Last week I taught a Doctor of Ministry course/seminar at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia entitled "A Way Out of No Way: African American Religious Education." While I have used portions of the African American educational experience in various courses, this was the first time that I was able to focus a course solely on this area. I was impressed by the students: their questions, and the integration of the material with their present ministry contexts. I look forward to reading their book reviews and term papers. I also wish them well as they continue their studies. All are working and pursuing this professional degree. Their stories brought back memories of my time in parish ministry in Cleveland and studying at John Carroll University and the University of Akron. There was no idle time.
At the end of this month it will be a year since I completed my teaching at Gettysburg Seminary. The year went rapidly. Retirement is an adjustment. The on-going encounters with colleagues and students are no longer assumed. I wonder what the feelings and thoughts of friends and colleagues have been upon their retirements.
This year found me switching gears; forming new ways of self-identification. In the coming year, I hope to be about community outreach. One of my goals for retirement is to become a tutor for the Adult Literacy Council in Adams County. I registered for the next workshop that will take place at the beginning of February. The world was open to me due to literacy; perhaps I can expand the world for those who struggle to communicate through the written word. My brother-in-law is an adult literacy tutor in Brooklyn, New York at the Brooklyn Public Library and finds it challenging and rewarding. I'll give an update on this project as it comes to fruition.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year's Day 2014
New Year's Day 2014 finds me at home and fighting a cold. Staying at home on New Year's Eve and Year's day gives me time to reflect on the past year and anticipate the new year. Having retired 11 months ago, 2013 demonstrated a major but important change in my life. The past few months have meant a reorientation to life or as the GPS voice says it has been a time for "recalculating."
Reflecting on the past year, I enjoyed doing the book-talks on Daniel A. Payne, the lecture on Black Civil War Soldiers at the Luther Colloquium in October along with the honorary degree from Payne Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, and presiding at the Eucharist at the Spring Convocation at Gettysburg Seminary.
As I anticipate the future, I'm preparing for teaching a Doctor of Ministry - Philadelphia Seminary course "A Way Out of No Way." The course will examine African American religious education. Although I have included portions of African American religious education in my previous courses, this will be the first time for an entire course dedicated to this area of the religious education literature. In addition, I will present some aspects of Daniel A. Payne at the Banneker Center in Baltimore in September. Research will continue to occupy an important part of my time in the coming months. As the research projects unfold I'll share them. For those of you who are researchers/scholars, what are your plans for research?
Reflecting and anticipating at the beginning of the new year , I am thankful to God for supportive family and friends. They have made the transition in retirement a good experience.
Reflecting on the past year, I enjoyed doing the book-talks on Daniel A. Payne, the lecture on Black Civil War Soldiers at the Luther Colloquium in October along with the honorary degree from Payne Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, and presiding at the Eucharist at the Spring Convocation at Gettysburg Seminary.
As I anticipate the future, I'm preparing for teaching a Doctor of Ministry - Philadelphia Seminary course "A Way Out of No Way." The course will examine African American religious education. Although I have included portions of African American religious education in my previous courses, this will be the first time for an entire course dedicated to this area of the religious education literature. In addition, I will present some aspects of Daniel A. Payne at the Banneker Center in Baltimore in September. Research will continue to occupy an important part of my time in the coming months. As the research projects unfold I'll share them. For those of you who are researchers/scholars, what are your plans for research?
Reflecting and anticipating at the beginning of the new year , I am thankful to God for supportive family and friends. They have made the transition in retirement a good experience.
Christmas Eve 2013
Christmastime in New York is always interesting. People seem to be more pleasant and friendly. The city is buzzing as usual but even more so during the Christmas shopping rush. I arrived in New York on Sunday afternoon and did my last minute shopping on Monday and today.
This evening I will be celebrant at Epiphany Lutheran in Brooklyn, my home congregation. It is always good to return to and remember one's roots. Many of the people I grew up with in the congregation have ended their earthly journeys but their presence in the life of the congregation remain to those who knew them as well as those who never met them. I feel honored each year to be able to preside at the Christmas Eve liturgy. The lessons, Gospel and Silent Night are particularly meaningful in a world that cries for hope.
This evening I will be celebrant at Epiphany Lutheran in Brooklyn, my home congregation. It is always good to return to and remember one's roots. Many of the people I grew up with in the congregation have ended their earthly journeys but their presence in the life of the congregation remain to those who knew them as well as those who never met them. I feel honored each year to be able to preside at the Christmas Eve liturgy. The lessons, Gospel and Silent Night are particularly meaningful in a world that cries for hope.
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