Class of 2020 CELEBRATING THE - SEEING HOPE IN EVERY SITUATION: WALKING ALONGSIDE INMATES - University of Toronto
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KNOX COLLEGE, CANADA | SUMMER 2020
CELEBRATING THE
Class of 2020
SEEING HOPE IN EVERY SITUATION: WALKING ALONGSIDE INMATES
ALSO: LEARNING IN CLASSROOM, CHURCH, AND HOSPITAL
Lament&
Thanks
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
Vocations is published three times per year for
graduates, former residents, and other friends A posture of de-escalation
of Knox College. We welcome your news and
Loys de Fleuriot de la Colinière shares
suggestions.
inspiring experiences walking alongside
Please send comments, changes of address, or inmates, part of his experiential learning
DURING COVID-19 requests for mailing list removal to us at
knox.college@utoronto.ca, 416-978-8738, or:
4
in the Master of Pastoral Studies.
Knox College - Vocations
59 St. George Street
WE LAMENT WE GIVE THANKS Toronto, ON M5S 2E6
A ‘hometown mission’
Tel: 416.978.4500
Through Cornerstone ministry,
for all those facing anxiety, for caring students, faculty, board, Fax: 416.971.2133
Web: knox.utoronto.ca Nicole Reid creates a welcoming
illness, loneliness, and and staff who support each other environment for those in her
Knox College respects your privacy. We do not community interested in faith.
separation from loved ones while physically separate; for online
conversations, chapel, and a year-
rent, trade, or sell our mailing lists.
Knox College is a theological college of The
8
end toast Presbyterian Church in Canada, federated with the
University of Toronto, and a founding member of
the loss of interaction in the the Toronto School of Theology. Knox holds its ac- Classroom, church,
hallways and classes, study for a Residence that continues to creditation through the Association of Theological
and hospital
Schools in the United States and Canada.
in Caven Library and in the give non-local students a home, Field placements in both ministerial
Editor: Stephanie Hanna
quad, and worship together and for the facility staff working and healthcare settings give Master
in the Chapel even harder to keep residents safe Special thanks to Helen Cheung, Wan-Kit Keng, of Divinity student Gerry Gallant
and Nam Soon Song for translating the Principal’s
Message.
10 new insights.
for flexible students and faculty
the lack of special events, who moved quickly to virtual Strengthening our
including banquets, classes, and for the generous Christian Education
resident dances, and other donors who funded that technology Master of Theological Studies
year-end celebrations, ON THE COVER: From his home, Acting student Mirim Kim learns about
faith formation and diversity within
especially Convocation. for degrees conferred in absentia, Principal Stuart Macdonald prepares
and an online conferral celebration.
to confer degrees in absentia at Knox
College’s first virtual conferral ceremony
12 The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
(inset image). See story on pages 14-16.
Photo by Gale Macdonald.
14 Celebrating the Knox College Class of 2020
17 Knox news and alumni notes
18 Principal’s Message in translation
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my
19 Community, camaraderie, and compassion in the
salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; Knox Residence
I shall never be shaken. –Psalm 62:1-2, NRSV 20 Principal’s Message
2 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 3
STUDENT STORY
Today when I visited the correctional facility, an officer asked
if I could try to de-escalate a gradually worsening situation.
An inmate named Bert had been deeply enraged, refusing to
eat for four days, and screaming a lot of the time. A month ago,
I had seen Bert briefly, and he had asked me to pray for his son
Winn and his dog Moby; I had done so faithfully.
As I approached, from 30 feet away I could already tionship, the tension, between hope and despair. In
hear him above all the other shouts and banging. He this case, I meant tension as its Latin root: “being
sounded apoplectic – hurling abuse at the world, the stretched,” the way stretching a guitar string brings it
officers, the medical staff, etc. As I got closer to his cell, into tune. The strings are in harmony when they’re all
his shouts became more discernible, but I still couldn’t in tension to the right degree.
see him. Bert had coated his toilet paper with his excre- Hope and despair are in collaborative tension.
ment and plastered the inside of the thick Perspex glass Despair without hope devastates, but hope without
on the inside of the door, so that no one could see in. despair is illusory. It falls apart if we don’t have both
Standing about one foot away from the door, I pieces. This abstract idea, which I developed through
said, “Bert, it’s Loys. You got time for an old man?” course work at Knox and interaction with pro-
For a while he continued swearing at me and telling fessors, as well as reflection on my own life, was
me to leave. But I kept talking and told him I was sorry foundational for my future ministry. “. . . the doctoral work
that he was feeling this way. In hindsight I could see that the doctoral was preparing me
“Get the f--- out of here! Who is it?” he suddenly work was preparing me to understand the re-
to understand the
asked, when he seemed to notice that something was lationship between hope and despair – so that
different. when I look at another human, I can never fail relationship between
“It’s Loys, the old man.” “Huh?” to see the hope in them. I had to get this con- hope and despair – so
“I’m the old man who came to see you a month cept of “hope in tension” (which I call “hope
ago. You asked me to pray for Winn and Moby, and I enough”) settled in my heart before working that when I look at
have been praying for them every day,” I said. with the inmates. So now in the correctional another human, I can
“Oh, that’s who!” Bert swiped away the toilet pa- units, I can see the hope in every situation, in ev-
never fail to see the
per from the Perspex glass, revealing a man in distress. ery human life, even at the bottom of the abyss.
He peered out through a bush of disheveled hair. This idea also requires that we don’t treat hope in them.”
A posture of
As we continued to talk, I could barely make out his inmates as “lesser than,” without dignity and
words because of the noise coming from the range (the respect, and that we don’t treat them as people who
large common area cell). So I pressed my ear against the need our advice. I had to change the way I saw myself
crack between the steel door and its steel frame. – from being a caring instructor to being a companion,
de-escalation Bert saw what I was doing and put his mouth on the
other side of the crack. In a soft voice, he began a long
discourse on his situation. As he spoke, I could feel his
learning alongside. Until we become learners, we can’t
participate in anyone’s story. This understanding has
changed everything about me.
