Orientation at CDSP, Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Well, here I am at 60, with new braces and I’ve left for college. Do you think I’m living my life backwards? Aren’t braces and college something for your late teens or early twenties? Maybe I’ll be only 50 when I finish this program next June! Just like Benjamin Button.
CDSP, the Episcopal Seminary of the West, welcomed 25 or so entering students last week. Orientation was all day Monday through Thursday with some breaks but according to some new students [me], not quite enough. Each morning we met in small groups for Morning Prayer and Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is a ‘holy reading’ of scripture, a slow reading of scripture with time for reflection in the group. You can learn more about Lectio Divina at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Catholic/2000/08/How-To-Practice-Lectio-Divina.aspx.
After praying together, we learned about the registration process, how to order books, where the dining hall, chapel, and classrooms are. We learned who would be our academic advisor and we scheduled meetings. I have a new student ID card, a new library card, and a meal card for the dining hall. Each night we came together for evening prayer and a meal. In addition to the information on how CDSP works, we also heard from the professors on a wide variety of topics— such as making the most of our time at CDSP, keeping body and soul together, spiritual formation, and how to create a rule of life. During the week, CDSP offers 14 worship services and after training, we students will participate in them. We are not required to attend every service but we are expected to participate as fully as possible. We are expected to show up when we are on the service rota. It is probably a good idea to observe the people who have our roles in action several times before it’s our turn to serve.
As you can tell, the four days were packed with information and meetings. On Thursday evening we had a community wide BBQ that was fun and I was glad to see the end of the meetings. The professors, staff, and students pray, eat, and socialize with each other. I could see the beginnings of community forming in front of my eyes. The seeds of friendship and companionship are planted and sprouting. I’m curious who will be my buddies by the end of the semester. What alliances and closeness will grow from these four days together? I’m intrigued with what the future holds.