HERALDING NEWS FROM NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY VOL. 13, NO. 4 ■ DECEMBER 2016

Bringing the Holy Land Home Gift Supports Loan Forgiveness for Missionaries Scenes from the All-Seminary Retreat Upcoming Events Community News

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the wilderness,” Jesus “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Gen 16:7; Matt. 4:1). Just as God comforted and protected David in the wilderness from Saul, God commanded Moses to free the Israelites from Pharaoh, “so that they may worship me in the wilderness” (I Sam. 23:14; Ex. 7:17). There is a great and unique pattern between YHWH and his people having a wilderness experience.

Today, I got a chance to hike up to one of the highest points in the wilderness of the Judean desert. As I climbed the uneven ground of dirt and rocks I felt the pulsating heat of the bright sun. As the sky blended in with the ground I endured fatigue and sweat, and reflected on some of God’s people who went through this very same desert. At the summit we saw the desert where we would conduct a Bible study, and

Wilderness Faith Torrance Jones MAT, ‘15

The task ahead of us is never greater than the power behind us. After my experience today, it is illogical to think in any other way. We journeyed to landmarks rich in the history of our faith. We had an awesome view of Jerusalem from Mt. Scopus and then observed the road to Jericho. We traveled to the Mt. of Olives, Herodian, Jericho, and the possible burial ground for Samuel. But interestingly, the highlight came from what I experienced in the Judean Desert—the biblical wilderness.

I have never been in a desert before, nor have I stood on such a high place that covered such a great expanse, as far as the eyes could see. Intriguingly, it wasn’t the desert itself that moved me. It was the inspiration that the desert had stirred in so many of our heroes. There is a unique connection between God’s people and the wilderness. Israel developed their trust in God when the risks were the highest, when there was no other possible answer for true liberation. Just as God found Hagar by a “spring in

The trip that sparked a new love for studying scripture and made the stories of the Bible come to life—four views.

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when our professor, Aubrey, read Psalms 23, the passage of Scripture went from paper to a 3D experience. As I looked out across the daunting, yet beautiful mountains and cliffs, it was almost like I could feel David’s words, “YHWH is my Shepherd I shall not want.” David, having been a shepherd, would have had great familiarity with surviving in this desolate, yet peaceful place.

For some people, the wilderness experience may be the call to seminary, or financial instability, while others may be entering a season of divorce, or the loss of a cherished loved one. While each may have their unique differences, there is a commonality in knowing that, “God is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1). God has never failed at providing us with a present help as we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps. 23:4). It is rather interesting how David, while in the midst of dryness, does not focus on the circumstance or the surrounding environment but yet declares, “he maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (Ps. 23:2).

I have often wondered why the Holy Spirit led Christ into such a dry, lifeless place. But my musing does not begin to address the question of “why” we go through dry seasons of our life. Yet through the clear lens of faith, light is shed on the fact that there is life in the wilderness, and somehow, some way, it works together good.

By feeling the 100-degree desert heat hitting my face and enduring the physical exhaustion of the hike, I was no longer a reader of Psalms, but was one who, to the best of my understanding, experienced it. I saw that you can have true peace in a place of dismal emptiness, that God will guide me through the most unseemly and worst conditions I could ever face, and that my faith in God is a wilderness faith.

Timeless Presence Valerie Hardy MAT ‘17

As I continue to unpack my recent experience in Israel and Jordan I am impressed by God's presence in the ordinary—like seeing again for the first time.

Our group of 17 experienced communion at the Sea of Galilee at sunset, a worship and prayer service at Mt. Nebo, tours of several biblically historic regions, climbing and descending several mountains including Mt. Arbel and Masada, and a host of other encounters. In every instance God was present. He was present in the physically challenging elements of the experiences. He was present in the daily exchanges in the community we enjoyed in our 17-day journey. He was present in revelations, some spoken and some known in the spirit. He is present as I am drawn to memories in my daily living.

