I have just returned from Birmingham Alabama. I flew down on Saturday, preached, talked about VTS pilgrimages (well listened to Barney Hawkins talk about pilgrimages), and had an alumni reunion and returned last night. Every time I make these trips I marvel. Virginia Theological Seminary does extraordinary work. Those of us teaching on the holy […]
For complex reasons, I find myself really feeling for our seniors. This is the peculiar ache of a final year: walking through ordinary days with the quiet knowledge that each one is, in fact, a last. The last Advent Affair — the great party now folded into memory. The last beginning of a Spring semester, […]
On Tuesday, the faculty met and made the decision to begin three faculty searches: one in Theology, one in New Testament, and one in History. This is an exciting moment for the Faculty. New scholars will soon be joining the VTS community. We are very conscious that these are key areas for a VTS education. […]
A very special guest and longtime friend of our seminary, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, arrived on campus last night. It is a genuine gift to welcome him into our common life and to have the opportunity to listen to his story, shaped as it is by faithful service to the […]
Yesterday morning as I peered out of the kitchen window, I felt exhausted. “More snow, Lord”, I uttered, “really?” I was conscious that the Facilities team were already working hard to create space so the community could get to class, chapel, and breakfast (lunch came later). Reluctantly, I made my way to the Chapel for […]
Toward the end of last week, I checked in on the progress in Bohlen. It is hard work. The water damage was considerable. Ceiling tiles were everywhere. Boxes of files were extensively damaged. Various employees had to be relocated – some to Alumni Hall, others elsewhere in Aspinwall Hall and on other floors in Bohlen. […]
This is the season of Admissions, when prospective students walk our pathways, sit in our classrooms, and try to imagine whether Virginia Theological Seminary might become home. Their experience while here is pivotal. Long before they read a strategic plan or examine a course syllabus, they are asking a simpler question: How does it feel […]
This is one of those moments in the history of humanity when a significant percentage of the world is committed to some form of abstinence. The great Christian festival of Lent and the great Muslim month of Ramadan coincide. God is being acknowledged in a shared way of surrender. Ramadan started on Tuesday night; and […]
It is a lovely piece of writing. It is part biographical, part theological, and part history. It is a conversion narrative that explains why Ash Wednesday was a way into Anglicanism. You can find the article here. I recommend it to you. Ash Wednesday is the only occasion in the Church Calendar when we come […]
It is always a little stressful at this moment. Some are pleased; they are proficient in all six areas. Others are disappointed. The gift of community is to ensure that we honor the different places we are all in. Perhaps do not celebrate too much, and do not let yourself be defined by one set […]