Continued on page 2

HERALDING NEWS FROM NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY VOL. 9, NO. 4 ■ JULY 2012

When Worlds Collide—Dual Roles In Health Care and Ministry Scholarships Distinguished Alumna Award Study in the Holy Land Events Community News

similarities. Both contexts involve working within family systems—in one case to provide health resources and in the other to nurture spiritual care. The second similarity is the expectation of professionalism. “People come with problems and extend unearned trust. As a result what would otherwise be considered pointed and probing questions can be asked toward diagnosing and solving the issue at hand.”

For Mark McMonagle (D.Min., ‘11), vicar at St. Brendan Orthodox Western Rite Mission in Honeoye Falls, N.Y. and nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., both ministry and health care are task-oriented fields requiring active listening, reassurance, and the alleviation of pain and torment. He recalls that the very idea of hospital care, hospice, and nursing homes were founded by the church in the late Roman period.

From the vantage point of a lay leader at the Baptist Church of Perry, N.Y. and a general practitioner at Letchworth Family Medicine in Perry, N.Y., Dan Zerbe (MA, ‘09 ) sees the need for compassion, the search for truth, and the heavy weights of responsibility as evident in both fields.

With so many commonalities it is not surprising that the integration of their religious identity and their medical profession is fairly seamless. Even when the medical practice is not Christian based and personal views are not forced, patients come to know that their health care provider is in the ministry. “No scriptures are handed out but some people come to see me as a doctor because they know I am a pastor,” Traylor relates. At his last practice about 80 percent wanted spiritual counseling as part of their health care and in his

What do you get when you cross a physician with a pastor? Upon reflection the response to this riddle may be less surprising than you think—a seminarian.

Since the opening of Northeastern Seminary, several practicing physicians and other health care providers have pursued their master’s degrees in preparation for ministry. When asked, they cite the symbiotic relationship between the fields as fostering the dual roles. And while the corresponding conflicts and professional demands they experience are challenging, they remain faithful to the simultaneous callings.

Henry Paszko (MA ‘06), pastor of Faith Community Church in LeRoy, N.Y. and family practitioner at Churchville-Chili Family Medicine, North Chili, N.Y., affirms the significant crossover in issues of the body and soul: “They are integrated when it comes to feelings of wellbeing. Spiritual needs occur along with physical needs.” So for Paszko the dual roles allow for holistic care, a model, he notes, was embodied in the Old Testament by the priests who dispensed the health care.

Michael Traylor (MATSJ ‘12), pastor of New Hope Free Methodist Church and pediatrician at Anthony Jordan Health Center in Rochester, N.Y., concurs, acknowledging that, although vocationally distinct, the approach to care is the same. “I was a physician first so I had learned how to care for people in a holistic way. Then when I became a pastor it was easy to apply the same approach.” He also observed two other

Dan Zerbe (MA, ‘09 ), lay pastor at the Baptist Church of Perry and general practitioner at Letchworth Family Medicine in Perry, N.Y.

Michael Traylor (MATSJ ‘12), pastor of New Hope Free Methodist Church and pediatrician at Anthony Jordan Health Center in Rochester, N.Y.

Zip-front fleece sweatshirts $40 ▪ Ball caps $15 ▪ T-shirts $12 ▪ Mugs $5 ▪ Window decals $2

To order contact Sarah Champignon at 585.594.6800 or champignon_sarah@nes.edu . Give your name, email or phone number, quantity, and size, as needed. Pick up and pay for your order at the reception desk at the Seminary (Rochester campus) or inquire about shipping.

current placement about half of his patients will ask him to pray for their families. The impact of integrating identities for Pasko has been more complex. “Some patients leave the practice because of it and some people leave the church because of it. There is a belief that you can’t do both well so they leave.”

Having one foot in medicine and the other in ministry is not without other conflicts as well. Traylor notes that ethical dilemmas occur when health care, beliefs, and legality come head to head as in the case of limitations on issuing contraception for kids, informing parents of a teenage pregnancy, or when a practice no longer serves those in poverty because they stop taking Medicaid. For Zerbe conflict comes when meeting guidelines, hedging to protect against medicolegal pitfalls, and rushing to cover all the quality measures he is graded on leaves little or no time for spiritual conversation; or when he has had privileged information that would speak to a parishoner’s appropriateness for leadership in the church but, due to confidentiality, has had to defer until the issue becomes apparent a different way. He also wonders if, in some cases, the experience of suffering might actually have some spiritual development value as opposed to the patient getting the quick relief he is prone to peddle. And for McMonagle conflict has come when the prevalent scientific approach has led to accusations of abuse and severe reprimand if he talks to patients about spiritual matters.

