Weekly Update



Friends:



The immediate often overtakes this blog--that is,
there are so many things happening
that I don't have time to reflect.



1. The Consortium Student Ecumenical Orientation took place on Thursday, September 14. Caldwell Chapel at Catholic University was full. After warm greetings from the Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, Msgr. Kevin Irwin, we had a prayer service prepared by the Consortium Student Board. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams preached and preached well--encouraging and challenging the students. Early reports on the dinners at seven neighboring religious houses indicate that the interaction and sharing were quite positive. This is usually the most important student ecumenical event.

2. The Student Board of the Consortium will meet on Saturday, October 10th at Virginia Theological Seminary. One agenda item will be to evaluate this event.

3. On Monday, September 14, Dr. Richard Jones, who holds Alwani Chair in Muslim Christian Relations at the Consortium, conducted his first event to familiarize students with the Certificate Program in Muslim-Christian Dialogue. Several faculty and about 10 interested students, both Christian and Muslim, took part in this discussion. It was held after lunch at Virginia Theological Seminary.

4. I was happy to attend the Retreat of faculty and students at Virginia Union in Richmond on Saturday September 19th. The prayer service was lively, to say the least, and Associate Dean Mary H. Young preached about traveling with Jesus to the other side despite the storms. This was very moving. I gave my usual Consortium intro for the new students--and got several inquiries.

Well I try not to go beyond 4 points--so more later.

Peace,
John

Sign of Collaboration; Symbol of Division.

Friends:

I wear my black clerical garb wherever I go in the seventeen Consortium institutions. In most of them it is distinctive. I stand out.

My presence reminds faculty and students of our commitment to one another. We are not just a group of isolated institutions—but united in a common purpose. The members frequently say: ‘you pull us out of our silos.’ I am a sign of collaboration.

I also am a symbol of division. Despite our mutual commitment, we are divided. Our Christian traditions are separate. The Consortium presumes not just difference but division.

At certain liturgical moments the divisions are visible. Faculty walk around me to go to communion at the Methodist or Lutheran Lord’s Supper. I am not able to fully participate. I am not fully part of their community.

I am a sign of progress and partiality.

Peace,
John

Visit with Faculty at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University

Friends:

Our colleagues in Richmond have a very long institutional name--
And a clear sense of their mission. They are training leaders for pastoral ministry.

I was privileged to meet the faculty this Wednesday during their retreat.
I had an opportunity to discuss with them their new status as an Institutional Member of the Consortium---and answer some questions.

I also was privileged to have lunch with Dean John Kinney and Associate Dean Mary Young and give them a little background on the Board of Trustees/Executive Committee and the Consortium Council of Academic Deans. They will be serving as VUU's representatives on these bodies.

Years ago members of the Consortium Student Board encouraged me to write a review of 'Food in the Consortium'. I graciously declined this task.

I would note, however, that the chef at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church [where the retreat took place] would be in my top 5.

Peace,
John

Planning for the Future

Friends:

Today the Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees meets for lunch.
The Consortium has been consistently in a planning mode since the mid-90's.

The Committee--Board Vice Chair Sheila Garcia, Dean Ian Markham of VTS, and Public Board Member Bob Maddox will meet at VTS to consider the current plan, its extension and the development of a new comprehensive plan.

Hope you have a relaxing Labor Day Weekend!

Peace,
John

Service to the church--Howertine Duncan

Friends:

I was privileged yesterday to attend the Opening Worship Service at Wesley Theological Seminary.

During the course of the Service a candle was lit by Dr. Bill Faupel in memory of Howertine Farrell Duncan, the recently deceased Reference Librarian at Wesley. Dr. Mary Moschella then gave a brief tribute to Howertine.

Howertine was usually one of the first people I saw when entering Wesley's Library.
She always offered a friendly greeting--even when very busy serving faculty and students.

I learned she was patient and dedicated in this ministry.
She attended numerous meetings of the Consortium Librarians during the decade I knew her--another form of service.

The Memorial at the Worship Service put me in mind of the endless hours of service provided by all those who work in the Consortium institutions. Most all regard this work not as a job but a ministry for the students and for the church.

I find this quiet and unheralded service deeply edifying.

Peace,
John