The Tablet, November 16

the

tablet

A branch of the WFU School of Divinity Keeping you informed

November 16, 2009

Volume 5, Issue 5

Life beyond these four walls: Healthcare, governorships and the economy By Adam Huffman Staff Writer/Photographer

inside this issue 2 Student Spotlight: Sarah Hubbard Faculty Journey: Melissa Clodfelter

3 Community in Review, Job Postings

4 Common Thread, Worship Bulletin and Sincerely Sophia 5 Top Ten Things We Did or Should Have Done With Daylight Savings Time 6 Alumni Voice, The Trivial Inquisition and Cartoon

Most that share a morning (or afternoon) class with me have probably seen me carrying a copy of the day’s newspaper. When I open it, I’m not simply trying to be antisocial and I’m not trying to get a foretaste of retirement and being a crotchety old man. I enjoy being reminded that *GASP* there is life outside Wake Forest. Pause and allow that to sink in...good. In a few short lines, I am going to share some things going on in our nation. If you haven’t heard that Congress is now locked in a heated debate over health-care reform, crawl out from under your rock and rejoin reality. Congressional leaders are divided, mostly along party lines pitting Democrats against Republicans. President Obama wants to make good on his campaign promise to overhaul health-care in the US and hopes to sign a bill by the end of the year. However, getting Congress to agree on anything is usually about as

easy as nailing Jell-O to a tree, good luck to him. Widely supported by Democrats, the primary health-care bill is an attempt to extend health coverage to those currently excluded. Opponents charge that the bill is too expensive and sweeping, too punitive toward immigrants, and too liberal in potentially funneling federal funds toward abortions. With Democratic lawmakers furiously courting possible swing votes and Republican lawmakers digging in their heels more and more, this event just needs Mills Lane announcing to be the greatest Celebrity Deathmatch episode ever. (Note to self: this is begging for a cartoon.) The economy is beginning to show signs of improved vitality. According to the NY Times, analysts said that the economy grew by over 3% in the last quarter. For those graduating in May, perhaps this will bring your pounding hearts back under control. However, there is evidence that we’re not out of the woods yet. The

recently launched USS New York has released a Tiffany & Co. gift registry to the public to complete its silver collection. The vessel is asking the generous-hearted for such trinkets as a $2800 serving tray and a $4800 teapot to be used for diplomatic events aboard. The US Navy is forced to have a bake sale. Recently, elections have been center-stage in the US. Republicans won governorships in both Virginia and New Jersey with much weeping and gnashing of teeth by Democrats, including President Obama who endorsed the NJ gubernatorial candidate who was denied. Maine approved a measure overturning the state’s existing law which allowed same-sex marriage while Washington (the state) voters extended domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. These were the hottest and most publicized contests. As we move through papers, exams, blogs, and impending finals, just remember, things aren’t so bad, and a little chuckle always helps.

Page 2

WFUSD offers room to grow for third-year Sarah Hubbard By Ben Wright Staff Writer

“I feel free to be myself here,” said third-year Sarah Hubbard about her time at Divinity School. This east Tennessee native came straight to Wake Forest after receiving her degree in theology from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. She discovered WFUSD through the Funds for Theological Education website. Sarah noticed that the school had an equal representation of men and women, which was something she wanted. “I really wanted to be at a school where I wasn’t the only woman. When I visited, it just seemed like a generous place to grow as a woman minister,” said Hubbard.

The location of the school was also an important factor in her decision. Both of Sarah’s two sisters as well as her nephew and two nieces lived in Tennessee during the time of her decision for admittance. “I love my sisters and I wanted to be close to them as long as I could,” said Hubbard. Sarah has found each

Faculty Journey By Pete Zimmerman Staff Writer

The Tablet met with Melissa Clodfelter and talked with her about her role at WFUSD. When asked how she first got into life coaching, she explained that when The Center For Congregational Health was named a partner in the ministerial excellence grant that the Baptist Seminary in Richmond received, part of the grant stipulated that life coaching would be offered to their alumni. It has been offered to alums as well as many other people and especially ministers who were connected to the seminary in some way who come from a lot of different denominations. Dave Odom was the founder and president of CFCH and when telling Melissa about the grant

he said, “You already do this.” So she did it. When she first started as a life coach she took six ministers as clients. Melissa says that some of her favorite parts of working at WFUSD are the wonderful conversations she gets to have with students and being in relationship with students as they connect their passion to a plan in ministry where they can do good work. She es-

year at Wake Div. to be a different, yet meaningful, experience. She is grateful for the massive creativity and intelligence of her professors. She came to school knowing that she wanted to find her place in ministry. Art of Ministry has been developmental in this task. “[It] has really been a safe place for me to explore, ask questions, and search for that whole ministerial identity,” said Hubbard. Sarah explained that by “safe” she means that she doesn’t feel isolated here. She feels there is a generous spirit that allows one to explore while on this journey. “If you want to do something or you have a passion, the faculty, the deans, they’ll

help you fashion that, find it, they’ll help you make a way for it,” said Hubbard adding that she has seen this happen with herself and others. When not in class Sarah likes to be outside as much as possible and enjoys being around people. She also enjoys studying. Yes, studying. Hubbard plans on being involved in some form of church ministry following graduation. She is grateful for the WFUSD community and the experience she has had here. “I can say this with a lot of confidence, I definitely feel like I can see how I’ve changed from when I’ve got here until now and I want to keep changing,” said Hubbard.

