So, I am coming to the end of my first semester of seminary at the University of the South School of Theology. There are less than two weeks left and the crush of finals is upon us all. It has been a really good semester in terms of my formation, though I think my grades may not be quite as what I had hoped. Seminary has been a challenge on a number of levels but the formation has been extraordinary.
Katie and I have made some great new friends here who are part of an exceptional support group here at Sewanee. There are people in our class, in the Anglican Studies program, the Master of Arts in Theology program and in the other classes of the Master's of Divinity programs whom we have grown close to. It has been a great transition for us in so many ways and we have been truly blessed to be here at this special place.
A few weeks ago, I was elected to the position of student trustee to the Board of Trustees of the University. The Board is made up of bishops and appointed or elected representatives from each of the twenty-eight owning dioceses. This is a position some of friends from Pensacola have held and they all thought there would be good ways for me to make a contribution to the school. Additionally, it will give me a chance to represent the School of Theology to the broader university community. It will be an honor and privilege to serve the School of Theology in this capacity and I am hoping to have an opportunity to serve the University faithfully as well. The position is a two year appointment and I think my duties may begin as early as this spring when the university chooses a new Vice-Chancellor. I will not have any role in this search as it is already well underway, but the Board may seat new members then. More on this when I know more about the responsibilities.
Classes have gone well, though getting back into the swing of academics after a seven year lay-off has been an adjustment. The work has not been so much difficult as it has been thought provoking, stimulating and challenging for my faith. The Advent Term for juniors (the first year students are called juniors, the second year: middlers, the third: seniors)requires core courses in Spirituality for Ministry, Church History, Old Testament Foundations and a study of the Creeds. I opted to take Hebrew on the advice of my academic advisor and that has been especially helpful in my understanding of the Old Testament. I've probably read more this semester than I had in the previous four years combined (upwards of 3000 pages). The reading has done a great deal to expand my understanding of who we are as a Christian people, our Judaic heritage in the Old Testament, the historic faith of the Church, our public profession of faith and the depth of spirituality required for the call we have taken on.
We have been blessed with tremendous support from our friends and family back home. Our parish, St. Christopher's, and my former parish, St. Jude's, have been very generous in helping us financially. Many of our family members, beginning with Jenny helping us move in back in August, and friends in Pensacola have come up to visit us, as Katie has chronicled. It has been wonderful to have our two world combine from time to time and we look forward to continuing to introduce more of our communities to one another.
It's late and I have a long day of classes tomorrow. So I'll conclude the wrap up of this semester later. Blessings and peace be with you all.
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