LEARNING ALONGSIDE INMATES breath as small, staccato puffs of air on my ear. Amid
the continuing hustle and bustle, shouts and banging of
So now as inmates and I interact, I know that it’s
not about me or what I can offer them. My role is to
the range, I listened to Bert. I felt deeply the presence of help them see the beauty and hope in themselves, to
the Spirit, and the intimacy of the moment. help them see that they have the power to rewrite their
By Loys de Fleuriot de la Colinière
story, and that the story isn’t done yet. Believing in a
Hope and despair in collaborative tension person is the most quintessential gift anyone can give,
My doctoral work at Knox College had been
focused on understanding and describing the rela- Continued on pages 6-7.
4 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 5
“His face changed, and a bit of hope flickered in
whelming sense of care for him chapters and would need to trust God for our next
and wondered what could I say steps.
to let him know how special he I also sensed at the time the need to return to the
his eyes. He said, ‘I don’t remember thinking of is. Peter’s eyes were fixed on my Academy as preparation for our next seasons of service.
face, and we looked at each oth- However, when I began my studies, I had no idea what
myself positively like that for my whole life.’” er for quite some time, a tender-
ness in the air. The noise of the
would be ahead for me. Then, eight months before
finishing my PhD, I realized that my training was the
pod receded. foundation for a new beginning in the world of psy-
the biggest gift we can give each other. “It tells me that I am a ‘savage,’” he said. I remembered the many pri- chotherapeutic spiritual care. That’s when I began to
I believe that the image of God in every “But a ‘savage’ would never have felt this sorrow or times we had spent at this hatch in just the same see how my work and studies thus far had inexorably
single person is already carrying those you felt, and would never have marked himself as a re- position. I felt a deep longing in my heart for Peter to pointed me toward caring for the most vulnerable and
seeds of potential transformation. minder. So choose which ‘James’ you are. It can’t be enjoy his freedom with new wisdom he has gained. helpless population of our country. With that min-
both!” I said. It occurred to me that we were both in the same istry in mind, I began the Master of Pastoral Studies
Seeds of hope in James His face changed, and a bit of hope flickered in his posture Jesus had taken at the feet of the accused wom- program at Knox as soon as I graduated with my PhD.
James’s wife had miscarried the day eyes. He said, “I don’t remember thinking of myself an, surrounded by those who wanted to stone her. Pe- I still don’t know the exact details of our next steps,
before, and a social worker asked me to positively like that for my whole life. Except for my ter and I had spoken about this story many times, and but I expect that it will involve the inmates, ongoing Below: Loys de Fleuriot de la Colinière
(centre) receives his Doctor of
visit. He had been crying a lot, quite wife’s love for me, my past has been nothing but hate so I said, “Tell me this story again. Describe Jesus’s at- teaching, and research. Philosophy degree from Knox College
broken about it, and deeply distressed followed by sorrow for my actions.” titude.” Loys de Fleuriot de la Colinière graduated from Knox Principal John Vissers; hooding by
that he couldn’t be with his wife. He re- This was the start of a long conversation – about After he had retold the story, I said, “Peter, be kind College in 2019 with a Doctor of Philosophy degree. He Professor Charles Fensham. Photo by
peatedly said he had let her down. “She failure, the miracle of restarting without failure, and to yourself, as you see Jesus doing in this story. Be kind is now in Knox’s Master of Pastoral Studies program, Stephanie Hanna.
is the only angel in my life and the only the power of a love that doesn’t see us as our past. to yourself, and your kindness will flow out to others. which includes experiential learning placements at a Facing page: Photo by Brett Sayles
reason I am alive!” he said, and kept Could he see God at work inside him, even then? Remember this very picture of Jesus’s kindness, when prison, counselling centre, and forensic hospital. Inmates’ from Pexels. Previous page: Photo by
Donald Tong from Pexels.
describing himself as a “savage” and a Could he see that his story isn’t done yet? you face challenges: sit on the floor as Jesus does, and names and details have been changed.
failure to himself, to his wife, and to Then James told me the story of his life, his hopes as you are now doing. Write a letter of kindness with
life in general. and dreams; what he wants to achieve; what he hopes your actions, just like Jesus writes on the ground.”
But I saw in front of me a precious to do with his wife, and the family he wants to have As I spoke, he got increasingly excit-
and beautiful person. I asked him to with her. He seemed a different person, as though a ed. He jumped up and quickly brought a
think silently about the worst thing he suffocating blanket had lifted off of him. Finally, he piece of paper from his bedside. He read
has ever done. Then I asked him to tell said, “Would you mind praying for my wife and me, to me what he had written earlier about
me whether at that time, he could see and also for my brother who is going through a lot of this story. It was almost exactly what I had
any “hope” or anything that pointed to dark times?” just said to him. In that instant I saw God’s
something good inside him. work, joining Peter’s heart to the stories of
He told me how, after coming out Kneeling in the dirt: Jesus’s example Scripture – to encourage him in the next
of a blind rage, he suddenly saw the Because of lock-down situations, for two weeks I steps of his journey – all connected to this
bloodied knife in his hands and four had only been able to communicate with some of the posture that had brought us to this place.
people he thought he had murdered on inmates through the small “hatch” situated a bit more
the floor around him. (The paramedics than two feet from the ground in their steel cell door. An ending becomes a beginning
were able to save all four.) At that mo- To speak with and to hear the inmate, I had to kneel on I had lived my life – and I felt satis-
ment, filled both with sorrow for those the concrete floor and press my face against the hatch. fied. My wife and I had served as ordained
people and horror at himself, he de- Peter sat on the floor looking back at me, his face ministers for 36 years, planted churches in
cided that he would mark himself as a inches away through the hatch, and told me about his several places, led them, and passed them
reminder of this horror. James took his upcoming release in three days. He passed his prayer on to the next generation. We had learned
knife and cut down the side of his neck. mat to me through the hatch and said, “Loys, please many lessons over the decades, and we
“Does this ‘reminder’ tell you any- put this under your knees.” I thanked him, and we thought we had done our job. It felt like
thing about yourself ” I asked. stayed in silence for a moment. I felt an almost over- we had reached the closure of our earlier
6 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 7
ALUMNI STORY
A ‘hometown mission’
Above, left: Church volunteers serve a meal to Cornerstone attendees. Above, right: A special board game afternoon during Christmas break. Facing page:
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CREATE Nicole tells a children’s story during an evening Cornerstone meeting. Photos provided by the author. Below: Nicole hugs her son after her Knox College
Convocation in 2016. Photo by Terry Christopher.
TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY
By Nicole Reid ling sessions. One person, for example, grew up in an Cornerstone began through a midweek worship
abusive fundamentalist home; undoing the lies she be- service at a pregnancy and family centre; some clients
What is Cornerstone to me? Cornerstone is a very welcoming lieves has been very challenging but incredibly reward- there had expressed interest in spiritual things but
ing. She arrived feeling overwhelmed with self-loath- wouldn’t consider entering a church. Cornerstone’s
place to learn about God, Jesus, the Bible, Christianity, faith, ing because of her understanding of God, but she has time starting out at the Centre was akin to an egg’s in
everything. Music, prayer, dinner. We talk about the “thorns” and left joyful and hope-filled. Only God can cause such a an incubator; it had a perfect environment to begin
“roses” in our lives, and Nicole prays for the thorns and thanks God change; I’m honoured to be part of it. life. Once the egg hatches, the chick needs to leave the
Cornerstone is a transitional ministry, not meant incubator. In hindsight I can see that it was time for
for our roses. . . . Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and learn. to grow into a 100-person church. I think of it like Cornerstone to leave the incubator, and to live and
What have I learned about God that I didn’t know before? God is this: A pastor leads a congregation, like a shepherd grow in the environment beyond.
leads a flock of sheep. But there’s a limit to how many Because it’s a mission, funding Cornerstone is a
love, and God is. I started coming to Cornerstone barely a believer. I
sheep the pastor/shepherd can manage well. When a challenge. Churches get funding from within, but mis-
wasn’t sure about it, but since coming, I have so much to be thankful sheep is severely hurt or lost, it needs a veterinarian. sions need to find outside benefactors who believe in
for. I’ve learned so much about the “why” questions I have, and there I see Cornerstone as the vet, for when a sheep needs the work of the mission. I’ll be taking a church fund-
more attention. The veterinarian has a different skill ing course in the summer.
are tons. I really give Nicole a lot to think about because I’m a huge
set to work with a sheep until it’s healthy and can Cornerstone is now moving ahead full steam,
skeptic. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, so it was all new to me. rejoin the flock. My role through Cornerstone is to as we make more community connections and have
Nicole has a wonderful way of helping people obtain faith. I never bring people to a place of understanding of who God social events like a pig roast on our farm (with a zip
would be where I am on my journey if it weren’t for Cornerstone. . . . is and why they should care, and to journey with them line, wagon rides, etc.). We’re building more relation-
and be their guide to that transformative place of ac- ships between volunteers from my home congrega-
Nicole has helped me to overcome my fear and to have faith. cepting Christ. At that point, we hopefully find them tion, Knox, Dunnville, and those who come to Cor-
Through Bible studies and open discussions, I’m clearly turning into a church, and they become part of a pastor’s flock. I’ve nerstone. One Cornerstone family was baptized last
lived on a 60-acre hobby farm for 19 years, so I like June and now comes to church
a person of faith. —testimony from a Cornerstone attender farm-related metaphors. regularly on Sundays. Another
My training at Knox College was very helpful, woman also has started coming
When I was completing my Master of Divinity I describe Cornerstone as a “hometown mission.” even though it was more focused on congregational to church due to Cornerstone.
degree at Knox College, I sensed that congrega- We’ve been having biweekly two-hour meetings on ministry. Knowing the history of the church, learning We don’t know what God has
tional ministry wasn’t my specific calling. I felt Tuesday evenings. During the first half we pray, sing, how to prepare a sermon, working through a phenom- for the future, but I’m excited
some call toward inner-city mission, but then have a children’s story, light a candle to remind us that enal but difficult Clinical Pastoral Education expe- about what’s happening.
I discovered the needs in my own small town Jesus is there, and have dinner together. In the second rience – all of those were beneficial, and I learned a Nicole Reid graduated from
of Dunnville, Ontario. Waiting lists for social hour, the adults and children have separate spaces. lot. Thanks to those studies, I know more deeply what Knox College in May 2016 with
services are long, and people need supportive Volunteers look after the kids, and the adults have the worship is about, and I can be creative and adapt what a Master of Divinity degree. The
housing and social assistance. Many struggle equivalent of a sermon time. My approach is very di- I learned at Knox College to what I’m doing. One ex- Presbytery of Niagara ordained
with drug problems, which I see as symptomat- alogical, although the preparation is similar to a typ- ample: while we eat dinner as a group at Cornerstone, Nicole in January 2020 at a
ic of trauma. There’s no public transportation ical sermon. I hand out notes, and we discuss deeper I pass the mic around the circle, and everybody names ceremony in her home congrega-
within the town or connecting it to a larger questions. a “thorn” and a “rose” in their life, and at the end I lift tion, Knox Presbyterian Church,
city, so people can’t get the Another big component of what I do is individual all of those up in prayer. These are our intercessory and Dunnville (Ont.).
help needed if they don’t counseling, particularly trauma counselling. I see God praise points, even though no one else in the room
have a car. moving almost constantly in the individual counsel- knows those terms.
8 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 9
STUDENT STORY
LEARNING THROUGH FIELD PLACEMENTS:
Classroom, church,
and hospital
By Gerry Gallant
When I first met with my professor to discuss my Theological Field Edu-
cation placement, I wanted to focus on determining my call. Theological
Field Education (TFE) is a powerful opportunity for students on their
journey through the Master of Divinity program at Knox College.
