This coming Sunday, July 25th, we’re going to have a meeting after the 9:00 Service to talk about how St. Nicholas’ can reach out to students, faculty, and staff at Midland College.
College years are times of both transition and formation; and what we have to offer at St. Nicholas’ could be attractive to students who are searching for a religious faith that is different from what they have experienced. Also, we provide a distinctive approach to the Christian faith that may be appealing to faculty and staff who are looking for an alternative to the general religious culture of Midland. At the same time, such a ministry could be part of our outreach to the Hispanic community, which is well represented throughout Midland College.
Things that occur to me, more of less off the top of my head, are some sort of physical presence at Registration, discussion groups or panels, an occasional meal at the parish for students, pamphlets about St. Nicholas’ and the Episcopal Church, and posters publicizing special events at the parish. I know that there are currently three “Christian Fellowship” campus organizations—a Baptist group, one from Mid-Cities, and another one called “Invictus”. Whatever we come up will, I expect, be a bit different.
I don’t know how realistic any of this is; but I hope that we can talk about possibilities and come up with one or two realistic and helpful ideas for the Fall semester.
If you are interested, please feel free to join us after Church on Sunday or to share here any ideas or suggestions you might have. This is a great ministry opportunity that we need to assume.
Fr. Jim