Fifth Annual Covenanting Service

Acadia Divinity College students, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered for our Fifth Annual Covenanting Service held at Wolfville Baptist Church, on September 11, 2011. The day coincided with the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States of America, which likely elicited horrific memories and painful reflections for many families who suffered bereavement through the events as well as the succeeding wars. Indeed, the world itself though changed forever through subsequent responses and reactions to this terrible tragedy. Yet there are undertones of a desire for peace and community.

As a seminary, we are mindful that we are called to serve as this same world through the Church of Jesus Christ, by the preparation of Christian leaders, thereby making our gathering most significant. Furthermore, we were earnestly reminded of our role to subscribe in making the world a better and safer place, by demonstrating the Bible’s message of what it means to be a community that reflects the love and forgiveness of God, in our faith and lifestyle. The sermon was “Called to be a Community” and delivered by Dr. Stephen McMullin, Director of the New Brunswick extension. The main event of the service focused on renewal of our covenant (pledge to partnership) as churches, college, mentors and students and families, in the overall process of training for Christian ministry spanning local and global levels.

We hope you will plan to join us next year!

Tributes to Baptist Chaplains Rev. Gerald Burke and Rev. Adele Crowell

The halls of the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre Chapel rang out with the beats of an African drum on the afternoon of February 24th as many friends and colleagues of Rev. Gerald Burke (‘85) came to celebrate his 17 years of ministry as the Baptist Chaplain at the Halifax-area hospitals. A Tribute was given by Buffy Harper, Manager of Spiritual Care for Capital Health, and a song was sung in Gerald’s honour by Rev. Gary Myatt (’85, ‘98). Gerald has moved to New Brunswick with his wife Dawn and their family and will continue in ministry.

Dr. Tracy Demmons (’04), Director of the Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care (and one of Gerald’s former Baptist summer students), gave a brief tribute to Gerald. Rev. Dr. Ron Mclean (’68, ‘95), representing the Halifax Baptist Chaplaincy Committee, presented Gerald with a plaque commemorating his 17 years of ministry.

On the evening of Sunday, September 18th, an Induction Service was held for Rev. Adele Crowell (’85) at Bedford Baptist Church. Several members of the Halifax Chaplaincy Committee participated in the service including Rev. Dr. Ida Whitehouse (’77) and Rev. Dr. Ron McLean. The message was given by Rev. Lequita H. Porter, Pastor of East Preston Baptist Church. Adele’s husband Tom was present as were their daughters Amelia and Julia. Dr. Demmons brought greetings and best wishes on behalf of ADC and the Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Adele has assumed all responsibilities for care of the Baptist patients staying at Halifax-area hospitals.

We are most thankful for Gerald and Adele and wish them all the very best in their new ministry settings!