In spite of the conflicts the dual roles have provided many opportunities for expressing each vocation. According to Paszko, “When people are facing end-of-life decisions or bringing a new life into the world they are often more open to the Gospel message and faith decisions are often made. I ask permission to pray with them and

many come to Christ.” Beyond this decision making Josh Czyz, pastor at Lakes Church in Auburn, N.Y. and chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. has the opportunity to walk with people through terminal diagnosis and support those grieving at the death of a loved one saying, “Chronic pain, frightening procedures, and simply a hospital environment avail innumerable opportunities.” Paskzo, Traylor, and Zerbe have all applied their medical skills in health clinics that serve as an outreach to local and global communities. Traylor in particular stated that being a physician made him a better pastor because it developed his empathy. As a doctor he sees the day-to-day struggles of families and must respond. He learned to ask the awkward, often intrusive, questions that doctors must ask as they probe for diagnosis. This skill is central to identifying latent issues in parishoners’ struggles with affairs, pornography, narcissism, abuse, etc.

As for the continuation of dual roles, there are mixed views. Traylor sees a trend in holistic care that may support the integration of fields like ministry and health care while Paszko notes the spiritual climate in pockets of North America may either allow or preclude prayer and conversation around faith issues. McMonagle’s concern is the trend toward synchretism and the idolization of health care, its tools, and the continuance of life at all costs, leaving little room for ministry. Zerbe’s outlook is cautionary as well saying, “The privilege and art of connecting deeply with others is being lost amidst the training of techniques to convince patients as to why they should pursue a treatment.” Even so, for these graduates of Northeastern Seminary their faith and preparation for dual roles give them a unique approach to their practices and ministries and the ways they demonstrate the love of Christ.

PAGE 2

"It is not the healthy who need a

doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call

the righteous, but sinners."

Mark 2:17

In 2011-12 membership and gifts in the Northeastern Society saw the greatest growth since its inception with new gifts totally $33,000. One hundred percent of the funds support need-based and merit-based scholarships for students enabling them to enter ministry with greater confidence to serve and less burden of debt.

For 2012-13, earnings from the endowed scholarships established by generous donors totaled more than $29,000. These scholarships often have a special focus for support, for example being earmarked for individuals with disabilities or those of African-American or Hispanic descent. Some are given in recognition of such qualities as preparing for ministry overseas, in the Rochester area, in higher education, or in a particular denomination. Every eligible student who completed the application process for 2012-13 received an award.

In addition, Northeastern Seminary was selected once again by the Chatlos Foundation to receive a $10,000 gift to provide scholarships that will enable students with financial need to successfully complete their theological education. The Chatlos Foundation, located in Longwood, Fla., “proclaims the Glory of God by funding nonprofit organizations in the United States and around the globe.” The Foundation’s areas of interest are: Bible colleges/seminaries, religious causes, medical concerns, liberal arts colleges and social concerns.

If you are interested in supporting seminarians through scholarships please contact Director of Seminary Advancement Greg Parris at parris_gregory@nes.edu or 585.594.6605.

The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, superintendent of the Cornerstone District of the United Methodist Church, was honored on June 12 as the 2012 Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumna. A 2008 graduate of the doctor of ministry program, Rood oversees 60 pastors and 73 churches in southwestern New York State, serving as mission strategist and administrator of the district as well as spiritual, pastoral and personnel leader.

In the award citation featured at a plenary session of the Seminary’s annual Conference on Ministry, Academic Dean Doug Cullum noted Rood’s ability to take on challenges and to affirm all people as the body of Christ and their commission as the priesthood of believers: “She is tenacious in creating meaningful worship and works to renew the ministry of the laity.” Past parishioners recall her as one who can “teach and preach so that all can understand,” and a guide “who shows her intellectual strength and curiosity every Sunday,” while colleagues noted her enthusiasm for learning and new ideas, her ability to serve rural congregations with grace and good humor, as well as her ability to build a strong core of lay leaders. Her faculty members commended her for her extensive research in preparing her dissertation, Renewing the Church through Collaborative Leadership and also noted that she is gifted in spiritual direction.

Dr. Rood is married to Robert Rood and their family has grown to include four children, two sons-in-law and two granddaughters.

