Community life is at the core of academic scholarship and spiritual growth at San Francisco Theological Seminary, enhanced by on-campus housing for both students and faculty.

On Dec. 10, a longstanding seminary tradition continued when about three dozen members from the SFTS community gathered at the seminary’s historic Victorian guest house for a casual evening of holiday fellowship. "Carols and Cookies" was started by Drs. Robert and Polly Coote more than two decades ago and continues to thrive.  

The festively decorated home on Bolinas Avenue with the fireplace lit welcomed students and staff, spouses and children for caroling, and cookies and hot spiced cider. Midway through the evening, student musicians from Trinity House, the seminary’s communal living  space, appeared complete with instruments. Everyone’s musical enjoyment was expanded by a bass, guitar, hammer dulcimer, saxophone, violin and flute. Song sheets had been produced by Will Russell for a similar event in 1991.   

“What we hoped for was an informal break from the intense preparation of semester-ending papers, presentations, and coming final exams,” said SFTS Pastor in Residence Jim Moiso.