Upcoming Events
May 21 - Commencement at Claremont School of Theology
May 23 - DSF Board Meeting
May 25 - Commencement at Pacific School of Religion
May 21 - Commencement at Claremont School of Theology
May 23 - DSF Board Meeting
May 25 - Commencement at Pacific School of Religion
Bob Wilson was born Nov 12, 1945 at Murphy Memorial Hospital in Whittier, CA, to Robert Lavern and Betty Louise (Hedges) Wilson. He attended East Whittier Elementary, Ocean View Elementary, East Whittier Junior High, and Sierra High Schools. Bob was baptized January 1, 1956 at First Christian Church, Whittier. From 1966 through 1967, Bob served in the United States Army on a year and a half tour in Viet Nam.
Bob learned to bake in Graoux's Bakery, later moving to a bakery in Montrose, CA, and eventually to Vons Grocery, where he ultimately became Head of Bakeries for the Pavilions stores, from which position he retired, only to open his own bakery, "The Wedding Cake" a few years later.
On June 17th, 1989, at Covina Christian Church, Bob married the love of his life, Louise Camille (Leonhard) Strona. Bob and Louise loved to travel, exploring Africa, Antartica, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. They particularly enjoyed visiting family and friends in Hawai'i. When Louise passed away in October 2007, her ashes were scattered at sea near Ka'anapli, Lahaina, in Maui. Bob took his last trip to Maui in December of 2012.
Bob was a wonderful, sweet man, who loved to go to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, never had a harsh word, enjoyed his work, never got a traffic ticket, and took great care of his family and friends - including frends he had yet to meet. Bob helped fund the Leonard/Wilson scholarship at Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and was a volunteer at Disciples Seminary Foundation.
Bob passed away in his home in Claremont on February 19th, 2013, surrounded by family and friends, and will be dearly missed. Bob will be buried at sea, joining his beloved wife Louise at Ka'anapli, Lahaina, in Maui, on Saturday May 4th, 2013.
Michael Kinnamon will be joining Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry (STM) for the next three years as the Spehar-Halligan Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Collaboration in Interreligious Dialogue, beginning August 2012. Dr. Kinnamon has long been a friend of the School of Theology and Ministry, as one of its consultants for the school’s intentional commitment to ecumenical dialogue. STM is an accredited seminary in partnership with more than 17 religious traditions, building an excellent reputation in ecumenical and interreligious conversations, especially surrounding global concerns and social justice.
Disciples Seminary Foundation named STM as its third partner school in 2011, joining its historic connections to Claremont School of Theology and Pacific School of Religion. DSF and STM cooperate with the Northwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to offer excellent education for ministry in a broad ecumenical context with a strong Disciples ethos. DSF also offers significant scholarship support for Disciples students at STM.
One of the Disciples’ most influential intellectual leaders, Dr. Kinnamon is a widely known scholar in ecumenical circles, both nationally and internationally. In addition to his recent service as General Secretary for the National Council of Churches, he has been a professor, scholar and leader in higher education for more than 30 years. A graduate of the University of Chicago Divinity School, he taught at Christian Theological Seminary for several years before becoming dean of Lexington Theological Seminary in 1988. In 2000, he joined the faculty of Eden Theological Seminary. His extensive writings on the ecumenical movement include The Vision of the Ecumenical Movement and How it has Been Impoverished by its Friends (Chalice Press).
DSF’s President, Jon L. Berquist, commented, “Disciples Seminary Foundation congratulates Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon and the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry, and we’re thrilled to have Michael on the west coast. The School of Theology and Ministry is one of DSF’s three partner schools, and we are grateful for STM’s strong commitment to Disciples education and to our shared passion for ecumenism. Disciples students have received excellent theological education from STM, with a vital involvement of Disciples in the Northwest Region and with the leadership of Rev. Dr. Richard Cunningham, the first Disciple on STM’s faculty. With Michael Kinnamon’s arrival, STM grows into a premier institution for Disciples education and an important contributor to faithful Disciples life nationwide.”
For more information, visit www.dsf.edu or www.seattleu.edu/stm.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Jackson (T.J.) Liggett passed away March 27, 2012, at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, CA. Liggett was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1919.
Memorial services will be held in two locations. First, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, a service is set for Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 9th Street NW, Washington DC, his daughter's home church. That service will be officiated by both the Rev. Dr. Alvin O. Jackson and the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon. A second service will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 3 p.m. at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, Calif., where Liggett was a longtime resident.
Many in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) may remember Liggett for his key role in the denomination’s transition to a new structure in 1968. He was president of the United Christian Missionary Society during that period as it gradually changed from both domestic and international mission to what is now known as the Division of Overseas Ministries (DOM)/Global Ministries and continued as president of DOM as Disciples Home Missions was separated. He was the first missionary to serve as head of that organization.
“T.J. led with theological clarity and missional focus whether in Puerto Rico, Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Theological Seminary or transformation of Disciples from “churches” to “Church”. His commitment to a liberating Gospel shone through everything he did - from building fine educational institutions, through church restructure, to his work for just peace and nuclear disarmament. He was a presence throughout my childhood. His untiring voice for justice challenges me to this day,” said Sharon Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In 1974, Liggett became president of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, leading that organization as it developed a truly global perspective on Christian faith. He served there until 1986, leaving as a legacy an endowed chair of Christian Traditions.
Early in his career, Liggett served in Argentina (1946-1957) and Puerto Rico. His extensive service for the Church included Deputy General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), president of the Evangelical Seminary in Puerto Rico (1957-1965), Latin American executive for DOM (1965-1967), moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (1985-1987) presiding over the 1987 General Assembly in Louisville.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Transylvania College in Lexington and the Bachelor of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary. He married the late Virginia Moore in 1941. They had a son, Thomas Milton, and a daughter, Margaret Ann (Peggy) who also served the church as a missionary. Condolences may be sent to his daughter: Margaret Liggett, 3501 Piney Woods Place Apartment A102, Laurel, MD 20724-5970. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Thomas J. Liggett Global Ministries Fund, Division of Overseas Ministries, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or Pilgrim Place, 625 Mayflower Rd., Claremont, CA 91711. Arrangements are pending for a memorial service in the next few weeks to be held at Pilgrim Place.
-First Published at Disciples News Service
DSF is strengthening its mission to partner with students, schools, and the church to support the formation of church leaders by the addition of two new staff members in Claremont.
Rev. Aaron W. Park, Ph.D., now serves as Director of Korean Studies for DSF. In this capacity he is working with President Jon Berquist to develop the Korean/English bilingual M.Div. program launching at Claremont School of Theology (CST) in Fall, 2012. In addition to assuming teaching duties himself, he will also enlist other faculty, and will recruit, mentor, and advise students. He looks forward to working with the Korean Convocation, the Pacific Southwest Region, DSF, and others to interpret the new program and to identify ministry opportunities relevant for Korean Disciples M.Div. students. He will be assisted in this work by CST M.A. student Jung Ja (Joy) Yu.
Dr. Park is highly qualified, with experience at the local church, serving as one of the co-pastors of Saegil Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Burbank, California, and in the larger church, including service as moderator of the Korean Disciples Convocation in the Pacific Southwest Region, and as a member of the regional Committee on Ministry as well as the board of Church Extension. In the area of academia, he earned the Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Claremont Graduate University in 1999, and is the author of The Book of Amos as Composed and Read in Antiquity (2001). Dr. Park has taught extensively at San Francisco Theological Seminary/Southern California and at Korean seminaries in the Los Angeles area.
Rev. JoAnn Bynum, D.Min, is DSF's first Director of Student Life in Claremont. CST students will soon come to know her as a counselor, mentor, guide, and advocate in their educational and formation experiences. Dr. Bynum will join in student recruitment and work closely with students as they covenant with DSF. She will also assist students in taking appropriate steps toward ordination and deeper involvement with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In order to keep ties with the church strong, the new Director will represent DSF at regional events and other church events, interpreting DSF’s mission and supporting DSF’s role in the church.
Dr. Bynum brings to her task a rich history of ministry. She currently serves the Pacific Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as Director of African American Ministries. She was founding pastor of Sierra Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Executive Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Los Angeles. At the Southern California School of Ministry, she was assistant professor as well as dean of the Doctor of Ministry degree. She holds an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from the Southern California School of Ministry.
Pacific School of Religion’s Badè Museum was the scene of an appreciative celebration on Saturday afternoon, December 10. Fifty guests joined Joseph D. Driskill and his wife, Leslie Bryant, in celebrating his career with PSR and DSF, and marking Joe’s retirement, which officially occurs on December 31. Joe currently serves as Professor of Spirituality; Ronald D. Soucey Lecturer; and Dean of the Disciples Seminary Foundation, Berkeley.
