As diverse as Jackson is, you can also find a plethora of levels of spirituality. Here are a few of some of the well-known. If you know of any other worship options, please add to http://www.jackpedia.com.
Broadmeadow United Methodist Church
4419 Broadmeadow Drive, 601-366-1403
http://www.broadmeadow.org
Broadmeadow's Hoops Project, also known as Books, Bibles and Basketball, involves tutoring for seventh to 12th grade students, particularly at-risk youth, in the north Fondren area and beyond. The students who participate in tutoring make up a junior and senior varsity basketball league that competes with teams from other area churches and synagogues. Church members, Millsaps College students, interns from the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, and young professionals in the area volunteer to serve as tutors, mentors and coaches. Tutoring is Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church, following a meal at 5:30 p.m. Basketball practices Monday afternoons. Ask for Ryan McGough or Pastor Rob Hill for more information.
Jackson Zen Dojo
4308 Old Canton Road, 662-263-4754
http://www.zeninmississippi.org
The Jackson Zen Group welcomes all ages to the dojo for meditation. The group practices in the Soto tradition of Zen Buddhism with ordained monk Tony Bland. Meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for 30-minute sessions and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for two 30-minute zazen periods with kinhin, walking meditation, in between. The only requirements are to follow the form used for practice and wear comfortable clothing that covers the legs. The dojo asks that you call ahead of time and plan to arrive early, so someone can introduce you to the practice.
Beth Israel Congregation
5315 Old Canton Road, 601-956-6215
http://www.bethisraelms.org
The Beth Israel Congregation is the largest Reform Jewish congregation in Mississippi, according to its website. Friday Shabbat Services are at 6:15 p.m. Saturday Shabbat Services are at 9 a.m., followed by Torah study at 10:15 a.m. College-aged students have the opportunity to participate in community service through Stewpot, Meals On Wheels and the Dream Street Foundation.
First Baptist of Jackson
431 N. State St., 601-949-1900, fbcj.org
The college ministry at First Baptist of Jackson offers a casual and contemporary Sunday morning worship option, called The Link, which meets at 10:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall east. On Wednesday night, there is a service at 6:30 p.m. Congregants also volunteer with the inner-city non-profit organization, Mission First.
St. Alexis Episcopal Church
650 E. South St., 601-944-0415
http://www.stalexisjackson.org
A church that was started with the goal of being opened to everyone, St. Alexis puts an emphasis on welcoming young people to join in their services. The average age of the congregation is 28 years old. Services are held Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. Dress is informal.
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