A Graduation for the Divine and Others

The Lancaster Theological Seminary held their 188th Anniversary Commencement Service at The Church of the Apostles United Church of Christ in Lancaster, PA on Saturday May 18th. A multitude of relatives and friends of the service’s participants gathered as the scholars who have earned their masters degrees in areas relating to the many theological dimensions of faith received their honors. Excitement and pride filled the sanctuary and the first notes of the organ prelude as performed by Daryl Hollinger (Dean of the Chapel and Seminary Organist) touched the air to signal the beginning of the ceremony was soon at hand.

When the long awaited processional hymn titled, “Praise My Soul” by Donald Paul Hustad was played, the congregation eagerly arose to not only honor the service but to catch a glimpse of the graduate whom they have loved for a significant portion of their lives as he or she walked the aisle to take their place before the church’s altar. Many held their breathes during those moments while others searched for the handkerchiefs and tissues they thought were placed in a easily accessible spot but have forgotten where they were as the emotions of the day overwhelmed them.

Once seated, Carol Lytch (the Seminary’s President) rose to the podium in order to welcome the gathering to the service. Her words were followed by an invocation given by Anabel Proffitt (Associate Professor of Educational Ministries) which was followed by a greeting from the board of trustees as represented by their Chair Dr. Richard Kratz. As he concluded his words, the hymn titled, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was sung.

However, due to some miscalculation, the entire hymn wasn’t included in the otherwise well designed program for the event. Many followed the suggestion to utilize the church’s hymnal where the entire composition was revealed. Some didn’t. So, in keeping with my practice whenever I’m in a religious gathering and I have difficulty following the lyrics of a hymn, I began to replace the unknown words with those written by Robert Plant for the song titled, “Stairway to Heaven.” One of the graduates heard me and gave me a smiling eye.

As the final note of the gathering hymn grew silent, a number of commencement prizes were distributed by Anne Thayer (Paul and Minnie Diefenderfer Professor of Mercersburg and Ecumenical Theology and Church History). They included The Raymond W. Albright Prize in History, the Unitarian Universalist Preaching Prize, and many others. This was followed by a presentation of the Class of 2013’s Gift to the Seminary which was presented by Class Gift Committee member John Folk who was among those receiving their Master in Divinity Degree that day. This was followed by a presentation honoring the seminary’s alumni who were represented by Paul Eyer of the class of 2006. When called upon to do so, those who have graduated throughout the years of the institution’s existence stood as the applause they received made the air they breathed while within the sanctuary a little bit sweeter.

It was soon after the applause ended that the speaker for the event was introduced by Frank Stalfa (Professor of Theology, Dean of Students, and a member of the class of 1983). This was followed by a scriptural reading read by Lee C. Barrett III (Mary B. and Henry P. Stager Chair in Theology, Professor of Systematic Theology). It was taken from verses 17 - 24 contained in the 11th chapter of a document known as “The Epistle to the Roman” written circa 55 CE in Roman Corinth by the Christian Saint named, “Paul.” The entire document is found in the Judeo/Christian collection of books known as the Bible #(a word translated from the Koine Greek meaning “The Books”) which contains the literature, history, and teachings relating the Hebrew Culture and its faith.

The Address for the event was given by Jill Edens of the United Church of Chapel Hill and was titled, “Having Faith in the Faith of Others.” In her talk, she related her times in upward bound when seemingly insurmountable obstacles stood before her but the faith of others in her ability to overcome such challenges encouraged her to believe in something that was beyond her beliefs and enabled her to accomplish wonderful things. Those who heard her words in their ears and hearts were also encouraged to go beyond what they know and trust in the faith of others when theirs are lacking so they can do even greater things throughout their lives and ministries.

The resonance of these words still echoed as the Litany/Prayer for the students were led by Lance Mullins with responses to his word given by the Graduates, the Faculty, Administrators, Staff, and Spiritual Guides along with the Friends and Family of the Graduates. This was followed by the presentation of Candidates and the Conferring of Degrees by Carol Lynch (the Seminary’s President), David Mellott (Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the Seminary, and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology), Dr. Richard Kratz (Chair the Seminary’s Board of Trustees), and Valerie Bridgeman (Associate Professor of Hebrew Scriptures/Homiletics and worship and scholar of Theology and the arts). It was a time many have awaited for many years.

A number of students received the Master of Divinity Degree. Although the amount of names are too many to list, I shall mentioned that my nephew, Thomas D. Busteed (who also served in the Senior Skit Committee who performed during a separate event from the commencement service) was among the happy recipients. This was also true of his life partner, John Folks, who also received the Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Along with the students who received their Master of Divinity Degree, there were others who received degrees in Master of Arts (Religion) and Doctor of Ministry. There were also honors bestowed upon students for Specialization in Spiritual Direction.

The grand ceremony ended and the Sending Hymn titled, Siyahmba (We are Marching in the Light of God) was sung and followed by a charge to the graduates and benediction given by Carol Lytch (the Seminary’s President). The Commence Service ended with the singing of the Recessional Hymn written by Michael Burkhardt titled, “Now We Thank We All Our God.” Many watched as their friends and family members moved up the aisle leaving one sanctuary in order to enter another filled with a renewed love for them as hugs were given and pictures were taken. You’ll find more of the pictures I took during the event in the Special Events Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151513384020421.546231.636000420&type=1.

The Lancaster Theological Seminary is located in Lancaster, PA and was formed in 1825. The graduate school offers to educate and strengthen Christian leaders for congregations and other vocations serving church and society. The institution seeks to maintain an environment in which students are both encouraged and challenged in their beliefs. Their programs are designed to integrate intellectual, spiritual, and vocational learning. The Lancaster Theological Seminary is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. You may learn more about The Lancaster Theological Seminary and all it has to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/lancasterseminary.