COMMENCEMENT SATURDAY, MAY 16 2020, 1 PM

PRELUDE ................................................................................ Rev. Jason Powell A tribute to the 2020 graduates

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ............................. Rev. Dr. David M. MellottPresident

CALL TO LAMENT AND TO CELEBRATE ...................... Rev. Dr. Frank A. ThomasNettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics

Director of the Academy of Preaching and Celebration

Leader: We come — for a graduation not as we had hoped, expected, or planned.

All: But we are here!

Leader: We come — shattered by loss, shocked by devastation, and filled with grief.

All: But we are here!

COMMENCEMENT SATURDAY, MAY 16 2020, 1 PM ONLINE AT WWW.CTS.EDU

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Leader: We come celebrating, having accomplished the work before us.

Graduates: We are here with a new mission before us and more to accomplish for God.

Leader: We come and God is here with us.

All: We testify to the presence and the goodness of God that we are here.

Leader: God brings us gifts that remain:

All: What are the gifts that God brings? What it is that remains?

Leader: Faith, Hope, and Love remain!

All: We have received Faith!

Leader: Faith, Hope, and Love remain!

All: We have received Hope!

Leader: Faith, Hope, and Love remain!

All: We have received Love!

All: We all come because these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love.

Leader: Amen and Amen!

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OPENING HYMNFor the Beauty of the Earth ..................................................... Rev. Jason Powell

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies.

Refrain: Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light,

Refrain

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INVOCATION ................................................................. Rev. Dr. Courtney BuggsVisiting Assistant Professor of Homiletics

GREETINGS FROM THE TRUSTEES ............................................Elizabeth KlimesChair of the CTS Board of Trustees

For yourself, best gift divine, to the world so freely given, agent of God’s grand design: peace on earth and joy in heaven.

Refrain

Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1864) 7.7.7.7.7.7 Public Domain

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PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL AWARDS ........................ Dr. Leah Gunning FrancisVice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

Biblical Studies AwardHistory of Global Christianity AwardThe Reverend William R. “Bill” Duffy Theology Prize Christianity and Culture AwardPastoral Theology and Psychology AwardsChristian Ministries AwardPerseverance AwardPromise of Excellence in Ministry Award Stone-Campbell Promising Scholars Award Hoyt Hickman Award for Outstanding Liturgical Scholarship and Practice

SPECIAL MUSIC AND GREETINGI Believe ...................................................................................Carrie Newcomer

SCRIPTURE READING .............................................................Dr. Suzanne CoylePsalm 139: 1-18 Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy Director of Marriage and Family Therapy ProgramAfter the reading

One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. All: Thanks be to God!

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CONFERRAL OF HONORARY DEGREE

DOCTOR OF DIVINITY ...........................................Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown TaylorPresented by Philip H. Gulley

Conferred by Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott

ADDRESS .............................................................. Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor

COMMUNAL LITANY OF THANKSGIVING .............................. Rev. Dr. Scott Seay Faculty Member: We give thanks for the call of God in each of your lives. In spite of the confusion and fickleness of our world, you have responded with clarity and commitment. You have stayed the course.

Graduates: At times the expectations have been overwhelming, and at times we have been lured by concerns for our own comfort. We even have thought about giving up. With strength from God, we have endured.

Faculty and Staff: Our world is filled with too much hunger and conflict and greed, making it difficult to hope. We give thanks for your courage to speak good news in the face of so much evil.

Graduates: Our voices seem so small, and our actions so inadequate, but we know that God multiplies our efforts in ways we may never know. And so we give thanks.

Trustees and Alumni/ae: Our world is yearning to see the promises of God born among us: lives of justice, peace, healing, and wholeness for all of God’s creation. Who will go to love and serve the world?

Graduates: We are here, and we are willing. Send us.

