From John W. Johnson, APCE President
Summer is upon us, which usually means a busy time for educators. I'm sure many of you have already planned and implemented successful Vacation Bible Schools, while others are continuing to make plans and get things ready for yours. Montreat Youth Conferences are underway and mission trips are being undertaken with much fervor and commitment. It seems that while much of life seems to slow down or take a break in the summertime, the life of an educator kicks up a notch during these busy months of summer, as we continue to do the work of the church.
It was indeed my sincere honor and privilege to represent you in Birmingham at the recent gathering of the 217 th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Church Growth and Chris tian Education Committee was charged with the task of considering the two overtures concerning the ordination of educators. The eloquent words of many concerned educators and proponents of education were heard in support of these overtures. We can take heart in the fact that the overtures were not defeated, but were referred to the Office of Theology and Worship of the PC(USA). I, along with Susan Penrod , your President-Elect, made contact with staff from this office, and voiced our desire for APCE to be at that table when these items are discussed, and for APCE to be a part of that conversation. We were assured that we would be. And so, we move forward, disappointed, but not defeated. There were even some informal discussions among some of us of APCE drafting an overture on this issue. The Governing Cabinet I'm sure will discuss this and other issues at its fall meeting in October.
Click here for an article concerning these overtures and the action taken.
The APCE Luncheon held during General Assembly was a big hit, and was sold out!! Guest Speaker Rodger Nishioka was engaging and enlightening with his presentation. Click here for an article about Rodger's speech.
There are links to other articles concerning the issue of educator ordination at the APCE website at www.apcenet.org.
Work continues as we plan for our 2007 event in Philadelphia. The theme is "Sankofa! Flying Forward - Reaching Back." Our keynote speaker will be Frances Taylor Gench, Professor of New Testament at Union-PSCE in Richmond. She is a noted author and educator, and a member of the PC(USA) Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church. The worship and music leader will be Rev. Bill Carter, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, PA. Bill not only is a highly regarded preacher and writer, but is a noted jazz pianist who integrates faith and the arts in his ministry. His jazz quartet, The Presbybop Quartet, will be with him in Philadelphia.
You may see a flyer about this event by clicking on the link below, or by simply visiting the APCE website at www.apcenet.org.
Other APCE Happenings
The Annual Event Committee is seeking workshop proposals for the 2008 event in San Diego . The form for submitting a proposal can be found on the APCE website, or you can e-mail Mary Mohlke (event chair) at marym@pbywny.org The theme for the 2008 event is "But God Says . . ."
SCRAPCE (South Central Region of APCE) Fall Continuing Education Event
"Sacred Stories of Ordinary Families: Living the Faith Everyday"
This exceptional event will be led by Dr. Diana Garland , Dean of Baylor School of Social Work, Baylor University . Dr. Garland is the author of numerous books on family systems and the church's role with them. Some of her titles include: "The Church's Ministry with Families", "Beyond Companionship: Christians in Marriage", "Church Agencies: Caring for Children and Families in Crisis", "Precious in His Sight: A Guide to Child Advocacy" and "Sacred Stories of Ordinary Families: Living the Faith in Daily Life."
The SCRAPCE Fall Continuing Education Event will be held at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary October 16-18, 2006. Watch the APTS website www.austinseminary.edu and the Synod of the Sun website www.synodsun.com for information and registration forms for this event.
Reformed Theology Certification Course Offered through SCRAPCE
SCRAPCE (South Central Region of APCE) in partnership with Synod of the Sun and Austin Seminary are excited to offer the certification course for Reformed Theology on the dates August 7-11, 2006, at Austin Seminary.
The faculty for this Reformed Theology certification course is the amazing Dr. Cynthia Rigby . Dr. Rigby is the W.C. Brown Professor of Theology at APTS. Visit the APTS website www.austinseminary.edu and the Synod of the Sun website www.synodsun.com or e-mail Valerie Knox, Synod of the Sun vknox@synodsun.com for information and registration forms for this event. Registration deadline for this course is June 26, 2006.
The Mid-South Regional APCE Event will be held October 23-25, 2006, at the Maranatha Camp and Conference Center in Scottsboro , Alabama . Event leadership will be Rev. David Palmer, Associate Presbyter with North Alabama Presbytery. Contact Peggy Owens, Regional Rep, for more information.
We are very excited to announce that by September 1 st , the APCE website will have the capabilities of handling on-line memberships, as well as hosting an on-line "APCE Store" for purchasing APCE T-shirts, jewelry, and other items as they come about. We are so glad that we can offer this technology as we continue to update our website. You will also notice at this same time (probably) a new look for the website that we are very excited about. Many thanks to our webmaster, Paul Jamieson, for his expertise in this area.
Thank you for your continued support of and interest in APCE and its work, and especially for your service to the church. As you continue through your many and varied summer activities, may we all remember to take a break for ourselves, so that we may be renewed and refreshed, as fall will be here before we know it!
