2017 Hosanna Project Winners

Exceptionalism—the view that a particular nation or people are a special privileged agent of God—fuels, justifies, and perpetuates injustice. Our times cry out for courageous preaching firmly rooted in love and justice that will challenge exceptionalism. On October 26, 2016, twelve pastors and seminarians gathered at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to consider and discuss their preaching on the topic of Blessed: Preaching "Israel" as Ancient Symbol and Contemporary Reality, based on the March 12, 2017 Reformed Lectionary texts for the 2nd Sunday in Lent; Genesis 12.1-4a & John 3.1-17. Their goal was to understand and challenge ways of reading scripture and practicing faith which privilege one group, and set apart their relationship to God as superior. It is also language which sits at the theological heart of the Israel/Palestine conflict.  

Prize winners for Lent 2017
1st Place Winner
The Rev. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Pittsburgh, PA
TEXT: Genesis 12:1-4
Read: Unfaithful Phrases - “My Country Right or Wrong”

2nd Place Winner
The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, Associate Pastor
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Pittsburgh, PA
TEXT: Genesis 12:1–4a
Read: Chosen

2017 Teaching Faculty

Dr. Pauline Coffman served as Dean of Student Life at McCormick Theological Seminary when inclusive language began to replace sexist terminology in hymns and general discourse. Her dissertation focused on the experience of changing language and the disruptions it prompted. The disruptions led, however, to important change in the way women and men perceive one another. She is convinced that the language we use can be a key impetus to human rights for all in Israel and Palestine.

Rev. Dr. Mark Davidson grew up in Lebanon where his parents were professors at the Beirut College for Women. Since his ordination as a teaching elder in 1982, Mark has been passionate about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine/Israel, active with the Abrahamic Initiative on the Middle East, Jewish Voice for Peace, and PJN. Mark serves as pastor of the Church of Reconciliation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Addie Domske is from western PA but now calls Chicago, IL home. She graduated in June 2015 from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, with a clinical degree in international social work. In May 2016 she graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Addie spent the summer of 2013 in Israel/Palestine working with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Hebron and Jerusalem, and taking a continuing education course at Tantur Ecumenical Institute near Bethlehem. Addie is currently looking for a job in human rights advocacy in the Chicago area and is a candidate for ordination in the PC(USA) under Shenango Presbytery. She is also a member of the PJN steering committee. 

Rev. Dr. Bruce Rigdon was ordained a Presbyterian minister in Chicago in 1967 where he served as Professor of Church History at McCormick Theological Seminary for the next 23 years. He became Pastor/Head of Staff at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church in 1988 and continued to teach in a new theological seminary in Detroit which he helped to establish and where he later served as president. Ecumenical Theological Seminary continues to serve Protestants and Roman Catholics throughout the Detroit area. During the Cold War Bruce headed the National Council of Churches programs related to the Russian Orthodox Church and the churches of Eastern Europe. He is also deeply committed to the struggle for justice and peace in the Middle East.

Rev. Ron Shive serves as the pastor and head of staff of the First Presbyterian Church, Burlington, North Carolina.  He chaired the Middle East Study Committee, which was appointed by the Moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2010) and wrote “Breaking Down the Walls.” He was also appointed to the Middle East Monitoring Group by the moderator of the 219th  General Assembly.  Ron has been on the Board of Trustees of the Lebanese American University and active with Bright Stars of Bethlehem and PJN.