vicemodblog

All good things must come to an end . . .

[image: Wesley Fryar]

Well my friends, they say that "all good things must come to an end." After 23 months of blogging, 161 blogposts and as of this moment 23,615 page visits, it's time for me to bring things to a close as I end my Vice-Moderator term.  I'll never forget two years ago at GA in San Jose when I was asked to consider doing a blog I said "No. Nobody wants to read what I have to say!" Little did I know that when I changed my mind and began this venture with my first post on August 16, 2008 that it would be a great way to connect and share stories of life as Vice-Moderator of the 218th General Assembly. 

First and foremost I want to say "Thanks' to all of you. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read about my adventures. I cannot tell you how many people I have met in my travels who have said "I read your blog." Thanks for your comments and most importantly thanks for your prayers, support and words of encouragement. Actually I should thank you for being patient while I flooded your email in-boxes and Moderator "Mod Squad" facebook page with messages. Bruce and I have a running joke that the reason why people are leaving that page is due to my incessant messaging about another post ;-)

What's next for me? The blog actually belongs to Communications Department of the PCUSA so hopefully it will be used by the next Vice-Moderator so that person can share their stories as well. I will take a break from blogging for a while but may reappear in the near future! You can still follow me on facebook or twitter. In terms of life I will return to pastor Davie Street Presbyterian Church on a full-time basis and remember how to be a husband to Regina and a father to Andrew. All the aforementioned are VERY HAPPY to have me back on a regular basis!

They say that as soon as your term is over it's like you have "fallen off a cliff." Uhhhhh . . . not really. I have plenty of invites post Vice-Moderator life -

*July 22 to August 7 - Preacher for weeks 5 & 6 for Montreat Youth Conferences

*July 29 - Skype-ing into Columbia Theological Seminary's Summer Scholars Event to talk about Enrichment opportunities with Social Media/Networking.

*August 1 - Visit First Presbyterian Church Asheville, NC to speak to Sunday School class about my Vice-Moderator experiences and preach the 10:15 a.m. service.

*September - Speak to the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at North Carolina State University  about my Vice-Mod experiences.

*October 4 to 7 - Preacher for the 2010 Continuing Education for Commissioned Lay Pastor and Preachers Conference at Montreat (I am working with John Bell!).

*October 16 - Preacher for the 81st Stated Meeting of New Hope Presbytery at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC.

*November 21 - Guest preacher for Homecoming Worship service at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News, VA.

*January 2011 - Montreat Master Planning Team meeting.

*March/April 2011 - Preacher for the annual Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Founders Day Worship service.

*August 2011 (tentative) - Bible Study leader for Young Adult Volunteer Orientation in Stony Point, NY.

 . . . and others to follow. So if you are around I would love for you to come by and visit!

All in all I have had a great time the past two years. Once again "Thank you" for reading and conversing with me on www.vicemodblog.com. And I will leave you with this -

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine upon you and give you peace and rest this day and forevermore. Amen.

The Vice-Mod review - the good, the bad and . . .

[image: Ben+Sam]

 As I wind up this two year Vice-Moderator term I have to say that I have had lots of great experiences! I met lots of people, been to lots of places and had great conversations about church and life in general. There are many good ministries that our churches are involved in and for that I am grateful. I wanted to share with you a few things of interest from my travel/experiences.

First of all people ask me "what were your favorite trips?" I honestly have to say that all of them were good in their own way so they were all favorites. However I can say that there were some that were really memorable. Below I have listed the 10 - notice I did not say "Top Ten" - that really stood out for me:

1. National Young Adult Volunteer Orientation at Ghost Ranch (9/2008) 

2. Latin America Trip (1/2010) 

3. Democratic Republic of the Congo (3/2010) 

4. Lilly/FTE Transition-in-Ministry Conference (5/2009) 

5. PCUSA Enough for Everyone/Equal Exchange trip to Nicaragua (1/2009)

6. Synod of the Sun trip (5-6/2009)

7. Presbyterian Youth Workers Conference in New Orleans (11/2008)

8. Montreat Associate Pastor's Conference (4/2009)

9. Johnson C. Smith Seminary Founders's Day (3/2010)

10. Preaching at Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY (3/2009)

At the same time people say that they hear about the good stuff all the time. "What is some of the bad stuff you have encountered?" I get asked. To be honest there are a few things:

