Time to return to the Holy Hill!

It's that time of year again!  As I have always been or worked in schools, it very much feels to me that August is actually the start of the new year.  I will return to VTS as a middler, which means that I am at the mid-point of my program.  The program in question is a Master's in Divinity, which sounds like something from a book about wizards and potions, but in theological studies, it's an extended master's program (78 credit hours), and the largely required degree for postulants seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church.  

The middler year is a time for completing a few major requirements of my program.  The most significant of which is an internship with a local church (local to VTS).  The church I will be working in is Saint Thomas in McLean, VA.  The intention of the internship is for me to learn the nuts and bolts of being a priest.  I will not only serve on Sundays in various capacities, but I will also participate in ministries, sit in on vestry meetings, and learn about stewardship.  I will preach from time to time, so if you are interested in hearing me, follow along on their social media.  This internship will take up a great deal of my time at school, as I am required to spend twelve hours per week engaged in work for and with the church.  Think of it as a part-time job.  I am very much looking forward to working with Rev. Fran and the entire Saint Thomas community this coming year.  

In addition to my internship, I have some classes I am very much looking forward to taking.  I am registered for two courses about the history of the Episcopal Church/ the Anglican Communion.  I have an art history class on my slate, and I also have a course in Ecumenism that I will be taking through a local Lutheran seminary.  "Ecumenism" is the study of how different Christian denominations can be in better dialogue with each other.  I am very much interested in this subject, as I think ecumenism is not only critical for the future health of the Episcopal Church but because we as Christians all have a great deal to learn from each other as we break down silos and work towards building the Kingdom of God together.  I am taking this class as a part of a program to earn a certificate the the Washington Theological Consortium, which is an organization in the D.C. area that allows seminarians in all of D.C.'s seminaries to take classes at other seminaries.  In this program, we can select an area of specialty, and I am hoping to pursue ecumenical studies as a focus. 

While I will miss being home in Scottsdale, I am very much looking forward to returning to the Holy Hill.  Please keep me in your prayers as I keep all of you!