Young adult seminarians launch network June 7, 2004 By Pamela Crosby* CONWAY,
Ark. (UMNS)--Young adult seminarians formed a network to parallel the
United Methodist Student Movement during a post-Student Forum 2004
meeting at Hendrix College, a United Methodist-related institution.
“The
YASN meeting was a great step toward building a network of support for
young people in seminary,” said Julie O’Neal, program coordinator for
community life at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo. She
cited “vibrant conversation” among the students about needs, concerns,
joys and commonalities of those who are pursuing vocations in the
church. The
seminarians drafted a purpose statement, established initial goals,
selected a coordinating committee and agreed to reconvene in one year.
The new network’s primary purpose is to provide advocacy, resources,
support and community for young seminarians. Goals include planning a national gathering, developing a model for sabbath retreats and establishing an internet presence. “To
see the passion, true excitement, and pure energy that there is around
this idea, that is encouraging,” O’Neal said. “It's what inspires me as
well as many others to keep looking for ways that the United Methodist
Church can help support young leaders.” O’Neal, who is a former student movement steering committee member planned the network with three seminarians: Jennifer
Battiest, Drew University Theological School, Madison, N.J., Michelle
Blume, Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Ky., and Laurie Day, Iliff School of
Theology, Denver. They hope the network will become established on each campus so that young seminarians can feel camaraderie with those attending other seminaries.
· Sara Baron, Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology - Jennifer Battiest, Drew University Theological School, Madison, N.J.
- Michelle Blume, Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Ky.
- Justin Coleman, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C.
- Paula Cripps, Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology
- Chad Johns, Boston (Mass.) University School of Theology
- Matthew Kelly, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville, Tenn.
- Andrea Kraushaar, Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo.
- Jeffery Ozanne, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.
- Shandirai “Shandi” Mawokomatanda, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
- Courtney McHill, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.
- Melissa Meyers, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio
- Hyo Chong “Debbie” Mun, Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, Texas
- Kate Murphey, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
- Mary Kathleen “MK” O’Haver, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio
*Crosby
is assistant editor and writer for the Office of Interpretation, Board
of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tenn. ·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
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