new church life: september / october 2013
commencement dinner in May, Dr. Allen Bedford, Dean of Academics and
Faculty, talked about Leaving. He reminded the graduates that no matter how
grand their dreams, “God’s vision for us is so much greater than what we see
for ourselves. We tend to want to stick with our little ball of what we know, but
God sees whole worlds in us.” (Page 497)
In an essay that originally appeared on New Church Perspective, the Rev.
J. Clark Echols comments on the implication for our lives in the forgiving
statement by Jesus as He was being crucified: “Forgive them, for they know
not what they do.” (Page 501)
In a charming essay in the British Newsletter, The Way Things Seem, the
Rev. Frederick C. Elphick talks about what and how we should judge: not
on how things appear on the surface but with “righteous judgment” that
recognizes evil and falsity – in ourselves as well as in others. (Page 504)
Church News includes: Bryn Athyn College with increased enrollment,
offering a new major in Psychology and a minor in Business, and on target
with its goals and strategies for the 2011-16 strategic plan. · The Secondary
Schools, also with increased enrollment, the Rev. Barry Halterman stepping
up as Chaplain, with increased responsibilities, and the significant news that
the Academy has been awarded “Model School Status” by the Gurian Institute,
which is doing pioneer work in gender studies. · Charter Day schedule that
includes Chancellor Brian W. Keith giving the cathedral address, and Brian D.
Henderson as the banquet speaker, talking about his new role as Director of the
Glencairn Museum and how it supports the Academy. · A Creation Project in
Boynton Beach, Florida, which is looking at the creation story from quantum
physics to the Writings of Swedenborg, and making it all understandable to
inquiring minds. · And the Development Office with a new name and location
– the Office of Advancement in the College/Theological School – with a
new director but the same mission of supporting the College, the Secondary
Schools and the General Church. (Page 506)
Cover art: The July/August cover photo of the 2013 Senior Class banner came
from the Digital Collections of the Swedenborg Library, and we are grateful for
their assistance. The cover illustration on this issue comes courtesy of Rachel
Glenn and the Office of Education.
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