Jones Display

The Bishop Payne Library display case honors the work of The Rev. Dr. Richard J. Jones this month, specifically pointing toward a special event this Friday:

The Unfinished Business of Mission: A Symposium in Celebration of the Ministry of Richard J. Jones

Time: 9:00 am

Since 1988 Rich Jones, through his teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary, has influenced hundreds of seminarians, laypersons, and clergy in the Episcopal Church and in other traditions to think globally, compassionately, and ecumenically. VTS is honored to present this exciting one day celebration of his career on the eve of his retirement.

All events will take place in the Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium unless otherwise noted.9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon – Registration

10:00 -11:30 a.m. – Reports from the Field
Workshops led by VTS graduates who attended during Rich Jones’ tenure

11:30 – 12:00 Break

12:00 Noonday Service – The Seminary Chapel

12:15 – 1:00 Lunch – The Refectory

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Plenary Session

Professor Robert Schreiter
The Chicago Theological Union
“What is the Church’s Enduring Mission in the World?”
A Closer Look: Robert Schreiter

2:30 – 3:00 Break

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Workshops
Professors reflect on the character of mission:

The Rev. Leon P. Spencer, Ph.D., VTS ‘89
“Toward a Theology of Partnership: The Church’s Unfi nished Missiological Task.”

The Rev. Grant LeMarquand, Th.D.
Academic Dean, Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, Pennsylvania
“What We Can Learn about Reading the Bible from Christians in the Global South”

The Very Rev. Christopher Hancock, Ph.D.
Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity in China at King’s College, London.
“Mission Matters: A China Perspective”

The Rev. John Yieh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of New Testament, Virginia Seminary
“The Last Shall Be First: Christian Missions in Modern China”

4:30 – 5:00 Break

5:00 Holy Eucharist – The Seminary Chapel
The Rt. Rev. Neff Powell, Celebrant
The Rev. Leon Spencer, Preacher