tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37812077473381811622024-03-18T20:18:00.006-07:00Memphis Theological Seminary ChapelWe Are A Worshiping and Praying CommunityCory D. Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05387350804411715997noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-44079458008229617482015-03-12T09:05:00.000-07:002015-03-12T09:05:17.855-07:00We worship regularlyEveryone is invited to worship in the chapel! While classes are in session, we worship every Wednesday at 11:10am. Our services are as varied as our preachers. Our preachers consist primarily of faculty members and some community leaders as well. We long to worship God in a way that pleases God while reaffirming our lives as disciples. Everyone is welcome!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-71179915493923668772013-04-29T13:31:00.000-07:002013-04-29T13:31:02.088-07:00Formation Reflections on Praying the TextThe following posts are here by permission of the two students who wrote them. What is your own experience with prayer and Bible study?<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><b><u>Reflection 1 </u></b><br />
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As
I read Psalm 139, I found it difficult to place myself in the passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, that was the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read, looking for personal application,
unaware of how to read in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The author did not write the scripture for me or with any knowledge of
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should not read it with that
assumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I started over
and read it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to imagine it
as a story, attempting to form some objective images in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the meditation began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I imagine a man
standing in open space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a place
set apart for honesty and security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
place to confess love without bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
place to reveal all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is no
ordinary relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This relationship
exceeds familial bonds and human love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is an ideal form of vulnerability and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What every parent wants from their child and
child from parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What every couple
aspires to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an
ever-surpassing and inescapable unity and dependency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oneness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of our fleshly attempts fall short or only mimic the union this man
has with God Almighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The desire to
love and be loved at the core his essence is fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>But
wait…who is this man to cast judgment on others when all is provided for
him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks as if he is entitled to
God’s love alone, righteously indignant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who is he to “hate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">them</i> with
perfect hatred”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What justifies hatred
from any one to another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But wait, could
he be speaking of himself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, he
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks to for God to search <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Why
not search the doers of evil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unless</i>, it is he who is wicked and
malicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man is known and still
wants to be known, insecure about his love for the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insecure about his own reliability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He longs for assurance and justification,
fulfilling the very purpose he was created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The very purpose of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>God,
is this truly what humanity was created for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be lost in the chaos of our own wickedness while trying to find order
in your plan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do try so hard to do
your will, or what we perceive it to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is acknowledging our finitude against your glory<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
where we begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Reflection 2 - Ashamed: <i>Please Read Me</i></b></u></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am ashamed that I cannot read
the scripture faithfully. I want to, but something stops me. It could be me -
just the way my mind works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
difficult for me to slow my mind down to read the simplest text and the
scripture is complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I feel myself
racing and racing and racing; then not understanding what I have read and even
know what I am reading. I feel absolutely no comfort through the
scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It could be because I love God
and Jesus and the people of God so much that what could this book possible tell
me to increase that love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel the
power of the Holy Spirit with me at all times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All I can get from the Hebrew bible
is history. The Psalms take some note: 1, 15, 23, 24, 27, 139 and 150.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just feel like I am missing a piece of the
puzzle that will tie this scripture to my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I am distressed because we all profess to read but we see nothing different
in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I want my life to
be different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Shame overcomes me because I
cannot quote scripture. It is not the quoting but the foundation of the
scripture that one needs in order to preach. I don’t have it. I have considered
going somewhere for a year or two to study on the scripture. Now I don’t know
where you go, but I would love to find a place where scripture is intently and
intentionally studied as Torah is studied by the Jewish people. If anyone knows
of such a place let me know. I feel very much like the Ethiopian Eunuch, “how
shall I learn without a teacher.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I feel some happiness that I can
fumble my way around the Gospels. I live for the twenty-third psalm and for the
4<sup>th</sup> chapter of Luke verses 16-30. I am attached greatly to Ephesians
2:8-10. I love the priestly pray in John 17:1-25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love John 14, the True Vine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Wait a minute I see something
here maybe I do know comfort through the scriptures I was trying to eat the
whole book. If <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continue to work with
parts of the book then maybe one day, one day all of it may come to form and
shape for my spiritual being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The reading of scripture is not a
functional task it must form and shape our lives. What little I know does that
for me and gives me comfort. Oh I forgot to add I love Acts. Acts speaks to me.