So now I too choose to be present. I choose to be present in the comfortable and familiar, the new, the different, the uncomfortable and unknown. As I lived those experiences in Israel and Jordan, as I have lived similar experiences through the seasons of my life, and as I live now, God is present.

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Back row: Doug Porterfield, John Heinke, Torrance Jones, David Jackson, Chris Kelley; Front row: Valerie Hardy, Deana

Porterfield, Wayne McCown, Darlene McCown, Bob Spratt, Janice Lum, Liz Aristy, Richard Moran, Cristina Kerekes, Michael

Stephenson, Diane Stephenson; Kneeling: Linda Heinke

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Israel, Jordan and Virtues John Heinke M.Div. ‘10

In 1965 Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik wrote “The Lonely Man of Faith.” In this piece, Soloveitchik described the tension between the two biblical accounts of Adam's creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2.

Soloveitchik's work came to my attention from the book by New York Times columnist, David Brooks, “The Road to Character.” Brooks built on Soloveitchik's work by asserting that “Adam one” exhibited “résumé virtues” (those virtues one lists on her or his résumé). In the case of Adam one (Genesis 1:26-31), he was created in God's image to rule over all the earth's creatures and plant life. On the other hand, Brooks asserted “Adam two” exhibited “eulogy virtues,” (those virtues that are talked about at one's funeral. In the case of Adam two, (Genesis 2:4-25), he was created from the dust of the earth to tend the garden where he would live with his wife and meet with God. The two Adams represent the tension between the human desire to achieve and the human desire to relate. In my recent trip to Israel and Jordan I encountered both résumé and eulogy virtues in the people and policies of Israel and Jordan.

Our Northeastern Seminary group traveled to Jordan during the last week of our trip and we found a stark difference between that country and Israel. Reflecting on the difference, I concluded that Israelis have two things lacked by Jordanians: water and an “over achiever” attitude. The Israelis exhibited Adam one/résumé virtues in the sense of “ruling over the earth” (in this case, the water supply) and making the most of the land in their possession.

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On the other hand, the Jordanians exhibited Adam two/eulogy virtues in the sense of relationship with their neighbors. As Adam two was to care for and share the Garden of Eden with Eve and as a meeting place with God, the Jordanians have opened their country up as a sanctuary for Syrian refugees. In his parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus leaves little doubt that he’s found in the midst of the refugees. Although I must admit that I was relieved upon our reentry into Israel, I left Jordan with a profound respect for a people who have borne a heavy burden (Syrian refugees account for 21 percent of the people living in Jordan) to alleviate some of the suffering of their neighbors.

These tensions between résumé and eulogy virtues challenge me. Pastoring a small church, it's my desire to impact as many people for Christ as possible; but the question is, who are the people God would have our church impact? People of a higher socio-economic demographic certainly open résumé enhancing doors. However, God hasn't sent those people into our sphere of influence. Instead, God has sent us broken people who've lost the vision of “making America great again,” or never had it introduced to them in the first place. God has also sent us refugees from the Congo and Tanzania. These groups have strained our meager resources but have given our congregation an opportunity to exercise our eulogy virtues. I've found a role model in, and a new appreciation for, the people of Jordan.

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Sea of Galilee

Challenged for a Lifetime Janice Lum MAT ‘04

A 20-year-old dream of traveling to Israel tugged at my heart again last spring and my

husband encouraged me to “just go.” It was on a whim that I checked the Northeastern Seminary website only to see that, in fact, a study trip was planned for July 2016. As God would have it, all things would pull together for me to attend and I was thrilled.

The preparatory work was intense as I carved out time to complete at least part of the map work that was necessary for a better understanding of all the places we would explore. While I was not taking the trip for course credit I wanted to get all that I could out of my time there. I wasn't sure what the Lord wanted to accomplish and frankly, I had no agenda. I was just delighted to be able to take a trip of a lifetime, to walk where Christ walked, and to experience the Holy Land first hand.

The trip was nothing like I expected but everything I could have hoped for. I was challenged mentally, spiritually and physically. The course work was intense and enriching. It pushed me and allowed me to see the relevance of Scripture amidst the topography, culture, and climate I was experiencing. Physically, the trip was demanding

beyond what I had anticipated. I came to the stark realization that I was severely out of shape, claustrophobic, afraid of heights and generally a fearful person—to the point that I took alternate routes on several excursions.

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During one of the devotional times Dr. Wayne McCown, dean emeritus of the Seminary, spoke about the practical need for us as spiritual leaders to be caring for ourselves physically during our middle years.

Then it struck me. The Lord was meeting me in the daily struggle of the physical and academic demands. I recall writing in my journal, “I feel it deep in my bones—that discontent that comes when I look to anything other than Jesus for my identity and happiness.” Tim Keller said something similar, “Disordered love always leads to misery and breakdown. The only way to reorder our love is to love God supremely.” I had come into the trip at a point of reframing my identity back home—God was reminding me that my focus must be on him. God is my redeemer, and in God I find my worth. Yes, there are the practical aspects of my life that need attention but without the lens of Christ I will be defeated.

Now back home life goes on, home awaits, and the responsibilities are still there. The pastorate still remains, my three kids still need homeschooling, and the chores need to be completed. However, I am indeed changed. The journey that began in Israel will take a lifetime to complete. It’s not a single event in time, but a trip that is a catalyst for a lifetime of change.

Earlier this fall Dr. Deana L. Porterfield, president of the Seminary and College was featured on a local news website with her reflection on the Holy Land Study Tour. Read her article “Launching Into The Deep.”

Deana and Doug Porterfield at Masada overlooking the Dead Sea

Top David Jackson makes the rigorous climb at Mt. Arabel; Bottom physical strength and mental focus helped group members scale the side of Mt. Arabel

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The generous support of alumni and friends has totaled over $23,000 since July 1, 2016. These gifts to the Northeastern Fund are providing Seminary students with scholarships, making theological education more accessible. For students like Ryan Rovito this annual giving has significant impact: “Northeastern Seminary has changed my life in ways I could have never expected, and it has been the place where God has shown me my passion for ministry and my calling to vocational pastoral ministry.”

Visit www.nes.edu/giving for information on how you can give the gift of scholarship today.

Supporting the mission of global evangelism and service has long been part of the campus ethos. For our students, however, responding to the call to missionary service often brings financial uncertainty. A historic commitment by Vance Sider now means that student loan debt does not have to be an obstacle. Students within 18 months of earning a degree and alumni who graduated within the past 5 years and are committed to serving at least two years under the authority of a Christian sending agency in either a foreign or domestic mission field will receive up to 25% of the individual’s current educational loan debt to reduce the balance.

Learn more about this gift and the application process.

November 4-5, 2016

In the midst of assigned papers, hectic work schedules, and life demands, this year’s all-seminary retreat drew over 90 students, alumni, and faculty into quiet reflection and restoration. Keynote lectures by Kathleen Smith, personal and group reflection, vespers, prayer, and fellowship comprised the day.

The grounds and trails at Notre Dame Retreat Center in Canandaigua, N.Y. provide retreatants with physical, emotional and spiritual space. Representing a common theme one attendee notes, “What I most appreciated was the time and space to engage in intentional soul care.”

From left: Zeb Hough, Andrea Stewart, Kaitlyn Tebordo-Wood, Josef Sykora

Clockwise: Jennifer and Christopher Hopper, and Denis Johnson; Vanessa Jones; Kathleen Smith leads the plenary sessions; Maria Gilluly, Mary Van Houten, Doug Cullum, Suzi Scarborough, and Hope Schwartz

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December 10, 2016

All Seminary students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to the annual Northeastern Seminary

Christmas Gala on Saturday, December 10, 2016. Enjoy a special reception at 6:30 p.m. to fellowship with the seminary community and stay for the Christmas performance at 7:30 p.m. by various Roberts Wesleyan College ensembles as they present beloved carols, Gerald Finzi’s In Terra Pax, and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

Email Alumni@nes.edu to reserve your complimentary tickets by Wednesday, December 7.

Refresh your ministry with a class.

Dates: 1/9 –5/8 ■ Jesus and the Poor ■ Lectionary Preaching

Dates: 1/9—2/13 ■ Biblical Studies: Deuteronomy

■ Bioethics & Ministry in the 21st Century

Dates: 2/27—3/27 ■ Congregational Renewal ■ Pastoral Care

Dates: 4/3—5/8 ■ Foundations in Christian Social Ethics ■ Introduction to Spiritual Direction

See full class schedule. For information about courses for credit ($498) or auditing ($150) options please contact Cheryl Murray at 585.594.6802 or Murray_Cheryl@nes.edu.

A Call to Justice—Community Responses to Childhood Poverty

March 15, 2017

Responding to the call for social justice and social change can be a daunting task when facing systemic injustices such as childhood poverty. Seminary students, community leaders in the arenas of public advocacy, policy, and the faith community will converge at this one-day symposium. Keynote speaker, Brigit Hurley, policy analyst for The Children’s Agenda, frames the poverty landscape and its effects on children at the local and state level through the lens of her work in Rochester, N.Y.

Features of the day include an agency fair, workshopping lunch, community panel, and research presentations. Attendees will receive resources, action items, and networking opportunities to bring back to their ministry or work context. Save the date. Details and registration will be available soon.

April 21-22, 2017

Northeastern Seminary will be

hosting a women’s retreat for students, graduates, and spouses at the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, N.Y. Retreatants are led in celebration and reflection by keynote speakers and have access to a variety of services at the Abbey including a liturgical prayer service.

Registration will be available soon. Please contact Maria Gilluly with any questions.

2014 Christmas Gala Reception

2016 Retreat

Rochester Northeastern Seminary 2265 Westside Dr Rochester, NY Feb 25 9:30-11 a.m. Mar 30 6-7:30 p.m. April 29 9:30-11 a.m.

Buffalo Sheridan Meadows 6400 Sheridan Dr Williamsville, NY

Feb 7 6-7:30 p.m. Mar 11 9:30-11 a.m. Apr 18 6-7:30 p.m.

Syracuse Le Moyne College 1419 Salt Springs Rd. Syracuse, NY April 6 4:30-6 p.m.

Student News

Penny Crudup (M.Div.) was inducted into the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 17. She received this honor for her leadership and commitment to serving the Greater Rochester community. Over the years, Penny has served on the YWCA of Greater Rochester Board of Directors and the Rochester Human Rights Committee. Currently, she is a secretary and tenant liaison for the Downtown United Presbyterian Church located in Rochester, N.Y.

Kayleigh Schumske (M.Div.), family ministries pastor at Oak Ridge Free Methodist Church, spoke

at the Roberts Wesleyan College Community Chapel on November 7. The homily titled “Remaining in the Vine,” was part of the fruit of the spirit series.

Roberts chapels for fall 2016 also featured the following Northeastern students and alumni: Jonathan Bratt (CAPS ’15), Dr. Marlowe Washington (D.Min. ’16), Carrie Starr (MAT ’03), Wally Fleming (D.Min.), Karen Jenkins (MATSJ), Marc Porpilia (MAT ’05), and Brian Roth (MATL).

Alumni News

The B. Thomas Golisano Library recently announced the appointment of Brian Sullivan (MAT ’02) as the theological librarian consultant for the College and Seminary. Brian will be supporting Northeastern Seminary students in their research along with developing the Library’s collections in religion, theology and philosophy.

This fall Roberts Wesleyan College welcomed two Seminary alumni as adjunct faculty to their roster. Louis Colón Sr. (MAT ’04) will be wrapping up his first semester teaching undergraduate Intro to New Testament Literature and Theology, and Jay Trainer (MAT ’04) instructed Principles of Speech and Introduction to Camping Ministry.

Tim Stockwell (MAT ’12) continues to grow his ministry in the New York Capital Region as a staff member with Cru campus ministries at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Siena College. His work focuses on reaching students with the Gospel through evangelism and discipleship. Reconnect with Tim to be part of his team of ministry partners.

David Hertweck (MATL ’15) authored and published his newest resource for ministry leaders titled, “Better Talks: Crafting Messages That Make Sense. Delivering Messages That Make a Difference.” This booklet provides easy-to-apply insights into crafting effective messages.

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Kayleigh Schumske

Penny Crudup, second from right

■ Share ministry efforts and ideas with others

■ Build relationships and reconnect with former classmates

■ Find or become a mentor

■ Expand your academic and professional network

Learn more about this app and get started .

We are pleased to welcome William (Bill) Gibbons to the Seminary as the Admissions Liaison and Retention Coordinator.

Bill graduated in 2015 from Northeastern Seminary earning a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership. Bill’s scope of experiences including serving in law enforcement, youth development and pastoral ministry has prepared him for engaging a diversity of prospective students. More recently he has taught courses on urban ministry and served as a liaison in recruitment activities at Elim Bible Institute. Bill began this new role December 5.

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Torrance Jones (MAT ‘15) accepted a chaplaincy position with Good News Jail and Prison Ministry where he serves the inmates and families of both Monroe and Wayne County jails. Torrance was involved in this ministry as part of his field education placement. Just prior to this he served as admissions liaison and retention coordinator for Northeastern Seminary—we are grateful for all he brought to this community in that role.

Faculty News

Dr. Rebecca S. Letterman, associate professor of spiritual formation, presented on compassion fatigue at the annual call conference for the National Chaplains’ Association for Youth at Risk on Wednesday, September 28. The conference was held at The Center of Renewal in Stella Niagara, N.Y.

At this year’s Institute for Biblical Research (IBR) conference in San Antonio, Texas, Esau McCaulley, assistant professor of New Testament and early Christianity, presented a paper titled “Exile, Restoration, and the Inheritance of the Son: Jesus as Servant and Messiah in Galatians 1:4.” His paper was one of four biblical theology research group papers presented on November 18.

Dr. Brittany Kim, adjunct faculty, also presented at this year’s IBR conference as part of the Old Testament Theology of Prayer research group. Her paper was titled, “We Do Not Know What We

Should Do, But Our eyes Are on You: The Prayer of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12.”

While on sabbatical, Dr. J. Richard Middleton, professor of biblical worldview and exegesis, presented two papers at the Society of Biblical Literature conference in San Antonio, Texas. The first paper titled “Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel’s Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12” was presented on November 20, followed by “God’s Loyal Opposition: Psalmic and Prophetic Protest as a Paradigm for Faithfulness in the Hebrew Bible” on November 20.

Leadership News

Cultivating a Diverse Workforce On November 10, 2016, Roberts Wesleyan College Office of Human Resources and Northeastern Seminary hosted area church leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening the institution’s commitment to growing a more diverse workforce. Participants included alumnus Rev. Dr. Marlowe Washington (D.Min. ’16), Dr. Doug Cullum, vice president and dean, Rev. Dr. Weldon G. Thomas, advisory council, Rev. Kenneth Q. James, adjunct faculty, and graduate student Terrance Youmans (M.Div.). Pastors and lay ministry leaders from The Historic Parsells Church, Memorial AME Zion Church, New Bethel CME Church, Light of the World Assembly of God, Church of Love and Faith Center, and New Life Fellowship were in attendance.

ay the deep meaning symbolized in the sights and sounds of the season

Cause us to celebrate the promise of new life—a sign of the hope that in Christ all live forever,

Invite us to magnify God’s lasting covenant—the gift of Jesus Christ, our Messiah.

And as we prepare for a new year may our daily activities reflect Christ’s incarnation.

Esau McCaulley

Torrance Jones

Roundtable discussion in president’s boardroom Northeastern Seminary 2265 Westside Drive Rochester, N.Y. 14624 585.594.6800 seminary@nes.edu www.nes.edu