On this video message, the Very Rev. William Stafford, dean of The School of Theology, talks about the One Percent Gift Program for Episcopal parishes and what it means to seminaries of the Episcopal Church. Parishes are the primary supporters of this program. The informational brochure is available for viewing.

 

Giving FAQ’s

Why give to The School of Theology Annual Fund?

Tuition, fees, and endowment income don't cover the total cost of running the seminary. Your gift ensures that The School of Theology will:

• continue its commitment to need-based financial aid
• maintain and update the divinity section of the Jessie Ball duPont Library
• purchase needed materials and technologies for seminary faculty and students
• maintain classrooms in Hamilton Hall and worship space in the Chapel of the Apostles
• afford adequate salaries for its dedicated faculty and staff

When should I make a gift?

As in most academic institutions, Sewanee’s fiscal year starts July 1 and ends June 30, and is not based on the tax or calendar year. You may also set up a sustaining pledge, and we will only send you reminders each year until you tell us otherwise.

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

Yes! You can make an annual fund gift in honor or in memory of anyone you like. The person or family of the person honored/memorialized will receive notification of your gift (excluding the amount). Your gift will also be listed In the annual donor recognition report.

How can my small gift make a difference?

Every gift, large or small, has an impact. Every dollar contributed to the annual fund helps the seminary meet its daily needs. Your gift, viewed as a vote of confidence, could help Sewanee secure thousands of dollars in funding.

How can I make sure my gift will go to The School of Theology?

If you make your gift online, you will find four options for the designation of your gift towards the end of the form. Click on the  one for “Sewanee Annual Fund – Theology.” If you are sending in a check, please write “ Sewanee Annual Fund – Theology” in the memo section of your check.

Questions? Contact Sukey Byerly, Development Officer for The School of Theology, either by email on by phone at 931.598.1217.
 

 Alumni Giving Update: January

16% and Rising!

The percentage of theology alumni/ae annual fund donors in the current fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012) is at a record 16%, in a tie with college alumni participation, and representing a 2% increase from last year. Many thanks to our 173 alumni/ae donors (50 more since early December!). If you haven’t yet made your commitment, come on board! Go to the website to make a gift online or you can mail it to Sukey Byerly, Development Officer, The School of Theology, 335 Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee 37383. Questions? Email Sukey or call at 931.598.1217.

 

Letter From a Class Steward  
The Rev. Larry Britt, T’86, Classes of 1986–90

Any time a group of clergy get together in an informal setting, one topic that will almost certainly come up is “What do you miss most about being at Seminary?” The list can run fairly long and will eventually be accompanied by a parallel list called “What do you miss least about being at Seminary?” Both lists are flexible as to length — depending upon circumstances: time available, quality of the cigars being shared and so forth — but one treasured benefit that will always arise is collegiality.

Much has been said about the community of prayer that sustains students and faculty during the seminary experience. There is no reliable way of placing a value on that community; it is in a category by itself, beyond comparison or evaluation. Moreover, it is a benefit that continues beyond the seminary years. 

The business of following a vocation to the ordained ministry will invariably offer challenges.  We may begin our days looking as if we just stepped out of a vestment catalog, but the end of many of those days will find us looking, and feeling, much the worse for wear. That comes with the territory; we had a notion it might be like that from the very beginning. In truth, a nice supper, a warm shower, evening prayers, and a good night’s sleep will generally put us to rights. But once in a while, those things don’t quite get the job done and we need to hear the voice of someone we know and trust; someone who has been travelling the same road as long as we have. The most likely place to find such a person is that community of prayer with whom you shared the seminary experience.

I suspect each of us could provide a personal account of calling a far-flung classmate in the middle of the night when we found ourselves a little overwhelmed. If pressed we would also admit that the ability to make that call, the freedom to ask for help — and knowing from whom to ask it — is a wondrous gift. It’s a gift that is ours because we are children of God, yes, but also because of the time spent together with our seminary community.

Our seminary continues to nurture and form women and men for the priesthood. It continues to welcome them into collegial community. That endeavor deserves our support. I therefore ask that you make a point of praying for The School of Theology every day. I further ask that you make frequent and regular donations to the seminary’s general fund.