Episcopal Press and News
Christian Vocation Is Theme of Episcopal Student Gathering
Episcopal News Service. September 15, 1988 [88190]
NEW YORK, (DPS, Sep. 15) -- Four hundred Episcopal college students and chaplains will wrestle with the topic of Christian vocation in the modern world at a National Gathering of Students, December 28, 1988-January 1, 1989 at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado.
"Provocation," the conference theme, focuses on practical issues of career development and the prophetic call for Christians to be "provocative" in challenging injustice, apathy and the lack of spiritual values in society.
Participants will hear Richard Bolles, author of the widely-used career development manual, What Color is Your Parachute, and an Episcopal priest, who has devoted the major part of his ministry to career development consultation. Bolles helps people clarify their values and develop strategies to put those values into action.
Dr. Alda Marsh Morgan, the second keynoter, will speak from her wide experience as a "lay minister in the Church and in the world." Current director of Leaven, a ministry to faculty at the University of California and lecturer at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Morgan has been deeply involved in the struggle for women's ordination in the Church, without choosing to go into the priesthood herself.
The twist of having an ordained priest speak about careers for laypersons and a layperson speak about ministry, is in line with "Provocation's" double message theme.
"We want to challenge students to think of both career and ministry in at least two ways," explains Thomas Chu, a Columbia University student and member of the conference planning committee. "Christians are faced with the practicalities of career choices, and so the conference is pro vocation. All of us are called to be ministers of Christ, ordained or not."
The Rev. Linda Strohmier, chaplain at Lehigh University, will serve as chaplain for the gathering. Of Delaware Indian descent, Strohmier will bring her devotion to the presence of Christ in the world and her insights about the neglected wisdom of native traditions to her daily meditations.
Daily life will be rooted in the Prayer Book pattern of daily prayer and Holy Communion, culminating in a special New Year's Eve Vigil Eucharist. Student-led discussion groups and twenty-five workshops will investigate topics including sexual behavior, political "hot spots", the Scriptural basis of vocation, methods of meditation and prayer, encountering other faiths and "new age" ideas, the plight of the homeless, and how to share Christian faith with others.
Recreational facilities at Estes Park include a heated pool, cross-country skiing, basketball courts, roller skating and hiking.
"Provocation" is sponsored by the Ministry in Higher Education office at the Episcopal Church Center. The cost is $165 per person, with accommodation in dormitory-style rooms. Group buses are planned from some major regional centers. Students are encouraged to contact their local Episcopal chaplain or diocesan/provincial agency for possible financial aid. Registration forms are available from the Rev. E. Nathaniel Porter, Coordinator, Ministry in Higher Education, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017. Tel: 1-800-334-7626 or 1-800321-2231 (N.Y. State).