new church life: jan uary/february 2015
a congregation. It (the building) is not better than the old one, which had its own
majesty and grace, and which served well for two generations, but it is new, and
different, and planned, so as to emphasize the light and warmth that will appeal to
a new generation, even as we build on the critical foundation laid by those stalwarts
of the 1960s.
The new school rooms and social spaces, including the beautiful new front lobby,
have been designed to welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life, to
enhance their experience of the Lord’s love and wisdom, and to give them a reliable,
functional base of operations for the life of charity and faith… and we could expand
our school enrollment from the present 45 students to almost twice as many, giving
them all the solid grounding in the faith of the New Church that could ultimately
change the world.
Projects like this can only be accomplished by a collaborative effort,
so it is impossible to mention even key figures without missing a few, but I
must mention and thank our owner’s representative, Kathy Johns, who gave
thousands of volunteer hours working with contractors and architects to
see the job through; and pastor Mike Gladish, who led the entire project by
example, attending endless meetings of planning and finance and working side
by side with his congregation, from demolition to occupancy – all the while
providing uplifting services held mostly outdoors. Thanks also to all of the
members of the congregation who raised a phenomenal amount of money to
complete the project and who also gave their time and “sweat equity,” weekend
in and weekend out.
Of course there still is lots of work to be done. As our pastor reminded us:
“In a sense it will always be a work in progress – just as our own regeneration
is a work in progress. But if we believe that the Lord can help us He will, and
if we pray for His mercy and guidance He will give it. Remember this is not
only for ourselves, but as Solomon said of the Lord, ‘that all people of the earth
may know Your name and fear You… and that they may know that this temple
which I have built is called by Your name.’” (I Kings 8:43)
change at bryn athyn college
Dr. Kristin King has decided to step down as President of Bryn Athyn College
of the New Church at the end of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2015. She had
intended to relinquish the presidency a year ago but was asked to extend her
term when no viable candidates were available at the time.
The Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith, Chancellor of the Academy and the College,
said: “Kristin has been a tremendous leader for the College. She restored
stability and confidence after a difficult time and has brought the College a long
way toward financial equilibrium. Her willingness to step in last year when we
could not find a viable candidate to replace her is especially appreciated. We
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