2009 Figel Address and Prayer Service for Christian Unity

Friends:

On Monday the Consortium had its Annual Celebration for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity–sponsored by the Consortium Student Board. The Students provided an excellent service–Tim Malone of VTS presided and the VTS choir sang. Students from the Board handled all aspects of the Prayer Service. It was wonderful and well-attended. Thanks to all the members of the Board.

It has been our custom in recent years to present the Consortium Ecumenism Award, given by the Board of Trustees, to an outstanding ecumenist. This year the awardee was Bishop Theodore Schneider [Ted to his many friends and colleagues] recently retired Bishop of the Metropolitan DC Synod of the Evangelical Church in America. He is a grass-roots ecumenist! And has supported many, many ecumenical events and projects in our region.

The award was given by Board Chairman Mr. James Lowe. Many Board members were present. Bishop Graham of the ELCA [Ted’s successor] and Bishop Mark Dyer [ a previous recipient] were in attendance also along with numerous clergy, faculty and students.

After the Award there was something new–the First Annual Figel Address.
Mr. Jack Figel, businessman, prominent ecumenist, and member of our Board, has committed himself to fund this annual Prayer Service and a major address by the recipient of the Ecumenism Award. Mr. Figel is always seeking to advance the cause of Christian Unity.

Bishop Schneider gave a superb address–it and pictures of the event will be posted next week on the Consortium Website. The address is worth printing out and saving for ready reference!
It was quite a beginning–and quite a day for ecumenism in the Consortium.

Peace,
John