AMBS Alumni News (Winter 2013)

2013·1.1 MB·English

by  Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Winter 2013
Volume 18 Issue 3
a l uA M Bm S n i n e w s
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Encouraged towards Encouraged toward ministry
ministry
3 Alumni news notes Beth A. Miller, MDiv 2012 work sounded
interesting, not
AMBS notes I was a new mom, struggling with
knowing that
health issues, when our congregation
she was ready to
4 Sermon claims God’s —Germantown Mennonite—had invited resign and finish
Rosie Epp (MDiv 1983) as an interim
promises her education. I
pastor. I ended up orienting Rosie to the
was asked to serve
congregation, explaining who was who,
as the chaplain of
as well as some of the behind the scenes
a nursing home,
issues. One afternoon she looked at me
and found I loved
and said, “Why in the world aren’t you a
the work.
pastor? You have gifts for the work.”
It was in this
I was totally shocked and blew off
setting another
the comment. I came out of the “Old”
person, David Boshart, urged me to think
Mennonite tradition, and becoming a
of pastoring and seminary work. Again, I
pastor had never even crossed my mind.
was surprised—but more at how the Lord
Being a minister’s wife would be as close as
was moving in my life, forging me into a
Encouragement appears often in this I could get, (this was the early 1980s). But minister.
Rosie had planted a seed in my mind and
issue of Alumni News. Personal I have “tapped” several people on the
heart that was persistent.
stories of graduates may remind us of shoulder for ministry—but none has taken
Later when we moved to Iowa, I
our own being encouraged to consider the plunge yet. God’s timing is a
cautiously told a chaplain that her
ministry. Similarly, many of us may recall (Continued on page 2)
our astonishment or surprise when our
Fall class snapshot
encouragers named our gifts aloud to us.
And that “Have you considered . . . ?”
question led us eventually to a time of
study and preparation at AMBS.
During Pastors Week in January
almost 200 pastors, business people,
professors, conference ministers and
members of MEDA (Mennonite Economic
Development Associates) gathered on
campus. We worshiped together . . .
laughed together . . . heard sermons
full of audience responses and cultural
perspectives different from our own. We
considered ways to encourage the poor
and to alleviate poverty in our world.
We shared our stories and questions
with friends. And we were “mutually
encouraged by each other’s faith, both
yours and mine.” (Romans 1:12)
Are we noticing the sisters and brothers
in our congregations who have gifts of
ministry? Have we named those gifts for
them? Have we spoken the words, “have
Gary Yamasaki (MDiv 1988) was guest lecturer in November in Old Testament
you considered . . . “ to them?
Theology. He introduced Perspective Criticism, an interpretative methodology for
“Therefore encourage one another and
analysis of biblical narratives focusing on the point-of-view of the narrative. Gary,
build up each other.” (I Thes. 5:11) who holds a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary, is a member of the Bible and
—Rhoda Schrag, Alumni Association
theological studies faculty at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.
president
AMBS Alumni News is a publication of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary ~ www.ambs.edu
Encouraged toward ministry
(continued from page 1)
mystery—I continue to pray for those My major was Music Education, and what they were), let me make a difference
individuals, that they may be open to while I appreciated and still love music, my in people’s lives. Pastoral ministry was not
God’s leading in their lives. call to the church felt stronger, and music part of that equation or personal thinking.
was such a part of my church experience, In 1987, four pastors in five weeks
Beth Miller lives in Wellman, Iowa, doing I didn’t feel like I was “leaving music approached me with a singular question,
free-lance pastoral counseling and pulpit behind” by considering ministry. The in a variety of forms: Have you considered
supply. She is active in Kalona Mennonite church had given me a sense of belonging, pastoral ministry? My answer: “Maybe
Church. and it was a place where a lot of my beliefs later, when my children have graduated
felt “at home.” from high school, but not now.”
I started to feel called to dedicate my Others joined the choir of asking. God’s
Joanne Gallardo, MDiv 2010
future work to the church. I loved my voice became more insistent. Locust Grove
I joined the inquiry program experience, I loved Mennonite (Michigan) elders and pastor,
Mennonite what I was studying at Goshen and I a small group I was leading: all urged
church in my wanted “more.” Several people, pastors consideration of ministry training. So did
teens. Before then, and professors included, encouraged me random friends. But how to move forward?
participation in to attend AMBS. Most of the pastors Education was needed but I could not, at
church wasn’t I worked with or knew had graduated that stage of life, travel the traditional
something I had from AMBS with very positive things to route: college, seminary, ministry.
ever considered. I say. I had attended AMBS banquets and Then a pastor suggested Hesston
loved church, but visiting days and had a strong interest in College’s Pastoral Ministry Program. I
had only thought what I saw and heard. I was able to talk to enrolled there in 1988, graduating in 1990,
that leadership in professors and read works that they had assuming my first pastoral position that
the church was for written. Everyone seemed approachable fall at Sugar Creek Mennonite in Wayland,
“certain people,” and dedicated to their discipline. I had Iowa. In 1995, I began intermittently
certainly not women, and certainly not me. appreciated my Anabaptist education, and I taking classes at AMBS, eventually
It was my experience at Tedrow knew I wanted my seminary experience to attaining a Certificate of Theological
Mennonite Church in Ohio that be influenced by Anabaptism. Studies. I continue to take classes at
changed my perspective of ministry. My In my current work at Eastern AMBS, with a goal of eventually receiving
congregation was excellent at shoulder- Mennonite University, I am very a Master of Divinity.
tapping. They’d shoulder-tap youth in appreciative of my AMBS experience. I Those who urged me to consider
particular to be a part of Sunday morning have oftentimes shared my experience ministry were people I trusted, followers
worship. It was then that I started to song with students, and I consider it part of of Christ who cared about my family, cared
lead, worship lead and even preach. I my job to encourage young people who about me. Their encouragement to consider
carried this interest in worship to Goshen feel called to ministry. I would certainly ministry included gracious words of faith
College, where I participated in the recommend AMBS as a place to discover and affirmation. More than pondering
Ministry Inquiry Program and started to one’s calling. pastoral leadership with Idella and myself,
think about seminary. they came alongside and were God’s
Joanne Gallardo is associate campus presence to us and our sons and daughter.
pastor for Eastern Mennonite University, In similar ways, I have had the privilege
Keep in touch with AMBS
Harrisonburg, Va. of coming alongside six others who have
tested God’s call to ministry. (Currently,
Subscribe to the AMBS calendar Ruben Chupp, MDiv student Paula Lemus, an AMBS student, is an
to get notices of new events: intern at North Main, pondering pastoral
www.ambs.edu/news-events/ I was working in a gifts and call). The church names pastoral
calendar/10147 factory, making gifts in others and extends opportunities to
a lot of money, exercise those abilities. Our institutions of
Keep up with AMBS on Facebook: buying a lot of learning—Hesston College, AMBS, etc.—
www.Facebook.com/followAMBS stuff—aiming then educate those gifts and abilities.
(Click “Like” next to our name so you for the American In hindsight, I cannot measure which
can get regular updates.) dream (which is a was more important: those who confirmed
moving target). I the call or those who educated it. Both
Download guest lectures on iTunes U: should have been groups spoke for God, embodied Jesus. For
www.ambs.edu/news-events/iTunesU.cfm happy, but wasn’t. those who walked with me I am deeply
Via a scenic, grateful. For those whom I have walked
circuitous route, with I am deeply grateful. I have learned
faith found me much from both experiences.
in February 1985. Not long after, I began
asking God to: get me out of the factory, Ruben Chupp is pastor of North Main Street
let me use my gifts (though I didn’t know Mennonite Church in Nappanee, Ind. l
2 AMBS Alumni News Winter 2013
ALU M N I N EWS N OTES
Martha Smith Good (MDiv Travel for Alumni and Friends. mennotrav.com/vacation/ was a teacher; peace evangelist,
1977) recently self-published groups/marymagdalene/ mission worker and later
her memoirs, titled Breaking James E. Metzler (MAPS overseer with her husband, Paul;
Ground: One Woman’s Journey 1977) works two days a week Andy Alexis-Baker (MATS retreat leader; worship leader
into Pastoral Ministry. Copies as a hospice chaplain, primarily 2007) is co-editor of A and occasional preacher; and a
can be received by sending a in nursing homes in the faith embracing all creatures: resource to congregations and
request to [email protected]. Birmingham, Ala., area. Addressing commonly asked church groups. She had a special
The price is $15.00 plus postage. questions about Christian care for interest in supporting people
J Robert Charles (MDiv animals, published by Cascade who are victims of abuse. She
Lauren Friesen (MDiv 1979) teaches 20th-century Books. Malinda Berry (MAPS served on the AMBS Alumni
1970) has been granted the world and U.S. history at St. 2000) wrote the chapter, “What Association executive committee
Outstanding Alumni Award by Francis College, Brooklyn, N.Y. about animal sacrifice in the from 2010 to 2011.
Pacific School of Religion (where Hebrew Scriptures?”; Nekeisha
Franklin Breckenridge (MDiv
he earned an MA and PhD), Alexis-Baker (MATS 2008) Bethan Theunissen (MDiv
conferred January 30. Lauren 1999) is pastor of Olivet African wrote the chapter, “Doesn’t the 1994) is pastor at Trinity
is the chair of the Department Methodist Episcopal Church Bible say that humans are more United Church, Vancouver,
of Theatre and Dance at the in South Bend, Ind. In October important than animals?”; and B.C. Read about her work at
University of Michigan-Flint. Franklin and Cora, his wife, were Andy wrote the chapter, “Didn’t www.trinityunitedchurch.ca/
recognized for their leadership
Jesus eat fish?” The book is part aboutus/team.shtml
Weldon Martens (MDiv and service to the Indiana of the Peaceable Kingdom Series:
1984) finished one year as NAACP organization. peaceablekingdomseries.com. Rosanna McFadden (MDiv
interim vice president of student 2011) was ordained for ministry,
June Alliman Yoder (MDiv
life at Bethel College, North Ann K. Gingrich (MATS December 23, at Creekside
1988 and professor emerita)
Newton, Kan. He has begun 1987) died January 18 in Church of the Brethren in
“Travel With Weldon Martens,” invites others to join her on a Goshen, Ind. She was AMBS Elkhart.
hosting international tours tour to San Francisco, June 24– pastoral counselor from 1983
including “Footsteps of Paul,” 27, to take in the world premier to 1990, and in 2005 she was
May 20 to June 3, to Greece performance of “The Gospel honored with the AMBS Alumni
and Rome. See www.bethelks. of Mary Magdalene,” by the Ministry and Service Award. She
edu/alumni; select Events, then San Francisco Opera Company.
For information, visit www.
n o t e s
A M B S
Emma Richards (BTh Two new books by Willard
1950) was the first woman Swartley (BD 1962,
ordained for congregational professor emeritus) will be
ministry in the Mennonite available soon:
Church. According to the grace • John in the Believers
given to her: The ministry of Church Bible Commentary
Emma Sommers Rich has just series, published by Herald
been released by the Institute Press.
of Mennonite Studies. It tells • Living Gift: John’s Jesus in
the story of her ordination meditation and poetry, art
and traces the roots of Emma’s and song, with materials
call and the encounters that and indices of resources
shaped her legacy as model for personal and corporate
and mentor. See www.ambs. worship.
edu/publishing/New-
publications.cfm. Practicing
Reconciliation blog
Millard Lind (BD 1944,
Join Sara Wenger Shenk,
professor emeritus of Old
AMBS president, in asking
Dori Zerbe Cornelsen (MDiv 1993) led a Pastors Week Testament) has completed
questions and engaging issues
workshop on revitalizing the experience of giving and collecting an English translation of a
offerings in worship services. Dori is a stewardship consultant German commentary: The in the church. Her blog,
with Mennonite Foundation Canada. Practicing Reconciliation,
Book of Isaiah: Its Composition
Other alumni who led Pastors Week workshops included will “pose questions, test
and Final Form (Sheffield
Vyron Schmidt (MDiv 1980) and Terry Shue, Karen Martens assumptions, resist labels, play
Phoenix Press).
Zimmerly (MATS 1986) and David Bergen, Allan Rudy- with possibilities, experiment
Froese (MDiv 1992), Cyneatha Millsaps (MDiv 2008) and with integration, practice
David B. Miller (MDiv 1993). These workshops explored the wholeness”: www.ambs.edu/
intersections of money, faith and church life at the January
practicingreconciliation/ l
28–31 event on the theme of Jubilee economics.
AMBS Alumni News Winter 2013 3
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SOUTH BEND, IN
PERMIT #261
3003 Benham Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46517
Sermon claims God’s promises
In her sermon during Pastors Week,
Cyneatha Millsaps, (MDiv 2008) pastor
of Community Mennonite Church,
3003 Benham Avenue Markham, Ill., challenged participants to
Elkhart, IN 46517-1999 leap into God’s promises.
574 295-3726 She gave testimony to the impact of
www.ambs.edu Fellowship of Hope, an Elkhart congrega-
tion that began in the 1960s with several
seminary families and that practiced
Spring 2013
communal sharing of income and
Volume 18 Issue 3
possessions. Cyneatha, who grew up in the
AMBS Alumni News is published three neighborhood, said, “We benefitted in our
times a year by Anabaptist Mennonite community because a few people dared to
Biblical Seminary. Please send
believe the Word of God; dared to believe it
suggestions and news notes about
and jumped into that promise.”
alumni to editor Mary E. Klassen at
[email protected] She also said, “Young people in my
community got to know the love of God
Alumni Director: Bob Rosa
first hand. We lived it every day, and
Alumni Association Executive
because of that we expected it every day.”
Committee:
Rhoda Schrag, president Cyneatha Millsaps preached at one of Recordings of Cyneatha’s sermon, the
Martha Beals the Pastors Week worship services. sermons of David B. Miller, (MDiv
Gerald Good In addition, she participated in a 1993) associate professor of missional
Cyneatha Millsaps session reflecting on the impact of the leadership development, and Leonard Dow,
Brent Eash Fellowship of Hope congregation on senior pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite
Designer: Nekeisha Alexis-Baker members and the neighborhood, which is Church, Philadelphia, and presentations
Photos: SaeJin Lee, Mary E. Klassen where she grew up. by Pastors Week presenter Kim Tan are
available on AMBS’s iTunes U channel.
Visit www.ambs.edu/news-events/
iTunesU.cfm for a link to the site. l