Pedro Ramos Goycolea (current PSR student and member of the DSF board) and Daniel Kyung-Min Lee(PSR graduate and NAPAD minister for the Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada) told of their appreciation for Joe and his influence on them as students. SandhyaJha (pastor of First Christian Church of Oakland) spoke about Joe’s work with the Reconciliation Commission of the church. Mary Donovan Turner, PSR’s Carl Patton Professor of Preaching and Joe’s successor as DSF’s Dean at the Berkeley campus, expressed appreciation for Joe’s gifts of teaching and pastoral presence, and noted the questionable wisdom of following someone in office who was as effective and well loved as Joe. David Downing, Interim Regional Minister for the Pacific Southwest Region, presented a certificate of appreciation from the region. Christina Hutchins, DSF Administrator for the Berkeley campus, read a poem specially written for the occasion, giving humorous insight into their work together. Kathi McShane, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at PSR, brought greetings and appreciation on behalf of Riess Potterveld, PSR President. Ben Bohren, Regional Minister for the Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada, pronounced a blessing for Joe and Leslie as they start their new chapter of life, asking those in attendance to speak a word that reflects Joe’s ministry and presence in their lives.
Don Sarton, Board Chair for DSF, presided over the event. Jon Berquist, DSF President, noted that he accepted Joe’s resignation with great reluctance. Jon presented Joe with the Honored Minister’s Pin, provided for presentation by the Pension Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He also presented Joe with a clock as a gift from DSF. As he started to open the gift, Joe quipped, “At least it’s not ticking,” only to discover a moment later that it was! Speaking of Joe’s distinguished service to PSR and DSF since the early 90’s, Jon said, “As Joe leaves behind this focused ministry with DSF and PSR, Joe begins a new time of ministry, in which his considerable gifts will enrich others throughout North America just as he has nourished us for so many years. He serves with uncompelled kindness; he has always done everything his duty required, but he has seen such effort as only the beginning point for his true ministry. He has made DSF and PSR a home for many. Now, we pledge to follow Joe’s example, and we wish all of our best on Joe and Leslie.”
Joseph Driskill has been appointed as Dean Emeritus of Disciples Seminary Foundation, Berkeley, and Professor Emeritus of Spirituality, Pacific School of Religion. Joe and Leslie will divide their time in retirement between the Bay Area and Ontario, Canada.
Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Jeter, Jr., was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Homiletics, in its annual meeting December 1-3 in Austin, Texas. Dr. Jeter recently retired as Granville and Erline Walker Professor of Homiletics at Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas, where he had taught since 1984, and was named as Emeritus Professor of Homiletics.
His many accomplishments include service as president of the Academy of Homiletics in 2001 as well as numerous prominent lectureships throughout the United States. He served as pastor at Upland Christian Church near Claremont as well as First Christian Church of Palo Pinto, Texas. His greatest and most treasured contribution to the church comes in the generations of pastors who learned to preach in his courses.
Joey Jeter is one of DSF’s most-loved graduates, having received his Ph.D. from Claremont School of Theology in 1983. While at Claremont, he studied church history with Dr. Ronald Osborn. The education and erudition he gained at Claremont and DSF combined with his love for preaching and dedication to the church, enabling a distinguished and productive career that has shaped the preaching of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and beyond.
Dr. Jeter’s many books include Preaching through the Apocalypse: Sermons from Revelation (Chalice, 1992; with Cornish R. Rogers), Re/Membering: Meditations and Sermons for the Table of Jesus Christ(Chalice, 1996), Crisis Preaching: Personal and Public (Abingdon, 1998), One Gospel, Many Ears: Preaching for Different Listeners in the Congregation (Chalice, 2002; with Ronald J. Allen), and Preaching Judges (Chalice, 2003).
Joseph D. Driskill, retiring as Dean of Disciples Seminary Foundation, 
Berkeley, at the end of the year, has been elected to serve as the 2012 vice president and 2013 president of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality (SSCS), North America’s premier association for the academic understanding of spirituality. SSCS describes their membership as “scholars active in a wide range of academic communities as well as artists, pastors, practitioners, and those in the helping professions—all those interested in reflecting critically on the life of the Spirit.”
Dr. Driskill is uniquely suited to hold SSCS leadership, as he retires as Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ronald D. Soucey Lecturer at Pacific School of Religion. His qualifications also include significant publications in the field, including Protestant Spirituality Exercises: Theology, History and Practice (1999), Ethics and Spiritual Care: A Guide for Pastors, Chaplains and Spiritual Directors (with Karen Lebacqz, 2002), and Spiritually Informed Pastoral Care (2002).
Dr. Driskill’s retirement as Dean Emeritus of Disciples Seminary Foundation will be honored with a celebration on December 10, 2011. RSVP to info@dsf.edu if you wish to join in the festivities.