Melissa Clodfelter with Jessie, and her pur-

pecially enjoys the theological reflection done in small groups. When asked what practice or paradigm she wishes every student would grasp she said, “To make a practice of developing networks and staying connected with your networks. It is not easy. It is easy to get pulled to other aspects of your career.” Melissa came to WFUSD about ten years ago. In the past she has worked as a hospice chaplain and as an interim pastor. When it comes to time spent outside of work she said she really enjoys time spent in the gym and she then clarified, “Well I enjoy getting alone time.” She loves time with her 12-year-old daughter Jessie and seeing her grow. She mostly divides her time between work, time

suit of a PhD at UNCG in the Cultural Foundations Program, which is part of the education department. She is working on a philosophy of listening, and exclaimed, “It is a lot of what I do!” Melissa says the hardest or the most difficult part of the job is keeping up with details of where different students are in the different processes. She also keeps in contact and dialogue with the various mentors and strives to know what students are doing in their internships, and their jobs when they graduate. Staying connected, letting people know she is available is important. She has a passion to see that students have a good experience here at Wake and grow personally and vocationally.

Page 3

community in review Acceptance and inclusion make Kaleidoscope service successful

“Mercy Rule” takes risks on soccer field By Barrett Wooten Staff Writer

By Ben Wright Staff Writer

Inclusion and community were on the table for this year’s kaleidoscope worship service. The Reverend Joe Cobb, ordained MCC clergy person, shared his testimony and preached a message of acceptance and equality for chapel last Tuesday. Rev. Cobb explained how we are all equal at the communion table. The service also included various members of Kaleidoscope leading liturgies, prayers, and

hymns. The responsive readings were congruent with the morning’s message as they spoke to moving beyond gender binaries and of God’s provision for us all. The singing of “All are Welcome” and “On Eagle’s Wings” furthered the spirit of reception as the service concluded with the serving of communion for which participants were encouraged to receive the sacrament in pairs or small groups. At this year’s Kaleidoscope service, truly all were welcome at the table.

Job Postings Part-time Youth Minister Piney Grove Church Mount Airy, NC

Baptist

Christian Education Intern & Youth Ministry Intern First Baptist Church Burlington, NC Senior Pastor St. Matthew’s Church Louisville, KY

Baptist

Development Coordinator

Center for Action Contemplation Albuquerque, NM

and

Youth Leadership Coordinator Oasis Center Nashville, TN Pastor Zion’s Hill Baptist Church Lumberton, NC Adult Choir Director Goodwill Baptist Church Kernersville, NC

Guy Aiken is not the only actor in the Divinity School currently performing. The Divinity School soccer team “Mercy Rule” is performing its comedy of errors weekly each Tuesday evening. After all, Wake Div proudly supports thespians in ministry. After a delayed premier, this comedic troupe opened its act without one its key actors Charles Smith. His understudies, Alex Gallimore and Barrett Wooten, filled in for the role of “Goalie” nicely though. Gallimore took an improvisational approach eschewing the pregame script in favor of diving first one way then another at countless balls. His natural comedic timing shone through each time the opposing team broke through Mercy Rule’s porous defense and fired a ball at the well-dressed goalie. Gallimore came out in the middle of the first act though, and Wooten, the understudy’s understudy, took the stage. Wooten’s sublime performance perfected an often forgotten style of comedy: slapstick. Wooten closed out the first act by putting his hands on each goal fired only to deflect the ball into the net every time. Wooten’s performance was so hilarious that in the middle of Act II the

Mercy Rule’s defenders began to voluntarily let the opposition pass just to see Wooten’s routine. Off the hands, between the legs, Wooten was in a rare form that Smith will have trouble besting once he returns to Mercy Rule’s cast. Mercy Rule’s offense rarely took the stage, but when they did they seemed to go for a Keystone Cops meets Benny Hill vibe. Misdirected passes and a hilarious apparent lack of plans displayed by the offense can only come from weeks of practice ensuring that each player is in the right place to give the illusion of disorder. The riskiest move of Mercy Rule’s second act came when Logan “Rivaldinho” Lloyd netted a goal to bring the score to 11-1. Lloyd must have thought that delivering the team’s lone goal in a deadpan, joyless manor would be funny, or that by ironically scoring only when it still maintained the ten point deficit needed to invoke the intramural league’s mercy rule he could play on the acting company’s name. The last gag of the night came when defensive captain Derek Wilhelm asked for on-field vision and foresight. Midfielder Ben Wright responded by playing the entire game without his glasses.

