Camping on the Quad April 5-7, 2024
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Camping on the Quad: The Awe and Aesthetics of Nature at Eden Theological Seminary

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 andPodcast 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:

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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

Eden Tower Illuminated in honor of Ramadan
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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 Amplify: Community Gardening: Ministry in the Soil
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This was an Eden Amplify event, a series of free seminars covering a broad range of ministry topics for clergy, congregation members and the general public. Eden Amplify is about empowering today for impact tomorrow.

This seminar focused on the importance of community gardening as a faithful way to respond to community needs, discussing both why it’s so necessary, and how to start a garden at your church or organization.

Watch full seminar here:

UCC Seminary Sunday 2024
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Eden Seminary is giving thanks for invitations from area congregations to host faculty and staff preachers for UCC Seminary Sunday, February 25th. 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.”

–Rev. Dr. Raquel S. Lettsome, Professor of New Testament and Womanist Biblical Interpretation
February 25th 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

 

50th Anniversary of the Walk Out of Faculty and Students from the Concordia Seminary
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Seminex alum Darell Golnitz presents a collection of letters and documents for placement in Eden Archives to Deb Krause on Feb. 19, 2024.

Feb. 19 was the 50th anniversary of the walk out of faculty and students from the Concordia Seminary campus leading to the creation of Concordia Seminary in Exile. Eden provided space and support after the walkout so that Seminex could continue its educational program. Additional support was provided by St. Louis University. Christ Seminary—Seminex, as it was later known, was located in St. Louis until 1983. After disbursing its faculty to other Lutheran seminaries, it dissolved in 1987 upon the merger that created the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1987.

In the background of the photo is a print depicting St. Matthew by St. Louis artist Siegried Reinhardt that is displayed on the second floor of the S.D. Press Education Center. The print was given to Eden in 1976 by the Seminex faculty in appreciation for Eden’s support and hospitality after the walkout.

Seminex president John Tietjen, who was at the time president of Concordia Seminary, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Eden in May 1973.

Eden’s Spring Convocation April 4-5, 2024
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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

 

Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Faith Forward Social Innovation
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(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’s Press Hall Tower Shines with Colors of Kwanzaa
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Eden’s Press Hall tower witnesses to the presence and mission of the Seminary.  Red, green and black lights mark the celebration of Kwanzaa, December 26 through January 1.

 This 7-night celebration of family and community honors African American and Pan-African cultures and traditions. During Kwanzaa, families and communities gather to learn, share a feast, honor the ancestors, affirm bonds, and celebrate African and African American cultures.  Kwanzaa is a reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment of human kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people’s culture.  Seven principles include umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), imani (faith).  

 Kwanzaa honors the Black Freedom Movement of the 1960s. The celebration gets its name from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwana and is rooted in first fruits celebrations found in cultures throughout Africa.  

Eden Seminary’s College Speaker Series Launches
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Eden Seminary’s College Speaker series launches with a great event at Lakeland University, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin on Monday, November 13th. Rev. Rebecca Turner, long-time Eden Contextual Education supervisor, spoke with students, faculty and the Lakeland community.  She sparked imaginations for the role of theological education and of congregations in social transformation for the common good. “Finding your Vocation for Social Justice”

Rev. Turner shared her personal story as leader of congregations and organizations active in addressing situations of immigration justice through sanctuary, reproductive rights, affordable health care, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+ rights, food sustainability and more. Her role as a supervisor in Eden’s Contextual Education program has enabled her to mentor faith-based leaders who connect with local congregations in many ways. Lakeland student dialogue during the event engaged questions of involvement now and into the future through the variety of vocational paths open to them. Palpable energy filled the room.

Thanks to Lakeland University faculty – Rev. Dr. Karl Kuhn and Rev. Dr. Julie Mavity Maddalena – for your enthusiastic support and coordinating this opportunity to connect.

The Eden Seminary College Speaker Series is part of the Network Model of Theological affirmed by the Lilly Endowment “Pathways for Tomorrow” Initiative.

Israel-Palestine Praying for Peace with Justice
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Dear Eden Students, Alumni, Congregations and Community Partners,

God’s heart breaks. We join this heartbreak.

The past weeks since the Hamas terror attacks and hostage-taking in Israel on October 7th and subsequent war on Hamas by Israel with widespread killing in Gaza have been times in the Eden Seminary community of deep grief and renewed actions for solidarity with traumatized and oppressed people.  We have seen this activated in our community and congregational networks, among alumni, and in our classes, worship life and faculty resources. We continue to pray and act for peace with justice- Just Peace.

The context of violence in Israel and Palestine is emerging as we speak. We see this not as a situation for unilateral statements that make a proclamation and move on, but for engaging in long-term deep relationships of solidarity and action. Here we share resources of the various ways and in various voices the Eden community is about that work.

With many people of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith traditions, Eden Seminary reads our sacred texts to hold that the Sovereign God of all creation intends peace for the world. Just Peace – that comprehensive condition of economy, society, and culture in which the earth’s ample provision of resources is sufficient for the thriving of all people and creation. We grieve that the world God has made for peace, we have refashioned for war. It is in this context that we recommit to the work of Just Peace.

As a school of contextual teaching and learning, this moment matters. You, in Eden’s networks, classes, worship life are reflecting, preaching, praying, studying, and organizing.  Eden’s curriculum goal to support commitments and build skills for interfaith collegiality seems particularly urgent in resisting the religious nationalism and extremism undergirding this violence.

Eden students are thinking theologically about the Israel-Gaza crisis in classes.  In Professor Raquel Lettsome’s course Introduction to Bible,  students are engaging how Christians misinterpret and interpret the stories of  Israel’s Exodus and return from Babylon in ways that perpetuate violence and work for peace. Professor Sonja B. William’s Social Ethics students are examining their ethical positions and exploring how they put them into action.

In addition to teaching courses, Eden faculty are offering resources from the experience of various academic fields in the context of worship, teaching, and ministry.

Additionally, Eden alumni, church and community partners are active.

  • The Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City attacked on October 19th is a partner of Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church Disciples of Christ and to other churches in Eden’s community and to the World Council of Churches. Attacks on other partners, including the St. Pophyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza spark grief and condemnation. News and Resources here
  • Leaders in many denominations of which Eden alumni, students and communities are part have signed a letter led by prominent Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Arab-American groups. The statement condemns all violence against civilians by Hamas and the Israeli military. Read Full Letter Here 
    The letter urges U.S. policy makers to:

    • Publicly call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life;
    • Prioritize the protection of all civilians, including by urgently securing the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza and working to secure the release of hostages; and
    • Urge all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.
  • An interfaith text study group with St. Louis Christian and Jewish leaders met this week and is gathering monthly on the Eden campus.
  • “Just Peace” principles frame responses with the potential to make holistic and long-term change through the Just Peace hallmarks of (a) Friendship (b) Justice (c) Common security from Violence. Eden alum, Rev. Chip Jahn, emphasizes the efficacy of “non-traditional actors” including churches for Just Peace. His experience in war in Sri Lanka offers action steps in the current situation of conflict. Just Peace Principles and Story here.
  • U.S. Congresswoman, Corie Bush (MO 1st District) who received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Eden Seminary in 2022, introduced a resolution to the House of Representatives calling for an immediate de-escalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine. Resolution Here 

We pray:
“Holy and Merciful One,
In the face of evil
In the midst of terror
In the wake of trauma
In the shadow of unspeakable violence
We pray to you for the capacity to pray for peace.

Peace for people in Israel
Peace for people in Gaza
Peace for people all round this violent and shaken world.
In your sovereign, creative, and restoring purpose- Holy One- may it be so”
-Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, President, Eden Theological Seminary, October 13, 2023-