wfn.org | Notes About People

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

21-October-1999 
99354 
 
    Notes About People 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
    The Rev. Kristine A. Haig, has been named coordinator for the Spiritual 
Formation Team in the Christian Faith and Life Program Area of the 
Congregational Ministries Division.  Haig, who has been an associate for 
spiritual formation since 1995, has served as acting coordinator for the 
past year. 
    Haig, a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary, is a recognized 
speaker on spirituality in the Reformed tradition.  She is responsible for 
leading workshops and retreats that promote renewed attention to 
disciplines of the Christian life such as devotional reading of scripture, 
Sabbath keeping, worship, contemplative prayer, spiritual friendships, and 
discernment. 
 
                                  # # # 
 
    Columbia Theological Seminary's board of trustees has announced that 
the Rev. Douglas Oldenburg, president of the seminary, will retire at the 
end of 2000. 
    Oldenburg, who turns 65 in February, has been president of Columbia 
since the beginning of 1987.  He will begin a six-month sabbatical June 30, 
2000, with official retirement set for Dec. 31. 
    During his tenure, the seminary's budget has tripled to $10.1 million, 
endowment has increased from $27 million to $155 million and the seminary 
has conducted a successful $34 million capital campaign.  Initiatives begun 
under Oldenburg's presidency include programs in Christian spirituality and 
new church development. 
    A search committee has been formed to find Oldenburg's successor, 
chaired by the Rev. Joseph Harvard, and alumnus, trustee and pastor of 
First Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C. 
 
                                  # # # 
 
    A champion fencer in our midst!  The Rev. James H. Adams III, pastor of 
Rockville (Md.) Presbyterian Church, recently competed for the U.S. team in 
the World Fencing Championships in Siofok, Hungary. 
    Adams earned his spot on the U.S. team in the Veterans Division (over 
50) in the epee competition by finishing third in the U.S. Championships 
earlier this year. 
    So how'd he do in Hungary.  "My result was not as good as I had hoped 
for (35th)," the intrepid Presbyfencer admitted, "but I had a wonderful 
time!" 
 
                                  # # # 
 
    Retired Presbyterian minister the Rev. Taft Lyon of Fredericksburg, 
Texas, was honored Sept. 25 by the Houston International Seafarers' Centers 
with its Founders Award for his leadership in establishing the two centers 
in Houston and nearby La Porte. 
    The centers were established in the 1960s to provide outreach and 
support for the 50,000 seafarers who come through the Port of Houston each 
year.  More than 500 supporters of the centers attended the awards banquet. 
    The centers utilize the services of more than 100 volunteers from 
churches and community groups and employ nine full-time chaplains, 
including two Presbyterians - the Rev. Benjamin Stewart III and the Rev. 
David Wells. 
    Lyon, a native of Houston, served churches in Port Aransas, San 
Antonio, Houston, Junction and El Paso during a 40-year career of 
Presbyterian ministry in Texas. 
 
                                  # # # 
 
    The Rev. Cas Robinson, a former member of the Georgia House of 
Representatives and the Georgia Public Service Commission, has joined the 
staff of Greater Atlanta Presbytery as public policy advocate. 
    Robinson, who has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels 
during his career, will advocate issues with the Georgia legislature, the 
Governor's office and federal officials.  He will also work with 
congregations in the presbytery to help individual Presbyterians bear 
effective witness in the public arena. 
    Robinson, who served in the Georgia legislature for 11 years, 
1976-1987, was honored as Georgia Legislator of the Year in 1982 and as 
National Legislator of the Year in 1983.  His family was honored as Georgia 
Family of the Year in 1984. 

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