1) travel - don't know if you know but travel these days (air travel) is no longer fun. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is not knowing if you will get on a flight (having a ticket beforehand is NOT a guarantee) or if it will be on time, or if your bags will arrive with you (mine did not arrive with me three times), or if you will make a connecting flight. I have been re-routed more these past two years that I can remember. People are getting more and more frustrated and edgy. Doesn't make for good conversation. I have had to learn how to be a quiet presence and an active listener. 

2) the unwillingness to embrace change - change is hard for most people in general. However it is more difficult now because the world is changing so far and it is really out of our control. In terms of my visits people for the most part are coming to the realization that change will happen to the church and it will no longer be the church of our parents. Still there are people who long for the "good ol' days" - and some people will tell you that they were not all that good! Whether the "good ol' days" mean worship style, theological position and/or belief, denominational influence or general church life, some are waiting for these days to come back. The truth is that those times will not come back in the foreseeable future and some are unhappy, spending time trying to do anything they can to preserve the past. That is a source of frustration.

Well, that's all for now. Tuesday will be my last blogpost as Vice-Moderator so don't miss it as I give thanks to all of you for following me the past two years!

Vice-Mod by the numbers . . .

[image: irargerich]

This week and next I'll be giving you some information and reflections on my time as Vice-Moderator the past two years. First off for all who like to keep count, I wanted to give you a glimpse of what my life has been like "by the numbers." 

*Total of 71 Vice-Mod appearances (70 in person & 1 by Skype)

*According to my Dopplr, I have traveled 117,021 kilometers. That's 72,713 miles.

*Total of 214 travel days over 24 months. 

*Only 2 months I did not travel (July 2008 and July 2009). So . . . 

*If you take the above stat into account (214 trips/22 months) I averaged 10 (9.7) days a month for Vice-Mod appearances/visits.

*Average length of a trip was 3 days.

*Shortest trip - 2 hours (speaking at White Memorial PC in Raleigh).

*Longest trip - 17 days (visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

*Visited all 5 presbyteries in North Carolina (New Hope, Coastal Carolina, Charlotte, Salem, and Western North Carolina) for a total of 25 visits.

*Traveled to 24 states (NC, VA, GA, FL, NY, NJ, DE, KY, TN, PA, MO, KS, OH, MI, AR, TX, OK, ID, NM, CO, IN, MN, IL, LA).

*Visited 4 International countries (Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of the Congo) and learned bits and pieces of 5 languages (Spanish, French, Tshiluba, Lingala, and Scandinavian from Minnesota!).

*did 3 Synod itinerations (Covenant, Northeast and Sun).

*official visits from 27 presbyteries. 

*Longest time away from preaching to my congregation - 6 straight Sundays (second Sunday in Sept. - third Sunday in October 2009).

*Preached 6 times in the 8-day Synod of the Sun trip.

*The longest and busiest day - Trip to Western North Carolina Presbytery on Sunday, September 13, 2009. At Black Mountain Presbyterian Church I preached the 8:30 service, spoke to a Sunday school class, preached the 11:00 service, went to lunch at My Father's Pizza, went to Montreat for the presbytery's High School Retreat that afternoon and gave two keynote addresses (with a break in between each one), then went to dinner. I was totally beat-down tired!

*preached close to 40 times.

*gave numerous "Town Hall" meetings.

*visited 2 campus ministries (Maryville College and East Carolina University).

*visited 3 PCUSA seminaries (Union-PSCE, Princeton and Johnson C. Smith).

*participated in 3 ordination/installation services.

*was keynote speaker for 7 events.

*taught 4 classes on Social Media/Networking.

