Conne ions. Looking to the Future. Celebrating with Song. Board of Governors Report Asian Centre Update Student/Alumni News

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1 Conne ions knox college Faith Matters. volume 18, issue 1 winter 2011 Looking to the Future Celebrating with Song also: Board of Governors Report Asian Centre Update Student/Alumni News

2 principal s message A Powerful Vision for the Christian Life Dorcas Gordon A new year and with it a transition to a new term, a telling reminder of the passing of time chronos (chronological time) and kairos (God s time) both central to how we live our lives and carry out our calling. One describes the passing of minutes, and hours and the seasons of the year, while the other reminds us that these markers are part of a deeper concept of life lived in Christ: time lived within time. For many of us today, chronological time appears troubling. If we are honest, we wonder, if but a little, whether or not the foundations of our hope have been knocked out from under us. We are worried in the present and fearful for the future. At Knox, such anxiety usually takes form in the question: what does it mean in these times to prepare leaders for The Presbyterian Church in Canada? This is a critical question for us, yet as Principal I tend to reframe it. As we prepare students for ministry, it seems to me that another question to ask is: what difference would it make to Canadian society if Knox College did not exist? Not surprisingly, my answer is a tremendous amount! Why? We are part of a tradition that has a powerful vision for understanding and living the Christian life in a changing context. It includes many commitments, not the least of which is the ongoing renewal of Christian vision the willingness and courage to reinterpret old wisdom for new contexts: Reformed yet always reforming. This vision is about extending God s grace, given so freely to us, to all in our communities. It is about working with other Christian denominations and other faith traditions working ecumenically to foster fullness of life for all here in Canada and around the world. From the beginning, the PCC has made an important contribution to the well-being of Canada, from schools to hospitals, to social services where hungry people are fed, homeless given shelter, strangers welcomed and the vulnerable protected. Because of our commitment to the biblical witness, we have been led to ask difficult, probing questions, about the kind of political, economic and social structures needed to ensure the well-being of all. Together these form an ecology, a way of being in the world, a way of speaking and living within our society that gives shape to our belief and action. This is who we are. Yes, we have done great things and we have made mistakes along the way. The prophet Jeremiah sums up this commitment so well. The Israelites are in captivity in Babylon. They are a fearful, dispirited people how can they sing the Lord s song in a strange land? Sounds familiar, doesn t it! How could they live as covenant people without Jerusalem, without the temple! Listen to what Jeremiah says: build houses and live in them, plant gardens.seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile; pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your own. God s grace, God s hope is present in Babylon. It is within you, says Jeremiah. Live it fully in community with those around you. We have Presbyterian churches in villages, towns and cities all across Canada. As a seminary that prepares leaders we seek to plant within our students a vision that places them in the thick of these communities prepared to live out God s grace in the midst of all the messiness, all the challenges, the joys and the hardships of our communities. After all we are The Presbyterian Church in Canada! Surely this is a vision worth striving for to be fully alive where God has placed us because God s grace is alive within us. Someone much wiser than I said recently that a compelling religious vision cannot survive disembodied from religious forms that ground that vision, a place that encourages the past to dialogue with the present in order that new meaning, a renewed vision emerges. This is what we commit to be at Knox College a place where the past and future connect, the place where our present anxiety is being worked out in a transformative vision! For me it is a vision in which hope remains strong as time unfolds within time. In Christian friendship, Dorcas Gordon Principal Look for the Korean translation of the Principal s Message on page 17 and the Chinese translation on page connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

3 Conne ions Faces volume 18, issue 1 winetr 2011 Conne ions knox college Faith Matters. volume 18, issue 1 winter 2011 up front Looking Forward to Convocation 2011 The Board of Governors is pleased to announce this year s recipients for the Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa. see story page 6 Looking to the Future Celebrating with Song also: Board of Governors Report asian Centre Update Student/alumni News Many gather to participate in Knox College s annual Advent Service Photo by Marie Ainey ConneXions is published twice per year for graduates and friends of Knox College and knoxfra (Knox Former Residents Association). We welcome news of grads, friends and former residents and your comments and suggestions. For address changes, please include the mailing portion of ConneXions with your correspondence. Please send comments and change of address to: The Development Office Knox College 59 St. George Street Toronto, ON M5S 2E6 Tel: Fax: knox.college@utoronto.ca Visit Knox on the Internet at Knox College respects your privacy. We do not rent, trade or sell our mailing lists. If you do not wish to receive this publication, please contact us at or knox.college@utoronto.ca. Knox College is a Theological College of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, federated with the University of Toronto, and a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology. As a seminary of the Reformed tradition, it has ecumenical relationships with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the World Council of Churches, The Canadian Council of Churches, as well as partnerships with various seminaries in the global community. Knox holds its accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools. Photo Credits: Marie Ainey, Lelia Fry, Michelle Kim, Pippin Lee, Lina Ling, Terry Ting, Joyce Wong Special thanks to Helen Cheung, Wan-Kit Keng, and Nam Soon Song. In this issue Q&A with The Rev. Dr. Bradley McLean In whatever ways God will call us in the future, faithfulness will certainly require us to find new ways to dialogue with those who are different from us, and to capture the imagination of youth. see story page 9 Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Version Join us in April and May as Knox College explores the history of one of the most influential books in the English-speaking world. see ad on page 5 Principal s Message...2 Campus Life Highlights...4 Alumni/ae News...5 Board Convener s Message...7 Faculty News...9 KEGA and KNOXFRA Updates...10 KCA and M&T Updates...11 Asian Centre Update Principal s Message in Translation Calendar of Events...19 knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 3

