Introducing 2022 Ph.D. Scholarship Recipients

William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Ph. D. Scholarship Recipients:

Geonyul Byeon

Geonyul grew up in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, which has a partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Since coming to the US in 2019, he has been serving as a co-pastor in Sallims Church in Irvine, California. Also, Geonyul served as a student minister in Salem First Christian Church in Salem, Oregon, and the Oregon SW Idaho Region recognized his ordination in June 2022. Geonyul is interested in how art can revitalize the church and theology of our time. In particular, his main research topic pertains to how visual art can support our neighbors and the marginalized. He is now applying himself in studying these areas of academic interests in the Ph.D. program focused on Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion at Graduate Theological Union.

Kyungmok Lee

At Claremont School of Theology (CST), I achieved an M.A. degree in 2019 and have been studying in the Ph. D. program since then. My academic concern is mainly focused on ecological theology, making use of process theology. Also, I delve into practical ways to transform current church ministry for the upcoming era. For approximately six years, I have been a member of Downey Memorial Christian Church and minister there as an education pastor. In addition, I now serve as a co-pastor at Sallims Church. Both churches belong to PSWR of DOC and are recognized as multi-ethnic congregations. Under the warm cooperation of all the church members and pastors, I am grateful to be learning about the full vision and possibility of multi-ethnic ministry. Last July, I started working as the PSWR NAPAD ministries coordinator. I am honored and excited to contribute to PSWR and NAPAD clergies and congregations.

Richard Bray

Rev. Richard Bray has worked in higher education, non-profit sectors, and communities of faith as a leader and consultant. He works to foster relationships among community stakeholders to equip, empower, and engage persons to transform communities where people live, learn, work, worship, and play. Richard is a Ph.D. candidate in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Richard’s dissertation explores Black Preaching in Cross-Racial Cross-Cultural Congregations of The United Methodist Church. As a practitioner-scholar he will continue to work and serve at the intersection of higher education, religion, and community engagement. Practically, he will foster relationships with residents, congregants, schools, community-based organizations, government, and businesses to create equitable and just ways of being in the world and with each other that may begin with transformational dialogues. Richard volunteers as the Vice President of the board of directors at the Edna Martin Christian Center in Indianapolis and he serves on the national board of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE). Rev Richard worships at Amazing Grace Christian Church. Richard has been married to Cheryl for 30 years and they have three children. After family and academic accomplishments, Rev. Richard says his personal greatest accomplishment is completing three (3) half marathons and a Spartan Race. For fun and relaxation, he is learning to play golf and practice yoga.

 

 

Mbûûi GM

I am an artist/singer-theologian/scholar-practitioner from the Eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya, East Africa. As a recording artist, I’m passionate about employing the arts towards positive justice-oriented transformations. Currently, I am a Theology and Ethics student at Graduate Theological Union, working at the intersection of constructive African Public Theology, Liberative Ethics, and African Indigenous Philosophical frameworks. I am the founding director of Kilele Africa Ministry. I enjoy singing, knitting, cooking, making connections and comedic expressiveness, among other joys.

 

Larry J. Morris III

Rev. Larry J. Morris III (he/they) is a PhD student in the African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Program at Christian Theological Seminary, focusing on the intersections of Blackness, Queerness, and Sacred Rhetoric. Larry earned their Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies at Claremont School of Theology and co-founded Communion Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Henderson, NV based on their MTS thesis. Larry recently relocated to Chicago, IL to accept the position as Executive Director/Lead Pastor of the Inclusive Collective.

 

Young Kang

I’m a Ph.D. student in New Testament at Yonsei Graduate School. My field of interest is postcolonial biblical interpretation in Pauline studies. I’m interested in how to apply the understanding of the dynamics of the early churches with diverse cultural and ethnic identities, to the reality of the marginalized immigrant communities in the United States. As a minister who has served Korean-American churches since 2012, I have a passion for second-generation youth and young adults. I’m currently under care for ordination with the Pacific Southwest Region, serving Yedidyah Christian Church in Norwalk, California as an associate minister. Yedidyah Christian Church envisions a multi-ethnic church community of worship and arts created by God’s beloved people and God-loving people. I also serve as a member of the Church Transformation Committee of the region.

Anne E. Dickerson Ph.D. Scholarship Recipients:

Lynette Li

Lynnette Li (she/they) began their first year of doctoral studies at the University of Denver-ILIFF School of Theology’s joint PhD program in the study of religion and social ethics this year. During her program, Lynnette hopes to develop their grounding theories on Christian social ethics, postcolonial and political theologies. For the past six years, Lynnette has been involved with theological consultations, research, and program development with the Council for World Mission. Their denominational involvement includes serving on the General Board of the General Assembly, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, and participating in the youth programming team for the General Assemblies of 2013 and 2015. Lynnette is a proud member of Central Christian Church (Indianapolis, IN). They currently serve on the board of the Disciples Home Missions. They hope to contribute their scholarship, advocacy, and research to energize the ongoing work of the Disciples’ work towards being a movement for wholeness in a broken and fragmented world.

 

 

Shelly Tilton

Shelly Tilton is a PhD candidate in religious studies at the University of Virginia. Her work explores how societies remember, the role of film as a medium of cultural memory, and what religious groups as communities of memory can contribute to ethical questions arising from the use of history and ritualized memories in identity formation and moral action. She holds a BA in philosophy from Freed-Hardeman University, an MDiv from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and an MA in religious studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School. She was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at Vine Street Christian Church in Nashville Tennessee in August 2014.

Meet the 2022 Leadership Fellows

Khaya Barnes

My name is Khaya Barnes, and I’m a member of Central Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. I will be attending Chapman University in Orange County, California, and majoring in Global Communications and World Languages. I was born and raised in South Africa as a missionary kid and have always been fascinated with different languages, cultures, and histories. 

Kharis Gilmore-Essig

I’m Kharis Gilmore-Essig. My main interest, and an area I tend to focus on, is social justice- even in small ways like bringing my perspective into a conversation or advocating for myself or others in difficult situations. I also try to incorporate social justice in larger ways such as having participated in an internship experience called the Black Girls and Young Women’s Collective, where we advocated for Black girls ages 11-24 through public policy campaigning and wellness events and programs. I am attending Purdue University and majoring in Biology. I also thoroughly enjoy singing and plan to join the gospel choir at the Black Cultural Center at Purdue. While here, I have continued to stream my home church’s services so I can still participate in some capacity, but I plan to visit the Disciples church in Lafayette, IN soon.

Sharon Lee

Hello! I am Sharon Lee, and I am so excited to be a part of the Leadership Fellows Program! I am an ENFP on the MBTI personality spectrum and some things I love to do are play the piano for church, discover new Christian songs, spend time with my family and friends, and play with little kids. During high school, I was a part of multiple clubs which include UNICEF, Best Buddies, and First Priority (the Christian fellowship group at my school.) I also started a tutoring platform called Knowledge Nutrition Tutoring that provides free tutoring for middle schoolers, making use of the High School community around them. My goal for these next four years of college is to be happy and filled with God’s love so that I can share this happiness and love to everyone around me.

Paige Netting

Hello! My name is Paige Netting, and I will be attending Virginia Tech this year. I was the captain of the debate team in my High School. I was also on the Speech Team, and the Swim Team. I plan to be on the Water Polo Team during my time at Virginia Tech. I love making new friends and hanging out. I will major in Biochemistry, but plan to switch to just Biology later in the year. I am super excited for this opportunity to be a HELM Leadership Fellow!





Brianda Vazquez

I am Brianda Vazquez. I love to sing, journal, and read books that encourage my faith. I also love to be around my family and friends and eat antojitos together. Love, Joy, Faith, Empathy, and Intimacy are what I value most, and strive to live out in my life. My faith and deep piety in Jesus Christ have motivated me to serve my community through evangelism events, teaching and translating at Vacation Bible School, and founding and leading the Hope Club at my high school, inspired by Colossians 2:2-3. I also help lead worship as a member of the Advance Worship Team at my church. I will be attending Arizona Christian University, where I will pursue a major in Business Administration. Some goals that I have are to learn to play the violin, and to graduate from the Leadership Class at my church in order to serve at a retreat as well as the Girls’ Conference 2022.

