Praxis

Bible Survey Courses Begin in 2008

2008-05-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

This summer we begin our three year cycle of Bible survey courses beginning with NT I: Gospels (Date and Instructor TBA) and OT I: Pentateuch on July 26th, which will be taught by Fr Ken Richards.

After each course, our students have filled out surveys commenting on aspects of the curriculum and instruction that were helpful, or not. Consistently over the past several Bible Survey courses, our students noted that they found the Kerygma series to be too superficial. As a result, our instructors were supplementing the Kerygma materials to such an extent that they were not really being used by the end of the third year. Therefore, beginning this year, we will no longer use the Kerygma curriculum. In order to simplify book purchasing, we are requiring the following four books for the entire three year program:

INSIDE THE BIBLE - An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible, by Kenneth Baker, Ignatius Press, 1998

OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, by Paul House, InterVarsity Press (IVP), 1998

THE WRITINGS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT - An Interpretation, by Luke Timothy Johnson, Fortress Press, 1999 [Note: the most recent edition comes with a searchable CD Rom]

TYNDALE BIBLE DICTIONARY, Edited by Walter Ewell & Philip Comfort, Tyndale House Publishers, 2001

Note: Instructors may also require some additional reading in the way of supplemental articles.

A syllabus will be offered for each course. However, the readings will correspond to the following list of courses:

OT-I Introduction to OT and the Pentateuch
OT-II Historical Books
OT-III Wisdom Literature and Poetry
OT-IV Major Prophets
OT-V Minor Prophets and Deuterocanonical Writings

NT-I Introduction to NT and the Gospels
NT-II Acts of the Apostles
NT-III Pauline Epistles
NT-IV Pastoral Epistles and Hebrews
NT-V Catholic Epistles and Revelation

Bishop Iker's Sermon at the Chrism Mass

2008-03-20T10:58:00.001-07:00

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

During the course of about eighteen years as a parish priest in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, I attended many ordinations, perhaps as many as four to six a year. And it was the custom in that diocese at the beginning of the service for the bishop to have a priest stand up and read to the congregation assembled the Preface to the Ordination Rites found on page 510 of the Prayer Book. (Don’t go looking for it now!) It was read as a way of stating before the service began what our church understood about what we were about to do in ordaining a deacon or a priest. It begins with these words, “The Holy Scriptures and the ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostle’s time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” And then it goes on to briefly summarize the essence of what a bishop is, what a priest is, and what a deacon is.

Part of the awesomeness of this service today is that all three orders are present here at one time and place to renew and reaffirm the sacred vows which each of us took when we were ordained. And I want to simply begin with the reminder that the first theme of what we do today is “continuity and fidelity.” Continuity and fidelity. We promise to continue the apostolic ministry of Word and Sacrament as we have received it from the New Testament Church. We promise to be faithful to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them. The Preface then goes on to state, “It is also recognized and affirmed that the three-fold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” In other words, at each ordination we were reminded that neither the Episcopal Church, nor indeed the world-wide Anglican Communion, owns in any sense, or possesses in any sense these three-fold orders of ministry. We have received them from the apostolic Tradition of the catholic Church. They are not ours. That is to say, we cannot add to, nor can we subtract from, the giveness of the Apostolic Succession. We can’t vote in conventions to alter what we have received by the ordinance of Christ and the apostles. It belongs to Him, not to us. We can only continue in fidelity to that which we have received and assure that we hand it on intact, unchanged, undiminished, unblemished, to those who shall succeed us. It is an awesome thing and a great privilege, my brothers and sisters, to do what you and I are doing today. There is nothing “ho-hum” about it. It is an exciting and challenging time to serve as a bishop, or priest, or deacon in God’s Church today. [the sermon continues]

...continued here

Completing Coursework

2008-01-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

One of the great advantages to students of San Joaquin Schools for Ministry (SJSM) is the opportunity for students to participate in a formation program that is more flexible than one might experience in a residential seminary. This is especially true for those who are juggling between full time jobs, family and ministry.

However, I have recently become aware that there are some students who are taking advantage of this flexibility in a way that conflicts with our goals for academic formation. Specifically, it has come to my attention that some students have not completed assignments in certain courses. While there are various reasons why this might happen, it is important that students understand the ramifications of incomplete coursework.

The most common misunderstanding is regarding audited courses. Students enrolled through SJSM, who are also in formation for Holy Orders, MUST complete ALL assignments whether or not they are taking the class for credit or audit. Regardless of whether you are in formation for the diaconate or the priesthood, whether you are in an accredited or non-accredited formation program, all assignments must be completed according to the course syllabus. This is true for online coursework, also. [Note: All online coursework must be approved by the dean of SJSM, and/or the Commission on Ministry (COM) prior to taking the course. And, a process of academic accountability for auditing those courses must also be approved.]

Auditing is offered to those in diaconal formation in order to relieve the financial burden of the courses NOT to relieve the academic burden of completing the coursework. Those in formation for the priesthood may only audit with prior approval (usually due to financial considerations) and always with the understanding that the coursework must be satisfied.

Please be aware that prior to ordination the registrar and dean of SJSM are required to make a report and recommendation to the Commission on Ministry stating that all coursework has been completed. Be advised that no such final report and recommendation will be offered to COM for students with incomplete courses, including audited courses.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me.

Fr Van McCalister
Dean

Theory and Practice of the Diaconate

2007-12-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Theory and Practice of the Diaconate will be offered on January 12, 2008 from 9AM – 5PM at the Diocesan conference room and the Chapel of the Holy Innocents. This course has a new syllabus and deals with different material than the class has in the past. Previously, Bishop Schofield taught the class and offered similar instruction during the ordinands' pre-ordination retreat. In order to provide wider exploration of diaconal ministry, SJSM is introducing a revised course. Bishop Schofield will still be offering his pre-ordination retreat, so that the diaconal students will have the advantage of both courses.

This course will be taught by Fr Van McCalister, Archdeacon Tom Magitti and Deacon Madeline Burton

Required texts
"Deacons and the Church" by John N Collins (Morehouse)
"Many Servants - An Introduction to Deacons" by Ormonde Plater (Crowley)
"Deacons in the Liturgy" by Ormonde Plater

Reading Assignments (prior to class)
Acts chs 6, 7 & 8
Acts 21.8
Philippians 1.1
1 Timothy
Titus
James 1:27
1 Peter 1:1 – 2:12
“Deacons and the Servant Myth” by Anthony Gooley (article posted on DioNet SJSM Conference)
"Holy Orders" - two articles from "The Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship" (posted on DioNet)
Lesser Feasts & Fasts – Vincent [1-22], Alcuin [5-22], Ephrem [6-18], Laurence [8-10], Francis [10-4], Stephen [12-26] (posted on DioNet)
BCP 396-399; 406-409; 537-555
Bishop’s Customary on Deacons (posted on DioNet)
"Deacons and the Church" by John N Collins
"Deacons in the Liturgy" by Ormonde Plater

Written Assignments (to be turned in on class date)
(1) Prepare three (or more) questions regarding diaconal ministry to be asked of deacons, in class.
(2) Write a two-page paper on the six deacons listed above. Compare and contrast their ministries. Which of these deacons most inspires you and why? Be prepared to present in class.

PRAXIS

2007-12-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Fr Rob Eaton submitted the "winning" name for the San Joaquin Schools for Ministry newsletter. His explanation follows:

How about the word "PRAXIS"?

That would be the Greek word used for the book we call Acts (of the Apostles), which we hope graduates will follow, and it is from Acts (Praxis) that we have derived one of the "baptismal vows", from Acts 2.

An excellent description (granted with an Eastern Orthodox perspective) can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praxis_(Orthodox)

A quote that uses the word itself and also refers specifically to ministry office would be Romans 12.4, and although an incomplete thought in the verse alone, the larger context shows that all Christians, both lay and ordained have a "function". So also SJSM is not limited to those on the ordination track. Acts 19:18 uses the word, too, but in this context shows that not all "practices" are good ones, thus the need for Christian education, training, and formation. The word is found in Colossians 3:10, which refers to the transformative nature of Christ which requires "true knowledge"; praxis is used to refer to the practices that differentiate the old man from the new man.

Thank you Fr Rob!

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN FRESNO

2007-12-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN FRESNO: Fr. Sam Vongsanit has an urgent need for someone to teach and encourage his young teens through post high school members at St. Martin of Tours in Fresno. These second generation Lao-Americans want to be taught in English, and thirst for basic knowledge of the Bible, the Christian faith, and the Church. Fr. Sam envisions that while he is ministering to his adult members on Sunday mornings, one or more others might join him by ministering to his teens and young adults for approx 2 hrs with Bible Study, prayer and some worship. He has more requests from this age group than he has time to respond. You can help change lives for Christ! Please contact Fr. Sam as soon as possible at 559-439-5011. Cell: 559-824-0903 or: vongsanit@juno.com

Church, Ministry & Sacraments

2007-09-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

First Session—September 14-15
Second Session—October 12-13
Third Session—November 9-10

Instructor – Fr Dan Martins. The course traces the biblical and theological roots of the Church, the ministries of the Church, and the role of the sacraments. The course will consider issues of church identity, government, discipline, canon law, the history and theology of the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, and the orders of ministry.

The class will be held in the California Room at MBBS. All students must be registered with MBBS and SJSM, prior to attending class.

The syllabus for this course is posted at http://www.sjoaquin.net/courses.htm

For more information, contact SJSM registrar, Kelsey Stewart: kelseykay@aol.com

Feasts, Wisdom, Prophets & Deuterocanonical Literature.

2007-07-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

August 4: OT-V

Instructor - Fr Ken Richards. The Required texts for this course are: Old Testament Theology by Paul House, IVP 1998; Kerygma: Discovering the Bible, Resource Book by Kenneth Clark, available at www.kerygma.com (see link). Or by calling 1-800-Kerygma ($28.50), The Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Elwell & Comfort; Inside the Bible, an Introduction to Each Book of the Bible by Kenneth Baker. A modern translation study Bible is strongly recommended for all of the biblical studies courses. The syllabus for this course is posted at www.sjoaquin.net. The study questions are posted on the Dionet SJSM conference, Syllabi folder.

This class will meet from 9AM to 3PM in the Conference room at Diocesan House in Fresno. Other than the cost of the books, this course is free of charge and it is open to anyone who would like to take it. Anyone planning to take the course, please register with Kelsey Stewart at kelseykay@aol.com to ensure space and resources.

Links are available to SJSM and Kerygma on the “Links” bar on this blog.

Note: this is the last course utilizing the Kerygma format. Beginning Spring 2008, SJSM will introduce a revised curriculum for the Biblical Studies Courses.

Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit

2007-07-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Natural History Museum Exhibit:
June 29 - December 31, 2007

"The San Diego Natural History Museum's exhibition Dead Sea Scrolls is the largest, longest, most comprehensive ever assembled in any country. Spanning two floors and 12,000 square feet, 27 Dead Sea Scrolls - 10 exhibited for the first time ever - will be on display over the course of the exhibition.

The six-month exhibition brings together materials never before exhibited together: Dead Sea Scrolls from Israel and Jordan reunited for the first time in sixty years, never-before-exhibited ancient Hebrew codices from the Russian National Library, medieval manuscripts from the British National Library, and stunning modern interpretations of the texts. Tracing the scrolls and their meaning through time, the exhibition connects the ancient world to the modern.

The Dead Sea Scrolls - objects of great mystery, intrigue and significance - are widely acknowledged to be among the greatest archaeological treasures ever discovered. Learn more about the history of the scrolls here."

- Excerpt from http://www.sdnhm.org/scrolls/index.html

See this fascinating video on the Dead Sea Scrolls: Video

Deacon’s Retreat at E.C.C.O

2007-06-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

September 7-8, 2007

A SERVANT’S HEART

Retreat Speaker: Ruth Crow

Mrs. Ruth Crow has been a teacher for most of her life, but the focus of her teaching changed dramatically thirty years ago after she experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit. She has been active in the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Episcopal Church since the 1980s. During the years she lived in the San Francisco Bay area, God called upon Ruth to become a Bible teacher, intercessor, Cursillo leader, conference speaker, retreat guide, and encourager of the saints.

She now lives in Eugene, Oregon, where she continues her various ministries, which have expanded to include tutoring dyslexic children, working with homeless people at “The Last Resort,” and participating in the life of Hosannah Christian Fellowship.

She is the mother of two grown children, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of two boys.

The retreat begins on Friday September 7th at 5PM at ECCO and concludes Saturday afternoon with lunch. Please call ECCO to make your reservations: 559.683.8162 or e-mail to ecco@sierratel.com

The Retreat Leader is Fr Ken Richards: (559) 299-3493 or e-mail kdrichards@sbcglobal.net

Prophets, Exile and Return

2007-06-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

July 14: OT-IV

Instructor - Fr. Simon Howson. The Required texts for this course are: Old Testament Theology by Paul House, IVP 1998; Kerygma: Discovering the Bible, Resource Book by Kenneth Clark, available at www.kerygma.com (see link). Or by calling 1-800-Kerygma ($28.50). A modern translation study Bible is strongly recommended for all of the biblical studies courses. The syllabus and study questions for this course are posted at http://www.sjoaquin.net/courses.htm and on the Dionet, SJSM Conference. The class will be held in the St James' Cathedral Library. Please register for the class with Kelsey Stewart at (559) 226-8304 or kelseykay@aol.com

ORDINATIONS - June 23, 2007

2007-06-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

God willing, Donald Cleave, Jack Faucett, Paul Hensley and Frances Levy will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at 2PM on Saturday June 23rd, being the Eve of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, at Saint James Cathedral. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: Alb and Red Stole

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PREVENTION TRAINING

2007-06-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

"Safeguarding God's Children" will be held on June 23rd from 9AM to Noon at the Saint James Community Center class rooms. This training is required for all students in formation for Holy Orders - both diaconal and presbyter. The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training is also required for all priests, deacons and youth workers, who have not received the training within the last five years.

Please confirm your attendance with June Waltenberger at 1(800) 498-4159, (559) 244-4828, june@sjoaquin.net. Fr Van McCalister will be the instructor. Note: this training is scheduled at this time in order to make it possible for SJSM students to attend the diaconal ordination afterwards, at 2PM.

