Dear students,
The 2021 academic year has started and I am pleased to see that so many of you have already embarked on this year’s study and research! I am particularly pleased that we are able to combine in-person teaching on our campus with online access this year. As educators, we are first of all learners and we are slowly digesting the lessons learned from the year 2020. Though this was a year we will not soon forget, as I reflect on the past twelve months, I am reminded how quickly we responded to the rapidly changing situation to accommodate you in your studies during that challenging period. We are extremely proud of you and, of course, your results; if you have already graduated when you read this, we hope it was a celebration to remember!
During this year we continue to focus on further improving your study experience with us as a College. We are looking specifically at our facilities and how we can create more study spaces and places to meet and collaborate. Some exciting plans for the near future are on the agenda! A review of our offerings is another area of focus: we want to ensure we are providing you with clear information and pathways of study that reflect the realities facing churches and other types of ministry. Feel free to ask us about these, as we are aware of the constantly changing contexts in which you work. For us, it’s about the relevance of your theological studies and how they equip you to respond to your call.
If you need additional support or assistance, there are a number of resources and contacts on our Student Support page. Should you require information on accessing our library resources (remotely or in person), you can find tips here.
If you have specific questions around arrangements for your classes, please contact your lecturer directly, as they will have the most up-to-date information relevant to your learning.
The Whitley Faculty and Staff continue to pray for you in the period ahead. Please know we are here for you to support you where needed. We hope you will join with us in more fervent prayer and stay connected with us through Facebook, or contact the campus directly.
Blessings,
René Erwich
Principal
At our online Experience Whitley event, future students got a taste of what it’s like to be part of the Whitley community, guidance on where to find the information they need, and the opportunity to book a session with one of our team to discover whether Whitley is right for them. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can catch up on the event here.
On the evening of 11th December, we gathered online to celebrate together the achievements of 2020 – and what a year it was! A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards for excellence in particular areas. Catch up on this wonderful event below.
Noted for his outstanding contribution to research, leadership in the academy and engagement with the churches and community, Reverend Professor René Erwich was appointed a Professor of the University of Divinity by the University Council on 31 October 2019. In celebration of this appointment, the University has invited Professor Erwich to give an inaugural professorial lecture, which you can now watch online.
Practical Theology as a Practice of Hope: Reflections on a discipline that connects
Practical theology is meant to be a practice of hope that interacts and connects with the complexities of our life and world today. Starting from core theological convictions regarding hope, education, formation and research are practices that contribute to new wisdom. In order to do so, practical theologians work together with others in intradisciplinary communities and networks that connect to our present challenges.
Download a pdf of the lecture text here.
Tour dates:
Sunday 4 November – Saturday 17 November 2018
Tour cost:
From $5,750 AUD (Based on standard double/twin rooms)
Payment Plan
Deposit (due within 7 days of booking): $2,400 AUD
Balance due ASAP.
Please note: final amount may vary, depending on airfares available at time of booking, single supplements and any other variation in component prices. Please refer to the application form for full details.
To Register:
Contact Karen at the Whitley College Office on (03) 9340 8100, or via email, to receive the full details and application forms.
Downloads:
Tour itinerary:
Day 1 | Sunday 4 November
- Depart Melbourne
Day 2 | Monday 5 November
- Arrive Dubai (3 hours layover)
- Depart Dubai
- Arrive Amman, Jordan
- Visit Amman Citadel
- Dinner at hotel
Day 3 | Tuesday 6 November
- Madaba, ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land and ruins of historical sites
- Mt Nebo
- Byzantine church with a mosaic floor at Greek Orthodox Church of St George
- “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” — the baptismal site on the Jordan River
- Cross the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing into Israel
- Meet our Israel Tour Guide and Coach Driver
- Yardenit — the baptismal site on the Jordan River, the river where John the Baptist baptized Jesus
- Dinner Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse
Day 4 | Wednesday 7 November
- Bethlehem Bible College Tour
- Drive to Jerusalem, then visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum)
- Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Fields on the way back if time permits
- Breakfast and Dinner at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse
Day 5 | Thursday 8 November
- Drive through West Jerusalem and pass the Israel Parliament (Knesset)
- Garden Tomb
- Mt Zion, Upper room where Jesus held the Lord’s Supper
- King David’s Tomb
- Walk through the Jewish Quarter
- If time permits, Church of the Visitation at Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist
- Breakfast and Dinner at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse
Day 6 | Friday 9 November
- Jericho, cable car to explore the oldest city on earth
- Beit She’an (Scythopolis of the Decapolis)
- Sepphoris, view the archaeological site
- Nazareth Village, open-air museum
- Church of Annunciation
- Breakfast at Bethlehem Bible College Guesthouse and Dinner at your hotel
Day 7 | Saturday 10 November
- Mount of Beatitudes, panoramic view of the Galilee
- Tabgha, site of the Feeding of the 5,000
- Primacy of Peter, Church of Multiplication
- Capernaum, town of Jesus
- Special Lunch — St Peter Fish dish at St Peter’s Restaurant (included)
- Banias ancient Caesarea Philippi
- Hula Valley and the Upper Galilee
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 8 | Sunday 11 November
- Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, as the disciples did 2000 years ago
- Yigal Alon Museum, Kibbutz Ginosar, ancient “Jesus Boat”
- Megiddo
- Mt Carmel
- Caesarea Maritima
- Old Town Jaffa, St Peter’s Church
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 9 | Monday 12 November
- Free day in Jerusalem
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 10 | Tuesday 13 November
- Masada, cable car
- Ein Gedi, hike to waterfall
- Qumran
- Cross the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing into Jordan
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 11 | Wednesday 14 November
- Enter Petra
- Horseback to the “Siq” (canyon) and then on foot to Petra known as red rock city
- Overnight in Dead Sea
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 12 | Thursday 15 November
- Drive to Jerash
- Dead Sea, hotel and float
- Breakfast and Dinner at your hotel
Day 13 | Friday 16 November
- After breakfast enjoy a free morning
- Transfer to Queen Alia Airport
- Depart Amman, Jordan
- Arrive Dubai (5 hours layover)
- Depart Dubai
Day 14 | Saturday 17 November
- Arrive Melbourne
Package Inclusions:
Price Includes:
- Return group transfers
- Meeting & assistance on arrival at Queen Aliyah Airport
- Assistance on departure at Queen Aliyah Airport
- Sightseeing as per program
- Services of an English-speaking professional local guide
- Entrance fees mentioned in the program
- Air-conditioned transportation according to group size including driver
- Porters at the hotels
- Bethlehem College Tour and Lectures
- Meal inclusion:
- Half board (includes breakfast and dinner at the hotel daily)
- St. Peter’s fish lunch at the Sea of Galilee
- Lunch at Bethlehem College or Connect Cafe
Extra Costs:
- Passports
- Travel insurance: Must be arranged at the time of the booking
- Single Supplement available for an extra $995 AUD (subject to availability)
- Flights (other than specified on the itinerary)
- Optional experiences
- Excess baggage
- Meals and drinks other than specified on the itinerary
- Expenses of a personal nature, beverages and incidentals at the hotels
- Transportation, sightseeing and admissions other than specified