Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Haiti + Worship + Crafts + Theology Pub + King Cakes + Lenten devotions + TRIPS + SUMMER opportunities + Peer Ministry + MORE!!!

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have participated in our bake sales, which have raised roughly $450 so far towards the relief efforts in Haiti.  The last currently scheduled bake sale will be Wed. 1/27, 11am-Noon.  Let's try to push the total up over $520 -- which is the average annual income in Haiti. 
     In planning worship for this Wednesday, Sarah and I have been looking forward to exploring some of the tension we face as Christians, and our motivations as we work to help others.  I'd love to hear what you have to share in this conversation...
 
 
747 Creative Christian Worship - Wednesdays at 7:47pm in SUB1 room B (3rd floor).  We gather to worship including interactive discussion, song, prayer, and much more!  EVERYONE is welcome and we think everyone has valuable insights and things to offer.  Co-sponsored by Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries (representing our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, and UCC traditions). See http://GMU747.org

BAKE SALE FOR HAITI -  1/27 - 11am-12pm JC Kiosk B - By Rachael Dickson: Hi y'all!  I'm organizing a bake sale with all profits going to Lutheran World Relief to help those suffering in Haiti.  I'll be making cupcakes for this and maybe cookies as well. I would LOVE to have anyone else donate baked goods for this event as well. There has also been discussion of a cupcake baking party if y'all would be interested in that. You can either bring the baked goodies to the Kiosk at the time I'll be there, or you can give me an e-mail or a call and we'll set up a time I can grab it from you. I can run the kiosks no problem, but I'd love to have company if you'd like to stop by.  Thanks y'all! 
 
CrisisCamp Haiti (in Washington, DC) - Sat. 1/30, 9am-7pm - A local opportunity to join together with volunteers in 3 countries & 10 cities to help the relief efforts in Haiti (for FREE). "You don't have to be technical to volunteer time.  We request that you bring a laptop, your creativity and a power strip with you (to share with others)."  They also have a special need for any of you with skills related to translation, computer programming, RSS, or geospatial skills -- as well as literacy advocates.  RSVP or get more info at: http://crisiscamphaitiwdc-jan30.eventbrite.com/

 Arts & Crafts nightSaturday 1/30 - 6pm-9pm in SUB1 Patriot's Lounge.  ALL are welcome to come use your creative energy.  We'll be focusing on crafts that are eco-friendly -- on ways to re-purpose items for new uses.  We have some ideas, but please let us know if you have ideas as well, so we can try to have supplies for things.

Worship Carpool - Sunday 1/31 - Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 if you'd like a ride from campus to worship at King of Kings - worship starts at 11am so pick-up from GMU would be at 10:40am at the Sandy Creek Shuttle .  

THEOLOGY PUB - 5:15-7:15pm the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1)!  Order yourself food and drink of choice and we'll have a non-judgemental chat about life, God, faith, and the intersection of all these things.  The next one is 2/2/2010.

Baking King Cakes - It's a New Orleans tradition that we are going to share in, baking King Cakes!  You'll get to take some home to share with your friends, and we'll take some of the others to local congregations to help build visibility and support for our activities!  Friday 2/5, 6:30-10pm at Lord of Life (meet at the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop at 6pm for a ride). Questions?  Call or TXT 703-829-0220.
 
Lenten devotions - For the last two years, I've sent out daily devotions (via Facebook, blog, RSS, and email) during Lent.  This year, I'm hoping to get your help in writing some of the devotions.  If you are intersted, pick a day/scripture from the list HERE and let me know, then write a 150-400 word reflection and a 1-2 line prayer.  It's really not hard - let me know if you are willing to write 1-2 of them!
 
SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP - Join us on a trip to Baltimore to leaving the evening of Friday 3/5 and returning late on Tuesday 3/9.  We'll be helping 3 different charities and will have an afternoon to spend exploring the inner harbor area and such!  We're trying to keep costs as low as possible!  More details coming very soon, but let us know if you are interested so we can plan accordingly.
 
