WEBINAR 3 – Lament & Imagination: A Theological Response to a Covid-19 World
Wednesday June 24, 9:00–11:00 AM Eastern Time… that’s 6:00AM for those of us on the West Coast of the USA. I will serve as a participant in the third of three webinars sponsored by the Urban Shalom Society and friends.
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For local church expressions to respond with faithful presence amidst Covid-19 these parish communities need a practical theology daring them to engage in honest lament & to experiment out their Shalomic imagination(s). A panel structured webinar will explore a practical theology based response to Covid-19 that reflects God’s very real presence in the world.
Athena E. Gorospe (panelist) is Associate Professor in Biblical Studies and Director of the PhD program in Contextual Theology at Asian Theological Seminary in Manila, Philippines. As an Asian scholar, her research interests lie in Scripture’s interface with philosophy, culture, and social context. She has written Narrative and Identity (Brill) and a commentary on the book of Judges for the Asia Bible Commentary, as well as articles on various social issues in the light of Scripture. She has a Ph.D. in Theology (Old Testament) from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Sheryl Haw (panelist) has spent over 20 years working together with communities around the world addressing relief, development and justice concerns. Her professional career includes Nurse and midwife, Operations Director for Medair, Accountability Development Manager for HAP International, Lecturer at All Nations Christian College and for the last 10 years, International Director of Micah Global (representing a merger between Micah Network and Micah Challenge). She is currently working as a hospital chaplain in Carlisle. She was privileged to grow up in Zimbabwe surrounded by examples of amazing resilience that have inspired a persistent pursuit of justice for all.
Martin Kapenda, (panelist) experienced Program Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization and FBOs. Skilled in Nonprofit Management, Capacity Building, Leadership Development, Community Organizing, and Program Development. Has worked on the following issues: Poverty and Inequality, Women in Governance, HIV and AIDS, Natural resources management, Human Trafficking, Child protection, Men and Gender based Violence. Attended the following universities: Evangelical University, University of Natal and University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Andre Van Eymeren (moderator) is a sought after international speaker and trainer in community development. As well as being a practical theologian, he is Managing Director of the Centre for Building Better Community, Co-Director of the Urban Shalom Society and is an experienced consultant, trainer and practitioner. For the past 20 years he has worked with a number of lower socio-economic communities around Australia and the world. He has extensive experience working alongside local governments, schools, faith groups and the not for profit sector. His work has included: community research; organisational reviews; planning and network facilitation; broadcasting on radio; helping to organise community wide celebrations; starting three not for profits aimed at improving local and broader communities; and teaching on community development around Australia and internationally. Late 2016 Andre completed his first book, Building Communities of the Kingdom, where he explores community development from a faith perspective. He is also a PhD Candidate at Swinburne University focussing on the theo-philosophical concept of Shalom or flourishing as a model for building social infrastructure in cities.
Me… Dwight J. Friesen (panelist) is associate professor of practical contextual theology at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He is a founding board member of Parish Collective, and active with the Urban Shalom Society in service of UN-Habitat. Dwight has authored or co-authored numerous books, including The New Parish, Thy Kingdom Connected, and coming this September, 2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change.
Peace, dwight