It combines the practical theology that you gain in After completing all of my prerequisite courses
your classes with experience as a working minister in and my medical check, I was ready to begin into what
a congregational setting. This practice in preparation, would be an extremely important part of my path of
preaching, and leadership is very useful for everyone discernment and my growth spiritually.
who plans to lead their own congregation after gradu- While working as a student spiritual care practi-
ating. It also gives students space to explore their call. tioner, I had the opportunity to converse one-on-one to both youth and adult congregations. I was able to stretched thin trying to provide spiritual care to those Above: Gerry Gallant talks with other
take what I had learned in my preaching, theology, and who need it the most – and they need support. Knox College students. Photo by
I was already serving in my own church, London with many people who were at different stages of their Stephanie Hanna.
Korean Christian Church, as a youth minister – and spiritual journey, as well as different stages of their life Greek language classes and use them to craft sermons I now firmly believe that when we in the church
through this I had been given the opportunity to journey. My second-year Knox College classes on spir- that I hope were both engaging and enlightening. I was have congregants who are receiving healthcare, we Facing page: Gerry with London
Korean Christian Church youth. Photo
preach and teach. When I looked over the expected itual well-being and mission tied in almost day-by-day walking alongside youth in their journey of discover- should make it a priority to visit them, to take some provided by the author.
TFE outcomes, I was aware that with this portion of my TFE experience; I could put ing Christ in their lives. I was also able to develop Bible of this burden off our brothers and sisters working in
many of them would be easy for my learning into practice as I went, which of course study plans and classes for all ages around catechism. hospitals; this way, they can tend to others who may
me to reach within my current sit- showed me the value of what I was being taught in the Prior to my TFE I was still unsure of exactly where not have a minister to care for their spiritual needs.
uation. classroom in a very real world situation. I was being called to serve, but I am now absolutely I recommend that every student who has the op-
I decided that I wanted to push Through this hospital experience, I gained skills sure that I want to be in a congregational role. The portunity to split their TFE into a ministerial place-
myself further, to go beyond the in recognizing each person’s spirituality and accept- placements gave me the opportunity to serve in both ment and a hospital placement take it. The skills I
expectations of the class, and truly ing where they are in their spiritual journey. I couldn’t settings and learn from both where my gifts are useful gained in the hospital helped me grow as a minister.
explore my call. One of the pastors have learned those skills only in a classroom. Through and will be best utilized in serving God and his people. They taught me things about myself and others that
I work with suggested that I con- this “in the trenches” work, I also learned to spend For any students who are not already serving in will benefit me and my congregation in the future.
sider splitting my TFE between a more time in self-reflection – so that I was better able their churches, the church placement is a huge asset The experience taught me how to interact with
ministerial placement and a spiri- to serve those who were in need. in their development and understanding of their call. people who are in spiritual need as well as
tual care placement. My professor With the help of my Site Educator, I had many In my particular situation, the church requirement as- those feeling spiritually strong. It taught “Through this ‘in the
was very receptive to this idea, and “aha” moments. The very first one – and perhaps the pects of the TFE were mainly things I was already do- me how to set aside my ‘self ’ and focus
I began my journey into a different most beneficial – happened when she asked if I felt an ing. Because my church role was already familiar, I was on ‘the other,’ engaging with each person trenches’ work, I also
form of TFE. interest in any particular patient. After I told her about able to learn more about myself and my call through to help him or her through whatever situa- learned to spend more time
my work in the hospital placement, a completely new tion they are facing. It taught me to be able
My excitement at splitting the TFE was short- a patient and explained why I found that person inter- in self-reflection – so that
lived, as I discovered the reality of the amount of work esting, she explained why she had asked. She said that environment for me. to see scripture and God in everyday life,
required to participate in both of these roles. To start, in all her years of guiding field placements, she had Perhaps the most valuable aspect of splitting a and then use that in my sermons and Bible I was better able to serve
my hospital placement had a pre-screening health found that a student was often interested in someone TFE between church and hospital is learning just how teachings to connect with those present on those who were in need.”
check and a wide variety of online coursework that who was similar to themselves. difficult it is for our spiritual care workers in the hospi- a new level.
I needed to complete before I could begin my role. I went home and started thinking about how I was tal environment. Spiritual care workers in the health- It gave me a chance to reflect upon my
So while many of my classmates had free time in the similar to the patient. I was able to discern that many care industry are doing God’s work in places where call and embrace it. I was able to see that God has a
summer, I was busy online learning about Personal of the thoughts and assessments I had made about the they are challenged every day by the secular world’s plan, and even when I feel I am not ready, God will
Protective Equipment (PPE), sharps safety, and how patient were also true about me. This allowed me to rules and regulations. They are often pressed for time place me where I need to be and provide the necessary
to evacuate a hospital in an emergency. (I didn’t know not only help the patient, but also to help myself grow. to visit even a small number of those under their care tools and support.
then that PPE would suddenly become a topic of glob- In my church placement, the experience was all each week, and those visits need to be worked around Gerry Gallant is in Knox College’s Master of Divin-
al interest when COVID-19 struck.) that I anticipated. I had the opportunity to preach meetings, appointments, and medical care. They are ity program.
10 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 11
STUDENT STORY
Mirim Kim with Cynthia Breman, Christian Education director
DIVERSITY AND BALANCE: for Toronto Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, one of the churches
Mirim visited. Photo provided by the author. Facing page:
Photo by Lukas from Pexels.
Strengthening our to teach these leaders about family minis-
try at home, and I heard many wonderful
Christian Education stories and saw the passion these lay edu-
cators have for their young congregation
members. They were truly teachers, men-
By Mirim Kim tors, and disciples of Christ who wanted
My journey as a seminarian started ten years ago. involves workshop presentations, pastoral visits and to pass on faith and share the good news
As a fresh graduate with a psychology degree, I began on-site consultation, phone and email conversations, of Jesus, so that their children and youth
the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at and the maintaining of a synod website as she works to may know God’s love and experience
Knox College without fully knowing where I was go- empower, love, and uplift congregation members and God’s grace.
ing. Perhaps due to this uncertainty or unconfirmed pastoral staff, so that all may thrive in their faith. and think about the theological implications of what I had also opportunities to visit a
“call,” I only studied for one semester and then moved For my TFE experience, I had three goals in mind: it means for Christ to be king in their lives. This joy number of PCC churches and be a part of Christian
on to the other areas of life. 1) to explore my calling as a Christian Educator; 2) to helped to confirm my calling in this area, and it also Education Committee meetings in various contexts,
I became a youth pastor’s wife and a mother of overcome my anxiety about public speaking; and 3) helped to ease my concerns about public speaking. including mono-ethnic, multicultural, and Western
three children – and as time went on, I again felt the to explore the current state of theology and pedagogy To my surprise, my joy was apparent to others as European churches. This opened my eyes to the broad
hunger and need for a theological foundation. I also of faith formation in Christian families and congrega- well. The feedback I received from my Lay Advisory spectrum of theology and pedagogy of Christian edu-
saw the importance of the role of families and their tions within The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Committee and other congregational members had cation within the denomination. Each church’s unique
major influence on both an individual’s and communi- These seemed like lofty goals, but I was able to meet one thing in common: they recognized the joy and cultural, historical, linguistic, ethnic, and generation-
ty’s faith journey. God graciously opened up the door them with the support of my site educator and others, delight I had in sharing God’s Word with families in al context works to form one loving community, one
in an unexpected way, and I am back at Knox College including the members of my Lay Advisory Commit- creative and imaginative ways. body in Christ in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
once again, gratefully studying in the field of Christian tee, Kim Shepherd and Naomi Goslinski. Through this experience, I learned that God’s call is
Education. not simply about skills or worthiness, but most impor- My hope
For the MTS program, taking the Theological Field Exploring the call as a Christian Educator tantly is about our God who gifts us with such joy that At the end of this TFE placement, I reflected on
Education (TFE) course is not mandatory. But I knew Just as I began my TFE placement, Tori and Rev. we cannot hide or deny it. God’s work opens up and my personal theology and pedagogy of Christian edu-
this course had great potential, as it presents students Bethany McCaffrey (minister at Melville Presbyterian speaks to the hearts of others. cation. I am a product of conservative and contempo-
with the opportunity to experience practical aspects Church) together envisioned “Loved and Chosen: A rary theologies, Eastern and Western faith traditions,
of ministry and insights that you cannot learn from Bible reading Project” – and invited me to help lead Exploring PCC Faith Formation a mono-ethnic Korean immigrant and multicultural
books. So, with help from the registrar and a number it. Its main focus was to encourage all generations to In this placement, I was hoping to meet as many Canadian church experience, and knowledge-based
of professors, I was given the exciting opportunity to consider chosen Bible texts and/or stories each day and Christian educators and visit as many PCC churches and experiential-based pedagogies.
participate in a TFE placement. to engage in reflection and dialogue at home. as possible, representing the widest variety of contexts During this precious TFE experience, one
While searching for a placement, I met Dr. Tori The stories were then accentuated through Sunday – so that I might see the current approach of Canadian particular thought emerged and lingered in my “Perhaps what God is
Smit, a Regional Minister of Faith Formation with the and mid-week children’s activities, mid-week adult Bi- Christian education for families. I wanted to experi- mind: Wherever I end up in a Christian edu- wanting me to seek is
Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda ble studies, worship, and special projects. My children ence the theology and practice of educational ministry cation context, perhaps what God is wanting
a helpful and uplifting
(CNOB), who graciously agreed to be my site educa- and I participated at the launch party through a mid- and pedagogy of faith formation within the breadth of me to seek is a helpful and uplifting balance in
tor. The Synod of CNOB consists of twelve presbyter- week program called “Wee Worship.” the PCC. Dr. Smit graciously arranged these opportu- the diverse faith communities. This is about ac- balance in the diverse
ies within in The Presbyterian Church in Canada and I facilitated the final celebration with younger fam- nities to make this goal possible. knowledging both the strengths and weaknesses faith communities.”
stretches from Kingston to Sault St. Marie, and from ilies at the end of this project, and I shared a message My first opportunity came through participating of the diverse faith expressions and practices, so
Toronto to Temiskaming. entitled “Christ the King,” including activity stations in an eight-month program entitled Faith Formation that we may expand our hearts and minds while
Dr. Smit, a Diaconal minister and professional for children (from toddlers to grade six). I also present- Matters. Tori had designed this course for lay Christian trusting God’s sovereignty; then we may support con-
Christian educator, works with the 257 congregations ed the children’s story in worship that last Sunday, as educators to learn some of the theology and practice gregations, families, youth, and children, wherever they
providing education, support, and the whole church reflected on their journey through of faith formational ministry, as well as meet and sup- might be, to find God’s love and grace.
resources for their educa- the Old Testament together. port one another in their ministries within the synod. Furthermore, I would like to support the co-exis-
tional ministries. This It was a joy to plan and design a platform through Twenty-three educators participated, from churches tence of intergenerational and intercultural ministries
which children could express their curiosity, within a two-hour drive of Toronto. in the congregational context from a Christian educa-
We covered a variety of topics, such as the biblical tion perspective, so that this grand faith community
and historical understanding of Christian education, called The Presbyterian Church in Canada may contin-
the importance of family, developmental theories and ue to walk the path of harmony and unity.
applications, intergenerational ministry, lesson plan- Mirim Kim is in Knox College’s Master of Theologi-
ning, storytelling, and curriculum. I was empowered cal Studies program.
12 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 13
CELEBRATING THE
Class of
2020
May 13 should have been Knox College’s 176th
Convocation. However, due to the COVID-19
pandemic, Knox College conferred all degrees,
certificates, and diplomas upon the twenty graduates
in absentia and held a virtual celebration.
Continued on page 18.
MASTER OF With the Diploma MASTER OF MASTER OF MASTER OF ARTS DOCTOR OF
DIVINITY of the College PASTORAL STUDIES THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Joshua Ratzlaff, B.A. PHILOSOPHY
Mary Pik Chun Lee Tyler Scrivens
B.A., M.B.A. B.Sc. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Awarded November 2019 at the
University of St. Michael’s College
With the Diploma In Myoung Hwang Junhee Lee Sanghak Kim
of the College B.A., M.Div. Glenn McCullough Th.M.
Angelica Atkins Taek Jin Won
Chad Walter
Dennis Bolton Ha Na Rosalyn Nah B.Sc. (Hons.), DKATI,
B.A., B.R.M., M.A. B.F.A. M.Div. MASTER OF
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MASTER OF THEOLOGY
With Spiritual Care
With the Diploma With the General and Psychotherapy
of the College Assembly Certificate Certificate
Ja Uk (Paul) Ku Debora Ann Rolls Susie Soo Yeon Choi HyoJae Lee Seungpok Ham Munsu Son
B.Th. Dip. Pub. Rel. (Hons.) Dip.Th., B.A., M.Div. B.A., M.A. B.A., M.Div. B.A., M.Div., Th.M.
With the Diploma With the Diploma CERTIFICATE IN
of the College of the College THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Sanghun Steven
Dave Lee Edward Jooman Yoo Hongfang Wang Anita Maureen Evans Piljae Lee Yoon
B.F.A. B.Sc. (Hons.) Psy.M. B.A., M.Div. B.A., M.Div. B.Sc., M.Div., M.A.
14 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 15
ALUMNI NEWS
2020 GRADUATING Edward Yoo receives 2020 Chris Vais Award
CELEBRATING THE
STUDENT PRIZES
Class of “In these difficult al way by having a pastoral and commu- Classmates of the Rev. Dr. Chris Vais
2020
days, Knox College nity-building influence on the College. (K’87) established the Chris Vais Com-
Knox College Gold Medal: is particularly pleased Knox’s faculty, staff, and students elect munity Award in Vais’s memory in 2002.
Dave Lee
to share good news: each year’s recipient. Ten years after graduating from Knox,
Chris Vais Award: announcing Edward “Edward is known for his gentle pres- he was diagnosed with amyotrophic later-
Edward Yoo Yoo as this year’s ence and support for so many in the Knox al sclerosis (ALS); he died just five years
Chris Vais Commu- community,” said Macdonald. Edward later, at age 39. Before Chris Vais’s death,
Robert & Elizabeth McKay Memorial Prize nity Award recipient,” Edward Yoo Jooman Yoo, who is completing the Mas- Knox conferred on him an honourary
(Ewart; Community Life): said Stuart Macdonald, ter of Divinity degree at Knox, led this Doctor of Divinity degree, in recognition
Mary Pik Chun Lee
Knox College’s Acting Principal. The term’s chapel choir. He also worked with a of his outstanding leadership even at such
Lillian Matthews Prize (Ewart; Chris Vais Community Award is pre- team of students and faculty who created a young age.
Christian Education): Continued from page 16. sented to a theological student in his/her innovative worship services for Knox Col- Knox is grateful to the donors who
Debora Rolls At Knox College’s first-ever virtual degree conferral ceremony, the Reverend graduating year who has contributed to lege and reimagined what worship could faithfully give each year to make this
Amanda Currie, Moderator of the 145th General Assembly of The Presbyterian the Knox Community in an exception- look like in the seminary community. award possible.
Walter W. Bryden Prize (Church History):
Debora Rolls
Church in Canada, offered the Invocation Prayer from her home in Saskatchewan.
She prayed for the graduands, “We thank you for all the ways that their education
Walter W. Bryden Prize (Ethics): and formation at Knox has prepared them for the vocations to which you will call CLASS NOTES
Dave Lee them, and for the fact that they will keep learning and growing, year by year, as they
seek your will, use their gifts, and offer their lives in service of Christ and God’s 1950s 1990s Diane Boyd (K’17) was
Gordon Mortimer Clark Prize (Ethics): ordained and inducted
people.”
Debora Rolls Ivan S. Gamble (K’55) passed away Ronald D. Sharpe (K’94) passed at Rockwood (Ont.) on
Acting Principal Stuart Macdonald said, “I am deeply impressed by the faculty,
on April 4, 2020. away on February 19, 2020. February 2, 2020.
Rev. Stanley W. & Eleanor Vance staff, and all of our students who completed this academic year successfully, despite
Memorial Prize (Preaching): the fact that we had to offer our last three weeks of classes and our exam week re- Ian (Larry) Jackson (K’58) passed Laura Alary (K’96) has Seaton Brachmayer
Chad Bolton motely. We did it. You did it! Congratulations. away on January 30, 2020. published What Grew in (K’17) became a chaplain
“My prayer is that the same spirit of adaptation, that willingness to pivot and Larry’s Garden (Kids Can in the Canadian Armed
R. M. Boswell Prize (Preaching):
change in order to meet the challenge, is what you will take into this next year and 1960s Press, April 2020), her Forces on March 15, 2020.
Dave Lee
into our rather uncertain future. Whether it’s in hospitals, churches, or counselling ninth book for children.
situations, wherever God calls you: finding new ways Howard McIlveen (K’62) passed Charmila Ireland (K’17)
Roberta Kinnon Prize (Preaching):
Debora Rolls to connect in order to meet the real and deeply felt away on April 29, 2020. 2010s became a chaplain in the
needs of people is what you are called to do. Your call- Canadian Armed Forces
Rev. Dr. Harry B. Somers Memorial Prize ing matters, and so it’s important that you rely on God 1970s Amanda Bisson (K’14) on February 28, 2020.
(Old Testament):
as you move forward, and strive to meet the needs, was inducted at Knox,
Edward Yoo Kathy Fraser (E’75) retired on Goderich (Ont.), on Noel Ramsey (K’17) was
whether they’re spiritual, psychological, or practical.” March 1, 2020. ordained and inducted at
February 9, 2020.
