Tuesday, January 27, 2009

(1/27) Ask Anything / Rememberence Vigil / Game Night and Potluck / SPRING BREAK TRIP / more!

Greeting friends! How do you do on this snowy day?  I look forward to taking our dog on a snowy adventure later this afternoon.

This week we honor the life of a student whose life has been cut short. Her death is a difficult time for many, and it touches our community through those in our community who knew her, through her involvement last year with United College Ministries, and through her impact on the Mason community as a whole. We have faith that even now God holds her close in love, and we rely on God's presence in our lives as we mourn her loss and celebrate her life.

Lord God, your love is so deep that words cannot capture it.
When we feel like we are alone, help us to remember that you are always with us. 
When our hearts are breaking, help us to find your peace.
We trust in your mercy. We rest in your being. We thank you for your grace.
In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Take a look at our upcoming events below. Also, join the Facebook groups for GMU Lutherans and GMU747 to stay connected.
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ASK ANYTHING: Wed 1/28 at 2:30pm in SUB II VIP 3. We're blessed to have Pastor Lisa Hufford with us for the semester. Come share an afternoon snack, and explore some of the challenges of our human hearts and the beliefs of the Christian faith. This week we'll be discussing the nature of God. We will consider the ideas of various Christian thinkers, pertinent biblical passages, along with our own personal thoughts, experiences, and questions. If you have questions you'd like addressed -- ask anything. We don't claim to have all the answers, but we'll take your questions seriously. (Note: Just ask the SUB II Info Desk where the VIP rooms are if you don't know.)

IDEA SHARING: Anyone interested in sharing ideas for activities this semester is invited to meet 7pm on Wed 1/28 in Patriot's Lounge (SUB I by the Info Desk). Let us know what is on your heart and mind. Do you want to serve meals to people who are homeless? Maybe you are intersted in playing board games and watching movies? Perhaps you have a burning question about God you'd like addressed, or would be interested in being part of a small group. Whatever it is, this would be a great time to share your ideas with us.

747 ATTENDING THE REMEMBRANCE VIGIL IN HONOR OF BRITTNEY KITTRELL: We'll gather at 7:47pm on Wed 1/28 in Patriot's Lounge (SUB I by the Info Desk). A few minutes before 8pm, we'll walk as a group to the clocktower to honor the life of Brittney Kittrell (rain location is Ciao Hall in SUB II). More information on 747 including future locations can be found at http://GMU747.org 

POTLUCK / GAME NIGHT:  Friday 1/30 from 5pm-8pm in JC Meeting Room D (3rd floor).  Bring a snack to share (if you want) and we'll hang out and play some games.  I'll be bringing Apples to Apples, Settlers of Catan, Cranium, Scattegories, FLUXX, and more! 

SEMINARY EXCURSION: Friday 2/6 - Sunday 2/8.  Some of us will be going to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia for a FREE weekend of fun, learning, prayer, and discernment.  If you might be interested in going, let me know ASAP and I'll get you more details.  

LOST AND FOUND CONCERT: We'll meet at the 20 minute parking behind SUB I at 4:30pm on Friday 2/27 to head to the Lost and Found concert at Peace Lutheran in Waldorf, MD. (We're allowing extra time to cross the bridge into Maryland during rush hour.) If you've never seen Lost and Found in concert, their quirky music and great sense of humor make this a unique experience you won't want to miss!  There is nothing I know comparable to their music, and you kind of have to see them live in concert in order to "get it" -- so RSVP by email or to this Facebook event and then come along for an evening of music and amusement.  Admission is $10.

HARVEST OF HOPE (alternative spring break service mission trip): Travel south to sunny Jacksonville, Florida with us for spring break as we help do God's work in the world!  We'll be working alongside college students from across the country to gather produce left behind in farmers' fields after harvest to be delivered to food banks and people in need across the USA. We'll also learn how our lifestyles impact hunger and we'll worship and grow spiritually. Come prepared to work, but this is your spring break, so also expect to have some fun! We'll also have some downtime to spend hanging out on the beach!  Saturday 3/7 at 2pm - Sunday 3/15 at 2pm. The cost for our students is $100. (Scholarships are available.) Spaces are limited, so please let us know soon if you are interested in going!


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Sharing the loving grace of God who renews the world through Jesus Christ crucified.  Our servant community laughs, questions, worships,
struggles, prays, volunteers, and grows together.  Through Lutheran Campus Ministry, students are encouraged to explore what it means to follow Christ throughout the many opportunities and challenges that life presents.  http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran