Hunter College Reunion and Luncheon
Today, I attended my 2014 Hunter College of the City University of New York reunion. It was delight to meet members of the 1969 class. All except one in our small group are retired representing education, law, economics, and theology. We commented on the excellent liberal arts education we received in the days when the City University was tuition free. Hopefully, "Mihi Cura Futura" (The Care of the Future is Mine) will continue to inspire the students.
My years at Hunter prepared me for much of what I have experienced upon my graduation. Hunter helped me to embrace the world beyond New York City and changed my worldview. I am truly thankful.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Lenten Journey
There are several areas of reflection for me during this Lenten season.
For the first time in several years I have attended mid-week Lenten liturgies at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. With the Word given by a lay person and Pr. Michael Allwein presiding at the Eucharist it has been a powerful journey so far. I have heard powerful talks on "change" from three lay persons. Each talk was unique but each indicated the power of the Word of God in their lives. The talks were reminders for all of us that the Word of God continues to sustain and empower us in the more difficult of times in our lives. On this last Wednesday in Lent, Allwein summarized all the reflections that were heard. He stated, "It takes courage to walk through the changes." The question that he brought before us, "How does God work in our lives in the midst of the changes?" I will ponder the question during the post-Easter period.
On the weekend of March 21 I drove to Buffalo, New York to attend the memorial service for Pastor Kathleen Gahagen/Pastor KEG. She died at the age of 44 having lived with cystic fibrosis for all of those years. I remember her growing up in East Cleveland, OH were her father was the pastor. I recall her graduation from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and chuckle when I remember an e-mail she sent to me after meeting her confirmation class for the first time when she was called to the congregation in Buffalo. Kathleen had a passion for the gospel. Preaching, teaching, and pastoral care were important for her. She didn't let her illness define her...it was the Word of God that centered her life and interactions with all she met. That was clear in the various remembrances that were share at the liturgy. It was also clear in the sermon that was shared by her brother, Pastor Patrick Gahagen. I left the liturgy blessed that I had known Kathleen, pastor.
This has been a good Lent.
For the first time in several years I have attended mid-week Lenten liturgies at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. With the Word given by a lay person and Pr. Michael Allwein presiding at the Eucharist it has been a powerful journey so far. I have heard powerful talks on "change" from three lay persons. Each talk was unique but each indicated the power of the Word of God in their lives. The talks were reminders for all of us that the Word of God continues to sustain and empower us in the more difficult of times in our lives. On this last Wednesday in Lent, Allwein summarized all the reflections that were heard. He stated, "It takes courage to walk through the changes." The question that he brought before us, "How does God work in our lives in the midst of the changes?" I will ponder the question during the post-Easter period.
On the weekend of March 21 I drove to Buffalo, New York to attend the memorial service for Pastor Kathleen Gahagen/Pastor KEG. She died at the age of 44 having lived with cystic fibrosis for all of those years. I remember her growing up in East Cleveland, OH were her father was the pastor. I recall her graduation from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and chuckle when I remember an e-mail she sent to me after meeting her confirmation class for the first time when she was called to the congregation in Buffalo. Kathleen had a passion for the gospel. Preaching, teaching, and pastoral care were important for her. She didn't let her illness define her...it was the Word of God that centered her life and interactions with all she met. That was clear in the various remembrances that were share at the liturgy. It was also clear in the sermon that was shared by her brother, Pastor Patrick Gahagen. I left the liturgy blessed that I had known Kathleen, pastor.
This has been a good Lent.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
A Way Out of No Way
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.
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 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.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Advent 1
Gettysburg had 4 inches of snow today. It was snowing very lightly when I left to worship at Christ Chapel - Gettysburg College. By the time worship ended, the snow was falling rapidly so I shoveled. I wonder if this is a foretaste of the winter.
Most of my time in the past few weeks has been planning for teaching a Doctor of Ministry Seminar at Philadelphia Seminary in January. I am enjoying reading more of the literature and hope that students will enjoy the readings as well.
I have continued to participate in professional meetings. From November 8-10 I attended the annual meeting of the Religious Education Association in Boston, Massachusetts. The quality of the sessions was quite good. I am always amazed at the various areas of research by junior and senior scholars in the field. I attended the American Academy of Religion for one day, Saturday 23. Again there were good sessions. At both meetings I heard research on religious education in prisons. As always, I marveled at the book display. I was also able to meet and have conversations with Dr. Richard Stewart and Dr. Beverly Wallace. Professional meeting are great for catching up with friends and colleagues.
On Remembrance Day, 19 November, I delivered the Benediction. Each year thousands come to Gettysburg to remember the Gettysburg Address. This was especially significant this year as the 150 Year of the Address as well as the Battle at Gettysburg during the Civil War. Along with Governor Corbett, Chief Justice Scalia was there to swear-in 16 new citizens. I found this to be a moving symbol of focus of the day. This was my second swearing-in of new citizens. I attended the swearing-in of my friend and colleague, Dr. Kirsi Stjerna in Philadelphia.
Most of my time in the past few weeks has been planning for teaching a Doctor of Ministry Seminar at Philadelphia Seminary in January. I am enjoying reading more of the literature and hope that students will enjoy the readings as well.
I have continued to participate in professional meetings. From November 8-10 I attended the annual meeting of the Religious Education Association in Boston, Massachusetts. The quality of the sessions was quite good. I am always amazed at the various areas of research by junior and senior scholars in the field. I attended the American Academy of Religion for one day, Saturday 23. Again there were good sessions. At both meetings I heard research on religious education in prisons. As always, I marveled at the book display. I was also able to meet and have conversations with Dr. Richard Stewart and Dr. Beverly Wallace. Professional meeting are great for catching up with friends and colleagues.
On Remembrance Day, 19 November, I delivered the Benediction. Each year thousands come to Gettysburg to remember the Gettysburg Address. This was especially significant this year as the 150 Year of the Address as well as the Battle at Gettysburg during the Civil War. Along with Governor Corbett, Chief Justice Scalia was there to swear-in 16 new citizens. I found this to be a moving symbol of focus of the day. This was my second swearing-in of new citizens. I attended the swearing-in of my friend and colleague, Dr. Kirsi Stjerna in Philadelphia.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Autumn Reflections
This was a different Fall season for me...I didn't return to the classroom after 25 years on the faculty at Gettysburg Seminary. Anticipating the change, I made my plans. I attended the Opening Convocation of the semester which was a joyous event. My friend and colleague Dr. Brooks Schramm was installed in the Kraft Chair in Biblical Studies. It was an excellent lecture by a great scholar.
On September 6 I took a flight to France and was there for three weeks. It was good to see friends and see the Paris during the fall season which was a first for me since I was always teaching. I went to two museums I had not visited before, Musée du quai Branly and Musée des Arts Deco. A friend, Dr. Bruno Vercier, was on a panel at the Branly discussing the writer Pierre Loti. Dr. Karen Bohleke of Shippensburg University and Gettysburg Seminary, wanted my to pick up the exhibition catalogue from the Art Deco, hence, I took the opportunity to browse the exhibitions. Both places were interesting to visit and I'll definitely have to return for extended visits. It was definitely autumn with lower temperatures than when I left the U.S. so I had to buy a jacket to keep comfortable. Going to the Parissoirée each Sunday evening was fun. One meets a number of ex-patriots as well as visitors to France and French men and women. Each week was unique (vocalist, film producer, and motivational speaker) and great food produced by Patricia LaPlante-Collins, the organizer of the group. I left the cool days of Paris for a day trip to the warmth of the southern France in Avignon to see Le Pont (Bridge) and the Palace of the Popes which dates back to the 15th century. I will have to spend more time in the Provence region. At the end of September I returned to the states but leaving France is always bitter sweet for me. I enjoy returning to my home yet I want to be in France as well, however, I always enjoy the custom officer's words, "Welcome back to the United States."
For the Fall Academy at Gettysburg Seminary, I gave a lecture on my research on "Black soldiers, the Civil War and Education" I am enjoying this research and hopefully will develop into a journal article. I think the lecture was well received.
I am presently developing my course on African American Religious Education for Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. If anyone reads this blog and has any bibliographical suggestions, please don't hesitate to share them with me.
One additional note...On October 28, I was awarded an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. It was an unexpected event in my life. I am humble by this honor.
On September 6 I took a flight to France and was there for three weeks. It was good to see friends and see the Paris during the fall season which was a first for me since I was always teaching. I went to two museums I had not visited before, Musée du quai Branly and Musée des Arts Deco. A friend, Dr. Bruno Vercier, was on a panel at the Branly discussing the writer Pierre Loti. Dr. Karen Bohleke of Shippensburg University and Gettysburg Seminary, wanted my to pick up the exhibition catalogue from the Art Deco, hence, I took the opportunity to browse the exhibitions. Both places were interesting to visit and I'll definitely have to return for extended visits. It was definitely autumn with lower temperatures than when I left the U.S. so I had to buy a jacket to keep comfortable. Going to the Parissoirée each Sunday evening was fun. One meets a number of ex-patriots as well as visitors to France and French men and women. Each week was unique (vocalist, film producer, and motivational speaker) and great food produced by Patricia LaPlante-Collins, the organizer of the group. I left the cool days of Paris for a day trip to the warmth of the southern France in Avignon to see Le Pont (Bridge) and the Palace of the Popes which dates back to the 15th century. I will have to spend more time in the Provence region. At the end of September I returned to the states but leaving France is always bitter sweet for me. I enjoy returning to my home yet I want to be in France as well, however, I always enjoy the custom officer's words, "Welcome back to the United States."
For the Fall Academy at Gettysburg Seminary, I gave a lecture on my research on "Black soldiers, the Civil War and Education" I am enjoying this research and hopefully will develop into a journal article. I think the lecture was well received.
I am presently developing my course on African American Religious Education for Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. If anyone reads this blog and has any bibliographical suggestions, please don't hesitate to share them with me.
One additional note...On October 28, I was awarded an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. It was an unexpected event in my life. I am humble by this honor.
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