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From the Vicar...
What to Do, What to Do?
A major issue for most people at one or more stages in their lives is deciding what kind of work they want to do. Often we just punt and get the first job that comes to hand. But we spend an enormous part of our waling lives at work. You really should be doing something that is fulfilling and fits the talenst and interests you have.
Part of the Christian understanding of life is that God endows us with various gifts and interests and calls us into vocations. A vocation is something more than a job: it is that work to which you are called.
I've just spent a couple of days in meetings of the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese. This group has many functions, but one of its prime missions is to assist people discern whether they are called to ordained ministry and to support those who have received that call as they prepare for service. The Church has a well-developed system for doing this work.
But most of you do not feel a call to work as a priest or deacon. Your work still should be for you a field of ministry. It has been said that our first ordination to ministry is our baptism.
The community that is St. Alexis wants to help you find your vocation, to help you discern what it is God is calling you to be and do.
In the "Latest News" section of this newsletter there is information on a "Listening Hearts" group we will be starting in September. If you are struggling to find meaning and purpose in your work, prayfully consider being part of this group. Your work should be a source of pride and, often if not always, of joy. come listen with us and hear God's voice.
Peace,
Chuck
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Thinking of Joining?
Most of you know that there are very few requirements to be met in order to get involved in almost every aspect of our common life at St. Alexis: interest in an activity or need and a willingness to show up. I always like, for instance, when a first-time visitor volunteers to read one of the lessons at the Eucharist. We keep our doors as wide open as possible.
We do, however, invite you to deepen your commitment to our church community by becoming a formal member of St. Alexis. This enables you to do a couple of things that Episcopal Church rules limit to formal members: vote at the annual meeting and serve as wardens or members of the Mission Committee. More importantly, becoming a formal member of the church is a public statement of your committed participation in our common life and of your new or renewed commitment to follow, with God's help, the way of Christ.
How do you do this? The answer depends on your present status. If you were a confirmed member of another Episcopal parish, you can join St. Alexis by what we call "transfer of letter". We write your former church home and get them to transfer your membership here. If you were a baptized and confirmed member of certain other denominations (for example, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran), then we "receive" you. This is formally done when the Bishop next visits. If you have been baptized in any tradition, then you join by being "confirmed". The confirmation service is based around your affirmation of the promises made by or for you in baptism followed by the blessing of the Bishop. The Bishop lays his hands on your head and says a prayer of blessing. Finally, if you have never been baptized, then you would both be baptized and confirmed, usually in one service with the Bishop presiding.
Although a date has not yet been set, I hope that the Bishop will come to St. Alexis one night this fall. If you are considering making a formal commitment to St. Alexis, please contact me at church or otherwise, and we'll talk it over. On our website (stalexisjackson.org), we have a self-study guide helping you to use the Book of Common Prayer to learn more about and reflect on the Christian life and its particular expression in the Episcopal Church. Check it out if you're interested.
Prayerfully consider making this commitment.
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The Latest News
*Trying To Choose a Career?
One of the hardest things in life is trying to figure out what kind of work to do. We spend the better part of our waking lives at our jobs, but so many people just go through the motions. The Christian understanding is that God calls each of us into particular vocations. But how to find what that is? This fall we are going to offer an opportunity to discern God's call in community. Our program will be based on the Listening Hearts program and will be a small group experience. We don't offer pat answers, but instead a group of supportive people who will listen together for God's call. Interested? Let Chuck know. We will determine dates and times based on the schedules of the group.
Soul Food
Soul Food is our mid-week book or Bible discussion group. We started last Wednesday night discussing "The Help" by Karen Stockton. This novel is set right here in Jackson and explores the relationship of black domestic workers and the white families they work for. It's a current best seller and a very insightful read. We will meet this Wednesday at 6:30. We are not going to be offering supper, but will have snacks to tide you over and will be done by 7:30. It's not too late to get in on this great book - we're talking about the first section this week. Come join us!
Stewpot Lunch: We will be in charge of lunch at Stewpot Ministries on Sunday, August 30. Come help us as we serve meals to the jungry of Jackson. We will meet at the church at 12:30 and go together to Stewpot. Lunch there is at 1:00, and we should be finished by 2:00. If you can, please bring salad, bread or dessert to add to the meal.
Alexis Youth Group: We're starting a new feature at St. Alexis! We now have several teens and are going to begin an EYC in September. (EYC is what Episcopalians call their youth groups: Episcopal Young Church). We'll be starting off with five or six people plus leaders. Look for more information here or contact Chuck if you are interested.
Vocare: Vocare is a weekend retreat for young adults offered at Gray Center by the Diocese of Mississippi. This terrific weekend is for people 19-29. The next Vocare will be held November 6-8. For a fun, laidback weekend that will renew and focus your faith, the cost is $40 (cheap). We have appllications at the church.
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How to Join St. Alexis'
St. Alexis' is an open Christian community, welcoming all who want to join us in worship, fellowship, and acts of Christian love in the world. We respect the dignity of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, national origin, race, gender, or age and encourage all to participate fully in all areas of our common life. You may do all of those things without a formal commitment.
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Learn more about St. Alexis':
www.stalexisjackson.org
Have questions or a pastoral need? Email Chuck Culpepper at chuck@stalexisjackson.org
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