Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne

Ph.D. Liturgical Studies with Concentration in Women’s Studies, 2019.
Drew University Theological School, Madison, New Jersey
Beloved Speech: Language and Legacies of Methodist Women Leaders Of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference With Antiracist/Decolonizing Strategies for Preaching

M.Phi.l in Liturgical Studies, 2014
Drew University Theological School, Madison, New Jersey

Master of Divinity, 2001
Palmer Theological Seminary, St. Davids, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science in Life Science, 1990
Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey

 

 

Professional Academic Experience

Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
ADJUNCT FACULTY – PASTORAL THEOLOGY (August 2012 to Present)
Courses:       Practice of Preaching, Advanced Preaching: Preaching Social Issues, Homiletics.
Visiting Lecturer: Isaiah: “Homiletical Considerations,” “Prophetic Preaching and Isaiah: How Form, Contextualization, Narrative, and Testimony can aid in Conveying the Hard Word.” and World Religions: “Native American Tradition Deconstructed.”

Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky
ADJUNCT FACULTY – LEADING THE CHURCH IN WORSHIP (Oct 2019 to Dec 2019)
Courses:       Introduction to Worship. Online Course.

Drew Theological School, Madison, New Jersey
TEACHING ASSISTANT (September, 2009 to June, 2013)
Courses: The Church at Worship: Worship, The Church at Worship: Preaching, Topics in Theology: Native American People and Place, Native American Perspectives, a Cross Cultural
Immersion Class,  The Role of the Church and Religion in the People Power Movement: Eco-justice and Militarism in the Philippines, General Conference 2012, Introduction to Christian Ethics.
Lecturer: “Alternative Preaching Methodologies,” “Narrative Homiletical Theory,” and “Preaching in Context: Social Location of the Preacher and Congregation.”

Union Theological Seminary, New York City, New York
TUTOR (TEACHING ASSISTANT) (January 2009 to May 2009)
Courses: Preaching for Social Transformation

Palmer Theological Seminary, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
TEACHING ASSISTANT (September 2002 to May 2004)
Courses:       United Methodist History and United Methodist Doctrine & Polity

Selected Accomplishments:

Developed curriculum Integrating Theory and Performance of Preaching at Moravian.
Integrated coursework with Field Placement and focused consideration of ministry context.
Certified Apple Teacher
Coordinated and Facilitated group chats and lesson posts online using various platforms (i.e. Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, Edvance360).
Lectured on prayer forms for Public Worship from Laurence Hull Stookey, Let the Whole Church Say Amen!
Engaged in discussions with students concerning their context and denominational understanding of worship form and content, sacramental theology, Liturgical year, hymns and hymn writing, and analysis of a worship service.
Coordinated lesson plans with faculty between Drew Theological Seminary and Moravian Theological Seminary, for General Conference class. Collaborated with speakers from Methodist General boards and agencies and facilitated video conferences.

 

 

Academic Worship Experience

Palmer Theological Seminary, St. Davids, Pennsylvania
UMC CHAPEL COORDINATOR (2014 to 2015)

Drew Theological School, Madison, New Jersey
DREW EVENING STUDENT COORDINATOR (2008 to 2011)

Selected Accomplishments:

New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Calvin Vital Worship Grant: Developed process in collaboration with Faculty using an appreciative approach. Provided meaningful opening and closing worship experiences for a day-long retreat. Helped facilitate conversation amongst faculty, administration, alumni, students, staff, and community partners concerning the theological nature of worship, their common values pertaining to worship, and the role of digital media in the ongoing worship life of the seminary.

The Saal at Moravian Theological Seminary: wrote liturgy, preached, coordinated worship including, “Water is Life,” (deconstructing texts though the lens of Native American theology, biblical interpretation, and the experiences of DAPL with a remembrance of Baptism), “An Eco-Eucharistic Journey based on Song of Songs,” “Communion for All Saints,” “Lenten Communion with Music and Prayer in the Style of Taizé,” Opening Convocation Spring 2013, (Key Note Preacher), “Reign It In,” (a multisensory worship service with liturgical dance and Expanded Advent liturgy). Collaborated with faculty and students for Bishop Peggy Johnson’s annual worship services and lectures including “Making the Most of our Time: Lessons from the Weaver’s Shuttle,” March, 2020.

Craig Chapel at Drew University: contributed to liturgy and collaborated with faculty and students to develop worship services including, “Living into the Tension,” (General Conference 2012 communion service), “Native American Perspectives,” (a Cross Cultural Immersion Chapel service), “Eco-centered Interfaith Chapel,” “Drew Theological School Matriculation Service for Evening Students,” coordinated with the Academic Dean providing an opportunity for students to participate in the 100-year-old tradition of signing the matriculation book.

Palmer Theological Seminary: wrote liturgy and coordinated worship for primarily United Methodist Students including “Tasting the Fall: An Emergent Worship Experience of Eucharist,” “Journey to the Cross: A Lenten Service of Communion and Meditation through the art of Adolfo Pérez Esquivel’s ‘Way of the Cross,.’” Planned Founder’s Day chapel service, 2003. Recruited and collaborated with a multicultural, multidenominational, multilingual worship team for Graduation service featuring keynote speaker, Anne Graham Lotz. This was the first such coordination effort between MDiv, ESCM, and DMin programs, May 2001.

Developed and facilitated Lectures and worship opportunities for evening commuter students including “Uniting Social Justice and the Spiritual Life: Three Methodist Ministers Share their Journeys in Ministry with Love Feast.” Hannah Adair Bonner, Michele Wright Bartlow, and Doris Kung Dalton presented their experiences from New Monasticism, 30+ years as UMC ordained elder and ordained deacon in areas of peace activism, antiracism, reconciliation, and work with the poor. Craig Chapel, 2011. “Philadelphia Story: Intersection of Politics, Religion, Race and Art”. Organized and implemented visit to Historic Old St. George’s UMC, Mother Bethel AME, and the Arts & Spirituality Center of Philadelphia, 2009.

“Race and the Election,” followed by “Election Day 2008 Prayer Vigil” aimed at enabling reconciliation among students with divergent political views. Presentation and Discussion featured PhD Students and Shalom Initiative Guest Speakers, Drew University, Fall 2008.

 

 

Academic Publications

 

 

Academic Conference Papers And Presentations

Duchesne, Suzanne Wenonah. Working Title: “Identity Formation & Unmasking Whiteness in the Pulpit.” Paper Presented at the Unmasking White Preaching Workgroup, Academy of Homiletics. In process.

—- “Communion Liturgies for Use with an Expanded Advent.” Paper Presented at the North American Academy of Liturgy, NAAL, Advent Project Seminar. In process.

—- “Subversive Advent: Preaching & Worship Planning Strategies for Introducing congregations to the Advent Project.” NAAL, Advent Project Seminar. In process.

—- “A Voice Cries Out: The Role of Listening for Revealing Cultural Narratives and Unmasking Whiteness in the Pulpit.” Paper Presented at the Academy of Homiletics, New Brunswick, NJ, Dec. 2019.

—- ““Homiletical Identity – Decolonization of the US Preacher’s Voice.” Paper Presented at the North American Academy of Liturgy, Delaware Valley Chapter, Villanova, PA, Oct. 2019.

Duchesne, Suzanne Wenonah and Deborah Appler. “God has Work for Us to Do: Preaching & Worship Peace & Justice in an Expanded Advent (Hermeneutical and Homiletical considerations for an Expanded Advent Year A.” Paper Presented at the North American Academy of Liturgy Advent Project Seminar Washington, DC, 2017.

—- “Theoretical & Practical Implications of a Clergy Workshop for an Expanded Advent.” Paper Presented at the North American Academy of Liturgy, Advent Project Seminar, Minneapolis, MN, 2015.

Duchesne, Suzanne Wenonah, “Altered Altars: One Way to Encourage Congregations to Observe an Expanded Advent.” Presentation at the North American Academy of Liturgy Advent Project Seminar, Orlando, FL, 2014.

