The UTS ALUMNI Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 8, January 2005
Prepared and Edited
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator
.............
C.T.E. CREATES CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
.............
The Commission on Theological Education in its meeting in December 2004 created a Centennial Committee to explore and plan for the centennial celebration of Union Theological Seminary in 2007. Church leaders from the supporting churches were nominated, particularly that from The United Methodist Church, The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, The IEMELIF, and others. Clergy and laypersons were mentioned, even alumni outside the country and those residing in the Philippines. The names of the members of the centennial committee will be announced officially by the C.T.E., or the UTS Officer-in-Charge, or authorized representative from the commission.
.............
DR. APILADO: EXTENDED SABBATICAL LEAVE
.........
During the January 2005 regular meeting of the UTS Faculty, Dr. Oscar S. Suarez, PCU President and concurrently UTS O.I.C. announced the extension of the sabbatical leave of Dr. Mariano C. Apilado, V.P.T.E., to May 31 this year. It must be remembered that he was granted this leave by the Commission on Theological Education on December 1, 2003 to November 30, 2004, inclusive. He was supposed to resume his duties on December 1, 2004 had it not been for the extension.
..........
TENTATIVE LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
.........
A tentative list of candidates for graduation in the residential level was drawn from available records at the UTS registrar’s office. There are thirty-one (31) Master of Divinity students; three (3) Bachelor of Theology students; and one (1) Bachelor of Religious Education student.
..........
From the Field Education Office, twenty-nine (29) students are exempted from internship; six (6) students had undergone a year of internship; and two (2) were exempted for ten years of service in the church. All candidates passed the First Summer Field Education (FSFE). There was a student who went for her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) exposure. Two others are now finishing their two BTR (Biblico-Theological Reflection) time. Thirty-two (32) passed their Second Summer Field Education (SSFE).
...........
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART . . .
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coodinator/Editor
........
In two months time starting February, at least one third of the officially enrolled students at UTS will graduate and/or must have fulfilled all requirements of the degree they have been working on. A milestone with the institution will be formally achieved. By that time, all of them are expected to go back and work with their home conferences, particularly in the local churches. Some of them will be miss-ing what they have been seeing around and have become familiar with for the last three or four years. Kailangan pa bang i-memorize ang mga ‘yan?
.......
For sure they will not see the following familiar but never-implemented, yet very imposing billboards anymore: (1) “This is a Non-Alcoholic Drinking Campus” and (2) “This is a No-Smoking Campus.” [Whoever suggested that these “announcements” be displayed even at the campus entrance is still dreaming for reality, because nobody, yes, nobody will agree with him.] Also, they will not probably see anymore in their local church services and meetings some of the practices [some will read it “tradition”] they have witnessed on campus --- attending worship ser-vices and attending classes, or meet-ings, and going to the library unmindful of dress codes (if any). Since most of them will be mounting the pulpit every Sunday or preach and teach on weekdays, they cannot anymore avoid putting on the “appropriate and publicly acceptable clothes.” They can not anymore use, unless they are insistent, the pulpit as a venue to expound on some ideological bearings and political leanings, or economic issues, or dis-cuss their own acquired or obviously copied opinions or theology on matters related to religious practices and [pro-bably] church traditions, even beliefs and doctrines. There will be an un-written test on Christian principles and theological manifestations. Will there be a change of ways or process expressing Christian service and social concern? What will be the color of their social responsibilities? Will they celebrate the Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion in their respective churches the way they have seen it conducted in the seminary? Will they conduct worship services in their church appointments the way they have observed or seen it done here? These, of course, remain to be seen.
..........
As graduates, they will naturally echo or reflect in their local church appointments what they have “learned” and/or “acquired.” In one way or the other, church members will curiously and/or sincerely watch the ways and words, and the lives, and how these new graduates carry and share the “Message” on occasions of fellowship and sharing, not to forget the way they have seen or observed it conducted in the seminary during regular worship and praise time. Will there be temptations to en-tertain and do or obey what people say? Or will they have the courage to do what they believe is right and proper? By that time, they will be regarded as religious leaders, comforters, counselors, guides, teachers, friends, etc., ad infinitum. As reality settles into their ministry there will be challenges and open windows and doors; there will be time to discard what seems to be unnecessary and unacceptable; or there will be a time to really start all over again --- time to refresh and explore new commitments.
.........
There will be students who will miss their time at the Guansings’ tomb especially during evening time. Some graduating students will miss “entertainment” in the guise of acts of worship. Students who experienced losing some things, even food at a dormitory, will not be haunted by the memory anymore, hopefully. Others will miss their places under the mango trees, and the stairs to the admi-nistration and CCLC buildings, not to mention their favorite spots at the common room where the TV sets are placed, and their walks and strolling around the campus at any given time. A few consistent “researchers” or “readers” will miss their favorite chairs and tables in the almost empty big library rooms and circulation section on weekdays and Saturdays. Come to think of it, they will be missing a lot of “freedoms” when they leave to “work for the Lord.”
...........
In the local church or in institutions or agencies which will absorb our graduates, there will be benefits and other blessings, not just like “scholarship grants” which were uncertain while they were in school. The exercise of politics out there will be very much different from what they have experienced at the seminary. Or will there be the same or similar approaches and conditions, and even pains? Those who have deliberately prepared for their future place (some ambitions for leadership) in the community of believers, or in the fold of organizations might be in for some frustrations and pains. Some will find out that their friends today will be their enemies tomorrow. There will be cries for justice and fairness, and human rights, as well as for understanding.
..........
Julie Ackerman Link said, “Pressures of the world will continue to try to shape our character, but they will not succeed if God’s Word is changing us from within.” She added, “If we are being transformed by the Word, we won’t be conformed to the world.” Beautifully and succinctly stated, it is a very timely reminder to all---graduating students or otherwise, or even those who are now in the mission field. Did we not learn that God’s Words are the foundations of our sharing the Message? Did not Jesus say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 RSV)?
.........
Yes, it’s two months away from the finish line, and even now those who are expecting to graduate are burning their midnight oils to cope with the requirements and to meet the deadlines. The diploma is just some steps away. There are creatures waiting to hear the Message you will bring. At long last!
...........
SALAKOT WORSHIP
.........
Starting in January students in the Master of Divinity program are scheduled to preach on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Salakot Chapel during chapel time at 9:30 a.m. Every week, on Thursdays, when the Eucharist is celebrated, faculty members who are ordained ministers are assigned to celebrate the sacrament.
...........
Senior students in the list are the following: Phoebe C. Dakanay, Lizette Tapia-Raquel, Noel S. Cua, Joel Q. Benbeng, Nicodemus L. Tuban, Dionisia S. delos Trinos, Ruperto C. Cruz, Jr., Reynaldo B. Hernandez, Nathaniel W. Letana, Miriam L. Lagatao, Jasper del Rosario, Elmer A. Antipolo, Romeo P. Diaros, Julius N. Camanong, Dexter F. Ceballos, and Gilbert S. Galvan.
.........
COVENANT SERVICE
...........
A Covenant Service for the UTS community was conducted at the start of the year by the bishop-in-residence, Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. It was one good reminder to all regarding life and activities on campus.
..........
During the second week of Ja-nuary, no less than PCU president and concurrent UTS O.I.C., Rev. Dr. Oscar S. Suarez mounted the seminary pulpit.
.........
DEADLINES SET
.........
Theses, major papers, and project writers were given a deadline by the Academic Affairs Committee and Faculty to submit the drafts of their work to the different assigned advisers and readers not later than January 28, 2005. Oral examination or defense is scheduled on February 14-25. Final Exams for the Seniors will be on March 7-11. By March 18 the final list of candidates for graduation will be submitted. Academic recognition and special awards will be finalized before the last of week of March. Non-senior students will take their finals on March 28-30.
..........
AS SCHEDULED
April 1, 2005
.......
6:30 a.m.---President’s Breakfast Reception for the Graduating Classes
10:00 a.m.---Alumni Lecture
4:00 p.m.---97th Commencement Exercises
.............
The Commission on Theological Education in its meeting in December 2004 created a Centennial Committee to explore and plan for the centennial celebration of Union Theological Seminary in 2007. Church leaders from the supporting churches were nominated, particularly that from The United Methodist Church, The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, The IEMELIF, and others. Clergy and laypersons were mentioned, even alumni outside the country and those residing in the Philippines. The names of the members of the centennial committee will be announced officially by the C.T.E., or the UTS Officer-in-Charge, or authorized representative from the commission.
.............
DR. APILADO: EXTENDED SABBATICAL LEAVE
.........
During the January 2005 regular meeting of the UTS Faculty, Dr. Oscar S. Suarez, PCU President and concurrently UTS O.I.C. announced the extension of the sabbatical leave of Dr. Mariano C. Apilado, V.P.T.E., to May 31 this year. It must be remembered that he was granted this leave by the Commission on Theological Education on December 1, 2003 to November 30, 2004, inclusive. He was supposed to resume his duties on December 1, 2004 had it not been for the extension.
..........
TENTATIVE LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
.........
A tentative list of candidates for graduation in the residential level was drawn from available records at the UTS registrar’s office. There are thirty-one (31) Master of Divinity students; three (3) Bachelor of Theology students; and one (1) Bachelor of Religious Education student.
..........
From the Field Education Office, twenty-nine (29) students are exempted from internship; six (6) students had undergone a year of internship; and two (2) were exempted for ten years of service in the church. All candidates passed the First Summer Field Education (FSFE). There was a student who went for her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) exposure. Two others are now finishing their two BTR (Biblico-Theological Reflection) time. Thirty-two (32) passed their Second Summer Field Education (SSFE).
...........
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART . . .
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coodinator/Editor
........
In two months time starting February, at least one third of the officially enrolled students at UTS will graduate and/or must have fulfilled all requirements of the degree they have been working on. A milestone with the institution will be formally achieved. By that time, all of them are expected to go back and work with their home conferences, particularly in the local churches. Some of them will be miss-ing what they have been seeing around and have become familiar with for the last three or four years. Kailangan pa bang i-memorize ang mga ‘yan?
.......
For sure they will not see the following familiar but never-implemented, yet very imposing billboards anymore: (1) “This is a Non-Alcoholic Drinking Campus” and (2) “This is a No-Smoking Campus.” [Whoever suggested that these “announcements” be displayed even at the campus entrance is still dreaming for reality, because nobody, yes, nobody will agree with him.] Also, they will not probably see anymore in their local church services and meetings some of the practices [some will read it “tradition”] they have witnessed on campus --- attending worship ser-vices and attending classes, or meet-ings, and going to the library unmindful of dress codes (if any). Since most of them will be mounting the pulpit every Sunday or preach and teach on weekdays, they cannot anymore avoid putting on the “appropriate and publicly acceptable clothes.” They can not anymore use, unless they are insistent, the pulpit as a venue to expound on some ideological bearings and political leanings, or economic issues, or dis-cuss their own acquired or obviously copied opinions or theology on matters related to religious practices and [pro-bably] church traditions, even beliefs and doctrines. There will be an un-written test on Christian principles and theological manifestations. Will there be a change of ways or process expressing Christian service and social concern? What will be the color of their social responsibilities? Will they celebrate the Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion in their respective churches the way they have seen it conducted in the seminary? Will they conduct worship services in their church appointments the way they have observed or seen it done here? These, of course, remain to be seen.
..........
As graduates, they will naturally echo or reflect in their local church appointments what they have “learned” and/or “acquired.” In one way or the other, church members will curiously and/or sincerely watch the ways and words, and the lives, and how these new graduates carry and share the “Message” on occasions of fellowship and sharing, not to forget the way they have seen or observed it conducted in the seminary during regular worship and praise time. Will there be temptations to en-tertain and do or obey what people say? Or will they have the courage to do what they believe is right and proper? By that time, they will be regarded as religious leaders, comforters, counselors, guides, teachers, friends, etc., ad infinitum. As reality settles into their ministry there will be challenges and open windows and doors; there will be time to discard what seems to be unnecessary and unacceptable; or there will be a time to really start all over again --- time to refresh and explore new commitments.