Page 4

Common Thread Seaming the Creative Soul

By Charles Smith Copy Editor

For a previous Tablet issue, I penned a Common Thread that focused on the importance of naps and relaxation in surviving Divinity School. In this article I would like to purport an entirely different activity that is equally important in enduring the rigors of our academic study: physical activity. As Socrates reportedly taught, “Everything in moderation.” Revitalizing naps, in my opinion, should be countered by exhausting times of exertion. In proffering this opinion, I believe I am preaching to the choir. I have spoken with many of my fellow classmates who engage in a number of activities such as daily running, working out at the Gym, Pilates, Turbokick, or competitive eating (“putting on clinics”). I myself enjoy a number of team sports. Intramurals are an excellent way for me to clear my head. Whether it’s football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, or softball, I enjoy the company of the community of competitors that coexist on the court or field. I would say, however, that my favorite team activity is Ultimate Frisbee. A number of Divinity School students have routinely gathered Fridays to play some Ultimate. Running up and down the field, trying to catch my opponent, breathing fresh air or feeling the rain on my face, has been a stimulating and mind-clearing experience for me. I encourage everyone to find an activity that they enjoy, that relieves a bit of stress, and that centers their spirit. And be on the lookout for e-mails about intramural sports opportunities!

Worship Bulletin Tomorrow, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. in Davis Chapel: Divinity School Chapel led by the Director of the Beatitudes Society, Rev. Anne Howard Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. in Davis Chapel: Thanksgiving Week Service

An advice column of sorts Send your letters to Sophia at [email protected]

the

Page 5

tablet

a branch of the WFU School of Divinity keeping you informed

Melissa Guthrie-Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Christa Chappelle Design Editor

Top Ten top 10 Top Ten Things We Did or Should Have Done With the Extra hour of Sleep 10. Slept

Charles Smith Copy Editor

(Got five hours of sleep instead of four!)

9. Showed up early.

So, this is Sunday School. Adam Huffman Artwork & Photography Editor

Barrett Wooten Staff Writer

8. Spent an hour wondering what I should do with my extra hour

7. Made use of my feeling wheel 6. Mastered the Divine (Oh, wait, that’s supposed to take us three years.)

Ben Wright Staff Writer

Brian Layman Staff Writer

5. Prayed - although it wasn’t Thursday morning in Davis Chapel

4. Practiced the Div. School hymn with friends

3. Divsocialed everyone to let them know

Pete Zimmerman Staff Writer The Tablet is a bi-monthly publication of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity and serves as an informative, community-building vehicle. Submissions can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please include a contact phone number or e-mail address. Submissions must be no longer than 250 words. The right to edit is reserved. Please note that the newsletter content does not represent the views or opinions of the divinity school or all Tablet members.

I didn’t know what to do with my hour and to find out what they weren’t doing either

2. Watched Jim and Pam’s wedding again 1. Read for church history....smile.

Page 6

Alumni Voice By Brian Layman Staff Writer

Tablet: You graduated from Wake Forest School of Divinity a few years back. What are you doing with your Master of Divinity? Christina: I am the Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County, Inc. Tablet: Tell me more about the organization you work for. Christina: At Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County, our main focus is empowering students to believe in both themselves and their future as they work towards highschool graduation. We achieve this goal by providing every CIS-enrolled student with a mentor from the local community who will offer encouragement and friendship. We also connect students (those enrolled

in CIS and those who are not) with community resources to creatively and effectively meet their needs. During the 20082009 school year, we case-managed 391 students in 19 schools and provided basic necessities and resources to over 13,000 students. Tablet: And what specifically do you do there? Christina: As Executive Director, I oversee programs at 22 schools in 2 school districts, manage both paid and volunteer staff members, and handle the day-to-day activities of running a nonprofit from fundraising to liability insurance. I spend a significant portion of my time and energy cultivating relationships with community members who serve as our donors, supporters, mentors, and advocates. I am constantly seeking new resources to meet the needs of the students

Christina Howell

we serve. Tablet: What are the biggest misconceptions you held as a student about life after Divinity School? Christina: That people outside of Divinity School care what the academic world says about religion and issues of faith; most people hold to their beliefs because it is simply what helps them get through each day, regardless of what scholarship says. It is easy to articulate a stance or a belief in the safety of the classroom; living out that belief in the midst of the messiness of life can be challenging. Tablet: What were the most helpful Divinity School classes and why? Christina: For me, Divinity School was never as much about being trained for ministry as it was to explore my faith. Providence with Dr. Tupper has been the

class that I have found to be the most useful; finding some measure of peace in reconciling the loving God I believe in with the horrors that too many of our students face has been key in being able to continue doing the work that I do. Tablet: What advice would you give to current Divinity School students? Christina: Enjoy the time at Divinity School - it is an experience that you will not find anywhere else. But be aware that you are enclosed in an academic bubble, and as you go into ministry (whether that be through working with a congregation or in a non-profit!), the ideas that are so scholarly sound don’t always translate well into lived-experience. Always allow room for views that differ from yours, and be willing to learn from those who do not have your academic training.

The Trivial Inquisition Q: What musical did the composer of the Div. School hymn have in mind while she was composing?