4 Campus Life: Highlights of Recent Events at Knox College On Wednesday, December 1st, 2010, the season of Advent was celebrated in the Knox College Chapel. Those assembled participated in an evening of carol singing and lessons delivered by Faculty, staff, students and residents. The Toronto Taiwanese Presbyterian Church choir and soloists lent their musical talents to the service, enhancing the spirit of the season for all. 4 Principal Gordon leads the procession to Convocation Hall connexions winter 2011 Weeks of preparation and hard work by alumni, students and staff resulted in a successful book sale. Held November 22 25, 2010 in the Dining Hall, the event raised close to $9,000. Proceeds of the sale are shared between the Caven Library, the M&T Society and the College. The College wishes to extend special thanks to The Rev. John Henderson and The Rev. Noel Gordon for their dedication and leadership in making this event possible. Faith Matters. knox college

5 knox ALUMNI/AE NEWS A letter from Oxford... Over the past couple of months, there were a few times I caught my mind drifting. As a new doctoral student, a wandering mind could be problematic on any productivity scale. I should be constantly thinking about scholarly methodologies, debates in biblical scholarship, the finer nuances of Classical Hebrew grammar, or the endless stack of unread books on my desk. But sometimes, as I walk around my new surroundings, Mr. Tumnus dances through my head. Sometimes I swear that the trees are swaying like they do in Middle Earth. Other times in a park or meadow, I am tempted to seek adventure and look for an extraordinary rabbit hole. Perhaps letting one s mind adrift into another world is part of the experience of graduate school but it certainly applies to a place like Oxford. Everywhere I go, I see shades of the past buildings erected in the Phil Yoo in subfusc on Matriculation Day, Michaelmas Term seventeenth-century, people enjoying a lazy afternoon punting on the Rivers Cherwell and Isis (Thames), pubs frequented by literary giants of the past and today s students wearing the same academic dress as their predecessors from long ago. Every day, I am walking (really, scurrying) my way through history and every day, I am trying to soak it all in. Thankfully, I have three full years (if I want to ensure that my supervisor remains satisfied with me) to perfect the Oxford comma in my dissertation, explore all of the narrow alleyways, and experience an academic tradition that is now running an unparalleled eight hundred years. Phil Yoo Phil graduated from Knox College with a Master of Divinity in After Knox, he completed the Master of Sacred Theology at Yale and is a first-year Doctor of Philosophy student in Hebrew Bible at Oriel College, Oxford. He is a member of St. Timothy Presbyterian Church, a candidate for ordination to Minister of Word and Sacrament, and would like to thank the Faculty and College for their support of his studies through the Postgraduate Fellowship Award. these words in your ears: Celebrating the 400 th Year of the King James Version Join us April 28 and May 26 as we explore the history of one of the most influential books in the English-speaking world. enjoy lectures presented by knox faculty: Plotting and Piety: The Tumultuous World of King James I From Scrolls to Scriptures: The Old Testament The event will include a trip to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library to view editions from the Middle Ages to present day. For full event information visit our website knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 5

6 knox NEWS Doctor of Divinity Recepients Announced At the 167th Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, Knox College will award honorary degrees to three outstanding individuals who exemplify critical aspects of the mission and purpose of the College. This year s recipients for the Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, are: The Rev. Karen Bach The University of Toronto s first Ecumenical Chaplain, The Rev. Karen Bach is a second career minister who has made urban ministry her calling. While studying at Knox College, she saw a need for a ministry presence on campus and worked to develop the Ecumenical Chaplaincy serving both the United and Presbyterian churches. She was also integrally involved in the building and design of the University s Multi-Faith Centre. In 2002, Karen was appointed Director of the Evergreen Centre of the Yonge Street Mission in Toronto. Identifying a need for greater pastoral support of youth on the streets, she developed programs including special care and support, addiction services, art therapy as well as employment and mentoring services. Karen became the Missions Program/ Ministry Officer in 2009 where she now works with the CEO to expand the Mission beyond the downtown core and shift its focus to community development and transformation. Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin Rector of the Seminario Evangelico de Teologia (SET) at Matanzas, Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin is an international Presbyterian leader with an established relationship with The Presbyterian Church in Canada. He has been instrumental in the organization of the Inter-Cultural exchange between the Seminary and Knox College, providing logistical support, fundraising assistance and leadership in lectures. In addition to his work at the Seminary in Matanzas, Reinerio has served as President of the Cuban Council of Churches, giving significant leadership to the ecumenical and interfaith community in Cuba. In that role and continuing on in his present one, he has strengthened the relationship between the Cuban government and the church, enabling people of different faiths to practice freely. Reinerio holds a Th.D. from the University of Tubingen and a Ph.D. from the University of Havana. He teaches both at SET and at the University of Havana. The Rev. Cheol Soon Park Moderator of the 134th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The Rev. Cheol Soon Park has the distinction of being the first Moderator of Korean descent in the history of the denomination. Born in Korea and the second son of a Presbyterian minister, Cheol Soon moved to Canada in 1983 to study theology at Knox College. He was called to Toronto Korean Presbyterian Church and served as minster there for 18 years before accepting a position at the Korean Vancouver Church. In addition to his congregational duties, Cheol Soon has been a member of the national committees on Church Doctrine and Evangelism, worked with the Council of the Centre for Asian-Canadian Theology and Ministry at Knox College and was the Clerk of Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca. He served on the Board of Governors of Knox College for two years before moving to Vancouver. He was instrumental in encouraging the translation of Living Faith and the Book of Forms into Korean. All are invited to attend Knox College s convocation ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Convocation Hall, the University of Toronto, 31 King s College Circle. Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin will deliver the Convocation Address, Beyond Church Walls. Visiting Toronto this summer and need a place to stay? Knox offers short-term and long-term accommodations in the heart of the city. Single rooms (double rooms upon request) are available with shared washrooms from May 13 to August 26. For more information, contact us: (416) knox.residence@utoronto.ca or visit our website: 6 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

7 Message from the Convener of the Board Challenging the Status Quo Dr. Stephanie Ling Convener of the Board, Knox College Our direction this year is clear and bold; our strategic plan will enable us to move ahead in multiple directions and layers. As the New Year unfolds, the Board of Governors at Knox College continues to explore new possibilities of reframing the way we understand how theological education needs to be taught and experienced in our current world culture. Because faith matters, Knox College is finding ways to shift the Canadian theological landscape rather than wait to be shaped by it. Our redefined governance structure, values and identity benchmarks provide a strong drive for us to move towards a position of transformative sustainability, so that our strengths can be perpetuated while embracing more relevant ways to engage with the needs of our growing community. We recognize that this is a process and not an end result since the social fabric around us is continuously emerging in different patterns and textures. These challenging possibilities were highlighted at the Board s October retreat when Dan Aleshire, the Executive Director of ATS, presented a snapshot of the theological cultural changes in North America. As the Board spent some time critically reflecting on its own position in light of this presentation, we were affirmed in the direction that we were already taking for the College. We also learned that we need to sustain our identity as an institutional place holder for preparing men and women for ministry; to uncover more innovative ways of engaging with the youth and lay ministries; to recognize how we can obtain ongoing evidence of achievement and last but not least, to transform our own culture of philanthropy. Our direction this year is clear and bold; our strategic plan will enable us to move ahead in multiple directions and layers. To heighten the significance of faith in our global society, it is evident that we must secure professionally skilled Faculty who can model ways of integrating faith in both public and private life. Our transformative approach is not to add more programs but to explore ways in which to creatively merge them in order to develop a synergy with the emergence of globalization. Our voice needs to be heard more widely in the public realm so that change can take place throughout all layers of society. How well this continues to be done is being reflected in our ATS self study as part of our reaccrediting process. This self analysis has revealed how systematic transformation can take place while sustaining what Knox does well. Our culture of philanthropy is also emerging in a new context and has reached another level of understanding the importance of regular financial gifting. Under the leadership of our Development Department, the Board and the Knox College community are rising to the challenge of providing a much stronger financial base that can be used to initiate and support the critical ways that demonstrate how faith matters to everyone and at all times. The endowment of our proposed Faculty Chairs is vital to realizing this goal as well as sustaining our physical site which is our faith oasis in the middle of the city. With this renewed culture of synergy, we look forward to great things unfolding in the months ahead. Respectfully, Dr. Stephanie Ling, Convener Board of Governors knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 7

8 knox NEWS continuing education: Caring for the Congregation On October 6, 2010, The Charles H. MacDonald Memorial Lecture was given by Dr. Marilyn Craven where she explored the connections between mental health and ministry with those gathered to better equip clergy to care for congregations. Dr. Craven, Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, offered that clergy play a role of equal importance to health care workers in supporting those in distress. Ministers can be viewed as front line workers due to the fact that many of those suffering from mental illness will often turn to them first. But, given the lack of formal training to recognize mental health issues, many ministers feel unprepared to deal with them effectively. Dr. Craven believes that clergy could improve the level of support they provide by becoming better informed about mental health issues, educating their congregations on the subject, promoting recovery and normalcy, and creating a network with the community agencies that provide services and assistance. The Charles H. McDonald Memorial Lectureship was established by members of the family who envisioned it as a forum to share and celebrate innovative work in congregations or the contribution of individual Christians to society. Dr. Margret Henderson, a member of the family, felt Dr.Craven gave not only an excellent lecture but is a wonderful example of an individual Christian contributing to society. She was a most engaging presenter who easily communicated her deep commitment to her field, she said. Dr. Craven has worked to improve the delivery of mental health care in the primary care setting and has been recognized for her extraordinary vision and leadership in advancing mental health care in Canada. Knox College s 167 th Convocation Wednesday, May 11, :30 p.m. Convocation Hall, University of Toronto keynote speaker: Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin Beyond Church Walls Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) to be conferred on The Rev. Karen Bach, Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin, The Rev. Cheol Soon Park pre-convocation workshop Everyone Welcome! Politics and the Church with Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin Wednesday, May 11, :00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Knox College Principal Dorcas Gordon, Dr. Marilyn Craven and Dr. Margaret Henderson at the Charles H. MacDonald Memorial Lecture For more information and cost, contact Marie Ainey or knox.communications@utoronto.ca Register online at 8 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

9 faculty NEWS getting to know knox faculty: Bradley McLean In February 2009, C o n n e X i o n s began a series to help the broader Knox College c o m m u n i t y better know our Faculty. In this issue, The Rev. Dr. Bradley McLean, Professor of New Testament Language and Literature & Director of Distance Education, agreed to answer a few of our questions. One of the most talked about courses by students at Knox is your Greek class. How did your interest in the subject develop? Of course, the New Testament was written in Greek. It follows that those who desire a deeper understanding of its message must strive to attain knowledge of this language. I have just written an introduction to biblical Greek entitled New Testament Greek Odyssey. It will be published by Cambridge University Press later this year. My approach is somewhat unique in that it gives learners the opportunity to use the historical Greek system of pronunciation. In contrast to the artificial pronunciation system used by all other grammars, the historical Greek pronunciation system is a real, pronunciation system, which is very close to the pronunciation employed by the first Greek-speaking Christians. Those who adopt this pronunciation system will experience the joy of hearing the sound of the living language of early Christian prayer and preaching. Why is Greek such an important language for those pursuing ministry today? There can be no doubt that the ability to interpret the New Testament in Greek is a central component of the Reformed tradition. All theologians of the Reformation, including Calvin and Luther, emphasized the importance of studying the Bible in its original languages. In our own age, mastering Hellenistic Greek may not be a realistic goal for everyone but, in my view, total unfamiliarity with the original language of the New Testament is indefensible for theologians and theological students. After all, there is no rabbi who can t read the Old Testament in the original Hebrew, nor an imam who can t read the Qur an in the original Arabic language. In any case, learning Greek is a blessing. It is my experience that those who commit themselves to the regular, lifelong study of the Greek New Testament will know the joy of being led through, and beyond, its words to a lived, faithful, transformative, relationship with the living God. What are you currently researching? How will your current research help the College (and the Church) move into the future? I have just completed a second book entitled Post-Historical Hermeneutics: Reclaiming the Significance of the Bible. Over the last century, the discipline of biblical studies has almost exclusively concerned itself with the historical meaning of biblical texts. But by drawing attention to the rootedness of the biblical texts in their respective historical contexts, historical analysis has inadvertently severed the connections between biblical texts and our own world. My book argues that only by moving beyond historical interpretation to what I have called post-historical hermeneutics can the interpretive act be completed, by grasping the significance of biblical texts from within our own historical lives. According to this new model, the very act of interpretation both reveals and creates ways in which we are implicated in, and dependent upon, a wider ecology, which includes the church, people of other faiths, the poor, and victims of injustice, and, indeed, all humanity. By connecting our lives with the lives of others, biblical texts have the potential to transform everything with which they come into contact, including biblical interpreters and the wider world. You re currently working as editor for the College s self-study to be submitted as a part of its reaccreditation process with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). What has your involvement taught you about Knox College and the current landscape of theological education in North America? Knox College is a very exciting place to serve God. It is located at the centre of Canada s largest university, located in what is probably the most culturally and religiously diverse country in the world. Knox is also faced with a new generation of young people, many of whom question the continuing relevance of religious faith in modern society. It would be difficult to imagine a context that would be more challenging than this. In whatever ways God will call us in the future, faithfulness will certainly require us to find new ways to dialogue with those who are different from us, and to capture the imagination of youth. knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 9

10 knox ALUMNI/AE NEWS KEGA Update This past year, the Knox Ewart Graduate Association (kega) continued to work on increasing its visibility in the broader Knox community through an involvement in new fellowship events. In September, kega members welcomed new and returning students to the College as they hosted a community worship service and barbecue. Students enjoyed the summer-inspired dinner and the opportunity to interact with Knox Graduates, and to learn about kega and its developing role for grads and current students. Participants were rewarded for their knowledge of the College, its people and areas of study. The Association also took a lead role in November s successful book sale. Knox grads John Henderson and Noel Gordon led the charge for kega and contributed countless hours in gathering, sorting and selling the many books. Helen Smith was warmly welcomed as a new member of the executive in the late summer with members looking forward to working on new and exciting fellowship projects. The Executive also saw the departure of two long-time members this past year as Tim Archibald and David Vincent stepped down. We thank them for their many contributions to the Association over the years and wish them well in all of their future endeavors. As kega moves into 2011, planning is already well underway for a kega community worship and ministry fair for students and the Reunion Year Dinner and Graduates Luncheon, held at Convocation each May. The Annual General Meeting, to be held at General Assembly in June, is also in the initial planning stages. We look forward to another year of alumni/ae activities we hope to see you there! KNOXFRA Update Executive members of the Knox Former Residents Association (knoxfra) have been quite busy since the summer as they worked toward new governing guidelines and held two major events. The Executive were granted the authority to amend the existing bylaws to more accurately reflect the current reality of the Association. With counsel from members of the Knox College Development Committee and other legal experts, the Executive crafted a set of procedural guidelines that they plan to present to knoxfra members in knoxfra also continued to strengthen the relationship between current and former residents by hosting the second annual Knox Night at the Movies. Together, the past and present faces of the residence enjoyed a wonderful barbecue, lively discussions and a presentation of Frost/Nixon under the stars in the quadrangle. To cap off 2010, the 16th annual knoxfra dinner and AGM was held At the 2010 KNOXFRA Dinner & AGM, executive members perform the Knox Yell on November 13th. Those gathered welcomed Alison Rose, award-winning filmmaker and science journalist, as Guest Speaker. Ms. Rose gave an interesting talk regarding the process of making her last documentary, Love at the Twilight Motel, and how she chooses to tell stories through film. Also, former resident, Santiago DeLope was nominated to join the Executive. He was accepted unanimously and the Executive look forward to working with him in the years ahead. In 2011, the Executive will be organizing social events outside of Toronto to strengthen ties with a greater number of knoxfra and assisting in the plans for the building s 100th Anniversary in connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

11 knox student news KCA Update The fall of 2010 was a term of change in the residence as the Knox College Association (kca) worked to bring all those who call Knox home closer together. Renovations to the third-floor study lounge, including the purchase of new furniture and a new colour scheme, are underway to make the room more inviting to residents. Similar work was performed in the basement television room where the major social catalyst continues to be the video game system purchased last year. The kca kept itself busy hosting several events (orientation week activities, the annual Halloween party, Christmas tree decorating with the College s theological student association and the ever popular Christmas Formal) that brought the residents together outside of their rooms. In addition to these annual events, the Association initiated several new events aimed at bringing the community together. The first foosball tournament was held this fall and a bi-monthly competitive hockey game was established M&T Update It s hard to believe that the first term has ended and we re already well into the second term of the academic year! The beginning of the fall semester seems a distant memory for students as we have been deeply engaged in studies, field placements, and other ministries. The fall term saw the M&T Society working closely with the residents association, the Knox College Association (kca), to co-host a BBQ and the Christmas tree decorating party. We have each enjoyed these times, bringing the students and residents closer together, and we look forward to hosting more social events together in future. An invitation was extended to The Rev. Dr. Stephen Hayes in the fall to share his experiences of working on Living Faith/ Foi Vivante and of witnessing the creation and adoption of a new statement of belief for the Church. Those gathered were also delighted to hear his reflections on the invaluable The Knox College Association Executive with nearby Wycliffe College. In late November weekly Christmas movie viewings began to get residents into the holiday spirit, an event we hope will turn into an annual tradition. kca executive members and current residents had the opportunity to meet former residents at both Knox Night at the Movies and the Annual knoxfra dinner. These were both enjoyable evenings filled with stories about the building we all know and love. The winter and spring will keep the kca busy planning as executive members and residents alike look forward to the much anticipated Spring Formal, the spring Coffee House, a table-tennis tournament, completion of the study-room redecoration and continuing Knox s winning streak against Wycliffe College! Christopher Zeichmann, President role theological reflection has within congregational ministry. A lively discussion with students followed dinner will see the Society continue to host social, academic and worship activities that help sustain the vibrancy of the Knox community. Three forums were established to prepare a response to the document A Moment of Truth, the Kairos document written by Palestinian Christians on what is happening in Palestine and Israel. Such forums invite students to discuss and reflect theologically on issues impacting our world. The written response will be submitted to the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee. M&T s involvement in the Knox community will continue through weekly worship services, community dinners and other events as we look forward to Convocation festivities this spring and our annual grad banquet! Mathew Sams, President knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 11

