PRESIDENT’S PRAYER CALENDAR September – December 2016

EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

September marks the beginning of our 34th academic year. The changes that have taken place since our first students arrived on campus in September 1982 are absolutely remarkable and tangible confirmation of God’s presence on this journey. Two years ago we initiated a Strategic Enrolment Plan to grow Booth UC to 500 students by 2020. We are working hard to achieve our objectives, moving our enrolment forward each year. This September we anticipate that we will again have a record number of students studying with us on campus and through our School for Continuing Studies. This year also represents significant change within Booth itself. On July 1 I assumed the role of President, following Dr. Donald Burke as he concluded 10 years of service in this role. I am honoured to be able to lead Booth in the next stage of our growth and development and I am excited at the possibilities we are working toward. Here at Booth, prayer is a critical component underlying all we do; prayer for our students, faculty and staff, our plans, our hopes and dreams, our Board of Trustees, our administration and leadership; prayer for wisdom that we might “test everything and hold on to the good” (I Thessalonians, 5:21); prayer that lives will be changed, academic excellence and scholarship will thrive, and that we and our graduates will daily live out “education for a better world”. I invite you to participate in this journey through your prayers. Without God’s blessing, wisdom and presence, we will not achieve our vision and we will not fulfill our mission. I share this prayer calendar in the anticipation that friends of Booth across Canada and internationally will faithfully act upon the needs expressed. Your prayers are an encouragement to all of us at Booth and I thank you in anticipation of your support. Blessings, Marjory Kerr, PhD PRESIDENT

Lord, “if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here”. (Exodus 33:15) September 2016 Residence students will be arriving on campus Labour Day weekend. Pray that they will find support, friendship and encouragement as they settle into their home on campus, especially for those who are away from home for the first time. Orientation and classes start the week of September 5. Pray that students will settle into the rhythm and routines that will provide a solid foundation for the semester. Pray that their passions and interests will be encouraged. Pray that they will find friends and new experiences to complement their studies. Pray that they will care for each other and experience community here at Booth. Pray for faculty as they bring their scholarship and passion for teaching to our students, both inside and outside of the classroom. We have two new faculty members this year: Assistant Professor Evan Curtis (Psychology) and Associate Professor Cynthia Sottie (Social Work) – pray for their adjustment and contributions to Booth. Pray for staff as they engage in the myriad of details that make for a successful academic year. Pray that they will each see their role in achieving “education for a better world”. Pray for Student Services and the Registrar’s Office as they ensure a strong start for our students. Pray for our Cabinet as we solidify the new leadership team: • Ms Denise Young, VP Administration • Major John Murray, VP Advancement • Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Susan van Duinen, Dean of the School for Continuing Studies • Dr Marjory Kerr, President

Pray for our Business Office and staff who oversee all of our administrative support functions such as IT, finance, hospitality, facility maintenance and human resources. 2016/17 includes significant improvements to our Winnipeg campus – complete renovations to the student residence, elevator replacement, washroom upgrades, and a new entrance to the main building on Webb Place. Pray for Denise Young as she oversees this team and the construction projects. Pray for our Board of Trustees when they meet on campus September 23-24. Our Board is committed to Booth’s success and growth. Pray that God will bless them with wisdom and discernment in their decision-making. Our fall convocation and my installation as President will take place on September 23. Convocation is a significant event when the Booth community comes together to affirm our collective identity and unique mission, to celebrate our core values and to be reminded of things which are central to Booth’s raison d’être. As a Christian university college, our vocation is to provide “education for a better world.” Pray for God’s blessing and guidance on all that will come this year.

October 2016 October and November are two of the busiest months for our Admissions team as they travel, email, text, phone, speak and seize every opportunity to engage with future students who may be interested in attending Booth University College in September 2017. Pray for the Admissions Team – for passion, wisdom, health, stamina, grace and safe travels. Pray for the future students of Booth UC. Booth Bound 2016 will take place from October 20-23. Booth Bound is a unique campus experience for Salvationist high school students who are considering Booth for their undergraduate studies. The weekend will provide future students with the opportunity to experience Booth University College classes, residence and campus life, participate in Sunday worship at a Winnipeg corps (church) and experience what the City has to offer. Pray for a large number of students to attend the weekend and that they will be inspired to think seriously about Booth University College as their university. Pray for our students as they experience the stress and challenge of mid-term tests and the pressure of multiple due dates for assignments. Pray that God will encourage and sustain them through this time; pray for health and rest in the busyness; pray for those who may be missing home and family.

Pray for faculty as they too deal with the stress and pressure of grading and returning tests and assignments, staying focussed on course objectives while also encouraging, advising and guiding students, and fulfilling the many administrative commitments that are part of faculty life and the academic governance of the institution. October is also the time when we begin planning for the 2017/18 academic year. Pray for Program Heads and administration as they develop an academic program that will meet student needs and institutional objectives.

November 2016 Our School for Continuing Studies extends the reach of Booth UC far beyond Winnipeg as we offer courses and programs for Salvation Army personnel and others in Canada and internationally. Our degree and certificate programs are growing and we are planning new programs to launch in the next several years. Pray that God will guide our efforts to create and deliver programs that serve our students and The Salvation Army well. Pray for our Continuing Studies students, many of whom are also engaged in full-time employment. Pray that God will provide focus, discipline and encouragement to complete their studies. Pray for Lt. Col (Dr.) Susan van Duinen as she leads the School, and that faculty and staff at the School will be equipped and inspired as they too contribute to “education for a better world”. Booth University College will provide about $200,000 in direct financial support to students this year. Students receive entrance scholarships, program specific bursaries and financial aid that is based on need. Our goal is to fund this support through the generosity of our donors. Therefore, once again this year we are asking for your prayers and practical support of our financial aid program. Join me in praying for donors who will support our efforts to keep education accessible at Booth University College. Pray for Major John Murray and the Development Office as they seek to expand donor gifts that will support student aid, campus growth and operational needs. Pray for their efforts as they develop, foster and maintain relationships with current and future donors, alumni, and friends of Booth.

During the semester many of our faculty travel to participate in conferences related to their field of expertise. This activity is critical to ensuring our faculty remain at the forefront of their disciplines and that our students will continue to receive the best education possible. Join me in prayer for the safety of our faculty as they travel and for the strengthening of their scholarship as they meet with national and international colleagues. As an institution, Booth UC is committed to helping our students integrate their learning in the classroom with experience in the community through our field education programs. This is possible only because of the quality of partnerships we have with a range of agencies. Field supervisors give generously of their time to guide our students in developing their skills and capabilities. Thank God for the partnerships we have with our field education agencies and supervisors; pray that God will use these experiences to equip our students to be effective agents of hope in our communities. As always, pray for our students. Pray that they will stay healthy and focussed. Pray that they will manage their priorities and time. Pray that they will have fun in the midst of the pressures. Pray for their families. Pray for their developing faith.

December 2016 Classes on the Winnipeg campus finish on December 6, followed by exams from December 9-15. It will be a busy time as students complete assignments and prepare for their exams. For faculty, it will also be a busy time as they evaluate assignments and exams to submit final grades. Pray that God will inspire our students with the focus, endurance and wisdom to complete their final assignments and to write their exams successfully. Pray that God will grant clarity of thought and perseverance to faculty and staff as they push through to the end of the semester. Campus closes for the Christmas season from December 23, 2016 to January 3, 2017. Students will have travelled home, and staff and faculty will be enjoying a well-deserved break and time with family and friends. Pray that God will use this time to refresh us all and grant us the opportunity to experience again the miracle of our Saviour’s birth.

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