March 3, 2008
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) 

A Lenten Primer  

     Lent is that time of the year in which we dare to stare deep inside to see what is going on in our souls.  It is not always easy to take such a look, but it is necessary.  Why?  Well, Jesus didn't die on a cross because you are really a wonderful person, just misunderstood.  He died for you and for all of us because of our brokenness and weirdness, our fears and hurts, our doubts and our sin.  To take time to really look at who we are is often painful, but it makes the undeserved love shown us on Easter Day all the more amazing.  The open grave of Jesus means that despite all our sin, we are loved, forgiven, and welcomed into the reign of God. 
     Some people mark Lent by giving up those things to which they have developed an unholy attachment; sugar, alcohol, or smokes, for example.  That is probably a good thing.  Just as good, perhaps even better, is to mark Lent not (just) by giving up something, but taking on something; a deliberate commitment to prayer, for example, or volunteering to read aloud to kids at the library for a half-hour each week.  This is a kind of giving up - it is giving up of yourself to bless others, which is exactly the kind of life Jesus lived and invites us to live.  Give it a try; it is a Lenten habit worth keeping for a lifetime.
Wednesdays: Bread and Belongingbread
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. 
Chat With the Chaplain Changes 
 
     Look for yours truly out on the Quad under a new banner; "The Listening Tree."   It won't be any particular tree I'll be under, but whatever tree isn't occupied by some organization selling cupcakes.  As before, I will be there to listen, converse, and to invite students to discover the joy of life in Christ.  Come by and say hi. 
Keep in Prayer...
Eight of us will be heading to New Orleans over Spring break to participate in the continuous rebuilding effort.  Your prayers are appreciated.  Pray also for those whose parents are unexpectedly unemployed or otherwise struggling in these difficult economic times.  Remember those who serve this nation in dangerous circumstances, particularly members of the armed forces.  And pray always for peace, in our world, our nation, our university, and in our hearts.
Reviews...
 
The Bachelor Finale
So he picks one woman, only to toss her over for the one he dumped earlier.  And she goes back to him!  Yep, that's reality.  Let us have at least a hint of dignity, please.  And what is the deal with him "spending the night" with the three finalists?  A woman who sleeps with three guys in a week tends to have a name attached to her that is not complimentary.  But it's okay for him? 
 
Easter Bunny
A messed-up story from the very start.  Where does this bunny get the eggs?  Theft, undoubtedly, as rabbits rarely carry cash and are even less often issued credit cards.  That said, the chocolate representations of the aforementioned bunny are delicious, especially when made of solid dark chocolate.  An ethical question does arise: can vegetarians eat Easter bunnies?
 
Texas State Orchestra and Solo by Rachel Bailey
That is one tight band, and our own Rachel Bailey had a solo piece that blew the lid off the place.  Congratulations, Rachel, and all of you are encouraged to come hear her play for us on Sunday nights; there will come a time when you won't be able to hear her play for free. 
COMING IN APRIL ...
 
Retreat at Canyon Lake
Swimming, boating, goofing off.
 
Seder Supper 
Learn the roots of our own Passover supper
 
Late Night Breakfast
Bible Study
Bacon, eggs, pancakes, and Scripture. Yum! 
 
God Goes to the Movies: "Jesus Camp" March 26th, 8:00 p.m.
 
Jesus Camp is a 2006 American documentary directed by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing about a Pentecostal/charismatic summer camp for children who spend their summers learning and practicing their "prophetic gifts" and being taught that they can "take back America for Christ."  As always, popcorn and soda provided.

And a few other notes: 

 
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.  Next up: Camp Capers, the camp of the  Diocese of West Texas.  Stacy Dowdy will be with us on Monday, March 9th, to conduct staff interviews.  Contact her in advance at the website at the bottom of this page, "Diocese of West Texas College and Young Adult Ministries."
Monday Night Bible Study, 6:00 p.m.  
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.  We are through by 7:00!
lgbt logo 
 
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.
Quick Links