The fatal trampling of a Wal-Mart staffer by shoppers trying to get the best deals on "black Friday" has a lot of people talking. It sounds like the shoppers at that store were more upset that the store closed for a few hours, than that a person died. Advent is a time of expectant waiting, preparation, and celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ. It's great to give gifts to our friends and family, but the consumerist way that we celebrate Christmas has gotten out of control. I encourage you to take time this Advent to focus on Jesus. Spend time with scripture and think about what the birth of this child means for you, and for the world.
REFLECTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY -- Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries are providing a daily meditation guide for students, written by those involved with the University Lutheran Center at South Dakota State University. Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for your copy. (You can subscribe a different email devotional here or view online here .)
747 this week will be in SUB I meeting room B (on the 3rd floor). All are welcome, and every week is different. If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? Feed your hunger for community Wednesday, 12/3 at 7:47pm.
CHRISTMAS PARTY: On Friday, Dec. 5th, we'll gather on campus to watch Christmas movies, eat holiday cookies, hang out, etc. 3pm-9pm. Contact lutheran@gmu.edu for more address and other details, or RSVP for the Facebook event!
STUDY BREAK: Help make Christmas more JOYFUL for families in need: We'll help out at shopping day at the Katherine K Hanley Shelter by playing with kids while parents shop, or maybe wrapping gifts and acting as personal shoppers. Sunday, December 14th meeting at the 20 minute parking behind SUB I at 12:30pm. We'll return by 3:30pm, so you can get back to studying. Facebook event .
"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.
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Lord, help us to step outside the consumerist chaos of our culture, to spend this Advent focusing on you. Help us to see you more clearly during these weeks. In Christ we pray, AMEN.
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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.