—- “Preaching the Parousia in an Expanded Advent – Homiletical Strategies in Context.” Paper Presented at the North American Academy of Liturgy, Advent Project Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, 2013.

—- “Educating for an Expanded Advent: Congregational Preparation and Evaluation.” Presentation at The Consult on Common Texts Forum: What Are We Waiting For? Reclaiming Advent for Time to Come, New York, 2012.

 

 

Ecclesial Academic Experience

Worship workshop leader, Preaching and Prayer workshops on Social Justice, Native American Ministries, and Antiracism trainer. Facilitated discussions and delivered lectures regarding worship, preaching and liturgical arts, the history of racism and colonization in the United States of America, White Privilege, and Power Analysis. Developed workshops and continuing education materials for church pastors and lay leaders.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference United Methodist Church, Philadelphia Episcopal Area

TEACHER/WORKSHOP LEADER (September 2002 to Present)

Courses:       Local Pastor Licensing School: Preaching and Worship, Expanded Advent Worship Planning and Liturgical resources, Art/Altars, Introduction to Preaching, Prophetic Preaching and Evangelism, Healing the Wounds of Racism Workshop, Dismantling Racism, Revealing the Wounds of Racism Workshop Level II, New Evangelism Models: Relational Lessons Learned from Methodist Missions with Native Americans, Learning Things in a Good Way: The Journey Toward Healing with Native Americans in Our Communities, First Steps in the Journey Towards Transformation: Act of Repentance & Healing Relationships with Native Americans and Indigenous Persons, What now? The UMC Act of Repentance with Native Americans and Indigenous People.

Selected Accomplishments:

Developed Syllabi and taught Worship & Preaching for The United Methodist Church Eastern Pennsylvania Local Pastor Licensing School. (2019-present)

Co-Led Webinars with Dr. Deborah Appler. “Celebrating Extended Advent: Homiletical and Hermeneutical Resources for Year C-A.” 2016 and “Celebrating Extended Advent: Why and How-To.” 2015 The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship facilitated by Rev. Dr. Taylor Burton-Edwards.

Created the successful “Walking in Love: The Act of Repentance and Healing Relationships with Native American and Indigenous Persons,” three day training for Eastern Pennsylvania The United Methodist Church Laity Academy. (2016)

Theology & Art/Altars for “Leading from the Heart: Music for the 21st Century” A Music and Worship Conference featuring Mark Miller and Lydia Munoz. (2014)

“Altaring Spaces: Incorporating the Visual Arts in Worship.” For Leading from the Heart II. (2015)

“Ancient Practice Made New: The History of Advent and Expanded Advent” Lecture at Westminster Presbyterian Church. (2016)

“Methodist Women: Prayer & Social Justice from the Leytonstone Circle through early 20th century Suffragette and Anti-lynching Advocates.” Keynote speaker for Local church conference on traditions of Prayer and Social Justice. Focused on various forms of prayer utilized by Mary Bosanquet, Phoebe Palmer, Ida Wells Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune.

 

 

Ecclesial Worship Experience

Presided at communion and preached at churches and conferences. Planned worship services weekly with music, drama, and various multimedia presentations using Contemporary, Traditional Methodist, Ancient/Future/Emergent, and Blended worship models. Planned and coordinated interfaith and ecumenical community worship services. Supervised and trained worship teams and staff.

Selected Accomplishments:

Philadelphia Liturgical Institute Board planning team member and participant, “Celebrating One Baptism in Christ: An Ecumenical Commemoration of the 500 Anniversary of the Reformation.” Featuring homilies by Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Rev. Gerald Dennis Gill of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, October 29, 2017 at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.

Created liturgies for United Methodist Committee on Native American Ministries at the Annual Conference and Jurisdictional levels notably: “Remember Their Names: Liturgy of Remembrance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women,” and “MNI WICONI: Water is Life.” 2014-present.

Wrote liturgy, designed worship, and integrated technology for the “Act of Repentance Toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples,” Opening Worship Service for the United Methodist Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, in discussion and collaboration with Munsee, Mohawk, Southern Ute, Lakota and Non-Native leaders of the Northeastern Jurisdiction. July 2016.

Wrote liturgy and designed worship as Chairperson Eastern PA Committee On Native American Ministries worship subcommittee for the “Act of Repentance Toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples,” Opening Service of Word & Table for the Eastern PA Annual Conference in discussion and collaboration with Munsee, Seneca, Lakota, Non- Native leaders of the conference, Dr. Thom White Wolf Fassett (Key Note Speaker), and Bishop Peggy Johnson (Philadelphia Area Episcopal Leader). June 2016.

Designed worship, music, liturgy and ritual; coordinated rehearsals, and implemented worship for the Opening Service of Word & Table Eastern PA UMC Annual Conference June 2015.

Northeast Jurisdiction United Methodist Clergywomen’s Consultation. Planning team and worship leader. March 2011.

Coordinated and Led, in cooperation with Pastor and Staff, the first Expanded Advent observed by a United Methodist Church congregation.

Developed and implemented “Service of Healing & Remembrance,” which provided prayer and pastoral care for a community of first responders from Catasauqua, PA who had lost family and friends on 9/11. This ecumenical worship service and candlelight vigil comprised 12 participating pastors and 30 churches with combined choirs and featured soloist, Opera and Broadway performer Michael J Bodnyk. Sept. 11, 2002.

 

 

Professional Ministry Experience

Consulted on worship and preaching. Ensured church’s consistent focus through mission and vision development and implementation of strategic plan utilizing Appreciative Approach to Ministry, Gestalt Pastoral Care, Systems Theory, and Church lifecycle resources. Taught bible studies and developed curriculum in theology, missional discernment, religion and race, historical church movements, and the spiritual disciplines. Trained as New Church Start and Restarts pastor through School of Congregational Development.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church, Norristown, Pennsylvania

ORDAINED ELDER (June, 2004 to Present)

Church Appointments:
First United Methodist Church Perkasie, Perkasie, PA July 2019 to present. Lead Pastor
Ridge Ave United Methodist Church, Philadelphia, PA. June 2013 to July 2015. Lead Pastor
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Elizabethtown, PA. 2003 to 2007. Executive Pastor
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church, Norristown, Pennsylvania

PROBATIONARY ELDER/STUDENT LOCAL PASTOR (1999 to 2004)

Church Appointments:
Grace United Methodist Church of Catasauqua, PA. 2001 to 2003. Lead Pastor
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church of Havertown, PA. 2000 to 2001. Pastor
The United Methodist Church of New Brunswick, NJ. 1999 to 2000. Youth Director

Selected Accomplishments:

Worship Consultant with Conshohocken United Methodist Church Praise and Worship Team: provided training concerning the history and context of Contemporary worship and its influence on their worship development and theology. Facilitated discussion to identify their shared values, and develop worship format and content that reflects those values and contributes to the mission and vision of the church.

Designed and manage Social Media & Website as Communications Chair for the Northeast Jurisdiction Native American Ministries The United Methodist Church. 2016- present.

First United Methodist Church Perkasie, Perkasie, PA: Led predominantly white, suburban congregation. Preached and planned worship services. Facilitated discernment of mission and vision, recruiting and organizing leadership team using Appreciative Approach with a 20% increase in attendance.

Ridge Ave. United Methodist Church, Roxborough PA: Led multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, urban congregation: Preached and planned worship services. Supervised Staff. Facilitated discernment utilizing Appreciative Approach to ministry methodology which led to increased mission in the neighborhood with children and youth and 50% increase in attendance.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Wilmington, DE: Provided guidance to Worship team and Taught classes on Methodism and Religion & Race: Native Americans and Methodism.

Epworth United Methodist Church of Bethlehem: Charge Conference membership of predominantly white suburban congregation. Participated in church visioning and strategic planning process utilizing Appreciative Inquiry methodology and worship consulting.

