(2/26) Lenten Devotions, Rollins, Lost & Found, KKH Shelter, Theology Pub, and more!

Hello friends!  Sorry for sending a 2nd email this week.  I decided at the last minute due to student requests to once again write daily Lenten devotions.  For example, one student said "I know alot of my friends were especially touched by them and I have some more friends who I think will be touched by them as well."  

To view them online and/or subscribe by email/RSS, visit http://lentendevotions.blogspot.com. 

Alternatively, you can join the "Lenten Devotions" Facebook group, and I'll send them as messages to the group.

 

I also wanted to point out that we'll now meet for the Lost and Found concert *inside* at the Campus Ministry office (SUB 1 room 207) since there is a chance of rain.  (Email me if you would be willing to help drive for this, as we might be able to use an additional car or two.)

There is currently ONE space available for the Harvest of Hope service-mission trip over spring break.  See http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php for information and applications.

Reminder of our MANY upcoming events below...including events tonight, tomorrow night, Saturday afternoon, etc.

Grace and peace, Ben

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you wish to unsubscribe, respond to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Note: *OFFICE* = The Campus Ministry office, which is SUB 1 room 207.

PETER ROLLINS SPEAKING TOUR:  We'll be exploring post-modern Christianity and addressing its revolutionary and transformative potential with this writer, speaker, lecturer, and coordinator of the experimental collective Ikon.  Learn more about him at http://peterrollins.net -- Meet TONIGHT Thursday 2/26 at 6pm at the *OFFICE* to carpool to Vienna and take the Metro to Clarendon. Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending. (Admission is FREE, only cost is for Metro)

LOST AND FOUND CONCERT: We'll meet at the *OFFICE* at 4:30pm on Friday 2/27 to head to a Lost and Found concert.  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!  Facebook event.  Admission is $10.

HELP SERVE A MEAL AT THE KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER: A safe, temporary home for homeless families needing assistance and helps families develop plans to locate permanent housing.  Please wear clean comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts.  We'll meet in SUB I at the *OFFICE*.  We can only take 1-3 volunteers each trip, so please email lutheran@gmu.edu or RSVP on the Facebook event if you can attend Saturday 2/28 meeting at 11:15am and returning around 1:45pm.

THEOLOGY PUB:  Gather at Brion's Grille in University Mall (across Braddock from GMU) to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  Bring your questions!  No barriers to entry. No one will imply they somehow have the truth and you don't.  All are welcome, so bring a friend and come order yourselves some food and a beverage and join us for some great conversation!  Tuesday 3/3 at 5:15pm at Brion's Grille. Facebook event. If you want a ride, email lutheran@gmu.edu 

DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH:  Come share an afternoon snack, and explore some of the challenges of our human hearts and the beliefs of the Christian faith.  Pastor Lisa Hufford will lead us as we consider the ideas of various Christian thinkers, pertinent biblical passages, along with our own personal thoughts, experiences, and questions.  Next weekly meeting is Wed 3/4 at 4:30pm in SUB 1 Patriot's Lounge (2nd floor on the blue couches).  

747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP:  We gather each week to worship, discuss, sing, pray, and more!  Wednesday 2/23 in JC Bistro.  When we journey in Lent, we journey together.  I invite you to consider Lent a time to focus on your spiritual disciplines, to attend church regularly this season, making the sacrifice of giving, and gifting your time in prayer and reflection.  Join us as we journey together.  Bring a friend!  Every week is a different experience.  See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group . 

HARVEST OF HOPE (alternative spring break service mission trip): ONE space currently available!  See http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php for information and applications.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?  HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUMMER CAMP?
You think I'm joking?  Nope -- being a camp counselor was one of the most powerful summers of my life.  Summer camp changes lives -- both for the campers and the counselors.  I would love it if our dedicated faithful students spent this summer in the daily lives of young people.  Have I wet your appetite?  Drop me a line and we can chat about great places to spend your summer!

AND MORE: There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with kids, movie nights, Bible studies, Habitat for Humanity builds, game nights, and much more!  Let us know what you are interested in.  

