Santos Woodcarving Popsicles

02 September 2012

Remembering the Rev. Janice Robinson at my first Sunday serving as a deacon, June 10, 2007 - Grace Episcopal, Silver Spring, MD

The Rev. Janice Robinson and me at my first Sunday serving as a deacon at Grace Church, Silver Spring, Maryland. June 10, 2007

A repost on VTS Field Education - remembering my time serving with the Rev. Janice Robinson

This is a "repost" from the first summer of this blog, from August 31, 2007...on seminary field education, and on my time serving with the Rev. Janice Robinson.

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The Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Ian Markham, is posting a daily commentary about various aspects of life at VTS. I have been reading it daily, and think that Dean Markham has done a fine job of highlighting some of the key aspects of the life and mission of VTS.

In today's post (August 31), Dean Markham takes up the topic of Field Education supervisors. I have quoted his posting below, but I need to echo this important work in my life and vocational development. My supervisor, Rev. Janice Robinson, at Grace Church, Silver Spring was absolutely outstanding and wonderful in her mentorship, friendship, and all around wisdom as I spent two years working alongside her with a wonderful congregation.

Here is a picture of the two of us at the 2007 Commencement, and below is the Dean Markham's Commentary.

Friday, August 31, 2007

8/31/2007
The delivery of our mission is hard work. The formation of men and women so that they are ready to serve God effectively is difficult. Fortunately, we have many friends who recognize the importance of this mission and are ready and willing to help. In my conversation with Jacques Hadler, we talked about the demands made on our supervisors at the various field education sites. These are the placements, where students are given the opportunity to live into the demands of parish and congregational life.

On the list for 2007-8, we have 125 sites (mainly churches, but a few schools and hospitals). The supervisors are required to provide oversight and supervision for the seminarian, as well as undergo a rigorous training. The willingness to do this demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission of formation. These supervisors know that the next generation of clergy depends on their help.

This morning we thank all those who are willing to offer their time to supervise. We celebrate this important contribution to the delivery of the VTS mission.

The Very Rev Ian Markham
Dean and President

01 September 2012

Ian Markham on change

Dean Ian Markham, of Virginia Theological Seminary, has written another wonderful daily reflection in his "Dean's Commentary." Yesterday's blog highlighted the yearly Labor Day picnic, but also the changes that are coming to the worship space at the seminary. Erudite and concise, Dean Markham describes the challenges and opportunities that change presents.

This is well-worth a read,

~The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Friday, August 31, 2012
8/31/2012As we approach Labor Day weekend and look forward to the fabulous picnic, which is organized by the Student Government, it is my task today to share with you the news about the changes to Lettie Pate Evans Interim Chapel for this first quarter.
Seasonal committees have emerged who are responsible for providing guidelines for the overarching structure of our worship for a quarter. This committee decided it would be helpful to invite the community to live into a different space for a quarter. So on Tuesday morning, as we gather, you will find the room has been reorientated. The altar is now in front of the organ. We no longer face the windows. The ambo has been brought forward; and the seats for the presiders are on the stage.
Change is often disorienting. This is especially true in worship spaces. We get accustomed to walking to our regular seat (where we have always sat). So we have to accommodate this change and live into difference. This is a good and important skill to learn. As we resent the change, we learn to sympathise with all those who are still disappointed the old Prayer Book is no longer used; as we become accustomed to the change, we learn that the worship of God can accommodate change.
The Very Rev Ian MarkhamDean and President