Fr. Ron Roberson, CSP will speak at the Ecumenical Worship Celebration For Christian Unity on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 pm. This meeting to celebrate the 2002 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is sponsored by the Washington Theological Consortium Student Board.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1935 and continues in 2002. Ecumenical groups throughout the world have developed themes to pray in solidarity with other Christian Churches for unity as Christ intended. Since 1968 the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute has developed , adapted, and published international texts based on these themes for use in the United States.

The theme of prayer for 2002 is based upon Psalm 36:5-9, “With You is the fountain of life.” It contemplates God’s loving purposes built into the very structure of the universe with a fundamental cosmic reality of love. To obtain materials to pray in communion during the week of prayer, or for more information, contact the Graymoore Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute/Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at (845) 424-2109 or Email rsullivan@atonementfrairs.org.

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Rethinking Luther-an Spirituality

On Tuesday, February 19, Dr. Kirsi Stjerna, Director of the Institute for Luther Studies at Gettysburg Seminary, will offer a significant public lecture on the latest thinking in Lutheran Spirituality by Finnish scholars entitled ARethinking Luther-an Spirituality.@ Dr. Mark Oldenburg, Chaplain of the Seminary, will follow with some remarks on the practical implementation of spirituality in the curriculum at Gettysburg. A discussion will follow these presentations. This Consortium sponsored event will take place at St. Paul's College, 3015 Fourth St. NE and begin precisely at 7:17 PM. Those who wish to attend should respond to the Consortium office at 202-832-2675 or email to WTC@aol.com

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The Art of Theological Reflection in Ministry

Rev. John de Beer, co-author of the well-known book, The Art of Theological Reflection, will join the Pastoral Field Directors of the Consortium in offering a program on theological reflection on March 14 at Washington Theological Union. The program will begin at 4:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. It will consist of afternoon and evening sessions which will focus on the various aspects of theological reflection. Dinner will be provided. The program is designed to be an opportunity for professional growth for pastoral field supervisors, Consortium students and faculty, and interested clergy and laity. The program will be funded by the Tachmindji Endowment of the Consortium. To register or for further information call the Consortium office at 202-832-2675 or email to WTC@aol.com.

Preaching The Gospel In Paint, Sound, Form And Movement: The WTC Arts Forum Periodical

In my preaching class at Howard Divinity, we have been discussing the idea of preaching as “turning ink into blood.” As religious people, it is part of our life together to tell the story of God again. By seeking to proclaim anew the mystery of faith in ways that are contextually relevant, we clothe the Word anew not only in story, verse, proposition, and idiom, but in paint, sound, form, and movement. Metaphorically speaking, we re-incarnate the Gospel, causing it to once again dwell among us “clothed in human flesh.”

The Washington Theological Consortium is seeking to create a venue for the sharing of such re-incarnations. We are seeking to create a periodical that would allow people throughout the consortium to contribute their creative gifts to the life of the church. As yet unnamed (and we’d love suggestions for that name), this periodical would be a forum for poetry, prose, photography, graphic art, and perhaps even photos of sculptures. If you are interested in contributing in any way to the creation of such a magazine, contact Brett Jenkins at bjenkins1031@excite.com or 717-334-4876.

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Reflecting on the Tragedy of September 11

The faculty members of the Consortium would like to offer resources that have benefited their reflection and prayer about the tragic events of September 11. These resources will also be available at www.washtheocon.org :

Books/Articles:

· Crysdale, Cynthia S.W. (1999). Embracing travail: retrieving the cross today NY: Continuum. (On the topic of suffering, healing and forgiveness).

· Dawson, Kathy. (1998). Bye, Bye…I Love You, Bermuda Dunes: AfterLoss. (Recommended for ages 4-7).

(1999). The Losin’ Blues, Bermuda Dunes: AfterLoss. (Recommended for ages 8-12).

· Doka, Kenneth J. (2000). Living with grief: children, adolescents and loss Hospice Foundation of America.

· Grollman, Earl A. (1995). Bereaved children and teens: a support guide for parents and professionals, Boston: Beacon Press.

· On The Christian Mystery of Human Suffering, Apostolic Letter Salvifici Dolores of Pope John Paul II.

· The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response. A Pastoral Letter on War and Peace, May 3, 1983, National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

· Violence in schools. Educational leadership. (1995, February) pp. 50-78.

Web pages:

· www.elca.org (ELCA), http://cmcu.georgetown.edu (The Center for Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations), www.ltsp.edu (Philadelphia Seminary).

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Upcoming Spring Events at the Consortium

The Washington Theological Consortium invites you to attend four events that we will co-sponsor in the spring of 2002. The first event, presented by the Washington Theological Union, is titled: “Does Faith Matter in the Public Life -- Exploring the Question through the Lens of Global Climate Change.” The conference will begin on February 1 with a keynote address by Ms. Vicki Arroyo Cochran, Director of Policy Analysis at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Fr. Drew Christiansen, SJ will respond to the keynote address. The conference will continue on February 2 with a workshop designed to develop personal and congregationally based reflection and action. The event will take place at The Catholic University of America on February 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (reception to follow), and on February 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, followed by an interfaith liturgy. For more information, contact Russ Testa at 202-541-5245.

The second event, a conference presented by Washington Home and Hospice, will examine spiritual care for aging persons and individuals at the end of life. The conference will present a holistic approach to normal aging, common physical problems in aging, end of life care and ethical issues for those who provide pastoral and/or spiritual counseling. It will be held at The Washington Home and Hospice, 3720 Upton Street NW, Washington, D.C. on February 27, 2002 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The conference will include dinner. For more information, contact John Budde at 202-895-0312.

Wesley Theological Seminary and the National Organization on Disability will present the third event: “Disability: Opening Minds, Hearts and Doors in Seminary Communities”. Dr. Nancy Eiesland, Candler School of Theology at Emory University and author of The Disabled God, will offer the morning keynote address. The Convocation will offer theological insights and practical sessions with the latest information about how to welcome people with disabilities. It will serve as a pilot program for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and will take place at Wesley Theological Seminary on Friday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Lorraine Thal at 202-293-5960.

The Washington Theological Union will present the fourth event, an ecumenical symposium on the ministry of community-based housing titled: “Parish Outreach: Community-Based Housing.” The symposium will include a complimentary luncheon. It will be held at the Washington Theological Union on April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seating for the program is limited, please RSVP by calling 202-541-5230.

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Nominations For Ecumenism Awards

Honor your favorite ecumenists by nominating them for the Outstanding Ecumenist Award. Please supply a short biography and a supporting paragraph to the Consortium office by Dec. 15, 2001.

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