Date: December 11, 2024
These last few weeks have been busy. Last week I was in Florida at one of the largest congregations in the Episcopal Church. On Monday night, VTS had a table at the Diocese of New York Episcopal Charities Gala, which was held in the stunning setting of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Then on Thursday night, I will be hosting an event in Dallas Texas (a key city for friends of VTS). Fortunately for my marriage, I am around today to be part of the Community Eucharist.
Going to the Eucharist is an important part of my day. It is a discipline. There are moments when I would rather not bother – a cup of coffee, perhaps a little more sleep, are attractive alternatives. But the idea of VTS is that learn a habit. We learn that a day without the conscious, deliberate pause in the presence of God is insufficient. I go when it is “alternative”; I go when it is “traditional”; and I go even when I would rather not go.
I look forward to seeing you all there. Sadly, I will be away on Thursday and Friday morning. But then I look forward to next week.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary