(From the Common English Bible newsroom)

NASHVILLE, TN (August 17, 2011) – Of the 200 biblical scholars and church leaders involved in creating the just released complete Common English Bible (http://CommonEnglishBible.com) translation, six are Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) members, including Lexington Theological Seminary professor Dr. Jerry Sumney.

Nearly four years in the making, with a total of more than 700 people involved and a budget of $3.5 million, the complete Common English Bible (Twitter @CommonEngBible – http://twitter.com/CommonEngBible) is in its third printing after only one month in stores and is becoming known for being “built on common ground.”

“When we say ‘built on common ground,’ we mean that the Common English Bible is the result of collaboration between opposites: scholars working with average readers; conservatives working with liberals; teens working with retirees; men working with women; many denominations and many ethnicities coming together around the common goal of creating a vibrant and clear translation for 21st century readers, with the ultimate objective of mutually accomplishing God’s overall work in the world,” says Paul Franklyn, PhD, associate publisher for the Common English Bible.

“Helping create the Common English Bible has been one of the highlights of my professional life,” says David L. Petersen, senior Old Testament editor for the Common English Bible, convener of the Common English Bible editorial board, and academic dean at Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA. “It was a privilege to work collaboratively with over one hundred scholars who were dedicated to making the Bible accessible to twenty first century readers. The translators and consultants succeeded brilliantly, offering an accurate and fresh version of the Christian Bible.”

Twenty-four denominations are represented by the translators and readers. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) members who helped build the Common English Bible are:
Translators and where they teach:

•  Jerry L. Sumney, PhD, Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY

•  Marti J. Steussy, MDiv, PhD, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN

Reading Group Leaders:

•   Molly Carlson, Pastor, Elk Bay, CA

•   Margaret Deans, Christian Education Pastor, Kingsport, TN

•   Jose Morales, Pastor, Hammond, IN

•   Christian Piatt, Pastor, Pueblo, CO

The complete Common English Bible debuted online and on 20 digital platforms in June, and in paperback format in mid-July. Now in its third printing, the Common English Bible totals 500,000 copies in print, including the New Testament-only editions released a year ago. Originally expected this fall, the entire Bible paperback edition already in stores is selling quickly. Six other editions, including one with the Apocrypha, are now releasing.

“Media coverage of the launch of the Common English Bible has been substantial,” says Franklyn. “It includes TIME magazine, USA TODAY, The Tennessean, Seattle Post Intelligencer, The Toronto Star, Florida Today, Orlando Sentinel, The Christian Post, and others, along with reviews by bloggers, our own website, Twitter stream, and Facebook page, and our video.”
Combining scholarly accuracy with vivid language, the Common English Bible is the work of 120 biblical scholars from 24 denominations in American, African, Asian, European, and Latino communities, representing such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others. They translated the Bible into English directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.

Additionally, more than 500 readers in 77 groups field-tested the translation. Every verse was read aloud in the reading groups, where potentially confusing passages were identified. The translators considered the groups’ responses and, where necessary, reworked those passages to clarify in modern English their meaning from the
original languages. In total, more than 700 people worked jointly to bring the Common English Bible to fruition; and because of the Internet and today’s technology it was completed in less than four years.

Visit CommonEnglishBible.com to see comparison translations, learn about the translators, get free downloads, and more.

The Common English Bible is sponsored by the Common English Bible Committee, an alliance of five publishers that serve the general market, as well as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Chalice Press), Presbyterian Church (USA) (Westminster John Knox Press), Episcopal Church (Church Publishing, Inc.), United Church of Christ (The Pilgrim Press), and The United Methodist Church (Abingdon Press).

###

LEXINGTON, Ky., July 18, 2011 — The Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through the Ministry Life Choices Initiative at Lexington Theological Seminary is pleased to announce its partnership with the Flourishing in Ministry Project and Dr. Matt Bloom.

The Flourishing in Ministry Project focuses on the emotional welfare of clergy and their families. The goal of the project is to discover what makes pastors tick — and what ticks them off — in order to better understand how to bring joy to those who work so hard to bring it to others.  The project is another step in the work of University of Notre Dame Management Associate Professor Matt Bloom, who in 2009 was awarded a five-year, $500,000 Lilly Endowment grant to study the sense of well-being at work among people in the caring professions.

In Phase I of the study to specifically examine the well-being of clergy, Dr. Bloom will survey a cross-section of Disciples clergy regarding life and ministry. In Phase II, Dr. Bloom will conduct interviews with a targeted group of Indiana clergy.

“We want to understand well-being at a really deep level, rather than just forming a few survey questions,” said Bloom, who has worked with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the United Methodist Church. “We are trying to understand what constitutes well-being for clergy.  What are the factors that shape it? What are the outcomes?”

“We are pleased to facilitate this work and ministry.  This is an ideal partnership for the Pension Fund,” said James Hamlett, president of the Pension Fund. “We are keenly aware that the more we know about the daily lives of pastors and their families the more we are able to support and encourage them in the vocation of ministry.”

Disciples of Christ clergy and family members will have the opportunity to participate by registering during General Assembly this summer in Nashville, Tenn., July 9-13 at the Pension Fund booth.  ”We are particularly interested in the ways in which families help to shape the ministerial context and I am hopeful that a sufficient number of clergy will register to share their experiences,” said Dr. Charisse L. Gillett, LTS vice-president and project liaison.

Lexington Theological Seminary President James P. Johnson added, “These kinds of creative partnerships offer the Seminary a chance to gather and apply relevant data that help us to prepare clergy for a 21st century church.”

For more information on the Flourishing in Ministry project and to register by July 22, please visit http://flourishing.nd.edu/ or call Ms. Bethany Cockburn at 574-631-4803.  For more information on the Ministry Life Choices Initiative and to discuss participation in the survey, please contact Dr. Charisse L. Gillett at cgillett@lextheo.edu.

“We are grateful to Dr. Bloom for his work and to the Lilly Endowment for its willingness to fund this research.  Ultimately we hope to foster conversations that will engage the church in discussions on ways to nurture and sustain those called to pastoral ministry,” said Eugene Fisher, vice-president of member services for the Pension Fund.

Lexington Theological Seminary is an accredited graduate theological institution of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Consistent with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, the Seminary is intentionally ecumenical with students, faculty, staff and trustees of various denominations. The Seminary has been preparing leaders for the church since 1865. For more information, visit www.lextheo.edu.

CONTACT: Beth Goins  (502) 316-4575, bgoins@lextheo.edu

In a special meeting this morning, July 7, Lexington Theological Seminary Board of Trustees named Dr. Charisse Gillett the Seminary’s 17th president, effective Sept. 1.

“Dr. Gillett brings vision and energy for leading LTS with its innovative approach for preparing men and women for congregational ministry. She brings a unique combination of experiences with higher education, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and LTS. Her demonstrated leadership abilities, her strategic and creative approach to issues, her commitment to students and congregations, and her effective communication style are all qualities that clearly make Dr. Gillett the right person to lead the Seminary as we move forward,” said LTS Board of Trustees member Leslie Geoghegan, who chaired the presidential search committee.

Dr. Gillett has served as Vice President of Administration and Special Projects at LTS since February 2010. Dr. Gillett has more than 20 years of successful administrative experience in higher education, including service at Transylvania University, Midway College, Robert Morris College and University of Northern Iowa. She holds a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. A former moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she has been a commissioned minister by the Christian Church in Kentucky since August 2010 and is Associate Minister at East Second Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where her husband, LTS D.Min. alumnus Dr. Donald Gillett II, serves as Senior Pastor. She is also a former LTS trustee and officer of the board.

“I am deeply committed to the church and to the work of the Seminary in shaping students for ministry,” Dr. Gillett said. “I am excited about the future of the Seminary, and the students and congregations we will be able to touch in the years to come as our program continues to grow in dynamic ways. We have a wonderful team of faculty and staff who are dedicated to our students and to the church, and I am looking forward to working closely with them and leading the Seminary as we move forward into the next page of our story.”

Dr. Gillett’s appointment is a historic one in the 146-year history of LTS. She is the first woman and first African-American to lead the Seminary as president.

“Dr. Gillett has an outstanding depth of knowledge and experience about the Seminary,” said LTS Board of Trustees president Rev. Gary Kidwell. “LTS has a storied history of shaping people for ministry, and with Dr. Gillett’s leadership, we look forward to an exciting future for the Seminary.”

Join us Monday, July 11, at the Nashville Renaissance Hotel, for the LTS luncheon at General Assembly. You’ll be sure to enjoy our unique guest speaker, Bob Valentine, a Mark Twain impersonator.

Please Note:  We must give the hotel a guaranteed number for the luncheon on Friday, July 8, the day before the Assembly starts.  Therefore, we will not be selling tickets at the General Assembly.  Tickets must be purchased prior to the Assembly. Tickets for all meal events are being sold online.  To purchase a ticket online go to this page.

·      Under the heading “Meals and Events,”

click “Buy Your Tickets Online Now”

·      Scroll down to Lexington Theological Seminary

·      Click arrow in box to select the number of tickets you wish to purchase.

·      Scroll to bottom of page and click “Next”

·      At top of page are two boxes, including one for you to make a donation to the General Assembly.Complete it if you wish or skip it.The other box is “Coupon Code.”  Skip it and scroll down to complete the information for purchase with credit or debit card.

·      At bottom of page click “Submit.”

·      A copy of your ticket(s) will appear.  Print the ticket page and present it at the door to the LTS luncheon.

If you have difficulty navigating the online ticket purchase or do not use a computer, please send your check for $22 for each ticket to:  Sonny Wray, Lexington Theological Seminary, 631 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY  40508.  Ticket orders must be received no later than Wednesday, July 6.  Upon receipt of your order, we will purchase the ticket(s) for you.  Tickets purchased by June 30 will be mailed to you.  Tickets for orders received July 1-July 6 may be picked up at the LTS booth in the exhibit hall at the General Assembly.

Luncheon program will also include brief comments from the President and new Dean along with business of the Alumni Association.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

The Kingdom of Heaven – What on Earth?

In this four-week session, Dr. Allen will examine Jesus’ teaching concerning the reign of God, as presented by the Gospel of Matthew.  The role of Jesus  as Teacher will be considered, along with the “kingdom of heaven” sayings and parables.  The final session will focus on the Sermon on the Mount

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON WES ALLEN:

Associate Professor of Homiletics and Worship

B.A., Birmingham-Southern College
M.Div., Yale Divinity School
Ph.D., Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Emory University.

As an ordained United Methodist, O. Wesley (Wes) Allen, Jr. worked in parish and campus ministry for 18 years before turning to full-time seminary teaching. His teaching interests involve giving students a strong theological foundation and practical experience for leading worship and preaching. To achieve this goal, he teaches introductory courses in worship and preaching each year along with upper level electives in both areas.

Dr. Allen’s research interests concern broad homiletical interests as well as the connection between preaching and the interpretation of the New Testament. He has published a collection of narrative sermons, Good News from Tinyville: Stories of Heart and Hope (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1999); an introductory textbook on exegesis, Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels: Basic Methods for Interpreting Matthew, Mark, and Luke (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2000); a homiletical-exegetical resource for pastors, Preaching Resurrection (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2000). In 2005,  Allen published a theology of preaching The Homiletic of All Believers: Approach to Proclamation and Preaching, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press). In this book he introduced the concept of the cumulative power of the pulpit, and extended that concept in a resource of cumulative strategies for reading and preaching lectionary texts in congregational worship: Preaching and Reading the Lectionary: The Three Dimensions of the Liturgical Year (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2007). Allen is completing his work editing a series of introductory textbooks on preaching for Fortress Press entiled Elements of Preaching; a number of volumes are already completed, including Allen’s on the rhetorical structures available to the preacher–Determining the Form: Structures for Preaching (2008).  Dr. Allen is currently working on two books: one that presents the sermon preparation process as a discipline for personal spiritual growth and another on preaching the Gospel of Mattew.