LOTS MORE COMING!  We're looking to focus on more regular service opportunities, Bible studies, game nights and other time to just hang out -- and much more!  Let us know what you'd like to do -- and when!
 
 
Lord God, be with us amidst our struggles and tension, call us deeper into relationship with you, guide us as your servants, and grant us peace.  AMEN.

==================
Summer Opportunities
==================
 
"BUILD" Summer Service Trip - Rebuild homes/cabins and lives in Neon, Kentucky, and share God's love while having fun and learning more about Christian servanthood and compassionate justice.  For College and Graduate School Students in the Metro DC Synod Area. It is an opportunity for young adults to serve as God's hands in the midst of a community in need. We will enjoy the fellowship of working toward a comm on goal while discovering that faith de ands action beyond the confines of our immediate experience. June 6-12, 2010. Let us know if you would like more information.
 
Ignighting leaders - Bread for the World is looking for the best and brightest 20- to 30-year-old advocates to join our next class of Hunger Justice Leaders.  Selected participants will attend an advocacy training workshop—all expenses paid—in Washington, D.C., June 12-15, 2010. Do you have what it takes to be a Bread for the World Hunger Justice Leader? Or do you know someone who does?  Visit http://www.bread.org/get-involved/hunger-justice-leaders-training/2010/
 
Ever consider being a counselor at SUMMER CAMP?  I would love to see some of you spend your summers changing the lives of children, and probably finding that your life is changed as well.  I still can't believe I actually got paid for all the fun I had the year I was a camp counselor!  There are great camps all across the country -- let me know if you are interested in some suggestions.
 
PEER MINISTERS WANTED for LCMGMU:  Would you like to get paid to do things like planning & running service events, retreats, game nights, worship, & more?  We are looking for creative student leaders interested in stepping things up with us during the 2010-2011 school year (pending funding).  If you are interested, please contact us ASAP to get more information.
 
=====

Grace and peace,
Ben
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Haiti + Worship + Crafts + Theology Pub + King Cakes + Lenten devotions + TRIPS + SUMMER opportunities + MORE!

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have participated in our bake sales, which have raised roughly $450 so far towards the relief efforts in Haiti. The last currently scheduled bake sale will be Wed. 1/27, 11am-Noon. Let's try to push the total up over $520 -- which is the average annual income in Haiti.
In planning worship for this Wednesday, Sarah and I have been looking forward to exploring some of the tension we face as Christians, and our motivations as we work to help others. I'd love to hear what you have to share in this conversation...

747 Creative Christian Worship - Wednesdays at 7:47pm in SUB1 room B (3rd floor). We gather to worship including interactive discussion, song, prayer, and much more! EVERYONE is welcome and we think everyone has valuable insights and things to offer. Co-sponsored by Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries (representing our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, and UCC traditions). See http://GMU747.org

BAKE SALE FOR HAITI - 1/27 - 11am-12pm JC Kiosk B - By Rachael Dickson: Hi y'all! I'm organizing a bake sale with all profits going to Lutheran World Relief to help those suffering in Haiti. I'll be making cupcakes for this and maybe cookies as well. I would LOVE to have anyone else donate baked goods for this event as well. There has also been discussion of a cupcake baking party if y'all would be interested in that. You can either bring the baked goodies to the Kiosk at the time I'll be there, or you can give me an e-mail or a call and we'll set up a time I can grab it from you. I can run the kiosks no problem, but I'd love to have company if you'd like to stop by. Thanks y'all!

Arts & Crafts night - Saturday 1/30 - 6pm-9pm in SUB1 Patriot's Lounge. ALL are welcome to come use your creative energy. We'll be focusing on crafts that are eco-friendly -- on ways to re-purpose items for new uses. We have some ideas, but please let us know if you have ideas as well, so we can try to have supplies for things.

Worship Carpool - Sunday 1/31 - Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 if you'd like a ride from campus to worship at King of Kings - worship starts at 11am so pick-up from GMU would be at 10:40am at the Sandy Creek Shuttle .

