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  The Pillar:  
Alumni & Community Newsletter

"110 Reasons"
Ashland Theological Seminary is entering its 110th year as an institution. To commemorate the occasion, please share your "reasons." Reasons for attending ATS. Reasons for supporting ATS. Reasons for staying engaged with ATS. We will collect your "reasons" and publish them to celebrate all that God has done through you. Please answer one or multiple questions that speak to your experience with ATS.
New Alumni Benefit
Retreating from the daily stress of life allows God to reveal Himself as well as new directions for ministry. We welcome alumni to take personal or family-oriented Sabbath-Rest Retreats on the Ashland campus. Receive spiritual direction, engage in the life of the seminary, and customize all aspects of your stay.
Learn More
Alumni Mission Trip
Participate in an alumni mission trip to northern Brazil during the first two weeks of August 2016. Join the Vineyard Cleveland Church and Xingu Mission to partner in the work of encouraging missionaries, pastors and leaders. Contact Angie Weimer, aweimer2@ashland.edu, 419.289.5926 for more information.
Jewish Ministry and Outreach
Tikvat Yisrael Yeshiva, an educational ministry of Tikvat Yisrael Messianic Synagogue in Lyndhurst, Ohio, introduced a new ministry certificate program. With an emphasis on Jewish ministry and outreach, the program offers high quality college-level courses taught by individuals from within and outside of Tikvat Yisrael. 
Students do not have to pursue the certificate in order to take courses at the Yeshiva. Classes can be taken just for personal knowledge and spiritual growth. 

The vision of the Tikvat Yisrael Yeshiva is to develop and train students to effectively reach out and make disciples among the Jewish community, to build Messianic Jewish communities, and to equip non-Jewish students to increase understanding among the Christian community of their Biblical relationship to the Jewish people.
 
For more information on enrolling in or teaching classes, email Deborah Bird, DMin ('12), at dburd56@yahoo.com.
Volume 2: Issue 1                                               September 10, 2015 
Alumnus Helps Children Survive,
Trains Ministry Leaders in Uganda
Disabled women lead worship in Uganda with Steven Gashumba, Diploma in Christian Studies ('14), and Founder & President of Hope for Every Heart Ministries.
For Steven Gushumba, boyhood in the deep villages of Uganda, Africa, meant a nomadic lifestyle without proper food, clothing and education. Dinner was served to him and his six brothers on one plate. Whoever ate the slowest would remain hungry. Five of Steven's 14 siblings have passed away due to lack of medical care. 

Steven now serves his own people through Hope for Every Heart Ministries. He sees how his life background is his ministry. Through this U.S. and Uganda 501(c)(3) non-profit, thousands of villagers in Uganda have access to clean water, medical care, basic education, and biblical training. Children stay healthy and attend school through the help of Hope for Every Heart sponsors.

The Hope for Every Heart Foundation financially supports the work in
Children in Kiryamusunku, Uganda, attend school through the help of Hope for Every Heart Ministries.
Uganda. "It is thrilling to reach children and families in Uganda," said Dawn Morton, Ed.D., foundation president and Associate Dean for Institutional Assessment at Ashland Theological Seminary. "We have five acres of land, a well with clean water, and now we are working on supporting 50 children through sponsorship. It is exciting to see what is happening!"

Steven realized seminary education would enhance his ability to serve the people of Uganda. A friend recommended Ashland Theological Seminary, and Steven earned his Diploma in Christian Studies in 2014. 

"Because of the seminary, my eyes were opened in many ways," Steven said. " I believe that the training I received from the seminary has contributed and is still helping me very much to run after the call of God upon my life."

Steven plans to return to ATS to complete his Master of Divinity degree. Additional classes will position Steven to launch a school of ministry in Uganda. He envisions a three-year certificate program in which 750-1,000 pastors and leaders enroll. Many pastors currently lead congregations of approximately 300 people, yet struggle to read and write. Steven will train people to obtain Biblical knowledge at their learning level.

"If I die, what have I done to help my people?" Steven said. "It has to be done."

Your investment in time, talent and treasure with Ashland Theological Seminary has global reach.  Would you consider a gift the ATS Scholarship Fund to help Steven Gushumba and hundreds of other students with a God-breathed vision for ministry? Visit seminary.ashland.edu/give, and select ATS Scholarships to make your donation.
ASHLAND
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Luke Keefer Jr.
Oct. 2 and 3

Dr. Luke Keefer, Jr., served the Brethren in Christ Church and academia wholeheartedly, and this event
Dr. Luke Keefer Jr.
will honor his life and legacy. Our keynote speaker, Shane Claiborne, will offer the talks "Resurrecting Church" and "Tearing Down the Walls" to encourage us as the Body of Christ to be alive in the world. Shane Claiborne is a Red Letter Christian and a founding partner of The Simple Way, a radical faith community that lives among and serves the homeless in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. He is the co-author, with Chris Haw, of Jesus for President

We will celebrate the publication of the festschrift (edited by J. Robert Douglass, Ph.D. and Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Ph.D.), as well as highlight the book by Devin Manzullo-Thomas on the life and contributions of Luke to the Brethren in Christ Church. The first recipient of a scholarship in Luke's honor, Ashley Speaker, will be commended. Students, alumni, and community members are invited to participate in the event and engage in reflection on the implications for our commitments to the work of justice and peace.

