Important Dates
- Apr 16: Last Day to Withdraw from a Course (with permission)
- Apr 18: Easter Break: No Classes
- May 7: Spring Semester and Fourth Quad Final Examinations (Saturday Classes)
- May 10: Reading Day — No Classes (Except for Tue-Thu Second Quad Classes)
- May 11-13: Spring Semester and Fourth Quad Final Examinations
- May 13: Baccalaureate
- May 14: Spring Commencement
A Letter from Dave Bjorlin
I’m writing on the Monday morning of Holy Week as we enter into this most sacred of seasons for the Church. In many ways, it feels appropriate that we are moving through this season while we are experiencing such great grief at the seminary. I know that the news shared brings up many emotions: grief, anger, pain, confusion, disillusionment, hopelessness. I can only say that I feel all of these same emotions, and I join you in your lament. As your teacher and fellow companion on this journey of faith, I want you to know that I and all of the faculty and staff are praying for you all as you move through the varied emotions of this season, and we are available to have conversation if you are feeling isolated or overwhelmed or just need someone to process with.
As you may have heard me say in class, I tend not to remember too many points from sermons (which is why I spend so much time talking about the theology of the songs we sing!). But I do remember a sermon former North Park Seminary President and New Testament Professor Jay Phelan gave at his last commencement. He noted that going through disillusionment is never a fun experience; it usually involves a great deal of pain. However, being disillusioned also means that we rid ourselves of illusions—illusions about ourselves, our neighbors, our world—that, if we have the courage to face it, may allow us to stand on more solid ground and find a firmer hope in Christ and his promises.
But if you are like me, it’s very easy to slide from disillusionment into cynicism (“the last refuge of the idealist,” I’ve heard it called). As someone who has and continues to struggle with cynicism, I want to sound out a warning: cynicism may feel good in the short-term; it’s often the walls we use to protect ourselves from disappointment. But in the end the walls we build to protect ourselves will be the very walls that keep us isolated from ourselves and one another—and this road is paved with loneliness and bitterness. Yesterday, I came across this letter that rock musician Nick Cave (who lost his fifteen-year-old son in a climbing accident a few years ago) wrote to a fan who was struggling with cynicism, and it was a word for me; perhaps it will be a word for you too.
And the good news of Holy Week is that death and disappointment, fear and pain, grief and disillusionment do not have the final word. The resurrection of Christ is the counter-testimony against all that stands against eternal life; it is the claim that even our deepest losses—even the seeming finality of death itself—do not have the final word. And that is indeed our firmest ground of hope.
Again, if you need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to reach out to a faculty or staff member who you’re comfortable talking with. And remember: the God who has called you is faithful.
Peace,Dave
For On-Campus/Chicago Students
I wanted to invite you all for coffee and treats tomorrow 4.12 in the Nyvall Kitchen from 9:45-10:45AM. This space is open for us to pray, connect, process, nourish ourselves whatever you need. I care for each of you and I am here to support you as you work towards completing your Spring semester.
-Baily Warman
Lead Pastor Opening at Cross & Crown Community Church
Cross & Crown Community Church is a non-denominational, diverse, urban community of believers who “gather to grow and scatter to serve.” Cross & Crown is seeking its next pastor to carry on a tradition of biblical leadership and example, which has been its legacy for over 35 years.
Cross & Crown’s senior pastor is responsible for implementing the vision, goal, and programs of the church in the areas of evangelism, education, edification, and expression as delineated in the church’s constitution and by-laws, and as guided by its statement of faith. The senior pastor is accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Leadership Council, and the membership of Cross & Crown, in that order.
Please send a letter of interest & resume (with phone number) to:
Uzziel Gonzalez, Elder churchoffice3707@gmail.com
or apply online at one of the following sites: Churchstaffing.com, Indeed, MinistryJobs.com, Churchjobs.net
Travel Course to Israel
Join peacemakers, thought-leaders, and students from NPTS’ sister school Bethlehem Bible College at the Christ at the Checkpoint conference. In addition to visiting historic holy land sites, participants will experience firsthand factors that have led to conflict and present-day efforts to make peace. Emphasis placed upon developing spiritual disciplines that nurture constancy, resilience, and hope in Christian activism and peace work. Participants will be challenged to consider how this conflict is important to the North American church in general, and Christian discipleship in particular. $3500 including international travel. Scholarships of up to half for credit-earning students. Contact pdeneui@northpark.edu for details.
2022 Theology & Mission Lectures: Willie Jennings
Join Reverend Dr. Willie Jennings at the historic New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago as he delivers the 2022 Brady Theology & Mission Lectures.
June 9-11
Dr. Jennings will be joined by Northern Seminary faculty and panelist as we explore new contours of theology for the church on mission.
The general public is invited to attend. Registration is required for all in-person attendees.
Missio Alliance Retreat: Why Stay?
Our partners at Missio Alliance are holding a rest and recovery experience May 2-6 in Puerto Rico. Church leaders are leaving, often for good reasons. You need a space to honestly wrestle with the question, “Why should I stay in this ministry?”
The Why Stay Retreat will give you a safe space to examine the joys and difficulties you’ve encountered throughout your ministry journey and discover new energy for your next season, your next call, or your next move.
Scholarship Opportunity
CBE International is an evangelical organization that promotes equality of women and advocates for women to serve in ministry. They are currently accepting applications for women students in master’s programs who are pursuing ministry and align with their core values.
Alvera Mickelsen Memorial Scholarship | CBE (cbeinternational.org)
Senior Pastor Job Opening at South Park Church in Park Ridge, IL
To view the full job description, click here.
Summer Registration
The Summer 2022 Class Schedule and Syllabi are now posted here on the North Park Theological Seminary Website! Register for classes through Self-Service. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Seminary Academic Services. If you need assistance discerning which classes to take, now is a great time to schedule a check-in with your advisor!
Goodbye Antonio and Administrative Coordinator Position Open
Alas, Antonio is moving to Pennsylvania! We wish him well as he concludes his role as the Seminary Administrative Coordinator in the next few weeks and makes his way to the East Coast. This also means that Academic Services is hiring! Please see the job description on the NPU website and let Alex know if you have any questions.
Duke Divinity School’s Summer Institute for Reconciliation
The Summer Institute for Reconciliation in 2022 is anticipated to take place in person, although we will be closely watching for changes due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s institute will consist of three full days of engagement, May 11-13, 2022. Each day will include worship, daily plenary sessions (Common Journey) led by preeminent scholars and practitioners in the fields of theology and reconciliation and allowing for interactive discussion and Q&A, and a selection of 1.5 hour-long seminars/workshops on specific topics related to reconciliation, transformation, and justice.
The learning and formation that takes place at the Summer Institute for Reconciliation builds on critical questions that frame our content and design. These questions address the heart of the journey of reconciliation. Our methodology, which we call “Word Made Flesh,” explores the theological, contextual, and practical dimensions of this movement of hope and liberation.
To register or learn more visit their website here.
Study with Procrastinators Anonymous!
Hello All Procrastinators! It is that time of year again. Want to stay on top of your homework AND build community? In these dynamic study sessions, we either discuss study skills (such as notetaking and following the rubric) or break into small groups to catch up on reading, discuss class content, or build community. This space will be what the group desires and needs for it to be. We meet in front of the writing center (inside the library). This semester we will be offering Procrastinators Anonymous online as well on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend online, please send an email to apizarro@northpark.edu.
Mondays 11:00am–1:00pm and 6:00pm–7:00pm
Fridays 11:00am–1:00pm and 6:00pm–7:00pm
Procrastinators Anonymous will begin meeting for study on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Questions? Email Antonio Pizarro, Assistant Director of the Writing Center at apizarro@northpark.edu
Seminary Student Leadership Team
For community updates and events, follow the seminary student leadership team on Instagram! Click here or search for the page on Instagram under @nptslead.
Spring Counseling Support Services
Counseling Support Services is offering a variety of counseling support options for students this semester. If you are experiencing unmanageable anxiety, sadness, difficulty adjusting, problems in relationships, or if you are hurting due to the many challenges before us, Counseling can help. We also offer Mental Health First Aid Training so that you can learn how to help friends and family that might be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Individual Counseling Support – Free, confidential, short-term individual counseling support is available via telehealth and in-person. Request counseling via the counseling request form at northpark.edu/counseling, or by walking into our offices at 3317 W Foster, #24 on the campus map.
Group Counseling Support –
Finding Self-Compassion – Weekly on Mondays, 10:30-11:30 am 2/14/22-4/11/22. Facilitators: MaLinda Lee, LCPC, ATR-BC & Griselda Munoz. Do you ever find it easier to have compassion for others but not yourself? Come learn ways to improve self-esteem by building genuine kindness, positivity, and generosity towards yourself.
Mind over Mood: Managing Depression Support Group – Weekly on Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, 2/15/22-4/12/22. Facilitators: Huong Nguyen, LCSW & Alicia Murphy. Are you experiencing feelings of sadness, loss of interest, lack of motivation, and negative self-talk? You are not alone. Join us and learn skills to manage depressive symptoms and improve daily functioning while connecting with peers who share similar experiences.
Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety – Weekly on Fridays, 10:30-11:30 am, 2/18/22-4/29/22. Facilitators: Adrian Battle, LPC & Kathleen Quinlan. Do you get nervous right before an exam or have trouble letting go of worrisome thoughts? Come learn and practice healthy coping strategies to improve your confidence and help you navigate life’s daily stressors.
Please contact Adrian Battle, LPC, to register or for more information: abattle@northpark.edu, (773) 244-5569.
TAO – TAO is an anonymous, self-service digital mental health support tool that is available free 24/7 to all current North Park students, faculty, and staff. Information and registration link at TAO
Let’s Talk – In collaboration with campus partners, Let’s Talk is an informal, walk-in support service that offers confidential meetings with a North Park counselor free for all NPU students at various locations around campus. Students can drop in (no appointment necessary) to speak with a counselor on Mondays 1-3 pm at Helwig Rm 208A, Tuesdays 2-4 pm virtually at doxy.me/northparkletstalk, Wednesdays 12-2 pm at the Collaboratory Rm 121, and Thursdays 1-3 pm in Anderson Hall Rm 108. Additional information at Let’s Talk
Mental Health First Aid – Students, faculty, and staff are invited to register for this free training opportunity that is designed to teach you how to approach, assess, and assist a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or in a mental health crisis. A variety of training dates and formats are available this year. The next training date is April 27th. Sign up today! Request Training