Bethany Theological Seminary begins its 105th academic year.

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., begins its 105th academic year this week. Semester-long classes begin Aug. 27. Thirty-two new students are enrolled--including 28 in degree programs and 4 with non-degree status--the largest incoming class in more than a decade.

New master of divinity students enrolled in Connections, the seminary’s distance education program, met for their first class in retreat format in Camden, Ohio, during the weekend prior to the Aug. 24-25 orientation and returned to the Richmond campus to participate in orientation with residential students. During the retreat, the Connections students began their study of ministry and spiritual disciplines, shared spiritual autobiographies, and began to form spiritual sharing groups.

In her remarks at an orientation breakfast, Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen encouraged new students to become more curious about and deeply acquainted with their particular gifts, and how they express love for God, others, and all creation.

"There is no more important work than the study of God and all the ways human beings have attempted to experience and speak about that ineffable mystery," Johansen said. "There is no more important work than the inquiring study of scripture and other texts, reflection on the nature and purpose of life, and the disciplining and commitment of your own life.... There is no more important work because the longing for love, justice, and peace in our families, churches, meetings, and societies throughout the world is profound. Because this hunger for love and meaning is pervasive, keep what you study here always in close conversation with what is happening beyond: in Afghanistan and in Richmond, in the Sudan and Washington, in your home communities and Jerusalem."

The transition from orientation to the beginning of classes will be celebrated at an opening convocation on Aug. 27 at 11:20 a.m. eastern time. Steven Schweitzer, Bethany's new academic dean, will speak on "Doing Theology in Community" (2 Chronicles 30).

The convocation will be webcast live at www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/convocation2009 or visit the page at a later time to view a recording of the service.

-- Marcia Shetler is director of Public Relations for Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 8/26/2009 Newsline