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August 23, 2008 |
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Christ Chapel News
A Faith Home for You at Texas State |
| WELCOME TO TEXAS STATE! Or Welcome Back, as the case may be. Christ Chapel News is sent out once or twice each month to students, faculty, and staff of Texas State who might be interested in the fellowship, worship, service, and recreation opportunities we provide. Called "Higher Ground" for the last several years, the new name of Christ Chapel reflects a new beginning for the ministry, with changes coming in our worship space and program. Come join us - most events are absolutely free and open to students of ALL backgrounds. Read more below, and blessings on your studies. And by the way, this e-mail is safe, so click the little blue line above so that you can get the pictures with the stories. | |
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Christ Chapel: Who we are, Where we Are, What to Expect...
Christ Chapel Campus Ministry is a ministry for ALL students, supported by the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. We are "evangelical catholics," the middle way. We are evangelical (people with good news) without being fundamentalists. We take the Bible seriously, but we also see it is a living word that demands to be interpreted for each new generation. We are catholic (literally, "universal"), meaning that we are grateful for the great gifts of the Christian tradition and appreciative of the diversity of the family of God. As a Reconciling in Christ Ministry, we rejoice in the full participation of people regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in every aspect of our ministry.
We are generally reserved, reflective, and deliberate in our worship and hospitality. Our churches and our campus ministry are tenderhearted but strong. Our expression of the faith emphasizes God's infinite love and grace in Christ and the freedom of the Christian life. We never ask anyone to check their brains at the door, but welcome the questions and struggles that faith and life brings.
Most activities of Christ Chapel are offered without cost. Dress is casual. Participation is open to all students, staff, and faculty, regardless of their religious background and to interested adults in the community with a heart for college students.
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Those who come to Christ Chapel will be welcomed without preconditions or expectations. We will do our best to help you feel comfortable and at ease.
Where are we? Christ Chapel Campus Ministry is housed in St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 510 N. Guadalupe, on the corner of N. Guadalupe and Wood Street, across from the Tower Hall Parking Garage. Enter from either of the main doors. The Chaplain's office and the sanctuary is on the entry level; the Lounge is downstairs.
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SUNDAY NIGHT SUPPER AND WORSHIP, 6:15 and 7:00, STARTING AUGUST 31st!
The supper is at 6:15, the worship service is at 7:00, in case you are wondering. Come for both, preferably, but if you can't make the meal, just come join us in worship. Or vice-versa, of course. Either way, you will be welcomed as a friend and not a stranger. We are not a club, but a fellowship of care and support for each other, with a passion for others to know the joy and life we share together.
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Wednesdays: Bread and Belonging
Wednesday nights are best when spent in a short prayer service at 5:30, followed by a homecooked meal at 6:15 that always includes home-made bread. The prayer services vary: sometimes they are more traditional, sometimes less, sometimes student-led, always inviting you to participate to your own level of comfort, or just to stay silent. Bread and Belonging begins this coming Wednesday, August 24th, at 5:30, followed by a hamburger supper. |
| Bible Study Begins
We will begin Bible Study on September 8th at 6:00 in the Christ Chapel Lounge, in the lower level of St. Mark's. This is a no-experience necessary, no question is a dumb one kind of bible study for men and women. We finish by 7:00, so you will still have time to study some of those other books you have been given. Bibles provided, by the way, or bring your own if you prefer. |
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Wessendorff Retreat All play, no pain at this glorious ranch and swimming hole, September 19-21. You will be given space and time to study if you need it, or you can just relax. No costs, but reservations are needed. Look for more information in the week ahead.
"God Goes to the Movies," where we watch a movie together and ask after God's word in the film begins September 25th. Our first movie: "What Happens in Vegas." Popcorn, soda provided!
Look for us at the TEXAS STATE SHOWDOWN, Sunday evening August 24th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00; at Paws Preview on the Paseo (LBJ Student Center) on Monday from 1:00 - 3:00, and on the Quad at random times where Pastor B. will have set up the "Chat with a Chaplain" table. That's a place to come by just to say hi or to talk about whatever is on your mind. |
And a few other notes:
Bless My Crib Whether it's a dorm room or apartment, it's good to bless it with prayer. Yours truly, Pastor B. will come to your place for an Order of Blessing, which takes about five minutes. Call me at 512-557-8836 or send an e-mail to: higherground@txsate.edu.
Musicians Needed!
Do you play the guitar, flute, oboe, violin, trumpet, drum, kazoo, banjo or anything else? WE NEED YOU! On Sunday and Wednesday nights, we always enjoy the talents of students to make our worship all the better. Again, call me at 512-557-8836 or send an e-mail to higherground@txstate.edu.
FINALLY, know you are always welcome to stop by the Christ Chapel office for conversation about whatever is on your mind. It is all but impossible to shock me, and you won't get a lecture. You will have a listening ear and a friend.
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 Our campus mission is to be a welcoming spiritual community, a place for people of any gender, race, national origin, and sexual orientation. Growing together in faith, we seek the unity that Christ envisions for His church through learning, liturgical worship, service, and fellowship. | |
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