Jerald Kirkpatrick, B.D.

Awhile back, Harry Baker Adams told me he remembered that I was in one of those “interesting classes” in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. If you recall any of the events of Spring 1970, you may agree with him. Brevard Childs told us as we graduated that in five years we would have learned much more than what we got in the classroom. And he was right as well. Combining our reflection on our YDS experience with the many changes we have seen in the Church has made us (I hope) what some have called stronger in the broken places.

For me, the last several years have been spent going into retirement and adjusting to new challenges – being together 24/7, enjoying our adult children (one teaching political science in Virginia, two writing screenplays in Texas and California, and grandchildren (Molly is in 3rd grade; Teddy, pre-K). I’m getting used to being a worship participant rather than a worship leader. And we are learning a lot about attending churches of other denominations. We haven’t broken all ties with our religious heritage, but some might think we have.

Which brings me to this. When the doctor told me I had Parkinson’s Disease, she said, “This will not kill you, but it will flavor everything else.” And it has. I don’t drive much; nor can I walk any distance at all. However, despite my limitations, I can still travel, still read, still enjoy music, still track ancestors, still have hope. See you in Fall, 2020.

Jerry Kirkpatrick