news from the hill (winter 2008/2009)

1Winter 2008/2009 News From the Hill

News from the HillV I R G I N I A T H E O L O G I C A L S E M I N A R Y ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA Winter 2008/2009

Pony Up!Our AmazingPhonathonResults1

Second ThreeYears Program

Page 5

VTSStrategic Plan

Page 6

News from the Hill

2 News From the Hill Winter 2008/2009

MAKING a DIFFERENCE in a DOWNTURN

OFFICERS

The Rt. Rev. Peter James LeeChairman of the Board

Mrs. Sissy PolandVice Chairman of the Board

The Very Rev. Ian S. MarkhamDean and President

Dr. Timothy F. SedgwickVice President

Ms. Heather ZdancewiczVice President, Assistant Treasurer& Assistant Secretary

Dr. David H. CharltonSecretary/Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEESThe Rt. Rev. Peter James LeeMr. A. Marshall Acuff, Jr. (2009)Mr. Mark G. Anderson (2010)Mrs. Auguste J. Bannard (2011)Mr. David Booth Beers (2010)Ms. Ana-Mita Betancourt (2010)Mr. Julian M. Bivins, Jr. (2012)The Rt. Rev. John Bryson ChaneDr. David H. Charlton (2011)The Rev. Canon Thomas G. Clarke (2012)The Rev. Dr. Harold J. Cobb, Jr. (2013)The Rev. Carlotta A. Cochran (2009)The Rev. Dr. Robert S. Dannals (2010)Dr. Lynwood D. I. Day (2013)The Rt. Rev. Jane Holmes Dixon (2009)Mr. W. Carter Doswell (2013)Mr. A. Hugh Ewing III (2013)The Rev. Dr. M. Douglas Girardeau (2010)Mrs. Martha W. High (2009)The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. JohnstonThe Rev. R. Kevin Kelly (2013)The Rt. Rev. W. Michie KlusmeyerThe Rev. Thomas M. Kryder-Reid (2012)Ms. Angelica D. Light (2012)

Mr. James R. Lowe, Jr. (2013)The Rev. Dr. Andrew J. MacBeth (2012)Mr. M. Lee Marston (2009)Mrs. Sissy Poland (2012)The Rt. Rev. F. Neff PowellThe Rev. Canon Saundra D. Richardson (2011)The Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson (2010)The Rt. Rev. James J. “Bud” ShandThe Rev. Dr. William R. Shiflet, Jr. (2013)The Rt. Rev. Eugene T. SuttonThe Rev. Janet E. Tarbox (2009)Dr. William G. Thomas III (2010)The Rev. Christine R. Whittaker (2013)The Rev. J. Douglas Wigner, Jr. (2009)

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSThe Rev. Thomas A. “Lonnie” Lacy IIThe Rev. Robin K. Gulick

Dr. Mitzi J. BuddeThe Rev. Dr. A. Katherine Grieb

Mr. Charles L. Fischer III (‘09), Student BodyPresident

FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

t is now official; the United States has been in a recession for the last twelve months. Naturally, this creates understandable anxiety - an anxiety that we feel here at theSeminary. However, in our 185 years, the Seminary has coped with greater challengesthan this. As supporters stepped forward to help the Seminary in the past, so we trust thatsupporters will do the same in the present.

Recently, the Board adopted our four-year strategic plan. The goal of the plan is simple:we seek to make a difference to the Episcopal Church as it seeks to serve the Gospel inAmerica and around the Anglican Communion. To that end, we are striving to ensure thatthe leadership in congregations is stronger, connections around the Communion aredeeper, and that we raise up diverse, ecumenically sensitive leadership through avariety of programs.

Probably the most striking aspect of the strategic plan is the creation of a brand newproduct in theological education. While some institutions move away from the traditionalthree-year MDiv, VTS is going in the opposite direction. We take the view that in additionto the first three years of education, we need to support our MDiv graduates in their secondthree years (through mentor support, peer congregations, and three residence experienceswith an imaginative practical curriculum of congregational vitality and growth). It is athree plus three program. And every graduate of our MDiv program at VTS is invited toparticipate. We are confident that this investment will make a world of difference.

Of course we will only know this for sure in thirty or forty years time. But VirginiaTheological Seminary has no problem working with such a timeline. We are, as wehave always been, in for the long haul.

