Episcopal Life Online Daybook -- Today is Tuesday, August 14, 2007. The Church calendar remembers Jonathan Myrick Daniels (1939-1965).
* Today in Scripture: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm * Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm * Today in History: On this day in 1727, William Croft, composer, died at Bath, England. Croft served as organist of Westminster Abbey and composed works for the funeral of Queen Anne in 1714 and for the coronation of King George I the following year.
_____________________
TEACHING
Seminary deans discuss opening schools' resources to entire church Conversations could lead to 'radical shift' in theological education, leader says
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service] Financial difficulties and drastic changes in the role of the Christian church in society are prompting the leaders of the 11 seminaries connected with the Episcopal Church to reconsider theological education.
The seminaries' Council of Deans has met three times this year already, twice more than its normal annual meeting, to discuss issues facing the seminaries. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori joined the deans in their March and June meetings.
The Very Rev. Ward Ewing, dean and president of the General Theological Society (GTS) and convener of the Council of Deans, said the deans have realized that because of financial restrictions faced by all the seminaries, "every seminary can't provide everything for everybody." Thus, they are exploring how to develop "the kind of coalition so that each seminary becomes a gateway to the resources of all the seminaries."
The deans' goal is not simply to improve and strengthen their own seminaries, Ewing said.
"The seminaries exist primarily as servants for the Church," he said, and are called work together to "provide the resources of the seminaries for the whole Church" so that the seminaries are seen as "adding value to the leadership of the Church."
While the seminary deans have not always fully cooperated, Ewing said "the idea that we are going to start working together in a more significant way is simply building on a history of very mutual support over the last few years."
Jefferts Schori told ENS that she is "delighted at the work the deans are doing together."
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_89056_ENG_HTM.htm
_____________________
Catalyst: "Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural World" from Skylight Paths Publishing, by John Lionberger, 158 pages, paperback, c. 2007, $16.99
[Source: Skylight Paths Publishing] There is an ancient and deeply compelling biblical tradition of going into the wilderness to find God. Moses and Jesus knew that in the wilderness they would find the quiet and simplicity that would lead to profound spiritual connections. They understood that normal day-to-day living is usually not the way to regain that connection with God, because it affords little opportunity to simply, humbly and quietly listen for God's voice and feel God's presence. Perhaps even in our time -- especially in our time -- leaving civilization to spend time with God in the wilderness holds an important key to spiritual renewal.
This practical guide illuminates the power of finding God in the wilderness experience and the universality of spiritual connection through nature. It explores the teachings about wilderness in sacred writings both ancient and contemporary and how we can grow through the shared and individual experiences of being present in nature.
To order: Episcopal Books and Resources, online at http://www.episcopalbookstore.org or call 800-903-5544 -- or visit your local Episcopal bookseller, http://www.episcopalbooksellers.org