D. K. Andrews Memorial Prize (Old Testament): Professor Peter McKinnon, Convener of the Knox Knox, Grand Valley (Ont.),
Edward Yoo College Board of Governors, brought greetings on be- Robert Elford (K’79) passed away Soong Huh (K’16) was on January 26, 2020.
half of the Board, noting that the conferral of degrees on March 20, 2020. ordained and inducted
New Testament Scholarship: is the highlight and broadest objective of the Board’s Glynis Faith (K’19)
at St. Andrew’s, Aurora
Dave Lee & Edward Yoo was inducted at Knox,
work. 1980s (Ont.), on Feb. 23, 2020.
The Reverend Duncan Jeffrey, President of the Dave Lee, Gold Medal recipient Port Carling (Ont.), on
Rev. Wm. James Walker, D.D. Prize Fred Shaffer (K’83) retired on April
(Systematic Theology): Knox-Ewart Graduates’ Association, presented the Nicole Reid (K’16) January 31, 2020.
30, 2020. was ordained at Knox,
Dave Lee Knox College Gold Medal to Dave Lee, the graduating Master of Divinity student
Dunnville (Ont.), by the Esther (Soyon) Park
with the highest academic standing in the program. A variety of other awards were James G. Smith (K’85) retired on (K’19) was ordained and
John Robson Award (Urban Ministry), also given; see knox.utoronto.ca/2020prizes. Presbytery of Niagara on
Practical Theology (Inner City Ministry): April 30, 2020. inducted at Fellowship,
January 26, 2020.
Tyler Scrivens
The May 13, 2020, ceremony acknowledged graduates’ accomplishments and Etobicoke (Ont.), on July
officially conferred their degrees according to requirements of the University of To- Peter Han (K’87) retired on
7, 2019.
Mr. & Mrs. W. G. Ridell, Manchester (Auburn): ronto, the Toronto School of Theology, and the Association of Theological Schools December 31, 2019.
Chad Bolton in the United States and Canada. Knox College also intends to recognize and cele-
Cheol Soon Park (K’87) retired on
brate the Class of 2020 at a later Convocation.
January 30, 2020. SEND US YOUR NEWS
Find a complete list of 2020 prizes and scholar- Have you published a book? Gotten married? Been called to a congregation?
ships at knox.utoronto.ca/2020prizes. Watch the Degree Conferral at knox.utoronto.ca/2020conferral. Had a baby? Send your news to Vocations at knox.college@utoronto.ca.
16 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 17
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE: KOREAN TRANSLATION
우리는 무엇을 배웠는가?
우리는 무엇을 배웠는가? “정상”이 무엇이든 우리가 정상으로 돌아갈 때 무엇을 기억해야
만 할까? 낙스칼리지만이 아니라 우리 사회에서 우리 교회에서 이러한 질문을 해야 할 필
요가 있다.
놀라운 지난 몇 달 동안이었다. 많은 과학자들이 경고한 세계적 유행병이 늦게 갑자기 나타
났는데 이는 참으로 무서운 것이었다. 우리는 직접적인 그 병으로 또는 그와 관련해서 죽
은 사람들을 위해 애도를 표한다. 또 우리는 필수적인 일을 하는 사람들과, 집 없는 사람들
처럼 사회적 가장 약자들, 정신건강의 문제로 고생하는 사람들, 그리고 양로원에 계신 분
들, 또 다른 많은 사람들을 위해 기도한다.
내가 이 글을 쓰는 4월 말에 낯선 새로운 세상이 우리 매일의 현실이 되어가고 있다. 점심
을 들고 밖에 나갔던 일과 같은 가장 아무것도 아닌 일들조차도 나에게 향수가 되었다. 난
그 밖에 아주 많은 의미가 있는 것들도 그리워한다. 우리 손자를 끌어안는 것, 예배 후 악
수를 하는 것, 낙스칼리지 복도에서 학생들과 이야기 하던 것들 그 목록들은 계속 이어질
것이다.
이러한 것들로 아주 힘든 날들이다. 또한 우리는 감사해야 할 것들도 참으로 많다. 공공의
선을 위해 함께 책임 있게 일한 아주 많은 사람들이 있다. 교회는 온라인으로 예배하는 방
법을 찾았고, 또 연결의 고리를 만들었다.
이러한 도전들에도 불구하고 낙스칼리지는 성공적으로 2 학기를 잘 마무리했다. 우리는 이
를 자랑스럽게 생각한다. 우리의 학생들, 직원들, 교수들은 원격으로 전환하여 학기를 마
무리 했다. 우리 기숙사는 묵을 곳이 필요한 학생들(대체적으로 국제학생들과 타
주 학생들)에게 집을 제공하기 위해 계속 열려 있었다. 학생들은 졸업을 할 것이 COMMUNITY IN THE KNOX RESIDENCE:
Find the complete 다. 또한 다음 학년도는 그전과 다를 것이라는 것을 염두에 두고 준비하고 있다.
Camaraderie and compassion
translation online at 우리가 몇 년 전만 해도 이룰 수 없었던 많은 것들을 할 수 있는 기술을 가지고 있
knox.utoronto.ca/korean. 다. 나는 특별히 헌금해 주신 분들과 이러한 기술에 투자해 준 지도자들의 선경지
명에 감사하고 있다...
By Gursimran Singh Sethi
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE: MANDARIN TRANSLATION Knox has been my home for the past three years. It together builds a lot of camaraderie, and a lot of com-
我們學到甚麼呢？ gave me not only a nice and comfortable place to stay, passion for each other.
but also friends and a vibrant community I’ll cherish. My room in the residence also became a hub for
在新冠狀病毒疫情影響下，我們學到甚麼呢？即或回復平靜後，無論是整個社會、個別堂 That community is one of the big reasons I was people to hang out in, relax, and even share frustra-
會、以致本諾克斯神學院也需記取，不應忘記的呢？ able to excel in my time at university and abroad. tions together. The social environment of Knox is un-
The residents are people from diverse backgrounds. paralleled.