Founding member/Worship Leader. The Well, A Fresh Expression of Ministry, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, intergenerational new church start in Strasburg, PA. 2006 to 2008.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Elizabethtown: Executive Pastor on staff of 14 and congregation of 1,350 predominantly white, suburban, commuter congregation for the State Capital. Developed and introduced a collaborative administrative style with Senior Pastor. Researched, developed, and implemented an employee handbook, a staff review process, small group manual, and a vision and mission process which led to an increased focus on evangelistic outreach.

Developer/Facilitator. Theology on Tap pub ministry in Marietta, PA. 2005 to 2007.

Grace United Methodist Church of Catasauqua: Pastor of small, white congregation located in a small hamlet outside Allentown. Researched, developed and taught “Listening for God,” a congregational study incorporating the practice of Biblical models for engaging in the discernment process. Educated, encouraged, and nurtured laity in discernment process of church’s vision.

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church: Student pastor of small, white congregation on the Mainline of Philadelphia. Researched, developed and taught a study of Historical Church movements and their relationship to the spiritual disciplines, and a study based on the Revelation Churches to begin the discernment process for mission and vision.

Guided and mentored mission and vision development process utilizing Gestalt Pastoral Care model and Church lifecycle resources from Gil Rendle and Peter Steinke which led to merger.

The United Methodist Church of New Brunswick: One of five pastors of a 456 member multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, urban congregation representing 35 different countries. Coordinated youth with other church programs and councils to empower and promote autonomy of the youth officers

 

 

Media Presentations

Duchesne, Suzanne Wenonah. “United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Collective Rights to Lands, Territories, Resources,” & “The Power of Bold: UMW 2018 Assembly” various interviews conducted and produced for website for the Northeast Jurisdiction Native American Ministries The United Methodist Church, 2018.

Duchesne, Suzanne Wenonah and Timothy Duchesne, “Ministry and Methodism in the 21st Century: The Role of The Church in This Broken World Reaching the Unchurched Through Open Hearts, Minds, and Doors.” Oct. 2009 on WMNJ 88.9, interviewed by Mr. ZayZay Kpadeh.

 

 

Professional Academic Associations

Academy of Homiletics
The Advent Project Director of Homiletics Resources, North American Academy of Liturgy
North American Academy of Liturgy: Delaware Valley Chapter
Society of Biblical Literature
Society for the Arts in Religious and Theological Studies
Charles Wesley Society
Phi Alpha Theta – International Historical Honor Society
Professional Ministry Associations
The Fellowship of United Methodist in Music and Worship Arts
The United Methodist Association of Communicators
Executive Committee member Northeast Jurisdiction Native American Ministries The United Methodist Church
Board Member, Core Team Healing the Wounds of Racism/Deconstructing Racism
Phi Beta, EPA Conference of the United Methodist Church
UMC Ordination Candidacy Mentor
Oblate, St. Brigid of Kildare Monastery

 

 

Honors And Awards

Edwards-Mercer Prize, For dissertation research, Drew Theological School (2013)
Bishop Prince A. Taylor, Jr. Scholarship in the Liturgical Studies Program, Drew Theological School (2013-2014)
Howard Warren Endowed Scholar, Drew Theological School (2013-2014)
Rev. Charles W. Tadlock Scholarship, GBHEM (2013)
Co-convener Drew Graduate Division of Religion Liturgical Studies Area, (2010-2013)
Esther Scholarship, GBHEM (2012)
Brandenburg Scholarship Recipient, GBHEM (2009-2011)
Co-chair Drew Graduate Division of Religion Student Association, (Fall 2009)
Eastern Pennsylvania Church & Society Peace with Justice grant, (2009)
First Prize Harriet B. Paullin award for Scripture Reading, Palmer Theological Seminary (2001)
Palmer Seminary Student Council Representative and Senior Class President, (2000-2001)
National Capital Semester for Seminarians, Wesley Theological Seminary, (2001)