Category: Dean’s Commentary

Strategic Philanthropy Symposium

Normally, I wait until we are on the cusp of an event to advertise it. But as someone rather curtly observed: “The day of, Ian, is too late.” I have also appreciated the way that CACS invites us to prepare for forthcoming events and get them in our calendar. So, today I want to invite […]

Read More

Start of the semester sermon

On the whole I tend to the view that sermons are best heard and appreciated in the context of the liturgy. After all, the sermon is framed around the readings – the written Word is followed by the Eternal Word (the Gospel) and then the preacher shares the Proclaimed Word. In a Eucharist, it is […]

Read More

Publication of Dust

In October, I will write a sustained reflection on the Bicentennial. The Episcopal Church is blessed with many entities and organizations that are old and, therefore, have significant anniversaries. The temptation is to keep it very simple: we are 175 years old, there will be a special service followed by a potluck lunch. But, we […]

Read More

The hardest job

From time to time, friends, donors, and board members thank me for the way I handle the various challenges that are part of my responsibilities at this time. I am touched by the care such gratitude shows. But as I reflect on my role, I tend to the view that the really challenging jobs are […]

Read More

A pilgrimage in England

In our strategic plan, the Board of Trustees committed to a pilgrimage schedule. The goal is to invite friends and alumni on a journey that enables them to grow in their faith and understand afresh the commitment of the Seminary to faith formation. It is my practice to join as many pilgrimages as I am […]

Read More

Get your COVID vaccination

It was Labor Day when my wife and I made our way to a pharmacy for the latest COVID vaccination. We take the view that we live in a community; we will sit near people in Chapel and lunch; and we should therefore do what we can to protect ourselves and others. The latest vaccination […]

Read More

Do come and enjoy the Neighborhood Art Festival

From time to time, the Seminary sponsors a student proposed activity. It was David Smith who had the idea: how about we have a Neighborhood Art Festival – where different voices and a variety of mediums are present on the campus? I am grateful for his willingness to embark on this pioneering project. The Neighborhood […]

Read More

Deanery Evenings

Last night, we had the first Deanery Evening of the new academic year. For those who are unfamiliar with a Deanery Evening, the idea is very simple. It is coffee and dessert at my home with a speaker. We gather at 7pm and then we build our plates of pastries, grab our coffee, and find […]

Read More

Last night’s Alexandria Roundtable

More than fifty people gathered in the Welcome Center last night for the Alexandria Roundtable. Our Roundtables were interrupted by the pandemic and then by different programming around the Historic Bicentenary. So, it was lovely to gather afresh with friends. Roundtables are a vehicle for friends and alumni to learn about the Seminary. We enjoy […]

Read More