*was workshop/symposium leader for 5 events. . .  

 And so on and so on and . . . ;-) Just wanted to give you some numbers that would help you see what I have been up to since 2008. This in NO WAY means that every past Vice-Moderator has done or future ones will do this. This is only my experience. 

Hope the numbers are helpful to you!

Time is winding up . . .

[Image:alexkerhead]

Well friends, time is winding up. The 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will begin in Minneapolis two weeks from tomorrow and Moderator Bruce and my time will end as the Assembly elects and confirms another Moderator and Vice-Moderator respectively. But before that time comes I wanted to let you know of a few things:

1. The last two weeks on this blog I will be dedicating to your imput. Are there things you would like know either about me, my Vice-Mod experiences, the church or just anything? I am giving you the opportunity to do so. If you would let me know that would be great and I will accommodate your request to the best of my ability. Thanks!

2. Bryan McFarland, my friend, musician and Hunger Action Advocate for Salem Presbytery is raising awareness and funds in partnership with the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP). He is currently recording his third album entitled . . . until all are fed and he is seeking to raise $15,700. Bryan is going to donate 10% of the production costs and 20% of the album's profits to PHP. He is raised over 80% of the money as of now but still needs help to raise the rest of the money by June 30th. If you (or someone else, or a group, or . . . ) are able to help him out that would be great! There is a Presbyterian News Service story on his project that you can read here and to read about the project and how you can contribute read here. Your help is greatly appreciated! 

Well I gotta run. Have a blessed weekend!

Speaking of young adult clergy . . .

[image:Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church]

 Many of you may know that Ordination services are the most meaningful to me and this past Sunday was no exception. As one of my last official visits as Vice-Moderator I was asked to be a member of New Hope Presbytery's commission to ordain Katelyn Gordon as a Minister of Word and Sacrament at her home congregation, Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary, NC. In my time serving on our presbytery's Committee on Preparation for Ministry we were all very impressed by her knowledge of the Reformed tradition as well as her heart and passion for ministry. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Columbia Theological Seminary, she will be the Associate Pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. The ordination service was great in itself with a bagpiper, two sisters who were soloists, a handbell choir and a great sermon by the Kirk's minister and my friend Jody Welker. His sermon was based on Ephesians 4:1-6 entitled "The Calling to Which You Have Been Called." During the service we also had a Remembrance of the Baptismal Covenant, reminding us of the importance of our baptism as we live our individual and collective calling. My part in the service was to give the official Declaration of Ordination and Welcome of which I was more than happy to do. Overall it was a very moving and joyous occasion for all involved!

There were two things in particular that made this occasion special for me. First of all I have known Katelyn since we both served on our presbytery's Youth Council many years ago. In fact, she is the third person from the Youth Council who have personally asked me to be on their ordination commission in the last three years. I knew them when they were high-schoolers trying to figure out where they belonged in the world. We have camped out, been to training and orientation meetings, and traveled to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium together. I have seen them grow in their faith over the years through the ups and downs of life and I am glad that they have thought enough of me to be a part of their special celebrations. The other two are:

Johanna Nygard Owens, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC.

Sarah Winsett Wiles, Lilly Minister in Residence at First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, MI.

Secondly and most importantly these are all young adult clergywomen under the age of 30 in our denomination. They (and others like them) are among the most educated, talented and gifted young clergy we have. They could have chosen any other path/career in life but answered God's call to be Ministers of the Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA when organized religious structures are losing influence, money and members. At the same them they face great challenges in ministry as they attempt to be faithful to God in changing the structure and tradition of the church while still living in it. As I mentioned in the previous blogpost, I hope that despite the challenges we will continue to pray for them. I hope that they will find peers that will be able to support and nurture them. I hope they find outlets and interests other than the church that they may grow and have a life outside of their congregations. And I hope they will stay in ministry for the long haul. And even more so I hope we will recognize their specific gifts and skills for ministry and let them do their "thing" - even if it is different from the way we do ministry.

Congrats and blessings, Katelyn! Thanks for letting me be a part of your journey :-) 

Rev. Jody Welker with the newly ordained Rev. Katelyn Gordon (Picture courtesy of Jody Welker)

Reflections on the 7% young adult clergy events and what's happening now.

Recently I was doing some housecleaning and came across a file of material I had for one of the old 7% Event for Young Adult Clergy in the PCUSA (pastors under 40 years old). It was a folder full of stuff from conference workshops, other paraphernalia and address/email lists. As I was thumbing through the papers, my mind immediately went back to some of the great memories I had fellowshipping, worshiping and hanging out with other young adult clergy. The PCUSA had four of these events beginning with the first one in 1999 at Stony Point Conference Center in New York (I did not attend this one but Moderator Bruce did). I was on the planning team for the events in 2001 (Stony Point) and 2003 (New Orleans) and was an affinity group leader for the last one in 2005 (San Francisco). The purpose of these events were to provide support and encouragement for young adult pastors, many who felt isolated; work for greater inter-generational understanding and opportunities for exchange across generational lines; and give shape to our own generational "charisma" and ways of doing ministry as a gift to the larger denomination. The event also has as a focus to support and encourage others to consider ministry as a calling. We had great workshops that dealt with the changing face of ministry and how to do "church" in a changing world while at the same time remaining Presbyterian and Reformed. An article written about the 2001 event is available by clicking here.

Most of all I remembered the fellowship time. To many, these events were a lifesaver in ministry. One time at the event in Stony Point there was a male young adult clergy who literally had tears in his eyes telling me that if it were not for this event he would have left the ministry. Another time during worship we anointed with oil and a young female pastor told me to drench her with the olive oil! Many shared stories (I must say that some of these were HORRIFIC ministry experiences) that helped us to understand and acknowledge that we were not alone. We had fun bonding and hanging out together whether it was in New York City a month after 9/11, on Bourbon Street in New Orleans or at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. These events were instrumental in my ministry, gave me hope for the future of leadership and shaped me for the years ahead. Even in my Vice-Moderator travels I have reconnected with people who attended a 7% event. But the denomination stopped sponsoring these events after 2005 for a variety of reasons. Some were due to finances and re-structuring in Louisville. But to be honest there were those who did not feel that having events specifically for young adult pastors were that important. Some questioned what was so different about young adult pastors' needs/experiences over other groups. I felt that nobody really thought about the big picture - recognizing, developing, and supporting new leaders who could bring fresh and new ideas to a changing church. Somehow that became lost in the mix.

However I'm glad there is a bit of a resurgence. The Alt7 event at Montreat last year was a new beginning and I hope there will be more of these in the near future. Overall I hope that the PCUSA begins to really look at and support events like the 7% once again. Or better yet maybe it will take a grass-roots movement to get the ball rolling once again. Whatever the method/process, let us keep in mind how important these events are because young adult pastors need the help, support and encouragement. And the future of our church and its leadership depends on it.

NOTE: The 7% Event logo picture was provided by Andrew Yeager-Buckley

219th General Assembly Leader Briefing

Last week I went to Louisville, KY to attend the 219th General Assembly (GA) Leadership Briefing. This event which is held right before each General Assembly is to train each of the GA Committee Leadership teams (Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Committee Assistant, Resource Coordinator and Parliamentarian) in preparation for the big event. The Moderator and Vice-Moderators were selected by Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow with the help of others from among the presbytery commissioners. All the other leadership team people are volunteers. 

Upon landing I went straight from the airport to the Seelbach Hilton Hotel to participate in a luncheon discussion featuring Bruce and I with the six Moderator candidates and their Vice-Moderator candidates. It was a very productive lunch with Bruce and I sharing our experiences the past two years. I can tell you that all of the candidates for Moderator are very sharp and definitely bring a variety of experiences and a deep commitment to serve in this position. If you are not familiar with them click here and read their information. The voting commissioners have a task ahead of them in the Moderator's election!

The leader briefing covered a lot of material in its many presentations. We heard from Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, GAMC Executive Director Linda Valentine, agency heads and other resource people. We learned how to use PC-biz, parliamentary procedures and spent time hearing a presentation on Communication from Rev. Jeff Hutcheson, Transitional Presbyter of Southeastern Illinois. The rest of the time each GA committee leadership team spent time alone as a group to consider the overtures before them and develop a committee agenda. I had a three-fold reason for attending: 1) after the Moderator's election I will be working for OGA as a Tracker along with Jim Collie and Kathy Lueckert. Basically we follow ("track") the business in each GA committee. We also handle Commissioner's Resolutions and any possible Minority Reports in concert with the Stated Clerk's office. The three of us had a chance to spend time together and I think we'll have fun!; 2) Jim and I led four workshop sessions with the Committee Moderators & Vice-Moderators as to their responsibilities; and 3) Jim, Kathy and I led opening worship on the last day (Saturday morning). It was a lot of work! However the best part was Lee Hinson-Hasty, PCUSA Coordinator for Theological Education and Seminary Relations hosting Bridgett Green, Mindy Douglas Adams, Laura Cheifetz and I on Friday evening. We began the evening at a local restaurant with my bud Jud Hendrix, pastor of Covenant Community Church and his friend and member Tyler Allen who just lost a bid to become elected Mayor of Louisville. Then Lee, Bridget, Laura, Mindy and I went to a wonderful Cuban establishment Havana Rumba. The food was great! Then we ended the night at the Hinson-Hasty home where I met his wife Elizabeth and two children for dessert. It was all good :) 

Overall I had a wonderful time and definitely looking forward to being in Minneapolis. I ask that you continue to pray for each of the 18 GA committees and the leadership as they begin the task of discerning God's will with the commissioners together in decision-making. 

Philly Trip

Picture of Independence Hall  

A few weekends ago I took a trip up to Philadelphia, PA. This was actually the second time I was invited up this way. I was previously invited for an event on Valentine's Day weekend but due to the snow accumulation I had to cancel. Fortunately they spared me with grace and invited me a second time and in addition I took my wife and son along for the first time!

This time I was invited to the Open House event for the Women's Empowerment Initiative (WEI), a ministry that was begun by the Presbytery of Philadelphia but is now a self-sustaining, non-profit organization. The mission of WEI is to empower women to become self-sufficient through development of programs such as GED education, workforce training, self-defense and financial literacy, to name a few. Many of the women in this program are impacted by social and economic circumstances which could impede them in having a greater quality of life and WEI steps in the gap to turn these situations around. 

sign for open house event 

The open house event was held at its center which is the old Reeve Memorial Presbyterian Church, an African-American church that was closed over 5 years ago. The Presbytery approved the ministry to begin here instead of selling the building to someone else. It was great to know the legacy of this church continues on. During the open house we had the opportunity to hear from many people about WEI's programs including a woman who was a recent graduate of the GED program. Then I had the opportunity to address the gathering and have a time of question and answers about my experiences as Vice-Moderator and the state of the church in general. We also toured the center which is in the remodeled basement of the old church.  Afterward we were hosted for dinner at the home of Rev. Warren McNeill and his wife Wanda Turner-McNeill who is the President of WEI. We had the opportunity to meet new people and become re-acquainted with old friends. A good time was had by all!

The next day we were escorted by the McNeill's with a sightseeing tour of the city. We visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is famed as the spot of one of the most recognized scenes in the "Rocky" movies! We also visited Independence Mall to see the Liberty Bell and the National Constitutional Center. And of course you can't go to Philly without having a cheese-steak! We ate at Pat's King of Steaks and it was good ;-) Then the family and I headed to the airport and flew home to Raleigh.

Me, wife Regina & son Andrew with the Founding Fathers at the National Constitution Center 

It was a great 24-hour trip. Thanks to all my friends and colleagues in the presbytery and a special thanks goes out to the Warren and Wanda McNeill for their great hospitality. I hope to come back someday! 

The hope that the present that has brought us . . .

[Image: C-Ali]

The following is a PNS article about Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (JCSTS) and its new Administrative Dean, The Rev. Paul Roberts where the both us was in school together. I have a quote midway through the article. As the seminary begins a new chapter I ask that you keep JCSTS in your prayers and enjoy reading!

-----------------------------------------------------

May 21, 2010

Hopeful changes

New dean at Johnson C. Smith seminary to step up recruitment, communication, alumni network

BY BETHANY FURKIN
PRESBYTERIAN NEWS SERVICE

LOUISVILLE — One day this spring, the Rev. Paul Roberts was wrapping up his workday at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary when the phone rang.

The seminary's development officer answered the phone, and Roberts remembers that the officer listened to the caller in shock.

"There was dead silence," said Roberts, dean of the seminary. "It's definitely the kind of surprise we want."

The surprise? A donor who had pledged $1 million to endow the dean's office decided to pay the balance of the pledge a year early, meaning the seminary would see an unexpected $400,000.

The original pledge was to be paid in installments of $200,000 over five years. Three payments had already been made, but now, instead of having to wait two more years for the rest of the money, the seminary gets it now.

And that's a great benefit for the Atlanta seminary, which is working to spread its story, encourage alumni networking and especially, recruit new students — JCSTS now has 17 enrolled students.
 
After the call about the early payment, Roberts got another call from the daughter of a deceased alumnus who wanted to establish a memorial scholarship fund.

Those two calls were shocking surprises and served as beacons of hope for the seminary, one of 10 seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
 
"It was just very affirming to us and to the work that we do," Roberts said.

Spreading the word

Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary was founded in 1867 and was originally part of the Freedman’s College in North Carolina. In 1969, it moved to Atlanta, where it is one of six Protestant seminaries of the Interdenominational Theological Center.
 
The early payment of the pledge brings the seminary's endowment to $4 million, Roberts said.

"It's a stabilizing gift," he said. "It gives us a little more breathing room. The timing of it couldn’t be better."

The gift takes some of the stress off the seminary and provides a starting point for finding other donors, Roberts said.

And going forward, that type of networking and alumni relations will be a big focus of the seminary. Roberts said he wants to find ways for the alumni base to be more engaged with the seminary. One way to do that is to ensure there’s good communication coming from Johnson C. Smith's side.

The seminary plans to launch a new website in August, and Roberts will begin blogging. He also wants to improve the accuracy of the alumni database. JCSTS alumni are all over the country, but they’re not as engaged as Roberts would like.
 
"Improving community is a big deal for us," he said.

In March, the seminary held its annual Founders Day celebration, a kind of homecoming event. At the event was the Rev. Byron Wade, a 1995 alumnus and vice moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA).

"The seminary means a whole lot to me," Wade said, adding that he values the Reformed education he got at JCSTS. "But it also taught me how to be a minister in an African-American church."

JCSTS is the only predominantly African-American seminary in the PC(USA).

The seminary has secured a volunteer to do recruitment tours. JCSTS is especially hoping to connect with historically black universities and colleges in the Southeast, which can serve as feeder institutions.

Ultimately, students come to seminaries from congregations, and the recruitment volunteer will also work with churches to find people with vocational gifts.

The seminary is also developing a core group to help tell the story of JCSTS. Roberts hopes to keep track of faculty travel and encourage them to work in a presentation on the seminary whenever they travel for other business. He sees them as engaging, empowering agents of the seminary.
 
Spreading the word about JCSTS will be helpful in one of Roberts' big goals — increasing enrollment. The seminary has set an enrollment goal of exceeding 50 students in the next two and a half years. That's a big change from the 17 students currently enrolled.
 
"We're looking at ways to recruit aggressively," Roberts said.

Leading with hope

The endowment and recruitment plans aren’t the only changes on the JCSTS campus.
 
Roberts, who served as interim dean for seven months, was recently named full-time dean of the seminary.
 
Although the deanship is Roberts’ first paid role with the seminary, he's been active since he graduated in 1996. Before accepting the interim position, he was president of the alumni association. That role was great training, he said.
 
"I learned my seminary all over again," he said. "I really saw the seminary grow as the alumni president."

Roberts is dedicated to JCSTS now, but his road to Atlanta wasn’t always paved.
 
He grew up in the United Methodist Church but stopped attending church as a young adult. In his mid- to late-20s, he started feeling an emptiness and began visiting churches in New York City. Although he’d never been to a Presbyterian church before, he knew on his first visit that he’d found his home.

"From the time the first note was sung, I knew that was my church," he said.

Roberts kept going back, but for awhile, he sat in the last pew so he could duck out without talking to anyone. He knew he was in the right place, though.

"That emptiness began to close up," he said. "It began to be filled, slowly and incrementally."

He became more involved in the church and eventually felt called to ministry. His pastor was a graduate of JCSTS and at his request, Roberts visited the campus, even though he didn’t want to leave New York.
 
But again, Roberts' hesitation didn’t last long.
 
"I came to Atlanta and fell in love with the place," he said, adding that he found the seminary nurturing and intriguing.
 
"The seminary continues to mean a lot to me," he said. "I believe in what it has done since 1867 and I believe in what it can do."

As for the seminary's viability, the recent gift helps confirm that people are starting to rally around the seminary. Roberts said he's gotten a lot of questions about enrollment, but the trustees feel good about the future.

"Theological institutions right now are all a little nervous," he said. "The willingness of the donor to complete the pledge would indicate some hope about the future."

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost

 [image: bsabarnowl]

I recently made a second entry for the Patheos, which is a website on learning and having dialogue with the faiths of the world. If you have the opportunity to check it out you will see some great stuff on other faith communities such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Eastern Religions. The topic of choice for the bloggers challenge was "How the Holy Spirit Moves Today . . . in 100 Words or Less." Below is my entry:

Many people question if the Holy Spirit is at work in the world today. Put on some different eyes and see --
The claiming of an infant in baptism
The faith of a spouse in the loss of a loved one
The building of a Habitat for Humanity home
Strangers assisting in areas of a natural disaster
The grace exhibited to one another after a difficult discussion
And the ability to awaken to see a new day . . .
Then you can say the Holy Spirit is at work

I was one of 11 contributors to this edition of the bloggers challenge. The others are - 

Monica A. Coleman, Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religions at Claremont School of Theology 

Sam Hamilton-Poore, Director of the Program in Christian Spirituality and Adjunct Professor at San Francisco Theological Seminary

Brian McLaren, emergent author, speaker, pastor, and networker

Callid Keefe-Perry, a Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and a co-convener of the Emergent Cohort in Rochester, NY

Carl Gregg, Associate Pastor at Northminster Church in Monroe, LA

Amy Julia Becker, a writer and a student at Princeton Theological Seminary

Tripp Fuller, a Baptist minister serving Neighborhood Church and Ph.D. student atClaremont School of Theology

Byron Wade, Vice-Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a Presbyterian pastor in Raleigh, NC

Alyce McKenzie, Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology 

Thomas Turner, Senior Editor, Literary Arts of GENERATE Magazine, an adjunct English professor at Nyack College, and a leader at The Plant in Mahwah, NJ

Bruce Epperly, Professor of Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary and co-pastor of Disciples United Community Church in Lancaster, PA.

If you want to read all of our responses click here. We are also featured on Textweek for Pentecost Sunday as well. All the submission are really great and give a wide diversity as to describing the Holy Spirit in 100 Words or Less as we look the coming of the Holy Spirit this Sunday.

On another note I will be spending the weekend in the Presbytery of Philadelphia to visit the Women's Empowerment Initiative. Definitely looking forward to that ;-)

I hope that all of you will have a blessed Pentecost Sunday and may the Holy Spirit rest upon you to do great things for God!