John Stanley1. How many years have your worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?:
I have been Professor of New Testament at Messiah College for 12 years and also Director of the Created and Called for Community course for four years.
2. What are your plans once you leave Messiah College?:
My Encountering the Bible students know I will be searching for dragons to slay. (They will understand.)
I will spend time with my grandchildren, siblings and extended family and Susie, my wife. Also, I plan to do volunteer work. I will probably do interim pastoral or preaching ministries. I am scheduled to teach two courses in Spring Semester 2010. Fishing and reading will be priorities.
4. What is one of your best memories of your time at Messiah College?:
One of my best memories is the first Created and Called for Community Convocation with Dr. Josiah Young and a jazz combo on creativity.
5. What do you think you will miss most when you are not here?:
I will miss Faith Journey Narratives in CCC, exegesis papers and study sessions in Encountering the Bible classes. Also, lunches with students.
6. Are there any last words of advice/wisdom/encouragement you want to leave with the Messiah College community?:
Take advantage of some of the speakers and special programs we have. Spend a semester at the Philly campus if at all possible.
7. Add anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to say!:
Messiah has been a meaningful chapter in my 38 years of pastoring and teaching.
Chris Staecker
1. How many years have you worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?
4 years as Assistant Professor in the Mathematical Sciences Department
2. What are your plans once you leave Messiah College (for the upcoming year(s))?:
I will be Assistant Professor of mathematics at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.
3. What is one of your best memories of your time at Messiah College?:
I've really appreciated the great time I've been able to spend with my students in classes, advising meetings, Collaboratory projects, and conferences.
4. What do you think you will miss most when you are not here?:
I'll most miss the people here, and my wonderfully short commute.
5. Add anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to say!:
Thanks for a great four years - I'll remember Messiah fondly.
Lareta (Reta) Halteman Finger
1. How many years have your worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?:
I began teaching in the Biblical and Religious Studies Department at Messiah in the fall of 1995, which makes 14 years I have been here. I've taught many Encountering the Bible courses plus other courses in New Testament.
2. Why are you retiring?
I am retiring now for several reasons:
1) I was told I could (that was before the economic downturn!).
2) I live in Harrisonburg, VA, and I was getting tired of the 6-hour round-trip commute each week.
3) Since the Core course was developed, Messiah no longer requires a second Bible course, which has been a great disappointment and loss to me. Those courses were the most interesting to me, and seemed to be more appreciated by students than the introductory course.
4) My grandchildren live in Wisconsin and are now 6, 8, and 10. I want to spend more time with them before they grow up.
3. What are your plans once you leave Messiah College (for the upcoming year(s))?:
As far as future plans (other than spending more time with grandchildren and other relatives and friends), I want to read some of the many books on my bookshelves that I have not had time to read while teaching.
My first writing project has been on hold for years. It is creating a simulation of the house churches in Corinth, using the Apostle Paul's letters of 1 & 2 Corinthians. In form it will be similar to my book "Roman House Churches for Today: A Guide for Small Groups"
(Eerdmans 2007).
I will also write other articles and columns on areas related to the New Testament, as well as, hopefully, doing workshops, presentations, sermons, etc. in churches or church-related venues. (I do not expect to receive $150,000 per lecture, as I just heard that ex-president Bush is expecting.)
5. What do you think you will miss most when you are not here?
I will miss Messiah a great deal, especially because I do not live close by. First, the students. They have been my greatest commitment while teaching here, and some have become have become very special to me. I have had many wonderful colleagues and losing regular contact with them will be a great loss. Next will be the library with its many resources and support staff, as well as other support from Faculty Services and IT. And the pool! I swam hundreds of times in Messiah's pool, twice a week, one mile (72 lengths) each time. I will also miss the beauty of the campus.
And much more!
6. Are there any last words of advice/wisdom/encouragement you want to leave with the Messiah College community?:
When I first began teaching here, my younger son had just graduated from college and was in his first job. He was feeling a bit lonely (he had to work with - God forbid - people the age of his mother!) and he told me to tell all those students with senioritis that they should treasure their time at Messiah because they live with their friends. They are experiencing close community, and after they leave it will never be the same. "Tell them to appreciate what they have!"
Debra Heath-Thornton
1. How many years have you worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?:
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