Dr. Allen is married to Bonnie Cook, who is the executive director of the Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association. The two of them have a young daughter named Maggie Cook-Allen.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ONLINE REGISTRATION:

Lexington, Ky., May 13, 2011 – Twenty Lexington Theological Seminary students from seven states received degrees and one certificate at the 145^th graduation ceremony Friday.

Maribeth Blackman Westerfield, Martinsville, Ind., received a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Receiving Master of Divinity degrees are: Sheila Anne Core, Dobson, NC; Chris Geiger, Ashland, Ky.; Timothy Richard Graves, Wheeling, W.Va.; Jason Grow, Rippey, Iowa; Kenneth Michael Hardway, Logan, W.Va.; Johnna B. Mansuetto, Perryville, Ky.; Nathl LaManuel Moore, Huntsville, Ala.; Chad M. Penhorwood, Lima, Ohio; Kimberley Tennille Proctor, Bowling Green, Ky.; Margaret R. Shanks, Lexington, Ky.; Betty Sivis, Lexington, Ky.; Kara Renae Swartz, West Chester, Ohio; Lisa Anne Tolliver, Lexington, Ky.; and Kenneth W. Weidinger, Fort Thomas, Ky.

Four students received Master of Arts degrees: Haley Suzanne McCoy, McKee, Ky.; Howard Fee Miller, Richmond, Ky.; Susan G. Shepherd, Lexington, Ky.; and Avis Lynette Prude Thompson, Beattyville, Ky.

Kevin Joseph Roberts, Lawrenceburg, Ky., received a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry in abstentia.

Keynote speaker Rev. Jean Halligan Vandergrift is a 1983 graduate of Lexington Theological Seminary. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Practical Theology at the Boston University School of Theology, with a concentration in Congregations and Community. She is also an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Jean has served pastorates in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Washington, as well as a mission appointment in Paris, France.

She has given leadership to mission and ministry at the local, regional, and general expressions of the church, currently as co-chair of the Discernment Team of the Northeastern region, the in-coming chair of the Disciples Home Missions Board, and a member of the Congregational Transformation Team.

Lexington Theological Seminary is an accredited graduate theological institution of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Consistent with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, the Seminary is intentionally ecumenical with students, faculty, staff and trustees of various denominations. The Seminary has been preparing leaders for the church since 1865. For more information, visit www.lextheo.edu.

• May 6 (evening):
Women’s Dinner and Rose Ceremony for Women Graduates – (all women invited) at Dr. Margie Ralph’s home

• May 12, 11:00 am
Awards Celebration – LTS Chapel

• May 12, 12:00 pm
Lunch for Seminary community and guests honoring 2011 Graduates – Fellowship Hall

• May 12, 6:00 pm
Senior Communion – All are invited – LTS Chapel
Dr. Sharon Warner, preaching

• May 13, 10:00 am
Commencement Ceremony – UK Memorial Hall (across street from LTS)
Rev. Jean Vandergrift, speaking

• May 13, 11:30 am
Reception following Commencement – LTS Fellowship Hall

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lexington, Ky., March 25, 2011 – The Rev. Dr. Richard Weis has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean and Professor of Hebrew Bible at Lexington Theological Seminary.

Weis, who is currently Dean and Professor of Old Testament Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, will join the Seminary effective July 1.  He follows Dr. Sharon Warner, who is retiring after 22 years of service at LTS.

“Dr. Weis brings a wealth of experience in theological education and in the church,” said LTS President James Johnson. “He is a gifted and highly published scholar with a reputation as an excellent teacher. He has been a leader in the adoption of new instructional technologies and in inter-disciplinary team teaching. Throughout his career his service to the church has been evident as a speaker, preacher, teacher, and Bible study leader.”

In the interview process, the search committee was particularly impressed with Weis’ enthusiastic vision of what the new online program at LTS can mean for the church.

Prior to his role at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Weis was Dean at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey and was Associate Professor of Old Testament there for more than a decade.

Lexington Theological Seminary is an accredited graduate theological institution of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Consistent with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, the Seminary is intentionally ecumenical with students, faculty, staff and trustees of various denominations. The Seminary has been preparing leaders for the church since 1865. For more information, visit www.lextheo.edu.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lexington, Ky., March 25, 2011 – After seeing the Seminary through what may be the most dramatic shift in its 146-year history, President James Johnson will retire by the year’s end.

“It simply seemed that ‘it is time,’” Dr. Johnson, 71, noted. Dr. Johnson became the Seminary president in August 2008. In the months that soon followed, he led the Seminary into a period of reinvention in the wake of the global
financial crisis that significantly impacted LTS and other institutions. Under his leadership, this period became an opportunity to reshape theological education as
the Seminary worked toward meeting the changing needs of students and congregations.

“There have been many encouraging signs during this significant transition to a seminary utilizing distance learning,” Dr. Johnson said, referencing the continued
financial support of alumni/ae and friends, as well as the enthusiastic response of new students to the program. He also noted the encouragement of innovations in
programming by the Association of Theological Schools.
“I have been truly blessed with a committed and dedicated Board of Trustees willing to make very difficult decisions, with a faculty that brought the best of their
imaginations and energy to create a new model of theological education and a new curriculum, and with a staff who accepted new assignments in addition to their old
ones with remarkable skill and positive spirit,” he said.

Dr. Johnson will remain with the Seminary through the presidential transitional process.

Rev. Gary Kidwell, chair of the LTS Board of Trustees, noted, “Lexington Theological Seminary has been uniquely blessed by Dr. Johnson’s leadership over the last three years. He brought the right gifts at the right time and moved us through an historical transitional period. The Seminary is now positioned to serve a new generation of students preparing for ministry. The Seminary—indeed, the whole church—is deeply grateful for Dr. Johnson’s strong visionary leadership. He will be greatly missed.”

Rev. Kidwell also announced the members of the presidential search committee approved by the Board of Trustees at their March 20 meeting.  Including Rev. Kidwell as ex-officio, the members are: Emily Askew, faculty representative, of Lexington, Ky.; Brenda Caban of Palm Bay, Fla.; Brad Fountain of Utica, Miss.; Leslie Geoghegan, committee chair, of Louisville, Ky.; Rick Griffith of Lexington, Ky.; William Lee of Roanoke, Va.; Forrest Roberts of Owensboro, Ky.; Ruben Rodriguez, alumni representative, of Jonesboro, Ga.; Tanya Tyler, alumni representative, of Lexington, Ky.; and Richard Weis, faculty representative, of New Brighton, Minn.

Lexington Theological Seminary is an accredited graduate theological institution of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Consistent with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, the Seminary is intentionally ecumenical with students, faculty, staff and trustees of various denominations. The Seminary has been preparing leaders for the church since 1865. For more information, visit www.lextheo.edu.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The annual golf scramble is a fun way to connect with your LTS family and support the Seminary. This year, the scramble is scheduled for June 10 at Golf Club of the Bluegrass (10 miles south of  Turfland Mall, 6000 Harrodsburg Road). The scramble is sponsored by Bluegrass Family health and co-sponsored by PNC Bank. Our print sponsor this year is Del Ray Printing of Lexington. Other sponsorships are available – see details below or download a small version of our brochure: [PDF of brochure]
We hope to see you there!

TOURNAMENT FEATURES
Four-person, best ball scramble.  Each golfer’s drive will be used at least twice.
• Closest to the pin, longest drive, and straightest drive contest
• Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place foursomes for gross score
• Mulligans & Door Prizes

SCHEDULE
11 a.m.            Registration Opens
12:30 p.m.   Complimentary Luncheon
1:30 p.m.      Shotgun Start
6 p.m.             Awards Reception

SPONSORSHIPS
HOLE SPONSOR:  $800
• Foursome entry
• Signage on Site

HOLE SPONSOR:  $500
• Signage on Site

SCRAMBLE SPONSOR:  $250
• Signage on Site

CART SPONSOR:  $10O
• Sponsor name on two carts

FOURSOME REGISTRATION:
• $340 per foursome
($85 per person)

ONLINE REGISTRATION:

MAIL REGISTRATION:

Send check payable to:
Lexington Theological Seminary,
631 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY  40508

For information contact Sonny Wray:
swray@lextheo.edu or 859/280-1245
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________