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                                                The Pillar:
Alumni & Community Newsletter

BLOG POST
Blog in Honor of Luke Keefer
By Dr. Dale R. Stoffer
 
Though there are many facets of Luke Keefer's life and work that have left a lasting impression on me, I would like to focus on two qualities that especially stand out. The first is his unswerving commitment to certain principles that guided his personal and professional life. One of these principles was the need to see beyond our Western cultural perspective and develop a truly global consciousness. In his reading, in his selection of course texts, in his own life and ministry, Luke pushed himself and others to see beyond one's own cultural context to the wonderful and enriching diversity that exists in the world and the church.
EVERY GIFT COUNTS
Have you longed to do something that would have a lasting impact, but felt you couldn't do enough to make a difference? Every gift to Ashland Seminary makes a difference. For over 100 years people of generosity have pooled their resources in support of the lasting work of the seminary to strengthen the Church. Make a gift to support one of our funds. Donations can be made online or by downloading the mailing form at
Stay Connected
Volume 1: Issue 7                                                     June 26, 2015 
Clockwise from top left: Paul Chilcote, Ph.D., leads opening exercises and lectures during the John and Charles Wesley Retreat in Ashland; Thomas Gilmore, DMin, facilitates ministry time during Lead Me to the Rock: Leadership Conference in Cleveland; Guests gather for a talk on the book of Ruth with Daniel Hawk, Ph.D., during a community event in Detroit; Dr. Marvin McMickle, Ph.D., preaches during Lead Me to the Rock; Rev. Paul White re-enacts the life of John Wesley in Ashland; John and Charles Wesley Retreat Guest Dawan Buie reads an inspiring scripture during praise time with the Chapel Worship Team.

God revealed Himself through lifetime learning opportunities during the spring semester. His sweet spirit guided people as they worshiped, engaged in fellowship, and opened their hearts to a deeper understanding of His leading and calling in their lives. 

 

Our alumni and friends encouraged one another in faith and truth while opening their minds to expert teaching and training. I know that God is doing a mighty work in each of your lives. I encourage you to make time to retreat and receive refreshment for your soul.
 

 
"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen," Hebrews 13:20 NIV.


 
In Christ,

 

Director of Alumni & Community Engagement
CLEVELAND
Alumni & Friends Picnic
Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Lakewood Park Kiwanis Pavilion
14532 Lake Avenue, Lakewood OH 44107 


Enjoy a picnic with grilled food, music, and games. Join fellow alumni, students, community members and their families as we open the 2015-2016 academic year. This event is free, but registration is requested.

Clergy Care Workshop
Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cleveland Center
Standard: $25 | Alumni and Students: $20

This workshop will provide the latest guidelines in salary and tax considerations for active clergy. Take time to refresh your understanding of the codes. We will conclude the day with strategies for self-care and avoiding burnout. Learn from our expert instructors and network with other pastors.

DETROIT 
The City Gates Conference
Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
College for Creative Studies, A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education 

God is on a mission to bring thriving, flourishing life to every part of our communities. The 2015 City Gates Conference will gather hundreds of people in Detroit to re-imagine fresh ways to take part in that mission through our everyday work, regardless of our vocation. 

Through compelling speakers, perspectives and interactions, the City Gates Conference will help us understand and act on the connection between our everyday work and the renaissance God is awakening in our communities for the common good. 

No matter what kind of work you do, you are invited to join us. The City Gates Conference will propel you into a bright new current of purpose and passion as you learn to embrace your everyday work as your sacred calling.

ASHLAND
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Luke Keefer Jr.
Oct. 2 and 3

Dr. Luke Keefer, Jr., served the Brethren in Christ Church and academia wholeheartedly, and this event
Shane Claiborne
will honor his life and legacy. Our keynote speaker, Shane Claiborne, will offer the talks "Resurrecting Church" and "Tearing Down the Walls" to encourage us as the Body of Christ to be alive in the world. Shane Claiborne is a Red Letter Christian and a founding partner of The Simple Way community, a radical faith community that lives among and serves the homeless in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. He is the co-author, with Chris Haw, of Jesus for President. 

We will celebrate the publication of the festschrift (edited by J. Robert Douglass, Ph.D. and Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Ph.D.), as well as highlight the book by Devin Manzullo-Thomas on the life and contributions of Luke to the Brethren in Christ Church. The first recipient of a scholarship in Luke's honor will be awarded. Students, alumni, and community members are invited to participate in the event and engage in reflection on the implications for our commitments to the work of justice and peace.

COLUMBUS
City Gates Cohorts
2015-2016

Join us on a journey to dig deep into the heart of God to learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus out in the real world. This seven-month experience  will lead us to  better understand ourselves and our calling in light of the gospel. As ambassadors of the Kindgdom, we will learn how we should steward our lives and relationships in order to promote good in our communities. Please visit our City Gates Cohort page or d ownload a sample copy of our Kingdom Work Cohort Participant Guide to learn more.
MINISTRY OF GROWING GENEROUS DISCIPLES CERTIFICATE
Five-Course Continuing Education Certificate
Cleveland Center or Live Online

 

Where will your church be financially in 10 years without a carefully devised strategy? Pastors, lay clergy, and finance committee members are encouraged to examine their congregation's stewardship strategy and earn 4 continuing education units through this seminar series. 

 

The goal of this series is to utilize a holistic approach to stewardship to "grow generous disciples." Stewardship is the management of all the gifts God has given us. However in the life of the church we equate stewardship with money and for most churches, it is an ongoing struggle to have adequate funds to accomplish God's plans for making disciples and reaching out in missions.

 

Participants may take courses in any order over multiple semesters, but the recommended sequence is outlined below. Registration is open for individual courses as well. Participants may take one, multiple, or all five seminars. 

 

REGISTRATION COSTS FOR CERTIFICATE
 
 

Standard: $200 | Group of 3 or more: $160 each
Students: $100 | MDiv/MAPT Students: Scholarship Funds Available

PHONE 419.289.5926 | FAX 419-207-6077