Jazz-inspired, soul-infused, and gospel-informed hip-hop artist Rodney “J Prophet” Reynolds ’10 B.A.,’13 M.Div.,
 Rodney “J Prophet Reynolds ‘10 B.A.,’13 M.Div. |
recently performed his song “Tie My Hands” in D.C. as part of the National Action to Realize the Dream March hosted on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. “We walk around everyday trying to prove that we’re human/ if all you see is a hoodie, then zoom in,” offered Reynolds, referring to Trayvon Martin tragedy, “I’m choosing to take a stand though/ screaming for the world to let my hands go.” Reynolds is a minister at Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. The song is from his new EP, I Got Bread.
>Listen to J Prophet’s music or download his free EP, I Got Bread
Hearty congratulations to Harry and Manette Adams who celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on August 24th! As Horace Bushnell Professor Emeritus of Christian Nuture at YDS, Harry served as acting director of the ISM, associate dean of YDS and even came out of retirement to serve as acting dean. Harry additionally served all of Yale as University chaplain, Master of Trumbull College, acting Master of Saybrook College. Manette served on the board of the Yale University Women’s Organization and is widely respected for her volunteer work in the community. Congratulations to this couple that has a very special place on the Quad and has made a profound difference in New Haven, Yale, and YDS!
If you would like to send Harry and Manette a card, please address it to them at the Divinity School and we will ensure the cards are delivered:
Harry and Manette Adams
c/o Yale Divinity School
409 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Thomas N. Synan ’00 M.Div. has recently been appointed Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, MA. Synan previously served as the Associate Rector of Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York, NY where he was recognized for broadening the church’s outreach mission to include a more global focus. “We are delighted that he will be joining us in late September,” said the head of transition committee. Online in the Amherst Bulletin, August 2.
“In my third year, I’d say I’m pleasantly surprised at how much progress I’m able to make simply by listening, showing up early, staying late, doing my homework and persistently reaching across the aisle,” said Delaware Senator Chris Coons ’92 M.A.R., ’92 J.D. From DelawareOnline, August 1.
J. Lawrence Turner ’06 M.Div. will be officially installed as Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, TN at a worship service on Sunday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The service will be preceded by a black-tie banquet with keynote speaker Roland S. Martin along with musical entertainment, Amber Bullock, season 4 winner of BET’s “Sunday Best” and cross genre musical group, Trio Plus on September 6.
>Read the announcement online.
“The marvel of it all is that God is present in the things of the earth,” said Rita Ferrone ’83 M.Div. in her keynote address on liturgical renewal, given to the National Association of Pastoral Musicians during its August convention in Washington. “Liturgy, after all, is a series of signs – and it is transformational.” Online on Catholic News Service, July 30.
Martin Copenhaver ’80 M.Div., Lillian Daniel ’93 M.Div., and the other contributing authors of the UCC’s Stillspeaking Writers’ Group will participate in reading and conversation on Thursday, September 26 at 7:00pm at Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, CT. The event is free and open to the public.
William H. Willimon ’71 M.Div. has been named a trustee of Wofford College where he was an undergraduate. Willimon teaches at Duke Divinity School and has previously served as bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church.
“I’ve found that in television, movies and other popular culture, religion is often portrayed as judgmental, hateful and irrelevant,” said Rachon Hanson ’11 M.Div. who was recently appointed pastor of Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church in Battle Ground, WA, “I love providing an alternative to that portrayal. Jesus is about love, not judgment or hate. And love, learning to truly give and receive love, is hard, wonderful work. It’s never irrelevant.” Online on The Reflector (Battle Ground, WA), August 28.
“It just felt like it was something I wanted to do and needed to do,” said John Arnold ’60 Div. who returned to D.C. in August for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Online on ABC News, August 28.
Do you have a story to add to next month’s People Notes? We’re always looking for recent news from alumni, faculty, students, and other members of the YDS community. Let us know at /suggest-story.
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