Date: May 20, 2026
One of the major highlights of my second year as a Fellow with the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice was the St. Nicholas Feast Day Benefit Concert for the Child and Family Network Center hosted in collaboration with St. Stephen and St. Agnes School. This event invited VTS and the broader community to peruse the St. Nicholas exhibit in the Welcome Center then enjoy a live big bag jazz concert performed by the SSSAS Jazz Nonet.
We raised over $2200 for the Child and Family Network Center and shared the joy of St. Nicholas with around 100 people. This first collaboration between SSSAS and the St. Nicholas Center was huge success for multiple reasons. 1) We helped gather resources that will benefit children in our local community, aptly following St. Nicholas’ example of care for children. 2) We deepened the connection between VTS, SSSAS, and the broader Alexandria community. 3) We spread awareness of the St. Nicholas Center and our call to justice in the way of Jesus.
I’m very proud of the work the Saint Nicholas Center for Faith and Justice has done in our first official year. I thank God for Dr. Kyle Lambelet, Rev. D’ana Downing, Rev. Gabriel Oakes, and Rev. Jasine Wise for the roles they’ve played in my middler year and the Center’s launch year!
Victoria Linner
Saint Nicholas Fellow
2027 MDiv Student