12 knox news Knox Signs Partnership with Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary In November 2009, Professors Song and McLean accompanied Principal Gordon on a visit to Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary. Tucked away in the beauty of the eastern mountains of Taiwan, Yu-Shan was formed in 1947 as a school for the education of aboriginal youth. Over the years it has developed into one of the three theological colleges of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. The visit was at the invitation of the President of Yu-Shan who believed that a closer relationship with Knox College would benefit both schools. At the seminary they met students and Faculty including two with close ties to the PCC and Knox College: The Rev. Murray Garvin, a Knox graduate who is teaching English at Yu-Shan and Dr. John Wu, Vice-President, who graduated in 1991 from Knox with his doctorate in Old Testament. In their time with Faculty they began to think through what a partnership might look like. Over the following months, the details of what would be the heart of the relationship between the two schools were worked out. For Yu-Shan it was important that their students be able to study at Knox and that members of faculty would be welcomed to carry out sabbatical research. Yu-Shan also wanted Knox to encourage students to volunteer for a summer field education experience that would include teaching English Bible study and leading English classes in the local aboriginal churches. In September 2010, President Pusin Tali and Vice-President John Wu visited Knox College. At this time, Knox s Board Chair, Dr. Stephanie Ling and Dr. Pusin Tali, Dr. Stephanie Ling and Principal Dorcas Gordon sign the agreement Principal Gordon joined them in signing a five year partnership agreement. This important occasion was followed by a lecture entitled The Theological Ministry of the Indigenous People in Taiwan, given by Dr Pusin Tali. Members of the Toronto Presbyterian Taiwanese community joined Knox students to hear his presentation. In October, Principal Gordon was invited to present a lecture series on Biblical methods and preaching at Yu-Shan and while there, she participated with the Yu-Shan Board Chair in completing the signing of the partnership agreement. The hope of Knox College is that this partnership, and others like it, will increasingly become embodied in the institutional life of the College. The Our mission of educating women and men for ministries within the church is carried out through teaching, research and through global partnerships. renewed mission statement of Knox states that our mission of educating women and men for ministries within the church is carried out through teaching, research and through global partnerships. In essence, if we are to live fully into that mission, partnerships with schools such as Yu-Shan are central to our work. 12 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

13 ASIAN CENTRE UPDATE new students register for fall term: Centre & Principal Welcome Community To start off the fall term and welcome the community back from the summer break, the Knox College Centre for Asian- Canadian Theology and Ministry and the Principal s office hosted the annual welcoming party on September 14th, This year, 25 new students registered for the fall term; 19 for Basic degree and 6 for Advanced degree studies. At the celebration, each new student was presented with a rose by members of the Asian Centre Council. Close to 70 people enjoyed a delicious Korean-style buffet including students, staff, faculty and council members. Those gathered were also treated to a lecture given by Dr. Pusin Tali, the The Centre for Asian-Canadian Theology and Ministry executive members hold the roses they distributed to new students President of Yu-Shan Seminary in Taiwan. The lecture ended with the singing of beautiful aboriginal folk songs performed by Dr. Tali and his wife. Korean Bible Academy at Knox College The Knox College Korean Bible Academy (kba) had a successful fall term, offering two courses: Amos by Dr. Brian Irwin and How to Teach the Bible by Dr. Nam Soon Song. 13 Korean laity enjoyed learning how the people of God worked for justice in society in biblical times and today. Those registered also enjoyed learning and practicing ways the Bible can be taught to a contemporary audience. Even though courses are eight weeks long, many of those enrolled felt it was too short, they were thankful for the changes in their understanding of the Bible and world perspectives that the courses brought. As is traditional, the end of the term was celebrated with a buffet dinner enjoyed by all. The spring term starts at the end of February and will feature two courses: Pastoral Epistles and Lay Ministry by The Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon and The Rev. Dr. Bradley McLean, and Apocalyptic Literature and Theology by Dr. Jeong Guk (Bryan) Lee. For more information on courses and to register, please visit knox college Faith Matters. Crossing Cultures Together VII The Church in Transition: Moving Beyond a Mono-Cultural Church Monday, May 16 th 1:00 6:30 pm plenary: More than a Leap of Faith: the Changing Face of Canada workshops: Preparing to Minister Beyond One s Own Culture: Personal, Congregational, Presbyteries Moving Beyond a Mono-Ethnic Congregation Moving Towards Multi-Ethnic Sessions to register, contact: / Knoxasian.centre@utoronto.ca winter 2011 connexions 13