During November 16-22, several of the largest academic societies for the study of religion met in San Francisco, including the American Academy of Religion, the American Schools of Oriental Research, and the Society of Biblical Literature. More than eight thousand people were in attendance. DSF students and staff were present to teach, learn, and network with other scholars, as part of the academic leadership that DSF provides.
Many of DSF’s doctoral students from Claremont School of Theology and the Graduate Theological Union attended, including Khalia Jelks, Robert Mason, Timothy Murphy, Rafael Reyes, and Katy Valentine. One of our recent graduates, Rev. Dr. Jaehyung Cho, presented two academic papers, and DSF President Jon Berquist also gave a paper on the interpretation of the book of Hebrews.
Other DSF staff members involved in the meetings include Joe Driskill, Christina Hutchins, Mary Donovan Turner, Carolyn Patterson, and Dave Coatsworth.
Disciples Seminary Foundation congratulates recent 
Christian Church Foundation honoree, the Rev. Dr. Donald Sarton, as the CCF sponsors the 2012 Symposium on Preaching and Stewardship in his name. The CCF Board of Directors announced this tribute to the DSF Board Chair on November 5th at a celebration of Dr. Sarton’s retirement as CCF Vice President after 13 years with the ministry. Among those recognizing Dr. Sarton’s service at this event were CCF President Gary Kidwell; CCF President Emeritus James Johnson; Rev. Bob Bock, senior minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of North Hollywood, CA; and DSF Southwest Vice President Marilyn Fiddmont. Read the full story at: www.christianchurchfoundation.org/pages/News-Sarton-Celebration/
STM student Justin Umbright and DSF Director of Development Dave Coatsworth exchange greetings.
Disciples Seminary Foundation and Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry (STM) celebrated their new partnership with a reception in Seattle on October 26. Last May, DSF named the School of Theology and Ministry as its third partner school, allowing DSF to extend its scholarship support to STM students who will serve the needs of churches and other ministries in the Northwest Region and beyond. STM is a fully-accredited seminary that is well-known as one of the most innovative ecumenical endeavors of the last twenty years.
DSF now supports three STM students: ML Daniel, Ruth Jewell, and Justin Umbright. Each is pursuing the M.Div. degree. All three of them attended the reception, along with Dr. Mark Markuly and Dr. Michael Reid Trice, the dean and assistant dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, as well as other STM administration. Dr. Dick Cunningham received strong applause for his work for Disciples at STM. Dick was one of the founding faculty for STM and has been the most stalwart Disciples presence, as well as a key leader for all of STM.
Dr. Jon Berquist and David Coatsworth attended from DSF’s Claremont offices. DSF trustees in attendance – in addition to Dr. Markuly, who has just joined DSF’s board – included Dr. Laura Bailey, a former chair of STM’s Disciples Outreach Team, and Rev. Sandy Messick, Regional Minister and President of the Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a current STM Disciples Outreach Team member. Other Disciples Outreach Team members present included Rev. Loren Arnett, Rev. Wahhab Baldwin, Rev. Marv Eckfeldt, and Rev. Kara Markell. Rev. Youn Su Nam, a Disciples pastor in Seattle and a D.Min. student at Claremont School of Theology, also attended. Disciples friends such as Sharon Helseth Nichols (an STM graduate from Renton, Washington) and Rev. Art Morgan (a Pacific School of Religion graduate from Oregon) joined the celebration, along with Rev. Dave Richardson (chair of the board of Claremont School of Theology) and several faculty from Seattle University.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the Pacific Southwest
Region recently announced that DSF trustee Young Lan Kim and her husband, Young Jun Yang, have been selected as the new regional ministry team for North American Pacific Asian Disciples (NAPAD). Rev. Kim is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary/Southern California and Rev. Yang is a graduate of Claremont School of Theology, and they are both ordained ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They are currently Asian group leaders at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Hollywood, where Kim served a DSF-sponsored internship. Young Lan Kim wrote and directed the well-received dramatic presentation at the recent Regional Gathering. Incoming NAPAD Executive Pastor and DSF trustee Jinsuk “John” Chun remarks, “I believe that they will serve NAPAD churches of the PSWR very well and develop a close cooperation with regional leaders. I would like to ask you to congratulate and encourage them.”
DSF students receive the highest level of theological education through our partner institutions: Claremont School of Theology, Pacific School of Religion, and Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry.
Our students graduate with the skills for effective ministry and with spiritual resources for a lifetime of ministry. DSF also partners with the church to nurture and call future leaders.
All of this is made possible by generous donors, including Disciples Mission Fund, who share our vision of leadership for mission in an ever-changing future.
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