St. John the Divine to Host Historic Chinese Bible Exhibit
Episcopal News Service. May 22, 2006 [052206-2-A]
An exhibit of more than 100 Bibles and religious artifacts from China will be on public display at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City June 5-12. This marks the first time these artifacts have been displayed outside of China.
"We are honored to be one of the hosts for the China Bible Exhibit," explained the Venerable Michael Kendall, Archdeacon for Mission for the Diocese of New York. "This is a way for us to bridge the cultures and to learn what we have in common. The bibles and artifacts that comprise the exhibit offer a glimpse into the Christian life of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live a half world away. It will be an opportunity for us to learn Christ through Chinese eyes and hearts."
Titled "The Bible Ministry of the Protestant Church in China: A Lamp to My Feet, A Light to My Path," the extensive exhibit will include numerous priceless pieces: a fourth century Bible, a nine-foot long carved wooden mural of the life of Jesus Christ, historical photographs, artifacts, traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, wood carvings, paper-cuts and batik.
Organized by the China Christian Council, the exhibit is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of New York, American Bible Society, and the Council of Churches of the City of New York (CCCNY).
"When I think of what is taking place in China today, I am reminded of two of Christ's parables at the same time," observed the Rev. William Jefferson, director of Global Ministries of the American Bible Society. "Both parables are about seeds. The first parable is the one Christ told about seed sown by a farmer. Some of the seeds never took root, while other seeds grew multiplying 30, 60 and 100 fold. The story symbolizes how the Word of God is embraced by some while unproductive for others.
The other parable is that of the mustard seed which Christ used to illustrate the Kingdom of God. Even though the mustard seed is tiny it has enormous potential growth. We see both of these parables at work in China today. Millions of Bibles are being printed and distributed throughout this rich and diverse country. The biblical text is an ancient text, yet it is like an ancient seed that contains the power of life within."
"Visiting the China Bible Exhibit is an opportunity to glimpse the religious side of the China population often hidden," commented the Rev. Dr. John Hiemstra, executive director of CCCNY. "The Christian faith of many millions of Chinese is deep and enduring. It is vital and strong with deep roots, historically and spiritually. Today the church in China is a full partner with other churches around the world that bring faith to a broken, violent and desperate world. Thanks be to God for Chinese Christians."
There is no fee to view the exhibit which has been on display in Los Angeles at the Crystal Cathedral and is presently in Atlanta at the Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, through May 24. New York City is the last stop on the three USA city tour.
For a preview visit http://www.BibleExhibitNY.org
The exhibit will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
For more information call Blair Carlson at 212-408-8731.
Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry's Class of 2006 makes history
[ENS] Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, made history on May 13 when it held its largest-ever commencement ceremony.
Forty-four students received master's degrees or the degree of Doctor of Ministry during graduation exercises at Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh. The speaker was Dr. Philip Jenkins, author of "The Next Christendom."
The gathering also announced the Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry, rector of Christ Church, Plano, Texas, as Trinity's new chairman of the board. Christ Church holds the distension of having the largest Sunday attendance of any parish in the Episcopal Church.
Roseberry succeeds Hugo Blankingship, Esq., of Fairfax, Virginia, who described his tenure of service on behalf of Trinity as "the most important thing I have ever done in my life." Blankingship was elected an emeritus trustee of the School and a continuing member for one year of the Executive Committee.
Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry serves the Lord by forming Christian leaders, both lay and ordained. Trinity is a seminary in the Anglican tradition, especially serving the Episcopal Church as an evangelical, "Great Commission" seminary. Trinity also serves all those committed to the spread of the gospel, whatever their tradition.
For more information visit: http://www.tesm.edu
Nashotah House award 13 on commencement day
[ENS] Bishop N.T. (Tom) Wright of the Diocese of Durham, England, was the lecturer and speaker at Nashotah House Theological Seminary's spring convocation on May 17, and commencement on May 18.
Thirteen degrees -- Eight Master of Divinity, four Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and one Certificate in Anglican studies -- were conferred at the Noble Victory Memorial Chapel of St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin.
In addition to awarding Wright -- known as one of the world's leading scholars on the New Testament -- with a Doctor of Divinity degree, Nashotah House conferred honorary degrees upon the Rev. Canon Dr. Kenneth Bailey, research professor (emeritus) of New Testament at the Ecumenical Institute (Tantur) Jerusalem, who lectured on May 16; George Ellis Mims, organist and director of music at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas; the Rev. Laurence Gipson, also of St. Martin's Episcopal Church; and Bishop Bertram Herlong of the Diocese of Tennessee.
Founded in 1842 as a mission to the frontier and incorporated in 1847 as "a College of learning and piety," Nashotah House is a seminary of the Episcopal Church in the Anglican Communion of Churches, providing theological education for prophetic, priestly, pastoral and servant ministries, concerned for the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mission of the Church in the world, the salvation of all people, and the worship of Almighty God.
For more information on Nashotah House visit: http://www.nashotah.edu