From the Vicar...

BREATHING SPACE
June 25, 2008

We live in a city that often seems conflicted, confused, and divided. You don't have to pay much attention to the news to feel that Jackson has less than stellar political leadership. It often seems that we live in a place facing deep problems of race, crime, poverty, alienation and division while our local governments are paralyzed by their internal problems. Sometimes it feels like Jackson is just barely breathing.
While I do think that the negative news obscures a lot of exciting change that goes on unnoticed, I struggle with the size of our problems. How can little St. Alexis make a difference in a complex and divided society?
It helps to go back to our understanding of God and the world. It is our faith and hope that God has not abandoned the world, but is instead at work in it, working to bring all of the Creation to its fulfillment. We are called to play a role in that great work. God will judge the impact of our contributions. It is for us to work faithfully, patiently, and lovingly to bring beauty, justice and hope. It is our job to provide some breathing space in a culture that sometimes seems to be choking. This week I've been surrounded by the laughter of children as we worked with our friends at St. Mark's to do Bible School. Sunday we'll take simple food and a smile out on the city streets to the abandoned ones to remind them that they are loved. Our work to renew and beautify our church space and its surroundings work against the tawdry clutter of a rundown commercial area. And we pray - pray for ourselves, pray for others, pray for our community.
Urban planners sometimes call parks and other green spaces the lungs of the city. St. Alexis is that sort of green space - a place where we can breath. Come join with us as we breath deep.
--Chuck