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Pursuing Wisdom Beyond Walls
A message from President Ferlo
THIS WEEK the Bexley Seabury faculty meets for its annual overnight retreat. Once again we are gathering in Indianapolis--the halfway point between Chicago and Columbus--which obviates our need to choose one of our host cities over the other! (And of course, driving to Indy is cheaper than flying into either O'Hare or Port Columbus.)
We are a small faculty, and so we know each other well, even though we function professionally several hundred miles apart. My colleagues have a clear sense of their mission as teachers and researchers, a love for the Episcopal Church, a love what they do to train and strengthen its leaders, and an excitement about what the future might hold not just for Bexley Seabury, but for theological education more generally. It is a privilege to work with such wonderful and dedicated people.
To be sure, their excitement about the future--and mine--is tempered by an undercurrent of anxiety--an anxiety shared not just by theological educators, but by almost anyone involved in American higher education. We live in political and cultural times not overly friendly toward the pursuit of wisdom, whether secular or godly. Read the entire reflection
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Experience Walter Brueggemann
Chicago visit, September 20-21, cosponsored by St. Chrysostom and Bexley Seabury
We are honored to jointly sponsor two opportunities to
engage with scholar-author-educator the Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus and former William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.
Among the world's most influential Bible interpreters of our time, Professor Brueggemann is known for his ability to break open the Old Testament and make it alarmingly relevant for 21st century readers and listeners.
Both events will be held at St. Chrysostom's Episcopal Church, 1424 North Dearborn on Chicago's near north side, convenient to public transportation. Complimentary valet service will be available. For those able to contribute, a freewill offering in any amount is invited to support the parish outreach fund. We look forward to welcoming you to one to one or both events. Please extend this invitation to family, friends, and colleagues.
OPPORTUNITY 1
Sunday Evening with Walter Brueggemann
4:50 p.m. Carillon Prelude
5:15 p.m. Choral Evensong, Walter Brueggemann, guest preacher  Reception following
Worship will be led by the Choir of St. Chrysostom's and Professor Brueggemann will preach. A reception follows with an opportunity to meet Professor Brueggemann and plenty to nourish body and mind.
OPPORTUNITY 2
Monday Breakfast with Walter Brueggemann 7:45-9:00 a.m. "Opening the Future: The Practice of Prophetic Imagination"
In a time of polarized politics and divisive religious rhetoric, how can we re-ignite the prophetic imagination, proclaiming the living God as the true agent of justice and emancipation in the public square? Join us for a lively and informed presentation on the practice of prophetic imagination.
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Because Racial Reconciliation Cannot Wait
JOIN US for Columbus Convocation 2015 on Wednesday, September 23
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Mike Kinman, dean, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, and convocation keynoter,
directing traffic in front of the Ferguson police department, August 2014
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Moving toward repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation PLEASE JOIN US Wednesday, September 23 for a long-overdue community dialogue at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Avenue, Columbus. We will gather as learners and disciples to consider the urgent need for individuals and communities to confront the sin of racism and begin the arduous work ahead to repent and reconcile.
> 12:15 PM Lunch & Conversation Be our guest for lunch and enjoy informal conversation with President Ferlo.
> 2:00-3:00 PM
"Faith After #Ferguson: All We Have to Lose Are Our Chains"
Mike Kinman, dean, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, will share his experience on the ground in Ferguson, Missouri, and in greater St. Louis, in the aftermath of the August 9, 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, helping to heal wounds, bridge racial divisions, and re-form community.
> 3:30-5:00 PM Roundtable Discussion & Open Dialogue Local community and church leaders, including Bexley Seabury Board Member Tom Briendenthal, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will respond to Mike's presentation and participate in open dialogue.
> 5:00-6:00 PM Reception and Continued Conversation
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Feel free to invite colleagues, friends, and neighbors for this important gathering. To help us plan hospitality, PLEASE RESERVE BY SEPTEMBER 9... contact Shirla Langknecht
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Looking Forward...2016 Study Opportunities
LEARN WITH US for academic credit, CEUs, or for enrichment
 WHETHER YOU ARE lay or ordained...working toward a degree or diploma, or picking up courses here and there...Episcopalian or not...our learning community is richer for its mix of new and long-time believers, all of whom share a commitment to bold inquiry in service of the Gospel. Plan to study with us in 2016 and see for yourself, choosing a location and learning format that works for you. Here are just a few of the courses we have on tap for the new year: > Anglican Spirituality and Ethos with Roger Ferlo...meets in Columbus Jan. 19-23 > Diversity and Context with Eric Law...meets in Chicago Jan. 18-22 > Making Mission Possible in Tough Times with Suzann Holding and Jody Kretzmann...meets in Chicago Jan. 11-15 > Learning from London with Jason Fout...meets in London, U.K., Jan. 16-22 > Liturgy & Music: Theology and Practice with Milner Seifert and Victor Conrado...meets in Chicago three Friday/Saturday weekends beginning Feb. 12-13 > The Sermon as Art Form with John Dally...meets in Columbus Jan. 11-15 To learn more and to register, follow the links above. Each of these courses is available for academic credit ($1,620), continuing education units ($400), and enrichment/no credit ($375). For more information about these and other 2015-2016 course offerings, download our brochure
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Save These Dates
2016 CONVOCATIONS April 28 and September 21
 Chicago Convocation 2016
featuring Amy-Jill Levine
Thursday, April 28, 2016
We're pleased to feature Amy-Jill Levine, University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School, as keynote speaker for Chicago Convocation 2016. A self-described "Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominately Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt," Amy-Jill is known for her commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies, and for her finely tuned sense of humor. Plan to be with us for an enlightening day.  Columbus Convocation 2016
featuring Sarah Coakley
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Sarah Coakley, one the leading theologians of our time, will anchor Columbus Convocation 2016. Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity at University of Cambridge, Sarah had established a successful decades-long academic career before deciding to pursue ordination. She is known for her work bridging theological, philsophical-ethical, and scientific concerns. Don't miss this opportunity to examine the possibilities for the people of God in a new light.