Note: *OFFICE* = The Campus Ministry office, which is SUB 1 room 207.

(2/23) Ash Wednesday; Concert; Service; Theology Pub; Peter Rollins; Discussions; MORE!

In each season of the Church year, we focus on different aspects of God's continuing revelation.  This Wednesday we begin the season of Lent, which lasts forty days, not counting Sundays.  

Lent is a tradition many continue to follow, but without the focus of what it calls us to do and be.  Lent is not forty days where you just give up something, and it isn't about wallowing in guilt.  The Taize Book of Common Prayer describes these forty days as "a celebration of the joy of God's forgiveness."  Lent is a life changing re-alignment that reawakens faith and drives us into a deeper relationship.  This is our desire for Lent: not old habits perpetuated but new life instilled.  

We begin Lent with Ash Wednesday services (February 25th, information below).  We want this to be done in humility and honesty and so our services will be filled with contemplation, prayer, and times for confession and surrender.  We invite you to come to our service open to seeking a new way of walking with Christ.

When we journey in Lent, we journey together.  I invite you to consider Lent a time to focus on your spiritual disciplines, to attend church regularly this season, making the sacrifice of giving, and gifting your time in prayer and reflection.  Join us as we journey together. 

Make our hearts more like yours this season, Lord.  Give us a desire to follow you more closely and conform our will to yours.  AMEN.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you wish to unsubscribe, respond to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH: 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. We will consider the ideas of various Christian thinkers, pertinent biblical passages, along with our own personal thoughts, experiences, and questions.  Next weekly meeting is Wed 2/25 at 4:30pm in SUB 1 Patriot's Lounge (2nd floor on the blue couches).  

747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP:  We gather each week to worship, discuss, sing, pray, and more!  Wednesday 2/23 in JC Bistro.  This week, we observe Ash Wednesday in a service of communal confession and personal introspection.  Bring a friend!  Every week is a different experience.  See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group . 

PETER ROLLINS "LESSONS IN EVANDALISM" TOUR:  Peter Rollins is a writer, public speaker, lecturer and coordinator of the experimental collective Ikon.  His most recent book is "How (Not) to Speak of God" and you can learn more about him at http://peterrollins.net -- Through a mix of parables, philosophy and discussion Peter will be exploring post-modern Christianity and addressing its dangerous, revolutionary and transformative potential.  We'll meet Thursday 2/26 at 6pm outside SUB I room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to drive to Vienna and take the Metro to Clarendon. (FREE)  Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending.

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 a Lost and Found concert.  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!  Facebook event.  Admission is $10.

HELP SERVE A MEAL AT THE KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER: A safe, temporary home for homeless families needing assistance and helps families develop plans to locate permanent housing.  Please wear clean comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts.  We'll meet in SUB I outside the Campus Ministry Office (by the couches).  We can only take 1-3 volunteers each trip, so please email lutheran@gmu.edu or RSVP on Facebook if you can attend Saturday 2/28 meeting at 11:15am and returning around 1:45pm -- Facebook event .

THEOLOGY PUB:  Gather at Brion's Grille in University Mall (across Braddock from GMU) to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  Bring your questions!  No barriers to entry. No one will try to change your beliefs and no one will imply they somehow have the truth and you don't.  All are welcome, so come order yourself some food and a beverage and join us for some great conversation!  Tuesday 3/3 at 5:15pm at Brion's Grille. Facebook event . If you want a ride, email lutheran@gmu.edu 

HARVEST OF HOPE (alternative spring break service mission trip): Spaces are currently full, but we do have a waitlist going.  See http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php for information and applications.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?  HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUMMER CAMP?
You're probably thinking I can't be serious.  Summer Camp?  Isn't it a joke?  Nope -- I jest not.  Summer camp changes lives -- both for the campers and the counselors.  Being a camp counselor was certainly one of the most powerful summers of my life.  I would love it if we could send our dedicated faithful students into the daily lives of young people all summer long.  Have I wet your appetite?  Drop me a line and we can chat about great places to spend your summer!

AND MORE: There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with kids, movie nights, Bible studies, Habitat for Humanity builds, game nights, and much more!  Let us know what you are interested in.  

(2/17) Grief, Worship, Theology Pub, Help at Shelters, Evandalism, Concert, and MORE!

Last week I said the Bible is full of human emotion, and that Jesus displays many of them.  This week, some of us are relating to Jesus in John 11:35 -- "Jesus wept."  Famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible, it tells of Jesus weeping when he learned of the death of his friend Lazarus.

This morning I learned that Shannon Kane, sister of our peer minister Katie Kane, died yesterday from car accident.  I've never met Shannon, but today I find myself working through tears as I know she was much loved by her family and friends.  I ask that you keep the Kane family and others who grieve in your prayers.

O Lord, we ask you to be with us during the difficult times in life.  Help us get through them, as you have helped your people throughout the ages.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you wish to unsubscribe, respond to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH: 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. We will consider the ideas of various Christian thinkers, pertinent biblical passages, along with our own personal thoughts, experiences, and questions.  Next weekly meeting is Wed 2/18 at 4:30pm in SUB 1 room B (3rd floor).  

747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP:  We gather each week to worship, discuss, sing, pray, and more!  Wednesday 2/18 in SUB 1 room B.  We welcome everyone and assert that everyone has valuable insights.  Every week is a different experience.  See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group . 

FAIRFAX COUNTY HYPOTHERMIA SHELTER:  We'll spend the evening at nearby Bethlehem Lutheran Church as they host the Fairfax County Hypothermia Shelter. Meet and spend time talking to the people who are homeless and rely on this program for warmth. Maybe play cards with them. We'll also be doing whatever else the hosts need us to do. Friday 2/20 meeting in SUB I outside the Campus Ministry Office at 7pm and returning by 10:30pm. For more info/RSVP: Facebook event or email lutheran@gmu.edu

QUIET RETREAT with the Howard University Episcopal/Anglican and Lutheran Chaplaincy at St. Paul's Rock Creek Episcopal Church in NW DC.  Saturday 2/21 leaving campus around 8:45am to drive into DC.  There will be a few short periods of silence (around an hour each) during which participants are encouraged to partake in quite reflection through meditation, journaling, drawing, crafting or however they are comfortable.  These periods will be interspersed with reflections from our retreat leader.   A continental breakfast will be provided, as will lunch. Please share this information with your student groups, we would love to see you there!  Retreat is 10am-4pm.  Be home by dinner.  Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending -- RSVP deadline is Thursday 2/19.

PETER ROLLINS "LESSONS IN EVANDALISM" TOUR:  Peter Rollins is a writer, public speaker, lecturer and co-ordinator of the experimental collective Ikon .  His most recent book is "How (Not) to Speak of God" and you can learn more about him at http://peterrollins.net --   Through a mix of parables, philosophy and discussion Peter will be exploring the theoretical kernel of the emerging movement in post-modern Christianity and addressing its dangerous, revolutionary and transformative potential.  We'llmeet Thursday 2/26 at 6pm outside SUB I room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to drive to Vienna and take the Metro to Clarendon. (FREE)  Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending.

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 a Lost and Found concert.  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!  Facebook event.  Admission is $10.

HELP SERVE A MEAL AT THE KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER: A safe, temporary home for homeless families needing assistance and helps families develop plans to locate permanent housing.  Please wear clean comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts.  We'll meet in SUB I outside the Campus Ministry Office (by the couches).  We can only take 1-3 volunteers each trip, so please email lutheran@gmu.edu or RSVP on Facebook if you can attend Saturday 2/28 meeting at 11:15am and returning around 1:45pm -- Facebook event .