Judges, Nehemiah and Ezra and Job all speak to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe my assessment is wrong. I may know more
than I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all I have been
somewhere to study the bible. I think shame has turned to joy. I know more than
I thought and all of it is a comfort to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I allow the word to read me at
times. I know that there is more to explore and to take in but I am on my
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashamed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe not - after all.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-20083810115425986432013-03-06T22:07:00.000-08:002013-03-06T22:07:17.374-08:00One Student's Reflection on Calling<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<i>In one of the Formation for Ministry classes this week, the readings and scripture centered on Callings. Members of the class were asked to write a brief paper on the sense of calling at this time and the risks involved in following that calling. With permission from the student, we are sharing one of those papers here:</i></h3>
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<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
FFM 3, Week 6 Paper </h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t understand this “call” business at all; I really
don’t. When people talk about their grand call stories where they speak of
hearing God’s voice I throw up my hands in disgust, not at the people but
either at me for my pitiful spiritual ears or at God for not getting around to
turning his mic on yet. And yeah I said “his” because I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just know</i> I’ll hear James Earl Jones in my head when God decides
it’s finally time to speak up. That’s the way it’s supposed to happen, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSCVDIVBSXVuhWR2mJDmHccgz0Jsq-J-9KCBI_DLG7zxbebKM_nQ1Ku2HGjdLGG9ZRei0YhSuF5M0sxv7FWjcM-_P_sabV-Hhb4ne1_Zk8HLtjUtbZ5mezUaFqe5QzucLd7kPn-9tfZc/s1600/Burning_bush_Hajdudorog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSCVDIVBSXVuhWR2mJDmHccgz0Jsq-J-9KCBI_DLG7zxbebKM_nQ1Ku2HGjdLGG9ZRei0YhSuF5M0sxv7FWjcM-_P_sabV-Hhb4ne1_Zk8HLtjUtbZ5mezUaFqe5QzucLd7kPn-9tfZc/s400/Burning_bush_Hajdudorog.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burning_bush_Hajdudorog.jpg">http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burning_bush_Hajdudorog.jpg</a></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s funny all the different thoughts I have when people
talk about hearing God’s voice. I feel some mild jealousy with a bit of
bewildered thrown in. Once you add a pinch of indignant and finish it off with
a dash of skepticism it becomes a healthy stew of, “COME ON GOD, WHERE ARE YA?
DON’T YOU THINK IT’S ABOUT TIME?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
sure would help if God would speak up like with Abraham or Isaac or Jacob or
even Bob or Betty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m amazed then that I still <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel </i>called. Even without the Burning Bush moment, I ache with an
insane and masochistic draw to ministry. There is a pull and a desire and an
I-have-to-do-this notion like I’ve never experienced before. I feel like I’m sucked
into ministry and I can’t avoid it, all the while really enjoying the ride.
