The Tablet, October 13, 2009

the

tablet

A branch of the WFU School of Divinity Keeping you informed

October 13, 2009

Volume 5, Issue 3

New group welcomes students’ spouses to the community By Ben Wright Staff Writer

inside this issue 2 Student Spotlight: Dianne Horton

3 Community in Review 4 Worship Bulletin and Sincerely Sophia

5 Top Ten Things We Have Learned From DivSocial

6 Entertainment 7 Job Postings and Announcements, The Trivial Inquisition, and Cartoon

A new program welcoming student spouses or partners into the Divinity school experience has begun at Wake Div. Couples for God (the name is still in development) is an initiative aimed at couples who want to share in the WFUSD community. “The main goal,” said Sister Laretta Rivera-Williams, creator of the group, “is that one spouse does not feel excluded from this part of the spouse’s life.” Sister Laretta shared that when she began at the divinity school, she had couples in her Art of Min. III class. Students would talk about how their spouses felt distant from the div school community. “They don’t know what’s going on in their day-to-day lives. People come home and talk about friends, talk about professors; there was a disconnect,” said Williams. At the time, there were only a handful of married students, but this year the school has

seen upwards of 30 couples. With this many people, the Sister felt that it would be a good time to start a program where spouses could get to meet the people their mates were talking about, through programs on campus and elsewhere. “I just want people to feel at home, to feel welcome, to feel involved, to feel a part,” said Williams. Sister Laretta mentioned that while she is beginning the program, she really wants it to be something led by students. “I’ve been married for 28 years, I’m taken care of, and [my spouse] feels

right at home here,” said Williams. Amber Thompson Harris is the student currently involved with the operations of the group. She said the current plan is to have two or three events per semester as the program gets started, but shared that some students are already using the connection to meet outside of class. Two couples learned that they both live in Greensboro and are planning on getting together on their own to meet each other’s family. The program is more than meeting the community; it’s also about See Couples for God page 7

Page 2

Sitting down with the famous Rev. Dianne Horton By Ben Wright Staff Writer

“In ministry there are a lot of things where you think ‘I don’t need to be here,’ but you do,” said Dianne Horton, whose passion for presence is a prevalent part of her personality. This wife and mother of two was born in Augusta, Ga., but has been in Winston-Salem for many years, completing her undergraduate education at Salem College in 2007, where she majored in sociology and minored in religion. “At Salem you had to have one religion course, and that course got me hooked,” said Horton. She began planning the next step in her future during her final fall semester. At the same

time her church was switching pastors. In a passing conversation the two talked about her being in school, which led to his asking, “Have you ever considered the ministry?” “Truth is, yes I had, but I would dare not voice that to anybody because I just had this feeling of why would God want me? I wouldn’t be worthy to do that,” said Horton. Having someone who didn’t know her reveal this secret passion proved to be a “light bulb” experience. Dianne asked him what she needed to do to enter the ministry and he told her about Divinity school. Horton began classes at Wake in 2007. While here she has counted CPE and the New York trip as

Staff Journey By Pete Zimmerman Staff Writer

Tablet: Hello, Sheila Lockhart, your name was the first to come up when we decided to interview someone from your department. What makes Sheila so interesting and fun to know? Sheila: I don’t think I am that fun to know but I have access to CRNs and class information. That makes me a good ally. T: What about interesting? S: As far as fat middleaged housewives go I am! T: So you don’t think you are interesting? Prove it. Tell us the most interesting things about your history, family, hobbies, etc. and let us be the judge. S: Well, I got a tattoo last summer. It is a heart on my foot. I am from Fair-

field, Connecticut, and next to Sister Larretta I am probably the only other Catholic in the building. We belong to Our Lady of Mercy but attend mass here on campus. T: And by we you mean? S; My husband of 19 years and my 16-year-old son, Tucker. T: So where did you meet your husband? S: I met my husband in a

some of her richest experiences. She revealed that CPE taught her a lot about herself. She has what she calls a, “God given pleasure almost of being that one person that just happens to be at the right place at the right time with this person in this crisis.” Rev. Horton also provides care as the associate pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. As part of her second year internship she created a senior ministry for members over the age of 60. The New York trip was her first time both in the city and on an airplane. While she loved the experience and learning about the various ministries, she also values the kind of bonding that occurs on these types of trips.

