Reflections

Reflections As I write this newsletter the Grove is beginning to fill up with football fans from far and wide. Even though the game between Ole Miss and LSU is not until 5:00pm on Saturday, the town of Oxford began to see an uptick in people and traffic beginning on Wednesday. Oxford and the University are in the midst of a terribly important liturgy and ritual that, if done well, will shape our perception of reality according to the values implicit and explicit in the liturgy. Football weekends are one of the great liturgical experiences of our part of the world. Tents are set up in the Grove as early as Friday night, and everyone knows his/her space. All day long ( and well into the night!) there will be eating and drinking, and storytelling and reconnecting with old friends. There is a predictable rhythm (liturgy?) to it all that works to shape and form the identity of Ole Miss football fans. Some know how important this liturgy is so they include their children in the pageantry of Grove and football as soon as they are able to participate. We want them to know what we know; to experience what we experienced; to believe what we believe. This whole ritual is not a bad thing. Indeed, it is the way a people, a society, a culture shapes its identity and passes on its deepest values. Hotty Toddy! That is also why we gather as people Sunday after Sunday to do the same identity-shaping thing. It’s a different story we tell, of course. The values and heritage that are shared in our liturgy are different, but the process of conveying the story, the values and the heritage are remarkably similar. It is mostly a slow process that seeps into our lives through the regular rhythm of worship week after week. Some experience the liturgy and instantly feel at home. (Some come to the Grove once and are converted). But for most of us the norm is a slow, but deliberate process of nurture and formation toward the image of Christ. So, if you are going, have fun in the Grove and at Vaught-Hemingway! Be shaped into the image of a true Ole Miss fan. Then join us on Sunday as we seek a deeper identity that is not nearly so dependent on our personal wins and losses. Other Matters of Importance Tutoring Program-Orientation and Training: Tuesday, October 3 at 5:30 For those who have signed up to work as tutors for our after school tutoring program, there will be an orientation and initial training program in the Salt and Light Building October 3 at 5:30pm. If you have not signed up, but have an interest please plan to join us. This is a very important first session, so please make every effort to be with us! Bible Study-The Gospel of John-9:30am on Sundays. The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi- Blessing of Animals October 7-9:00am We will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals October 7 at Pocket Park at 9:00am ( note change in time). Bring all your critters( in appropriate restraints), and plan to join us for a morning of fun to celebrate God’s presence and joy in all creation! Salt and Light Building Committee Soliciting Donations-Friday, October 6 The Building/ Decorating Committee for the Salt and Light Building is asking for donations of the following items: Shelving: wire racks and nice bookshelves Kitchen items, including -refrigerator -island, or stainless steel prep table Matching loveseats, or upholstered/ couch Upholstered or leather armchairs Lamps Coffee table Pews Dining room or work table Rubbermaid storage containers Nicely framed art or photos Cleaning supplies The Committee would like for donors to bring the items to the Salt and Light building between the hours of 2:00 and 6:00 on Friday, October 6. The plan is to furnish the building, the tag all unused items for sale as a part of the City Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, October 7! Volunteers are needed to help with tagging and unpacking from 5:00-8:00pm on Friday, and with yard selling from 7:00 am to 2:00pm on Saturday. Search your closets and storage sheds! Free! Crepe Myrtle of Surprise Color! Where? Front of Nativity on the left as you face the Church: currently wedged between a hydrangea and the Church siding and unable to reach its full potential. Free for the digging; Nativity will be responsible for refilling the hole. Interested? Contact Suzy Robinson. See you Sunday! Blessings and Peace, Duncan Dmgrayiii@gmail.com (601)260-1937