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Camping on the Quad: The Awe and Aesthetics of Nature at Eden Theological Seminary

Register here: eden.edu/events/awe-and-aesthetics-of-nature-festival/

Schedule:

Friday, April 5
2 PM– Registration and Camp Setup

• Participants arrive and check in.
• Set up tents and camping gear.

2:30 PM– Camping 101, Tent Building

• Welcome Briefing
  • Welcome address and safety briefing.
  • Overview of the weekend’s schedule and important information.

4 PM– Opening Ceremony

5:30 PM– USFS- Urban Connections: Black Faces in Green Spaces

6 PM– DJ & Dinner on the Patio

7 PM– Black Liturgies: Cole Arthur Riley with Book Signing and
Podcast Pastor: Kristian A. Smith of the Holy Smokes Movement for a Live Podcast

• Cole Arthur Riley will be at Eden Seminary Friday April 5th and Christ Church Cathedral Saturday, April 6, 2024. Cole is the best-selling author of “This Here Flesh” and “Black Liturgies.” We’ll be talking healing, community, the sacred self, Black power and Black joy.  Kristian A. Smith of the Holy Smokes Movement will be at Eden to do a Live Podcast.

• Co-Sponsored by:

Saturday, April 6

8 AM — Registration and Camp Set Up, Welcome to the Day’s Activities, Breakfast Available

8:30 AM– Sunrise Shinrin-Yoku (Nature Therapy & Forest Bathing)

• Enjoy sunrise nature therapy with gentle tai chi/qi gong movement for a dousing of embodied spirituality with eco-theologian and certified ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) guide, Laura Weber, Ph.D.  Nature therapy stimulates the full sensorium, awakens awe, and offers participants restorative breath exercise while sharpening attention and focus. Practicing this traditional Japanese art of mindful immersion in nature offers a wide range of physical benefits and psychological healing, from lowering BP, heart rate, cortisol, stress, anxiety, and anger, to a boosted immune system with an increase in NK (natural killer) cell activity, improved quantity and quality of sleep, less pain, ability to cope with chronic pain, and increased feelings of well-being, gratitude and contentment. It’s a morning soak for the senses.

10 AM– Do Trees Tell a Story?
With Rebecca Hankin, Moreleaf.org

11 AM– Tree Wrapping Ceremony

AFTERNOON – Homecoming and Tailgating

12 – 1:30 PM– Lunch (Food, Relaxation at the Campsite, Games)

1:30 – 3 PM– Workshops, Demonstrations, Tabling

• Youth Corner – Art in Nature
• Follow Along Painting
• Live Alumni Podcast
• Games

3 PM– Free Time and Exploration

3:30 PM– Gather on the Quad

4 PM– Hush Harbors and Sacred Groves: A Conversation about Historical Resources for African American Congregations Outdoors

• As part of Eden’s “Awe and the Aesthetics of Nature” event, you are invited to join Eden professor Christopher Grundy and Gabrielle Kennedy, Eden alum, pastor of Buren Chapel AME Church, and Interim Director of Faith HEALS, for a wisdom-sharing conversation about hush harbors, historical connections with African sacred groves, and the spirituality of congregations reclaiming the outdoors.

5 PM– Music, Road to Freedom Land
with Dr. Drew Hines, Missouri Department of Conservation “Relational Value”

6 PM– Dinner and Campfire Gathering

6:30 PM– The Movement ft Candice Hogue concert

8 PM– Dreaming Salon, InPower

Sunday, April 7

9 AM– Break Down Camp

10 AM–  Peace United Church of Christ Worship Service

The Seminary will illuminate the tower of the Samuel D. Press Educational Building in honor of the month of Ramadan. Muslims around the country and world will spend this most holy month in their calendar (that began with the March 10 sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia) fasting, praying, in acts of philanthropy and kindness, and reflection. The month celebrates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammed in Islam, and the observance of Ramadan stands in Islam as one of the five pillars of the practice of the religion. The tower lights will be lit from the evening of March 11 (after the first day of fasting) and will remain illuminated through April 9.

The Eden tower will shine with these colors to remember the observance of the Ramadan much of this month. For the period of the Western Christian observance of Holy Week and Easter, the Seminary will illuminate the tower in purple (for Holy Week) with the tower being dark Friday and Saturday PM, and illuminated in white Light on Easter Sunday. Following March 31, the tower will again be lit in green, turquois, purple, and gold through April 9, the conclusion of Ramadan.

While there are not fixed colors that represent the observance of Ramadan worldwide, traditional colors associated with the holiday season are greens, turquois, purples, and golds.

Eden Theological Seminary, as a school of the progressive Christian movement, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, is committed to forming leaders with capacity for interfaith collegiality in the practice of their religious faith, and is an institution committed to fostering interfaith collegial relationships toward pursuing justice and peace and the common good in the community and the world.

Eden Seminary is giving thanks for invitations from area congregations to host faculty and staff preachers for UCC Seminary Sunday, February 25^th. We celebrate these congregations – and so many others – that support theological education.  It was a day to celebrate the impactful ministries of these congregations. Eden says, thank you!

–Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, Eden President:
“Honored and delighted to worship with St. Peter’s UCC Ferguson as we observed “Seminary Sunday” and shared fellowship and conversation following worship. The texts (narrative lectionary) challenged us to be “on the way with Jesus” (Mark 10: 32-52). I was encouraged to re-engage with the myriad community ministries of this congregation as it lives the gospel out in the world. Grateful for the congregation’s longstanding support of the Seminary and their serving as a Contextual Education site for so many students over the years – a true partner in theological education. In the legacy of Rev. Louis E. Nollau to the leadership of Rev. Patrick Chandler, Rev. Josh Privitt, and Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo(Parish Nurse) and the members today, this is a church that walks its talk and is on the way with Jesus.”

–Sandi Boehlein, Director of Development
“Awesome “Seminary Sunday” with awesome people –
at Trinity UCC Belleville, IL”

–Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care
Epiphany UCC-
From Jeanette Mott Oxford:
“We loved having Kristen Leslie with us at Epiphany UCC. Her sermon with a focus on gleaning and our relationship to the land was timely given our Sunday School study of ‘Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining the Future.'”

–Rev. Dr. Christopher Grundy,
Professor of Worship | Preaching, Academic Dean
Samuel UCC, thank you for your part in forming, identifying, and supporting people called to ministry.  Thank you for your partnership in ministry.
Sermon: “Baptized in Freedom”

–Rev. Dr. Raquel S. Lettsome, Professor of New Testament and Womanist Biblical Interpretation
February 25^th preacher at Howard University, Rankin Chapel | Black History Month  #faithservicejustice
Sermon “Keep Your Vineyard” from Song of Solomon 1: 5-6

–Rev. Dr. Mary Schaller Blaufuss, VP for Advancement & Communication
Loved worshipping with Columbia UCC, Columbia, MO.
Sermon  “Called for a Purpose”

–Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation
at Parkway UCC, St. Louis

–Dana McNamara, Interim Director of Admissions
at St. Lucas UCC, St. Louis and Ebenezer UCC, Augusta, MO

 

2024 Spring Convocation April 4-5

 

Presentations, Reunions, Small Groups, Meals and More!

“Confronting Christian Nationalism: Creating Communities of Resistance and Hope”

Register here: eden.edu/events/2024-spring-convocation/

Schedule:

Thursday, April 4

• 3:00 – 6:30 PM: Herbster Event (Alumni Classes 2019 – 2023) on Campus
  • “Conversation on Ministry In These Days” with Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould and Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr.

• 4:30 – 6:30 PM: 50th Anniversary Reunion (Class of 1974) on Campus

• 4:30 – 6:30 PM: Mixer Hosted by Student Cabinet Committee, Common Ground on Campus; All are Invited
  • Common Ground is a student cabinet organization for the Queer community and straight allies
  • 5:45 – 6:30 PM: Gateway Mens’ Chorus Performance

• 7:00 PM: Opening Worship & Presentation on Campus and Online
  • Presenter: Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., Adjunct Professor, Departments of Religion and African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University
  • Presentation: “Confronting Christian Nationalism: Creating Communities of Resistance and Hope” (Brueggemann – Kuhlenkamp – Schmiechen Lectureships)

• 8:30 PM: Reception & Book Signing For All on Campus

Friday, April 5

• 7:30 AM: Eden Black Alumni Association Breakfast & Worship; All Are Invited (Separate registration & payment required)
  • Preacher: Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., Adjunct Professor, Departments of Religion and African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University
  • Sermon: “Resistance: From Rhetoric to Prophetic Action”

• 9:00 AM: Worship (With Senior Preacher) on Campus and Online

• 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Presentation & Panel Discussion on Campus and Online
  • Presenter: Rebeccah Bennett, Founder and Principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC
  • Presentation: “Seeding Healed Futures” (Brueggemann – Kuhlenkamp – Schmiechen Lectureships)
  • Panel: “The Awe of What Can Be”
    
  • Panelists: Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, Rev. Dr. Sonja B. Williams, Rev. Nikotemo Sopepa, Rev. Brian Kirk

• 12:30 PM: Lunch & Conversation on Campus

 

(Annual Bracke Public Lecture on Leadership)

Watch the Full Lecture here:

Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Faith Forward Social Innovation
This year‘s Bracke Lecture featured a panel of innovative leaders in building communities, strengthening partnerships, and creating new ways to bring equity and human flourishing to the center of mission and ministry. Our three presenters are leaders in the emerging field of spiritual entrepreneurship: Rabbi Elan Babchuck, Melina Higbee, and the Rev. Darnell Fennell.  

This panel presentation was more than just a discussion; it was a confluence of shared ideas and experiences from each of their work, offering models of spiritual entrepreneurship that can address the challenges inside and outside the church walls. The panelist shared current practices, insights, and best practices to inspire and sustain efforts to create impactful and enduring solutions to the pressing challenges of our time. 

Speakers:

Rabbi Elan Babchuck is a trailblazer in the realm of spiritual innovation. As the Founding Director of The Glean Network, Rabbi Babchuck has dedicated his career to reshaping how spiritual communities engage with the modern world. He co-authors “Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership after Empire” (Fortress, January 2024). His book engages leadership and community-building dynamics in a post-empire society, offering fresh perspectives rooted in sacred texts and spiritual wisdom with examples from a host of contemporary spiritual entrepreneurs.  

Joining in the conversation is Melina Higbee, Dean of the Adese Fellowship, part of the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund. Dean Higbee’s expertise lies in nurturing entrepreneurial talent within faith communities. Her leadership of the Adese Fellowship is marked by a deep commitment to equipping faith leaders with the tools needed for social innovation and human flourishing at the heart of community transformation. 

The Rev. Darnell Fennell, Director of Social Entrepreneurship at the National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is rounding out the panel. Rev. Fennell’s work has been instrumental in integrating entrepreneurial principles into faith-based initiatives, first in Houston and now nationally with the NBA. His approach fosters grassroots community development and encourages new ways for the churches to address issues of equity and access in the spiritual entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Eden Theological Seminary invites nominations and applications for a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment in the historical-theological study of Christianity to begin July 1, 2024
Contact Director of Human Resources, Ms. Denise Stauffer,  [email protected] for application process.

Eden Theological Seminary
Eden Theological Seminary is one of five theological seminaries of the United Church of Christ (UCC). In this context, Eden advances its historic commitment to prepare ordained and lay leadership for the church and the common good. The school recognizes the changing landscape of theological education with its challenges and new opportunities. In this period of its history, Eden seeks to be relevant and responsive to those seeking both traditional and new forms of theological education.

Position Description
Eden Theological Seminary invites nominations and applications for a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment in the historical-theological study of Christianity to begin July 1, 2024

Eden’s faculty collaborate to teach in a curriculum that holds students and their formation at the center of the educational experience, equipping them to lead with passion, purpose, skills, and knowledge needed to serve the mission of the Church in the reality of ever-changing cultures.

Teaching up to 18 credits annually, the position requires full-time teaching and scholarship in the global histories of Christianity. The Professor will offer a range of courses, as well as academic advising and thesis/project advising for Masters- and Doctoral-level students. Faculty at Eden Seminary also teach in the seminary’s non-degree programming. Courses are offered in all modalities from synchronous, to hybrid, to guided asynchronous. Eden’s Network Model of Theological Education (funded by a Pathways for Tomorrow grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc,) offers faculty the opportunity to learn with students from a variety of participating seminaries and to engage with faculty colleagues of the same.  As a member of the faculty, the professor will participate in the activities of Eden’s community of learning and faith, (e.g., weekly chapel worship, public lectures, social gatherings, other community events), 

Optimal candidates will provide excellence and innovation in teaching and research, promoting appreciation of the diversity of the Christian heritage. Specifically, candidates should be familiar with the potential and the challenges of equipping leaders to serve congregations and ministries faithfully in contemporary culture and how equipped to teach church histories in ways that will equip leaders for the diverse communities they serve.

Eden faculty are periodically invited to consider leadership roles in academic administration, and this position may be combined with an Associate Dean position if amenable to all parties.

Minimum qualifications

• A faithful commitment to the ministry of theological education and formation, supported through deep involvement in a local community of Christian faith tradition.
• A PhD in history, with expertise in the field of Church History; preference will be given to a conferral before June 30, 2024
• Experience teaching and mentoring underrepresented students within the discipline.
• Commitment to Eden’s stated mission to strengthen the life of the church by educating women and men [people of all genders] for ministry, enlivening critical reflection on faith, and supporting bold Christian discipleship.
• A demonstrated commitment to working in a religiously and theologically diverse community, with a student body that is diverse with respect to race, age, gender, sexuality, ability, and theological perspective.
• A demonstrated commitment to teaching, research and service in the broader church, academy, and community

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of current theoretical debates in the study of culture and history
• Comprehension of inter-religious and intercultural contexts and conflicts
• Demonstrated knowledge or promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of the history of Methodist/Wesleyan traditions in their many varieties, with knowledge of The United Methodist Church, its present situation, structures, and concerns.
• Background, interests, perspectives, and abilities that complement those of other members of the faculty, with an openness to creative pedagogical and academic collaboration across disciplines.

People from underrepresented groups—including women, racial/ethnic minorities, people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and veterans—are strongly encouraged to apply.