THEOLOGY PUB:  Gather at Brion's Grille in University Mall (across Braddock from GMU) to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  Bring your questions!  No barriers to entry. No one will try to change your beliefs and no one will imply they somehow have the truth and you don't.  All are welcome, so come order yourself some food and a beverage and join us for some great conversation!  Tuesday 3/3 at 5:15pm at Brion's Grille. Facebook event . If you want a ride, email lutheran@gmu.edu 

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. Come prepared to work, but this is your spring break, so also expect to have some fun! We'll spend some time hanging out on the beach!  Saturday 3/7 at 2pm - Sunday 3/15 at 2pm. Cost is $100 (scholarships are available). Space is limited -- but we do have a waitlist going.  Details and application available at http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?  HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUMMER CAMP?
You're probably thinking I can't be serious.  Summer Camp?  Isn't it a joke?  Nope -- I jest not.  Summer camp changes lives -- both for the campers and the counselors.  Being a camp counselor was certainly one of the most powerful summers of my life.  I would love it if we could send our dedicated faithful students into the daily lives of young people all summer long.  Have I wet your appetite?  Drop me a line and we can chat about great places to spend your summer!

AND MORE: There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with kids, movie nights, Bible studies, Habitat for Humanity builds, game nights, and much more!  Let us know what you are interested in.  

(2/10) JOY, help at shelters, Evandalism tour, Lost and Found concert, Spring Break Trip, Summer Camp, and more!

The Bible is full of emotion, and Jesus reflects a wide spectrum of human emotion.  We read of Jesus being angry, jubilant, contemplative, broken-hearted, compassionate, disappointed, loving, and more.  Others in our scriptures are depressed, curious, joyful, proud, manipulative, confused, and much more!  Emotions are a language of our hearts, and this week at 747, we'll explore our joy in Christ and in life.  

What brings you joy?  Is it music, food, serving others, spending time with friends, or something else?  We invite you to bring a song or food that brings you joy to share at 747 this week -- or just bring yourself and join in the fun and conversation!  In James 1:2, we are encouraged to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."  So come this week and try to find joy in community amid your winter days.

We also hope you'll consider joining us for service locally, and/or on our spring break mission trip as we joyfully gather food to help spread joy to others. (Spaces are going quickly!)  More details below...  

Dear God, we thank you for joy in the midst of turbulent times in our lives and in the world.  Help us to find our peace in you.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you wish to unsubscribe, respond to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH: 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. We will consider the ideas of various Christian thinkers, pertinent biblical passages, along with our own personal thoughts, experiences, and questions.  Next weekly meeting is Wed 2/11 at 4:30pm in SUB 2 "VIP 3".  (We plan to stay at this new time.  Ask the Info Desk if you don't know where this is.) 

747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP:  We gather each week to worship, discuss, sing, pray, and more!  Wednesday 2/11 in JC Bistro at 7:47pm.   This week we'll be focusing on joy!  As part of this, we invite you to optionally bring along a CD with 1-2 songs that bring you joy and/or to bring some food that brings you joy to share as we create a joyful feast during worship!  If you don't have time to bring food or music, we will still warmly welcome you and share our food with you!  See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group . 

TAKE A SURVEY:  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is asking us to pass along a survey to college students asking them about what they are thinking about in life and faith.  If you could take a moment to take this survey before February 13th:  http://archive.elca.org/cgi-bin/rws/rws4.pl?FORM=CUSS

HELP SERVE A MEAL AT THE KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER: A safe, temporary home for homeless families needing assistance and helps families develop plans to locate permanent housing.  Please wear clean comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts.  We'll meet in SUB I outside the Campus Ministry Office (by the couches).  We can only take 1-3 volunteers each trip, so please email lutheran@gmu.edu or RSVP on Facebook for the day you can attend:   

Sunday 2/15 meeting at 4:15pm and returning around 6:30pm --  Facebook event.

Saturday 2/28 meeting at 11:15am and returning around 1:45pm -- Facebook event.

FAIRFAX COUNTY HYPOTHERMIA SHELTER:  We'll spend the evening at nearby Bethlehem Lutheran Church as they host the Fairfax County Hypothermia Shelter. Meet and spend time talking to the people who are homeless and rely on this program for warmth. Maybe play cards with them. We'll also be doing whatever else the hosts need us to do. Friday 2/20 meeting in SUB I outside the Campus Ministry Office at 7pm and returning by 10:30pm. (NOTE: In case anyone is interested, they are also still looking for volunteers to spend the night on 2/15, 2/16, or 2/17 -- staying awake to keep an eye on things and help out if needed. (There would be at least 2 other volunteers spending the night there with you -- so you won't be alone!) For more info: lutheran@gmu.edu

QUIET RETREAT with the Howard University Episcopal/Anglican and Lutheran Chaplaincy at St. Paul's Rock Creek Episcopal Church in NW DC.  Saturday 2/21 leaving campus around 8:45am to drive into DC.  There will be a few short periods of silence (around an hour each) during which participants are encouraged to partake in quite reflection through meditation, journaling, drawing, crafting or however they are comfortable.  These periods will be interspersed with reflections from our retreat leader.   A continental breakfast will be provided, as will lunch. Please share this information with your student groups, we would love to see you there!  Retreat is 10am-4pm.  Be home by dinner.  Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending.

PETER ROLLINS "LESSONS IN EVANDALISM" TOUR:  Peter Rollins is a writer, public speaker, lecturer and co-ordinator of the experimental collective Ikon .  His most recent book is "How (Not) to Speak of God" and you can learn more about him at http://peterrollins.net --   Through a mix of parables, philosophy and discussion Peter will be exploring the theoretical kernel of the emerging movement in post-modern Christianity and addressing its dangerous, revolutionary and transformative potential.  We'll meet Thursday 2/26 at 6pm outside SUB I room 207 (the Campus Ministry Office) to drive to Vienna and take the Metro to Clarendon.  (I'm currently waiting to hear if there are any admission costs.)  Email lutheran@gmu.edu if you are interested in attending.

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 a Lost and Found concert.  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!  Facebook event.  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. Come prepared to work, but this is your spring break, so also expect to have some fun! We'll spend some time hanging out on the beach!  Saturday 3/7 at 2pm - Sunday 3/15 at 2pm. Cost is $100 (scholarships are available). Space is limited -- there are at most 2 spaces left so please let us know ASAP if you are interested so we can save your space!  (We'll create a wait list once spaces are filled.  Details and application available at http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php )

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?  HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUMMER CAMP?
You're probably thinking I can't be serious.  Summer Camp?  Isn't it a joke?  Nope -- I jest not.  Summer camp changes lives -- both for the campers and the counselors.  Being a camp counselor was certainly one of the most powerful summers of my life.  I would love it if we could send our dedicated faithful students into the daily lives of young people all summer long.  Have I wet your appetite?  Drop me a line and we can chat about great places to spend your summer!

AND MORE: There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with kids, movie nights, Bible studies, Habitat for Humanity builds, game nights, a Theology Pub, and much more!  Let us know what you are interested in.  

(2/3) Wisdom from love? Discussion group. Clay during 747. Help local shelters. Concert. Spring break trip. More good stuff. Wow!

My wife and I were talking about Philippians recently.  Paul's prayer for that community is that their "love may about more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless..." (Phil. 1:9-10).

We aren't used to thinking about a relationship between love and knowledge.  I mainly took technical classes in college, and I certainly didn't use emotion to learn (though sometimes the learning caused frustration!)...  

Let's try out Paul's wisdom: let's go out and act in love and see what we learn -- to see what insights we gain.  Come hang out and love people in a hypothermia shelter and learn their stories.  Come lovingly serve people dinner in a transitional shelter.  Come out our spring break trip to lovingly collect food from fields for the hungry, and gain insights into how your lifestyle can affect the problem of hunger in our world.

Lord God, give us the strength to love extravagantly and to put others before ourselves, and may we gain knowledge and insight into your world as we love.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you wish to unsubscribe, respond to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH: 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.  Next weekly meeting is Wed 2/4 at 4:30pm in SUB 2 "VIP 3".  (Ask the Info Desk if you don't know where this is.) 

