(11/19) Food at 747, Sleep out, Walkathon, Christmas party, more!

Tonight (Wed. 11/19), there will be food before 747 -- come to SUB1 meeting room B on the 3rd floor.  Food will arrive at 7pm, worship will begin at 7:47pm.

HUNGER AND HOMELESS ACTION WEEK is here (November 16-22)!  For more information, join theHHAW Facebook group or visit the website!  Looking for a way to help out?  I'm told "WE NEED MORE PEOPLE AT HEADQUARTERS THURSDAY! If you can be there, please show up to help ... we need more hands."  This is on the North Plaza form 11am-3pm.

Also, don't forget:

Thurs (11/20)  SLEEP OUT against homelessness (North Plaza, 10pm until 7am on Friday)

Looking for an experience that will challenge you with the reality of homelessness? Grab a friend and head to the North Plaza on Thursday at 10PM to experience first hand what it's like to spend the night sleeping on cold pavement...

*** NOTE ***: Beth Porterfield will speak at 10:30 PM about her experiences with homelessness. She spent a year traveling the USA voluntarily homeless to understand poverty in different cities and states around the country, and she worked with the homeless in DC and in Anchorage, AK for several years as a caseworker.  (Beth works for Hope Lutheran Church, which is one of the congregations that sponsors Lutheran Campus Ministry at GMU.)  Don't miss it!

Sat (11/22)  Help the Homeless Walkathon (National Mall, leaving GMU at 6:45pm)
We're sponsoring this!  Team up with Lutheran Campus Ministry and tens of thousands of other people to work toward preventing and ending homelessness in our region.  The money raised by our team will benefit Shelter House, Inc., which is an organization in Fairfax, VA that offers temporary housing to homeless families and helps them transition to a permanent home and stable family life.  Visit http://tinyurl.com/6jyf9h to register for our team!  (Bring your friends -- no one needs to be "Lutheran" to come to our events -- ALL are welcome!)  Email lutheran@gmu.edu for more information

CHRISTMAS PARTY: On Friday, December 5th, we'll gather on campus to watch Christmas movies, hang out, and have a white elephant gift exchange.  More details coming soon!

747 will be at the Mathy House on Wednesday, December 10th -- Join the celebration as we explore the coming of Jesus the Christ, not merely as a historic event, but as something we can anticipate. What does it mean towait for Jesus to come?  There will be socializing, refreshments, music, and worship including song, discussion, and communion.  The Mathy House is the home of President and Mrs. Merten, who have graciously allowed us to use their home for this event. Transportation will be provided by a local congregation who has offered us use of their bus, so invite your friends. We want to make sure that we have enough space and food for everyone, so please RSVP by either emailing rsvp@gmu747.org  or fill out the RSVP form at GMU747.org 

There will also be another service event on either the evening of Friday 12/12 or the afternoon of Sunday 12/14.  Stay tuned!

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.  Be "Transformed to Reach Out!" while staying on "The Magnificent Mile".  Please talk to me ASAP if you are interested in going.

 

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.

 

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.

==================== 

Oh God, sometimes we are lonely.  Sometimes we feel so caught up in the stress of things, that it feels overwhelming.  Help us to find meaning in community.  Help us to see your face in those around us.  Hold us together in Christ.  AMEN.

==================== 

There will be much more next semester -- such as playing with Legos, meeting and feeding those living in shelters, 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.  

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.

--
"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

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week

Each year, the GMU Campus Ministry Association sponsors Hunger and Homelessness Action Week, in part because every faith tradition in the association advocates feeding the hungry and caring for the homeless.  This year, HHAW runs November 16-22, so this annual call to action has just begun!  I encourage you all to attend at least one HHAW event, and to commit to doing more to help people who are homeless and/or hungry.  Lutheran Campus Ministry is very involved in planning and running some of these events, and we have other event throughout the year to help the hungry and homeless.  Here's a quick run-down of what's going on this week:

HHAW Headquarters:  North Plaza, Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm

HHAW Website: http://homelessactionweek.com/

Facebook Group: http://groups.to/hhaw

EVENTS:

Sun (11/16)  Brown Bag Sunday (CCM Chapel, 12-5pm)

Make over 100 brown bag lunches and then bring them to homeless men and women in Washington, DC

Mon (11/17)  Hunger Concert: The Braeded Chord (North Plaza, 12-1pm)

The Braeded Chord has won multiple WAMMIE Awards (Washington Area Music Awards) and have a new CD coming out on November 15th!
Stop by to listen and to get information about Hunger and Homelessness Action Week.

Mon (11/17)  Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau (North Plaza, 1:15-2:15pm)

Hear people who are homeless share their personal experiences with homelessness with us, as well as some ideas on how we may work cooperatively to end this disgrace called homelessness.  This is a powerful event that might alter your perceptions of the people who are homeless that you encounter on the streets.

Thurs (11/20)  Hunger Banquet (SUB II rooms 5-7, 5-7pm)

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement will sponsor an Oxfam hunger banquet in SUB II, rooms 5, 6, and 7. Get an idea of what worldwide hunger is really like through an interactive simulation.

Thurs (11/20)  SLEEP OUT against homelessness (North Plaza, 10pm until 7am on Friday)

Looking for an experience that will challenge you with the reality of homelessness? Grab a friend and head to the North Plaza on Thursday at 10PM to experience first hand what it's like to spend the night sleeping on cold pavement...

*** NOTE ***: Beth Porterfield will speak at 10:30 PM about her experiences with homelessness. She spent a year traveling the USA voluntarily homeless to understand poverty in different cities and states around the country, and she worked with the homeless in DC and in Anchorage, AK for several years as a caseworker.  (Beth works for Hope Lutheran Church, which is one of the congregations that sponsors Lutheran Campus Ministry at GMU.)  Don't miss it!

Sat (11/22)  Help the Homeless Walkathon (National Mall, leaving GMU at 6:45pm)
We're sponsoring this!  Team up with Lutheran Campus Ministry and tens of thousands of other people to work toward preventing and ending homelessness in our region.  The money raised by our team will benefit Shelter House, Inc., which is an organization in Fairfax, VA that offers temporary housing to homeless families and helps them transition to a permanent home and stable family life.  Visit http://tinyurl.com/6jyf9h to register for our team!  (Bring your friends -- no one needs to be "Lutheran" to come to our events -- ALL are welcome!)  Email lutheran@gmu.edu for more information

ALL WEEK DONATION DRIVES:

Food drive – Donate non-perishable food items to help feed people who are hungry in Fairfax county. See the http://homelessactionweek.

com for a list of drop-off locations.

Project Happy Feet – Donate new socks, gloves, and scarves to help homeless men and women keep warm. Bring donations to the LEAD Office, located in SUB I, Room 222.

Living Water – Living Water International provides clean drinking water for millions of people around the world. Monetary donations will be accepted in the North Plaza.

HIPS – Pride Alliance will collect winter clothing, unused beauty supplies for women (particularly lotion, shampoo and conditioner), and gift cards to CVS and supermarkets to benefit HIPS: Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive. Many individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC suffer hunger and homelessness. HIPS is a non-profit organization assisting female, male, and transgender individuals in leading healthy lives. A drop-off box will be in the Pride Office in SUB I, Room 223. For more information, check out the HIPS website at http://hips.org and email Pride Alliance at pride@gmu.edu

(11/10) Kids, 747, Games/Legos, social/service in DC, Hunger and Homelessness Action Week, and more!

I'd like to encourage you to come to worship at 747 this week.  I'm not trying to guilt you into coming.  I just know that everyone will learn more if you are there, because we can hear your viewpoint.  Your presence is important to me, because I enjoy learning more about you.  Each of us is important when we come together.  When we gather in community, each of us has something to contribute.  Come find out what it's all about!  747 will be in the JC Bistro this week at 7:47pm on Wednesday!

Join us tonight (Monday 11/10) as we play games with kids to help NOVACO provide a life skills class for mothers who are homeless victims of domestic abuse by playing games with their children!  This is always a ton of fun!  Meet at 6pm outside SUB1 room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to carpool.  We'll return to campus by 8:30pm.  Join the Facebook event

Are you interested in a creative Christian worship opportunity?  Join us for 747 this Wednesday (11/12) at 7:47pm in the JC Bistro.  Last week we looked at how reconciliation leads to community.  What will we talk about this week/  Show up to find out!  Also, check out the GMU747 Facebook group! 

This Friday (11/14), we'll gather in SUB1 Patriot's Lounge to play games and build things with Legos from 4pm-6pm.

Interested in meeting students from other colleges to hang out and participate in service together?  Attend the Mid-Atlantic region of the Lutheran Student Movement for a social/service event inWashington, DC.  Crash at St. Paul's Lutheran on Friday (11/14) and spend Saturday (11/15) serving your neighbor and your Lord.  You should be home before 8pm on Saturday.  Let me know if you would like more information.

HUNGER AND HOMELESS ACTION WEEK is coming November 16-22!  For more information, join the HHAW Facebook group or visit the website!  Looking for a way to help out?  