The Very Rev. Ian MarkhamDean and President

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Virginia Theological Seminary

I


VIRGINIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

VTS Honors ServantLeadership with Launchof Dean’s Cross Award

On the Holy Hill

Virginia Seminary has announced theestablishment of the Dean’s Cross forServant Leadership in Church andSociety, an award that recognizesoutstanding leaders who embody theirbaptismal vows to “strive for justiceand peace among all people andrespect the dignity of every humanbeing.” Selected annually by the Deanin consultation with the Chair of theBoard, the honorees will receive ahandmade silver cross, modeled afterthe Seminary Chapel cross, and acertificate.

The first two recipients of the Dean’sCross are Mrs. Octavia “Tay” WoodsCooper, a lifelong servant leader inchurch and society, and the Rev.Canon Harold T. Lewis,Ph.D., rector of CalvaryEpiscopal Church inPittsburgh, Pennsylvania.They will be recognized ina service at the Seminary inFebruary 2009.

Seminary CampusReceivesBeautification Award

The City of Alexandria hasawarded VTS with a BeautificationAward in recognition of theSeminary’s “outstanding achievementin making the City of Alexandria,Virginia more beautiful.” Nominationsare judged on texture, color, plantmaterial, neighborhood context, andoverall appearance. The Seminarywas recognized at the city’sBeautification Awards Ceremony onOctober 6. “We are proud of ourmaintenance team and celebrate thisrecognition of their extraordinaryefforts,” said Dean Markham.

In August, VirginiaSeminary welcomed Dr.Rosemary D. Gooden(left), lecturer inModern ChurchHistory and Missionat Seabury-WesternTheologicalSeminary, to campusas the first scholar

appointed through the Martha J.Horne Visiting Professorship Fund.

Established in May 2007in honor of the Very Rev.Martha J. Horne (Deanand President of VirginiaSeminary from 1994-2007,) the ProfessorshipFund seeks to increasethe international, racial,ethnic, and culturaldiversity of theseminary communityby providing funds for

First Martha J. HorneVisiting Professor

Welcomed toCampus

On March 31, 2009, the Rt. Rev.James Jones (left), bishopof Liverpool, willheadline the Seminary’ssecond annual KreitlerEnvironmental Lecture.Established at VTS in2006, the Kreitler Lectureaims to empower clergywith a strongenvironmental ethic inorder to help conserve andpreserve the environment.

Bishop of Liverpool toHeadline 2009 KreitlerEnvironmental Lecture

a Visiting Professor who will teach fora full semester while in residence atthe Seminary. Gooden’s researchproject entitled African AmericanEpiscopalians in Washington, D.C.,will explore the ways in which AfricanAmerican Episcopalians haveinfluenced American culture andsocial movements, and the magnitudeof their leadership roles in theEpiscopal Church.

Ann F. Roebuck,the Seminary’s new Directorof Special Events and Hospitality,began her work this summer at VTS.Roebuck will organize events foralumni and friends of the Seminarythat include luncheons, receptions anddinners around the country, enhancingthe Seminary’s Faith Work & VocationForum series, and will help organizethe annual Alumni Convocation, inconsultation with the Director ofAlumni Affairs.

Ann RoebuckHeadsSpecialEvents andHospitality


CENTER FOR ANGLICAN COMMUNION STUDIES

The Center forAnglican CommunionStudies, in partnership withthe Diocese of CentralTanganyika (DCT,Tanzania) and the Dioceseof Virginia, is promotingsupport for the Carpenter’sKids Program. VTS hascommitted to joining witha parish in the DCT to helpradically change the livesof the neediest children intheir community.

The Anglican Diocese ofCentral Tanganyika is basedin Dodoma, Tanzania. It hasaround 550,000 membersspread over 200 parishes.Surveys have found thatthere are typically 200 HIV/AIDS orphans and othervulnerable children in eachparish. There may be asmany as 40,000 suchchildren in the DCT alone.Without parental support,these children are unable toafford the uniforms andsupplies necessary in orderto attend school.

The Diocese of Virginia wasinvited to join theCarpenter’s Kids programand will help link parishesin the U.S. with those in thispoor regions of Tanzania.The goal is to support10,000 children. TheTanzanian parish screens itsown community for the 50neediest children, regardlessof religious affiliation. Each“Carpenter’s Kid” receives

a school uniform, newshoes, and school supplies.The children will also beprovided with a breakfaston school days. VTS islooking for fifty membersof our wider community(students, faculty, staff,friends, and alumni) whowill each commit to $50 peryear, over the next fiveyears, to radically changewhat is possible in the livesof these children. In June2009, a team of VTS facultyand students will travel toTanzania on an immersiontrip. The VTS team willjoin the Carpenter’s Kidsfor a day of celebration withthe Tanzanian parish and topresent the uniforms andsupplies to the children.

Past participants who willbe able to answer questionsabout the program includeBuck Blanchard (Dioceseof Virginia), GregSteffensen, CharlotteSteffensen, and SamanthaWilliams (children of VTSstaff and faculty.)

Please contact LeslieSteffensen, AdministrativeCoordinator for CACS at703-461-1761 to participatein the VTS effort. ContactBuck Blanchard at 1-800-diocese to sign your ownparish up in a Carpenter’sKids Program partnership.

VTS Community joinsCarpenter’s Kids in Tanzania

This fall, the Seminary welcomed visitingFaculty members, Paul andAnnie Divakar, as part ofa joint effort betweenVTS and WesleySeminary to helpspread the wordabout the civil rightsviolations within theIndian “untouchable”caste of the Dalits.

The Dalits, which falloutside of thetraditional four-caste system of Indian society and are consideredunclean, have been abused and denied simple humanrights for centuries.

”The Dalit identity—something they are born with—haskept them captive for centuries, in a subjugated position”said Annie. “Christianity has been one way of gettingout of this societal system… ‘in Christ you become one.’So the whole Christian religion and how it supports andfacilitates the Dalits in their struggle is one of the thingsthat we wanted to explore while here.”

To listen to an interview with Paul and Annie, visit theMedia Gallery on the VTS Web site at www.vts.edu.

Paul, a Christian Dalit, is the General Secretary of theNational Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR)in New Delhi, India and the Co-convenor of theInternational Dalit Solidarity Network. His wife, Annie,was raised an Orthodox Christian and holds a Mastersin Social Work from the University of Madras.

Anglican Endeavors

Below: Annie lecturing about the plight of the Dalits.

India


INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN FORMATION & LEADERSHIP

Second Three Years Program:Building Healthy Leaders, Stronger Parishes irginia Seminary has launched The SecondThree Years, a program ofmentoring and continuingeducation for VTS graduatesin their first several yearsfollowing seminary andordination, funded in part bya generous grant from LillyEndowment, Inc. in theamount of $1,035,993.

Beginning with the class of 2009, allstudents who enroll in the Master ofDivinity or Anglican Studies programswill enjoy an unprecedented six yearsof training and support—the first threeyears on campus in their residentialseminary program, and the secondthree years in an extensive program ofmentoring and continuing education.

The Second Three Years program,headed by the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo,director of the Institute for ChristianFormation and Leadership, will

provide opportunities for short-termresidence where students willengage an imaginative curriculumfocusing on congregational vitality,conflict transformation, and spiritualgrowth; one-on-one mentoringthroughout the year; a working visitto a congregational study site wherestudents can compare their ownleadership experiences with those oftheir peers in congregations ofcomparable size; and financial supportfor continuing education. All theexpenses of this program will be metby the Seminary.

“If graduates can be empowered tosucceed in these first years followingseminary,” commented Dr. Ferlo, “wecan make a significant difference tothe effectiveness of congregationalleadership in our churches. The result,perhaps in 20 years time, will bestronger, more vital congregations, ledby vibrant and healthy clergy leaders,resulting in a stronger, more vitalEpiscopal Church.”

Grand Opening: CMT Moves to Key Hall

V

On December 6, the Centerfor the Ministry of Teaching(CMT) celebrated its move fromthe Packard Laird building to thenewly renovated Key Hall withan open house and holidayreception.