Watch your mail and email for more information in the coming weeks and months, and contact Conrad Selnick with any questions. |
Called to DO MORE?
DMin with us--APPLY NOW to begin in 2016 
Bexley Seabury Doctor of Ministry programs equip strong leaders with new skills and pragmatic strategies to take their ministries forward.
- Choice of concentration--in Congregational Development or in Preaching
- Flexible, do-able scheduling--month-long Chicago residencies in January
 (Congregational Development) or in June (Preaching), plus ongoing work in your home parish throughout the year
- Knowledge you can easily apply--both programs integrate theory and practice and blend collaborative study in small groups with lecture/discussion and practicums.
If you or someone you know is considering a DMin, help us reach out to initiate a conversation. To explore the possibilities or to refer a potential student, contact Suzann Holding
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THANK YOU, Supporters of Bexley Seabury
You are among people at the front edge of theological education,
and among good and faithful stewards
From THE LIVING CHURCH | August 16, 2015
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Strength in Numbers: Seminaries Pool Their Resources for Effective Ministry
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald
History students at Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) might be tasting the future of Episcopal seminary education when they arrive for class this fall and find their professor is 2,437 miles away in Columbus, Ohio.
That's because CDSP and Bexley Hall Seabury-Western Theological Seminary Federation are embarking on a closely watched experiment in sharing faculty. If it works, the partnership could become a prototype for other Episcopal seminaries as they hammer out how to work together in new ways to cut costs, reduce redundancies, enhance mission, and play to one another's unique strengths.
Those are the opening paragraphs of an extensive article in The Living Church. It highlights the "Church History" course offered by CDSP, but taught by Bexley Seabury's Tom Ferguson. Being a seminary beyond walls is core to our mission, and good stewardship of our resources.
An innocent Sunday question
This summer I did three Sundays of supply work at Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park, a suburb southwest of Chicago. As I was greeting people after the main service one Sunday, among those in line was a young woman, by herself, who I guessed might be a high school or college student. She seemed new to the Episcopal Church, but comfortable being there.
Evidently, when the offering was taken up, she was not ready. But she was by the end of the service. Remembering the offering plates that had been passed and wanting to contribute, she shook my hand and asked me this question: "Where are the golden basins?" What reverence.
A note from friends
Recently, the mail brought an envelope from the Rev. Mary Carson, rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Lorain, Ohio. Mary is an alumna of Bexley Hall who serves on the Bexley Seabury Board of Directors.
July 30, 2015
Dear Roger, Conrad, and others at BSSF,
This is a small contribution from Redeemer for the BSSF Annual Fund. I am delighted that our Endowment Committee and Vestry are willing to support our adventure in theological education. Peace and blessings be yours in the quieter days of summer.
Faithfully,
Mary Carson
Conrad Selnick
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On Campus & Beyond
Alums and Students
The Rev. Nancy Louise Woodworth-Hill (Bexley Seabury '15) was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Catherine Waynick on August 1, 2015 at St. Paul's
Episcopal Church, Jeffersonville, Ind., Diocese of Indianapolis. Nancy co-pastors St. Paul's with her husband, Don Hill.
In addition to Nancy (far left in front row, next to Bishop Catherine) the photo includes The Rev. Canon Debra Kissinger (DMin in Congregational Development student), top row, far left; and the Rev. Jan Oller (Bexley Hall '09) centered between Nancy and Bishop Catherine.
Faculty
Milner Seifert recently returned from attending the annual conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, held this year in New Orleans.
Staff Ron Fox, assistant to President Ferlo, a life-professed brother of the Brotherhood of St. Gregory, attended the annual chapter meeting and convocation in upstate New York.
Host Diocese
Gabriel's Place, a community-based enterprise that grows and shares fresh, nutritional foods and helps educate neighbors, is in desperate need of a used WiFi-enabled tablet or iPad for use in the Market. If you have one to donate, please send an email to Canon Anne Reed or phone her at 800-582-1712.
St. John's Episcopal Church in Southampton, N.Y., is conducting a national search for a new rector. More information
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