747 -- WEEKLY CREATIVE WORSHIP:  We gather each week to worship, discuss, sing, pray, and more!  Wednesday 2/4 in JC Bistro at 7:47pm.   We always welcome everyone and assert that every person has have valuable insights and talents to share.  This week we'll be playing with clay as part of worship.  See http://GMU747.org for future locations and other information -- or check out the Facebook group . 

TAKE A SURVEY:  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is asking us to pass along a survey to college students asking them about what they are thinking about in life and faith.  If you could take a moment to take this survey: 

http://archive.elca.org/cgi-bin/rws/rws4.pl?FORM=CUSS

FAIRFAX COUNTY HYPOTHERMIA SHELTER:  We'll spend the evening at nearby Bethlehem Lutheran Church as they host the Fairfax County Hypothermia Shelter. Meet and spend time talking to the people who are homeless and rely on this program for warmth. Maybe play cards with them. We'll also be doing whatever else the hosts need us to do. Friday 2/13 (time TBD).

HELP SERVE DINNER AT THE KATHERINE K. HANLEY FAMILY SHELTER: A safe, temporary home for homeless families needing assistance and helps families develop plans to locate permanent housing. We can only take 1-3 volunteers, but there will be other opportunities to help out this month!  Please wear clean comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes, and no sleeveless shirts.  Sunday 2/15 from 4:15pm-6:30pm.  We'll meet in SUB I outside the Campus Ministries office (by the couches) at 4:15!  Facebook event.

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 a Lost and Found concert.  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!  Facebook event.  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. Come prepared to work, but this is your spring break, so also expect to have some fun! We'll spend some time hanging out on the beach!  Saturday 3/7 at 2pm - Sunday 3/15 at 2pm. Cost is $100 (scholarships are available). Space is limited -- there are only 4 spaces left so please let us know ASAP if you are interested so we can save your space!  (Details and application available at http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php )

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?  HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SUMMER CAMP?
You're probably thinking I can't be serious.  Summer Camp?  Isn't it a joke?  Nope -- I jest not.  Summer camp changes lives -- both for the campers and the counselors.  Being a camp counselor was certainly one of the most powerful summers of my life.  I would love it if we could send our dedicated faithful students into the daily lives of young people all summer long.  Have I wet your appetite?  Drop me a line and we can chat about great places to spend your summer!

AND MORE: There will be much more in the weeks ahead -- such as playing with kids, movie nights, Bible studies, Habitat for Humanity builds, game nights, a Theology Pub, and much more!  Let us know what you are interested in.  

SPECIAL: Spring Break Mission Trip filling up FAST -- Only a few more spaces left!

+++ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT +++

Our spring break mission trip spaces are going quickly!  If you are interested in going, please email Rev. Denise May at dmay@gmu.edu ASAP to make sure you get a space.  Here are links to application as a Word DOC or as a PDF -- or visit http://gmu747.org/spbr09.php (see the left margin).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HARVEST OF HOPE ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIP DETAILS

Saturday 3/7/2009 at 2pm -- Sunday 3/15/2009 at 2pm

Spend spring break with us in sunny Jacksonville, Florida!
Space is limited, so apply soon if you are interested.

Once there, we'll work alongside college students from across the country in a grassroots hunger relief ministry that relies on volunteers to glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest and deliver it to people in need across the United States.

No experience necessary, as we will learn how to do whatever is needed once there.

In addition to gleaning, we'll be learning about hunger in the USA and the world, and about what one person (such as you or me) can do to make a difference, responding to the call of the Gospel to feed the poor in your lifestyle. We'll grow spiritually as we spend time in worship and look at the spiritual aspects of hunger.

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!

United College Ministries and Lutheran Campus Ministry will be taking students from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College -- and space is limited, so RSVP today!

We've been able to get the cost for for students down to $100.
Scholarships are available if money is a hindrance -- contact dmay@gmu.edu for details.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'll send out our regular weekly email tomorrow -- but I wanted to make sure you got this as soon as possible.

Grace and peace,

Ben

--
"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