ForPPTI Networking and ForPPTI North and Middle Sulawesi Areas

Networking of Christian University Libraries and Theological Seminary Libraries in Indonesia

At the end of 2010 at Pelita Harapan University, Executive Committee of Forum of Theological Librarian and Library in Indonesia (ForPPTI) attended a meeting of Forum Comunication of Christian University Libraries (Forkom Perpustakaan BK-PTKI) to expanded networking to develop theological seminary libraries also skill of the librarians.

The agenda of the meeting included the following:
1.Librarians skill advocate
2.Publication of a directory
3.Forkom Organization
4.Sharing of the participant
5.Networking with ForPPTI

The result of the networking to ForPPTI included the following:
1.Membership and executive committee of Forkom BK-PTKI is open to ForPPTI members
2.Networking for local short-term courses and workshops
3.Networking to develop library automation
4.Networking for scholarship

The meeting was concluded with announce that Nomensen University will held the next meeting. Due appreciation were given to Forkom BK-PTKI for the cooperation.


Activity of ForPPTI North and Middle Sulawesi Areas

Following the program of Forum of Theological Librarian and Library in Indonesia (ForPPTI), ForPPTI North and Middle Sulawesi areas was held a seminar and workshop of management library at Gran Central Hotel in Manado during on 26-28 January 2011. The seminar and workshop had 2 resource persons and 18 participants from 12 seminaries and 2 theological programs from Christian University. The event were the first program for theological librarian in this area and support by Mission Board from Netherlands and Foundation for Theological Education in South East Asia (FTESEA).
The seminar and workshop was concluded with elected the new local excom and note some program as follow:
1. Launching a blog:
2. Publication newsletter;
3. Collaboration among institutions offering courses in theological librarianship;
4. Regional or local short-term courses and workshops; and
5. Expanded networking with national library associations.

http:// http://forppti.blogspot.com
http://forpptisulutsulteng.blogspot.com/

Hilda Putong
Indonesia Area Representative

Networking of Christian University Libraries and Theological Seminary Libraries in Indonesia

At the end of 2010 at Pelita Harapan University, Executive Committee of Forum of Theological Librarian and Library in Indonesia (ForPPTI) attended a meeting of Forum Comunication of Christian University Libraries (Forkom Perpustakaan BK-PTKI) to expanded networking to develop theological seminary libraries also skill of the librarians.

The agenda of the meeting included the following:
1. Librarians skill advocate
2. Publication of a directory
3. Forkom Organization
4. Sharing of the participant
5. Networking with ForPPTI

The result of the networking to ForPPTI included the following:
1. Membership and executive committee of Forkom BK-PTKI is open to ForPPTI members
2. Networking for local short-term courses and workshops
3. Networking to develop library automation
4. Networking for scholarship

The meeting was concluded with announce that Nomensen University will held the next meeting. Due appreciation were given to Forkom BK-PTKI for the cooperation.

PTLA SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP

PTLA SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP
October 26-28, 2009

The three-day PTLA Seminar and Workshop was held on October 26-28, 2009 at Angel’s Hills Retreat, Tagaytay, Philippines. The seminar was attended by 30 librarians of the Philippine Theological Association from various places of the country. This year, Ms. Martha Smalley, Special Collections Librarian and Curator of the Day Mission Collection of Yale University, was the key note speaker. Given the increasing awareness in the area of archiving, the seminar focused on the theme: “Theological Library and Archive in a Changing Environment.”!

Day 1 (October 26)
Objective for the Day: “Learning to be archivist.”
In general, the objective of the whole seminar includes: (1) For administrative reasons, (2) Historical reasons, and (3) Theological reasons.
The lecture series consist of the Purpose of Archive, What to Pre-
serve, Preserving and Safeguarding Records and collections, Facing
the Challenges, Importance of Records Management. Product demo
(Info-Ed). Four (4) Modular course (MARC format) were conducted: Cataloguing, Circulation, Inventory, and Reports

After lunch break, Ms. Smalley discussed the following topics:
What is archiving? (Definition)
Types of collection
Collection development of policy and usage
--Practical exercises pertaining to sorting and prioritizing records were applied. Acquisition—obtaining materials into the repository
acquisition registration, procedures in accepting records, record
Keeping. Appraisal--determination or deciding exactly what to keep is
based on the following conditions:
Primary value – functional use of the records to the person or
agency that created them
Secondary value – for research, now and in the future
Archival value – how do they fit into the context
Arrangement and Description – increasing standardization in the
archival field.
Concept of “Provenance”—more applicable to organizations rather for
personal papers. Records should be kept intact as much as possible.
Steps in preserving the records were enumerated as well as
preparing the finding aid.