Horton is president of Akoni and is also a local celebrity. A “huge” picture of herself is on a permanent billboard, on highway 40, for Salem College. Dianne likes to spend what little free time she has with family. She noted that being in graduate school makes you appreciate those things that you take for granted. She sometimes wishes that she had more time to, “cuddle with my husband and watch a movie, that’s what I would love to do.” Horton values the Divinity school community, “When one gets down the rest can say ‘come on, we got to keep going.” She has established relationships that she hopes will last a lifetime.

Sheila Lockhart bar called Lock, Stock and Barrel. T: Was it love at first sight? S:I did not think so at the time but in retrospect it was. We were engaged nine months. T: How long have you worked at Wake? S: I have been here four years and I love all the activity and I love all the energy. I love being with people of all different backgrounds. T: If you could have dinner with five people (dead or alive) who would it be? Why? And what would you have for dinner? S: Hmm (she ponders). Well I would have to invite Rick Bayliss because I would want him to cook. And, I don’t know, I am always disappointed by famous people I meet so

I would probably choose people I have known and loved and have not seen in a long time. And we would eat Mexican. Rick Bayliss is known for it. He was working on his PhD in Mexico and started learning about their food. T: Now let’s ask a philosophical question. Wake’s Motto is “Pro Humanitatae” What do you think can make a school “Pro Humanitatae?” S: It is up to each and every individual to try and stay true to the motto and I know that I fall down on that on days but I try to deal with each person that comes across my door as a member of the University that needs me. T: Thank you for your time, Sheila. It has been good getting to know more about you.

Page 3

community in review Intramural Flag Football 2009: A Humorous Look at a Season in Review ByBarrett Wooten Staff Wrtier

What Happened: The Wake Divinity flag football team finished the regular season with a 1-2 record and lost an agonizing game in the first round of the playoffs that ended its season. The gut-wrenching playoff loss included a controversial no call on what could have been a game-changing safety by the Divinity school’s stout defense. While the record may not show it, this was a very positive season for the Divinity school due to the fact

that they remained competitive in every game they played. What I heard in the locker room: When asked about the team that eventually ended the Divinity School’s season, first-year Kris Hutchinson exclaimed, “They are who we thought they were! And that’s why

we took the field. Now if you want to crown them, then crown them! But they are who we thought they were, and we let ‘em off the hook!” Third-year player/ coach Charles Smith responded to my question about the team’s playoffs chances following the team’s first regular season loss by shouting, “Playoffs?! Don’t talk about playoffs! Are you kidding me? Playoffs?! I’m just hoping we can win a game!” Star quarterback and first-year student Marcus Ballard informed me that the offensive strategy for

the season relied on the team’s ability to “matriculate the ball down the field.” What to expect for next season: 2010 looks to be a bright season for the Divinity school team. The team is only graduating one player and the recruiting process already looks extremely promising. Given what the team is returning and the kind of players we have coming in, I feel that it is safe to assume that the 2010 Divinity school football will go undefeated and bring home that coveted championship trophy.

Short and Sweet: Divinity School celebrates annual coffee house By Barrett Wooten Staff Writer

What the coffee house lacked in duration, it made up for in energetic and memorable performances. The night began with a passionate number from secondyear Ryan Newson, who

played acoustic guitar and sang. Up next, second-year Ellen Sizemore performed a soothing vocal selection completely a cappella! Taking a break from the musical selections, thirdyear Hilary Floyd offered some belly-busting com-

edy (that she may or may not have written herself). The talent portion of the evening came to a close when third-years Matt Johnson, who also served as emcee for the night, and his wife Claire sang a children’s song that had the audience on

their feet. While the acts were fantastic, the food provided by various Divinity students might have been even better. The various cookies, deserts, dips, and drinks added a lot of flavor to an already enjoyable coffee house.

Page 4

Send your letters to Sophia at [email protected] Dear Sophia, I feel like I am being crushed by this workload! I am drowning in a sea of essays, midterms, response papers, and Starbucks coffee cups. I even dream about the Dean’s lectures while I’m sleeping in my study carrel! What can I do to save my sanity? Will it ever get any better? -Troubled in 202 Dear Troubled, In a word, no, it will not get any better. It will actually only get worse, so learning some survival tips now will help you in the long run. First of all, if you haven’t already, make a calendar of your assignments. It will help you get organized and at least let you know what’s coming up. Of course, this also gives you more time to stress out about upcoming assignments. That leads to my second tip: relax and take a little time for self-care. Even if this seems like it will stress you out more because you’ll feel like you’re wasting time, do it anyway. Take a bath, sit under a tree, read for pleasure, play a leisure sport, or even just enjoy a glass of iced tea in the sun. Centering your soul will help you maintain focus and keep a clear head. And that brings me to my third piece of advice: communicate. Don’t bottle up your stress, vent to others in a healthy way, seeking their support. Keeping a clear head will help you communicate effectively with your classmates and even with your professors. We are apart of a compassionate community that can be a wonderful source of stability, affirmation, and empathy, so let us be there for you. Remember, you are not alone. Good luck this week!

