The year begins!

Orientation Week got off to a good start at St Mary’s Kinnoull on Sunday 28 August with a Eucharist at which the Director of Studies, the Revd Dr Michael Hull, presided. The sermon was given by the Principal who offered the assembly four encouragements in the style of the preacher to the Hebrews, each referencing the giving and receiving of hospitality: with regard to the host community at Kinnoull; to that which is unsettling within the student community and placements; to the stranger within; and to God.

Staff and students then led various orientation sessions respectively, forming community anew and helping all to get their bearings at the start of a new academic year. Guided tours around the building were offered by old timers, with similar help with navigation being made available to any for whom the SEC’s Daily Prayer book was unfamiliar.

A warm welcome was extended to the Rt Revd Dr Keith Riglin, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, who is the bishop-in-residence for the week’s residential. The photo left shows him with two new ordinands from his diocese, Anne Macdonald and Robert Garnett.

It was also good to have Linda Harrison, SEI’s Administrator, with us for the first day, on hand to welcome students and to address any registration queries in person.

A further bulletin will be forthcoming later in the week … if the schedule allows!

(Photos taken by Ross Stirling-Young and Ferdinand von Prondzynski and used with permission)