It is lovely to meet the students at their residential intensive here on the campus in Chelsea. The residence started with a Eucharist in the Chapel, with Senior Vice President Melody Knowles offering a compelling and moving sermon. The students were reconnecting. The deep affection in this class is very apparent. Dinner afterwards in Hoffman Hall was inevitably leisurely. This is a class that really enjoys each other's company.

There is much that is happening this week. Dr. Eric Thomas is teaching a course on Mark. There will be opportunities to explore the city. There are three worship services a day. This is the moment when the GTS ethos starts to shape the students.

It was a privilege to dine with these students tonight. They are being formed for the Gospel. They will be good priests.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary