Rule of Life
Will you continue in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers?
Participants in the life of St. Julian’s will strive to participate weekly in the service of Holy Communion recognizing that when we gather as Christ’s Body and break bread and share wine we are given the spiritual nourishment we need both for ourselves and to be agents of God’s love and peace each day of each week. Additionally, we will support our community in which we are spiritually fed by making an annual financial pledge to support the mission and ministry of St. Julian’s. This ministry is the work of every participant and will only exist through the prayers, time and support of every participant.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Participants in the life of St. Julian’s will use the seasons of Advent and Lent in the church year to take account of our lives through a process of inwardly discerning areas God may be calling us to grow and change and then make intentional steps to turn (repent) and walk in a new direction. This may or may not include fasting and participating in the Rite of Reconciliation (BCP p. 447).
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
Participants in the life of St. Julian’s will intentionally participate in regular scripture study and daily personal prayer in order to come to know and love the Lord in ever deeper ways recognizing that as we grow closer to Jesus or witness to God’s love in the world with our words and actions is ever more impactful. This will include taking advantage of our home groups for bible study and the daily office in Book of Common Prayer for personal/family prayer (Daily Devotions, BCP p. 137 and The Little Office of Julian, http://www.stjuliansaustin.blogspot.com)
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
Participants in the life of St. Julian’s will share in the mission and outreach work of the community including participating in one short-term mission trip every two years.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
Participants in the life of St. Julian’s will live in a way that is respectful to all persons particularly those who live or believe differently than us. As individuals, we will participate in the political processes of our church and nation trying to make our world more peaceful and just. As a community of faith, we will be apolitical respecting and welcoming all healthy forms of diversity while boldly and unapologetically proclaiming Jesus as Lord.
In short, WITH GOD’S HELP, participants in the life of St. Julian’s will strive to live the following rule of life:
—Participate weekly in Holy Communion
—Financially support the mission and ministry of St. Julian’s
—Observe the seasons of special devotion in the church year—Advent and Lent
—Take part in regular scripture study and practice daily personal/family prayer
—Share in the mission and outreach ministry of the community
—Welcome diversity and respect difference
Why have a community rule of life at St. Julian’s?
From the very earliest days of Christianity, following a rule of life has been understood as essential to deepening our relationship with God in Christ who is the source of our heart’s desire. The rule of life provides a necessary, supporting structure that will carry us through the life-long process of becoming the people and community God has created us to be. The practices embedded in this rule of life form us spiritually with wisdom gathered from centuries of Christian spiritual experience and reflection. Finally, the rule of life unites us and deepens our relationship with everyone in the community of St. Julian’s (and for that matter all people in the Body of Christ) because we are practicing this rule of life together as a shared experience.
—borrowed in part from the Order of Julian of Norwich an Episcopal monastic community, http://www.orderofjulian.org