new church life: jan uary/february 2015
work being done for orphans in Kenya by the Rev. Samson Abuga, his wife and
staff. Kay and several others spent time with Samson and the children last July
and tells an inspiring story of what is being done for these children – and how
we all can help. (Page 57. Also, see photos on pages 90 and 91.)
The subject for Introducing Our Ministers in this issue is the Rev. Erik J.
Buss, assistant pastor in Bryn Athyn, who has so many ministerial genes in
his family that his choice may have seemed preordained, but the decision and
the passion to become a minister were all his own. His zeal for the Church has
taken him to Glenview, Seattle and South Africa, and produced two books – so
far. “I love the concept,” he says, “of learning to truly trust the Lord enough that
His will may be the only thing that matters.” (Page 63) See also a sermon by
Erik, Expanding Your Wisdom and Influence. (Page 67)
Donnette R. Alfelt, who has been a wise teacher in the Academy Girls
School, a loving mentor to widows and widowers, and devoted to the Church
throughout her life, talks about her changing view on women in the ministry
and what led her to this new perspective. (Page 71)
The Rev. Brian D. Smith in Toronto has created on online resource for
more than 36 papers and studies on women in the ministry and other gender
issues in the Church. We list all of these papers, most too long for publication
in New Church Life, so that you can consult them according to your own
schedule and inclination. (Page 76)
Roslyn Taylor offers an enthusiastic review of a new book by Joanna Hill,
Spiritual Law: The Essence of Swedenborg’s Divine Providence. (Page 79).
Church News (page 82) includes:
• An account of the re-dedication of the Washington New Church
Building, which was completely transformed and expanded over the
summer (photos on page 89)
• The dedication of the new Chara Aurora Cooper Haas Pipe Organ in the
Bryn Athyn Cathedral in November
• A report on the Church in Asia, including ground-breaking work in
China, which is experiencing a huge surge in Christianity
• Three new books: A Man of the Field, Volume 3: Spiritual Regeneration
Disciplines for Daily Life by Leon James; The Lord, translated by
the Rev. Dr. George Dole; and Spiritual Growth, published by the
Swedenborg Foundation.
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