Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

The mission statement of the Chapel of the Cross points us toward social outreach: loving others, striving for justice and peace, caring for those in need, and sharing our blessings. The mission of the Social Ministry Committee is to serve God by bringing Christ's love, justice and mercy into the world through education, stewardship, and leadership through social outreach. This means to go beyond the walls of the Chapel of the Cross locally, statewide, nationally, and globally.

There are many scriptural mandates in both the Old and New Testament that direct us to help others in need. Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 says, "If there is anyone in need...you should...give liberally and ungrudgingly.... There will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.'" In John 21, Jesus tells Peter, "Feed my lambs...take care of my sheep...feed my sheep."

At the Chapel of the Cross we have a beautiful worship space and wonderful liturgy, but part of our responsibility as Christians is to move out beyond our doors and try to make a positive difference in the world. James 1:22 tells us not to merely listen to the Word; we must do what it says.

The Social Ministry Committee provides opportunities for the parish to put God's Word into practice. Not only do we plan projects to help those in need, but we also are listening ears where parishioners can come and ask for support for projects they want to initiate. We meet on the first Sunday of the month at Community House, the men's shelter, at 1:00 p.m.Visitors are always welcome to join us and to bring new ideas.

Some examples of our programs on the local level include this fall's Project 5000, which provided an opportunity to feed the poor. We also have delivered chopped wood to those needing fuel. In early December we visited the Orange Correctional Center for dinner. The committee and several students contributed funds to the men's culinary class giving the prisoners an opportunity to learn to prepare special foods. On January 9 the Social Ministry Committee will have an Epiphany Intergenerational Event during the Sunday School hour featuring three local and two international agencies: Freedom House (a facility helping those needing detoxification and life skills to leave substance abuse behind), Project HomeStart (the women's and children's shelter), Orange Correctional Center , El Hogar (an orphanage and technical school for boys ages 5-16 in Honduras), and Mideast Refugee Resettlement. Parishioners will have the opportunity to learn about the wonderful work of these agencies and make something useful for those they serve. Come and join us on January 9 and be a doer of the Word.

The Chapel of the Cross abounds with opportunities to serve Christ beyond our parish walls. Please consider these many opportunities and choose the best place to get involved. Make a positive difference in the world.

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The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.