Product Demo—Electronic Information Solution Inc. by Axel Santillan

Day 2 (October 27)
The seminar began with praise and worship led by Maishel Lumaban; followed by opening prayer and Devotional led by Beth Pulanco and Beth Tabura, respectively. Speaker Martha Smalley continued her lectures and began by providing exercises on categorizing the different documents distributed. Thus, in today’s topics composed of:
Categorizing documents based on the following order. Another appli-
cation exercises were conducted.
Preserving archives and electronic records. Things to consider are
the (1) the building, (2) climate control, (3) pets control, (4) water
protection, (5) fire protection, (6) general list reduction, (7) disaster
preparedness, (8) preservation actions.

Question and Answer portion was opened to participants. This provided
provided an opportunity to encourage feedbacks and clarification regarding the lecture and other concerns. The group had photo shots.

Immediately after lunch break, the delegates went on tour to the Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies.

Day 3 (October 28)
Ms. Martha Smalley’s lecture was focused on the archive manual she wrote entitled, “Rescuing the Memory of our People: Archives Manual.” In her introduction, Ms. Smalley stresses the laying foundation that surrounds the archive field and its importance in forming our identity and in reminding us of our past story. Part of its objective is to provide valuable research resources for publications, activities, information to researchers and other interested individuals and community. She believes that it is the duty and responsibility of the archivists to collect and preserve significant historical records of the church, organizations, or persons so that history will be known to future generations.

Ms. Smalley proceeded in lecturing and explaining her archive manual which enhanced and strengthened the previous discussions. Additional activity included seminar on “Digitization”--why it is important, how to digitize and store materials and other related topics were tackled.

Overwhelmed by greater task ahead, the question that challenged the group is the actual commitment from the leaders of the organization to develop and maintain an archival program, including financial and staff support. During this time, participants shared their experiences, goals, and plans in establishing an archive collection in their respective schools.

The afternoon session was handled by Ms. Susima Gonzales, former Chairperson Board for Librarians. She presented and discussed issues about Continuing Professional Education.

The PTA seminar-workshop was concluded with announcements and giving of certificates. Due appreciation were given to PTLA officers and financial supporters, member schools, and to all Librarians for their commitment.


Reported by; Elizabeth Pulanco/ PTLA President

Seminar and Workshop of Theological Librarian in Indonesia

Facing of Indonesian regulations and library standard toward 2012 national accreditation for university and seminary., Forum of Theological Librarian and Library in Indonesia (ForPPTI) make a seminar and workshop of theological librarian in Indonesia. The seminar and workshop was held at Bethel Seminary, Jakarta, during June, 23-24, 2009, under the theme “Professionalism of Indonesia theological librarian”. The seminar and workshop were the first program for theological librarian in Indonesia at national level.

The seminar and workshop had six resource persons and 85 participants from 53 seminaries coming from different place all over Indonesia:fourty five participants from Jakarta, Bekasi, and Tangerang, nine from West Java, nine from Middle Java, eight from East Java, three from North Sumatera, one from Batam, four from South Sulawesi, one from Middle Sulawesi, one from North Sulawesi, two from Maluku, and three from Kalimantan. Only Papua and Timor were not represented. The event support by Foundation for Theological Education in South East Asia (FTESEA), Forum of Asia Theological Librarian (ForATL), JUREWITZ from Netherlands, and Association of Indonesian Theological Seminaries (PERSETIA), also some personals support in Jakarta.

Resource Persons and topics addressed:

1. Seminar

a. Abdul Rahman (Information Technology for Library Program of IPB Postgraduate),

- Library implementation in University, coping the era of information technology.

b. Lucya Dhamayanti (National Library of Indonesia),

- Library as a learning resource centre toward a world class university library.

c. Adi Wibowo (Petra Christian University)

- Overview of library automation and library software.

d. Hilda V. Putong (Indonesia Area Representative Theological Librarian) and Ermy Gah (Librarian of Bethel Seminary),

- Overview of theological association and library and forum of librarians in Indonesia and at international level.

2. Training Workshops

a. Workshop: Processing of library material by Sulistyo Basuki (Indonesia University) and

Hilda V. Putong.

Major issues discussed:

1. Library management, Indonesian regulations and library standard toward 2012 National accreditation for university and seminary.

2. Formal and informal library education for theological librarian.

3. Advanced courses in theological librarianship.

4. The need for active collaboration between theological librarians, university librarians, and principal of theological seminaries to develop theological library to meet the university standard of a library.

5. Processing library material.

6. Training on library software.

7. Networking of theological libraries through exchange, partnerships and publications – nationally, regionally and with support of ecumenical associations.

Findings:

Some impressions and concerns were emerged as follows:

1. Participants were enthusiastic to attend the librarian seminar and workshop.

2. The materials were improved their skills and relevant to their respective library.

3. Participants met colleagues from other theological institutions from all over Indonesia and shared their experiences and expanded their network.

4. Participants founded the Indonesian librarian forum (ForPPTI), and elected its executive committee.

6. Participants suggested to continue programs and network with other related associations to improve their skills and developed their library.

ForPPTI Excom, Periode 2010 – 2014 (http://blogspot.com)

Convenor: Rev. Ermy Gah, Bethel Seminary, Jakarta

Secretary: Rev. Elfian Sumendap, Tiranus Bible Seminary, Bandung

Treasurer: Bayu Gunawan, Institut Theologia Aletheia, Lawang

Area Representative :

1. Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi (JABODETABEK)

Coordinator : Pdt. Ermy Gah, Bethel Seminary, Jakarta

Associate : Toni Afandi, Amanat Agung Theological Seminary

2. West Java

Coordinator : Rev. Elfian Sumendap, Institut Alkitab Tiranus, Bandung

Associate : Desiana Nainggolan, Bandung Theological Seminary

3. Midde Java and D.I. Yogyakarta

Coordinator : Agus Abusiri, Sangkakala Theological Seminary, Salatiga

Associate : Yaudi Santos Santoso, Soteria Theological Seminary, Purwokerto

4. East Java and Bali

Coordinator : Bayu Gunawan, Institut Theologia Aletheia, Lawang

Associate : Haryono Susilo, Asia Tenggara Bible School, Malang

5. North Sumatera

Coordinator : Rev Wilda Simanjuntak, HKBP Pematangsiantar Theological Seminary

Associate : Maria Ika Nova Tarigan Abdi Sabda Theological Seminary

6. Kalimantan

Coordinator : Freden Ansang, GKE Banjarmasin Theological Seminary

Associate : Orles Yonatan, Kalimantan Theological Seminary, Pontianak

7. Middle and North Sulawesi

Coordinator : Since Loissa Pariama, Bala Keselamatan Theological

Seminary, Palu

Associate : Roy Marthen Langoy, Christin University in Tomohon

8. Papua : (to be appointed)

Advisor :

1. Hilda V. Putong, Area Representative of Theological Librarians in Indonesia

from Forum of Asian Theological Librarian

2. Association of Indonesian Theological Seminaries (to be appointed)

Reported by Hilda V. Putong

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 5TH ForATL CONSULTATION, 2009, SINGAPORE

Dear Colleague Librarians,

We would like to invite you to participate in the Fifth Workshop and Consultation of the Forum of Asian Theological Librarians on the theme: “Asian theological librarians moving on and reaching out : professional development and collaboration in the light of emerging technologies”. Details are as follows:

Dates : 10-14 March 2009 (Tuesday–Saturday)
Venue : Trinity Theological College
490 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 678093 (www.ttc.edu.sg)
Cost : US$175.00 (or S$250.00)

The theme for the 5th Consultation & Workshop arose from concerns expressed at the previous Consultation in 2006 regarding advances in information communications technology (ICT), its implications on Asian theological librarianship, and how to move on in view of these technological advances. Realising that there are different skills and experience levels among theological librarians in Asia, participants will be asked to choose one of the following three workshop tracks offered:
Track 1 : Library automation
This track is an introduction to the automated integrated library system, and different systems available.
Track 2 : Website design
This track explores website design for libraries.
Track 3 : Advances in technology and digital librarianship
This track focuses on managing digital resources and multimedia, and looks at recent technological advances.

The 5th Consultation will also address the expressed desire to further strengthen networking and collaboration, not only among Asian theological librarians, but to reach out to related bodies beyond Asia. It hopes to explore possible East-West dialogue and seek avenues for cooperation on projects of mutual benefit. Resource-sharing projects and plans from the previous Consultation will be further consolidated. We welcome at this coming Consultation the participation of individuals and institutions/organizations who share our aims and who would be committed to giving effective time and effort to the work of ForATL. A registration form and tentative timetable are enclosed for your consideration and action. Subject to the decision of the Executive Committee, and upon the recommendation of the regional representatives, a limited number of subsidies for travel and fees is available upon request to selected registrants.
We would greatly appreciate an indication of your interest and availability by 15 January 2009. More information will be forthcoming as various details are finalized.

Yours sincerely,
Ms. Elizabeth T. Pulanco
Convenor – ForATL
(Email : btpulanco@yahoo.com)

DOCUMENTATION OF CHRISTIANITY IN ASIA AND THE ROLE OF FORATL

A REPORT OF THE FORUM OF ASIAN THEOLOGICAL LIBRARIANS
Mission and Memory: Documenting World Christianity in the 21st Century
DABOH Consultation, 18-23 August 2008, Balaton, Hungary

Submitted by:
1. Elizabeth T Pulanco (Email: btpulanco@yahoo.com)
ForATL Convenor; ForATL Area Representative for the Philippines
2. Christabel Wong (Email: christabel@stm.edu.my)
ForATL Treasurer; ForATL Area Representative for Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; and Chief Librarian, Malaysia Theological
Seminary, Malaysia)

Summary
This report intends to give a brief introduction to ForATL and its initiatives towards
the documentation of Christianity in Asia, as well as the challenges faced.

I. Introduction
This DABOH Consultation is all about the important task of documenting world
Christianity. Indeed, effective and fruitful research depends largely on the ability to
locate well-documented resources on the selected topic of research. As such,
documentation and good finding tools are key to research. Whilst Western
Christianity, by and large, is fairly well documented and finding tools are reasonably
accessible, such facilities and the impetus for their development have been sadly
lacking for Asian resources. Language barriers and illiteracy also impede the
documentation and access.
However, the past two decades or so has seen a growing awareness of the
significance of Asian Christianity in the whole story and history of Christianity. More
emphasis has also been given in Asian theological institutions on the Christian faith
as understood, experienced and lived out in our own local context, culture and
history. This has led to increased activity in documenting Asian Christianity, but the
task is faced with many challenges.

II. The Forum of Asian Theological Librarians

1. Our history
Realizing the importance of collecting Asian resources in the teaching, constructing
and utilization of theology in Asian contexts, in May 1991 a Consultation of Asian
Theological Librarians was initiated by the Program for Theology and Cultures in
Asia. The late Mrs. Rita England of New Zealand, the PTCA Librarian at that time,
took on the immense task of organizing the Consultation, which was held at the
McGilvary Faculty of Theology, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A core group was
subsequently appointed to look into various matters arising from the Consultation.
Several issues and initiatives discussed by the core group over two meetings in
October 1991 (Singapore) and July 1992 (Manila) included:
• the possibility of a Master’s degree in Theological Librarianship under the
SEAGST program
• to form a network of the theological librarians in Asia
• to publish a directory of Asian theological libraries
• to compile guidelines for Asian theological librarians
• that ForATL should be independent from PTCA and carry out its own programs
and activities
• to emphasize the development of Asian resources.
Due to certain circumstances, the group remained inactive for several years until Rita
and John England mobilized into action to organize a second Consultation in
October 1997. They also helped to secure sponsors and grants to finance the
Consultation. This second Consultation, held in Yogyakarta saw several key
decisions being made, namely:
• the group was formally recognized as the Forum of Asian Theological Librarians
(ForATL)
• the first ForATL Executive Committee and area representatives were elected into
office
• the ForATL objectives were formulated and finalized; viz.
i. to facilitate the development and exchange of resources for theology in the
Asian context
ii. to encourage and support the formation of:
- national theological library associations or networks
- national depositories of Christian literature
- union listings, directory of Asian theological libraries, guidelines, indexes,
bibliographies, etc. for publication
iii. to promote cooperation among, and training of, theological librarians;
iv. to arrange short-term courses and workshops; and
v. to develop an Asia-wide network of theological libraries
• a draft Constitution was drawn up
At the third Consultation in Bangkok in February 2003, the ForATL Constitution was
finalized and accepted.