Callie Yates

Callie Krystine Yates is from Orange, California and will be pursuing a degree in Religious Studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. At her home congregation, First Christian Church Fullerton, she volunteers as a member of the Worship Technology Team, a storyteller for Children Worship and Wonder, and serves as a member of the Diaconate. Callie loves finding new opportunities to sharpen her skills for video editing, customer service, and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, the mall with friends, or snuggling up to watch reality television with her dog, Luna.




 

Alanis Dorsey

Hello! My name is Alanis Beatrice Christina Dorsey, and I am a first-year student at Texas Christian University majoring in Political Science-International Relations. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, but I grew up mainly in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout middle school and now into college, I have studied Chinese and am skilled in reading Chinese Characters. In high school, I was in the Chinese Club, furthering my skill level. I also played Rugby for my school’s team, where we ranked 2nd in the state in 2021. I have had the privilege of traveling to countries in Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe. Traveling to these places allowed me to view other countries across national, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic boundaries. Traveling pushed me to major in international studies with the hope that I can join the international community in learning and in adopting an approach that takes the plight of developing countries seriously. I hope throughout this program, I can grow more into a leader and figure out what I specifically want to do in the political science realm.

Olivia Hardin-Nieri

Olivia Hardin-Nieri is from Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up in the mountains, which aided her in developing deep care for the natural world, sustainability, and mental health as it pertains to ecological grief. Olivia has a zeal for travel and strives to continue learning through new and unfamiliar places. She is a passionate learner and leader, and hopes to continue to support the church on its journey of creating space for difficult conversations. Her time spent as an Asheville Youth Mission Scholar was formative, as volunteering and learning how the immediate community was impacted by harmful systems was interwoven with storytelling and outreach. Similarly, Olivia found storytelling and advocacy were important pieces within decision-making as she served as a Pastoral Transition Team member supporting the founding pastor as she retired, and the church in their transition. In 10th grade, Olivia spent a semester in a tech-free, outdoor, leadership-centered community called the Outdoor Academy. There, she co-founded the Legacy Team which created a strong platform for herself and others to create change. In this way, Olivia values community focus, and creating meaningful relationships.  Olivia is an INFJ who loves swimming in creeks and rivers, playing ultimate frisbee, reading, caring for her collection of indoor plants, and time spent finding the perfect scented candle. She looks forward to attending Chapman University, beginning her adventure in California, and her educational journey alongside other Leadership Fellows.

Jahnelle Mata

My name is Jahnelle Mata, and I’m from Cedar Park, TX, though I was born in the Philippines. I’m an incoming freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biology with a minor in Humanities for pre-med. I hope to achieve my dream job as an Obstetrician-gynecologist. I hope that with my education and skills, I can work to end the stigmas and “taboo” labeling surrounding reproductive health. I’m determined to make reproductive health and education widely available across all ages and socioeconomic statuses. Some of my other interests include singing, listening to music, making playlists, and collecting albums. I love going to concerts, picnics, and love binge-watching films. This semester, I’ll be involved in Women in Natural Science (WINS), Freshman Research Institute (FRI), and other clubs that pertain to my interests. I can’t wait to embark on this experience with HELM and am so grateful for this opportunity.

Sam Snider

I’m Sam Snider, and I am a graduate of Kickapoo High School in Springfield, MO, where I was active in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and sports (including football and baseball.) Starting this fall, I will be pursuing my undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. I have been a volunteer in the Community Garden at my home church for over a decade; I also help lead the Worship Tech Team and was a representative for my church’s Justice and Outreach Team throughout my time in Youth Group. As I will be living outside of my hometown for the first time this fall, one of my desires is to get involved in my new community, and hopefully gain a better grasp of that community in doing so. I wish to continue focusing on justice and outreach opportunities as they present themselves. One of my main life goals is to attend law school so that I can pursue a career focused on shaping public policy for the common good. I plan to achieve this goal by not only taking in the information that I gain as a Political Science major, but also applying information from extracurricular activities and other opportunities. Faith is important to me and being part of a community of faith where I can build relationships with others, and work together on projects that reflect the values at the heart of Christ is a main priority. When I went about choosing a college to attend, I looked at various options and am so excited to have the opportunity to attend TCU because of its deep roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). My life has been profoundly shaped by my experiences in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ,) and I am so grateful for these experiences to continue into the future.





