Christian Education Offerings

Holy Week Labyrinth Walk

The Chapel of the Cross, University Presbyterian, University Methodist, Orange Methodist, Carrboro Methodist, Holy Family, Church of Reconciliation, and Binkley Baptist churches are sponsoring a labyrinth walk throughout Holy Week. The labyrinth, patterned after the famous 11-circuit one at Chartres Cathedral in France, will be on the sanctuary floor at Binkley Baptist, located at the intersection of 15-501 and Willow Drive, adjacent to University Mall, from Sunday, April 4, through mid-day on Good Friday, April 9.

The winding path that today is walked in prayer and meditation dates back to the 12th century European cathedrals, particularly in France and Italy. In its earliest use, the labyrinth was walked as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. As a pilgrimage it was a questing, searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God. Sometimes this 11-circuit labyrinth would serve as a substitute for an actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

There will be two introductions to the labyrinth during adult education (10:20 - 11:05) on Sundays, March 21 and 28. The hours the labyrinth will be open to the public are:

Sunday, April 4 Youth Walk 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Monday, April 5 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

(4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Children's Walk with Orientation Sessions at 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, April 7 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 8 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday, April 9 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with Service around the Labyrinth from noon - 1:00 p.m.

Bring or wear socks for walking. A love offering will be received to help with the cost.

2003-2004 Ethics Series Concludes

Dr. Harmon L. Smith will conclude the Ethics Series on Monday evening, April 5, at 7:30, in the chapel. He will address medical ethics. Dr. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology in the Divinity School of Duke University, joined the faculty in 1962. In 1974 he received joint appointments to the medical faculty as Professor of Community and Family Medicine. He is an Episcopal priest, canonically resident in the Diocese of North Carolina, and a member of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. Formerly a Priest Associate of St. Philip's Church, Durham, he is currently Vicar of St. Mark's Church, Roxboro. His teaching and research were principally in the fields of Christian ethics and medical ethics. He is the author of several volumes and has been a frequent contributor to religious, scientific, and medical publications. Having delivered numerous named lectureships, Dr. Smith has lectured in both America and Europe at more than 200 colleges and universities and in more than 100 medical schools and hospitals.

Celtic Spirituality

"That I might search all books and from their chart,

Find my soul's calm!"

St. Columba's "Song of Exile"

The ancient Celts believed in the communion of all living things and sought harmony between nature and the human soul.

Rev. Olson is a retired Presbyterian minister who lives in Fearrington. She has traveled in Scotland and worked with J. Philip Newell, former warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, who is an internationally acclaimed author and scholar living in Edinburgh. Join us as we learn more about the Celtic Spirit.

Lenten Offering:

"Journey to Jerusalem"

The special offering for the Lenten season has been designated for children and youth programs in the Diocese of Jerusalem. As Jesus entered the city for the Passover celebration for the last time, we are told in Luke's gospel: "As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!'" (Luke 19: 41-42a, NRSV)

Can we imagine that God looks down on Jerusalem today and grieves with similar words?

Our brothers and sisters in Christ face challenges and struggles each day in the land we refer to as holy. They are well acquainted with the consequences of violence and oppression. There are faithful and courageous people working for peace both in Jerusalem and throughout the world, sharing in the work of a just peace. Our national church, individual parishes, and many dioceses provide support through education, prayer, and action. This holy season of Lent, is there a more appropriate way to journey toward Jerusalem than to emphasize through education, prayer, and action the bridge between us? Children and youth throughout the Church School are collecting money to support such programs in the Holy Land like the St. George's Cathedral day camp program, the food and medical clinic at Ahli Hospital in Gaza, the Savior School in Zarqa, and the School Book Program in Amman. If you would like to make a contribution, please use coin banks, coin folders (found in the dining room at the Jerusalem display), or indicate a special offering for Lent on contributions. For additional information, refer to the poster in the dining room or talk directly with Gretchen Jordan.

A Heart for Mission

Vacation Church School 2004

June 14 - 18 has been set as the week for our Vacation Church School program. Each morning from 9:00 to noon, children 4 years of age (4 by October 15, 2004) through 5th graders, will gather to put into action Matthew 25: "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you visited me." A special emphasis for developing a heart for mission will be our support, assistance, and care for the homeless in our midst. The Chapel of the Cross will provide overnight housing and breakfast for up to 24 homeless people in Chapel Hill from July 19 - 31, while the Inter-Faith Council shelter is under renovation. This is a great opportunity for our children, youth, and adults to learn more about how we can respond to Matthew 25 right here at home. Registration forms for VCS are available in the parish office. Youth and adult volunteers are needed to help in all areas for as little as one morning during the week. Call Gretchen Jordan at 929-2193, Ext. 27.