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Two Cheers for Samuel Seabury
From the President: On preaching about a complicated Anglican
A few days ago, it was the turn of the Bexley Hall students to organize and lead the community Eucharist at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Susan Smith, the rector of the local parish, would preside, and I was asked to preach.
It was the feast of the consecration of Samuel Seabury, not an auspicious theme for an Episcopal preacher in a Lutheran institution. For all we owe to him as Episcopalians, the Rev. Mr. Seabury was not a very attractive character. In saying this, I am in pretty good company. Alexander Hamilton didn't think much of him either. In the run-up to the American Revolution, Seabury was fiercely loyal to the British crown. From the safety of Westchester Country, in 1775 he launched a series of pamphlets (signed only "The Farmer") defending the Tory position against those clamoring for independence. Hamilton--a master polemicist--launched a brilliant if venomous response.
The spirit that breathes throughout is so rancorous, illiberal, and imperious; the argumentative part of it is so puerile and fallacious; the misrepresentation of facts so palpable and flagrant; the criticisms so illiterate, trifling, and absurd; the conceits so low, sterile, and splenetic, that I will venture to pronounce it one of the most ludicrous performances which has been exhibited to public view during all the present controversy.
The criticism stuck. A year later, after a short time in an insurrectionist jail, Seabury took refuge in British-occupied New York City, where he served throughout the war as chaplain to a British regiment. With the British withdrawal, Seabury sensibly if rather ignobly changed sides, moving to Connecticut in the hope of reorganizing an Anglican church that was pretty much in shambles.
Read more.
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Selnick Named Vice President for Advancement
Ohio rector, business school grad to join Federation
 President Ferlo announced in mid-November that the Rev. T. Conrad Selnick will become the federation's vice president for advancement and church relations in January 2014. Selnick is currently rector of St. Christopher's by the River Episcopal Church in Gates Mills, Ohio in the Diocese of Ohio. "We are building a center for Episcopal learning and discipleship at the crossroads of the country, and I am delighted that Conrad will join us," said Ferlo. "His experience as a rector, a consultant and a leader in the wider church is the perfect fit for our mission." As vice president, Selnick will support Ferlo in soliciting major gifts to support the seminary's mission. He will also lead the federation's alumni relations efforts, direct the annual fund and initiate and expand a planned giving program. "Bexley Hall and Seabury Western faced hard realities and made some faithful, courageous choices," said Selnick. "The Federation's board is venturing, eyes wide open, into theological education in the 21stcentury. Instead of repairing leaking roofs, they are taking the creative route, a blue-sky journey. I find that exciting, and I am looking forward to being a part of it." Selnick will be based at Seabury, located in the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Chicago, and also spend significant time at the Bexley campus in Columbus, where he began his ministry more than 25 years ago. He is married to the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, who is the presiding bishop of the ELCA. They are the parents of two adult children: Rebeckah, who is married to Michael Ray, and Susannah. Read more. |
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A Pilgrimage to Sarum
August 31-September 5, 2014
Join President Ferlo and Federation Board Co-Chair the Rev. Gwynne Wright for a pilgrimage to the heartland of our Anglican heritage. Explore the sacred ruins of Old Sarum, the magnificence of Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals, and the humble beauty of Bemerton parish church, where the poet George Herbert shaped the Anglican cure of souls for generations to come. Meet the bishop of Salisbury, the Rt. Rev. Nicolas Holtam, whose vision for pastoral care and social justice transformed St. Martin in the Fields in London and now marks the life and ministry of this thriving community.
Learn more, or talk with Ron Fox in the president's office at 773.380.6781 or via email to reserve a spot. |
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Seeking Director of Lifelong Learning and DMin
Help pioneer the future of 21st century theological education
 Bexley Seabury is seeking candidates to fill a new position: Director of Lifelong Learning and the Doctor of Ministry. This person will be a skilled leader and administrator for our lifelong theological education programs, which include the DMin in Congregational Studies and the ACTS DMin in Preaching, as well as non-degree programs in continuing education for lay and clergy leaders.
Qualified candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to theological education in a post-Christian, ecumenical, pluralist, multi-racial context and be familiar with contemporary congregational life. Demonstrated experience in academic and/or ecclesial administration, creative thinking and leading collaboratively is required. Strong oral and written communications skills are a must, as well as expertise in administrative computer applications and easy familiarity with current and emerging social media.
Read the full position description.
Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit applications and nominations to:
Br. Ronald Fox, BSG
Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation
8765 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 650
Chicago, IL 60631
[email protected]
773-380-6781
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Apply to the 2014 Leadership Institute
Study with the Kellogg School June 16-20
Applications are now being accepted for the next session of our popular Bexley Seabury Leadership Institute, a three-day program with the Center for Nonprofit Management, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University tailored to meet the distinctive needs of lay and clergy leaders.
The 2014 Institute will include seminars titled Leadership Today, Branding Your Congregation, Understanding Changing Generations, Social Media Strategy, Major Gift Strategies and Donor Relations, Leading and Following, and Communicating Vision and Values. Learn more and apply online. Questions? Talk with Susan Harlow. New this year: Through the generosity of the Shoemaker Fund and the bishop of Chicago, the Bexley Hall Seabury Western Seminary Federation can offer up to ten places in this summer's Leadership Institute with full scholarship to successful applicants from the Diocese of Chicago. Learn more. 
"This Kellogg-Seabury leadership week continues to be one of the most impactful andformative learning experiences for my current ministry on bishop's staff. Learning about the latest in communications, development, and organizational health from some of the brightest and gifted practitioners in their fields alongside some of the most gifted leaders in the Episcopal Church has strengthened my capacity to serve the congregations of the Diocese of Chicago.
--The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
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Register Now for January Courses
Weeklong intensive courses in Columbus and Chicago
In January, join us in Columbus or Chicago for intensive courses in congregational development and Anglican studies. All classes are open for academic credit or lifelong learning: Chicago  Diversity and Context: January 6-10
This course with the Rev. Eric H.F. Law of the Kaleidoscope Institute is designed to increase participants' intercultural competency in a diverse, changing world. Students will gain a deeper understanding of communication styles and perception of power and their consequences for congregational vitality and stewardship. Learn more and register online.
 Congregational Systems: January 13-17The Rev. Dr. Emlyn Ott, assistant professor of ministry and pastoral leadership at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, teaches an introduction to systems and organizational theory in relation to congregations and other church groups. Students will explore issues in organizational and ministry development as well as strategies for systemic change. Learn more and register online.  Making Mission Possible in Tough Times: January 20-24
This course, co-taught by Professor Susan Harlow and community policy expert John Kretzmann, will explore how mission-focused fundraising and greater neighborhood involvement can breathe new life into congregational mission and outreach at a time when many are struggling with shoe-string budgets and exploding social needs in their communities. Learn more and register online. Current DMin students can also register for the January 2014 thesis proposal workshop and research and writing seminar. Columbus  Anglican Spirituality and Ethos: January 20-24
Bexley Seabury President Roger Ferlo and the Rev. Dr. Elise Feyerherm offer an orientation to spiritual practices, with attention to principles that guide their use for personal formation and cultivation of communities. Learn more and register online. |
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Apply Now to Begin DMin Study in June
Programs in congregational development, preaching
Bexley Seabury's doctor of ministry programs prepare leaders for vital, dynamic, diverse communities of faith. Our flexible programs allow students to work independently and online with colleagues and enjoy intensive studies in Chicago for just a few weeks a year.
Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development
Our low-residence doctor of ministry students have an unparalleled opportunity to learn, stretch, challenge themselves and others, and emerge at the end of three years with exceptional skills in leadership and deeper theological grounding for innovative and effective congregational ministry. A new cohort of students begins the program each June; the priority admission deadline is January 15. Learn more and apply online.
Doctor of Ministry in Preaching
This ecumenical program, which includes intensive summer residencies and work in your home congregation during the year, is designed to help you become the preacher God is calling you to be. The Bexley Seabury Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program is offered in collaboration with six other Chicago-area seminaries as the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) DMin in Preaching Program. Apply by January 31 for admission in June. Learn more and apply online.
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Spring Courses Begin in February
Weekend intensives, semester-long courses
This spring, the Bexley Seabury Federation offers courses in liturgy and music, theology and ethics, and global Anglicanism as well as fresh looks at soteriology and creation theology. Some courses are taught over three intensive weekends; others are semester-long. Registration for all spring courses is now open.
Learn more about Bexley Seabury's Spring 2014 courses. All classes offer graduate credit and are also available, at significantly reduced rates, for continuing education or simply for the love of learning.
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Study the Bible with Professor Dally
Professor John Dally's free open sessions of Strategies for Teaching the Bible conclude in early December. Everyone is welcome to join the class to explore new ways of teaching the Bible. Learn more and register online.
Friday, December 6, 7-8:30 pm:
This is My Bible: This is Our Bible
Saturday, December 7, 11 am -12:30 pm:
Why No One Should Read the Bible
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Alumni News
Dean Gary Hall of Washington National Cathedral, who is a former dean of Seabury Western Theological Seminary, preached at the installation of the Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh (Seabury '07) as the 25th rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church on Oct. 26 in Kenosha, WI.
Anglican Studies student Jana Troutman-Miller MA BCC has been appointed a director of the Association of Professional Chaplains, which has more than 4,300 members. Troutman-Miller has been a staff chaplain for 12 years and has served the last eight at Aurora West Allis Medical Center in West Allis, WI.
News to share with your fellow Bexley and Seabury alums? Email Debbie Franz at Bexley or Ron Fox at Seabury.
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