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September 12, 2008 |
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Christ Chapel News
A Faith Home for You at Texas State |
| Why bother with church?
Good question. A recent article in the University Star reported a link between church attendance and higher GPA's, but that by itself would be a pretty lame reason to go to church. No, the point is not to get better grades, not in the class or in heaven; God is not on TRACS. Church is a place where people gather to turn to a cause and purpose and being greater than themselves that we call God, to be both comforted and challenged, strengthened and renewed. In that gathering together, we are reminded that we are not alone; our struggles are shared, our hopes are shared. The peculiar thing is that this gathering is called worship, from an old English word, "worthship," which meant showing God worthy to be praised. In other words, we come in worship to give something, but wind up getting so much more; a "yes" to life and to our hopes and a call to a greater life than we could have imagined, a fearless and joyful and thankful life that Jesus called abundant. And that it is.
That's one reason to bother with church. There's also some great friends waiting to be made, who are remarkably good at accepting you just as you are. And we've got pretty good food, too. Give us a try at Christ Chapel. We meet on Sundays at 6:15 for a free supper, worship at 7:00; Wednesdays at 5:30 for an informal prayer service, and then another free supper at 6:15. | |
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Things to Look For...
We'll become a "One Campaign" organization in the weeks ahead, helping promote the goal of eliminating poverty. Among the steps necessary in becoming a One organization is to meet with a congress-ional representative. We will soon have a time and date for meeting with Lloyd Doggett, who represents our area.
Our friends at UCM-Wesley (formerly CCC) are hosting Father Roy Bourgeois, founder of the School of Americas Watch on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the UCM-Wesley building at 601 N. Guadalupe, across from Jones. Father Roy is a courageous voice for peace and has an amazing story to share.
Reviews...
Here are my random and poorly informed opinions about any number of topics...
Best movies of the summer: Wall-E, Iron Man, The Dark Night.
This list is so obvious I won't bother to defend it.
Best TV show: America's Got Talent, a choice which demonstrates only that I need to get a life. Weirdness, vanity, actual talent and heavily medicated hosts made for compelling viewing, at least until the Strutters got eliminated.
Best local Mexican Food: These are fighting words, I know, but Charro's is really local, not even a five minute walk, but after eating there, you'll be willing to make that walk any day.
Best Energy Drink: Most of them taste like what I imagine carbonated cat urine might taste like, but the Monster coffee flavored drinks are actually okay. Better yet, go to bed and get a decent night's sleep and you won't need to redbull your way through the day.
See, I told you they were ill-informed. I am always happy to welcome real reviews of anything in this column, including web sites, movies, restaurants, etc. Just send them to me at christchapel@txstate.eduand they will appear.
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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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Wessendorff Retreat: No agenda, just relaxing
 If the noise of a dorm or the busy-ness of college life is already getting to you, come with us to Wessendorff Retreat Center on September 19-21. It's an absolutely free retreat in a beautiful setting, with nothing to do but relax, eat, swim, play, and enjoy. Yes, you can study if you want; there is plenty of quiet space and time for that, too. Register by e-mail at christchapel@txstate.edu. We'll leave Friday afternoon at 5:00 and return Sunday morning by 11:00, so you will still have time to study that evening. Bring clothes, swimsuit, towel, personal stuff, games to share, dvds. |
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 is a no-experience necessary way to pray, and you are welcome. |
God Goes to the Movies
is where we watch a movie together and ask after God's word and will as it is portrayed (or not) in the film. Our first movie is September 25th; we'll be seing "What Happens in Vegas" on our new flat-screen HDTV, courtesy of some generous folks on Christ Chapel's board of directors. Popcorn, soda provided.
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And a few other notes:
Chat with a Chaplain
For those of you I've not met, look for me, Chaplain Jaime B., out on the quad at random times throughout the week. I will be the one at the table with the sign that says, "Chat with a Chaplain." Stop by and say hi.
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: christchapel@txstate.edu.
Raffle Drawing Winners
At the Texas State Showdown and at PAWS Previes, students registered to win one of several gift cards to Chipotle. Congratulations to: Marcus Green, Kathleen Lobban, Lindsay Duckworth, Robert Gutierrez, and Hallie Clepper.
Our New Website:
Visit us on the web at christchapeltxstate.org for news and pictures, and look for us on Facebook.
FINALLY, as I have written before, 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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