Can you believe it is already mid-August classes resume in just over 2 weeks? Where does the time go? Anyway, I was recently skimming a collection of quotes I've gathered, and this one seems relevant:
"Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship. Then it moved to Greece and became a philosophy, then it went to Rome and became an institution, and then it went to Europe and became a government. Finally it came to America where we made it an enterprise." ~Richard Halverson (US Senate Chaplain)
One of the things I'm seeking as we head into this new school year is that core of Christian fellowship -- following Jesus together as a community: supporting each other, loving those around us, working for justice, being vulnerable, celebrating each other, taking risks, helping each other grow, and being open to God transforming us in unexpected ways.
Are you like me? Are you seeking deeper discipleship and intentional community?
Lord God, grant us the courage to follow where you lead us, the wisdom to know when to take risks and when to have patience, and above all, to love you with every fiber of our being, even when we struggle with doubts, and to love those around us with the love that overflows into us from you. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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As summer slips away...
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CANCELED: Barbecue at Burke Lake Park -- Lord of Life Lutheran has canceled this event (previously scheduled for 8/14).
Installation Service for Pastor Mark Olsen: Sunday 8/15, 2:30-4:30pm. Many of you probably remember Pastor Mark from our Holy Week service last year, one of our Theology Pubs, or the Advent celebration at the Mathy House in 2008. Well, he has accepted a new call, and will be serving as Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Haymarket, VA.
He will be installed there this Sunday afternoon, and has decided to give half of the offering to support this Lutheran Campus Ministry. Since he is generously supporting us, I would love it if we could get together a group to be there at his installation to show our support and appreciation of him! If you want a ride, let us know (703-829-0220), and we'll depart from the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop at 1:45pm sharp. Hope to see you there! Facebook event.
Labyrinth-making: Saturday, 8/21, 10 AM - ??? -- I'll be at King of Kings Lutheran (4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, VA 22033) by 10AM, and will be working on painting our new canvas labyrinth from then until it is done -- and I'm hoping for lots of help on this community project!
Bring a friend! We'll order in some lunch and have a great time. (Keep in mind that we will be painting, so don't wear your favorite clothes.)
Also, if anyone wants to help me get things ready and sketch things out the evening before, just let me know (703-829-02200). Facebook event.
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Looking ahead toward FALL semester....mark your calendars!
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Ice Cream Social & Root Beer Floats: Tuesday 8/31, Noon-1:30pm on the JC East Plaza. Please let us know if you can help serve ice cream during part of this time as a Welcome Week event. If you just have time to pass by, please drop in and eat some FREE ICE CREAM! :-)
Labyrinth: Tuesday 8/31, 2-6pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor) -- we'll have our new labyrinth set up for its first use. Drop in to catch your breath and center yourself amidst the busy-ness of the first week of classes. Tell your friends!
747 Creative Christian Worship: resumes on Wednesday, 9/1 at 7:47pm. Locations are posted at http://GMU747.org
Theology Pub - Tuesday, 9/7 at 5pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB 1). We'll order food and drink and talk about God, life, theology, and where they intersect. ALL are welcome! This happens the first Tuesday of each month.
747 Worship at the Mathy House (home of President and Mrs. Merten) on Wed. 9/15, 7-9pm.
Fall Retreat to the BEACH (October 8-10) in Ocean City, MD with Lutheran Campus Ministry groups at schools across Maryland and Delaware.
And so much more...
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Grace and peace,
Ben
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Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://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 (call or TXT)
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://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 (call or TXT)
