Making Connections in the Rule of Life Project
by Neil Tumber,
The Third Order of the Society of St. Francis
Members of dispersed religious communities throughout the Diocese of Missouri are now busy going to all 40+ churches and worshiping communities in the Diocese to hear how each lives into our baptismal covenant. (see pages 304 & 305 of the Book of Common Prayer). These visits are part of our project with Bishop Deon Johnson to help develop a diocesan rule of life.
In the service of baptism (and confirmation) we are asked, “Will you….” In our visits to each community we are listening to hear your responses to, “How do you…” for each of the covenant promises. We want to hear what you do as a community to serve God and to love your neighbor.
Recently I joined the community at Rockwell House Episcopal Campus Ministry at their regular weekly fellowship gathering. Rockwell House serves university students in the St. Louis area by providing warm welcome – a home away from home – and a safe place to be yourself. They seek to grow their faith through friendship, food, and fun!
At the gathering, I was encouraged to speak of my own calling to follow a rule of life as a Franciscan. From that, the conversation explored what it might mean for each individual and for the group together to follow a rule of life. In discussing the covenant vows, the group described their ministry as providing a safe haven. The evening closed with a joyful and prayerful celebration of Compline (see page 127 of the Book of Common Prayer).
We, the group doing the research to define a rule of life for the diocese, look forward to visiting you soon.
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