過去數個月確是驚濤駭浪，超乎尋常；在專家早發出警告下，這全球性疫情仍猖獗擴散，
They’re studying theology, engineering, arts, all sorts Staff were also so friendly and nurturing. Since the
令人措手不及，驚惶萬分！對那些因疫情而犧牲或承受沉重打擊的人，我們十分惋惜；至
of different things. When you put all of these people very beginning, Daniela would inquire about my jour-
於每日站在最前線的必要人員，我們為您們禱告；也為那些弱勢族群，譬如無家可歸者、
together, you start getting “outside ney and as how my thesis was going and my eventual
精神病患者和那些居住在護理安老院舍等高危居所的人們，我們為您們禱告。
“When you put all of these the box” ideas, and you start having job search. She even helped me know how to interact
書寫這封函件時，是在四月底；周遭環境已變得陌生和奇異；我很懷念從前即使是不起眼 meaningful, fruitful discussions about and navigate in tricky circumstances.
people together... you start
的光景，例如無拘束地拿著午餐在室外享受；我也惦念著一些滿有意義的事情，例如摟抱 the world and about the things that Some residents helped me directly with my thesis,
我的孫兒、或每次在崇拜結束後，跟會眾握手道別；這也包括平日在神學院的長廊上，跟 having meaningful, fruitful are going on around you – as well as and three of my friends at Knox even attended my the-
學生閒聊片語等等。 discussions about the world how to tackle them, and how to han- sis defense to cheer me on. That’s something I really
dle stresses. cherish and truly appreciated.
當下這些日子，無疑是艱難的。但有更多事情，更值得我們感恩！在我們周遭，絕大部分人 and about the things that People are here for you in your hap- Community is number one at Knox, what Knox
都是同心抗疫，彼此互助互勉；教會方面，我們也透過網絡平台，繼續有崇拜和彼此連結。 are going on around you” py and sad times. I have felt their mor- really provides for residents. The friendships I made
al support, and I’ve made long-lasting are ones I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
在這許多的挑戰下，我們諾克斯神學院也成功完成整個學年；值得我們自豪的是，藉着網 friendships. All of my closest friends in Gursimran Singh Sethi completed his Master of
上遙距教學，教職員和學生們，仍可以彼此溝通，有效地進行各樣活動。對於那些來自海 the city today have at some point lived at Knox. Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer
外的學生和來自不同省份的寄宿生，我們的舍堂仍然開放給他們使用。誠然，外在 Gursimran Singh Sethi, Scott We have so many memories together at the dining Engineering at the University of Toronto after defend-
環境確已改變，但這沒有阻礙我們籌劃下學年的課程；在新科技的配合下，很多從 Singleton, Sukanya Sharma, Joel table. Knox encourages people to sit and eat together ing his thesis in January 2020. He is now working as an
Find the complete Wiebe, and Ryan Janzen lead the
translation online at
前不敢想象的事情，已慢慢引進使用，提昇教育效能；為此，我要向各位高瞻遠矚 at almost every meal. Our meals happen at New Col- electrical engineer at BLiNQ Networks, a Toronto-based
“Knox Yell” at the Residents’ Christmas
knox.utoronto.ca/mandarin.
的先賢和捐贈者，致以衷心感激，令我們可以早著先鞭，不致措手不及。。。 Formal, December 2019. Photo by lege now, but we have a Knox-designated table. Eating startup. He lived in the Knox Residence for three years.
Stephanie Hanna.
18 SUMMER 2020 KNOX COLLEGE VOCATIONS 19PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
PANDEMIC LIVING:
What have we learned?
W
hat have we learned? What should we make those students (largely international and out-of-prov-
sure we remember, even when we return to ince) who needed it. Students will graduate. We are
Stuart Macdonald
Acting Principal of whatever “normal” may look like? We need planning for the next academic year, recognizing that
Knox College to ask ourselves these questions – in our society, in the it will be different. Technology has allowed us to do
church, as well as at Knox College. things we could not have achieved even a few years ago.
The last months have been remarkable. The pan- I’ve been particularly grateful for our donors’ and previ-
demic that many scientists had warned was overdue ous leaders’ foresight in investing in these technologies.
suddenly showed up, and it was frightening. We mourn So, what have we learned? Let’s not waste this op-
those who have been lost, to this disease or its related portunity to think deeply. Let us open our ears and eyes
consequences. We pray for those doing essential work, to what God might be imparting. Following are a few of
and for the most vulnerable – the home- my thoughts to begin the conversation; I invite you to
less, those struggling with mental health continue it online, or in your home.
“Let’s not waste this issues, those in nursing homes, and others. Some realities cut through all our verbiage and spin.
opportunity to think As I write this in late April, a strange Viruses are one. (Climate change may be another.)
new world has become our daily reality. The need for spiritual care in difficult times is real,
deeply. Let us open our I have become nostalgic for the silliest and the demand for those who can offer it has only become
ears and eyes to what God of things, like grabbing lunch out. I miss more pressing. Our role as a College, in helping people
might be imparting.” other, far more meaningful things – hug- learn how to provide spiritual care, has also become even
ging our grandson; shaking hands after more crucial.
church; chatting with students in the Online worship services are attracting larger audienc-
halls of the Knox College building; and on the list goes. es than ministers in those congregations imagined. What
These are difficult days. We also have so much for is going on? What need is being met, which we hadn’t an-
which to be thankful. The vast majority of people have ticipated? How do we as a College help future leaders meet
been responsible, and we are working together for the that need?
common good. Churches have found ways of worship- Individualism has its limits. Working as communities
ping online, or otherwise connecting. offers greater possibilities.
Despite the challenges, Knox College ended the
academic year successfully. I’m proud. Our students, Stuart Macdonald is serving as Acting Principal during John Vissers’
research leave, January 6 to July 6, 2020.
staff, and faculty pivoted and completed classes remote-
ly. Our residence remained open to provide a home for
Korean and Mandarin translations of the Principal’s Message begin on page 18.
To receive Vocations electronically instead of in print, contact us at knox.college@utoronto.ca.
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