Worship Bulletin Oct. 13 at 11:00 a.m. in Davis Chapel: Thirdyear Andrew Heil will preach. Oct. 20 at 11:00 a.m. in Wait Chapel: Dr. J.D. Ballard, Pastor Emeritus of United Metropolitan will speak.

Sincerely, Sophia

Convocation celebrates both Divinity School and Dr. Atlon Pollard By Brian Layman Staff Writer

Last Tuesday the Wake Forest University School of Divinity came together to jointly celebrate Fall Convocation and the Steelman Lectures. The event was attended by Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch

and this year’s guest lecturer Rev. Dr. Alton Pollard III, Dean and Professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University School of Divinity. President Hatch began the service with a spirited welcoming address followed by the invocation given by Yvonne Hines. The

event also featured a reading from Tony Morrison’s “Beloved” by Cedric Wright. Dr. Veronice Miles, a personal friend and former student of Dr. Pollard’s, gave a warm and energetic introduction to the speaker. Afterward, Dr. Pollard delivered his address entitled “A

Defining Moment.” His sermon focused on the current turmoil present within the world and challenged the audience to act, but not before examining their own character. WFUSD Dean Bill Leonard delivered the closing remarks and benediction.

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

Charles Smith Copy Editor

Adam Huffman Artwork & Photography Editor

Barrett Wooten Staff Writer

Ben Wright Staff Writer

Brian Layman Staff Writer

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.

Top Ten top 10 Top Ten Things We Have Learned from DivSocial

10. OT Tests are tricky, especially for first-years 9. Fowarded e-mails can be uplifting, inspiring, or sometimes as creepy as puppies dressed up as cats! 8. Rhett Travis needs a place to store his massage table. 7. Courtney Allen is a great chef and loves to share, but only if you talk about the Bible too. 6. Carter McNeese has back pain in specific locations. 5. Wade Stokes has a part-time job filling out surveys; those bowties don’t pay for themselves! 4. Chapel is on Tuesday, Coffee Hour is on Thursday, and it will be that way next week too! 3. Spouses and significant others care more about Wake Forest Football than some students. Your ID is a valuable commodity. 2. Tiny churches four hours away need pastors too! 1. Stephen Russ will respond to every e-mail you send.

Page 6

Brooklyn Band breathes life into Veckatimest By Paul Herrington Contributing Writer

Ironically named after an uninhabited island, Veckatimest bristles with life. This latest offering from the Brooklyn-based band Grizzly Bear is their best so far. It is a work of great precision and composition that leaves one in a state of comfortable perplexity. The most notable feature of Veckatimest is its vocal style. It’s wonderful to hear the pleasant ethereal harmonies of the chorus contrast against the well-structured leads of Ed Roste and Daniel Rossen (Department of Eagles). Their lyrics are carefully woven poetic tapestries (“save up all the days / a routine malaise just like yesterday / I told you I would stay

– from Two Weeks”) that resonated with me immediately. Upon first listen the stand-alone hit will be Two Weeks, a song about the exhausting final days of a relationship. Despite its rather dreary topic Two Weeks presents a graceful, jaunting pace that propels the album forward into All We Ask, my favorite track. All We Ask is where Grizzly Bear’s compositional skills come into full view. The movement in this track reminds me of distant train passing into the night: how the anticipation of each car – coming and going – lulls you into kind sleepy halfanimated daze (and who couldn’t use that in the midst of midterms?). While You Wait for the Others, one of the clos-

ing tracks, is the best demonstration of the unique instrumentation of Veckatimest. The distressed guitars, gasping strings, and bouncing drums come together to produce a spirited riddle of a song. Each instrument is given its proper space and every part can be heard easily without any confusion letting you casually explore each fascinating sound. For all its strengths, Veckatimest has one clear flaw: many listeners will just find it dull. It is a long album that doesn’t work very hard to get your attention. With the exception of Two Weeks, none of these tracks would fare well over the airwaves of top-40 stations. It is a great album to listen to while studying or relax-

ing but it doesn’t make for good tailgating music. Often Grizzly Bear has been characterized as just another indie rock band but that falls short of describing the profundity of their music. It is quite difficult to make composed music seem as effortless and warm as Grizzly Bear has in Veckatimest. It is a musical wonder that is a solid contender for best album of 2009 along with Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion. In Winston-Salem you can find Veckatimest at Best Buy or the Record Exchange. If you want to hear a sample of Veckatimest you can visit my blog The Slow Wonder (slowwonder.blogspot. com) and download my latest podcast.

