Virginia Seminary Offers Relief for Furloughed Federal Employees

Virginia Theological Seminary
Posted Jan 24, 2019

As the partial government shutdown continues, Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) offers space for respite and rejuvenation for all furloughed federal employees by inviting them to come visit and worship in our chapel, study and read in the Bishop Payne Library, and enjoy a free lunch in our Refectory.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS, encourages visitors saying: “Virginia Theological Seminary has long been known as a place for quiet reflection, healing, and spiritual growth. We gladly invite all affected by the shutdown to join our in our communal daily life and receive nourishment of body and soul.”

Immanuel Chapel is open to all from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors may join in worship services or may sit in the sacred space to pray and meditate. The Bishop Payne Library is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors are invited to check in at the Library’s Welcome Desk, show government identification, and register as a guest. All visitors are welcome to use the collections and services on an in-house basis. Lunch in the Refectory is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Visitors are asked to present their government identification to the Seminary “lunch monitor” and then enjoy a cafeteria-style meal with seminarians, staff, and faculty.

VTS is in communication with the network of services in the local area and is supporting efforts to provide rent relief, utility payments, and medical bill assistance.

For answers to questions about support being provided at Virginia Theological Seminary, please contact the Rev. Jon Musser at jmusser@vts.edu.

Press Release here.


ABOUT VTS
Founded in 1823 as a beacon of hope in a country new and finding its way, Virginia Theological Seminary has led the way in forming leaders of the Episcopal Church, including: the Most Rev. John E. Hines (VTS 1933, D.D. 1946), former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; the Rt. Rev. John T. Walker (VTS 1954, D.D. 1978), the first African-American bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; and theologian, author and lay preacher Ms. Verna J. Dozier (VTS D.D. 1978). Serving the worldwide Anglican Communion, Virginia Theological Seminary educates approximately 25% of those being ordained who received residential theological education. Visit Virginia Seminary online at www.vts.edu.


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