Monday, June 1, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Spiritual Formation for Christian Leaders
A Two-Day Retreat on the subject of Spiritual Formation & Spiritual Direction is being offered by the Presbytery of San Joaquin (Presbyterian) in cooperation with Christian Formation and Direction Ministries (CFDM) on Thursday, June 4th and Friday, June 5th at St Anthony's Retreat Center in Three Rivers. There is also a Saturday seminar being offered on June 6th at University Presbyterian Church from 8:30AM - Noon in Fresno.
"We are writing to invite you join in a special time for soul refreshment and space for prayer and renewal of our spiritual disciplines. We are excited to have an outstanding clergy couple who are uniquely gifted in bringing refreshment to spiritual leaders facilitating our time together. Both of us and our wives have benefitted greatly from the teaching and encouragement that Dr. Douglas and Dr. Catherine Gregg bring to helping Christian leaders discover new heights and depths in their communion with God. We expect these two days to provide a spiritual oasis, an opportunity to come to the Spring of Living Water and draw true refreshment for our weary hearts. For more information about the Gregg’s ministry: www.cfdm.org."
For more information, contact The Rev Tom Parsons at 559-908-0117, or Fr Van McCalister at 559-222-3721
Please note: This seminar will count for elective credit for those in formation for the diaconate and as continuing education for our clergy.
"We are writing to invite you join in a special time for soul refreshment and space for prayer and renewal of our spiritual disciplines. We are excited to have an outstanding clergy couple who are uniquely gifted in bringing refreshment to spiritual leaders facilitating our time together. Both of us and our wives have benefitted greatly from the teaching and encouragement that Dr. Douglas and Dr. Catherine Gregg bring to helping Christian leaders discover new heights and depths in their communion with God. We expect these two days to provide a spiritual oasis, an opportunity to come to the Spring of Living Water and draw true refreshment for our weary hearts. For more information about the Gregg’s ministry: www.cfdm.org."
For more information, contact The Rev Tom Parsons at 559-908-0117, or Fr Van McCalister at 559-222-3721
Please note: This seminar will count for elective credit for those in formation for the diaconate and as continuing education for our clergy.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Old Testament - Historical Books
OT-II Historical Books
Class Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Lower meeting room of Zoe Eden at St James Cathedral, Fresno CA
Instructor: The Rev Canon Kenneth Richards
E-mail: kdrichards[at]sbcglobal.net
Registrar: Christina Gomez-Vidal
E-mail: chris[at]sjoaquin.net
Phone: 1-800-498-4159
Please contact Christina to register and to request a syllabus for this course.
Summary
In this course, the student will be introduced to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. The course will focus on the history from Joshua leading the people of Israel into the promised land, through the judges and numerous kings of Israel and Judah, their captivity and finally the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple under Ezra and Nehemiah. Through the overview of the Historical Books, the instructor will identify the theme of deliverance and salvation, Messianic themes and the God’s sovereign will worked out through the people of Israel. While there are two separate courses on the prophets, this course will be a helpful introduction to how God revealed his will to the kings of Judah and Israel through the prophets.
Required Texts
Inside the Bible by Kenneth Baker, Published by Ignatius Press, 1998
Old Testament Theology by Paul R. House, Published by IVP Academic, 1998
Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Walter A. Elwell and Philip W. Comfort, Published by Tyndale House Publishers, 2001
A Study Bible (such as the ESV Study Bible by Crossway or the NIV Study Bible by Zondervan)
Class Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Lower meeting room of Zoe Eden at St James Cathedral, Fresno CA
Instructor: The Rev Canon Kenneth Richards
E-mail: kdrichards[at]sbcglobal.net
Registrar: Christina Gomez-Vidal
E-mail: chris[at]sjoaquin.net
Phone: 1-800-498-4159
Please contact Christina to register and to request a syllabus for this course.
Summary
In this course, the student will be introduced to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. The course will focus on the history from Joshua leading the people of Israel into the promised land, through the judges and numerous kings of Israel and Judah, their captivity and finally the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple under Ezra and Nehemiah. Through the overview of the Historical Books, the instructor will identify the theme of deliverance and salvation, Messianic themes and the God’s sovereign will worked out through the people of Israel. While there are two separate courses on the prophets, this course will be a helpful introduction to how God revealed his will to the kings of Judah and Israel through the prophets.
Required Texts
Inside the Bible by Kenneth Baker, Published by Ignatius Press, 1998
Old Testament Theology by Paul R. House, Published by IVP Academic, 1998
Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Walter A. Elwell and Philip W. Comfort, Published by Tyndale House Publishers, 2001
A Study Bible (such as the ESV Study Bible by Crossway or the NIV Study Bible by Zondervan)
- Please bring a Bible and a Book of Common Prayer to class.
