Check in with what we've been up to on the Eden campus and beyond.
Eden’s virtual choir “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child”
An Eden student tradition goes creative in the time of pandemic “Hallelujah Chorus” in the Rotunda (virtually)
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In the newest ‘I am Eden’ video, Rev. Dr. Sonja B. Williams is joined by Dakota Roberts and Christopher Taylor as they talked about Eden and Common Ground, Eden’s LGBTQ+ student group.
Our “I Am Eden” video on October 9th, 2020 featured Rev. Dr. Christopher Grundy with Rev. Dr. Deb Krause as they talked about his new book, Recovering Communion in a Violent World.
Recovering Communion in a Violent World provides a challenging examination of how the ritual practice of reenacting the violence done to Jesus in Holy Communion can shape our instincts for living. Even as it critiques this aspect of the sacrament, however, the book offers biblical alternatives for a radical renewal of the Christian meal. Grounded in a theology of resilience, this project ultimately calls the church back to riskier communion practices that refuse to reenact the violence of crucifixion, focusing instead on practices that nurture openness, generosity, and the ability to find God in the other, even in the face of violence.
The result is a scholarly exploration that is both unflinching in its critique and passionate in its argument for the place of renewed sacramental meal practices in the church’s life and ministry. In an era when world religions have come under greater scrutiny as sources of violence, this book asks readers to look squarely at the reenactment of violence that has come to narrowly define Holy Communion for so long and imagine that more radical and generous practices are possible.
View all videos from the session and more information about Global Ministries here: https://www.eden.edu/2020-schmiechen-public-lecture-on-ministry-2/
What a year of change! When we last sent this semi-annual letter in March we were encouraged, but reserved. Today, that encouragement has turned to flourishing. The class of 2020 graduated in style, even enjoying a virtual reception after the ceremony. We honored Dr. Greenhaw’s retirement in June with a celebratory online worship service. We welcomed with gusto, Dr. Deborah Krause into her new rote as Eden’s president. And, we are in the midst of embracing a fully online fall semester that embodies all the deep texture of community, chapel and courses, and contextual education that make the Eden education experience distinct.
Throughout July and August, Dr. Krause inspired the faculty and staff as we met together, reflecting on the gifts and mission of Eden Seminary in each of our three physical campuses — Marthasville, Normandy (at the Eden train stop), and Webster Groves. Faculty were re-tooling classes and contextual education sites were moving to online spaces. All the while, Eden’s admissions staff headed the process of recruiting a new class of entering students. By mid-August, Dr. Krause was exclaiming, “We are building our fourth campus – concurrent to our beautiful space in Webster Groves – our digital campus!”
It is so! 39 new students from St. Louis and from nine states from Maine to Texas are part of this year’s entering class. And, opportunities are growing exponentially for alumni, friends and congregations around the country to participate in Eden’s programming.
You are part of why Eden Seminary is flourishing. Thank you! Of course, the multiple crises in which we all live and minister still are in full swing. This makes your continued involvement more important than ever. Please join me in making a financial gift to Eden’s Annual Fund to ensure this flourishing continues.
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