February 4-6, 2019

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From the PresidentWelcome to Iliff’s 2019 Renewal Conference!

We all know that this is a difficult time in our society - a time of division, a time of polarization, and a time where difference too often leads to devaluing individuals and groups.

Yes, this is a time of challenge for us. At the same time, in the midst of the challenges are opportunities for us as leaders, pastors, academics, and servants to step into those areas of divisiveness to speak truth, create space for justice, and stand with those whose very beings are devalued.

My hope is that this conference provides a time of reflection, learning, and sharing about the many ways in which we can make a difference - as individuals, as communities, and as institutions.

As a school and as a community, Iliff is uniquely positioned to speak to the issues facing humanity today. I say this because Iliff is so much more than a building, or a school - Iliff is a heritage, a tradition, and even a family, from which we can work to bring change into the world, and to which we can return to find refreshment, reflection, and renewal.

May these days be a time, indeed, of renewal for you and for all of us as we explore the ways in which we can bring healing to brokenness, justice to injustice, and hope to those who are giving up.

Rev. Dr. Thomas V. WolfePresident

Chief Executive OfficerBishop Henry White Warren Professor

of Leadership and Ministry Praxis

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Andrea Smith

Monday Morning | 9:00 a.m. | Shattuck Hall

University of California RiversideAssociate Professor of Media & Cultural StudiesDirector of Graduate StudiesDepartment Chair

Andrea Smith received her PhD in History of Consciousness at UC Santa Cruz in 2002 and her J.D. at UC Irvine School of Law in 2013. Her publications include: Native Americans and the Christian Right: The Gendered Politics of Unlikely Alliances and Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide. She is also the editor of The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Nonprofit Industrial Complex, and co-editor of The Color of Violence, The Incite! Anthology; Theorizing Native Studies, and Native Studies Keywords.

Dr. Ted Vial

Tuesday Morning | 9:00 a.m. | Shattuck Hall

Iliff School of TheologyHarvey Potthoff Professor of Theology and Modern Western Religious ThoughtAssociate Dean of Curriculum and Institutional Assessment

Ted Vial received his PhD from the University of Chicago in 1994, and has taught at Iliff since 2005. He is currently working on a book on the construction of Judaism and gender in the modern world. He has published Modern Religion, Modern Race; Schleiermacher: A Guide for the Perplexed; Liturgy Wars: Ritual Theory and Protestant Reform in Nineteenth-Century Zurich; and co-edited Ethical Monotheism, Past and Present: Essays in Honor of Wendell S. Dietrich.

Rev. Traci Blackmon

Tuesday Afternoon | 1:15 p.m. | Shattuck Hall

Acting Executive Minister of Justice & Witness Ministries of The United Church of Christ Senior Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Missouri

Traci Blackmon received her MDiv from Eden Theological Seminary in 2009. Originally ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she now serves in the United Church of Christ. Her communal leadership has been visible both nationally and internationally in the aftermath of the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. in Ferguson Missouri. She was appointed to serve on the the Ferguson Commission by Governor Jay Nixon, and to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships for the White House by President Barack H. Obama.

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Chapel Preachers

Rev. Dr. Tom Wolfe

Monday Morning | 11:00 a.m. | Iliff Chapel

Iliff School of TheologyPresidentChief Executive OfficerBishop Henry White Warren Professor of Leadership and Ministry Praxis

Tom Wolfe received his PhD from Syracuse University, and served as Senior Vice President and Dean of the Division of Student Affairs and the fifth dean of Hen-dricks Chapel at that school. He is an ordained Elder in the Upper New York Con-ference of the United Methodist Church and has served churches in Moravia and Ithaca, New York. With Iliff since 2013, he also serves as the President of the Inter-national Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (IAMSCU).

Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi (MDiv ‘06)

Tuesday Morning | 11:00 a.m. | Iliff Chapel

Iliff School of TheologyAssistant Professor of Leadership and FormationDirector of the Office of Professional Formation

Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi received her PhD from the University of Colorado. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she has experience in Christian education and faith formation, multicultural student affairs in higher education, chaplaincy, and denominational leadership. She authored the report American Congregations 2015: Engaging Young Adults, and has contributed to The Power of Story: Seeking Renewal and Wholeness in A World That Feels Divided, Sacred Habits: The Rise of the Creative Clergy, and more.

