You might notice that the event list below includes a lot about things like hunger, homelessness, and putting our faith into action. This week, 747 will also be dealing with related themes. Why is this important?
Christianity isn't just about an individual relationship with God. The Bible tells us repeatedly that we are the body of Christ -- that God works through our hands and feet. Caring for the poor and oppressed is a major theme in scripture. Think about this over the course of the week: how are your hands doing God's work?
As you explore this further, I hope that all of you join us this Thursday at 7pm for a poverty meal on the SUB1 Quad (or Patiot's Lounge, if weather drives us in). I also hope that you consider joining the group heading to the LSM National Gathering in Chicago over New Years, where we will explore how we are "Transformed to Reach Out!" More details on all of these things is below...
Oh God, how can we hope to do your work in the world? Help us to help those who suffer, those who hunger, those who are lonely, and to spread your loving grace to all we encouter. Help us to follow where you lead us. 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:
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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.)
747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP: Wednesdays at 7:47pm in the JC BISTRO this week -- you can find the complete room schedule at http://GMU747.org -- 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). Also check out the Facebook group. (Next week, we'll be talking about hunger and poverty related issues.)
HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS ACTION WEEK: We're recruiting student volunteers to help make this the best HHAW ever! First meeting is this Thursday at 9pm (if you can make it). The primary job is for people to contact student orgs (we'll show you how) and get them involved in the following ways: (1) choose and event, promote it, and commit membership to participate; (2) sponsor a food drive drop-off location; (3) provide volunteers to staff HQ. Let us know ASAP if you are interested.
BROKEN BREAD POVERTY MEAL: On the Quad 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...
KIDS, T-SHIRTS, AND HOMELESSNESS: On Monday, Oct. 20th, we'll gather at SUB1 room 207 at 6:00PM to depart to help kids paint T-shirts for a mini-walk to help the homeless. Rides are provided and we'll return to campus around 8:30pm. This is part of our ongoing partnership with NOVACO, an organization that helps homeless victims of domestic abuse become self-sufficient.
LUTHERAN STUDENT MOVEMENT NATIONAL GATHERING: Spend December 31st - January 4th at the Downtown Westin in Chicago at this gathering open to all college students across the country (you do not have to be Lutheran or attend a particular school). These are a ton of fun and I highly recommend going. The theme: "Transformed to Reach Out!" is about how we use our faith in the world, and it looks like they have a few great speakers lined up. We'll be staying on "The Magnificent Mile" and will definately have some free time to explore the Windy City. The total cost is $350 (programming & quad room) + transportation to Chicago, but we're working to offset the cost so money isn't what keeps you from going -- so please talk to me ASAP if you are interested in going, but are worried about the money. I'm really looking forward to this event and hope that you can join me!
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 helping out at a thrift store, meeting and feeding those living in shelters, fixing up and painting 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
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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
