Important Dates
February
9 Origin film viewing & discussion (hosted by Armida Belmonte-Stephens & Elizabeth Pierre), details TBD*
9 Last day to withdraw from a spring class without an assigned grade; Last day to withdraw from a J-term class with an assigned grade of W
15 Installation service for Drs. Michelle Dodson, Max Lee, and Hauna Ondrey
16 Reading Scripture, Being Church, and Telling Our Story as Intercultural Communities: A Faculty Colloquy, 9-12 p.m. CST, Nyvall Hall and Zoom*
20 An Evening in the Torah 6:30-8 p.m. in Olsson Lounge*
TBD Summer Registration Opens
23 January Term Ends
*Requires sign-up here
Community Worship-Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
Join us in Isaacson Chapel inside Nyvall Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. If you can’t make it in person, join us on Zoom here or use Meeting ID: 884 3892 1088 and Passcode: 305205. This week, Dr. Beth Miller will be preaching.
Join us after Community Worship for a Community Dinner in Olsson Lounge! Come and catch up with seminary peers, professors, and staff over a delicious meal!
Join us in celebrating the installation of three endowed faculty chairs whose scholarly work exemplifies our seminary’s vocation to bring the best of the academy to the mission of the church: in multi-racial congregations, intercultural readings of Scripture, and building purposeful narratives. Come get a taste of how your North Park Seminary faculty together seek to discern the past in order to move forward in our complex world, training leaders in the art of telling visionary truth so they can inspire purposeful action—for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.
SCHEDULE
February 15, 4:30pm: Installation of Endowed Chairs and Worship Service, Nyvall Hall, Isaacson Chapel
February 16, 9:00am-12:00pm: Faculty Colloquy, join in-person in Olsson Lounge located in Nyvall Hall on North Park University’s Chicago campus or REGISTER HERE to join the live stream of the lectures.
- 9:00-9:15 Welcome & Opening Remarks | Dr. Dennis R. Edwards, Dean of the Seminary
- 9:15-10:00 Be Loud and Brace for Impact: Anti-Asian Violence, the Model Minority Myth, and the Martyrs of Revelation 7:9-17 | Dr. Max Lee
- 10:00-10:45 Multiracial Churches: Transformative or Status Quo | Dr. Michelle Dodson
- 10:45-11:30 Purposeful Narrative? Covenant History Past, Present, and Future | Dr. Hauna Ondrey
- 11:30 Closing Remarks | Dr. Dennis R. Edwards, Dean of the Seminary
Lectures
Be Loud and Brace for Impact: Anti-Asian Violence, the Model Minority Myth, and the Martyrs of Revelation 7:9-17
Max Lee, Paul W. Brandel Chair of Biblical Studies
The rise in anti-Asian violence since COVID-19 demonstrates that Asian Americans have a shared history of persecution with other ethnic Americans, even as far back as The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Model Minority Myth threatens to silence their prophetic voice and re-write their story. Reading Revelation 7:9-17 interculturally, Max Lee calls for a rejection of the Model Minority Myth, a solidarity with ethnic histories of resistance against injustice, and presents sLambing as the way for God’s people to bear witness to Christ.
Multiracial Churches: Transformative or Status Quo?
Michelle Dodson, Milton B. Engebretson Chair in Evangelism and Justice
Dr. Dodson seeks to better understand the impact of multiracial churches beyond the four walls of the church. This lecture will explore the relationship between a multiracial church’s representation of race through talk, text, and imagery (its racial discourse) and how that church engages with the larger community in which it is situated (its social engagement). It will also explore the efficacy of pastors and other key leaders of multiracial churches in inculcating the stated values of their churches in those who attend.
Purposeful Narrative? Covenant History Past, Present, and Future
Hauna Ondrey, Wilma E. Peterson Chair in Church History
For a small, immigrant-founded denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church has an enormously rich historiography, within which ethnic identity has functioned variously across stages of demographic change. This lecture will trace the evolution of Covenant historiography itself, contextualizing our present discourse regarding purposeful narrative. It will secondly identify corollary priorities that must attend a commitment to purposeful narrative, outlining practical commitments required for an adequate genealogy of the Covenant to be a possibility.
REGISTER FOR THE LIVESTREAM HERE
2024 Black Peace in the City series: How Black Businesses Succeed
Today, February 5, 12:40-2:20 pm in Hamming Hall
On Monday, February 5th 2024, from 12:40-2:20pm in Hamming Hall, the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice in collaboration with the Urban Peace Lab will begin the 2024 BLACK PEACE IN THE CITY series. The series runs at the same time during every Monday of February.
The first event is called How Black Businesses Succeed and special guest will be Michelle Renee Bester, Associate Director of Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago. This young actress, singer, dancer, and publicist will explain the programs and success of Black Ensemble Theater, and its impacts on creating a more peaceful Chicago.
