Worship + GAME NIGHT + BEACH RETREAT + Theology Pub + Videos + much more!

Scroll down for info on:

9/29: Worship

10/1: GAME NIGHT

10/5: Theology Pub

10/8-10: BEACH RETREAT

and much more!

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... (Click here for the whole passage)

 

My family has been fluxuating through so many different "times" over the past several days with the passing of my grandfather and the impromptu family reunion that results around a funeral.  We all process this reality differently, but it amazes me how a funeral can be so beautiful and life giving -- how it can bring people together.  Sometimes, the death of our physical bodies really is a joyous blessing -- as old bodies that are in pain and breaking down are peacefully laid to rest.  This was one of those times, so we were able to celebrate the very full life of a generous, gentle, ornery, loving man.  It has been emotional, but it is time I will treasure. 

 

Here on campus, we experience varieties of "times", and ways of processing them as well: A time to study, and a time to put the books away; a time to dance, and a time to be contemplative; a time to eat, and a time to fast; a time for solitude, and a time for community; a time to work, and a time to play...

 

What time is it for you right now? 

 

Lord Almighty, we thank you for "time" -- for the gift of past, present, and future.  We praise you for the wisdom of the bountiful variety of all that you have made.  Help us to know what "time" it is for us -- both as individuals, and together as a community.  In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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Please feel free to share these emails with a friend -- many people won't know that we exist without your help.

If you don't want to receive these emails, just reply and let us know.  We don't want to spam anyone.

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747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 9/29 at 7:47pm in SUB2 "VIP 2" (3rd floor).  Worship with your whole self -- where your voice matters.  We'll be digging deeper into our exploration of hospitality.  ALL are welcome!  Note the room change!  We'll be joined by a special guest pastor and a special guest musician!  Call/TXT 703-829-0220 if you have any trouble finding us.  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.  ALL are welcome!  Check out the *new* facebook Fan Page for this worship gathering.

"BE STILL & KNOW" Fall Retreat to the BEACH: October 8-10 in Ocean City, MD.  Unplug and refocus. 

All are welcome!  

Includes fellowship, fun, worship, prayer, and 

a bonfire on Assateague Island.  We'll join other students with Lutheran Campus Ministry groups from across Maryland & Delaware. Cost is $20 (scholarships available). Facebook event.  You won't want to miss this, so RSVP today! 

Game Night: Friday 10/1, 6-9pm in JC meeting room G (3rd floor) -- Bring a friend and your favorite game, snack, and/or music -- or just bring yourself.  We'll have fun playing games, snacking, listening to a variety of music, and getting to know each other.  These are always a ton of fun!  ALL are welcome!

 

Theology Pub: Tue 10/5, 5pm-7pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1) -- join us to discuss God, theology, faith, life, and how they intersect over food and drink.  We welcome questions, doubts, and differences of opinion.  :-) 

Videos/your thoughts: We are in the process of making a couple short videos.  One to promote Lutheran Campus Ministry in general, and another to promote 747 Creative Christian Worship.  If you are willing to be in either of these videos, let me know.  Also, we'd like to use your words.  Feel free to send me things you think students need to know about these ministries, and we'll see what fits together.  To jog your mind, try answering one of the following questions:
+ Why is campus ministry important?  What do your friends need to know about it?  What are your dreams for it?
+ Why do you keep coming back to worship?  What do you find when we worship? 

 

Book club: Are you interested in reading & discussing "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis?  If so, please contact us and we'll try to arrange a time that works for everyone who is interested.

Running group: Our bodies are God's wonderful creations -- we should take care of them.  If you are interested in being part of a group that will go running once/week (probably on Saturday mornings), let us know and we'll figure out the best time.

"Faith Chat" -- Pastor Darcy Percy will be having a lunchtime faith conversation group in the JC on Wednesdays (lasting approx. 5 weeks).  We're taking suggestions for the time, so that those who are interested aren't stuck in class, if possible.  Let us know ASAP what works best for you between 10:30am-3:30pm. (Assume it will end up being roughly an hour/week.)

 

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue 10/12, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D. Take a break from your busy schedule to seek some peace through prayerful meditation.

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There is a lot more coming -- and don't forget to join the Facebook group & invite your friends: 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=19907586200

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Grace and peace,

Ben

--

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

PEACE + Worship + BEACH RETREAT + free lunch + GAME NIGHT + Videos + much more!

A couple things are running through my mind today.  First of all, today is the "United Nations International Day of Peace".  Take some time today to pray for peace.  As Oscar Arias Sanchez said in his Nobel Lecture:

"Peace is not a matter of prizes or trophies. It is not the product of a victory or command. It has no finishing line, no final deadline, no fixed definition of achievement. Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions by many people in many countries. It is an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving conflicts. It cannot be forced on the smallest nation or enforced by the largest. It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests. It requires us to work and live together."

So we not only pray for peace, but pray that we be instruments of peace -- and that we help the process through our attitude, way of life, and processes as we work and live together.

Secondly, there are many of you that I don't know all that well -- and some of you I've never met in person.  I would love to join you for coffee or a meal sometime in the next couple weeks.  No agenda other than getting to know you a bit, and doing my best to answer any questions you ask me.  If you don't have a meal plan, I'd be happy to treat.  You can pick the location on campus.  Just call/TXT me and I'll be there if I'm available.  (Note: advance notice is appreciated.)

God, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.  Help me to seek creative and peaceful resolutions to the challenges in my life, and fill me with a contagious attitude of peace. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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

Please feel free to share these emails with a friend -- many people won't know that we exist without your help.

If you don't want to receive these emails, just reply and let us know.  We don't want to spam anyone.

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

Million Minutes for Peace: We're proud to partner in the "Million Minutes for Peace Campaign." Together we're working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at  NOON on the United Nations International Day of Peace (9/21). Visit http://amillionminutesforpeace.org/ to watch the 60-second video and join us by pledging your prayer for peace. Thank you and may peace prevail on earth.

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 9/22 at 7:47pm in SUB2 room 4 (3rd floor).  Worship with your whole self; your voice matters.  We'll be digging deeper into our exploration of hospitality.  ALL are welcome!  Note that we are in SUB2 this week.  Call/TXT 703-829-0220 if you have any trouble finding us.

"BE STILL & KNOW" Fall Retreat to the BEACH: October 8-10 in Ocean City, MD.  Unplug and refocus. 

All are welcome!  

Includes fellowship, fun, worship, prayer, and 

a bonfire on Assateague Island.  We'll join other students with Lutheran Campus Ministry groups from across Maryland & Delaware. Cost is $20 (scholarships available). Facebook event.  You won't want to miss this, so RSVP today! 

Videos/your thoughts: We are in the process of making a couple short videos.  One to promote Lutheran Campus Ministry in general, and another to promote 747 Creative Christian Worship.  If you are willing to be in either of these videos, let me know.  Also, we'd like to use your words.  Feel free to send me things you think students need to know about these ministries, and we'll see what fits together.  To jog your mind, try answering one of the following questions:
+ Why is campus ministry important?  What do your friends need to know about it?  What are your dreams for it?
+ Why do you keep coming back to worship?  What do you find when we worship? 

Connect2Mason Faith Blog Partnership:  C2M is looking for students involved in faith-based student orgs to write short bi-weekly submissions on topics such as 'determining right and wrong,' 'what is truth,' etc. -- to help recognize the diversity and similarity of the worldviews of students of different faiths.  Let me know if you might be interested in helping out with this and I can get you more info.

Game Night: Friday 10/1, 6-9pm in JC meeting room G (3rd floor) -- Bring a friend and your favorite game, snack, and/or music -- or just bring yourself.  We'll have fun playing games, snacking, listening to a variety of music, and getting to know each other.  ALL are welcome!

Book club: Are you interested in reading & discussing "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis?  If so, please contact us and we'll try to arrange a time that works for everyone who is interested.

Running group: Our bodies are God's wonderful creations -- we should take care of them.  If you are interested in being part of a group that will go running once/week (probably on Saturday mornings), let us know and we'll figure out the best time.

"Faith Chat" -- Pastor Darcy Percy will be having a lunchtime faith conversation group in the JC on Wednesdays (lasting approx. 5 weeks).  We're taking suggestions for the time, so that those who are interested aren't stuck in class, if possible.  Let us know ASAP what works best for you between 10:30am-3:30pm. (Assume it will end up being roughly an hour/week.)