Clergy Appreciation Day
Oct. 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
 
We appreciate the sacrifice clergy make to serve their congregations. In observation of Clergy Appreciation Month, join us for a day of worship, fellowship and reflection. 

9:40-10:20 a.m.- Chapel Service with Thomas Gilmore, DMin |                                Ronk Memorial Chapel  
10:30 a.m.- Prayer Garden Reflection with JoAnn Ford Watson,                       PhD  
11 a.m.- Doug & Jean Sherman Manuscript Library Tour with John              Byron, PhD  
Noon- Lunch   
12:30 p.m.- Flora Archaeological Center with Ken Walther, PhD

CANTON
From the Scroll to the Book
Oct. 20, 2015 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. | High Mill Church,  1920 Schneider St NE,  Canton, OH 44721

The Bible is one of the most widely read books in the world. In North America, most homes have at
Dr. John Byron
least one copy of the Bible, but many probably have several. Yet, it can be easy to take our possession of the Bible for granted. We don't often appreciate the long and sometimes difficult process that brought us the Bible we read today. 

In this lecture Dr. Byron, Professor of New Testament at Ashland Theology Seminary, will explain how the Bible we hold in our hands evolved from scrolls and papyri written in numerous languages to the English Bible we use today. At the conclusion of the lecture, the audience will be invited to view a selection of ancient Bibles and manuscripts including a fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls and pages from the Wycliffe, Tyndale and Luther Bibles. 

Enjoy refreshments after the lecture. The lecture is open to the public, and no registration is necessary.  Contact Angie Weimer, Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, with questions at aweimer2@ashland.edu or 419.289.5926.
CLEVELAND
  Ministry of Growing Generous Disciples
Five-Course Continuing Education Certificate
Cleveland Center or Live Online

Where will your church be financially in 10 years without a carefully devised strategy?  Pastors, lay clergy, and finance committee members are encouraged to examine their congregation's stewardship strategy and earn 4 continuing education units through this seminar series. 
 
The goal of this series is to utilize a holistic approach to stewardship to "grow generous disciples." Stewardship is the management of all the gifts God has given us.  However in the life of the church we equate stewardship with money and for most churches, it is an ongoing struggle to have adequate funds to accomplish God's plans for making disciples and reaching out in missions.

Participants may take courses in any order over multiple semesters, but the recommended sequence is outlined below. Registration is open for individual courses as well. Participants may take one, multiple, or all five seminars. 

REGISTRATION COSTS FOR CERTIFICATE
 
 
Standard: $200  | Group of 3 or more: $160 each
Students: $100 |  MDiv/MAPT Students: Scholarship Funds Available

COLUMBUS
Alumni & Friends Gathering
Nov. 5, 2015 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Marcella's Italian Kitchen, Polaris

Dr. Michael B. Thompson
Join fellow alumni and spouses for a time of fellowship and to celebrate all that the Lord has done during our 110-year history as a seminary. Dr. Michael Thompson, Professor of Practical Theology, will inspire us with a devotional. Receive updates on new seminary programs and initiatives from Angie Weimer, Director of Alumni & Community Engagement.

City Gates Cohorts
2015-2016

We are now accepting registrations for City Gates Cohorts in Columbus. City Gates Cohorts provide men and women with a formational path of discovery and change that prepares them to cultivate God's good will within their everyday vocational context.

City Gates Cohorts facilitate a deep, group-based learning process that prepares frontline Christians to approach their work and life with true Kingdom mission, perspective and instinct.  For more information, or to register, please visit our  City Gates Cohorts  page.
DETROIT 
The City Gates Conference
Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
College for Creative Studies, A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education 

God is on a mission to bring thriving, flourishing life to every part of our communities. The 2015 City Gates Conference will gather hundreds of people in Detroit to re-imagine fresh ways to take part in that mission through our everyday work, regardless of our vocation. 

Through compelling speakers, perspectives and interactions, the City Gates Conference will help us understand and act on the connection between our everyday work and the renaissance God is awakening in our communities for the common good. 

No matter what kind of work you do, you are invited to join us. The City Gates Conference will propel you into a bright new current of purpose and passion as you learn to embrace your everyday work as your sacred calling.

City Gates Cohorts
2015-2016

We are now accepting registrations for City Gates Cohorts in Detroit. City Gates Cohorts provide men and women with a formational path of discovery and change that prepares them to cultivate God's good will within their everyday vocational context.

City Gates Cohorts facilitate a deep, group-based learning process that prepares frontline Christians to approach their work and life with true Kingdom mission, perspective and instinct.  For more information, or to register, please visit our  City Gates Cohorts  page.
"With Thanksgiving" Worship Workshop
Nov. 14, 2015 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Detroit Center

This workshop will equip pastors and leaders with effective ministry skills relevant to leading and planning worship services along with theological insights for worship planning. 

Workshop participants will also be able to put those skills into immediate practice by planning an actual worship service in a group setting.

NASHVILLE
AACC World Conference Luncheon
Sept. 23, 2015 | 12 to 1:15 p.m. | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
 
Join fellow counseling alumni for a fellowship luncheon during the AACC World Conference. Hear from alumni relations and marketing staff members about the seminary's new programs, benefits and initiatives. 

PHONE 419.289.5926 | FAX 419.207.6077

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