Maybe God knows what works on me though. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tend to be attracted to things that I only
get a hint of and God belting out a “HEY PREACHER, I HAVE A PLAN FOR YOU”
wouldn’t exactly be the mystery that I keep trying to figure out. And that’s
what this draw feels like. Every time I get pulled in a little closer, every
time I get another little whiff of God’s will, the attraction grows greater until
now I am much like Alice down the rabbit hole. I’m tumbling down God’s Will,
totally out of control. Who knew how deep it would be? Who knew it would change
what my whole world looks like?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I come to think of it like that, God best be with me in
this because this kind of surreal life changing experience is terrifying. Jesus
wasn’t joking when he said people would make fun of you. I mean my own Elders
giggle sometimes. They keep wondering which hair-brained idea I’ll bring back
from seminary next and then figure out how they’re going to get out of it after
they vote for it. My fear though is it’s only going to get worse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mrqcVkSOolmgS12NY99vB5cBl-zp6OB7p_EHtwEazn1uo6pMLnh7JaxfaChyphenhyphenbgB_jk4_wM9lLB7Voq_0sV2LpjrxtBsQtI8gkxzqwM9ue3qnC39k3aTN9fOsvghNJ0R01DgQ1UTBjKU/s1600/Alicio_en_Mirlando_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mrqcVkSOolmgS12NY99vB5cBl-zp6OB7p_EHtwEazn1uo6pMLnh7JaxfaChyphenhyphenbgB_jk4_wM9lLB7Voq_0sV2LpjrxtBsQtI8gkxzqwM9ue3qnC39k3aTN9fOsvghNJ0R01DgQ1UTBjKU/s400/Alicio_en_Mirlando_01.png" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alicio_en_Mirlando_01.png">http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alicio_en_Mirlando_01.png</a></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
See, seminary changed me. This fall down the rabbit hole is
doing something to me so that I’ve gained intensity like I’ve not had before. I
never had this desire to do something wholly, with all that I am and that’s how
I feel all the sudden. I am convinced by this seminary that the idea of all of
God’s creatures living in God ordained community is central to the Christian
faith. That <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> discipleship. Call it
liberation theology or progressive theology or don’t call it anything at all
but the result is, I’ve bought in to this way of thinking about God and Christ
and Creation and that’s what I am going to preach as best I can. I’m scared
because a lot of people don’t like that sermon. That Bible Study doesn’t always
go so well. I’ve faced it in my church so much that I’ve had my call questioned,
you know that one that I’ve never heard out loud. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But don’t you know that drew me in even more. This rabbit
hole seems bottomless now. God best be down here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-7241422219387845352013-03-03T20:07:00.001-08:002013-03-03T20:07:41.102-08:00Fr. Greg Boyle on a Podcast<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because I have the privilege of working alongside Rev. Billy Vaughan, in addition to serving as Chaplain, I am steeped in our Formation for Ministry program. I took the position of Coordinator for Formation for Ministry in addition to the chaplaincy because I believe so strongly in the program. Soon there will be a website devoted specifically to Formation for Ministry and I look forward to having the opportunity to share more in that format.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love listening to <a href="http://www.onbeing.org/">Krista Tippet and her podcast of On Being</a> and was thrilled this week when her guest was Father Greg Boyle who wrote <i>Tattoos on the Heart</i>. There are several Formation classes that have used that text in class and even if you haven't read the book, this podcast is worth a listen. I'm especially fascinated by his distinction between kinship and service. Give it a listen and feel free to engage in conversation here about it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is the link to the podcast: </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.onbeing.org/program/father-greg-boyle-on-the-calling-of-delight/5053/audio">The Calling of Delight</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-27182866480864698702013-02-25T14:37:00.003-08:002013-02-25T14:38:18.426-08:00Some thoughts on this week's lectionary texts<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is the thing that stands out to me in this week's readings: We are
gonna have to put up with a lot of crap. In the gospel lesson, Jesus
shares that weird little parable about the fig tree. The owner is fed up
with it and wants it gone, but the gardener says, "Let's try one more
year. Let's surround it with as much crap as we can and see if it will
grow under those circumstances. If it doesn't, then we will cut it
down."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Mom, if you are reading this, I am sorry for using the word crap so much. It seems better than the obvious alternative!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The question in my mind becomes about where the crap comes from. It is
this question that keeps me from using the word fertilizer. To fertilize
something sounds so lovely. It sounds so incredibly helpful and I do
understand that when the NRSV uses the phrase "<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">until
I dig around it and put manure on it" that the manure is the
fertilizer, but someone in a prayer group this morning mentioned "all
the crap we must go through in order to grow" and it just sticks with me
like a fly on, well, you know. The outcome may be growth. It may even
mean extended life on this earth, but being dug around and piled under
manure doesn't sound like a walk in the park to me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So,
is it a test? The writer of 1 Corinthians seems to think so. This is
that passage often repeated to people when they are in the most dire of
situations - "God will not test you beyond your strength." I generally
can't stand it when folks say that to me. How is it helpful to think
about a terrible situation in my life being orchestrated by God to show
me how strong I am? I'm more likely to believe that bumper sticker
phrase that I can't write here because then I'll really be in trouble
with my mother! You know the one I mean. A word that means the same as
crap or manure followed by the word "happens."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But
that leads my mind down another rabbit hole - why does "it" happen?
And, then I'm led back to the gospel where Jesus tells the people around
him that they must repent or they will perish. I can't help but wonder
from what this particular group of folks needed to repent. If we look at
the context of the words, they seem to have been trying to play the
blame game. "Well, those people were clearly the worst because that
tower fell on them. They must have been really horrible!" Or maybe it
wasn't the blame game at all. Maybe they were just trying to make some
sense out of things they witnessed that didn't seem to make any sense at
all. Like a fig tree that produces nothing or a prophet that tells us "</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
post is wandering around like I'm lost in the wilderness! Seems
appropriate on this third Sunday of Lent to do so. Crap happens.
Sometimes it happens to us. Sometimes it happens around us. Sometimes it
happens in spite of us. Bottom line is that turning toward the Christ
is the only way to survive the crap being piled on year after year after
year. And, as we wander through these 40 days of Lent, we are called to
repent, to grow, and to believe that we can do things that don't seem
to make much sense at all in the eyes of the world. Thanks be to God for
that!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-3715158166636198392012-09-12T08:10:00.004-07:002012-09-12T08:10:36.810-07:00Get Away to Pray<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Fall 2012 semester is well underway and the Chapel is open to students, faculty, staff, and visitors for prayer. A schedule of classes meeting in the chapel can be found on the south-side door. If there isn't a class using the space, come on in! Use the prayer stations provided or just sit and be present with God for a few minutes. You will be amazed at what just five minutes will do for the rest of your week!</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-21880402912439712572012-08-17T22:36:00.001-07:002012-08-17T22:36:25.432-07:00Semester Starting Soon! Convocation is September 5th<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is almost time for our Fall 2012 semester to begin. My prayer is that this year will be one in which worship continues to grow as a priority on campus. We kick our community worship services off with Opening Convocation. It will be a great way to start the school year off right.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Opening Convocation</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, preacher</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wednesday, September 5th at 11:10am</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lindenwood Christian Church </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>(across the street) in the Chapel</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Community Meal will follow in The Great Hall of Founders' Hall</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Meals are available for $6.00/person</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We know that some of you can't pay this.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We know that some of you can pay more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please pay what you can to help this ministry of community-building continue.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-22067467492851644352012-05-15T13:35:00.000-07:002012-05-15T15:04:15.540-07:00George "Duke" Williams FarewellThis is the video of the last sermon that our friend, colleague, and fellow student, George "Duke" Williams, preached. Duke lost his battle with cancer on Sunday morning, May 13th. He served as a powerful witness to us all and taught us what "dying well" really looks like.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/42230200?byline=0" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-65846184618811616012012-04-30T14:53:00.001-07:002012-04-30T14:53:12.713-07:00Prayer and Praise 4.30.12<span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">Our Community Concerns
</span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><div>
<div style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 10px;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/memphisseminary.edu/mts-intranet/mts-news/untitledpost/02_prayer.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/a/memphisseminary.edu/mts-intranet/mts-news/untitledpost/02_prayer.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Former student and employee, <b>Tonie Robinson</b>, had by-pass surgery in her leg to remove blockages. She is at home and doing well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><b>David Hilliard,</b> former interim president, received good news after a CT scan this month. New medicine is helping the prostate cancer.</span></li>
<li><b>Rev. Dr. Edward Hollenbeck</b>, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, is suffering from kidney failure.</li>
<li><b>Rev. Jonathan Clark,</b> a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, is retiring next month after many years in ministry.</li>
<li><b>Chuck Lindsey</b>, current D.Min. student, is undergoing cataract surgery.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Current student, <b>Barbara Fitzhugh</b>'s husband, <b>Johnny</b>, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing radiation treatments that seem to be helping.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><b>MTS Board</b> will meet May 11 and 12.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Our <b>Graduating students</b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">Those Grieving</span></span></span></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Dan Anderson, </b>father of <b>Dr. Barry Anderson</b>, a private grave-side service will be held on Wednesday afternoon in Fayette, Alabama.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</span><br /><br />
<div style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: medium;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prayer
and Praise is a ministry of Memphis Theological Seminary published
about once a week. In order to keep this newsletter current, items will
remain on the list for two weeks. Should you wish to submit prayer
concerns (either new or renewing), please make sure that you have the
permission of the individual before submitting it for publication.</span></i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-80920824432572686782012-03-27T18:22:00.000-07:002012-03-27T18:22:14.571-07:00Prayer and Praise 3.27.12<span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">Our Community Concerns
<div style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 10px;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/memphisseminary.edu/mts-intranet/mts-news/prayerandpraise2412/prayer3.jpg?attredirects=0"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://sites.google.com/a/memphisseminary.edu/mts-intranet/mts-news/prayerandpraise2412/prayer3.jpg?height=285&width=400" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><div>
<br /><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Current student, <b>Shirley Ostrander</b>,
is in Methodist University Hospital with an infection. She is receiving
IV antibiotics and expects to be hospitalized for a couple of weeks.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><b>Jill Westbrook</b>,
current D.Min. student, is home recovering following surgery to remove a
brain tumor which was benign, but will have a kidney ablation on March
27th to remove cancer in the kidney. If all goes according to plan, no
further treatment will be necessary.</span></li>
<li><b>Dan Anderson</b>, father of Admissions Director, <b>Barry Anderson</b>, is in the hospital. Decisions are necessary for living arrangements once he is released.</li>
<li><b>Melissa Hamblin</b>, MTS Librarian, recently had surgery on her arm.</li>
<li><b>Chuck Lindsey</b>,
current D.Min. student, recently had a heart attack and subsequent
angioplasty. There was no permanent damage and he is recovering well.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Current student, <b>Barbara Fitzhugh</b>'s husband, <b>Johnny</b>, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing radiation treatments that seem to be helping.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Long-time MTS supporters, <b>Bob and Jane Little</b>. Bob is 92 nearing life's end and Jane is home as care-giver.</span></li>
<li><b>George "Duke" Williams</b>, current student, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer with little time. He continues to attend classes as he is able.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;">Current student, <b>Todd Lemmon</b>, is home recovering after having a heart valve replaced. He is doing well.</span></li>
<li>Current student, <b>Laura Terrell</b>'s sister, <b>Mary Lucas</b>, recently underwent surgery for colon cancer at the Mayo Clinic. She is home recovering.</li>
<li><b>Mother </b>of current student, <b>Laura Todd</b>, has undergone tests and new medications.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: #741b47;">Those Grieving</span></span></span></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Neasbie </b>Alston, husband to <b>Bishop Bettye Alston</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">for the <b>nephew </b>of <b>Barbara Fitzhugh</b>, current student</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Rocky Brockwell</b>, father-in-law of current student, <b>Jason Mikel</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Lewis Hurst, </b>father of current student<b>, Elizabeth Shaw</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Chris Clark</b>, son of MTS alum, <b>Tim Clark</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">for <b>Greg Knox</b>, brother to current student, <b>Tracy Knox</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</span><br /><br />
<div style="font-family: times new roman,serif; font-size: medium;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prayer
and Praise is a ministry of Memphis Theological Seminary published
about once a week. In order to keep this newsletter current, items will
remain on the list for two weeks. Should you wish to submit prayer
concerns (either new or renewing), please make sure that you have the
permission of the individual before submitting it for publication.</span></i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-69131175272282525112011-12-01T13:04:00.001-08:002011-12-01T13:04:30.108-08:00Rev. Tiffany Hall McClung preaches in Chapel<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32988968?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/32988968">Rev. Tiffany Hall McClung 11.30.11</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user9217369">Tiffany McClung</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-66771407932045930782011-11-23T10:31:00.001-08:002011-11-23T11:02:39.927-08:00Dr. Cozette R. Garrett Preaches in ChapelBelow is the audio recording of Dr. Garrett's sermon from November 9th which picks up as she reads 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 from the New Living Translation and ends just before the ending of her sermon. Our apologies for the technical difficulties, but enjoy the bulk of this wonderful sermon here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://www.buzzsprout.com/4705/36099-dr-cozette-r-garrett.js?player=small" type="text/javascript">
</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-29301353750337992522011-11-16T20:17:00.001-08:002011-11-16T20:17:58.059-08:00Dr. Christopher Davis Preaches in Chapel<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32230636?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-23986892875921173952011-11-10T11:11:00.001-08:002011-11-10T11:11:09.783-08:00Dr. Lee Ramsey Preaches in Chapel<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31881029?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3781207747338181162.post-4996125980377966122011-09-29T12:21:00.000-07:002011-09-29T12:22:33.247-07:00WELCOME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN90bcCc5qGVjQ1nhG1U0PwMsCYOtfHpZVo2TVPKRUNNONl5LArtDQOIrQ4JWdDAE8vsK1XXRlrHIIAnnRG_c7ZQJ1f__9JKkHbouZaGLbC8d1roZsI8mbE1ZmNKYMQI4X4lymdRGKt6w/s1600/Peterson+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN90bcCc5qGVjQ1nhG1U0PwMsCYOtfHpZVo2TVPKRUNNONl5LArtDQOIrQ4JWdDAE8vsK1XXRlrHIIAnnRG_c7ZQJ1f__9JKkHbouZaGLbC8d1roZsI8mbE1ZmNKYMQI4X4lymdRGKt6w/s320/Peterson+Quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
Welcome,</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Worship in P.F. Johnson Chapel is a time set apart for the seminary
community to focus on that for which we were created. We turn our whole
attention toward God as we continue to seek to cultivate a love for
scholarship, piety, and justice. The rhythm of worship is a necessary
aspect of this Christian community to maintain health.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At Memphis Theological Seminary, we worship in the classroom, in the
hallways, and on the road as we commute. In order for each of those
places of worship to be as meaningful as they can be, we also gather to
worship in the sacred space of the chapel. Christian worship in an
ecumenical setting is especially about love. We are called to be open,
patient and generous as we strive to: find ways of worshipping together,
share the best of our own traditions, learn about other people's
traditions, and discern the patterns that we hold and create in common.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have one scheduled time of worship per week. This formal worship
service is held each Wednesday at 11:10 a.m. and lasts about an hour.
Our chapel has a two-fold purpose: to be a place where liturgy is
learned and to be a spiritually nourishing space on campus. In addition
to the planned worship service, there are prayer stations around the
chapel inviting all to enter into a time of prayer and meditation
whenever schedules allow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Mark, Jesus says, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and
rest a while." My sincere prayer is that P.F. Johnson Chapel becomes
such a place for each of us.</div>
<br />
<i>Chaplain Tiffany</i><br />
Office: F-208<br />
Phone: 901-334-5840<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12102276132008911350noreply@blogger.com