Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2011, Theological Studies

The following study is a narrative account of the history and development of the annual Blessing of the Fleet held in Stonington, Connecticut from its earliest celebrations in the 1950s to its most recent in 2007. Particular attention is devoted to the ethnic Portuguese community of Stonington, their historical organization and shaping of the local fishing fleet, and their creative development of the annual Blessing. By attending to the history and development of the annual Blessing, this account primarily seeks to describe the event in terms of the people who simply and affectionately referred to it as the “Blessing.” As a historical-theological account, this study proceeds according to a lex orandi, lex credendi approach. As a consequence, special attention is given to the content and mode of prayers that have been offered over the course of the annual Blessing‟s history and celebration. These prayers are not only primary sites for reflection on the origin and destiny of this community‟s historical and anticipated life in Christ, but are departure points for an analysis concerning how various dimensions of the local fleet‟s life have been formally shaped through the celebration of the annual Blessing. In short, this study is a particular reflection on the integration of labor in liturgy in the U.S. An important focus of this study centers on how the history and development of the annual Blessing has been informed by other popular liturgies in the ethnic Portuguese community of Stonington, American Protestant piety in the mid-twentieth century, economic and regulatory issues concerning the local fishing fleet, and the pressures fishing exerted on local family life. And no figure at the annual Blessing drew together these various influences more than St. Peter. Because the life this community celebrated and anticipated was publically displayed at the annual Blessing in terms of the life of the communion of saints, this study describes in detail how the community add (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Anthony Smith Dr. (Advisor); William Portier Dr. (Committee Member); Sandra Yocum Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Theology

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2014, Ministry Division

"The Role of a Pastor: As an Authentic Faithful Servant of God" examines how pastors should conduct themselves in the performance of their duties to God and to God's people. A prerequisite for a pastor's service to God is love. Before an individual can render service to God's people he or she must first love God. Without this love it is impossible for an individual to offer faithful, authentic service to God's people. Moreover, it becomes impossible to humbly lead, nurture and care for God's people. The work of a pastor is noble and multi-faceted and often goes unrequited. Accordingly the author uses three metaphors to describe the office of pastor: Pastor as Shepherd, Pastor as Teacher, and Pastor as Servant.

Committee: Brad Binau PhD (Advisor); Mark Powell PhD (Other) Subjects: Bible; Biblical Studies; Clergy; Divinity; Ethics; Pastoral Counseling; Religious Congregations; Spirituality; Theology

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2013, Ministry Division

"The Future of Milestones Ministry at Broad Street Presbyterian Church" describes how one congregation, in Columbus, Ohio, connects church and home by using the Milestones Ministry approach in faith formation. Five milestones: the Baptism Milestone, the Baptismal Anniversary Milestone, the Bible Milestone, the Confirmation Milestone and the High School Graduation Milestone, engage parents and children in spiritual practices. A sixth, the 90+ Milestone, celebrates the legacy of older adults. The author, an associate pastor, interviews twelve intergenerational families about the meaning of these milestones in their lives, and categorizes their responses in ways revealing God's presence in daily life. Materials from Vibrant Faith Ministries, including the Milestones Ministry template of naming, equipping, gifting and blessing, plus biblical resources and current discussions in the fields of Christian Education and faith development, provide the context for this exploration. The appendix contains a liturgy for each milestone as well as a thorough bibliography.

Committee: Mary Hughes PhD (Advisor); Diane Hymans PhD (Other) Subjects: Adult Education; Aging; Bible; Clergy; Families and Family Life; Individual and Family Studies; Religious Congregations; Religious Education; Spirituality; Teaching; Theology