ALSO, FOR THOSE IN THE NORTHERN DEANERIES of the diocese, Mr Jan Wysong will be conducting a session of Safeguarding God's Children on August 11, 2007 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon at St. Paul's, Modesto. Please confirm your attendance with Barbara Poth at Saint Paul’s Church: (209) 522-3267 or bpoth@sbcglobal.net.

ANTI-RACISM FORUM?

2007-06-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

If you are a student of SJSM in formation for Holy Orders and have not yet completed the Anti-Racism training, as required by Title III, please contact Fr van McCalister (van@sjoaquin.net or 559.244.4828) to schedule that training – immediately following the SMPT on June 23rd.

Summer and Fall 2007

2007-05-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

San Joaquin Schools for Ministry (SJSM) have courses designed for the formation of those who are studying to become deacons or priests. However, the courses that we offer are open to anyone who has an interest. These courses are also open to priests, deacons and lay ministers who need continuing education units.

This summer, SJSM is offering three courses, which will complete the three year cycle of studies for the Old and New Testaments:

June 16: NT-V Catholic Epistles and Revelation.

Instructor - Mr. Carl Cline. The required texts for this course are: The Writings of the New Testament (revised Ed.) by Luke Timothy Johnson; Kerygma-Discovering the Bible Resource Book by Kenneth Clark , available at www.kerygma.com (see link). Or by calling 1-800-Kerygma ($28.50). A modern translation study Bible is strongly recommended for all of the biblical studies courses. The syllabus for this course is posted at http://www.sjoaquin.net/courses.htm

July 14: OT-IV Prophets, Exile and Return.

Instructor - TBA. The Required texts for this course are: Old Testament Theology by Paul House, IVP 1998; Kerygma: Discovering the Bible, Resource Book by Kenneth Clark, available at www.kerygma.com (see link). Or by calling 1-800-Kerygma ($28.50). A modern translation study Bible is strongly recommended for all of the biblical studies courses. The syllabus for this course is posted at http://www.sjoaquin.net/courses.htm

August 4: OT-V Feasts, Wisdom, Prophets and Deuterocanonical Literature.

Instructor - Fr Ken Richards. The Required texts for this course are: Old Testament Theology by Paul House, IVP 1998; Kerygma: Discovering the Bible, Resource Book by Kenneth Clark, available at www.kerygma.com (see link). Or by calling 1-800-Kerygma ($28.50), The Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Elwell & Comfort; Inside the Bible, an Introduction to Each Book of the Bible by Kenneth Baker. A modern translation study Bible is strongly recommended for all of the biblical studies courses. The syllabus for this course is posted soon at www.sjoaquin.net.

Links are available to SJSM and Kerygma on the “Links” bar on this blog.

The next course in our Anglican Studies courses, Church, Ministry & Sacraments will be presented this fall:

Church Ministry & Sacraments
First Session—September 14-15
Second Session—October 12-13
Third Session—November 9-10

Instructor – Fr Dan Martins. The course traces the biblical and theological roots of the Church, the ministries of the Church, and the role of the sacraments. The course will consider issues of church identity, government, discipline, canon law, the history and theology of the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, and the orders of ministry.

The syllabus for this course is posted at http://www.sjoaquin.net/courses.htm

Under Construction

2007-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

We Need a Title!

Dear SJSM Students,

I am assembling the template for this online newsletter for SJSM. The newsletter needs a title and a text of Scripture as a theme for the newsletter. Please submit suggestions for the newsletter title and a text of Scripture that would act as a sort of mission statement for the newsletter/school to me at van@sjoaquin.net Please write "SJSM Newsletter" in the subject line.

The newsletter will be published in a "blog" format. So, it will be interactive, allowing students/instructors to add comments to each article. The intent of which is to encourage ideas, suggestions, share experiences and ask questions in a way that will benefit everyone involved in the schools. The newsletter will be linked to the SJSM page of the diocesan website so that it will be easy to find. Students and instructors are encouraged to submit articles, stories, photos and topics for the newsletter. Kelsey and I are also working on a FAQ page for the SJSM website. If you have a general question that would be relevant to others, please send us your questions. What would you like to see built into our website and newsletter?

Kelsey recently pointed me to an excellent resource titled, "A Short Summary of What Candidates Ought to Know in Each of the Seven Canonical Areas" from the TEC ministry development website. We have posted that summary on the "Vocations" page at http://www.sjoaquin.net/canonical_exams.htm. The Vocations page link is listed in the "Links" list in the column to the left.

I hope that the website and newsletter will be a valuable resource and look forward to your comments and suggestions.

(By the way, you can write/read public comments, questions or suggestions at the "comments" link below)

Yours in Christ,

Fr Van McCalister