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PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES ........ Dr. Leah Gunning FrancisVice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES ............................................ Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott

APPLAUSE FROM ARROUND THE COUNTRY ............... Dr. Leah Gunning Francis

SENDING HYMNHow Firm a Foundation ........................................................... Rev. Jason Powell

How firm a foundation for you has been laid, by God in the Word, in the sacrifice paid! What more can God say than to you has been said, to you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with you, oh, be not dismayed, for I am your God, and will still give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of woe shall not over you flow; For I will be with you, your troubles to bless, delivering you from your deepest distress.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

CHARGE TO GRADUATES AND BENEDICTION .............. Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott

POSTLUDE .............................................................................. Rev. Jason Powell

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FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11. Early United States melody from Funk’s Genuine Church Music, 1832

Public Domain

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Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts in Marriage and Family TherapyStephanie E. Bagato* summa cum laude .......................................................Fishers, Indiana Associate in Arts, Liberal Studies, College of the Desert Bachelor of Arts, California State University San Bernardino

Mark Edward Dubec* cum laude ..........................................................................Fishers, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Wright State University

Mary Elliott* summa cum laude ................................................................. Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University

Eileen McMillen* summa cum laude .................................................................... Cicero, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Andrews University Master of Science in Administration, Andrews University

Hazel Victoria Owens cum laude ............................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University

Amanda J. Stevens cum laude .................................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Purdue University

Amber Trejo* summa cum laude ..........................................................................Fishers, Indiana Associate of Arts, Ivy Tech Community College Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

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* Inducted into the CTS Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa, an international honor society for Marriage and Family Therapy

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Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health CounselingSheronda Lucas magna cum laude .......................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, University of South Carolina Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

Taylor Dianne O’Hern summa cum laude ...................................................Westfield, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Belmont University

Britton Shoellhorn cum laude ......................................................................Greenwood, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University

Joel Craig Westberry II summa cum laude ..........................................Greenwood, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, University of Indianapolis

Rachel R. Wright ................................................................................................. Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana University

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Candidate for the Degree of Master of Theological StudiesAdam Ferrell summa cum laude .................................................................Greenwood, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Liberty University

Contemplation and the Embodiment of Truth, Love, and Beauty: A Process Meta-physics for Understanding the Experience of Contemplative Prayer in the Cultiva-tion of Well-Being ..................................................................faculty advisor Dr. Helene Russell

R. Eugene Smith cum laude ......................................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Blackburn College

A Theology Come of Age: Developing a Theology of Liberation with St. Thomas Aquinas and Clodovis Boff ...........................................................faculty advisor Dr. Rob Saler

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Candidates for the Degree of Master of DivinityNicole Monique Barnes summa cum laude ......................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana State University Master of Business Administration, Indiana Wesleyan University

Robert E. Brown, Jr. cum laude .................................................................. Indianapolis, Indiana Associate of Arts, College of Biblical Studies Bachelor of Science, College of Biblical Studies

Diana Bush-Harris† ............................................................................................. Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Purdue University

Jennifer Megan Fisher† summa cum laude ..............................................Shorewood, Illinois Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago

Allison Fisher Mannies† summa cum laude ......................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Hope College

Jillian Marie Flynn summa cum laude ..................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Marian University Bachelor of Science, Marian University

Melissa Greene summa cum laude ...........................................................Nashville, Tennessee Lee University

Zachary Eugene Martin summa cum laude .....................................................Decatur, Illinois Bachelor of Fine Arts, Culver-Stockton College Master of Theological Studies, Christian Theological Seminary

Jesse Mullins summa cum laude ................................................................ Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of General Studies, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

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† Graduates of the Yoga, Spirituality, and Wellness Certificate Program

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Hazel Victoria Owens cum laude ............................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University Master of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University

Kimacka Randle summa cum laude ......................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, University of Michigan–Flint Master of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University

Kyrmen N. Rea summa cum laude .............................................................Greenwood, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

Alan Rieger summa cum laude ....................................................................Fort Wayne, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University

Denise Robinson summa cum laude ....................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University Master of Laws, The John Marshall Law School Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Minnesota

Britton Shoellhorn cum laude ......................................................................Greenwood, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University

Allan Ray Wallace summa cum laude ..................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Associate of Science, Ivy Tech Community College Bachelor of Science, University of Phoenix

Starnekia Williams ............................................................................................. Indianapolis, Indiana Bachelor of Science, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

Carmen T. Woodson ......................................................................................... Indianapolis, Indiana Associate of Arts, College of Biblical Studies Bachelor of Science, College of Biblical Studies

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Candidate for the Degree of Doctor of MinistrySean D. Holloway ................................................................................................ Indianapolis, Indiana Associate in Applied Science, Lewis and Clark Community College Bachelor of Science, Greenville College Master of Divinity, Central Baptist Theological Seminary

Identity, Vocation, and Practical Retirement Considerations for ABC Pastors: An Exploration of Minister Retirement and Leadership Transition in American Baptist Churches ..............................................................................................faculty advisor Dr. Bill Kincaid

Kevin Mason Miller ............................................................................................................Monroe, Ohio Bachelor of Arts, Oral Roberts University Master of Divinity, Cincinnati Christian University

Biblical Education: Contextualized Socratic Model Discussion in Teaching Biblical Studies ............................................................................faculty advisor Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen

Joseph Edward Tumasian.........................................................................................Carmel, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, The Pontifical College Josephinum Master of Arts, Saint Meinrad Seminary

A Study of Embedded Biases of Roman Catholics and their Effects on Extra-Litur-gical Participation in the Life of the Church ...................... faculty advisor Dr. Scott Seay

Martin E. Wright ......................................................................................................Columbus, Indiana Bachelor of Arts, Lincoln Christian College Master of Divinity, Christian Theological Seminary

The Curious Case of Ogilville Christian Church ............... faculty advisor Dr. Scott Seay

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OUR HONOREE BARBARA

BROWN TAYLOR WE ARE HONORED today to celebrate the educational accomplishments of the 2020 graduates of Christian Theological Seminary, to celebrate their efforts, and to send them forth crowned with the best wishes of their teachers, staff, and trustees, and the wise words of Barbara Brown Taylor, today’s commencement speaker.

No stranger to seminaries, Barbara Brown Taylor graduated from Yale Divinity School in 1976, and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1984 in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Proving there is life after pastoring, she left pastoral ministry in the early 2000s to devote more time to writing, teaching, and life itself. The author of 14 books on faith and spirituality, her congregation has moved far beyond Georgia to include the world. Additionally, she has served on the faculties of Piedmont College, Columbia Theological Seminary, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, and the Certificate in Theological Studies program at Arrendale State Prison for Women in Alto, Georgia.

In her most recent book, Holy Envy, Brown Taylor writes, “The same God who came to the world in the body of Jesus comes to me now in the bodies of my neighbors, because God knows that we need a body to make things real,

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and the real physical presence of my neighbors makes them much harder for me to romanticize, fantasize, demonize, or ignore than any of the ideas I have of them in my head.”

In these days of fear, isolation, and division, we celebrate the God who comes to us in all people everywhere, and with glad and grateful hearts we affirm our graduates and speaker whose awareness of the Divine Presence within themselves has culminated in lives of compassion, service, and faith.

Philip H. Gulley

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Carrie Newcomer is an Emmy award-winning performer, recording artist, and educator. Described as a “prairie mystic,” Carrie is the 2019 recipient of the Shalem Institute Contemplative Voices Award. She has 17 nationally released albums.

Rev. Jason Powell (MDiv., 2018) is an ordained minister, musician, singer, songwriter, recording artist, spiritual teacher, and author who possesses a passionate vision for touching lives through the presence and power of God. Serving in full-time music ministry since 2005, Jason is Worship Arts Minister at LifeJourney Church in Indianapolis.

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