Tuesday, February 17, 2009

(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.

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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.