THEOLOGY PUB - 5:15-7:15pm the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1)! Order yourself food and drink of choice and we'll have a non-judgemental chat about life, God, faith, and the intersection of all these things. The next one is 2/2/2010.

Baking King Cakes - It's a New Orleans tradition that we are going to share in, baking King Cakes! You'll get to take some home to share with your friends, and we'll take some of the others to local congregations to help build visibility and support for our activities! Friday 2/5, 6:30-10pm at Lord of Life (meet at the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop at 6pm for a ride). Questions? Call or TXT 703-829-0220.

Lenten devotions - For the last two years, I've sent out daily devotions (via Facebook, blog, RSS, and email) during Lent. This year, I'm hoping to get your help in writing some of the devotions. If you are intersted, pick a day/scripture from the list HERE and let me know, then write a 150-400 word reflection and a 1-2 line prayer. It's really not hard - let me know if you are willing to write 1-2 of them!

SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP - Join us on a trip to Baltimore to leaving the evening of Friday 3/5 and returning late on Tuesday 3/9. We'll be helping 3 different charities and will have an afternoon to spend exploring the inner harbor area and such! We're trying to keep costs as low as possible! More details coming very soon, but let us know if you are interested so we can plan accordingly.

LOTS MORE COMING! We're looking to focus on more regular service opportunities, Bible studies, game nights and other time to just hang out -- and much more! Let us know what you'd like to do -- and when!


Lord God, be with us amidst our struggles and tension, call us deeper into relationship with you, guide us as your servants, and grant us peace. AMEN.

==================
Summer Opportunities
==================
"BUILD" Summer Service Trip - Rebuild homes/cabins and lives in Neon, Kentucky, and share God's love while having fun and learning more about Christian servanthood and compassionate justice. For College and Graduate School Students in the Metro DC Synod Area. It is an opportunity for young adults to serve as God's hands in the midst of a community in need. We will enjoy the fellowship of working toward a comm on goal while discovering that faith de ands action beyond the confines of our immediate experience. June 6-12, 2010. Let us know if you would like more information.

Ignighting leaders - Bread for the World is looking for the best and brightest 20- to 30-year-old advocates to join our next class of Hunger Justice Leaders. Selected participants will attend an advocacy training workshop—all expenses paid—in Washington, D.C., June 12-15, 2010. Do you have what it takes to be a Bread for the World Hunger Justice Leader? Or do you know someone who does? Visit http://www.bread.org/get-involved/hunger-justice-leaders-training/2010/

Ever consider being a counselor at SUMMER CAMP? I would love to see some of you spend your summers changing the lives of children, and probably finding that your life is changed as well. I still can't believe I actually got paid for all the fun I had the year I was a camp counselor! There are great camps all across the country -- let me know if you are interested in some suggestions.
=====

Grace and peace,
Ben
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bake sale for HAITI + GAME NIGHT + Theology Pub + Worship + Spring break TRIP + MORE!

Tonight at 747, we explore how God is revealed in the midst of the devastation, brokenness, and suffering in Haiti and the rest of the world.  Where is God in all of this?  What is our responsibility as Christians?  Join us tonight at 7:47pm in SUB1 room B (3rd floor) and add your voice to the conversation!  We also have some bake sales to help those in Haiti, game nights when we can hang out and get to know each other better, theology pubs where we can eat and discuss your big questions about God, faith, and life -- and much more!  Take a look at our website to see pictures and our calendar which looks farther into the semester: http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran 


747 Creative Christian Worship - Wednesday 1/20 - Our mid-week worship gathering resumes *today* in SUB 1 room B (3rd floor) at 7:47pm.  We'll worship at this time every week classes are in session -- and in the same room most weeks (see http://GMU747.org for exceptions). ALL are welcome, so bring a friend!

BAKE SALE FOR HAITI By Rachael Dickson: Hi y'all!  I'm organizing a bake sale with all profits going to Lutheran World Relief to help those suffering in Haiti.
     I'll be making cupcakes for this and maybe cookies as well. I would LOVE to have anyone else donate baked goods for this event as well. There has also been discussion of a cupcake baking party if y'all would be interested in that. You can either bring the baked goodies to the Kiosk at the time I'll be there, or you can give me an e-mail or a call and we'll set up a time I can grab it from you.
     I've set up kiosk times on Friday, Monday and Wednesday.  I can run the kiosks no problem, but I'd love to have company if you'd like to stop by.  Thanks y'all!
1/22 - 11am-2pm JC Kiosk F
1/25 - 11am-12pm JC Kiosk A
1/27 - 11am-12pm JC Kiosk B
  
GAME NIGHT - Friday 1/22 - 6pm-11:30pm in JC meeting room B (3rd floor).  Come for all or part of the time.  This is a great chance to have some fun and get to know those in our community.  We'll have a variety of games, and these are always a great time - so bring some friends and join in the fun!

Rock Show for CHO - Saturday 1/23 - 7pm at The Soundry (316 Dominion Rd, Vienna).  $7 cover to benefit CHO (Committee for Helping Others), an all-volunteer ecumenical aid ministry that provides food, clothing, transportation, furniture, and emergency services to families in Vienna.  I don't know anything about the bands, but I plan to go and have a good time.  Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 for a ride from campus (at 6:40pm).

Worship Carpool - Sunday 1/24 - Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 if you'd like a ride from campus to worship at King of Kings - worship starts at 11am so pick-up from GMU would be at 10:40am at the Cue bus stop near the Starbucks.  

Arts & Crafts nightSaturday 1/30 - 6pm-9pm in SUB1 Patriot's Lounge.  ALL are welcome to come use your creative energy.

THEOLOGY PUB - 5:15-7:15pm the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1)!  Order yourself food and drink of choice and we'll have a non-judgemental chat about life, God, faith, and the intersection of all these things.  The next one is 2/2/2010.

Baking King Cakes - It's a New Orleans tradition that we are going to share in, baking King Cakes!  You'll get to take some home to share with your friends, and we'll take some of the others to local congregations to help build visibility and support for our activities!  Friday 2/5, 6:30-10pm (meet at the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop at 6pm for a ride). Questions?  Call or TXT 703-829-0220.

SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP - Join us on a trip to Baltimore to leaving the evening of Friday 3/5 and returning late on Tuesday 3/9.  We'll be helping 3 different charities and will have an afternoon to spend exploring the inner harbor area and such!  We're trying to keep costs as low as possible!  More details coming very soon, but let us know if you are interested so we can plan accordingly.

LOTS MORE COMING!  We're looking to focus on more regular service opportunities, baking King Cakes, game nights and other time to just hang out -- and much more!  Let us know what you'd like to do -- and when!

Lord God, grant us peace as the new semester begins, and lead us into deeper relationship with you each and every day.  Enable us to share your light and love with all the world!  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Grace and peace,
Ben
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Welcome back!

It's a new year and a new semester!  (We even have a new look for our website!)  One of the things I love about the start of a new semester is that it is a time to start over.  Each class starts with a fresh slate.  It reminds me a lot of the Christian life, where we daily start anew, dead to our brokenness and alive in Christ.  What are you going to do this semester with your clean slate?  What are you going to do with today?

Events for this week:

Worship Carpool - Sunday 1/17 - Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 if you'd like a ride from campus to worship at King of Kings - worship starts at 11am so pick-up from GMU would be at 10:40am at the Cue bus stop near the Starbucks.  

Planning meetingMonday 1/18 - 3pm in SUB1 Patriots Lounge.  If you would like to help brainstorm and plan events for this semester, come and have your voice heard!  If you can't make it, but have ideas, try to let us know ahead of time.

Kiosks - Tuesday 1/19 (3pm-7pm, Kiosk F) & Wednesday 1/20 (3pm-6pm, Kiosk E) - We'll have info on upcoming events and also help gather votes for a collection of 7 Arlington non-profits competing in a Facebook contest to win $1 million to fight homelessness.  So make sure to stop by -- or CLICK HERE -- and vote!

747 Creative Christian Worship - Wednesday 1/20 - Our mid-week worship gathering resumes this Wednesday in SUB 1 room B (3rd floor).  ALL are welcome, so bring a friend!

Game night - Friday 1/22 - 6pm-11:30pm in JC meeting room B (subject to change).  Come for all or part of the time.  This is a great chance to have some fun and get to know those in our community.  We'll have a variety of games, and these are always a great time - so bring some friends and join in the fun!

Rock Show for CHO - Saturday 1/23 - 7pm at The Soundry (316 Dominion Rd, Vienna).  $7 cover to benefit CHO (Committee for Helping Others), an all-volunteer ecumenical aid ministry that provides food, clothing, transportation, furniture, and emergency services to families in Vienna.  I don't know anything about the bands, but I plan to go and have a good time.  Call or TXT me at 703-829-0220 for a ride from campus.
 
LOTS MORE COMING!  We're looking to focus on more regular service opportunities, game nights and other time to just hang out -- and of course more Theology Pubs & such.  Let me know what you'd like to see -- and when!

Lord God, we pray for all of those who are struggling and suffering today -- especially those in Haiti grasping for the future amidst devastation.  Help us all to begin each day anew, following you wherever you lead, and helping to share your love every step of the way.  In Jesus name, AMEN..  

Grace and peace,
Ben
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Monday, January 4, 2010

Happy Hour + Concert + Conference + Worship + more!

I'm back in Virginia and missing all of you!  For those of you who are around over the next couple weeks, here are some upcoming events:

Tues 1/5/2010, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Christmas is almost over: Tomorrow is the 12th (last) day of Christmas!  To celebrate, there will be a 12th Night Young Adult Happy Hour in DC at Mackey's, 1823 L St NW, Washington,DC (near the Farragut North & Farragut West Metro Stations).  Unlike our typical activities, you must be 21 or older to attend this event.  (I didn't pick the venue, so don't blame me!)  Call/text Ben at 703-829-0220 if you plan to attend -- I can provide rides to Metro & such!  See http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=233229426095

Wed 1/6/2010, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Rescue Aurora Benefit Concert & Winter Tour Kick-off at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, VA.  Rescue Aurora is a band from Boston who will be kicking off their first tour this night (Check them out at www.myspace.com/rescueaurora ).  A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia & Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. Call/text Ben at 703-829-0220 for a ride.  See http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=230528036685

Sat 1/9/2010, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Together in Mission 2010 -- any of you aspiring leaders are welcome to this fabulous slate of workshops + a great keynote speaker: The Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, Author of "Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation" & "Reframing Hope".  Let me know if you interested ASAP (I can cover your registration cost).  At King of Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, Virginia.  See http://metrodcelca.org/events/annual-events/together-in-mission/together-in-mission-2010/

Sun 1/10/2010, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Worship at the Church of the Common Table, which meets in Jammin' Java in Vienna.  Call/text Ben at 703-829-0220 if you need a ride or want to meet there.  There is a list of nearby ELCA congregations on our website at http://www2.gmu.edu/org/lutheran/worship.html

Mid-week/weekend fellowship/service/etc.?   If people are around next week and looking for something to do, toss me some ideas of what you have in mind.  :-)

Sun 1/17/2010
Worship carpool -- location TBD.  Call/text Ben at 703-829-0220 if you are interested and we'll pick a place.

Mon 1/18/2010
I'm working on an on-campus activity -- possibly a service project for the Martin Luther King, Jr. national day of service.  Let me know if you have ideas!

Wed 1/20/2010, 7:47pm-9:15pm
747 Creative Christian Worship resumes in SUB 1 room B.  See http://GMU747.org

Lord of Lords, move in our lives!  May we know comfort in times of suffering and anxiety.  May we be dislodged from our daily comforts to act for you!  In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.

--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone/TXT: 703-829-0220