wfn.org | Vice Moderator has deep interest in early childhood spiritual

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

Note #6625 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

development
12-June-2001
GA01067

Vice Moderator has deep interest in early childhood spiritual development

by Charles Proudfoot

LOUISVILLE, June 12 - The Rev. Janet Arbesman, minister commissioner from
the Presbytery of Grand Canyon, said in her nomination speech for Moderator
Jack Rogers.  "We need  figures of the Good Shepherd and sheep to help spark
the religious potential of young children."  As usual there was a story
behind the comment.

	Arbesman is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate University in
the area of spiritual development of young children.  In her course work she
was in a class with Sharon Rogers, Jack Rogers' wife.  The group had worked
to discover the best Bible story to introduce the concept of God to young
children.  The class settled on the Good Shepherd and Jack Rogers, a wood
carver, supplied figures of the Shepherd and sheep for use in their
research.

	A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Arbesman went to New York for her seminary
education, graduating from Union Theolgical Seminary in New York City. She
entered as a Free Methodist but attended a Presbyterian church and found a
home.  Returning to Arizona, she worked with Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, a
new church development project, where she developed a Christian Education
program for all ages. During that same time she also organized a pre-school
for young children.  This work lead to her application for the Ph.D. and a
meeting with Sharon Rogers.

	It was at a dinner with Sharon and Jack this spring that Jack asked her to
nominate him in his bid for moderator.  Jack said, "Just stay calm. Just
stay calm. Would you be willing to nominate me at General Assembly?"

	So relieved the request was not "something worse," Arbesman replied, "Sure,
no sweat!"
Janet's interests and abilities continue to take her down a road not fully
defined. "I am a moment-by-moment person," said the mother of one son and
wife of nearly 30 years. She has served on a variety of boards and
committees, including her current work as vice-moderator of the General
Assembly Committee on Education & Publications. What the future holds is
unclear, except "The thesis must get done!"

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