new church life : january / february 2017
Bryn Athyn College The new Sherri R . Cooper and Daniel W . Goodenough residence halls , completed on time for the 2016-17 school year and $ 89,000 under budget , were dedicated at Charter Day .
Attendance this year is above 300 , which is on target , with a roughly even split of men and women . The growth target is 400-500 students , with more emphasis placed on attracting traditional New Church students . Dr . Roberta Nolan is the new Admissions Director for the College .
New programs are being developed to attract students in education , building arts , biology and women ’ s field hockey . The Master of Arts in Religious Studies program ( MARS ) is under review to increase enrollment . A search is underway for a PhD to lead the Graduate Education Program . The College is also looking at food service , social life , academic advising and career planning to promote student retention .
The next building under consideration would be a Student Center and funding options are being explored .
There are four students enrolled in the Theological School , with the possibility of five entering next year .
Secondary Schools Progress continues on deficit reduction – from a $ 5.2 million deficit in 2011 to less than $ 1 million last year and a $ 75,000 deficit projected this year . Revenue is becoming more balanced between endowment income , tuition and gifts . Admission efforts are increasing , especially with traditional New Church families .
Future building projects in the planning stages include improving the interior of de Charms Hall and the Fine Arts Building , general infrastructure , and air conditioning for Benade Hall and the Fine Arts Building .
the church in asia
The following is from a year-end report and fund-raising appeal from the Rev . John Jin , who is the regional pastor for Asia and is responsible for outreach to the Korean-speaking community in the United States . China The Rev . Tim ( whose last name is withheld for security reasons ) was the first New Church minister in China . He started worship every Sunday morning with students , teachers and helpers in JiuJiang City in the Jiang Xi province . These people are trying to spread our church one member at a time and believe that this New Church will continue to grow .
In September a New Church high school opened its doors in JiuJiang
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