“Moving anywhere often forcesus to reevaluate priorities and thedirection in which we have beengoing,” said CMT Program Direc-tor, Dorothy Linthicum. “Moving tothe beautifully renovated Key Hallhas helped our staff gain a betterfeel for whom we serve, how weserve them, and what kinds ofresources best meet their needs.Because we are still feeling ourway, we invite the community tovisit the Key Hall Resource Roomto help us in this journey.”

For more information about what’snew at the CMT, visit our Web siteat www.vts.edu/icfl/center.



t the November meeting of the Seminary’s Board

of Trustees, a newstrategic plan was approved thatsets the Seminary on a four-yearcourse of service to its academicconstituents, The EpiscopalChurch, and the AnglicanCommunion. The planningprocess, which began in early2008, included consultation withalumni, friends, faculty, staff andthe Board in order to answer thequestion of how the strongestseminary in the AnglicanCommunion can best serve thechurch and the world.

“Our strategic plan strives to make adifference in a time when the EpiscopalChurch faces considerable challenges,”said the Very Rev. Ian Markham, deanand president of Virginia Seminary.

Along with the Seminary’s core workof training the next generation ofpriests for Episcopal congregations,the Strategic Plan seeks to developleaders who can respond to the needsof the Episcopal Church, namely,congregational growth and vitality,and stronger ties with the AnglicanCommunion.

Congregational growth will beaddressed through the Second ThreeYears, a program offered through theSeminary’s Institute for ChristianFormation and Leadership (ICFL) thatprovides mentoring and continuingeducation for VTS graduates in theirfirst several years following seminaryand ordination. “We revitalizecongregations by getting the leadershipright,” said the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo,associate dean and director of theICFL. “Participants in the Second

A Three Years program are more likelyto stay in ministry and work moreeffectively in ministry therebydeveloping healthier, strongercongregations.”

Through the Center for AnglicanCommunion Studies, VTS seeks tokeep the Episcopal Church connectedto the wider Anglican Communion.According to the Rev. Dr. J. BarneyHawkins IV, associate dean anddirector of the Center for AnglicanCommunion Studies, “Our goal is todevelop leaders who are able to workeffectively and imaginatively with thediversity that is inherent in theAnglican Communion.”

“Virginia Seminary has been trainingAnglicans from around theCommunion for over a hundredyears,” noted Markham. “ThroughCACS, we are committed todeveloping partnerships within theCommunion that enable us to stayconnected to our brothers and sistersin Christ regardless of their religious,racial, or ethnic context.”

To form men and women for layand ordained leadership withincommunity, with particularattention to raising leaders for theEpiscopal Church.

This goal is at the heart of our missionand identity. Virginia TheologicalSeminary continues to believe in thevalue and importance of formation inresidence. In our view, the three-yearresidential program of formationcreates leaders that are shaped bycommunity and learn the challenge ofdiscipleship. Theologically our workin this area is grounded in the NewTestament themes of community andcontinuing in the apostle’s teaching,

Goal 1

“We have focused our goals athe theme of leadership and timportance of a national andinternational vision.”

- The Very Rev. Ian Markh

From StrengthA Strategic Plan toServe the WholeChurch



and fellowship, in the breaking ofbread, and in the prayers. We take asnormative the model of formationseen in the ministry of our Lord andhis work with his disciples. Workingwith this ideal, we encourage aresidential experience for all ourstudents. For those who are with usduring the summer, for those whocome for a semester or a year, and forthose who join us in the evening or fora day. The residential experience hasat its heart corporate worship, studytogether, and shared community, whathas been identified in short as chapel,class, and meals together.

To provide continuing theologicaleducation for all people (clergy andlaity of all denominations).

This goal captures the work of ourInstitute for Christian Formation andLeadership. From the cradle to thegrave, we seek to ensure that children,youth, adults, and all those leadingcongregation continue to grow. Byvirtue of our baptism, we are all calledto “proclaim by word and example theGood News of God in Christ” and to“seek and serve Christ in all persons.”As Scripture reminds us, we are allexhorted to be “like newborn infants,long for the pure, spiritual milk, sothat by it you may grow into salvation”(1 Peter 2: 2).

To serve the Anglican Communionand the Wider Church.

This goal captures the work of theCenter for Anglican CommunionStudies. The Episcopal Church isdiscovering that it is difficult toremain in communion with different

Goal 2

cultures and different peoples aroundthe world. The prayer of Jesus to theFather was that his disciples “may beone, as we are one” (John 17: 11).We believe that we must resist thetemptation simply to go our separateways. The New Testament constantlyexhorts us to remain in conversationwith each other, even while we aredisagreeing.

To provide an ecumenical, interna-tional, and cross-cultural context fortheological education.

This goal recognizes that theologicaleducation needs to prepare our futureleaders of the church for the world asit really is. We seek ways to ensurethat the education of students includesecumenical and international engage-ment as well as learning environmentsand experiences that are ethnicallyand racially diverse. This aspect ofour work is grounded in the Imago Deiand the work of redemption for theworld.

To be an outstanding theologicalresource.

This goal captures the responsibility ofour Faculty to provide scholarship thatserves the life of the church andfurthers the aims of the academy. TheAnglican tradition celebrates the lifeof the mind. The Prayer Book has aprayer that asks that educationalinstitutions be “lively centers forsound learning, new discovery, and thepursuit of wisdom.” Our scholarlyresearch is grounded in the assumptionthat God is the source of all truth: it isin that spirit that we “seek the truth,

Goal 3

Goal 4

Goal 5

Continued on page 10...

aroundthed

ham

h to Strength:o


Dear friends,

It has been a wonderfulprivilege to serve for twoyears as the Director ofAlumni Affairs and ChurchRelations at VirginiaSeminary. I have been greatlyblessed to have met so manyfaithful alumni and friends of

Alumni News

represent well all of ouralumni and theirleadership is atremendous asset to VTS.

It has also been extremelyfulfilling to work with thetalented staff in the Officeof InstitutionalAdvancement. We have

all worked veryhard to furtherthe mission ofVirginiaSeminary, butwe have also hadgreat fun doingit! The Seminaryis enriched bythe dedication ofthis remarkableteam ofcolleagues.

With theadministrativeand fundraisingaspects of myposition, I havemissedexercising my

priesthood, the pastoralcare and teaching thatgive me such joy.Therefore, I have resignedmy position effective assoon as a new ministryopportunity is availablefor me or by May 31,2009. As I prepare for anew challenge, I wish theSeminary that I deeplylove only the best ofGod’s blessings.

Faithfully,Pam Webb+

Director’s Note DMIN Program Accepts Applications

The Rev. Dr. David Gortner, director of the VTS DMinPrograms, reports that applications are now beingaccepted for the Educational Leadership DMin programfor people involved in school and college chaplainciesand for diocesan educational leaders. Applications willbe received in the spring for the Ministry DevelopmentProgram, geared towards people in congregational anddiocesan leadership.

The W. Cosby Bell Fellowship Fund and the HulbertA. Woolfall Memorial Fund make available financialassistance to persons who are graduates of VirginiaSeminary or members of its faculty and who arepursuing a post-seminary academic degree, normally aPh.D. degree, with the intention of teaching one of thetheological disciplines in a seminary or other center ofhigher education. Grants are given for one year but maybe renewed for a second and third year upon evidence ofsatisfactory progress. Those interested in applying forthese fellowships should contact the Office of theAssociate Dean of Academic Affairs at (703) 461-1722.The application deadline is March 1, 2009.

Bell/Woolfall Continuting Ed FellowshipAvailable to VTS Alumni

Convocation 2009

the Seminary across theUnited States and evenabroad. I will always cherishthe memories of my visits inyour parishes and dioceses topromote theologicaleducation and our belovedSeminary.

One of the most rewardingparts of my position has beento work with the AAEC andthe Class Stewards. I havebeen so impressed with theircommitment to the Seminaryand to each other. They

Mark your calendarsnow for the 2009Alumni Convocationscheduled for Oct 6-7.The speaker will beannouced in early 2009through the AlumnieNews. We look forward to seeing you next October!


he 2008-2009 academic year beganwith great enthusiasm asstudents returned to campusafter spending the summervisiting various countriesaround the globe on missiontrips or personal travel,completing CPE, and, inthe case of some students,returning with a newspouse. Our new campusmates came from all overthe country and the world.We are excited to havemembers of the campusjoin us from France, Haiti,Jamaica, Myramar, Kenya,Tanzania and Turkey.

The entire student body hasbeen enriched by SalihSayilgan, a visiting Muslimstudent from Turkey. Hispresence has made us moreaware of our relationshipwith people of other faithsand nations. During themonth of Ramadan severalstudents joinedSalih for hoursof fasting, formeals in themorning, andwhen he brokefast in theevening... ourforumcoordinator,

Student Life

Report from theStudent Body President

Janet Zimmerman,facilitated a number ofevents pertaining to Faithand Politics in preparationfor election day... andstudents traveled toPhiladelphia for theEpiscopal Day ofRepentance. All that wereable to participate in theforums and service weregreatly moved by theexperience. We are lookingforward to them possiblymaking apresentation aboutthe relevance ofthe event. Whilethey were inPhiladelphia the restof the student bodyspoke aboutResolution A123 intheir Friday smallworship groups.

Charles L. Fischer, IIIStudent Body President

T

Students Launch“Green” Newsletter

The EnvironmentalStewardship Committee,comprised of VTS studentsand staff members, has

launchedThe Treebune,a monthlynewsletter withtips and hintsabout going“green” andcaring forcreation. As

Christians called to

Record Number Walkfor the Homeless in DC

On November 22, TeamVTS participated in the 21stAnnual Fannie Mae Helpthe Homeless Walkathonheld on the National Mall inWashington, DC. Led by

be good stewards of God’sbeautiful world, theEnvironmentalStewardshipCommittee iscommitted tobringing “green”changes to VTS.The committee hasgrown andevolved and eachyear has broughtnew

initiatives, ideas, andenergy. To learn more aboutThe Treebune or to getinvolved check out ourwebsite: http://vtsenvirogroup.wordpress.com

walkathon team captain,Geoff Evans (‘10), over 60VTS students, staff, andfamily members braved thenear-freezing temperaturesto raise $1,800 for thehomeless.

Pictured top: Students YohanaMtokambali (MTS), Middler

Geoff Evans, and Junior ColinMaltbie in front of the U.S.Capitol; Team VTS at the

Walk for the Homeless; JuniorMelissa Brockart and her

fiancé on the National Mall.


To be a racially and ethnically diverse community inliving out our mission.

The church itself is a new people from every family, tribeand nation. This aim captures this fundamental Gospelobligation to anticipate the reign of God by living incommunity with all of God’s people. Sensitive to thechallenge of structural sin, Virginia Theological Seminarystrives to serve a racially and ethnically diverse world bybeing a racially and ethnically diverse community.

An infrastructure sufficient for the delivery ofour mission grounded in a commitment to excellence.

The delivery of our mission depends on an infrastructureof hardworking men and women who believe in theimportance of our institutional work. We should deliverour mission in a way that is compatible with the Gospel.The Creator who enabled us to enjoy this beautiful campusrequires us to demonstrate a level of appropriate care; ourstaff should be given space to worship and grow; and weneed to be good stewards of our resources such that wecan ensure that subsequent generations will enjoy theSeminary.

Goal 6

Goal 7


... Strategic Plan continued from page 7

hrough a generous grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation in September,Virginia Seminary entered into a partnership with seminar-ies in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This partnershipis designed to strengthen all three institutions through asharing of resources and prepare students for entry intoVirginia Seminary’s Masters in Theological StudiesProgram.

Through the CarpenterGrant initiative, thethree seminarypartners will supportEnglish languageimmersion, buildup a faculty in twodioceses within theEpiscopal Church,and provide access

to theologicaleducation by

concretely addressingthe language barrier.

VTS students willbenefit too: in January

2009, three VTSstudents will travel to

the Dominican Republicfor cross-cultural immersion and Spanish language study.

In November 2008, the Rev. Joseph Constant, VTS directorof Ethnic Ministries and Student Life, visited theseminaries in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Whilein Haiti, Constant attended a service held in honor of thefamilies of the children who lost their lives in a recentschool collapse. The preacher, VTS alum the Rev. RogerBowen (‘68), reminded the congregation that God did notcreate the borders that separate the nations of the earth.The borders that separate the peoples of the earth arehuman made. “As a Church,” said Bowen, “we need tobe intentional not to allow human made barriers frompreventing us to live out the gospel by loving and caringfor one another.”

