January 22, 2010
Dear Alums,
The year 2010 began with some stark reminders of the fragility of life. For me, it also highlighted how easily I can take for granted the gifts around me--the people I know and love. As the life of Ruth Vuong was remembered and celebrated, and as my own family reflected on the life of my brother who also passed on, I was reminded of what precious treasures these two dear ones have been to me. They leave particular and unique voids.
Our Alumni/ae in Action story this month features an alumna who is involved in hospital chaplaincy. Pastoral ministry encompasses a broad spectrum. Ruth was often dispensing "pastoral care" here at Fuller, at juvenile hall, and in her neighborhood. A reflection Ruth shared just weeks ago, at our Pasadena campus all-staff Christmas gathering, gives a glimpse into her heart:
In just nine days, a teenage girl staying in substandard housing, without access to medical care, will deliver a baby boy while in the company of a man who is not the baby's father. Few people will notice; even fewer will care.
Yet this is what we celebrate at Christmas--we celebrate, in the words of John Bell, "[that] God relates to us not from the immunity of heaven, but from the insecurity of earth." This is the costliness of love. Such costly love invites us to worship and to love from the depths of our being.
May we each be challenged in this New Year to receive God's costly love so fully that we can readily recognize God in those around us...whoever and wherever that may be.
A fellow traveler,
Bert Jacklitch
Director
Alumni/ae and Church Relations
ALUMNI/AE IN ACTION
Hospital Chaplaincy: A Ministry of Awareness
Fuller Northern California alumna La Freeda Thomas (MACL ’08) finds that being available and sensitive to others' unspoken needs are key in her work as a hospital chaplain. Read more
COUNCIL CORNER
Vocation and Pastoral Ministry...as a Woman
Alumni/ae Council member Margarita Flores (MDiv '07) reflects on her journey as the first woman lay pastoral leader for her Catholic parish. Read her reflection
FULLER NEWS
Fuller Grieves the Loss of Ruth Vuong
Longtime Dean of Students Ruth Vuong died unexpectedly on January 4. Read more
Watch a video of Ruth's memorial service
A Call to Prayer for Haiti
President Richard J. Mouw urges the community to unite in prayer for our Haitian brothers and sisters. Read more
Author Speaks on "Faith Heroes" of China
Carol Lee Hamrin, research professor at George Mason University and senior associate with Global China Center, spoke on her book Salt and Light: Lives of Faith that Shaped Modern China.Read more
Chap Clark Speaks in All-Seminary Chapel
In the first chapel service of Winter Quarter, Vice Provost Chap Clark delivered a message entitled "Her Name is Precious." Read more
Martin Luther King Jr. Honored in Chapel
Members of the Fuller community marched from the Hubbard Library to Travis Auditorium in a special chapel service commemorating the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Read more
Glen Stassen Comments on President Obama's Nobel Prize Address
Lewis Smedes Christian Ethics Professor Glen Stassen offered commentary on "What the Media Missed in Obama's Nobel Prize Address." Read more
Martin Luther King Homily
Professor of Church History and Ecumenics Cecil M. Robeck Jr. offers a reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. and his role as a witness to the need for repentance. Read his homily here
New Book Release from Fuller Youth Institute
Essential Leadership: Ministry Team Meetings That Work, by Professor Kara Powell and the Fuller Youth Institute, offers guidance for those in youth ministry as they work with volunteers. Read more
UPCOMING EVENTS: CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Brehm Center Labs
The Brehm Center is offering two "lab" courses Winter Quarter, open to all for a fee: Basics of Cinematic Storytelling and Sculpting the Human form. Read more
Leading and Managing Your Ministry
January 25-29
Author and pastor Leith Anderson will teach this seminar offered by Fuller's DMin program for audit or continuing education credit. Read more about this and other courses
The Practice of Missional Leadership
February 8-12
Author and missional church leader Alan Roxburgh will teach this seminar, also offered by the DMin program for audit or continuing education credit. Read more about this and other courses
Integration Symposium
February 17-19
The symposium, on "Psychology Of, With and For the Poor," will feature lectures by Fuller's 2008-2009 Distinguished Alumnus John Fantuzzo with Charles L. Howard and Saul and Pilar Cruz-Ramos. Read more
School of Psychology alumni/ae are also invited to the following gatherings:
February 19 12:00 p.m. Alumni/ae Luncheon
February 19 4:30 p.m. Alumni/ae Reception
Study in Orvieto, Italy
June 20-July 3
The Brehm Center will again sponsor this study trip for students and alumni/ae to Orvieto, to include daily course gatherings and trips to medieval and artistic sites in the area. Space is very limited and deposits are being taken.
More information: wtaprograms@fuller.edu or 626-304-3724
UPCOMING EVENTS: PASADENA AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Memorial Service for Arthur Glasser
January 24 3:00 p.m.
Arthur F. Glasser, former dean of the School of Intercultural Studies (then School of World Mission), who passed away in December, will be honored in this memorial service. Read more
Ustream.tv Broadcasts
January 26 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Mark Labberton, Lloyd John Ogilvie Associate Professor of Preaching
February 2 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Love Sechrest, Assistant Professor of New Testament
February 4 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Erin Dufault-Hunter, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics
February 11 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Robert (Bob) Freeman, Associate Dean for MAGL and
Assistant Professor of Distance Learning
Watch these professors and send them your questions during these live "online visits." Only an internet connection is needed. Read more
Screening and Discussion of Film on Forgiveness
February 5 7:30 p.m.
"The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness" will be screened, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker. Sponsored by the Brehm Center's Reel Spirituality Institute.
Read more
Robert W. Lane Speaks for De Pree Leadership Lecture
February 8 4:00-5:30 p.m.
"Human Flourishing: Theological Reflections on the High Calling of Business Leadership" will be the topic of the Max and Esther De Pree Presidential Leadership Lecture to be offered by Robert W. Lane, chairman of Deere and Company. Read more
Gordon and Gail MacDonald Lecture
February 12 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Noted pastor and author Gordon MacDonald and his wife Gail will speak and lead a discussion, "Life Issues Conversation: Inside Our Private World." Read more
Worship Conference: Gordon MacDonald, Tommy Walker
February 13 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Brehm Center's "Forming Hearts, Creating Art" worship leadership conference will feature pastor and author Gordon MacDonald with musicians Tommy Walker and Diane White-Clayton. Pastors and worship leaders, attend together! Read more
Desert Forum Speaker Series
February 19 11:30 a.m.
President Richard J. Mouw will speak on "Christian Civility in an Increasingly Uncivil World" as part of this luncheon series in Palm Desert, California. Read more
Hispanic Ministries: 35-Year Anniversary Celebrations
February 22-25
The Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community will celebrate 35 years of service with the following events, featuring historian and theologian Justo González and evangelistic speaker and broadcast personality Alberto Motessi:
February 22 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Pastors' Breakfast with Fuller Associate Dean Juan Martínez
February 23 6:00 p.m.
Gala Dinner with Dr. Justo González
February 24 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Chapel (in English) with Dr. Justo González
February 24 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Workshop for Writers with Dr. Justo González (space is limited)
February 24 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation with Dr. Justo Gonzalez: "La Biblia y Nuestra Realidad: Nuevas
Lecturas" ("The Bible and Our Reality: New Readings")
February 25 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Chapel (in Spanish), followed by reception with Rev. Alberto Motessi
February 25 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Panel Presentation: "Descubriendo la Generación" ("Latino Leadership from a
Generational Perspective")
Read more
Court-Clergy Conference on "Justice and Restoration"
March 4 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Church leaders are invited to attend this conference sponsored by Fuller and the Los Angeles Superior Court, to include a presentation by President Richard Mouw. Read more
City of the Angels Film Festival 2010
March 12, 13, 14
Save the date for this festival held at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, and sponsored in part by the Brehm Center. Watch for details here
An Evening with Eugene Friesen
March 26
Save the date for this event with Eugene Friesen, artist-in-residence of St. John the Divine Cathedral, in New York, in honor of Professor Warren Brown, his wife Janet Brown, and the Travis Research Institute. Read more
School of Theology Lectures
Spring 2010
Save the dates for the following School of Theology lectures coming in spring:
April 6: Inaugural Lecture, Scott Cormode, Hugh De Pree Professor of Leadership Development
April 20: Inaugural Lecture, Clayton Schmit, Arthur DeKruyter/Christ Church Oak Brook Professor of Preaching
May 5-6: Payton Lectures, Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology
More information: School of Theology Dean's Office, 626-584-5300 or theology@fuller.edu
Additional Events
To see additional upcoming events for alumni/ae and the larger community, visit www.fuller.edu/about-fuller/news-events/calendars/default.aspx.
UPCOMING EVENTS: FULLER'S REGIONAL CAMPUSES
Fuller California Coast:
"I Love to Tell the Story": Paul the Storyteller?
February 12 1:00-2:30 p.m.
This event in the "Conversations on Culture" series will feature Assistant Professor of New Testament Daniel Kirk discussing the narrative dynamics of Paul's letters. Read more
Fuller Northern California:
"Discover Fuller" in Sacramento
January 27 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Invite your friends to learn about Fuller's Sacramento campus at this casual event with students, professors, and staff members available to answer questions. Read more
"Discover Fuller" in Menlo Park
January 28 7:00-8:15 p.m.
This event for prospective students will be held in Menlo Park, with professors, students, and staff available for discussion in a casual atmosphere. Invite your friends. Read more
Chap Clark in Saratoga
January 31
Professor and Vice Provost Chap Clark will speak at Saratoga Federated Church in Saratoga, offering a Parenteen seminar and preaching at Sunday services. Read more
Bay Area Windrider Film Forum
April 9-10
Save the date for the first Windrider Film Forum in the Bay Area. Watch for details here
Fuller Northwest:
Movie and Discussion Nights
February 7 and March 14 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The ten-part series "The Decalogue" is being screened and discussed, with each installment depicting a modern interpretation of one of the Ten Commandments. Each is independent of the others, so come to one or both nights. Read more
Fuller Southwest:
Prospective Student Night: Bring Your Friends
February 11 5:15-6:15 p.m. (with optional class following)
If you know someone interested in seminary, encourage him or her to explore Fuller Southwest. Spring classes will include Pastoral Counseling, Modern Church History, 1 & 2 Kings, and more. Bring your friends to this February 11 informational meeting, and stay for the Hebrew Prophets class directly following.
More information: 602-220-0400 or fsw@fuller.edu
UPCOMING EVENTS: ACROSS THE U.S.
Fuller at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival
January 25-31
A group of Fuller students, faculty, staff, and guests will attend and study at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Fuller alumni/ae who live in the Salt Lake City/Park City area or those who are attending the film festival are invited to join them for any of their events. Read more
Alumni/ae Gathering with Dr. Mouw in Pennsylvania
February 1 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Alumni/ae and friends are invited to meet and talk with President Richard J. Mouw at this "Conversation with the President" in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Read more
Alumni/ae Gathering with Dr. Mouw in Virginia
February 2 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Alumni/ae and friends are invited to meet and talk with President Richard J. Mouw at this "Conversation with the President" in Woodbridge, Virginia. Read more
WHAT ARE FACULTY READING?
Professor of Theology and Culture Bill Dyrness offers this reading recommendation:
John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, God Is Back: How the Global Revival of Faith is Changing the World (Penguin Books, 2009).
In this survey of the revival of religion, two editors of the Economist (one a Roman Catholic, the other an atheist) provide a smart and perceptive survey of the state of faith today. They argue that sometime in the late 20th century, the European understanding of modernism supplanting faith was replaced by the American model wherein faith and modernization go hand in hand. Focusing particularly on evangelical Christianity in America (in which Fuller comes in for several mentions), they show how the free marketplace of religion has fostered vital religious communities both in the U.S. and, increasingly, after the American evangelical fashion, around the world.
ALUMNI/AE PUBLICATIONS
Vincent Onyebuchi Nwankpa (MA '90).Understanding Cultural Perspectives, God's Word, and Missions. Author House, 2009.
James Papandrea (MDiv '89).Spiritual Blueprint. Liguori Publications, 2010.
Charles Duey (MDiv '57).Trying to Be Religious in the Best of All Possible Worlds. iUniverse, 2009.
Sam Schlorff (MDiv '59).Missiological Models in Ministry to Muslims. Middle East Resources, 2006.
BULLETIN BOARD
Free Training for Treatment of Problem Gambling
The Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) in partnership with the UCLA Gambling Studies Program is recruiting licensed therapists to participate in the Provider Training Program of the California Problem Gambling Treatment Service Program (CPGTSP). To become an authorized provider in the CPGTSP, therapists must attend state-funded training, which is offered with no registration charge. After training completion, a therapist who meets criteria to become an authorized provider will be eligible to receive fee-for-service reimbursement from the state. More information: www.problemgambling.ca.gov
Alumnus to Present at Emory University Colloquy
Jamal-Dominique Hopkins (MA '97), Dead Sea Scrolls scholar and assistant professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will present a paper as a guest scholar at Emory University's New Testament Colloquy on Monday, February 1. More information: www.jdinstitute.org
Psychology Faculty Position Opening
The Behavioral Sciences Department of Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, seeks applicants for a full-time tenure-track position teaching psychology research courses as well as others at the graduate and undergraduate levels, beginning August 2010. Read more
Subscribe to Theology, News and Notes
Theology, News and Notes is published twice a year for alumni/ae and friends of Fuller Seminary. To read past issues of the magazine, visit our website. If you do not currently receive the magazine and would like a free subscription, please send an e-mail with your current postal address to alum-alumni@dept.fuller.edu.
Comments and ideas? E-mail us at enews@fuller.edu, call the Alumni/ae Office at 626-584-5498, or write Fuller Theological Seminary, Alumni/ae and Church Relations Office, 135 North Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182.