14 ASIAN CENTRE UPDATE Bible Translation Benefits from Bikes for Bibles Knox College has been involved with theological students from Taiwan for over sixty years. More recently, our connection has been with Taiwanese seminaries and advanced degree students. But we have also been made aware of Taiwanese ethnic minorities through the work of The Rev. Dr. Paul McLean, a former member of the Knox Asian Council, and his work in translation of the Bible into the Hakka language. The translation is now complete, but is already undergoing textual revision. Last summer, Paul s son Peter focused attention on this project via a challenging Bikes for Bibles journey across Canada. He undertook a solo bike ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic, first wetting his tires in the ocean at Victoria on the west coast and finally at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in Peter McLean stops for a rest along the Newfoundland coast before completing his 8,656 km bike ride Newfoundland, a distance of 8,656 km. He described his journey as a once in a lifetime experience. For more on Peter s journey across Canada in support of his father s work visit: Centre Leads Community Worship On November 9th, members of the Asian Council together with a number of the College s Asian and Asian-Canadian students led the Knox College community worship service. After a welcome from Principal Dorcas Gordon, Professor Nam Soon Song, Director of the Centre for Asian-Canadian Theology and Ministry, opened the service with a Call to Worship. Council members The Rev. Willard Pottinger, Tina Lin, Edward Chung, The Rev. In Kee Kim and Dr. Stephanie Ling all participated in the service. Highlights of the service included a special choir of 13 of Knox s Korean and Korean-Canadian students, formed only weeks before the service and led by Joshua Jeong, with piano accompaniment by Angie Song. Readings and prayers were presented in five other languages, reflecting the unique make-up of the Knox College community. Following the service all were invited to a Korean dinner courtesy of the Han-Ca East Presbytery. 초대합니다 낙스칼리지는 한인이민교회 목회의 어려움을 이해하고 아래와 같이 목회자님과 사모님의 세미나를 준비하고 여러분을 초대합니다. 주제 : 정신건강과한인이민목회 일시 : 2011 년 3 월 28 일오후 1 시 30 6 시 30 분장소 : 낙스칼리지강사 : 노삼열교수 ( 토론토대학의과대학정신과교수 ) 등록 : 아시안센터한경국목사 ( 등록비는없으나, 장소와식사관계로사전등록필수 ) 연락처 : 전화 : / 이메일 : knoxasian.centre@utoronto.ca Knox College 14 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

15 ASIAN CENTRE UPDATE Centre Celebrates with Song The biennial Music Celebration of Thanksgiving, sponsored by the Centre for Asian-Canadian Theology and Ministry, was again held in Toronto s Knox Presbyterian Church, on October 3rd. Eight choirs of various Knox Korean students choir perform at the service Christian traditions sang anthems and choruses in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Armenian and English. This year marked the first appearance of a group from the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. The evening began with a period of worship in contemporary style led by Jean-Luc Wu and his team of musicians. The opening message and greetings were extended by Asian Council Chair, The Rev. In Kee Kim. Principal Dorcas Gordon brought greetings from the College and spoke of the valuable contribution that the increasing number of Asian students are making to ministry in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Knox students also participated in the form of a choir composed of Korean students and a violin performance by Joshua Jeong. The evening of celebration closed with a multilingual benediction, by The Rev. In Kee Kim (Korean), The Rev. Wes Chang (Mandarin), Lily Lee (Taiwanese) and The Rev. Dr. Tom Eng (English). Plans are already underway to organize the next event, to be held in The Rev. In Kee Kim, Dr. Stephanie Ling, Principal Dorcas Gordon and The Rev. Michael Stainton lift their voices in song Asian Centre Chair, The Rev. In Kee Kim, closes the service with a benediction knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 15

16 knox news Certificate in Christian Faith and Life The Certificate in Christian Faith and Life provides education and training for laity engaged in youth ministry, pastoral care, eldership, and committees in the church that do the work of the church in the community of faith. Several of those who have taken courses through the Ewart Centre for Lay Education have felt moved to explore a call to the vocation of ordained ministry. In the last edition of ConneXions, Bonnie Jean Crocket was featured to illustrate the kind of ministry that is being done by graduates of the Ewart Centre for Lay Education. Bonnie is one of just over a hundred of our Ewart Centre graduates. The purpose of the Certificate in Christian Faith and Life is to nurture and develop leadership for the church and at the same time, give adults a deeper understanding of the Christian Faith traditions. This is so laity can be a confident voice sharing the good news and justice of the Gospel wherever they are working and living in the world. In 2011, Reformed Faith and Spirituality and Canadian Presbyterian Church Polity are available for registration through the Ewart Centre and we will be offering two new instalments of our mini-series, Spirituality and Media, led by Andrew Faiz of the Presbyterian Record in the spring, and Spirituality and Politics in the fall. For information on Ewart courses, please visit, CCCCH Update the Centre for Clergy Care & Congregational Health 2011 will see the Centre for Clergy Care celebrate its 5 th anniversary in April. This milestone allows the Centre to reflect on the success of its programs, thanks to the feedback from participants. One participant remarked that [Take Care] gave me more hope for my future ministry; it also gave me the permission to deal with my stress, it let me know how to cope with mid-life/mid-career issues and that I am not alone in this. Comments such as these encourage the Centre s staff. To celebrate the five year mark, The Centre is thrilled to announce that it is now incorporated and in the process of securing its own charitable status. This exciting step will mean changes in its ties to Knox College, but Knox will remain a proud co-founder and partner in the Centre s future endeavours. The Centre s research has shown that ecumenical dialogue is often what is needed to create safe space for professionals in ministry to share their needs and concerns. Presbyteries and other judicatory bodies often do not create a sense of safety for admitting failure or struggles. As the Centre strives to create safe harbour and to be more ecumenically-sensitive, being incorporated will help it to stand on its own and to continue to welcome others from different denominations to the table. We thank Knox for all it has done to assist the Centre in reaching this critical step in its development. 낙스칼리지한인성서아카데미 낙스칼리지한인성서아카데미는다음과같이 2011 년봄학기신입생을모집합니다. 대상 : 성서를깊게넓게이해하고자하는모든평신도 봄학기과목 : 1. 목회서신과평신도목회 : ( 교수 : 도르카스고단낙스칼리지학장과브래들리맥크린신약학교수 ) 2. 묵시문학과신학 : ( 교수 : 이정국박사 ) 개강일 : 2011 년 2 월 11 일오후 6 시장소 : 낙스칼리지 ( 주차가능 ) 연락처및등록 / knoxasian.centre@utoronto.ca 16 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

17 PRINCIPAL S MESSAGE KOREAN TRANSLATION 학장님말씀 새해 시간이지나고있음을알리며새학기로접어들었습니다. 크로노스 ( 역대기적시간 ) 과카이로스 ( 하나님의시간 ) 은둘다우리의삶과우리의소명에있어중요합니다. 크로노스는흐르는분, 시간, 그리고일년의계절을의미합니다. 반면카이로스는그리스도안에서살아온삶의더깊은개념의한부분들을표시해주는 시간안에서살아온시간 을생각하게합니다. 오늘날많은사람들이역대기적인시간을걱정합니다. 그러나우리들이정직하게말하면, 우리는우리의삶의가장근저에서우리에게소망이있는지에대해의심하고있지않나생각합니다. 우리는우리의현재를걱정하고미래를두려워하지않나생각합니다. 낙스칼리지에서는이러한불안의시대에캐나다장로교회를위해지도자를준비시키는것이어떤의미가있는가라는질문을하게됩니다. 이는우리에게아주중요한질문입니다. 그러나저는학장으로서이질문을다르게표현하곤합니다. 학생들을목회를위해준비시키면서, 우리들이물어야될다른질문이있는것같습니다. 낙스칼리지가없어진다면, 캐나다사회가어떻게달라질까? 어렵지않게저의대답은 아주많이! 라고대답합니다. 왜그럴까요? 우리는변화의현장에서그리스도인의삶을사는것과이해하는것에대한놀라운비젼을제시하는전통의일부, 그자체입니다. 여기에는우리의헌신과책임감, 적어도지속적으로기독교인들의비젼을새롭게하고, 옛지혜를새로운상황에맞게재해석하려는용기와의지로개혁되어진, 그러면서항상개혁하는우리인것입니다. 이비젼은우리와우리의공동체안의모두에게거저주어진하나님의은혜의연장입니다. 이는캐나다와세계속에서모든생명있는것들이삶을완전이살도록에큐메니칼하게다른기독교교단들과그리고다른신앙의전통들과함께일하는것입니다. 캐나다장로교회는시작부터, 배고픈자를먹이고, 집없는자에게잘곳을주고, 낯선자를환영하고, 약한자를보호하는등의사회복지시설과학교병원들을통해캐나다의복지를위해중요한공헌을해왔습니다. 성서적인증언에선우리의확신은우리의정치적, 경제적, 사회적구조를모든사람들의복지를위해변화시키기위해어려운질문들을해왔습니다. 이러한것들과함께우리는우리의믿음과행동을이루는우리사회안에서말하고삶을살수있는환경, 세계속에존재하는환경을형성하는것입니다. 바로이러한것들이우리가누구인가를말해주는것입니다. 그렇습니다. 우리는아주훌륭한일들을해왔고, 그리고그러는와중에오류도범해왔습니다. 예레미야선지자는이러한책임을이렇게요약하고있습니다. 이스라엘이바벨론에포로가되었습니다. 그들은영이고갈하고두려움에떨고있습니다.- 그들이어떻게낯선땅에서주님을찬양할수있겠는가? 많이듣던소리같지않습니까? 예루살렘이없이, 성전이없이어떻게그들이계약의백성으로살수있겠습니까! 예레미야가말하고있는것을들어봅시다. 집을짓고, 그집에서살면서정원을가꾸어라, 내가너희를망명보낸곳에서그도시의복지를위해일하라. 그도시를위해주님께기도하라. 그러면그복지속에너희자신의복지를찾게될것이다. 하나님의은혜, 하나님의소망은바벨론에현재해있습니다. 이는바로너희안에있다고예레미야는말합니다. 너의주변에있는사람들과공동체를이루고완전한삶을살라고말씀하십니다. 시골, 타운, 도시할것없이전캐나다에캐나다장로교회가있습니다. 지도자들을준비시키는신학교로서우리는우리의학생들속에이러한비젼을심고자합니다. 세상의혼란과도전, 기쁨과어려움가운데서도하나님의은혜의삶을살아낼준비가되어지므로두터운공동체에자신들의충만한삶을살그러한비젼을말입니다. 어떻든우리모두는캐나다장로교회의일원들입니다. 하나님의은혜가우리안에있기에하나님께서우리를그곳에충만히살도록하셨기에, 이는분명히노력할만한가치가있는비젼입니다. 저보다현명하신어떤분이최근에저에게이러한이야기를하였습니다. 비젼을이루고있는종교적양태를이탈한비젼은존재할수없습니다. 과거는새로운의미를위해현재와지속적인대화를해야하며, 그래서새로운비젼이나타나도록해야합니다. 낙스칼리지는바로이를위해존재합니다. 낙스칼리지는과거와현재를잇는곳이며, 현재의불안을새로운비젼으로바꾸어내는곳입니다. 저에게는하나님의시간안에서역사가펼쳐지면서우리의소망이더강해지는비젼이있습니다. 그리스도인의우정으로, 고든도르카스 knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 17

18 PRINCIPAL S MESSAGE CHINESE TRANSLATION 院長的話 新年伊始, 這意味著新一頁的開始, 也使我們警覺到時間如梭飛逝 ; 這包括今世光陰 (chronos) 的溜走, 也標示神國光陰 (kairos) 的逝去 ; 這兩個對時間觀念的理解, 對我們如何生活, 及實踐神國召命這承諾, 有著舉足輕重的關係 前者提醒我們年月 季節的更替 ; 後者則是一個印記, 提醒我們活在主裡的深層意義 ; 故此可以說是蘊含在時間中的時間 對於我們許多人來說, 現今這世代, 好像充滿困厄 我們撫心自問, 有否對前景失去盼望呢? 我們擔憂現在, 對將來也充滿恐懼 對咱們神學院來說, 這焦慮情緒演化成一個問題 : 在這氛圍境況之下, 如何影響我們為加拿大長老會眾會堂培育人材? 這問題非常具關鍵性 作為院長, 我會發出另一個提問 : 假若諾克斯神學院今日不復存在, 加拿大社曾將會有甚麼不同呢? 我的回應并不令人驚訝 : 將會有極大不同 原因在那裡呢? 因為我們善於在急遽轉變的世代中, 洞察環境, 回應挑戰, 這是我們的傳統 為要達致這個目標, 我們要專注委身 ; 而必不可省略的, 是不斷更新我們作為信徒的視野, 有魄力, 有勇氣去重新詮釋古老的智慧, 應用在現今的處境中 換言之, 我們這改革宗也要不斷改革 具體而言, 我們要把神白白給我們的恩典, 廣傳至社區中每一員 ; 這包括跟其它宗派及信仰傳統的群體, 在眾教會群策群力下, 推動本地及海外各肢體, 追求更豐盛的生命 從創始階段, 我們加拿大長老會, 已經對加拿大這個國家有顯著貢獻 我們興建學校 醫院 推展社會服務, 以致飢餓的得餵養, 無家可歸者有棲身之所, 寄居及弱勢社群得到接納及受保護 因著我們篤信力行, 本著信仰的要求, 我們追問怎麼樣的政治, 經濟及社會民生制度, 才可以保證每個人得以安身立命? 藉著這種種制度而成的生態環境, 模造出我們日常生活的行止 ; 而我們的信仰準則和行動, 也由此而衍生出來 這是我們的倒影 誠然, 我們曾成就美事, 但我們也曾犯下錯誤 先知耶利米對此具承擔的氣魄, 有極佳的闡釋 當期間, 以色列人在巴比倫為奴 ; 他們恐懼 喪膽, 說 : 我們怎能在外邦唱耶和華的歌呢? 這怨懟的言辭大概不陌生吧! 作為神立約的子民, 他們怎能失去聖城, 失去聖殿呢! 耶利米先知怎樣回應呢 : 你們要蓋造房屋住在其中, 栽種田園.. 你們要為那城求平安, 為那城禱告耶和華, 因為那城得平安, 你們也隨著得平安 神的思典, 神所賜的盼望, 與在巴比倫的以色列人同在 正如耶利米所說, 這恩典 盼望潛藏在他們當中, 他們當全然投入社群當中 在本國大大小小的村莊 城市中, 均有我們長老教會 咱們神學院的目的, 便是培育眾神學生有氣魄承擔異像 在牧養的群體當中, 縱然世局紛亂, 挑戰頻頻, 仍要活出神的恩典 ; 與被牧養群體, 一同喜樂也一同承受磨煉 說到底, 我們是處身於加拿大的長老教會 很明顯, 這是一個值得努力達致的願景 在神安置我們的崗位上盡忠, 因為神的恩典活現在我們當中 有一位比我更有智慧的智者最近說, 一個值得委身的宗教願景, 若未能跟所處的環境彼此對照交融, 容讓過去跟現在彼此對話砥勵, 這願景便不能實踐, 也更談不上孕育出新的願景 這也是咱們諾克斯神學院要奮進的目標 ; 一處容讓過去跟現在彼此融合, 以致我們有睿智洞見, 處理現今的焦慮 對我而言, 這一異象, 在神掌握的時間中, 仍然滿有盼望 主內你的朋友歌頓多加上 鄞雲傑譯 18 connexions winter 2011 Faith Matters. knox college

19 Alumni/ae NEWS & NOTES Calendar of Events Last Day of Classes Friday, April 8 Ewart Spring Mini-Series: Spirituality and Media Monday, April 4 to Monday, April 25 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Led by Andrew Faiz, Managing Editor of The Presbyterian Record To register, contact Susan Sheridan at or visit These Words in Your Ears: Celebrating 400 Years of the King James Version Thursday, April 28 and Thursday, May 26 For more information visit our website, or call Principal s Reunion Year Dinner Tuesday, May 10 5:30 p.m. By Invitation A dinner to honour the 1971 Grads. Pre-Convocation Workshop Wednesday, May 11 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All welcome, registration is required Politics and the Church with Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin Contact Marie Ainey at knox.communications@utoronto.ca or for more information. WANTED!! Keep in touch with your fellow Knox residents! Send us your comments and address to: knox.college@utoronto.ca and see what s happening with your old roommates and friends. kega Reunion Year Luncheon Wednesday, May 11 12:30 p.m. By Invitation for Reunion Year Graduates As a guest of the Knox/Ewart Graduate Association, a luncheon for all those celebrating special reunions (1951 and prior, 1961, 1971, 1986 & 2001) and to honour the 2011 Knox Graduates. 167 th Convocation Wednesday, May 11 7:30 p.m. All welcome The Knox community celebrates the graduation of its Knox and Lay Education Graduates and honours The Rev. Karen Bach, Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin and The Rev. Cheol Soon Park with the degree, Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa). Convocation Address by Dr. Reinerio Arce Valentin: Beyond Church Walls Reception following at the College. Crossing Cultures VII The Church in Transition: Moving Beyond a Mono-Cultural Church Monday, May 16 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register, contact The Rev. Kyongkuk Han at or knoxasian.centre@utoronto.ca kega Reception Tuesday, June 7 To be held at General Assembly. Alumni/ae News & Notes The Rev. Courtney Morris and The Rev. Jeffrey Crawford, Congratulations on their marriage Saturday June 12 at Rosedale Presbyterian Church,Toronto Joseph Bae, KNOX 10 was ordained at Vaughan Community Church, Vaughan ON David Moody, KNOX 10 was ordained at Chippawa Presbyterian Church, Niagara Falls, ON knox college Faith Matters. winter 2011 connexions 19