2. Our members
According to our directory (DATL 2001), we have 66 theological libraries/librarians
listed with some additional 30 new members joining our number in 2004 after a
ForATL-related training event in Bangalore. To-date, we have a total of almost a
hundred registered members in ForATL, coming from 23 countries in Asia and
Oceania.
ForATL membership is open to libraries, practicing librarians, and any other
organization or individual interested in the development of Asian theological
resources and archives. Since no membership fees are charged at present, we are
indeed thankful to various individuals and organizations who have financially
supported our projects and activities.

3. Our activities, plans and projects
In line with our objectives, ForATL has initiated and organized several activities and
projects over the years. Some key projects and activities include:
a. Publications
i) Directory of Asian Theological Libraries (DATL)
• 1st and 2nd editions published in 1997 and 2002 respectively
• 3rd edition currently in the works
• Primary objectives:
- to aid networking and resource-sharing among theological libraries
- to identify location of special collections and collections of Asian resources
ii) ForATL News
• Official newsletter of the Forum of Asian Theological Librarians
• Published twice a year in June and December; first issue was in June 2003
• Primary objectives
- to disseminate useful information and articles
- to introduce theological libraries and promote networking
iii) Ministering Asian Faith and Wisdom
England, Rita & John. Ministering Asian faith and wisdom : a manual for
theological librarians in Asia. Quezon City : New Day Publishers ; Delhi : ISPCK,
2001. (Acronym: MAFW)
• fulfilled ForATL’s need for a handbook on librarianship that not only focuses on
the theological context, but also the Asian context.
b. Networking and resource sharing
i) Internet Database of Asian Theological Journals
• Rationale: lack of comprehensive indexes for Asian theological journals,
especially non-English titles
• Status: assign various theological libraries to index selected key theological
journals in their holdings or country
ii) Union list of Postgraduate Theses
• Primary objectives:
- to locate resources and aid research
- to identify subjects already written to prevent duplication
iii) Website and mailing list
• Website: www.foratl.org
• Blog: http://forum-theolibrarian.blogspot.com/
• Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/foratl
Subscribe: foratl-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Post message: foratl@yahoogroups.com
c. Training programmes
• Rationale: a large number of librarians in Asia do not have formal librarianship
training.
• Primary objective: to provide librarianship training with an emphasis on the
theological library setting in the Asian context
• Some training programmes:
i) Theological librarianship programme
- Theological librarianship course started in 1998 at Lutheran Theological
Seminary, Hong Kong, in answer to the call for theological librarianship
training in the Asian context. LTS is currently offering Diploma, MA (Theology)
and MDiv programmes in theological librarianship.
- Explorations underway in recent years for Philippines to also offer theological
librarianship degree programmes
ii) Short-term courses
- With the help of The Board of Theological Education of Senate of Serampore
College (BTESSC), South Asia Theological Research Institute (SATHRI),
WCC-ETE and CCA, a month-long Archives & Records Management training
was organized in Bangalore, 2004. Papers and reports published in:
Prabhakar, Samson; Wati Longchar & Arun Kumar Wesley (eds.). Religiocultural
traditions and heritages : collection, preservation and interpretation.
Bangalore : BTESSC/SATHRI, 2005.
- In consultation with WCC-ETE for possible short-term librarianship training
courses in Cambodia and Vietnam
- Provided subsidies for short librarianship training courses

Basic librarianship training for theological librarians, held at Jakarta,
Indonesia, 7-8 August 2003.

Library automation training course for theological librarians from member
schools of the Asscociation of Theological Schools in Indonesia, held at
Surabaya, Indonesia, 8-19 September 2003.

Philippines Theological Librarians Association Seminar-Workshop, held at
Cebu City, Philippines, 12-14 September 2007.

Basic librarianship training course for theological librarians, held at
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 22-27 September 2008.
iii) ForATL Consultation and Workshop
- Consultation and workshop once every 3-5 years as an avenue for networking,
resource-sharing and training, and to elect office-bearers.
- 1st Consultation and Workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 1991. Theme: Asian
Resources and Theological Library Development.
- 2nd Consultation and Workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 1998. Theme:
Creativity and Partnership: Resourcing Asian Theological Libraries.
- 3rd Consultation and Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, 2003. Followed up on
initiatives launched in previous Consultations.
- 4th Consultation and Workshop in Seremban, Malaysia, 2006. Theme:
Strengthening The Collaboration Between Theological Librarians And
Scholars Toward Growth in Asia.
- 5th Consultation and Workshop to be held in Singapore, 2009. Theme: Asian
theological librarians moving on and reaching out : professional development
and collaboration in the light of emerging technologies.

