Date: October 20, 2023
Naturally the hard work of our Historic Bicentenary is still very much on my mind. It was a week full of activities: the official number of events is 37, inclusive of all worship services and the meetings for the Alumni organizations.
Today, I want to recognize our worship leaders. The Rev. Dr. Shawn Strout worked tirelessly to ensure services had an appropriate flow. From rehearsing the primary participants to managing the distribution of the Eucharist, he considered every detail, every component, and every element. The result was worship that focused on God: one was not distracted by a ‘mistake’ or ‘something odd’. God was given all the praise.
The music was just amazing. The Chapel is a perfect venue for music. Dr. Marty Burnett managed the musical experience. The professional musicians accompanied members of our choir to create anthems that reduced one to tears. It was carefully structured and contributed to an experience where one guest said: “I never wanted the service to end.”
A massive thank you to Shawn and Marty. This was work well done.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary