Date: July 22, 2026
As summer gently gives way to the promise of another academic year, I pray your time is being filled with laughter, joy, and meaningful moments that remind you of God’s abiding presence. Whether your summer has been spent serving in congregations or camps, advocating for justice, travelling, working, studying, caring for loved ones, or simply resting, know that God has continued the holy work of forming YOU.
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VTS is Beloved Community and Sacred Ground. Before we return to the beautiful rhythm of chapel worship, spirited classroom conversations, consecutive reading assignments, multi-paged papers, etc. I challenge you to prepare for the new semester by creating intentional moments of contemplative practice. Walk without an agenda. Journal. Create an original work of musical, culinary, or visual art. Pray. Dance. Meditate. Purposefully position for pause.
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When we return to campus, may we continue building a community where everyone is seen, welcomed, encouraged, and loved. Let us notice those carrying unseen burdens, celebrate one another’s gifts, practice radical hospitality, embody extravagant generosity, and remember that our greatest witness is how we love. How we love God, how we love each other, and how we love ourselves.
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Find rest, embrace renewal, and breathe. The best is yet to come!
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The Rev. Jasina Wise (M.Div. ’28’)
Student Body Chaplain