Daily Journal

Daily Journal

Day 1: Baptismal Theology & Life

published on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by fg37@duke.edu

At a Glance

Theme

Introduction to Baptismal Theology & Life

Faculty Speaker

Rev. Dr. Fred Edie, Associate Professor of the Practice of Christian Education and Faculty Director of the Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation

Lectionary Texts

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Psalm 119:1-8, 33-48,129-144; Romans 6:3-11; John 6:26-36

Reflections on the Lecture

Students Emma H. and JillAnn M. listen to Dr. Fred Edie lecture on BaptismToday in plenary, Dr. Edie prefaced his discussion of baptism by offering a definition of theology: a conversation over many years on the meaning of God’s relationship with God’s people. With this lens in our tool bag, we dove into baptismal theology, unpacking the symbol of water as a class. We quickly realized that water is a loaded (and sometimes contradictory) image! Constructive/destructive, life/death, beginning/end … water is woven throughout the story of God’s people, and so the waters of our baptisms are ripe with every major theological theme in the Christian tradition. Therefore, concluded Dr. Edie, we inherit with our baptisms the Christian story as our story: we are washed in a new identity, are grafted into a new family, are given an ancient history, and are promised a new future. As baptism calls us into the story of all the believers before us and after us, it also calls us to a vocation–a way of engaging that story right here and now using the gifts God gave us.

Quotes

“The question is not ‘Will it be ministry?’ The question is ‘What kind of ministry will it be for you?” — Dr. Edie, challenging us to consider our vocations

“You are the holy grail of ecclesial acquisition … you’re under 50, you’re curious, and you’re crazy enough to be in church on a Monday night in the summertime.” — Rev. Bill Lamar, on the importance of realizing that to be a Christian means death before new life

“Thank you, God, that you make things I’d never have the courage to. You make rhinoceroses.” — Carolyn Butler, artist in residence, during the Arts Village Showcase

Other Activities

This afternoon we spent some time getting to know one another before heading to the DYA Artists’ Showcase in Goodson Chapel. The artists beautifully shaped, danced, played, and spoke about the centrality of arts to Christian life, each expressing how art has opened up new ways of understanding faith and vocation. This evening we welcomed the Rev. Bill Lamar and the Rev. McKennon Shea to lead us in a moving worship service of baptismal remembrance.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow Dr. Willie Jennings, a professor of theology and black church studies at the Divinity School, will talk with us about creation. Students will continue their exploration of Christian worship with Dr. Edie, and in the afternoon will attend their first Arts Village workshop. In the evening, we’ll welcome First Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham at our first evening hospitality meal. 

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Day 12: Anticipating the Reign of God

published on Friday, July 24, 2009 by fg37@duke.edu

At a Glance

Theme:

The Reign of God

Faculty Speaker:

Geoffrey Wainwright, Robert Earl Cushman Professor of Christian Theology

Lectionary Texts:

Dan. 7:13-14; Ps. 85; Rev. 22:1-5,20-21; Mark 13:32-37

Reflections on the Lecture

Dr. Wainwright described eschatology, or the coming reign of God, in terms of four  important considerations: faith, judgment, heaven, and hell.  These were considered in light of the church’s understanding of the Kingdom of God.  He pointed us to the fact that all creatures have a purpose as determined by God for both their body and soul.  Professor Wainwright reminded us that the human race extends over time and the story of salvation is told not only for individual believers, but for the collective whole of humanity.  We learned about the Kingdom of God as found in the person of Jesus and that this Jesus is revealed to us as both un-seen and seen.  Finally, we looked to the liturgy as the foretaste of heaven through the practices of Baptism and Eucharist.

Dr. Wainwright left us with an amazing summarizing quote from the conclusion of a sermon by John Wesley, “The New Creation:”

And to crown all, there will be a deep, an intimate, an uninterrupted union with God, a constant communion with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, a continual enjoyment of the three in one God, for all creatures in Him.

Quotes

“The baptismal candidate turns toward the west, the place of darkness…California.”
— Dr. Wainwright in plenary and speaking of baptismal orientation in terms of the sun

 “He tells the truth.  I wish he had more to say.  But he speaks the truth.”
— DYA participant reflecting on Dr. Wainwright’s lecture

“DYA will screw up your life, but so will the Cross.”
— A DYA mentor, Whitney Fauntleroy, in final mentor group

“Okay, talkie time with God.…Let’s go.”
— A DYA participant calling his mentor group to a final prayer

Other Activities

On our last full day together, we enjoyed a full afternoon of free time to rest, pack, and relax with friends.  Katherine Smith and Fred Edie led our closing worship, in which students were invited to receive communion in their mentor groups.  The evening ended with “Friday sundaes” on the terrace and lots of singing and dancing! 

Looking Ahead

Go in peace!  See you Feb. 19-21, 2010 at the DYA Reunion.

 

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Day 11: Heeding the Spirit’s Prompting

published on Thursday, July 23, 2009 by fg37@duke.edu

At a Glance

Theme:

Life in the Spirit: Heeding the Spirit’s Prompting

Faculty Speaker:

Rev. Dr. Fred Edie, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Christian Education
Director of the Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation

Lectionary Texts:

Jer. 1:4-10; Ps. 139:1-18, 23-24; 1 Cor. 3-4:1; and Matt. 10:1-14

Reflections on the Lecture

Dr. Edie encouraged us to delve deeply into the issue of vocation (calling). To what are we called? This involved a brief investigation into the temptations of Jesus immediately following his baptism, when Jesus was tempted to wield his power, perform spectacular miracles, and rule the world. He reminded us that even Jesus’ process of vocational discernment was fraught with challenges and temptations. We then spent some time in group reflection, discussing the question of vocation in light of the things we have learned about God during the past two weeks. Dr. Edie reminded us that all baptized members of the body of Christ are called to ministry, be it lay or ordained ministry, and that we cannot faithfully distinguish between our “jobs” and our vocational calling to ministry. He then asked us to think deeply about the places of the world’s deepest hunger and the sources of our own deepest joy in relation to vocational discernment.

Quotes

“Every gift you have is to equip you for God’s work.”
— Brian Hardesty-Crouch during morning prayer

 “The whole purpose of our economic system is to enslave you to a life of consumption.”
— Dr. Edie during plenary

“You may be tempted to settle for less than you are in Christ.”
— Dr. Edie during plenary

“I’m gonna laugh if those birds poop on you!”
— Student, speaking to staff lounging on the steps of Duke Chapel

“Bacon is amazing. Even the frying of bacon sounds like applause.” 
— A DYA artist at breakfast quoting comedian Jim Gaffigan

Other Activities

Following the plenary, students were given time to intentionally reflect upon yesterday’s Durham Pilgrimage and the stories told of pain, reconciliation, and hope.  In addition, they were encouraged to reflect upon the ways in which God’s call is operative in their lives. After lunch we engaged in the final Arts Village opportunity, during which we were given the opportunity to “go deeper” with the artist of our choosing. Also, today was the final opportunity for us to engage in one of the prayer practices designed to open up the range of possibilities for prayer. Tonight we were treated to a delightful hospitality meal of turkey legs, rice, and green beans by our friends at Asbury Temple UMC in Durham. Our own Matthew Nickoloff and Brian Hardesty-Crouch led us in worship, during which we meditated upon and were annointed for our baptismal vocation.

Looking Ahead

It seems appropriate that on our final full day together, we’ll welcome Dr. Geoffrey Wainwright, Robert Earl Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, to lecture on “The Reign of God.” Our last time in mentor groups will be followed by an afternoon of free time to pack, relax, and enjoy time with friends. In the evening, DYA Assistant Director Katherine Smith will lead worship, and Faculty Director Dr. Edie will preside at table. 

 

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