I had next week planned. It was to be a vacation week. I was hoping to spend some time with Lesley; we had some dinner parties planned with friends; and Maddie (our dog) was anticipating lots of walks. Then a friend of mine died. We were friends from King’s College London. We were both involved […]
Yesterday, some members of the class of 1963 gathered on zoom. The primary reason was they wanted to learn about “The Class of 1963Continuing Education Fund”, which is primarily focused on enabling clergy to do continuing education. We were pleased to report on how the fund has been used and the impact of that fund. […]
There are many moments when I proud of the VTS community. I am proud of the Faculty publications, the quality of the instruction, the careful worship, and the opportunities to be shaped with additional activities. But, today, I wish to lift the quality of our community in receiving the guest. I have lost count (quite […]
Recently, I have had two meetings; in each meeting, we did the same exercise. We walked slowly through the academic year. It was fascinating. As we journeyed through each month, certain moments came quickly to the fore, other moments took much longer. Reflecting with some intention on the shape of the year is a good […]
I will be taking my vacation this summer. I need a pause from the demands of my position. I will enjoy a different pattern for a week or so. Vacation is important. I love my work: every day I awake and thank God for the privilege of this work, even if there are days when […]
On Monday night at the end of the year Faculty dinner, we took the opportunity to say goodbye to the Rev. Dr. Mark Jefferson and the Dr. Hannah Matis. It was a poignant moment. We are very conscious that they have given so much; we are aware that they are seizing opportunities; and we will […]
Yesterday the Faculty gathered. It is our practice to have a day-long Faculty meeting towards the end of the semester. Yesterday was a Faculty meeting with a difference. We had a Dr. Oliver McMahan with us; he was a facilitator of a conversation about the shape and nature of the institution after the affiliation with […]
I do hope everyone is enjoying the glow of a fabulous set of events last week. The Board meetings went well. The attendance was high; and the spirit among Board members was positive. The food and meals by Meriwether Godsey were excellent. And the rain cleared up in time for the Service of the Mission […]
I marvel at teachers. My person debt is considerable. I can remember my teachers from my various stages of education and I am grateful. As a teacher myself, I enjoy the privilege of having the space and opportunity to participate in the holy work of shaping a mind. And every day, I am grateful for […]
This is 2023. VTS has been going for two hundred years. It probably is not literally true that we have had two hundred commencements. Presumably students took some years to earn the first degree. But this commencement is highly symbolic. We have had many years as an institution in taking human lives and forming those […]