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Hello all!

Well, I've arrived safely in NYC and am now settling into my room on the close. It feels so good to be back. I enjoyed my summer in San Diego but it sure was a lot of work!

I've met most of the incoming class, they seem very nice. I also have reconnected with many of my classmates and members of the rising senior class. It's so nice to be back in this setting. I think it's going to be a fun year. 

Classes start on Wednesday (yikes - that's tomorrow!) and I've got a full load. I have a feeling that amidst the fun I am going to be very busy...

I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Until next time,

Peace.

1 Down 2 To Go

OK.. one year down! The second semester of year 1 was tough. It ended with 4 final papers and 4 finals... ouch. But, the good news is all the coursework is done and I'm pretty sure I passed....I was able to attend the commencement ceremonies for the senior class. It was great seeing many of my friends graduate and it is so exciting to see them all dispersing into their new ministries. God willing that will be me in two years.

I'm getting ready to return to San Diego and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Christ Church. I'll be driving back as I don't want to fly my dog. My nephew has agreed to ride with me and I will appreciate the company. On June 9th I start work at the Center for Urban Chaplaincy. I'll be completing my Clinical Pastoral Education with them this summer. I expect it to be challenging and difficult at times but I am excited about the program.

I will likely not update the BLOG over the summer.... but you never know.

Thanks for all the prayers!

It's Been a Long Time...

Hello all!

It has been a long time since I've updated this Blog! This semester has been crazy. Classes are challenging but they are great! I am ready for the semester to be over, though.

It's been about 33 years since I've experienced springtime. It is wonderful but entirely unfair. Just as the weather starts warming up and the trees start budding and the flowers start blooming... finals loom right around the corner... Ugh! I should be studying and writing papers but I'd rather be outside playing... love is in the air!

Oh well... the only downside with spring right now is the deconstruction going on outside my room. They are tearing down one of the buildings on campus (about 20 yds from my room) and the giant jackhammers start at 7:00 AM and end at 5:30 PM. This morning in chapel one of my classmates said to me, "Just remember, the jackhammers are praising God, too!" 

Classes end on May 1... finals start 5 days later... 3 papers, 4 finals... and I'm done with my first year at Seminary. I can't believe it!

I'll be back in San Diego near the end of May. Looking forward to worshipping at Christ Church.

Take care... see you soon!

Leap Day!

OK... it's been a month... it's about time I write some news. The semester is moving forward... things have settled into a nice pattern... classes are great. Most of my time is consumed with reading and then there's the writing. So far, so good. 

I am especially enjoying my New Testament class and Church History (Patristics). There is so much information... so much to learn... and it's all so interesting!

I had dinner with Bishop Mathes at the beginning of the semester. It was a great visit, it's always nice to see people from San Diego. (BTW, if anybody comes to the city, please call, I'd love to see you and show you around the close if you have time.)

Spring break is right around the corner and then Holy Week and then Easter. Time is flying. I'll be traveling to Ayer, MA on March 9th (the beginning of break) and I'll be preaching at St. Andrew's. The rector, Alan MacKillop, is a friend of mine who was my rector at St. Andrew's La Mesa when my family first moved to San Diego. This is my first preaching assignment. I'm a bit nervous but eager for the experience.

All is well in the city... winter is slowly  melting away... spring is coming upon us.

Peace,

Joe

And They're Off

Hello All!

So.... ever try to jump on a treadmill when it's already going full blast? How about sticking your head out the sunroof when you are driving down the freeway? Well, that's kinda how this new semester has started. After the first day of classes I got this sinking feeling that I was already behind. Oh well, like my friend says... there's only one way to eat an elephant. (And I'm pretty sure it's not one big bite!)

My classes so far are excellent. I am truly blessed with knowledgeable and caring professors. I have yet to attend my Church History class but I expect more of the same. Next Tuesday I'll be installed in the Guild of Sacristans and the Guild of Precentors. I am looking forward to my service in both guilds. (If anyone wants more information on those guilds, just ask.)

I am really enjoying my seminary experience. I'd smile more but I'm afraid of getting a bug caught in my teeth.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Peace, 

Joe 

Is Break Over Already???

Well, here I am, sitting in my room, visiting with my sister Dorothy (who is visiting me from Milwaukee), trying to stay warm, and dismayed that classes start in one week. The break's been great, but boy has it flown by. I was able to have a bit of fun, seeing New York during Christmas is something special. My friends and I went to St. Thomas' for Christmas Eve. There were only about 1200 people there (that's all). Then I went to St. Mary's for Christmas Day. (That was the best Christmas Day service I've ever attended.) I spent New Year's Eve with friends here on the close. And I've been busy with other community activities. 

I'm looking forward to the next semester. I'll be taking 5 classes (systematic Theology, OT2, NT2, Greek, and Church History). I expect them to be challenging and fun. I'll also continue in the Schola and will become a member of the Guild of Sacristans. There is a big construction project starting on campus. The main building on 9th avenue is being demolished and will be replaced by a seven-story apartment building. While I think the change is good for the Seminary, I'm not really looking forward to a building coming down that is less than 100 feet from my room. 

I continue to receive postcards, they're wonderful. Thanks so much for your prayers and good wishes. I expect to be home during the summer 2008 as I've secured CPE placement in San Diego.

Until next time, Peace.

Here's to Procrastination!

As I sit in my room studying for finals, I thought... "What better way to procrastinate than writing in my blog." So... here goes... It's a cold day, not too cold though, only around 35. The air looks grey. The trees outside my window have nearly lost all of their leaves. We are expecting sleet, ice, and snow later today... a far cry from 72 and sunny. But, at the same time, there is something incredibly comforting about the coming of winter. Perhaps it's all tied together with the Advent season and preparation for finals. The knowing that new things await.

I can't believe that the semester is nearly over. I have my Old Testament final this evening, Greek tomorrow, and then music on Monday. I can't begin to express how much I've enjoyed my first semester. The classes have been outstanding and I've made wonderful friends. This is truly an amazing place. (Like any place... it has its issues but hey... we're all human after all.)

Once finals are over  I'm free to experience the Christmas season in New York! Fresh roasted chestnuts on the streets of Manhattan, window shopping on Fifth Avenue, the Christmas trees, and parties and dinners with friends. (And catching up on all the delayed Christmas shopping.)

Wishing you a blessed Advent!

Joe