Greetings! I hope that everyone had a restful weekend. On Monday (9/15) we'll be playing board games and such with kids for a couple hours so their mothers (homeless victims of domestic abuse) can attend a life skills class. More details below.
On Wednesday at 7:47pm, 747 will be in a different location: Patriots Lounge (middle level of SUB1 by the Info desk). Last week we talked about how sometimes we need to step out in faith to use the gifts God has given us ... understanding that God trusts us enough to want us to take such risks. This week's theme: JOY AND THANKSGIVING IN THE GIFTS OF GOD. I understand this may include balloons, candy, games, and more! Join us this Wednesday at 7:47pm in the Patriots Lounge -- EVERYONE is invited, so invite your friends!
When we say EVERYONE is welcomed, we mean it. We have taken a stand as a Reconciling in Christ ministry that seeks to provide a warm and welcoming environment for ALL people regardless of doubts, political affiliations, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other societal divisions. We know the world is often an unloving place, full of alienation and brokenness. Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness, challenging us to be agents of healing within our society. We affirm each individual's identity as God's loved child, and we welcome everyone with open minds and hearts as we listen to the story of each person's life.
God, help us to overcome our fears and societal divisions. Free us to follow Jesus in reconciling the whole world to you by feeding the hungry, loving the unloved, clothing the naked, and seeing those who society wishes were invisible. Allow us to see the world through your eyes. AMEN.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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(In general, ALL students, faculty, or staff at GMU or any other college in northern Virginia are invited and welcomed at our events. Being "Lutheran" is never expected or required. All times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Check for updates at http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran or the "GMU Lutherans" Facebook group -- also, friend LCM here.)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
====================
(In general, ALL students, faculty, or staff at GMU or any other college in northern Virginia are invited and welcomed at our events. Being "Lutheran" is never expected or required. All times, dates, and locations are subject to change. Check for updates at http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran or the "GMU Lutherans" Facebook group -- also, friend LCM here.)
NOVACO: We'll play with kids! NOVACO helps homeless victims of domestic abuse become self-sufficient. We'll play board games and such with the kids, allowing the mothers time to attend a life skills class. Monday 9/15/2008 meeting at 6pm (in Patriots Lounge outside SUB1 room 207) to carpool to the site -- returning to campus by 8:30pm. Please email us so we know how many people to expect: Lutheran@gmu.edu The location is about 15 minutes from campus, and you can contact us for directions if you want to drive yourself.
747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP: We gather each week to worship, but each week is different. This is never a show to come and watch, but rather a community experience where everyone has something to offer. This week we explore JOY and THANKSGIVING as we look at how we appreciate the gifts of God in our lives. I understand there will be balloons, candy, and games involved. Wednesdays at 7:47pm -- we'll be in the in Patriots Lounge on the middle level of SUB1 this week (9/17/2008) -- but the room changes, so check out the website! We welcome everyone and assert that every person has have valuable insights and talents to share, so feel free to bring your friends along. We're hosting this in cooperation with United College Ministries (UCM). See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group. We hope you join us!
747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP: We gather each week to worship, but each week is different. This is never a show to come and watch, but rather a community experience where everyone has something to offer. This week we explore JOY and THANKSGIVING as we look at how we appreciate the gifts of God in our lives. I understand there will be balloons, candy, and games involved. Wednesdays at 7:47pm -- we'll be in the in Patriots Lounge on the middle level of SUB1 this week (9/17/2008) -- but the room changes, so check out the website! We welcome everyone and assert that every person has have valuable insights and talents to share, so feel free to bring your friends along. We're hosting this in cooperation with United College Ministries (UCM). See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group. We hope you join us!
FALL RETREAT: I'm HUNGRY...and not just for my next meal. I'm hungry for a would where no one wonders IF they will be able to eat at the next mealtime. In hungry for more community, knowledge, insight, meaning, and fulfillment. i get glimpses of these things from day to day...but I'm usually hungry for more. Are you like me? Are you hungry for a weekend away from the 'burbs? I know I am. We'll head off together to the retreat house at Caroline Furnace Camp on October 3-5, 2008. Mark your calendars -- we'll rest and recharge, have fun and play in nature, grow together in community, and talk about both physical and spiritual hunger. Email bbuss@gmu.edu or RSVP on Facebook to sign up now! :-)
BROKEN BREAD POVERTY MEAL: The location is still being ironed out, but on Thursday, October 16th at 7PM, we'll help host a poverty meal of a simple porridge on campus, and we'll discuss the everyday problems encountered by those confronted with AIDS and extreme poverty. More information will be coming soon...
TABLE TALK: Joining our UCM friends for their weekly Table Talk every Thursday at 7pm at St. George's United Methodist Church (4910 Ox Rd, Fairfax -- just south of Braddock). Free food and fellowship! All are welcome. Email dmay@gmu.edu for more information.
There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as meeting and feeding those living in shelters, fixing up a transitional shelter, Wii night in the JC, Habitat for Humanity builds, movie nights, Bible studies, discussions where we learn about other denominations and faiths, and much more! Let us know what you are interested in.
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"Now there is no godlessness, no hatred, no sin which God has not carried, suffered, and atoned. Now there is no reality, no world that is not reconciled and in peace with God. God did this in the beloved son Jesus Christ." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