A new year brings new ways to join the WFUSD community By Stephen Russ Contributing Writer

Over the past two months a dedicated group of Divinity School faculty, staff, and students have been meeting with a purpose. This purpose is what I like to call our “web reformation.” Spurred on by new admissions director Craig Atwood, we are working diligently to reform the web presence of our humble school both for you and for students in the future! While you shouldn’t expect 95 theses about the internet to appear in your mailbox, you should expect the following: 1. WFUSD on Twitter! This part of our web initiative is already in practice. Twitter, though of-

ten associated with its ridiculous terminology, is a valuable resource for passing along news and information to your computer or cell phone! Even if you don’t wish to join Twitter, you can always check it out for a nice run down of events taking place in our community! Also, if you are putting on an event make sure you e-mail me! The Twitter is located at www.twitter. com/wakediv, and signing up for the service is completely free! 2. WFUSD on Facebook! There are several Wake Div groups on Facebook already, but we are also launching a fan page! This, much like Twitter, will be a source of information as well

as a valuable recruiting tool for admissions. It is also a chance for us to show how much we love our school by getting more fans! We are also hopeful that it will allow more alumni to connect with the school and the students! It should be a great way to let people know about our wonderful community! 3. Perhaps most exciting, a brand new website! The focus of our meetings has been on developing a new website with Susan Tague, and we have managed to make great progress! Third year Cedric Wright has been developing a new graphical look for the website. I asked him about his design, but I was too captivated by

his voice to remember what he actually said. I just know that it looks really, really great. First year Jeremy Carlton is also using his web background to provide us with valuable advice. We would love to have more student input, so if you would like to help get in touch with Craig Atwood! There are a few other elements in the works, including a new e-mail listserv and a Wikipedia page. Yes Wikipedia, you know, that resource you use for all your papers? We are very excited to be giving the school a significant web reformation, and we hope that the new resources are useful to you!

Page 7

Job Postings Youth Minister Piney Grove Baptist Church Mount Airy, NC

Minister of Missions and Outreach First Baptist Church Henderson, NC

Senior Pastor Fishing Creek Baptist Church Whitaker, NC

Nursery Specialist Unitarian Universalist Church Greensboro, NC

Worship Leader Creekside Terrace Retirement Community Winston-Salem, NC

Senior Pastor Turkey Baptist Church Turkey, NC

Events and Announcements CPE Day Tuesday, October 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. [rooms 105 & 114] afterglow every Tuesday @ 9 p.m. [see Ryan Newson] FALL BREAK this Thursday and Friday SensorySHOWTIME this Saturday, October 17 @ 6:30 p.m. [see Melissa Guthrie-Johnson] Happy Birthday! Greg Griffey October 17 Robert Martin October 18 Sheryl Wells October 18 Anne Jones October 22

Couples for God learning ways to live together on the journey. Sister Laretta noted that many spouses have not been through the Divinity school experience. Many have had a different form or field of education so the whole thing can be unique. Three years is a long period to

continued from page 1 sacrifice time with children and partners for writing papers and studying. Church life can also drastically change family dynamics. “Some women don’t want to be first ladies of the church and some husbands might not feel comfortable being the

first husband, first man, whatever,” said Williams. This group can aid in the transition. The group will also function as a source of solidarity. Harris revealed that her husband enjoys speaking with other men who aren’t students. They get to

speak about their shared experience. Couples for God will be holding its first official event on Oct. 27 at Kim and Larry Hovis’s house, where the couple will share about their experience of being married and in the ministry.

The Trivial Inquisition Each issue of the Tablet will feature a trivia question about the divinity school or someone in the divinity school. E-mail the correct answer to [email protected] on the day of publication. The subject line must be “Trivial Inquisition.” One correct answer will be selected at random to win a prize. Winners will be notified via email and will be printed in the following issue. Good luck!

Q:

What anniversary did the school of divinity celebrate at last week’s convocation?