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January 17, 2008 |
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Christ Chapel News
A Campus Ministry for ALL Students, Supported by the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches
Sunday and Wednesday Worship: 7:00 p.m., free supper at 6:15 510 N. Guadalupe (across from Tower Garage in St. Mark's Episcopal Church) |
WELCOME BACK, TAKE CARE!!! As classes begin again and schedules fill up, make this semester and this new year one in which the Whole You is cared for; body, mind, and spirit. Christ Chapel is here to feed all three with meaningful worship and Bible Study, great meals, and a faithful community that welcomes ALL people. You'll never be asked to check your brain at the door when you come to Christ Chapel, and you will never be made to feel anything less than welcome. Most events are absolutely free... Read on for a few things happening in the semester ahead. |
Wednesdays: Bread and Belonging
Bread and Belonging is a no-experience necessary way to pray, and you are welcome to join us every Wednesday night. We start with a free home-cooked supper at 6:15, then have an informal service at about 7:00. Here is what is planned: January 21st: Chili, cornbread and coleslaw; ne |
Digging in the Desert
Last month, archaeologist uncovered yet another tomb in the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt; not surprisingly, it had been looted centuries before. Nonetheless, carvings and artwork on the walls of the tomb add to the knowledge of life in that ancient land, and more is expected to be discovered. Zahi Hawass, Egypt's top archaeologist, says 70% of Egypt's ancient monuments remain buried.
The season of the church year is called Epiphany (meaning "revealed"), a time in which we begin to figure out who the baby born in Bethlehem really is. His words and deeds point to him being more than just a nice guy or a good teacher, but what?
Epiphany reminds me something of a dig in Egypt; layers of debris have to be removed for the true treasure to be discovered. The debris in this case is all the assumptions and expectations we bring to who Jesus is. For too many, Jesus is some sort of divine cop, making sure you obey all the rules. For others, he is more like a nice grandparent, who thinks you can do no wrong. And for others, he is a distant spiritual figure that really has nothing to say about how we live and love each other today. Epiphany is a chance to scrape away all that nonsense and focus on who Jesus really is. And this is where Jesus and the tombs of Saqqara are different: when we discover the true Jesus, we find not a graveyard or a place long robbed of anything valuable. We find instead a treasure of love; life-changing, priority-reordering, white-hot love that burns away fear and makes it possible to truly love one another. Come join us in the dig. |
| In Case You Missed It: We're a ONE Congregation!
The Millenium Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2000 as a way to address the problems of extreme poverty, a shameful reality in our world today. ONE Congregations have made a commitment to being active voices in shaping public policies that alleviate persistent poverty, hunger, and inequality. Throughout the semester ahead, we will look for ways to advocate for a more just society and world in which the shame of hunger and crisis-level poverty can be addressed. | |
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Things to Look for...
Spring Break Trip to Gulf Coast.
Plans are still being made, but things look good for spending a few days on the Gulf Coast rebuilding homes and cleaning up after the devestation of Hurricanes Ike, Rita, and Katrina (yes, there is still LOTS of rebuilding to do after Katrina. New Orleans is our likeliest base of operations, and we will be joined by students from the campus ministry of the University of Texas. A grant will help subsidize this trip, as well as some fundraising. It's not too early to indicate interest; send an e-mail to christchapel@txstate.edu. Servants of the Cross
is a program by which students who wish to make a deeper faith journey can enlist in a three-unit program of study, reflection, and retreats. Those completing the program will join the Servants, an order of students in ministry. Brochures and more information is available at the Christ Chapel office. A six-week in-depth study of the Bible's overarching story will begin in the Spring on February 2nd (Monday evening) at 8:00) and conclude on or before March 9th.
Reviews:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons: What happens if you're born old and grow younger? Life choices, fate, thankfulness are all themes explored in this movie. It is longish and not overly action-packed, but it will stay with you for days afterwards. Even if you don't care for the movie's premise, the attention to detail as decades roll by is just amazing.
China Buffet: You can load up here as often as you like, and for cheap. It's a good place to go if you are really hungry. On the down side, it's just not all that good. The entrees are lowest-common denominator kind of Chinese food; that is, if it appeals to a lot of folks and tries not to offend. Without adding too many gruesome details, let me suggest that you avoid the mussels. On I-35, just north of the Wonderworld exit.
War:
Highly overrated. It costs far more than could ever be gained and rarely settles matters. Join in praying for peace, especially in the Middle East. As importantly, live and speak peace in your daily life. |
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God Goes to the Movies: "The Dark Knight" Jan. 29th, 8:00 p.m.
I know, you've seen it. But have you watched if for its theology? I thought not. We'll be seing "The Dark Knight" on our new flat-screen HDTV with Blue-Ray HD AND surround-sound stereo. Popcorn, soda provided. After the movie, we will spend a short time in figuring out what values, what perspectives, what truths, and what faith claims are being made in the movie No theological training is necessary; just come. No cost, of course. |
| Leadership and Service Retreat:
On the last weekend of February, we will head to Lutherhill, near LaGrange, for two days and two nights of recreation, leadership development, and service. The "leadership development" part includes taking advantage of Lutherhill's great high ropes course. Minimal charge; look for a sign-up sheet in the weeks ahead. |
And a few other notes:
Souperbowl of Caring
Things have already settled out to the point that I don't really care who wins the Superbowl, but we all care that the hungry of Hays County are fed. Bring $1 (or more) and/or a canned good for the Hays County Food Pantry on February 1st, Superbowl Sunday.
Congratulations to Steven and Allison!
Married on January 10th at Christ Chapel, Steven and Allison have long been part of our faith community. We pray God's blessings on them as they begin their married life together.
Vocare #25: May, 2009
Vocare is a young adult ministry that provides opportunities for spiritual renewal and discovery. The Vocare weekend is one filled with fun and games, as well as reflection and discussion all focusing on one's spiritual calling. Watch for more information in the weeks ahead about this Diocese of West Texas sponsored event.
Summer Employment Opportunities Representatives from Episcopal and Lutheran camps will be visiting us this semester with information about one of the most meaningful jobs you could ever have. First up: Lutheran Camp Chrysalis, February 4th, at Bread and Belonging (6:15 p.m). Check the link out below for more information on Episcopal camps!
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Monday Night Bible Study, 6:00 p.m., starting January 26th
We are working our way through the Gospel of Mark, which will be the "main" gospel from which our Sunday readings are drawn in the coming year. You need not to have attended before to join us now in the Christ Chapel Lounge (St. Mark's lower level). Bibles provided, or bring your own. | |
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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