VTS, Haiti and the D.R.:A Partnership of Mutual Responsibilityand Interdependence

T

Pictured above: Joseph Constant (back row, right) pictured withseminarians from the D.R.; below with Haitian seminarians.

Stephen Cook ReleasesNew Book on Isaiah

Old Testament Professor, Dr. StephenCook, has released a new book,Conversations in Scripture: 2 Isaiah, inwhich he tries to isolate a ‘theology of

reverence’ that lies embedded in 2 Isaiahand in the Torah. According to Cook,“Knowing God is crucial to becomingmore humane persons, aware of ourfinitude and need of each other. ‘Rever-ence Theology’ is our experience of awebefore God’s otherness, God’s holiness.”

Available now in the Cokesbury bookstore.



ur “Pony-Up” Phonathon has been a lot of fun—and quite a success. Wehad a goal of $65,000. With 55 volunteersand 2,500 calls attempted, we raised$157,000! Susan Shillinglaw is one of themost creative souls on the planet. She hasled the Phonathon with amazing energyand more than a little imagination. Ourcallers have come from every corner ofthe campus — students, staff, faculty andadministration. We have enjoyed pizza,wine, Coke and good laughter from ourbase in the Gibbs Room of Meade Hall.

To be honest, not many of us like to make“cold calls.” Let me speak for myself: Ihate receiving and making “cold calls.”But with VTS donors, it is rare to have a“cold call.” Our alumni are warm andreceptive, kind and generous. They havefond memories of their time on the HolyHill. One of our gracious alumni in hisninth decade told us: “I may never getback to Alexandria, but I have in mymind’s eye every building on campus.”We have donors who have been giving for

decades, and we have donors who begangiving to VTS with this Phonathon. TheMiddler Class this year has made it theirgoal to get 100% of their class to give agift to the Annual Fund. We have beengiven small gifts and large gifts. Evenin these days of economic turmoil, ourcallers received very few refusals. Trulyamazing!

I called one of our alumni on the WestCoast but got his voicemail. Before Icould try again, I received a note in themail with a check. The first paragraphread: Sorry I missed your call about agift to VTS. Although you asked me forthe same as last year. I can’t do that.

With the last sentence my heart stopped.“Oh well,” I thought, “he is going to cuthis annual fund gift.” The secondparagraph dispelled my gloom with thisinitial sentence: My gratitude growsannually for the seminary, and so must mygiving.

All of us have so much for which to bethankful. Yes, we know the litany:mortgage woes, a depressed housingmarket, a credit crunch, the disappearanceof life savings and 401Ks that havebecome 201Ks. But George Herbert’sprayer has never meant more to me:“Thou hast given so much to us. Giveone thing more: A grateful heart.”

The Seminary’s Trustees, Dean Markham,the faculty, staff and students have“grateful hearts” for our many donors,partners with us in the critical work oftheological education for the EpiscopalChurch and the Anglican Communion.So much is at stake and every gift to theAnnual Fund counts.

Raising Money the OldFashioned Way: Asking For It!

O

The Rev. Barney Hawkins (below) wasone of several faculty members who

made calls this year.

by the Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins IV


News from the Hill is published regularly by the Virginia Theological Seminary 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria,Virginia 22304. Telephone: (703) 370-6600. Website: www.vts.edu. We welcome comments, questions, or story ideas for

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A Fond Farewell to George KroupaVirginia Seminary bids

farewell to the Rev. George Kroupa,assistant director for the Center forthe Ministry of Teaching (CMT), thismonth. Kroupa, who has worked forthe Seminary for 13 years, will soonbe completing his Ph.D. at theUniversity of Virginia.

Kroupa first became involved in theCMT in 1986 when he began writingfor Episcopal Teacher. In 1995, hesigned on with the Seminary asAssistant Professor of ChristianEducation.According to his colleague,Dorothy Linthicum, “All of us whohave shared this time with George willmiss his friendship, his sense ofhumor, and his knowledge.”

“George hasbeen a tirelessadvocate in theFaculty fordiversity andstrongpedagogicalmethodologies”

- Dean Markham

news from the hill (winter 2008/2009)

Documents

canon thomas

peter james leechairman

peter james leemr

hill2 news

virginia winter

hill winter

fouryear strategic plan

years of education