Rev. Traci Blackmon

Wednesday Morning | 11:00 a.m. | Iliff Chapel

Acting Executive Minister of Justice & Witness Ministries of The United Church of Christ Senior Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Missouri

In addition to everything listed in her bio on the previous page, Traci Blackmon is registered nurse with more than 25 years of healthcare experience, focusing on cardiac care. In later years, her focus shifted to mobile healthcare in underserved communities, with the greatest health disparities being in her region. In addition to her MDiv, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Birmingham-Southern College. She is also a featured voice with many regional, national, and international media outlets and a frequent contributor to print publications.

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Monday Afternoon 1:15-2:45 - Seminars & Panels

SeminarHeart-Centered Sacred Activism: Weaving a Tapestry of Justice from Various Shades, Hues and Textures of Interconnected Liberation Movements

Monday Afternoon Side-by-Side Option | 1:15 p.m. | Library Portico

Seminar Leader

Kristal Parks (MA ‘91)Activist, contemplative, elephant conservationist, biologist, author, and visionary

Kristal will share lessons learned from a life of activism, including the importance of a spiritual practice and acting from an inner space of selfless service. Sacred Activism, says Andrew Harvey, brings together the passion for God and the passion for Justice. Kristal asserts (with amazing anecdotes) that effective, heart-centered sacred activism is: Born in the trenches of struggles for justice, Tested in the marketplace among the poor, Purified in the fire of inner healing and transformation (doing the Jungian shadow work), Motivated and empowered by Love and Compassion, and Sustained by Joy.

PanelCultivating Well-Being in Divided Times

Monday Afternoon Side-by-Side Option | 1:15 p.m. | Bartlett

Panelists

Rev. Dr. Carrie DoehringClifford Baldridge Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Iliff

Rev. Dr. Arthur PorterPastor, New Nation Church, Aurora, ColoradoAdjunct Faculty, Iliff

Rev. Tony Hill (MDiv ‘14)Pastor, St. Luke CME Church, DenverAdjunct Faculty, Iliff

Rev. Dr. Jason Whitehead (PhD ‘10)Director of Consultation and Formation, IliffJohn Wesley Iliff Senior Adjunct Lecturer in Pastoral Care

How do we cultivate practices, relationships, and communities that mitigate the impact of moral and other stresses in our lives? For all of our connectedness, social isolation and loneliness still run rampant in ministry, leadership, and culture. Burnout and fatigue claim those called to ministries of social justice and change. At all levels of interaction diversity and difference sparks heated political, personal, and theological conversation. Join us as we explore possibilities for developing personal and communal well-being while remaining present to the need for ongoing social change.

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Seminars & Panels - Monday Afternoon 3:15-4:45SeminarTeaching in a Time of Diversity & DivisionMonday Afternoon Side-by-Side Option | 3:15 p.m. | Library Portico

Seminar Leaders

Dr. Katherine TurpinAssociate Professor of Religious Education, IliffDirector of the Master of Divinity Program

Rev. Dr. Boyung LeeSenior Vice President of Academic Affairs, IliffDean of the FacultyProfessor of Practical TheologyCo-Dean, DU-Iliff Joint Doctoral Program in the Study of Religion

Caran Ware Joseph, JD (MDiv ‘12)Director of Human Resources, Title IX Administrator, IliffAdjunct Faculty

A conversation regarding the challenges and possibilities inherent in teaching in divided times such as these.

PanelTechnology in Ministry

Monday Afternoon Side-by-Side Option | 3:15 p.m. | Bartlett

Panelists

Rev. Brad Laurvick (MDiv ‘07)Pastor, Highlands United Methodist Church, Denver

Rev. Zach Bechtold (current MDiv)Pastor, Brady, Choteau, and Dutton UMCs, Montana

Rev. Melissa MeyersSenior Pastor, Faith United Methodist Church, Freeport, Illinois

A panel of clergy who are well-versed in the use of technology in ministry share their experiences, suggestions, and best practices for utilizing tech in helpful and constructive ways.

Just a Note...

Funding support for the 2019 Renewal Conference is provided by The Lilly Endowment, The Rollie R. Kelley Family Foundation, the General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church, and the Iliff School of Theology. We thank all who support our programs and initiatives, including you (our alumni, students, and community partners).

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Authors, Student Presenters, and Much MoreAuthor’s ReceptionMonday Evening | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Library PorticoJoin us for appetizers as we mingle, chat, and hear anout the lastest work from Iliff-related authors:

Dr. Amy Balogh (PhD ‘16), Moses among the Idols: Mediators of the Divine in the Ancient Near EastDr. Eunjoo Kim, Christian Preaching and Worship in Multicultural Contexts: A Practical Theological ApproachRev. Kerry Greenhill (MDiv ‘05) - Contributor to We Pray with Her: Encouragement for All Women Who LeadKristal Parks (MA ‘91) - Re-Enchanting the World: A Call to Mystical ActivismRev. Dr. Eric Smith (PhD ‘13) - Jewish Glass and Christian Stone: A Materialist Mapping of the “Parting of the Ways”Dr. Terrence Tice - Schleiermacher: The Psychology of Christian Faith and LifeDr. Amy Erickson - Jonah: Interpretation and Commentary (forthcoming)

Students Bring It!Tuesday Afternoon | 3:30 p.m. | Shattuck Hall

The Iliff student body was invited to submit ideas for short presentations on their recent work. These students were selected for presenting to Renewal attendees:

Gianna Rendon (MDiv anticipated 2019), Kavanaugh and CoyolxauhquiKristen Payne (MASJE anticipated 2019), The Value of Teaching Social Justice to our ChildrenEmily Nagle (MDiv anticipated 2020), Comics in the ClassroomElizabeth Butche (MDiv anticipated 2020), Co-creating Justice in Emergent Process

Student Loan Presentation with Heather Jarvis, JDTuesday Evening | 5:00 p.m. | Shattuck HallHeather Jarvis is a nationally-recognized expert in student loans and loan forgiveness programs. She is also available for limited one-on-one consultations with Iliff alums, students, staff, and faculty during her time with us on campus, or later via phone. Email alumni@iliff.edu for information.

New(er) Faculty ConversationWednesday Morning Option | 9:30 a.m. | Shattuck HallA less-formal conversation with two of Iliff’s newer faculty members, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Leath, Assistant Professor of Religion and Social Justice and Director of the MASJE Degree Program, and Rev. Dr. Rubén Arjona, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care.

Military Chaplaincy Panel (Sponsored by the Office of Professional Formation)Inspiring Readiness through Spiritual Fitness for Military Members and their FamiliesWednesday Morning Option | 9:00 a.m. | BartlettThis panel of chaplains from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, moderated by Dr. Carrie Doehring, ex-plores the role of chaplains in developing spiritual practices for everyday engagement with the world. Together, we will look at what it takes to provide meaningful and practical spiritual care for members of the military and their families. Whether you work with military members, veterans, or their family members join us in exploring how we might better care and inspire those who serve in the military.

Bearded Theologians PodcastDaily | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Library

The Bearded Theologians will be on hand to record their podcast, and would love to hear alumni and student stories! Look for them in the Library.

Renewal at a GlanceMonday, February 4

8:00 a.m. Registration & Reception (Continental Breakfast) Lobby, Shattuck Hall

9:00 a.m.Welcome: Rev. Dr. Tom Wolfe Speaker Introduction: Dr. Tink TinkerOpening Plenary: Dr. Andrea Smith

Shattuck Hall

11:00 a.m. Chapel: Rev. Dr. Tom Wolfe Iliff Chapel

Noon Lunch Shattuck Hall

1:15 p.m. Side-by-Side Sessions (ending at 3:00 p.m.)

Workshop: Sacred Activism... Library Portico

Panel: Cultivating Well-Being... Bartlett

3:15 p.m. Side-by-Side Sessions (ending at 4:45 p.m.)

Workshop: Teaching... Library Portico

Panel: Technology in Ministry Bartlett

5:00 p.m. Author’s Reception (ending at 7:00 p.m.) Library Portico

Tuesday, February 58:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Shattuck Hall

9:00 a.m. Faculty Plenary: Dr Ted Vial Shattuck Hall

11:00 a.m. Chapel: Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi Iliff Chapel

Noon Lunch Shattuck Hall

1:15 p.m. Plenary: Rev. Traci Blackmon Shattuck Hall

3:30 p.m. Students Bring It! Shattuck Hall

5:00 p.m. Student Loan Presentation with Heather Jarvis (open to all) Shattuck Hall

Wednesday, February 68:30 a.m. Alumni Breakfast Shattuck Hall

9:00 a.m. Presentations: Rev. Dr. Tom Wolfe & Rev. Vince Tango Shattuck Hall

9:00 a.m. Option: Military Chaplaincy Panel Bartlett

9:30(ish) a.m. Conversation with New(er) Faculty Shattuck Hall

11:00 a.m. Jameson Jones Service: Rev. Traci Blackmon Iliff Chapel