PAGE 3

Director of Alumni Relations Kirk Kettinger, Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, and Academic Vice President and Dean Doug Cullum

When Seminary leadership convened a group of Rochester area pastors to dialogue about providing meaningful ministry development opportunities, gathering for a neighborhood walk and cookout at a city recreation center was not even on the radar screen. But it happened. On June 24, members of some 16 City of Rochester churches walked in purpose and unity from The Liberty Pole on Main Street in Rochester to the Gantt Recreation Center on North Street—hotdogs were on the grill and recreation center staff were standing by to lead activities for neighborhood children and church members.

This event launched the public expression of churchUNITED, the outcome of the dialogue initiated by the Seminary and guided by the discernment and commitment of the ministry leaders in attendance. ChurchUNITED is a gathering of churches and ministries who desire to better serve their community by collaborating among themselves and with existing services to our community, in this case the City of Rochester Department of Recreation. Bishop Greg Parris of Church of Love Faith Center and Bishop William Turner (‘09) of Living Word Temple of Restoration agreed to serve as co-chairs in the initial phase of churchUNITED.

Church and Seminary leaders articulated the following mission for churchUNITED:

■ To bear witness to the love of and faith in God through Jesus Christ

■ To cultivate awareness of the needs of the city and the resources available

PAGE 4

■ To present our shared aims as a symbolic affirmation of our commitment to work together for the empowerment of the people of our city

■ To connect with and support the programs, organizations, and resources serving the City of Rochester in response to the needs of particular neighborhoods and community issues

■ To empower the community through faith-based initiatives, programs and services

The growing list of participating churches includes: ■ Abiding Faith Ministry ■ Antioch Missionary Baptist Church ■ Baber AME Church ■ Church of Love Faith Center ■ Community of the Savior ■ Ebenezer Baptist Church ■ First Genesis Baptist Church ■ Helping Hand Missionary Baptist Church ■ Higher Heights Church of God ■ Living Word Temple of Restoration ■ Mt. Olivet Baptist Church ■ New Bethel CME Church ■ New Life Ministries ■ Northeastern Seminary ■ Zion Hill Missionary Baptist

There is an open invitation to the churches and ministries in the City of Rochester to come together in responding to the needs of the people of our city.

Follow the footsteps of Jesus, study the Bible from the shores of Galilee, enjoy meals at the Kibbutz, examine archeological evidence and spend time at Petra, Mount Nebo and Jeresh. Take a 14-day trip to the Holy Land June 20 – July 5, 2013 with Northeastern Seminary in

http://blog.nes.edu

Another voice in the marketplace of ideas. See what is being tossed around by Seminary faculty, students, alumni, and staff to equip and inspire, reflect and inform. Want to be a guest blogger? Let us know at seminary@nes.edu .

PAGE 5

association with Jerusalem University College . Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and institutional leadership can earn 2 graduate level credits or audit the course. The cost of $4,700* includes travel, lodging, meals, tips/entrance fees, class materials/maps, and instruction. Credits may be applied to Seminary masters degrees.

Watch for details and application at www.nes.edu .

*Cost may change based on final airfare; costs based on double occupancy.

If you’re looking for a way to enrich your vocation or meet professional development requirements, the following classes will be offered this fall. For graduates this is an opportunity to enjoy the alumni benefit of auditing a class for only $50. Classes occur one night a week on Mondays:

Theology of Missions (Kirk Baker) - Discussions of ministry and Christian vocations today are often framed in an intercultural context, while many ecclesiologists emphasize the local/global aspect of the Church. The class is designed to help students identify the role of missions in their faith communities and their personal lives.

Theologies for today’s world that impact all churches will be discussed, including the church as a mission, the local/global connection, and the importance of cultural contexts. 2 credits

Life and Ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Richard Douglass) - This course will survey the life and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore key words in King’s sermons and writings (e.g., agape and beloved community) and consider terms of value used in assessing King’s life and work. Discuss concepts (e.g., personalism) that characterize King’s theological social ethics. Special attention will be devoted to King’s doctrine of God and how it influenced his social ethics. Using King’s philosophy and contributions as benchmarks, students will be challenged to think about and examine the relevance of King’s theological ethics for today and what it may mean within the context of their own ministry. 2 credits

Romans (Dr. Paul Livermore) - The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans has been formative throughout church history. Its teaching shaped major emphases of such luminaries as Saint Augustine of the early Church, Calvin of the Reformation, Wesley of the Great Awakening, and Barth of the modern era. This course will focus upon why Paul wrote this letter to that church, its content, how great teachers have understood and appropriated its message, and what it has to say to us in the 21st Century. 3 credits

See full course listings at http://www.nes.edu/AcademicServices/CourseSchedule.aspx . For credit: $438 per credit / for audit: $150 per course ($50 for alumni). ontact sharp_faith@nes.edu / 585.594.6623 or chilson_jillian@nes.edu / 585.594.6802 .

Check out the ever-changing list of job opportunities at the career services website . Positions include children’s pastor, residential staff, associate pastor, and more. Also view a list of recent postings around upstate N.Y. here . See if they are a good fit for you.

Some 250 Seminary and College alumni gathered for the 2nd Annual Texas BBQ hosted by President John Martin and his wife Kathryn in July.

Thousands attended Rock the Lakes Rochester sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association June 16-17. Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan College served as platinum sponsors for the music festival.

August 5-8, 2012

For the second year the Rock Talk Pavilion at Kingdom Bound Festival will be the home base for youth ministry seminars presented by Northeastern Seminary.

Designed to equip pastors and lay leaders serving young people the following seminars will be led by members of the seminary community and are offered daily at 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.

■ #EpicFade – Doug Milne (M.Div. ‘10) and Jennifer Aube, professor of psychology

In way too many cases we see an exodus away from the faith as teens move into adulthood. How can we create a climate that anchors youth in their faith for the long haul and how might understanding the psychology of entitlement help shape our response?

■ The Artistry of Praise: Valuing Beauty and Truth in Worship – Scott Austin (M.Div. ‘05) Good art is both beautiful and true—not merely aesthetically pleasing, but also honest and accurate in its expression of human existence and our experience of God. What happens when our worship music falls short in one or both ways? This seminar explores ways to expand our experience of worship, seeking to use artistry as a means of encountering God's beauty and truth.

■ What’s Next? Helping Teens Cope With Relational Violence – Elizabeth Gerhardt, professor of theology and social justice

Once the silence is broken what can we do

PAGE 6

to care for the teens who experience violent relationships with their peers, within their homes and even within the church? In the midst of complex issues there are clear and effective responses that can position teens for restoration.

Later at the pavilion youth workers can receive counsel and resources from festival artists. As an event sponsor the Seminary enables several underprivileged and special needs children and families to attend the festival. Register for the festival, including seminars, online at: www.kingdombound.org .

September 7-8, 2012

Mark your calendars now for Nurturing the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy with God This seminary-wide gathering will be September 7–8, 2012 at Notre Dame Retreat Center in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Make this time a real retreat by coming Friday evening for vespers and fellowship overlooking the lake, then stay overnight at the center. Our speaker on Saturday, Dr. Jan Johnson, will focus on God As Companion of My Soul. She is a writer and spiritual director who holds degrees in Christian education and spirituality and has written 17 books, including “Enjoying the Presence of God,” “When the Soul Listens,” “Savoring God’s Word,” and many magazine articles. Register now at www.nes.edu/asr .

Thursday, August 2 12—1 p.m. Online webinar Monday, September 10 6—7:30 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. Tuesday, October 9 6—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester, N.Y. Monday, October 15 4:30—6 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. Thursday, October 18 4:30—6 p.m. 800 4th Street, Liverpool, N.Y.

Mike Muscarella (M.Div. ‘05), associate pastor of Artisan Church, led worship.

Dr. David Fitch was the keynote speaker on congregational formation at the Conference on Ministry in June.

Dr. Joyce Wagner and Pastor Andy Sass served as workshop speakers.

Gathering For Lifelong Learning

Lake view at retreat center

October 10, 2012

It’s been said that every church and leader is one tough call away from a breakthrough. So how, exactly, do we move from strategies that can sometimes lie dormant to vibrant success? What are those next steps to take in the midst of the blend and blur of planning strategically and doing strategically—as we strive to gain traction in moving from the articulated vision to reality? Hear from seasoned leaders and pastors, Dan Reiland and Kevin Myers, from 12 Stone Church in Atlanta, GA as they share about developing a leadership culture and “executing ministry” that is guided by principle-driven practices. Both are leaders with a pastor’s heart and innovative church thinkers—both are dynamic, inspiring speakers with a passion for encouraging the local church.

Watch for details at www.nes.edu/Dan-Reiland-Kevin-Myers-Strategy .

October 29, 2012

Au Sable Institute director, Dr. Fred Van Dyke, leads the 2nd annual Barnes Symposium on topics of creation care. From the position that we are, first, children of God and thereby stewards of creation Van Dyke looks at caring for the earth, learning about following Christ from creation, and the constancy of conservation across Christian history. He describes how crafting a theologically informed environmental

PAGE 7

ethic can serve as a bridge of witness to the conservation community.

Watch for details at www.nes.edu/Fred-VanDyke-Creation .

