Date: November 19, 2024
It is a joy having Sarah Coakley nearby. She is an extraordinary theologian and a delightful conversation partner. And I pleased to share with you that you can participate in three opportunities for quiet devotion as part of your Advent preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.
Entitled “Advent prayer as waiting and longing”, you are invited to the Oratory on three evenings in Advent – Dec 3, 10, 17, 5.15-6pm. Dr. Coakley explains: “These sessions will be a continuation of the quiet prayer group that formed last Lent, but newcomers are particularly welcomed, and a few minutes of simple advice about the practice of silence will be given at the start. The third session will consist of a short corporate silence followed by a simple, contemplative eucharist. If you would like to deepen your prayer, with the support of others, during this very busy time of year, do come along and be surprised by the profundity of this shared act of attention and adoration.”
In preparation on Sunday December 8 – at 11.45am in the Welcome Center, Dr. Coakely is giving the Immanuel church forum talk with a connected presentation and open discussion on: ‘Re-thinking Advent as a Spiritual Project: Repentance, Longing and Hope’.
This is just one of those extraordinary moments of gift – to learn about the nature of prayer from one of the greatest theologians of our time. Do come.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary