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Queen’s College Newsletter, December, 2013
Dear Friends,
Greetings once again from Queen’s College! This will be my fourth and final newsletter
from the College in my present role as Provost and Vice-Chancellor since my arrival in June.
On November 16 I was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and
Labrador and will return to diocesan duties on January 1, 2014, with Ordination to the
Episcopate scheduled for January 17. Tickets to the event will be available for Queen’s
College students from the main office.
I thank all the members of the Queen’s College Family for their support during my time as Provost and now
during this time of transition. Queen’s College was honoured to be part of the process of discernment for the
Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador when, on November 13, the four candidates for
bishop met at the College for a morning of prayer and shared in lunch together. I will continue to support Queen’s
College as Diocesan Bishop and plan to be involved in the life of the College through active participation in the
community and through a teaching role with students.
The College is currently working with two students on their parish internships over two semesters: the Rev’d
Dave Taylor in Burgeo and the Rev’d Gerald Giles in Gander Bay. This fall Queen’s College held two continuing
education events. On October 16 Canon Professor Leslie Francis of the University of Warwick in the UK
presented a one-day workshop called Faith and Psychology: Personality Type and Leadership Styles that looked
at the relationship between personality differences and leadership styles in faith communities based upon his
book, Faith and Psychology: Personality, Religion and the Individual. On November 1 and 2 John Hill and Jay
Koyle gave a workshop on ministry and discipleship called Becoming the Story we Tell. The Diocese of Eastern
Newfoundland and Labrador covered the cost of the gathering, making it possible for clergy and parish leaders
to attend free of charge. Over 50 persons attended each event.
The members of the Queen’s College Faculty met over breakfast on September 28 for the purpose of a curriculum
review. This gathering was well-attended and allowed the Curriculum Review Committee to discuss directly with
the teaching staff their thoughts and hopes for the College as it moves forward. The mandate of the committee is
to review all matters relating to the teaching ministry of the College and it will be presenting a report to the
Queen’s College Corporation when it meets in March of 2014. Related to the above, on November 5 and 6, I met
with Dr George Sumner of Wycliffe College and Dr Todd Townshend of Huron College to discuss with them
directly the opportunities and challenges facing Canadian theological colleges today. Dr Eric Beresford at the
Atlantic School of Theology visited me at Queen’s College on October 24.
On October 3 I was pleased to meet with the Clergy of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland at Mint Brook to
give a presentation on Queen’s College and to discuss with them the future plans for the College. I thank Bishop
David Torraville for the invitation to participate in this gathering. On October 19 I spoke to a parish dinner in the
Parish of Burin about Queen’s College and followed that on October 20 with a sermon at a parish service in
Garnish for the Parish of Marystown. I thank the Rev’ds Terry Caines and Gloria Wendover for their kind
invitations to share in their celebrations. I have also preached on Sundays this fall in the Parish of Spaniard’s Bay,
Holy Innocents Parish in Paradise, St John the Evangelist Parish in Topsail, the Parish of Labrador West, and St
Augustine’s Parish in St John’s.
On Thanksgiving Monday (October 14) I represented Queen’s College at the International Thanksgiving Dinner
at the Parish of St Augustine. Queen’s College was able for the first time this year to be part of this ministry that
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drew 200 students from the MUN campus to the church for Canadian Thanksgiving celebration. I thank the Rev’d
Canon David Pilling for his invitation to be part of the event.
Queen’s College acknowledges the donation of a complete set of the Stations of the Cross from the Venerable
Shawn Samson in appreciation for his time in the College during the summer of 2013 as he worked on his PhD
program. The Stations were blessed by Fr Shawn during a mid-week liturgy on October 9. That day Queen’s
College hosted all of the clergy of Avalon Archdeaconry for a one-day workshop on CPR/AED Training.
A public lecture was held at Queen’s College on October 30 by D. Guy R. Brassard (former professor of Biology
and Associate Dean of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland) on the Reverend Arthur Charles
Waghorne. The lecture was called Missionary Work in Newfoundland and Labrador: 1875-1900 and was in
association with the Diocesan Archives of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and the Archivist, Peter Chalker.
I will now include some news on Distance and Intensive Education Courses at Queen’s College for Clergy and
others this winter. I ask you to especially look at some of the new courses offered for the first time in January. It
is possible to audit courses if you do not want to take on a full workload and submit papers (audit fees are half
the fees of a regular course). Please contact the College directly for more information or to register.
I thank you for your commitment to Queen’s College and look forward to your continued support as we move
forward as a teaching and witnessing community. Please uphold this important work in your prayers.
With my every blessing,
Geoff Peddle
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DISTANCE COURSES (3 credit hour courses)
Pastoral Studies 3475-Q: Pastoral Ministry to Families
Instructor: Dr. R. Singleton
This course presents students with a historical overview of Christian marriage. It examines individual and
relational dynamics in marriages and families. Students develop an under-standing of family systems theories
and the potential to enrich marriage and family life through effective pastoral ministries. This course is to be
offered on-line in a webinar format on Tuesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. First class is January 7th,
2014
Biblical Studies 3285-Q: Revealing Revelation: John's Apocalypse Then and Now
Instructor: Ms. J. Rose
This course offers an in-depth study of the Book of Revelation in its historical context. Particular attention will
be given to exegesis and interpretation for the post-modern congregation. Other topics of interest will include the
place of Revelation within the genre of apocalyptic literature, the effects of varying interpretations of Revelation
on past and recent history, and a closer look at Revelation’s place in modern society and spirituality. The course
will feature an online component created using iTunes U that could be used by students in conjunction with an
iPad, iPhone or iPod device. Through the use of iTunes U, students will learn how to use and navigate current
technologies. The iTunes U component is optional, and you do not need to own an iPad, iPod or iPhone to avail
of the course material.
Biblical Studies 3290-/3292-Q: Directed Reading and Research: Portraits of Jesus
Instructor: The Rev’d R. Cooke
Rebel or rabbi, mystic or messiah, son of God or pop culture icon. Who was Jesus and what (or how) does he
mean today? There is perhaps no other figure that evokes such strong reactions of devotion, frustration, confusion
and passion. Students will explore an introductory overview into the life and teaching of Jesus Christ as seen in
the canonical gospels, church tradition, scholarly quests, and popular culture. The course will use email and other
electronic and social media to engage students in a critical conversation with each other and the instructor on
assigned readings. Students will also explore and critique contemporary voices in the study of Jesus through
books, film and music. The course will culminate in a major research paper or creative project on a topic related
to Jesus studies. History, faith and culture converge in an informed conversation on Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the
Christ.
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INTENSIVE COURSES (3 credit hour courses)
Pastoral Studies 3484-Q: Christian Hospitality
Instructor: The Ven. Dr. G. Peddle
Students will explore both the biblical and theological dimensions of hospitality in a Christian setting with particular
attention upon current practices in Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Church outside the province. Students will be
challenged to see Christian Hospitality as a fundamental ministry for the Church today with the capacity to transform
relationships between Christian communities and the world around them. A half-day visit to a local parish deeply engaged
in hospitality ministry will enhance learning as students spend time with people trained and equipped to provide
“intentional hospitality”. Students will complete most of the course work on their own in their local community and gather
at the College for three days in February for the intensive part of the course.
Jan. 6 – Feb. 14:
Preparatory Reading
Feb. 18 – Feb. 21:
In class Instruction (Tuesday p.m. – Friday a.m.)
Feb. 24 – Apr. 4:
Assignments to be completed
Pastoral Studies 3482-Q/2482-Q: Spirituality for the 21st Century
Instructor: Dr. C. Doyle
Celebrating the communion of science and faith, this course explores the promise of evolutionary Christian
spirituality. We will examine the case from the perspective of over a dozen leading theologians and progressive
thinkers. The course can be experienced as a 2 credit offering (two reflection papers and a presentation on the
impact of this spirituality at the parish level), or a 3 credit offering (the same as 2 credit plus a paper that
expands on the impact of such a spirituality on worship & preaching.) Offered on site with the possibility of
including others through Skype or similar format.
SUPERVISED PRACTICE OF MINISTRY (SPM)
Once again this year Queen's is offering Supervised Practice of Ministry, a program developed for those
involved in Christian ministry. The program includes placement in an approved pastoral setting in which the
student works with experienced pastoral ministers who work with the individual on goals developed by the
student and approved by Queen's College and the co-operating institution/parish.
This program focuses on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The identity and self-awareness of the pastoral minister
The acquisition/development of pastoral skills required in parish ministry
The development of reflective practice skills
Ability to work as part of a team
The program includes 400+ hours offered over 12 weeks which include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Class time
Placement in a pastoral setting
Completion of assigned readings and written work
Regular meetings with an assigned supervisor
The program is offered in the context of spiritual direction - both individual and group settings - and is open to
students preparing for ordination, lay pastoral ministers interested in improving their pastoral skills, ordained
clergy wishing to renew/update their pastoral skills, and other persons who make a case for their need for this
program.
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ASSOCIATE IN THEOLOGY (2 credit hour courses)
The Associate in Theology program is a course of study designed for persons who are interested in increasing
their knowledge and appreciation of Christian belief and practice. As well as developing their pastoral skills, this
program also provides a theological base for persons assuming leadership and ministry within the life of their
faith community. Enrollment in this program does not require any previous work in theological studies.
On Site at Queen’s College or Online
Pastoral Studies 2482-Q: Spirituality for the 21st Century
Instructor: Dr. C. Doyle
Celebrating the communion of science and faith, this course explores the promise of evolutionary Christian
spirituality. We will examine the case from the perspective of over a dozen leading theologians and progressive
thinkers. The course can be experienced as a 2 credit offering (two reflection papers and a presentation on the
impact of this spirituality at the parish level), or a 3 credit offering (the same as 2 credit plus a paper that expands
on the impact of such a spirituality on worship & preaching.) Offered on site with the possibility of including
others through Skype or similar format.
Youth Ministry 2944-Q; Youth and Adults Working Together: Building Bridges between Youth and the
Adult Faith
This course will examine a model of evangelization and catechesis (Christian Education) that has (1) separate and
combined educational elements for the adult and youth faith communities and (2) an approach for bringing both
together in a ministry of service. (Jan. 17-18; Feb. 14-15; Feb. 28 - Mar. 1) Offered on site with the possibility
of including others through Skype or similar format.
Correspondence (Associate in Theology)
Biblical Studies 2000-Q: Introduction to the Old Testament (The Very Rev’d Josiah Noel)
Biblical Studies 2055-Q: The Prophets of the Old Testament (pre-requisite BS 2000-Q) (The Rev’d Wayne Short)
Biblical Studies 2200-Q: Introduction to the New Testament (Ms Jill Rose)
Biblical Studies 2212-Q: Portraits of Jesus (pre-requisite BS 2000-Q) (The Rev’d Robert Cooke)
Church History 2105-Q/Theological Studies 2505-Q: The Reformation to the 20th Century (The Venerable Shawn Samson)
Liturgical Studies 2800-Q: Introduction to Christian Liturgy (Dr Gerard Whitty)
Liturgical Studies 2828-Q: Introduction to Christian Initiation (Dr Gerard Whitty)
Pastoral Studies 2401-Q: Introduction to Pastoral Care, Part B (pre-requisite PS 2400-Q, Part A) (Dr Rick Singleton)
Pastoral Studies 2443-Q: Desperately Seeking God (Dr Carmel Doyle)
Pastoral Studies 2475-Q: Pastoral Ministry to Families (Dr Rick Singleton)
Theological Studies 2500-Q: Thinking Through the Faith (pre-requisite BS 2000-Q or BS 2200-Q) (The Rev’d Robert Cooke)
Theological Studies 2505-Q/Church History 2105-Q: The reformation to the 20th Century (The Venerable Shawn Samson)
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YOUTH MINISTRY
(2 credit hour courses)
This program is designed for people to enhance their current ministry to youth, in either a leadership or assistance
role, or to equip them with skills to start such a ministry within their local congregation. Youth, in this case,
focuses not only on adolescents but in the broader sense from ages 13 to 25. It is structured in a way to help
students become leaders in community, worship, proclamation, teaching, and service, as well as equip them with
the tools to develop both adult and youth leaders within the church.
Certificate in Youth Ministry is designed for ministers/priests/pastors or theologically educated laity (i.e. A.Th.,
EFM) who are involved in or who plan to start a ministry to youth. Students complete only the five core youth
ministry courses.
BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY BY DISTANCE
The B.Th. by Distance enables students to study in their own communities, and reduces the on-site residency
requirement to eight months. We trust that this will make courses and training for ministry in Christ’s name ever
more accessible. Students who are sponsored by their denomination for ministerial training (whether as ordained
or as lay) may enroll.
 Phase I: Associate Courses (fifteen two credit hour courses)
 Phase II: St. John’s Residency
 Phase III: Local Residency