.........
There will be students who will miss their time at the Guansings’ tomb especially during evening time. Some graduating students will miss “entertainment” in the guise of acts of worship. Students who experienced losing some things, even food at a dormitory, will not be haunted by the memory anymore, hopefully. Others will miss their places under the mango trees, and the stairs to the admi-nistration and CCLC buildings, not to mention their favorite spots at the common room where the TV sets are placed, and their walks and strolling around the campus at any given time. A few consistent “researchers” or “readers” will miss their favorite chairs and tables in the almost empty big library rooms and circulation section on weekdays and Saturdays. Come to think of it, they will be missing a lot of “freedoms” when they leave to “work for the Lord.”
...........
In the local church or in institutions or agencies which will absorb our graduates, there will be benefits and other blessings, not just like “scholarship grants” which were uncertain while they were in school. The exercise of politics out there will be very much different from what they have experienced at the seminary. Or will there be the same or similar approaches and conditions, and even pains? Those who have deliberately prepared for their future place (some ambitions for leadership) in the community of believers, or in the fold of organizations might be in for some frustrations and pains. Some will find out that their friends today will be their enemies tomorrow. There will be cries for justice and fairness, and human rights, as well as for understanding.
..........
Julie Ackerman Link said, “Pressures of the world will continue to try to shape our character, but they will not succeed if God’s Word is changing us from within.” She added, “If we are being transformed by the Word, we won’t be conformed to the world.” Beautifully and succinctly stated, it is a very timely reminder to all---graduating students or otherwise, or even those who are now in the mission field. Did we not learn that God’s Words are the foundations of our sharing the Message? Did not Jesus say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 RSV)?
.........
Yes, it’s two months away from the finish line, and even now those who are expecting to graduate are burning their midnight oils to cope with the requirements and to meet the deadlines. The diploma is just some steps away. There are creatures waiting to hear the Message you will bring. At long last!
...........
SALAKOT WORSHIP
.........
Starting in January students in the Master of Divinity program are scheduled to preach on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Salakot Chapel during chapel time at 9:30 a.m. Every week, on Thursdays, when the Eucharist is celebrated, faculty members who are ordained ministers are assigned to celebrate the sacrament.
...........
Senior students in the list are the following: Phoebe C. Dakanay, Lizette Tapia-Raquel, Noel S. Cua, Joel Q. Benbeng, Nicodemus L. Tuban, Dionisia S. delos Trinos, Ruperto C. Cruz, Jr., Reynaldo B. Hernandez, Nathaniel W. Letana, Miriam L. Lagatao, Jasper del Rosario, Elmer A. Antipolo, Romeo P. Diaros, Julius N. Camanong, Dexter F. Ceballos, and Gilbert S. Galvan.
.........
COVENANT SERVICE
...........
A Covenant Service for the UTS community was conducted at the start of the year by the bishop-in-residence, Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. It was one good reminder to all regarding life and activities on campus.
..........
During the second week of Ja-nuary, no less than PCU president and concurrent UTS O.I.C., Rev. Dr. Oscar S. Suarez mounted the seminary pulpit.
.........
DEADLINES SET
.........
Theses, major papers, and project writers were given a deadline by the Academic Affairs Committee and Faculty to submit the drafts of their work to the different assigned advisers and readers not later than January 28, 2005. Oral examination or defense is scheduled on February 14-25. Final Exams for the Seniors will be on March 7-11. By March 18 the final list of candidates for graduation will be submitted. Academic recognition and special awards will be finalized before the last of week of March. Non-senior students will take their finals on March 28-30.
..........
AS SCHEDULED
April 1, 2005
.......
6:30 a.m.---President’s Breakfast Reception for the Graduating Classes
10:00 a.m.---Alumni Lecture
4:00 p.m.---97th Commencement Exercises
posted by Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero @ 5:05 PM
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