November, 2012

With so many needs clamoring for attention, it’s a challenge to be diligent and effective in our response. And when one need, among the many, is silenced it is even easier to ignore. Our uncertainty about how to tackle the unspoken need in restorative ways only exacerbates the issue and those in our communities are left in silence, with deep wounds.

This one-day conference is designed to investigate the church’s current response to sexual and domestic violence within the church community—what it is and what it could be. Featured speakers Elizabeth Gerhardt of Northeastern Seminary and Allison O’Malley of Safe Journey serve as guides to understanding the impact of such abuse on its victims and the tactics of perpetrators and effective interventions. Along with testimonials from abuse survivors, local public officials will describe the legal and community service aspects of the issue, while panelists will share various models of response and lessons learned from their own faith traditions.

Watch for details at www.nes.edu/addressing-sexual-and-domestic-violence .

September 21-22, 2012

This two-day conference on expanding health care through the church is designed for pastors, laypeople interested in missions, students, and health care workers. The event addresses how health care fits into the mission of the church, the church’s role in healing of mental health disorders in Central Africa, hope in the midst of Civil War Congo, and ways of partnering with health care agencies. Featured speakers include Bishop David Roller, Drs. Keri Barnett and Norman Wetterau, Dr. Darlene McCown, and Linda Stryker.

The conference is sponsored by Free Methodist Healthcare Fellowship, Northeastern Seminary, and Roberts Wesleyan College Division of Nursing. For more information .

Thursday, August 2 12—1 p.m. Online webinar Monday, September 10 6—7:30 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. Tuesday, October 9 6—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester, N.Y. Monday, October 15 4:30—6 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. Thursday, October 18 4:30—6 p.m. 800 4th Street, Liverpool, N.Y.

Lake view at retreat center

PAGE 8

Faculty News:

Dr. Doug Cullum served as the keynote speaker for the Mount Olivet Baptist Church Baccalaureate Service on Sunday, June 3.

Dr. Beth Gerhardt’s current research has focused on updating her existing body of research in the area of global violence against women and girls; and making progress on a book project that deals with the significance of Luther’s dialectical theology in relation to contemporary social problems. The book, tentatively titled The Unexpected God, will be published through InterVarsity Press.

Dean emeritus Wayne McCown and former adjunct professor Darlene McCown celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 10 at Lighthouse Christian Camp in Barker, N.Y.

Student News:

Tunya Griffin (C22) has been hired as the Graduate Assistant for Multicultural and Leadership Programs at Roberts Wesleyan College. In this role, she will work closely with minority students to develop quality programs that align themselves with the mission of the College and the Standards for Community Life. She will also work closely with student leaders in recognized undergraduate student organizations to provide quality leadership involvement, training, and recognition opportunities.

Fifteen students hold a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. The students represent over 10% of the Seminary student body and are equally distributed in degree, gender, and cohort.

Alumni News:

Alison Coventry (C10) recently completed her first three years as part of the Free Methodist Latin American Team. Read her reflections on her experience here .

Former director of the Davison Gallery at Roberts Wesleyan College, Kathrine Page (C3) opened her own fine art gallery, Spencer Hill Gallery, in Corning, N.Y. on July 1. The inaugural exhibition, A Sense of Place, includes recent work of eighteen North American artists in media such as painting, ceramics, mixed media, and sculpture.

Brenda Reding (C18) has been officially appointed to the Rochester Connection by the Genesis Conference—her ministerial appointment for 2012-13. In this role, Rev. Reding will be heading up the Occupational Services team, expanding on services being offered in the areas of resume developing, interview skills training, job search and application, and family financial planning.

Juan Rivera (C11) is senior pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Syracuse, N.Y., where the church’s food pantry and radio ministry serve the local community and plans for a home for homeless women and the launching of the Syracuse Sacred Music Association are under way.

Michael Traylor (C23) was recently published on Sojourner’s website for his blog post “Stop the Language of Violence.” Read the post here .

Northeastern Seminary 2265 Westside Drive Rochester, N.Y. 14624 585.594.6800 seminary@nes.edu www.nes.edu

Like Northeastern Seminary on Facebook and keep up with the latest happenings, find out about upcoming events, and celebrate with the Seminary community.

Come See Us At These Events

Kingdom Bound August 5-8 Darien, N.Y. Willow Creek Leadership Summit August 9-10 Rochester/Syracuse, N.Y. Rock the Lakes September 22-23 Buffalo, N.Y. Canadian Free Methodist Minister’s Conference September 25-27 Wesley Acres, ON American Baptist NY Council of Churches September 29 Cheektowaga, N.Y.