Date: July 31, 2023
Immanuel Chapel stands at the center of our campus, reminding us that worship is central to our way of life as Christians. In this week’s Dean’s Commentary, members of our chapel leadership team will reflect on our shared ministry and offer a glimpse of plans for the year ahead.
We glorify God through the gift of music. As the Director of Chapel Music at VTS, I coordinate music for daily worship. By experiencing the breadth of liturgical music, seminarians develop knowledge and skills that will allow them to work collaboratively with church musicians, creating and sustaining vibrant music ministries in the parishes and schools they will serve. This formation is one of the many gifts of life together at a residential seminary.
One of the best ways to learn about church music is through singing in our Seminary Choir. All VTS students, faculty, staff, and spouses are welcome to join this joyful community of singers. Rehearsals meet on Mondays at 3:30 starting September 11. The choir sings for the 8:15 Wednesday Holy Eucharist as well as occasional special services.
Our Immanuel Chapel Concert Series will offer two unique programs this fall. On September 14, Monica Berney will perform a recital showcasing the seminary’s magnificent Taylor & Boody pipe organ. Monica is the newly appointed Director of Music at St. Paul’s Parish in Washington, D.C.
On November 16, we will offer a Hymn Festival entitled “Celebrating Women’s Voices.” This event will mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of Voices Found, the Episcopal Church’s hymnal supplement by, for, and about women. We will also celebrate the publication of a new ecumenical supplement, Resounding Voices. Special guests will include the editors of Voices Found, as well as representatives of the Women’s Sacred Music Project and The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. This will be a joyful evening of congregational hymn singing as we honor the contributions of women poets and composers to the Church’s song.
Finally, we look forward to the Historic Bicentenary in October which will include two Evensong services and a festive choral Eucharist, as well as our annual Dean’s Cross Lessons and Carols in December.
When in our music God is glorified… it is as though the whole creation cried Alleluia!
(Hymn 420, F. Pratt Green)
Marty Wheeler Burnett, D.Min.
Associate Professor of Church Music and Director of Chapel Music