4. Some common challenges faced
a) ForATL
- key challenge: distance and workload main barriers to collaboration and carrying
out of projects.
b) Librarianship
“Theological librarians in Asia have quite a crucial and indispensable role for all the
work of theological education and for the equipping of all God’s people for God’s
mission in our countries. They are full team members in this with specific skills and
ministries, without which the riches of faith and witness in our region, the history and
theological lifeblood, could not be preserved and shared. They are not only guardians
of past records of the Church’s work and witness over many centuries and guides to
its present resources, but often initiators in encouraging student research, or
theological writing, and in educating the whole church in the mission of God within the
surrounding community. Yet often they are very isolated people, without the support of
either their theological librarian colleagues or the recognition of their status by faculty
and administration within their institution. Adequate training for their crucial role is also
sadly lacking.” - Rita and John England, introd., p. xiv, MAFW.
- The lack of support faced by theological librarians has been addressed
somewhat by the formation of ForATL and other theological library associations
in various countries. Asian countries that have theological library associations are:
Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and Malaysia, not forgetting Australia and New
Zealand.
- However, the recognition of the status of the librarian as a full team member of
the faculty is still a debated issue in many institutions.
Other problems faced are ones common to librarians and libraries almost
everywhere:
- lack of funds
- lack of personnel
c) Documentation in Asian Christianity
• Although Asian finding tools exist, these are generally not as accessible to the
wider research community due to limited finance and technology for
dissemination, as well as language barriers.
• Low literacy levels and the fact that Christianity is a minority religion in large parts
of Asia further limit the availability of documented resources and finding tools.
• Response, cooperation and follow-through – projects lower in priority as
compared to essential routine library administrative tasks.
• Shortage of library personnel and time – tedious task!
• Collecting resources and recording oral histories often needs lots of energy, effort
and powers of persuasion!
• Difficulties in translation – library staff often not effectively multilingual
• Reluctance to list holdings or donate materials due to controversial and sensitive
materials.
• Some problems listed in the report by Eun-hui Park (archivist, Korean Anglican
Archives) to the Bangalore archives training in 2004 (Religio-cultural traditions
and heritages, p. 210-211):
- few among those who were engaged in this historical documentation are still
alive. Significant effort should be mad to secure information from any of these
elderly historians.
- Due to the rotation of priests every five years … record quantity, consistency
and accuracy are dependent on the interest level of the individual priests at
the individual church level
- a smaller number than is needed appear to recognize the importance of this
historical record [Christabel’s note: churches often only realise the importance
of historical and archival records only when they want to celebrate an
anniversary]
- the nature of records management does not show itself in short-term benefits
nor does it provide incentives for aggressive financial investment.
- lack of efficient equipment and information systems.
- need for the systematic and regulated collection and management of records
- imperative for establishment of regulations from the top level of the church
organization with an expression of strong support for church records
management.

IV. Concluding Words
The documentation of Christianity in Asia seems a daunting task. Nevertheless it is a
necessary task that brings rewarding results. For in the task of documentation, we
recover our past, we chart our future, we discover our identity, and we recognize
God’s presence and movement in history.
For all of us engaged in the task of documentation, I’d like to end with a prayer
written by Rita and John England in MAFW (p.198), adapted slightly for this occasion:
ETERNAL GOD of all peace, justice and joy
Known to us in Jesus Christ through your Holy Spirit,
Show to us again the life of Jesus in our midst
And open our hearts and minds to his light and grace.
God of all truth, beauty and wisdom,
We thank you for the living heritage of all those
Who have gathered, preserved and passed on the faith stories of your people.
We thank you for calling us to join this ministry as librarians and historians;
We dedicate ourselves to search out, care for and share all writings and stories
That nourish the life and faith of our people.
God of history, insight, vision and hope,
We praise you for all that reveals your light and knowledge on our paths.
Grant us your Spirit’s strength for our ministry as librarians and historians
As we grow in fellowship and support wherever you have called us.
Into your hands, loving God, we give our study, our work,
Our institutions, our very selves.
Journey with us to your coming Kingdom
Through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns
Now and forever more. Amen.