Yale Divinity School Intensives Conducted by Leading Practitioners

Disciples Student, Mark Dingler, is a TCU graduate and now Senior at Yale Divinity School

Yale Divinity School students receive instruction from professors who are among the most
noted theologians and Bible scholars in the academy. But the academic experience does not
end there. Several times a year, students take for-credit, weekend-intensive courses from
leading practitioners as part of the School’s Transformational Leadership Program.

Launched as a key component of the Divinity School’s 2015 strategic plan, the program is now
in its seventh year. Guest instructors have included U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, Catholic Educator
Parker Palmer, Rev. Traci Blackmon, travel writer Rick Steves, and Bread for the World President
Eugene Cho.

In addition to teaching the two-day, one-credit courses, the guest instructors engage in public
conversations on the Friday evenings hosted by program leader, Bill Goettler, the Divinity
School’s Associate Dean for Ministerial and Social Leadership. The courses are also open to
students at Yale’s other graduate and professional schools.

YDS Dean, Greg Sterling, set the tone for the program, saying at the time of its launch: “We
have to rethink how we position ourselves—as a theological school, as churches, and as
individuals—in a changing world. The need for leadership is urgent.”

The aim of the Transformational Leadership program is to identify innovative leaders who are
working outside the walls of churches and to invite them to come to New Haven to share their
experiences and insights with students.

“Students find these weekend intensives with leaders to be a source of real encouragement for
their work, as they develop their own visions for building community and seeking justice,”
Goettler said. “Our graduates will serve in churches and in a range of other contexts. They find
encouragement and inspiration from these leaders’ case studies and stories as they move
toward their own unique forms of ministry.”

This fall, the program has offered two weekend-intensive courses. September’s course featured
Rev. Jennifer Bailey and Rev. Dr. Danielle Buhuro of the Faith Matters Network in an exploration
of emerging forms of chaplaincy. In November, YDS alum Sharon Damelio, Senior Director of
Development of the nonprofit WhyHunger, guest-taught a course titled, “Fundraising in a
Broken World: Exploring the Theory and Practice of Nonprofit Fundraising.”

Videos of many of the guest instructors’ public conversations are available on the YDS
YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/YaleDivinitySchool.

November Interim Iterations

The Fall chill has arrived here in the Midwest. The high temperature today will be only 38 degrees. The leaves have
turned their yellow and crimson colors, detached from their branches, and are swirling about on the roadways and
fields. The Higher Education and Leadership Ministries Board of Directors has met, selected a Search Committee to
identify the next President of HELM, and charted our course forward for the next year.

Two weeks ago, thirty-one college and university students from across the United States and Canada gathered
together in Washington, D.C. for the annual Leadership Fellows Retreat. We explored our Nation’s Capitol, toured the
National Museum of African American History and Culture, participated in two plenary sessions on climate change
and public policy with Bob Perkowitz, founder and President of ecoAmerica, and the Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston,
Executive Director of the Disciples Center for Public Witness. We also focused our attention on four books: Dietrich
Bonhoeffer’s, Life Together; Martin Luther King Jr’s, Why We Can’t Wait; Jamaica Kincaid’s, A Small Place; and
Parker Palmer’s, Let Your Life Speak. Theologians, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly and the Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter,
guided us on the journey. Mentors Christian Watkins, Joshua Mata, Lonora Graves, and Colton Lott each led one of
the student cohorts, along with Chaplain Michelle Scott Huffman. Kudos to Katy Sundararajan, HELM’s Program
Coordinator, for pulling all this together.

Last week Assistant to the President, Luke Soderstrom, and I hosted a reception at the American Academy of
Religion and Society for Biblical Literature, gathering in Denver, Colorado. We did this in partnership with the
Disciples Seminary Foundation in Claremont, California. HELM supports the work of our Disciples scholars and
emerging scholars as they participate with academic colleagues and explore cutting edge research in the field of
religion and sacred texts. Both the AAR and SBL were staples to me in my early academic pursuits and remain
strong and viable organizations for the academic study of religion.