Theology Pub: Tue 10/5, 5pm-7pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1) -- join us to discuss God, theology, faith, life, and how they intersect over food and drink.

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue 10/12, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D (3rd floor).  Labyrinths are ancient tools for prayer and meditation.  Drop-in anytime Noon-4pm to try it out.  Seek peace and prayer amidst your busy schedule.

Winner of a Lutheran Campus Ministry T-shirt: Alex Eliason-Beam.  Email/call/TXT us within one week to claim your prize. (Subscribers to our email list will periodically be chosen to win a prize, with the grand prize being an iPod Touch!)

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There is a lot more coming -- and don't forget to join the Facebook group & invite your friends: 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=19907586200

+++++++

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

HIKING + Theology Pub + Worship + "Mere Christianity" + Retreat + MORE!

I love nature: from the towering trees to waterfalls; from the blazing sun to the winter snow.  I love the brilliant equilibrium of the system (and sometimes fear we are trying to push it out of balance).  The Bible begins in a garden -- and we humans are tasked with taking care of creation.  The weather today is supposed to be beautiful, and I look forward to spending a little time this afternoon (Mon. 9/6) hiking with you, taking some time to appreciate part of the amazing diversity of this wonderful world in which we live.

Lord God Almighty, you hold the delicate dance of the world in balance.  Help us to take the time to appreciate the flowers, wind, shade, and rain.  Remind us of our duty to steward your world, and help us to do it well.  In Jesus' name we pray.  AMEN.

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

Please feel free to share these emails with a friend -- many people won't know that we exist without your help.

If you don't want to receive these emails, just reply and let us know.  We don't want to spam anyone.

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

Hiking GREAT FALLS: Mon 9/6, leaving campus at Noon (returning by 4pm).  We'll head to Great Falls National Park for some hiking and spending some time in nature while the weather is still so nice.  Meet at the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop.  Facebook event.

Theology Pub: Tues 9/7, 5pm-7pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB 1).  We'll order food/drink and chat about God, life, theology, and where they instersect.  You do not need to a certain age to join us -- ALL are welcome!  Facebook event.

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed 9/8 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room C (3rd floor) -- Bring your whole self (and a friend), your voice matters!  We'll worship together, and learn from each other.  Facebook event. Locations for future weeks can be found at http://GMU747.org

Book club: Are you interested in reading & discussing "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis?  Meet Chris Bergtholdt in SUB1 Patriots Lounge (near room 207) at 1:30pm on Thurs 9/9 for an introduction to the book, to meet each other, and to borrow a copy of the book (limited availability). Expect this to run 4-5 weeks.

Labyrinth: Tue 9/14, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D (3rd floor) -- walking a labyrinth is an ancient tool for prayer and meditation.  More details on the Facebook event.

747 Worship at the Mathy House (home of President and Mrs. Merten) on Wed. 9/15, 7pm-9pm.  Transportation provided -- mark your calendar now, and email us to RSVP (space is limited).  Facebook event.

Million Minutes for Peace: We're proud to partner in the "Million Minutes for Peace Campaign." Together we're working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at  noon on the United Nations International Day of Peace (9/21). Visit http://amillionminutesforpeace.org/ to watch the 60-second video and join us by pledging your prayer for peace. Thank you and may peace prevail on earth.

"Faith Chat" -- Pastor Darcy Percy will be having a lunchtime discussion group in the JC on Wednesdays (lasting approx. 5 weeks).  We're taking suggestions for the time, so that those who are interested aren't stuck in class, if possible.  Let us know ASAP what works best for you between 10:30am-3:30pm. (Assume it will end up being roughly an hour/week.)

"BE STILL & KNOW" Fall Retreat to the BEACH: October 8-10 in Ocean City, MD with Lutheran Campus Ministry groups from across Maryland & Delaware. Cost is $20 if this is your first LCM trip ($40 otherwise / scholarships available if needed). Mark your calendar now -- you won't want to miss this! 

Win an iPod Touch, study Bible, Starbucks gift card, free retreat registration, T-shirt, & more!  Current GMU students on our email list will be part of periodic drawings to win one of several prizes.  Winners must claim prizes within one week of each announcement.  Starting soon!  

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There is a lot more coming -- and don't forget to join the Facebook group & invite your friends: 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=19907586200

+++++++

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