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October, 2014
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A Campus Ministry for ALL Students, Supported by Members of the Episcopal and Lutheran Church from Across the Nation
Sunday Worship: 7:00 p.m.
Monday: Free Lunch, 12:00 -1:00
Wednesday Worship: 5:30 p.m.
510 N. Guadalupe (across from the Tower Garage and the UAC)
Our Purpose: In gratitude for God's mercy in Christ, we shall be a community of worship, service, and hospitality.
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Jobs vs. Vocations
Many students have at least a part-time job, but few are working in their field of choice. I've yet to meet an Outlet Mall employee who envisions keeping that job for the long-term. Instead, those jobs help cover rent and food and allow for some fun, but they are stepping-stones toward the ultimate prize of a career.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about careers lately, now that I'm privileged to teach the University Seminar course here at Texas State. A very helpful part of the Seminar is activities involving the PACE (Personalized Academic and Career Exploration) Center. Students are given resources with which to explore their interests and abilities and then develop a career plan based on the results. For some students, the experience has been an eye-opener. They came to college thinking they might try a career in business or in education, only to discover that they really should explore engineering or mass communication.
Obviously, a state university wouldn't use this language, but what students are discovering through the PACE process is what Christians call their vocation, a word derived from the Latin vocare. A job puts food on the table, but a vocation is the work to which God is calling you. It's not always obviously religious work; one's calling may be in business or in design, or even in cobblery. Luther is reported to have once said, "The Christian cobbler does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making the best shoes they can make and selling them at a fair price so their neighbors can have good shoes."
There is not a major in cobblery at Texas State, but every field of study can be a means by which God works in the world. For in whatever field in which you might major, there will be other people, the neighbors whom all of us are called to love. So study hard and know it will pay off; not always in a paycheck, but in a life well-lived, doing what you love and being a blessing to others. And in the meantime, enjoy your temporary vocation as a student at Texas State.
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FEEDING THE HOMELESS
Southside Community Center (518 S. Guadalupe St.) feeds the homeless of our town every night of the year. On the first Monday of each month, we cook and bring dinner to the guests of the Center, with food prep starting at 4:00 and serving the meal from 5:00-6:30. Volunteers are always welcome to cook, greet the guests, serve, and wash the dishes. Our next turn is November 3rd. E-mail christchapel@txstate.edu if you would like to take part.
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JESUS ON TAP - October 14, 7:00 p.m.
Come join us at Tantra Coffee House (across Hopkins from the little HEB) on Tuesday, 10/14 for age-appropriate beverages of your choice and conversation about things theologic. Our topic: why do bad things happen to good people? Bring your thoughts, questions, and a few dollars for whatever you'd like to drink. Or eat.
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Wednesday Evening Worship and Bible Study
We begin by sharing a loaf of fresh-baked bread, because that's what companions do. "Companion" comes from two other words, "com" (with), and "bread" (pan), and on the journey of faith, it's good to have companions. We follow with a contemplative time of song, prayer, and reflection, using services from sources such as the Book of Common Prayer and the Taize Community. Our focus this semester has been on Paul's letter to the Galatians. We begin at 5:30 and are usually done by 6:15. Second-time visitors we take out to supper. Come try us out - it's a great way to recharge your spirit right when you need it. |
HOW ABOUT A FREE LUNCH?
Even though are kitchen is under construction, we are offering a free lunch every Monday from 12:00 to 1:30 in the activity room of Christ Chapel. Yes, it is free, and we don't have any expectation of you other than that you eat. Co-sponsored by the UCM-Wesley, the other campus ministry that meets in our building.
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Reviews
Submit your own for any new thing. Opinions below are strictly those of the chaplain, but they are absolutely right.
Yik-Yak
An app for the id. Anonymity allows any number of random, unfiltered thoughts out of their cage to take a stroll, thoughts which the yak-er would not dream of uttering aloud. Some yaks can be funny, some helpful; it's when the posts demean and degrade others, especially for their appearance, that it loses its charm. Download at your own risk.
Hot Yoga
I have not tried this, but at the Red Dawg Hot Yoga Studio on Wonderworld Drive, one can practice yoga in a room heated to 102 degrees and high humidity.
This is Texas. You can exercise in those conditions most of the year for free by just stepping outside. If these people make any money, I say they are geniuses.
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AND DON'T FORGET...
Higher Grounds Coffee House is open every morning at 8:30. Try a cup of organic, fair-trade coffee. Bring a travel mug, if you can.
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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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