Schedule of Events:
Today: How Black Businesses Succeed. Hamming Hall
2/12: Family, Immigration, Migration, and Black Success. Hamming Hall
2/19: From Economy of Violence to Economy of Peace. Nyvall Olsson Lounge
2/26: Black Peaceology: How Black Folks Succeed with Low Stress, and High Joy. Hamming Hall
An Evening in the Torah
Tuesday February 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
Nyvall Hall, Olsson Lounge
Join Dr. Nathan Clayton and your classmates for an evening immersed in the Larson-North Park Torah! Come hear a brief history of Hebrew Scripture and writing, learn how to write your name, enjoy coffee, dessert, and discussion over the beauty and mystery of the scroll. We hope to see you there!
RSVP by February 13th here!
Group Counseling: Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety
Mondays, 10:30am-11:30am, February 12, 2024-April 15, 2024
Do you have trouble letting go of anxious thoughts? Do you feel worried all the time? You are not alone. Join us and learn skills to combat anxiety and navigate life’s daily stressors while connecting with peers who share similar experiences.
Counseling groups are developed to meet the needs of individuals in the student body who are interested in this type of counseling experience. Student interest initiates the development of counseling groups. Group counseling involves regular meetings with a small group of individuals and a counselor. Members work toward understanding and resolving personal concerns in the group context. Groups usually focus on a specific topic and typically meet weekly. The structure of the group may be time-limited or ongoing, depending on its purpose. Group services are available to all North Park students on an unlimited basis.
For more information email counseling@northpark.edu.
Summer 2024 Seminary Classes
Now that the spring semester is officially underway, we want to share the courses planned for summer 2024, including a rich range of electives. We look forward especially to the in-person intensive week (June 10-14) and the opportunity it provides for campus, distance, and Stateville students to share physical classrooms together. Draft syllabi will be available following the spring reading week, closer to summer registration opening.
Spring 2024 Community Events
We are looking forward to community events for Spring 2024! Make sure to add dates to your calendar and register here for the events with asterisks next to them!
Faith Leadership and Political Change: A Modern Exploration.
What role will Christian faith leaders play in the 2024 election and ongoing social movements? Faith leaders have played vital roles in politics in America since its inception, from the Calvinist ministers in New England and Black church leaders during abolitionism, the Civil Rights and the Black Lives Matter movements to evangelical leaders who have been central to Republican politics for decades.
Look deeper at the current and future roles of these leaders with IOP Pritzker Fellow Sister Simone Campbell, former IOP Pritzker Fellow Dr. Russell Moore, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson of the Children’s Defense Fund, and IOP executive director Zeenat Rahman.
Thursday, February 8, 2024
5:30 p.m. CST
Ida Noyes Hall, Cloister Club on the University of Chicago Campus
Mental Health First Aid Training- 2/14/24 During NPU Cares Week!
Show some love to yourself and others on 2/14/24 and take Mental Health Frist Aid during NPU Cares Week! Students, faculty, and staff are invited to register for this training opportunity that is designed to teach how to approach, assess, and assist a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or in a mental health crisis. North Park generously supports this training opportunity so that it is of no cost to participants. Request training here or visit the Counseling Support Services webpage. Participants must complete self-guided pre-work (approximately 2 hours), as well as attend 5 hours of live instruction to receive the Mental Health First Aid certification, which is good for 3 years. Questions can be directed to counseling@northpark.edu.
Helwig Recreation Center
- Spring Facility Hours– EXTENDED: Monday- Thursday 7:00am-11:00pm, Friday 7:00am- 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm- 8:00pm.
- March Into Fitness Team Challenge: Keep those wellness goals going through the spring by joining this team challenge with many different incentives and prizes to earn each week. Sign up on IMleagues.com or at the Helwig front desk to join! Questions? Email lrobinson3@northpark.edu.
- Personal Training and Nutrition Counseling: Do you need more accountability to meet your wellness goals? Sign up for a package of personal training or nutrition counseling. All trainers are nationally certified and ready to give you just the right routine. Training offered virtually or in person. Interested? Email Ericka at ejadams@northpark.edu
- Group Fitness: The group fitness programs of North Park University is based upon the latest fitness trends and taught by experienced, nationally certified instructors. Check the website or social media for schedule details.
- Women’s Strength Workshops: Join Emelie on Jan. 25 and/or Feb. 28 at 7pm to learn the fundamentals of strength training with dumbbells, free weight and a variety of machines. Sign up on imleagues.com.
- Free Equipment Orientations: Learn the basic skills needed to operate our most popular weight and cardio machines on the fitness floor. Gain a better understanding on how this equipment can help you lose weight and tone your body! Email Ericka at ejadams@northpark.edu to make an appointment.
- Intramurals! Sign up on imleagues.com. Email Alyssa at aaaragon@northpark.edu with questions. Basketball every Monday starting Jan. 29, Volleyball Every Monday starting March 18, Dodgeball every Wednesday starting March 20, Ping Pong every Friday starting Jan. 19 and Badminton Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Check imleagues for times and exact dates on tournaments.
- Blue & Gold 5k: Start training now for the Blue and Gold 5k through the NPU campus. Blue and Gold Week is April 15. Stay tuned for 5k date and time details. Sign up on imleagues.com.
Climbing Wall OPEN: The Helwig Climbing Wall open for all. Come visit during open hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 7-9pm. Shoes and helmets are provided.
Internship Financial Assistance
Are you doing some internship credits this semester and need some financial assistance during your internship? Great news! The ECC ministerium has provided financial assistance to alleviate any financial hardships. Click on this link to apply for internship subsidy. https://forms.office.com/r/qE0P0460VF?origin=lprLink
There is a limited amount so you may need to apply sooner than later. If you have any questions, please contact Bret M. Widman for further assistance.
Job Highlights
Chaplaincy Opening at Lawrence Correctional Center in Sumner, IL
Below is an opening at the Lawrence CC facility. The applicant needs and MDIV with one (1) unit of CPE at a minimum. Click here for more information.
First Covenant Church of Saint Paul is searching for a Full Time Minister of Youth and Families!
This role serves youth (6th – 12th grade) and their families within the broader ministry of First Covenant Church. Through programming and partnerships, this deeply relational position focuses on inviting families in the congregation, neighborhood, and community to belong, believe, and become as they experience the grace of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the First Covenant community.
You can find our full job description here.
Internships at Christian Encounter
Christian Encounter is a faith-based residential facility for hurting 16-25 year-olds. Our students receive biblical counseling, learn practical work skills, experience backpacking trips, can finish high school, and are shown the love of Jesus all in a distraction-free, family-oriented environment.
Our internships are for committed Christians over the age of 21. Our program works because these interns come alongside our residents, sacrificing 3 months to 2 years of their life in ministry. It’s great for college students because internship fits well into a summer break, semester off, or transition after graduation.
For more information contact Salena Unitt at salena@christianencounter.org or visit christianencounter.org.
Internships at Christian Encounter
Christian Encounter is a faith-based residential facility for hurting 16-25 year-olds. Our students receive biblical counseling, learn practical work skills, experience backpacking trips, can finish high school, and are shown the love of Jesus all in a distraction-free, family-oriented environment.
Our internships are for committed Christians over the age of 21. Our program works because these interns come alongside our residents, sacrificing 3 months to 2 years of their life in ministry. It’s great for college students because internship fits well into a summer break, semester off, or transition after graduation.
For more information contact Salena Unitt at salena@christianencounter.org or visit christianencounter.org.
Director of Next Gen Ministry at Faith Covenant Church in Wheaton, IL
The Leadership Council has initiated the search for a part-time Director of Next Gen Ministry. If you are interested or know of someone who would be a good fit, please let us know. Resumes and cover letters can be sent to search@faithecc.org.
To view the full job description, click here.
To see these and other job opportunities visit the Nyvall News Job Board!
Spring 2024 Semester Counseling Resources
Counseling Support Services is offering a variety of counseling support options for students this semester free of charge. 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 – available to all full-time and degree-seeking part-time students, allows an individual to explore concerns with an objective counselor in order to work toward goals established by the student. Counseling Support Services offers brief counseling, up to 20 sessions, and sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes, primarily on a weekly basis. However, the number and frequency of sessions vary and are determined based on student need and counselor recommendation and availability.
For appointment requests:
Please use the new student health portal at northpark.studenthealthportal.com, click the link below, call us at (773) 244-4897, or visit our office Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at 3317 West Foster Avenue (a few doors west of the campus postal center).
General inquires can be directed via email to counseling@northpark.edu.
Group Counseling-
Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety
Mondays, 10:30am-11:30am, February 12, 2024-April 15, 2024
Do you have trouble letting go of anxious thoughts? Do you feel worried all the time? You are not alone. Join us and learn skills to combat anxiety and navigate life’s daily stressors while connecting with peers who share similar experiences.
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.
All sessions are from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m M-F at the Health & Counseling office, 3317 W Foster Ave.
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
Upcoming training dates include:
Wednesday, February 14, 2024; 10:30am-4:00pm (IN-PERSON)
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 AND Wednesday, April 24, 2024; 2:00pm-4:30pm. (IN-PERSON) (Must attend both days to earn certification)
Click here to register for training!
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