This past Sunday, some of us carpooled to worship at Bethlehem Lutheran. I was struck by a couple lines in their prayers (paraphrased):
"We pray for all those like us, and all those who are not like us."
"We pray for all those who are unattractive to us, for whatever reason."
Isn't that cool? How often do we remember to pray for those who are "not like us". Those who are richer or poorer than us. Those who appear ugly or mean-spirited to us. Those who like different political candidates or belong to organizations that threaten our views. Those who are in positions of power or those those who are out on the margins of society.
Yet, in a way, they are all like us:
We all know dissappointment, loss, fear, and resentment.
We all have desires, hopes, and dreams.
We are all part of the human family, created by God, blessed with the gift of life.
Dear Lord, today we pray for those who aren't like us, for whatever reasons. We pray for their well being. We pray for their peace. We pray that you give them food to eat, clothes to wear, and a warm place to sleep. We pray that you give them what they need most in life, even if they don't know they need it. We pray that you are with them in their stuggles, as you are with us in ours. In all things, may your will be done. In Jesus name, Amen.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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(All times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Check for updates at http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran or the "GMU Lutherans" Facebook group.)
Kiosk: Wednesday (1/30/2008), 10am-Noon. If you want to know more about us, come & talk to us. If you want to help people learn more about us, come & represent us. Bring some friends along -- everyone is welcome! Link to Facebook event.
Gospel According to the Simpsons: Friday, 3pm-4pm. We'll meet in Johnson Center meeting room B (3rd floor) to watch an episode of the Simpsons, laugh together, & discuss. Bring some friends along -- everyone is welcome! Link to Facebook event.
Sunday Morning Worship: We'll meet at the Parking Services building by the Sandy Creek Parking Deck at 10:30am to carpool to worship at a local congregation. Reply to this email or contact Katie Kane for more information. Link to Facebook event.
Ash Wednesday Worship: We'll meet at 7pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at the bus shelter by the Sandy Creek Parking Deck to carpool to worship at a local congregation.
Hypothermia Shelter: We'll be helping out by providing hospitality for an evening -- assisting with dinner, comversation with the guests, playing cards, making coffee, emptying garbage ... whatever. Join us on Friday, February 15th departing campus at 4:15pm to help prevent hypothermia deaths in Fairfax County this winter. We'll meet at the bus shelter by the Sandy Creek Parking Deck. Link to Facebook event. (They are also looking for people to volunteer for the 5pm-11pm shift or the overnight shift throughout the week. Contact me for more details!)
Survey: Please don't forget to take a few minutes for this survey so that our ministry can work to better serve you!
Office Hours: Each week I'll spend some hours in the Campus Ministry office (SUB I room 207). Anyone is welcome to stop in to chat. Hours will be kept on the GMU Lutherans calendar visible at the bottom of this page -- and you can also email or call me to set up another time to meet if my office hours aren't convenient for you!
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Experience the loving grace of God renewing the world through Jesus Christ crucified. Our servant community laughs, questions, worships, hopes, struggles, prays, volunteers, and grows together. GMU Lutherans.
Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19907586200
Website: http://gmulutherans.blogspot.com/
