August, 2015
Christ Chapel News

A Campus Ministry for ALL Students, Supported by Members of the Episcopal and Lutheran Church 
from across the Nation

510 N. Guadalupe (across from Tower Garage and the UAC) 
christchapel@txstate.edu;
Facebook:  Christ Chapel at Texas State   
Twitter: @Christ_Chapel
512-557-8836
 
Our Purpose:  In gratitude for God's mercy in Christ, we shall be a community of worship, service, and hospitality.
Front to School
    We all know about back to school, but that's a phrase that can bring joy or dread. For some, it's a glad reuniting with friends or the starting of a new adventure called college.  For others, it's a daunting and unpleasant task, filled with anxiety and worry.  So let's try a different word; front to school.  
     Front, as in confront - face what's coming with courage and with an eye toward the good things, the blessings that will be revealed in the year ahead.  That may be easier said than done, but remember you don't go alone.  Through the prophet Isaiah, we are promised: "This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go" (Isaiah 48:17).  When the Lord leads, our front is covered. God's got our backs, too, for that matter.  Either way, know you are surrounded by a love greater than can be measured.  Now go to class.  
SUNDAY WORSHIP: 5:30 P.M. 
And for the first worship of the Fall on August 23rd, we will have a potluck dinner right after worship at 6:30. Bring something if you can, or just show up.  There's always plenty of food.  

WEDNESDAY "BREAD AND BELONGING" 5:30 P.M.
Starting September 2nd, we will meet every Wednesday at 5:30 to share fresh-baked bread and then join together for either a Bible study, informal worship service, an experiential activity (making communion bread, for example) or a combination of all of these. Look to this newsletter for a schedule, or on the new bulletin board outside the Christ Chapel office.
JESUS BLOCK PARTY
Wednesday, August 26th, 5:30, in the Christ Chapel/UCM-Wesley parking lot.  Free supper, inflatables, music, and more are all part of the party.  
RETREAT!
September 18-20, at Well Spring Retreat Center, near Fischer, Texas.  What's involved?  Signing up.  The retreat itself is all about relaxing in one of the most beautiful Hill Country settings you can imagine.  Hiking, games, food, snacks, more food, time alone and time together.  The cost is $15, which covers meals and lodging.  Sign up and pay by September 15th.  Send an e-mail to Christ Chapel for more information.
COMING SOON:

BOBCAT LUNCH, a free meal served from 12:00 to 1:15 in the Christ Chapel/UCM Wesley building, begins August 31st. Come to eat, stay to explore our Prayer Stations in the sanctuary.

COOK AND SERVE SUPPER TO THE HOMELESS
On the first Monday of each month, Christ Chapel cooks, delivers, and serves a meal to the 35 or more homeless who come to Southside Community Center to eat.  Our next day to serve is September 7th.  We begin cooking at 4:00, serving at 5:00. We are usually through by 6:15. The Center is located at 518 S. Guadalupe, very near the Sonic Drive-In.  Send a text to Pr. Jaime at 512-557-8836 or e-mail christchapel@txstate.edu if you need a ride or more information.  

OPEN MIC/GAME NIGHT
Higher Grounds, our free coffee house, will host an open mic night on September 7th at 7:00.  When the talent is exhausted, we'll break out some board games.  Look for a sign-up sheet in the coffee house.  We are not accustomed to superstars, so bring whatever talent you have.  Acts before have included how to fold fitted sheets properly, so the bar is not high.  Don't be shy!

AND IN THE MONTHS AHEAD...
October 10 - Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo - New owners committed to the best of care for their creatures have turned this place legit and lots of fun. Look for more details in the next newsletter.

November 14 - We'll make our way to Enchanted Rock for a day of hiking and exploring one of the finest parks in the state of Texas.  Enchanted Rock is a pink igneous batholith rising some 425 feet above the surrounding Hill Country, in case you've never heard of the place before.

AND FOR THE TRULY ADVENTUROUS: SCOTLAND
Pastor Kara Stewart of Texas Lutheran University has invited Christ Chapel participants and friends to join in a pilgrimage to the Iona Abbey in Scotland.  She writes:

"Join us for a two week adventure in Scotland, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims. Spend a week as a resident of Iona Abbey, worshiping in the historic chapel, working to care for the community, and learning from fellow guests from around the world. Travel to Edinburgh and explore the capital city with its ancient castle, palace, and cathedral. Build relationships with members of local churches and examine the ways that history informs the present practices of the Church."  

The trip is planned for early June, and costs are still being estimated.  What is needed is a show of hands for those who might like to go.  Take a look at iona.org.uk to see what the place is about.  If you are interested, send an e-mail to christchapel@txstate.edu as soon as possible.  
OUR NEW INTERN!
Brandi Wells is in the second year of her Masters degree program, where she is studying Student Affairs.  As a graduate of Texas Lutheran University, she is very familiar with how campus ministry works at a church college, but is spending a semester with us to learn how campus ministry looks at a state college. Brandi has already begun work with us and will be looking to put her talents to use in several areas, including the start of a "Hygiene Pantry," which will be something like a food pantry, but with shampoo, toothpaste, and the like that students can access. 
Reviews
Submit your own for any new thing.  Opinions below are strictly those of the chaplain, but they are absolutely right.  

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Where does one get one of those rubber mask making machines?  They always seem on hand, whatever impossible situation the team finds itself in. There are plot problems and other gaps in the story.  That said, things blow up exceedingly well, so I liked it. 
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.
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