Date: November 4, 2021
This morning I will host a formation group in my home. To make the moment of hospitality a little easier, Lesley, my wife, has taken Maddie, the delightful puppy, away for the day. So Maddie will not be bouncing around participating in the work of formation. I am blessed with a fabulous formation group; they are always helpful and do everything they can to clear up; but inevitably, hospitality is bound to involve some inconvenience.
Whenever the Seminary entertains, you can expect that the Seminary’s living room (Scott Lounge) and the dining room (the Refectory) will be needed. And I completely understand that at times, it is inconvenient. Those on the meal plan might have to dine somewhere else. This is, I am afraid, just the price of hospitality.
It is healthy to acknowledge the inconvenience. And, I apologize that it is necessary. But do please pause and remember for those of you who will go into congregational leadership, there will be important moments when you will need to be hospitable. And you can be guaranteed that it will be significantly inconvenient for the staff and parishioners in the Church. But this is both the price and gift of hospitality: we make an effort and the result is that the mission and ministry of your Church reaches more people and makes a greater difference in the world.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President