Anna Carter Florence'84 B.A. to deliver Beecher Lectures
Anna Carter Florence ’84 B.A., the Peter Marshall Associate Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, will deliver the Beecher lectures at Convocation and Reunions 2012. Her Beecher lectures will be on the topic "The Word in the Repertory Church." In describing the lectures, Florence writes that she is thinking about the church as a repertory theatre and the biblical text as the “script” we perform, year after year, over the course of our lives. >Go to story
Gregory E. Sterling to be installed as new dean of YDS preceding Convocation and Reunions
The installation of Gregory E. Sterling as dean of Yale Divinity School will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 4 pm, but there will be other opportunities during the course of Convocation and Reunions 2012 for alumni to meet and greet the new dean, both formally and informally.
The installation will include an academic procession and worship service in Marquand Chapel, followed by a reception in the Old Refectory. Sterling officially took office on Aug. 1.
>Go to storyAlumni Awards panel, “Religion in the Public Square” discussion, highlight panel presentations at Convocation
Convocation highlights include a number of panel presentations, some designed for individual reunion gatherings and others intended for all attendees. Among the latter are a panel featuring Alumni Award honorees for 2012 and the panel “Religion in the Public Square,” organized by the 1976, 1977, 1978 35th reunion cluster group. The Class of 1952 will hold a panel discussion on “The Faith by Which I Live Today.” Other panels confirmed to date include one on values and vocation and another featuring discussion by current students about their experiences at YDS and their plans for the future. >Go to story
Senior faculty members slated to deliver talks at Convocation and Reunions
Talks by three senior members of the YDS faculty will be among the highlights of Convocation and Reunions 2012. Kathryn Tanner, the Frederick Marquand Professor of Systematic Theology, will speak on the topic “Why Christians Should Support the Occupy Movement.” Professor of Hebrew Scriptures Carolyn Sharp will speak about “Prophetic Witness And Public Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities.” And Lamin Sanneh, the D. Willis James Professor of Missions and World Christianity,” will address the subject “The Last Great Frontier in a Post-9/11 World: Lessons of World Christianity.” >Go to story
Class of 1952 produces volume "The Faith by Which I Live"
In their systematic theology course years ago, members of the YDS Class of 1952 were asked to write a credo, or statement of beliefs. Now, six decades later, members of the class have been given another writing assignment – by the Class’s 60th Reunion Planning Committee: a statement of faith. Twenty-five members of the class have responded.
Convocation and Reunions preachers include John Chane '72 M.Div. and Vernice (Hopie) Randall '11 M.Div.
Preachers for Convocation and Reunions 2012 include John Chane ‘72 M.Div., retired bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, well-known for his work in interfaith relations and human rights, and Vernice (Hopie) Randall'11 M.Div., recipient of the 2011 Henry Hallam Tweedy Prize for exceptional promise for pastoral leadership, considered YDS’s highest honor to a graduating student. >Go to story
Attention church leaders and education directors
The fall issue of Reflections magazine will have an election-season theme focusing on American values, and we hope you will consider using it as a study resource or conversation starter. The issuewill feature articles, poetry and art work that explore the embattled ground of contemporary values and our spiritual politics. Who are we as a nation now? Are certain values at risk of neglect in this cultural moment? How can our faith traditions inject wisdom into turbulent times? This Reflections issue will be available the week of Sept. 24. We invite you to order extra copies, at nominal cost, for use in congregations or study groups. To order copies or subscribe, go to http://reflections.yale.edu/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Before the Fall Orientation, Aug. 20-24
YDS’s annual “Before the Fall Orientation” (BTFO) for new students will take place Aug. 20-24. Numerous large and small-group meetings will be held on a broad range of topics such as financial aid, internet technologies, student jobs, inclusivity, the academic culture at Yale, and libraries. There will be worship services and various entertainment options including an ice cream social, chamber music, dinners in faculty homes, and picnics for families and partners.
Opening convocation for 2012-13 school year, Aug. 28
Dean Gregory Sterling will preside over his first opening convocation as dean of Yale Divinity School. Carolyn Sharp, interim associate dean of academic affairs and professor of Hebrew Scriptures, will give the address. A reception will be held in the Common Room immediately following. The ceremony will begin at 4 pm on Aug. 28 in Marquand Chapel.
More Events 
More Faculty on the Road 
Save the Date!