- Information on the texts can be found here.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Introduction to Holy Scripture and the Pentateuch
OT-I February 28, 2009 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Zoe Eden Hall Meeting Room at St James’ Cathedral, Fresno
Instructor: Fr Van McCalister
Contact: van[at]sjoaquin.net
Summary
In this course, the student will be introduced briefly to Holy Scripture as a whole. The course will focus on the first five books of the Old Testament in particular; the greatest emphasis will center on the books of Genesis and Exodus. Through the overview of the Pentateuch, the instructor will identify connections between God’s work through Moses and Israel, and the promises fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the Gospels. The course will also provide an overview of the sacrificial system and the major feast days of the Jewish Calendar, which continue to be prominent features within the Gospels.
The course is free. The books are not provided. Students are responsible for purchasing/borrowing their own books. Links to the books are located below.
If you are taking the course for credit, please contact Fr Van McCalister for the written assignment: van[at]sjoaquin.net or call the Diocese of San Joaquin at 559.244.4828
Required Texts
Inside the Bible by Kenneth Baker, Published by Ignatius Press, 1998
Old Testament Theology by Paul R. House, Published by IVP Academic, 1998
Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Walter A. Elwell and Philip W. Comfort, Published by Tyndale House Publishers, 2001
A Study Bible (such as the ESV Study Bible by Crossway or the NIV Study Bible by Zondervan)
Assignments
Read Inside the Bible Pages 17-54
Read Old Testament Theology along with the corresponding Old Testament Books:
Pages 58-86, Genesis
Pages 87-125, Exodus
Pages 126-152, Leviticus
Pages 153-168, Numbers
Pages 169-196, Deuteronomy
Recommended Reading: Tyndale Bible Dictionary, “Moses” pages 911-917
Friday, August 8, 2008
Anglican Ethos
Note: date change
Fr Wes Clare will be teaching a two-part course on Anglican Ethos, August 30th and September 20th from 9AM to 4PM at the diocesan campus in Fresno.
The course is based on the workbook (Episcopal Ethos) written by Dr Les Fairfield of Trinity Evangelical School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. It is an excellent overview and introduction to Anglican history and theology. This course is part of the diaconal studies program but would also serve well as an adult catechism or confirmation class - or for anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge of Anglicanism.
For more information or to register, contact Kelsey Stewart: kelseykay[at]aol.com
Fr Wes Clare will be teaching a two-part course on Anglican Ethos, August 30th and September 20th from 9AM to 4PM at the diocesan campus in Fresno.
The course is based on the workbook (Episcopal Ethos) written by Dr Les Fairfield of Trinity Evangelical School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. It is an excellent overview and introduction to Anglican history and theology. This course is part of the diaconal studies program but would also serve well as an adult catechism or confirmation class - or for anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge of Anglicanism.
For more information or to register, contact Kelsey Stewart: kelseykay[at]aol.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Bible Survey Courses Begin in 2009
In 2009 we begin our three year cycle of Bible survey courses beginning with NT I: Gospels and OT I: Pentateuch.
After each course, our students have filled out surveys commenting on aspects of the curriculum and instruction that were helpful, or not. Consistently over the past several Bible Survey courses, our students noted that they found the Kerygma series to be too superficial. As a result, our instructors were supplementing the Kerygma materials to such an extent that they were not really being used by the end of the third year. Therefore, beginning this year, we will no longer use the Kerygma curriculum. In order to simplify book purchasing, we are requiring the following four books for the entire three year program:
INSIDE THE BIBLE - An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible, by Kenneth Baker, Ignatius Press, 1998
OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, by Paul House, InterVarsity Press (IVP), 1998
THE WRITINGS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT - An Interpretation, by Luke Timothy Johnson, Fortress Press, 1999 [Note: the most recent edition comes with a searchable CD Rom]
TYNDALE BIBLE DICTIONARY, Edited by Walter Ewell & Philip Comfort, Tyndale House Publishers, 2001
Note: Instructors may also require some additional reading in the way of supplemental articles.
A syllabus will be offered for each course. However, the readings will correspond to the following list of courses:
After each course, our students have filled out surveys commenting on aspects of the curriculum and instruction that were helpful, or not. Consistently over the past several Bible Survey courses, our students noted that they found the Kerygma series to be too superficial. As a result, our instructors were supplementing the Kerygma materials to such an extent that they were not really being used by the end of the third year. Therefore, beginning this year, we will no longer use the Kerygma curriculum. In order to simplify book purchasing, we are requiring the following four books for the entire three year program:
INSIDE THE BIBLE - An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible, by Kenneth Baker, Ignatius Press, 1998
OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY, by Paul House, InterVarsity Press (IVP), 1998
THE WRITINGS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT - An Interpretation, by Luke Timothy Johnson, Fortress Press, 1999 [Note: the most recent edition comes with a searchable CD Rom]
TYNDALE BIBLE DICTIONARY, Edited by Walter Ewell & Philip Comfort, Tyndale House Publishers, 2001
Note: Instructors may also require some additional reading in the way of supplemental articles.
A syllabus will be offered for each course. However, the readings will correspond to the following list of courses:
OT-I Introduction to OT and the Pentateuch
OT-II Historical Books
OT-III Wisdom Literature and Poetry
OT-IV Major Prophets
OT-V Minor Prophets and Deuterocanonical Writings
NT-I Introduction to NT and the Gospels
NT-II Acts of the Apostles
NT-III Pauline Epistles
NT-IV Pastoral Epistles and Hebrews
NT-V Catholic Epistles and Revelation
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Bishop Iker's Sermon at the Chrism Mass
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
During the course of about eighteen years as a parish priest in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, I attended many ordinations, perhaps as many as four to six a year. And it was the custom in that diocese at the beginning of the service for the bishop to have a priest stand up and read to the congregation assembled the Preface to the Ordination Rites found on page 510 of the Prayer Book. (Don’t go looking for it now!) It was read as a way of stating before the service began what our church understood about what we were about to do in ordaining a deacon or a priest. It begins with these words, “The Holy Scriptures and the ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostle’s time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” And then it goes on to briefly summarize the essence of what a bishop is, what a priest is, and what a deacon is.
Part of the awesomeness of this service today is that all three orders are present here at one time and place to renew and reaffirm the sacred vows which each of us took when we were ordained. And I want to simply begin with the reminder that the first theme of what we do today is “continuity and fidelity.” Continuity and fidelity. We promise to continue the apostolic ministry of Word and Sacrament as we have received it from the New Testament Church. We promise to be faithful to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them. The Preface then goes on to state, “It is also recognized and affirmed that the three-fold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” In other words, at each ordination we were reminded that neither the Episcopal Church, nor indeed the world-wide Anglican Communion, owns in any sense, or possesses in any sense these three-fold orders of ministry. We have received them from the apostolic Tradition of the catholic Church. They are not ours. That is to say, we cannot add to, nor can we subtract from, the giveness of the Apostolic Succession. We can’t vote in conventions to alter what we have received by the ordinance of Christ and the apostles. It belongs to Him, not to us. We can only continue in fidelity to that which we have received and assure that we hand it on intact, unchanged, undiminished, unblemished, to those who shall succeed us. It is an awesome thing and a great privilege, my brothers and sisters, to do what you and I are doing today. There is nothing “ho-hum” about it. It is an exciting and challenging time to serve as a bishop, or priest, or deacon in God’s Church today. [the sermon continues]
...continued here
During the course of about eighteen years as a parish priest in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, I attended many ordinations, perhaps as many as four to six a year. And it was the custom in that diocese at the beginning of the service for the bishop to have a priest stand up and read to the congregation assembled the Preface to the Ordination Rites found on page 510 of the Prayer Book. (Don’t go looking for it now!) It was read as a way of stating before the service began what our church understood about what we were about to do in ordaining a deacon or a priest. It begins with these words, “The Holy Scriptures and the ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostle’s time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” And then it goes on to briefly summarize the essence of what a bishop is, what a priest is, and what a deacon is.
Part of the awesomeness of this service today is that all three orders are present here at one time and place to renew and reaffirm the sacred vows which each of us took when we were ordained. And I want to simply begin with the reminder that the first theme of what we do today is “continuity and fidelity.” Continuity and fidelity. We promise to continue the apostolic ministry of Word and Sacrament as we have received it from the New Testament Church. We promise to be faithful to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them. The Preface then goes on to state, “It is also recognized and affirmed that the three-fold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.” In other words, at each ordination we were reminded that neither the Episcopal Church, nor indeed the world-wide Anglican Communion, owns in any sense, or possesses in any sense these three-fold orders of ministry. We have received them from the apostolic Tradition of the catholic Church. They are not ours. That is to say, we cannot add to, nor can we subtract from, the giveness of the Apostolic Succession. We can’t vote in conventions to alter what we have received by the ordinance of Christ and the apostles. It belongs to Him, not to us. We can only continue in fidelity to that which we have received and assure that we hand it on intact, unchanged, undiminished, unblemished, to those who shall succeed us. It is an awesome thing and a great privilege, my brothers and sisters, to do what you and I are doing today. There is nothing “ho-hum” about it. It is an exciting and challenging time to serve as a bishop, or priest, or deacon in God’s Church today. [the sermon continues]
...continued here
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