May 30th, 2003 | No Comments »
Black and White Stripes
Last evening (Thursday) was Awards Night at the seminary. The evening begins with a more-elaborate-than-usual Eucharist in the chapel (Thursday night Eucharists are normally in Seabury Lounge and a little less-than-formal). After the sermon and creed several awards are handed out. Some are academic, others musical, and so on. I did not get any of those, but then again was not expecting to, nor trying for any of them. A lot of really deserving people did pick up awards, and that was great. John Dally got the Seabury Cross award (honorary) this year, which was great! (The honorary cross goes to someone the students feel has made a major impact on and contribution to the life of the Seminary. Sandi, our receptionist, got it last year.)
They also give out the Seabury Crosses to all graduates, including me. Mine is in its box on the dresser, and I might wear it today. We shall see. Most people had theirs on by dinnertime, but that was a problem in my case, as you'll see (keep reading).
After the Eucharist, everyone heads over to the refectory for an elaborate sit-down-and-be-served meal. After dessert, the seniors entertain, and less-than-serious awards are given out. There's the "Scepter of Sarcasm" award (given to Heather), the "Sword of Scripture" award (which, because students no longer take the Bible Content Exam, went to the Dean!)… And many others. People can make up awards for individuals.
One award is the "John Calvin Low-Church Award" that typically goes to someone who is never seen bowing, crossing him/herself, etc. in chapel. It always goes to a junior, who then has to give it to another junior (next class) next year, and so on. This year there was also an Honorary John Calvin Award, which doesn't have to be passed on… Because it went to a senior. Me! The award is a small book of Calvin's prayers and meditations, flat enough–it was pointed out–to be concealed within an Air Force Uniform.
I also received the "Best Impersonation of a Zebra" award from Todd Young. Susie and Si Adam also received the award. It was for our work as officials at the Seabury football games this fall (hence zebras–the black and white striped uniforms).
Jolene Young, Jane Schmoetzer, and I also awarded Heather the "Diplomacy Award." Heather, when in a good mood, can be very pastoral and willing to listen to other people whine. When not in a good mode, whiny people or those making sarcastic remarks, will often hear, "Bite me." It's become a bit of a trademark. So when the three of us found a t-shirt with "Bite Me" in neon green letters across the front, we couldn't resist. She seemed pleased, and was wearing it for the rest of the evening.
In between the awards the seniors did skits based on future editions of Enriching Our Worship. Like edition #69, "Prayers for the Hungry and Mildly Peckish." We sang a song that had to do with locking up the refectory between meals, which has been a new policy this year and blocks us from the microwave and such. It was very, very funny. Some of the skits bordered on crude, but none–in my humble opinion–blatantly crossed that line. I laughed a lot.
Since the evening is much more formal than ordinary seminary life, almost everyone dresses up for Eucharist and dinner. I decided that since I was leaving soon and this was my last chance, I'd go in my Service Dress Uniform. That's essentially shirt, tie, and jacket. In the AF it is really formal, one step short of the Mess Dress Uniform, which is essentially a tux. Overall the reaction was good. One professor commented that I walk differently than I normally do, which is very true (and interesting). I had frequent trips across the west garth to and from the refectory, so had to remember how to get my cover on and off quickly and such. It was a good refresher for the summer tour. I think I managed to surprise one or two people who weren't aware of the military thing, but most people were just complimentary. It figures, since this is the only suit I have that is tailored to me, so it looks good.
Well, this morning, in a little over an hour, I preach in the chapel for the first time (when not a part of a class). Because one of our professors, John Dreibelbis, has had surgery recently, the slot came open. I am not on the rota (my fault) and it went to Bridget, another senior. I offered to back her up in case she had to be out of town at an interview (which she is, actually). When she heard that I'd never preached in chapel, she just gave me the slot. The service is the Feast of the Visitation, transferred from tomorrow. It is to have incense, everything is sung (everything: the lessons, gospel, prayers, creed, Eucharistic Prayer… you name it, we're singing it). Very "high church." The preacher, however, is not vesting and not processing. I'll be coming out of the congregation. The theme has a little to do with contrast, so I wanted to make a visual contrast, too.
I'm a little nervous because this is the first time in this place, but I've preached enough now that it isn't too bad. I'm taking a bit of a risk and doing the "Preaching with Jesus" thing (a bit) that we did in class this term. I won't be tying it up neatly, or telling them what my point is, but rather letting them think it through. There are a couple of elements I am not sure of yet, so I need to mull over whether to include them or not. The blog ends here. 