HELM’s Annual Fund appeal launched on November 16 and will continue through November 26. During these ten
days we invite you to financially support the work we do with colleges, universities, seminaries, divinity schools, and
graduate schools of theology. In past years, our Annual Appeal raised approximately 35,000 to provide scholarships
to undergraduate and PhD students and raise up leaders for both church and society. Your gifts make a difference in
the lives of students who are preparing for their life journeys. You can contribute by going to: helmdisciples.org,
clicking the menu button, and then donate. Or, mail your gift to: HELM, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
On our donate page you will read: “HELM offers immersion and formational experiences and programs that help
young leaders explore the changing relationships between the Christian gospel and the world, acquire tools for
understanding the mission and witness of Christian communities and gain experience in creating and renewing those
communities.” Please join us as we reach out to our church’s youth and work to strengthen the relationship between
them and the church. Both church and society need educated, literate, and faithful leaders to guide the world toward
a better future. You can be part of their formation and the creation of a better world for all God’s people.

Fund Raising-ly yours,
Ron

HELM

T.A. Abbott Award: A Call for Nominees


Each Spring the Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) selects an individual to be the recipient of the T.A. Abbott Award for Faculty Excellence. This is the most prestigious recognition that our church bestows upon members of faculties of the 15 colleges and universities in covenant with the church and it includes a cash award of $1,000. The cash award can be used by the recipient to expand their library, develop a new course offering, or continue their education or research.

 
 
Nominees for this award must meet certain criteria, among which are the following:
 
 
+  A professor who by the strength of his or her teaching and personal example inspires the students toward excellence; and whose underlying educational philosophy, irrespective of academic discipline, is wholeness of person.
 
+  A professor who continues to grow and learn in his or her academic discipline.
 
+  A professor who manifests a personal faith.
 
 
Nominations for the 2023 T.A. Abbott Award can be made by submitting a letter of no more than two pages outlining the reasons why your candidate should be the recipient of the award.
 
The deadline for submitting nominations is February 15, 2023.
 
All nominations should be sent to the attention of HELM Interim President, Ronald J Degges, at:
 
P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206
or by e-mail at: rdegges@helmdisciples.org.
 
 

Brite President Newell Williams Announces Retirement

At the Spring Board of Trustees meeting, Brite President Newell Williams announced his intended retirement from his position effective August 31, 2022.  Dr. Williams has served in the capacity since May of 2003, having previously taught at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN and Brite Divinity School.  Since coming to Brite as President, Dr. Williams has overseen the expansion of the faculty, the growth of the Ph.D. program, the construction of a new classroom and administrative facility, and a continuation and expansion of Brite’s longstanding determination to pursue the vision of a world transformed by God’s love, mercy and justice.  An internationally respected church historian, author of numerous books, Dr. Williams is also an ordained minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  In receiving this announcement, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to confer upon Dr. Williams the title of President Emeritus.

The Brite Board of Trustees will immediately form a Transition Committee charged with insuring a smooth transition, beginning with the appointment of an Interim President who will lead as a bridge to the next era of Brite Divinity School.

A celebration of Dr. Williams’ considerable contributions to Brite, the ecumenical church, and theological education will be planned in the coming months.

DCHS Announces President Rev. Dr. Richard H. Lowery Retirement

Disciples of Christ Historical Society announces the retirement next year of DCHS President, the Rev. Dr. Richard H. (Rick) Lowery.

During Dr. Lowery’s tenure, DCHS has expanded its efforts toward digitizing and making its extensive resources accessible online to a global audience through its Digital Commons website. It has launched the online-only Journal of Discipliana, a peer-reviewed journal for original scholarship on topics related to the theology, history, and practice of churches in the Disciples and broader Stone-Campbell tradition. On behalf of the Society at the 2019 General Assembly, he helped plan and lead the church’s celebration and commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Merger Agreement between the predominantly African American National Christian Missionary Convention and the International Convention of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ).

Lowery co-edited and helped write a book about the Design and oversaw the creation of a video about denominational Restructure in the 1950s and 1960s. Lowery conceived, helped write, and edited a book of prayers by the presidents and staff of the general ministries, Wellsprings of Hope: Prayers for a Prophetic New Vision for Disciples (Chalice Press, 2020).

Under his leadership, DCHS has focused on telling stories of historically underrepresented groups in the Disciples/Stone-Campbell tradition and recruiting authors for biographies of significant Disciples leaders such as Preston Taylor and Sarah Lue Bostick.

Dr. Lowery has gathered a diverse group of Disciples and Stone-Campbell scholars and church leaders to plan a DCHS-sponsored academic conference, “Systemic Racism, Antiracism, and ‘Reconciliation’ in Our Shared History and Tradition,” at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 18-19, 2022. Lowery will edit a book centered on the papers and discussions of that conference.

“Dr. Lowery has brought the Disciples of Christ Historical Society into the modern age by reaching out to patrons and donors across the entire Stone-Campbell movement, including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Churches of Christ, and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ. With his deep knowledge and love of Stone-Campbell history and his ability to convey the importance of our history, he has drawn new enthusiasts into the fold. This has been key to the growth and stability of our ministry,” stated Archie Jenkins, Chairman of the DCHS Board of Trustees. “We are grateful for the energy and experience Rick has brought to DCHS and will miss him greatly. We wish him and his family the best as they step into this new journey.”

Drury GO 75th Anniversary

On September 26, 2022, Drury University celebrated a significant milestone. Drury GO, the University’s non-traditional education program, commemorated its 75th anniversary.  The event was celebrated at the main campus in Springfield, Missouri, as well as other campuses throughout the region, which simultaneously cut birthday cakes with members of the Drury family and other members of the communities served by Drury GO.

The “Simulcake” event is just the beginning of a year-long celebration of the Drury GO focus on providing educational access to underserved and non-traditional students.  This celebration will in turn lead into the 150th anniversary of the University as a whole, which will be on September 25, 2023.

Drury GO is the current brand for Drury’s College of Continuing Professional Studies (CCPS).  Originally founded as the Adult Education Division, Drury GO provided degree completion opportunities and training for students taking classes in the evening on the main campus before opening its first branch campus at Fort Leonard Wood.  The program subsequently opened campuses in a variety of Missouri communities, including Rolla, St. Robert, Lebanon, Ava, Cabool, West Plains, and Houston. 

Drury GO has provided new educational opportunities for more diverse populations thanks to the Monett, Missouri campus, and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Grant.  The CAMP grant is designed to assist first-generation college students who have migrant or seasonal agriculture work in their family background. Many students served by Drury GO by way of the CAMP Grant are from Latinx descent with a growing number from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).  CAMP provides scholarship dollars, as well as services to assist students in their first year of college.

Last year, Drury GO expanded its presence into Northwest Arkansas, where students can also be served through the CAMP Grant.  Earlier this year, Drury GO expanded into Harrisonville, Missouri.  Drury GO will also continue to serve students throughout the world with its online degree completion programs.

Drury University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, and for many years has provided scholarship and leadership opportunities for students from those faith traditions in its traditional, residential day campus. Those denominational connections will now be celebrated in Drury GO as well.

New Drury GO students may be eligible for a $500 scholarship, and those students who are members of Disciples or UCC congregations will be able to double that for $1,000.

“This will make a huge difference for Drury GO students, many of whom will be able to combine this with other grants and scholarships to completely cover the cost of a Drury GO education,” said James Ackerman, Associate Vice President of Drury GO.  “Our students in Drury GO may be coming to college for the first time, they may be transferring from another school, or they may be continuing their journey from decades earlier that they once thought they could not complete. We are honored and excited to help all of those students.”

According to Dr. Peter Browning, Drury University Chaplain, “Drury was founded as a college (now university) for students ‘of slender purse.’ DRURY GO keeps that commitment alive with programs for working adults trying to better their lives. As chaplain, I’m grateful for this effort which embodies the social justice commitment to serve all, so very appropriate to a church-related university.”

More information on the degree and certificate programs available through Drury GO is available at www.drury.edu/go, and advisors can be reached at (417) 873-7373. 

October Interim Iterations 

Dear HELM Community, 

 It has been a productive month since I last wrote to you. In early October the Association of Disciples for Theological Education (ADTD) met at Butler University in Indianapolis for theological discussions around the topics of: (1) Eva Gore-Booth with a presentation by Tish Duncan, of Texas Christian University. (2) The State of Brite Divinity School enrollment and the future of theological education by Michael Miller, and (3) A panel discussion on “Public Theology in a Divided Society.” Both Rick Lowery and Newell Williams were honored with an honorary retirement status with the group. President-elect Michael Miller will serve as President at next year’s October 6-8, 2023 meeting. Meeting dates were also selected for October 5-7, 2024. The group offered kudos to Scott Seay for his Presidential leadership of the ADTD over the past two years.  

The HELM Fellows will be meeting in Washington, D.C., November 3-6, 2022. Nearly 40 individuals from all across the United States and Canada will meet to engage in conversations around environmental justice and public witness. Each of the four cohort groups (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior) will meet with theological guides to explore the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jamaica Kincaid, and Parker Palmer. We will tour and meet at National City Christian Church and tour the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We offer thanks for the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly, the Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter, the Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston, and President of Eco-America, Robert Perkowitz, for providing contextual content to our meeting. I also give thanks for our HELM Staff and Board leadership for making this gathering possible. 

Plans are well underway for the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) meeting in January 2023, the Council of Theological Education (CTE) meeting in the Spring of 2023, and the HELM Global Awareness Trip for 3rd Year Leadership Fellows in May of 2023. Our Emerging Clergy Leadership Conference (formerly Seminarians Conference) is currently reaching out to our General Ministry leadership and Seminary/Graduate Schools of Theology leadership to identify dates to hold the Conference in 2023. Once dates are established, a program Committee will be appointed to plan the event. We are also making plans to have a presence at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature gathering in Denver, CO, November 19-22, 2022. Our Disciples scholars and emerging scholars need to be supported by our whole church — congregations, regions, and general ministries.  

I was privileged to attend the Beecher Lectures at Yale University Divinity School, October 12-15, 2022. Professor Enjoo Mary Kim of Vanderbilt University is the first Asian and female to ever deliver the Beecher Lectures over the past 155 years. Her lecture title was: “Preaching Jesus: Postcolonial Approaches.” The last time the name of Jesus was in the title of a Beecher lecture series was in 1945 when Reinhold Niebuhr delivered the lectures.  

I am glad to serve as your Interim President and look forward to all we may accomplish together as the HELM Search Committee launches its search for a new President. This ministry is vital to the health and vitality of our church. The connection between congregations, regions, institutions of higher education, and YOU — each and every Disciple — is critical to our joint mission to develop leaders for church and society. If there was ever a need for leadership, it is NOW.  

 

Interimly speaking, 

Ron 

 

Interim Iterations

September Interim Iterations

A new school year has been launched and you are back at it! Administration, faculty, staff, and students, you are back at the business of learning, growing, and exploration. If you do not find yourself on campus or in a classroom, September still ushers in a new rhythm with its whispers of fall, and an overflowing school supplies section at Target. Church programming and fall sports kick-off, and our routines refuel and ramp up.

While you settle into fall’s new rhythms, may you be rooted in a pioneering spirit that pushes forward the boundaries of progress. Follow the adventurous route, not the safe and predictable one. If you are a student, mix up your education: learn a new language, study the stars, take a creative writing class. Attend to course work and projects that will challenge you to explore new ideas, test new thoughts and perspectives different from your own, and pursue different routes to discover your truest passion.

If you are a pastor, leader, or layperson, the newness of the season invites you to see and think differently, and allows you to be refreshed by new opportunities, changed schedules, and a different pace. Stay on your toes, peek around the corner, look out for God on the move, and then follow willingly. I find myself in this new season, eager and grateful, to be grounding myself in the work of interim President of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries. I am glad to be on the team, and intent on guiding HELM through this period of transition until a new President is identified and extended the call of the church.

In partnership with each of you, let us together find ways to strengthen the relationship between church and academy that will provide light and truth to the darkness and ignorance so prevalent in the world today. And if you are wondering how you can support the work of our colleges, universities, seminaries and graduate schools of theology, I would like to have a conversation with you. Your investment in higher education will pay dividends in perpetuity.

Lux et Veritas-ly yours,

Ron Degges