News from Bethany Seminary

On the first day of classes this fall, Bethany Seminary held the opening convocation for 2010-11 in collaboration with the Earlham School of Religion. As dozens of seats in Bethany's Nicarry Chapel began to fill up, it was apparent that we did not have enough chairs for everyone and had to pull out the reserves. This was a nice problem to have as the new year was officially launched!

Thirteen degree-seeking students and four occasional students are newcomers to Bethany this year along with five students in the Academy for Ministerial Leadership (TRIM and EFSM programs). Orientation began with a welcome from President Ruthann Johansen; Academic Dean Steve Schweitzer; Doug Bennett, president of Earlham College; and Jay Marshall, dean of Earlham School of Religion.

And... A New Presence

Joel Kline, pastor of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren (Elgin, Ill.), has arrived in Richmond as the first participant in Bethany's new Pastoral Presence Programs. Through these programs, Bethany offers pastors the opportunity for further education and retreat, and pastors can make personal contributions to the Bethany community. The intended result: strengthened communication and relationship between Bethany and Brethren pastors and personal enrichment for all involved.