1. Volunteers Needed:  Staff Headquarters --  We are currently in need of VOLUNTEERS to staff our headquarters on the JC North Plaza from 11:00 - 3:00 Monday (11/17) through Friday (11/21).  We are looking for 4 - 5 students and staff to set up and take down, handout information, staff tables, the action tower and corn hole.  Are you able to help? Please email Kayla <kayla.gray@gmail.com> or Kevin <kburke@gmu.edu> with your availability.
2. THIS Friday, Nov. 14th @ 1:00pm - JC Lower Level outside of Dewberry Hall -- Join us as we prepare for HHAW!  We are looking for volunteers to help cut and assemble materials for our Action Board, we will also blow up balloons and make decorations for headquarters and weather permitting send people out chalking!  All you have to do is bring a friend and show up!  See you there!

CHRISTMAS PARTY: On Friday, December 5th, we'll gather on campus to watch Christmas movies, hang out, and have a white elephant gift exchange.  More details coming soon!

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.  Be "Transformed to Reach Out!" while staying on "The Magnificent Mile".  Please talk to me ASAP if you are interested in going.

 

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.

 

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.

==================== 

Oh God, sometimes we are lonely.  Sometimes we feel so caught up in the stress of things, that it feels overwhelming.  Help us to find meaning in community.  Help us to see your face in those around us.  Hold us together in Christ.  AMEN.

==================== 

There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with Legos, meeting and feeding those living in shelters, 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.  

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.

(11/6) *correction* and urgent announcements!

Hello friends!

Sorry for sending out a second message this week, but here are a few important announcement:

(1) We will playing games on Friday (11/14), *not* tomorrow.  We'll gather in Patriot's Lounge to play games and build things with Legos from 4pm-6pm on Friday (11/14).

(2) We really need a couple more volunteers to play games with kids on Monday (11/10) as we play games with kids to help NOVACO provide a life skills class for mothers who are homeless victims of domestic abuse by playing games with their children!  This is always a ton of fun!  Meet at 6pm outside SUB1 room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to carpool.  We'll return to campus by 8:30pm.  Join the Facebook event or email me to let me know.

(3) An announcement from the student planning team for HUNGER AND HOMELESS ACTION WEEK: 

Thank you for your interest in Hunger and Homelessness Action Week (Sunday, Nov. 16 - Saturday, Nov. 22).  We are currently in need of VOLUNTEERS to staff our headquarters on the JC North Plaza from 11:00 - 3:00 Monday through Friday.  We are looking for 4 - 5 students and staff to set up and take down, handout information, staff tables, the action tower and corn hole.  Are you able to help? Please REPLY or email kayla.gray@gmail.com with your availability.
*** Feel free to forward this email to friends!  Thank you for taking ACTION against hunger and homelessness! ***

Have a great weekend!

(11/5): 747, games/Legos, kids, LSM in DC, HHAW, Alternative Spring Break trip, and more!

A new U.S. President has just been elected -- and this campaign season has been a bit divisive.  How do we reconcile our differences?  Join us for 747 this Wednesday (11/5) at 7:47pm in the JC Bistro as we explore how our faith impacts our view of community.  I'm not sure if there will be food ahead of time this week, but there is usually at least something to munch on.  We explore different issues of faith together each week.  Check out the Facebook group! 

 

This Friday (11/7), we'll gather in Patriot's Lounge to play games and build things with Legos from 4:30pm-7pm.

Join us on Monday (11/10) as we play games with kids to help NOVACO provide a life skills class for mothers who are homeless victims of domestic abuse by playing games with their children!  This is always a ton of fun!  Meet at 6pm outside SUB1 room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to carpool.  We'll return to campus by 8:30pm.  Join the Facebook event

Interested in meeting students from other colleges to hang out and participate in service together?  Attend the Mid-Atlantic region of the Lutheran Student Movement for a social/service event in Washington, DC.  Crash at St. Paul's Lutheran on Friday (11/14) and spend Saturday (11/15) serving your neighbor and your Lord.  Let me know if you would like more information.

HUNGER AND HOMELESS ACTION WEEK is coming November 16-22!  Events will include homeless speakers from the National Coalition for the Homeless , a Braeded Chord concert, a SLEEP OUT on the North Plaza , food and clothing drives, a walk around the National Mall to help the homeless (join the "Lutheran Campus Ministry at GMU" team ),  and much more! Join the HHAW Facebook group to stay updated!

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.  Be "Transformed to Reach Out!" while staying on "The Magnificent Mile".  Please talk to me ASAP if you are interested in going.

 

"ALTERNATIVE" SPRING BREAK TRIP: Spend your spring break helping families in the continuing disaster recovery efforts along the gulf coast.  No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.  Please let us know if you are thinking of going.

 

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.

==================== 

Dear Lord, help us to unite with those around us -- to see what you love in each person.  We pray for those that govern, that they may find themselves bringing about your will on earth, as we seek to work toward those ends with our hands as you guide us.  In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

==================== 

There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with Legos, meeting and feeding those living in shelters, 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.  

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.