscapes in new ways. The first time this band of pilgrims met was two days before they left the country.  We all gathered in Virginia to set the stage for the act of pilgrimage, to meet one another, and to learn the last minute details of traveling as a group to a new land.  Numerous denominations and ethnic backgrounds were represented.  Men and women who all lead congregations and who worked hard and quickly to seek permission to be away from their congregations, to write their proposals and then to find replacements while they traveled gathered ready to take a collective deep breath and seek the working of God in their lives.  It was clear from the first few moments of knowing one another that this was an ideal group of pilgrims.  They understood one another and respected their differences.  They believed in the hope of Christ and the strength of the word.  They knew they were in good hands with one another as they began this pilgrimage of time, space and spirit. The team effort at Austin Seminary included many from almost every department of the institution.  The president and dean engaged in detailed conversations regarding the work of collaboration with another institution; the business office helped prepare the pilgrimage’s budget, professors offered suggestions for places to visit and books to read, the office of institutional advancement prepared the website, posted daily video feeds, and assisted with mass emails, and the CLE office created the pilgrimage’s design and evaluation process.  For 14 days the band of pilgrims program leader and spiritual leader Jesus trod, and gathered each night reflect on how each day shaped understandings of their ministries. 

along with their visited the places to pray, sing and them and their

If God continues to work in this world, then God must continue to work within us.  As we grow and are shaped we need new tools, new skills, new eyes to see what is before us in new ways.  Austin Seminary’s Office of Christian Leadership Education opens itself to creative endeavors.   In this manner we continue to learn and be shaped through partnerships and friendships so that we will be ready and able to lead those engaged in the enervating yet rewarding work of ministering to the needs of those in the multi-faceted church of today. 

Congratulations in order for : Junior MDiv Gail Yarborough said YES! to Michael Dodson over Fall Break. They are now engaged to be married. Elie & James (Midddler MDiv) Camp and big brothers Ryan and Shay welcomed Micah Robert Camp on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 9:50 a.m. Micah weighs 10 lbs. 0 oz. and measures 21 3/4 inches.

They returned to the United States and to their congregations in mid-August.  Since that time, many have kept in touch via phone and email.  Some have visited one another.   Friendships have been cemented across denominational and geographic lines.  In two weeks the pilgrims will return for a final reflection.  In that meeting we hope to learn how they have re-oriented themselves to their homes after their intense experience of dis

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Senate Summit Minutes 10/14 In Attendance Jackie Saxon, V.P. SA&V; Kaci Porter, SBP; Jose Lopez, SS; Shane Webb, SS; John Leedy, MS; Sally Wright, MS; Bart Smith, JS; Mary Ann Kaiser, JS; Bryan Law, MATS Senator Meeting Convened: Kaci Porter Reformation Roast • Elements Discussed: Food, Games, Music, Design & Advertisement • Food to Purchase: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers, Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns, Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Relish), Chips, Canned Drinks, Smores (Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, Hershey’s Chocolate Bars) – each with a “Reformation” themed name. • Senate will also provide plates, napkins, ice, and charcoal/fire wood. • Grill will be open on both sides – one side for grilling the meat with charcoal and the other side open for roasting marshmallows with firewood. • Senators will each bring some sort of skewers to the Reformation Roast. • Games: Senators will collect yard style games to provide for the group. Ideas suggested: Frisbee, footballs, soccer, volleyball, croquet, washer pit, kickball, bocce. • Music: Ben Dubois has been asked to provide entertainment for the gathering. Senate will provide electrical cords and assist with any set up needed. Senate will also provide a $50 gift card honorarium. • Design of the event will include: the 95 Theses on the Chapel door, bagpipes at kick-off, Ellen Babinsky asked to pray, Reformation themed food. • Advertising for the event will include flyers, Facebook event, community announcement (Extended to Faculty, Staff, and Students), and word of mouth. • Tasks • Sally: Purchasing of Food from Sam’s Club through Business office • Shane: Facebook Event, available to help with grill • Kaci: 95 Theses production, asking Ellen to pray • John: Community Announcement, Flyer, Purchasing Gift card, help with grill • Bart: Will be available to assist with food purchasing if needed • Bryan: Available to help with event • Mary Ann: Available to help with set up and take down, ice from Stotts • Jose: Available to help with set up and take down, working the grill, maintenance request • Event is scheduled for Thursday, October 29th, 2009 from 5:30 pm lasting until 7:30 pm. • Senate will gather on the Chapel Green at 5:00 pm that day to begin set up, start grill. 2009-2010 Senate Budget Current Fall 2009 Senate Budget: 6/30/09 Rollover Balance

$ 789.46

Sources: Student Service Fee Vending Total Sources:

$ 2,397.50 $ 86.50 $ 2,484.00

Uses to Date: Manna: Purchases – J. Saxon CC Name Badges Ice Cream Social Gift Card – J. Gardner Total Uses to Date:

$ 69.00 $ 18.03 $ 107.25 $ 341.25 $ 50.00 $ 585.53

10/14/09 Balance

$ 2,687.92

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• Budget meeting began with discussion on proposed methods of approval of student group funding requests. Proposed was a process requiring every student group requesting funds to present a written proposal to the Senate, send delegate to meet with the Senate for interview and presentation, and a proposal regarding how the budgeted funding will enhance or include the community. The Enhancement or Involvement Proposal should contain programming that extends past a simple presentation on the method that funding was spent, but programming that serves the community through teaching, worship, discipleship, mission or service, or direct involvement in the funded activity by some other Senate approved means. This proposed method of Senate approval of Student Group funding request was proposed by not moved to a vote. • Senate also discussed structure of Senate budget and proposed changes to the Student Services fee. Due to a number of economic and enrollment factors, the Senate discussed proposing a raise of the Student Service fee. The current Student Services fee is $17.50 grossing $2,397.50 per 137 enrolled students. • The Senate analyzed multiple breakdowns of proposed budget allocation between Senate activities and APTS student organizations. Currently, the Senate has three major funding needs for the 2009 – 2010 school year including the Reformation Roast, Polity Bowl, and Spring Fling. While these are not the only events Senate will require funds for, they do comprise the major expenditures for the year. The Senate proposed an annual budget of $2,400 to fund Senate activities. The Senate also discussed how any left over funding from the annual Senate budget could be made available on a case-by-case basis at the end of each semester to further support APTS student organizations. • The Senate proposed setting a standard cap of allotted funds per each approved APTS student organization. Currently there are 14 approved APTS student organizations. The Senate proposed an annual allotment of an aggregate $2,400 divided into a standard cap of $125 per APTS student group. Every 2009-2010 APTS approved student group has access to $125 per year per Senate approval upon evidence of budget spending that reflects community involvement or enhancement in some way. It was suggested by the Senate that APTS student groups should save receipts from their group’s expenditures in case the Senate is able to provide additional funding at the end of each academic semester. APTS Mid-Week Manna • The Senate discussed the mission of Manna and the current state of student life on campus. Based on these discussions, the Senate decided that a combination of many different types of Manna content should be offered this year. By utilizing humor, recreation, small group conversation, diverse speaking programs, and reporting from student groups, the Senate hopes to utilize Manna as a platform for building and enhancing community life and cohesiveness. In order to do this, the Senate proposed establishing a type of rhythm of Senate content that would provide the following: • Week 1 – Humor, recreation, group games, light fellowship • Week 2 – Reports or programming from student groups or “in-house” presentations • Week 3 – Outside speakers or programming to offer a new voice in the seminary life • Week 4 – Opportunities for small group discussion based on a topic relevant to the current community life or attitude • The Senate felt that this type of rhythm reflected the reality of the rhythms of community life and provides opportunities for a variety of conversations and programming that speaks to the needs of the community. One of the initiatives of the Senate is to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students feel invited, engaged, and respected in the Manna content and atmosphere. Students and Faculty are also invited to suggest Manna content to the Senate at any time. The Senate and the SAV office maintain approval over Manna content. Motions and Election of Senate Officers Senators in attendance during the votes: Kaci Porter, Student Body President Shane Webb, SS Sally Wright, MS John Leedy, MS Bart Smith, JS

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Mary Ann Kaiser, JS Bryan Law, MATSS • 2009-2010 Budget Proposal: The motion was made by Kaci Porter to approval and enact the proposed annual budget of: • $2,400 – Senate Sponsored Activities and Initiatives • $2,400 – Divided among APTS student groups at a standard cap of $175 per group • Totaling $4,800 in the 2009-2010 academic year. The motion was seconded by John Leedy. The motion was put to a vote. The motion was passed unanimously (7 for, 0 opposed). • The motion was made by Kaci Porter to approve a $175 budget allotment to the APTS student group Corpus Christi based upon their presentation and proposal to the Senate. Allotted funds are to be used at the discretion of Corpus Christi. The motion was seconded by Shane Webb. The motion was put to a vote. The motion passed unanimously (7 for, 0 opposed). • Per APTS Student Senate Bylaws, Kaci Porter nominated Sally Wright to the Senate office of Vice President for Administration. Bart Smith moved that the nomination be approved by the Senate. The motion was seconded by Bryan Law. The motion was put to a vote. The motion was passed unanimously (7 for, 0 opposed). • Per APTS Student Senate Bylaws, Kaci Porter nominated Shane Webb to the Senate office of Vice President for Student Affairs. Bart Smith moved that the nomination be approved by the Senate. The motion was seconded by Mary Ann Kaiser. The motion was put to a vote. The motion passed unanimously (7 for, 0 opposed). • Per APTS Student Senate Bylaws, Kaci Porter nominated John Leedy to the Senate office of Secretary/Treasurer. Bart Smith moved that the nomination be approved by the Senate. The motion was seconded by Shane Webb. The motion was put to a vote. The motion passed unanimously (7 for, 0 opposed). The meeting was adjourned by Kaci Porter. Minutes recorded and submitted by John Leedy.

Senate Minutes 10/27 - In Attendance: Jackie Saxon – VP SA, Kaci Porter – SBP, Jose Lopez – S. Senator, Sally Wright – M. Senator, Mary Ann Kaiser – J. Senator, Bart Smith – J. Senator, Bryan Law – MATS Senator - Also in attendance: Mary Elizabeth Prentice – Kairos Editor.

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• Jackie reported about the Wabash Grant that David White applied for last semester. This includes bringing in consultants to talk about diversity on our campus. It was suggested: • Discussions be in the evening. • Discussions scheduled for early in the Spring semester. • Discussions held in Stotts Hall with food provided. SBP Report - Kaci Porter • The APTS Board will be here Nov. 9-11. A luncheon is scheduled and graduating seniors are invited to come as well as Student Senate. The idea is to give the Board a “taste of Manna.” Ideas included: • “Board” games • Fake team building exercises/motivational speech • Powerpoint posters • Testimonies from each class • Allison R. received a request from a local high school student if a seminary student would be interested in talking to their high school about Christianity for a World Religion Project. • Kaci will talk to John Pflug Polity Bowl Report - Jose Lopez • T-shirt options for Polity Bowl were presented. • Two designs suggested • Classic Jersey with Stripes or soft team football shirt • With the Classic Jersey do we offer a women’s cut shirt? • Low end t-shirts run $6 • American Apparel (a company that pays its employees a fair and livable wage runs $10) • Quotes were for approximately 75 t-shirts Kairos Report - Mary Elizabeth Prentice • Please take pictures at Reformation Roast & Trunk or Treat to share with Kairos & Randal W. Manna Schedule - Sally Wright • It has been noted that the Manna Food Calendar was missing the date Nov. 25th. How does this affect the Manna Schedule? • Do we move the Conversation Circles to the Nov. 18th? • Do we move the hanging of the greens & Christmas activites to Nov. 25th instead of Dec. 5th? • Could we have the Presidential Address and Faculty Class Descriptions at the same manna (Nov. 11th)? • It was decided to continue thinking about the schedule and talk again about Manna plans. Recorded by Mary Ann Kaiser Submitted by Sally Wright

Meeting Convened with Prayer: Kaci Porter Reformation Roast Plans Back up plan for rain • RR to be held in Stotts dining hall. • Kaci will ask about moving grill closer to McCord. • Bart will go grocery shopping with Mona on Wed & look for pumpkins. • Will be carving pumpkins instead of roasting marshmallows. We need to get tablecloths and extra garbage cans for carving carnage. • Sally will get pumpkins Thursday if Sam’s does not have them. • Sally will get craving kits from HEB at $.99/kit. • Jose will talk to Ben & Paul about music/venue change. Manna Tomorrow • Mike Cawson to speak about Julie Clawson’s book. • Kaci will invite Whit to share about Listening Project. • Senate members will report about student groups procedures to ask for money. • Table conversations will be initiated about interfaith dialogue.

Remember Trunk-or-Treat and Fall Carnival this Saturday, October 31, 2009! Games, Prizes, Costumes Contact John Leedy or Lauren Falco for more information.

VP-SA Report - Jackie Saxon

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Campus Happenings Chapel Schedule Monday, November 2 : 11 a.m. Laura Walters Senior Sermon Tuesday, November 3: 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Arun Jones The Lord s Supper & a Reflection on the Psalms

Mark Your Calendars Monday – Wednesday, November 9–11, 2009 Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary s Board of Trustees will be in town for their annual Fall Meeting.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 4:

Community Wide Thanksgiving

Community Wide Manna

Celebration Lunch. See page 3 for more details.

Thursday, November 5: 11 a.m. Doug Fritzsche

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Senior Sermon

Polity Bowl - Football game against our sister seminary

Friday, November 6: 11 a.m. Chapel Open for Prayer

A Random Selection of Theses from:  

Martin Luther’s Thesis: 10.Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory. 31.Rare is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, 15.This fear and horror is sufficient of itself alone (to say nothing of other things) to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair. 17.With souls in purgatory it seems necessary that horror should grow less and love increase.

2:00 p.m. More info to come!

Don’t Forget this Welcome to campus weekend Daylight Discovery Weekend participants. Saving Times ends! “Fall Back” & get an We are glad you are extra hour of sleep! here! 16