Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving -- a day when we focus on all the things for which we are thankful.  What are you thankful for this year?

 

What baffles me this time of year is how short-lived our thankfulness is.  By tomorrow, many across the country will be lined up hours before the stores open to buy things.  It's an obsession of sorts.  We are never happy with what we have, but are always seeking more stuff.  I'm certainly not immune.  I find myself drawn to computers, outdoor gear, and other things.  I want what is faster, more durable, lighter, and otherwise better than what I have.  When is it enough?

 

In 1 Timothy 6:8, the author writes that "if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (NIV).  Other translations replace "clothing" with covering or 'a roof over us'.  Can we be content to be fed, clothed, and sheltered? 

 

Instead of moving from Thanksgiving into a season of wanting more and over-consumption, let's be thankful today, and keep our contentment, being satisfied that our basic food, clothing, and shelter are enough.  Let's move into Advent with expectant hope in God's promises as we prepare for the fulfillment of the coming of the Christ.

 

Lord God, we are so thankful for every gift: life, breath, friends, family, food, and warmth.  Help us to find content satisfaction in these simple necessities of life.  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: Join us for a celebration of Advent on Wednesdays (12/1, 12/8, & 12/15) at 7:47pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  This will be a special time!  ALL are welcome!  http://GMU747.org

Theology Pub: Tue. 12/7, 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.  :-) 

 

Game Night: Fri. 12/10, 6pm-9pm in JC mtg rm D (pending confirmation): Celebrate the end of classes by taking a study-break to play games, eat snacks, and listen to music.  

 

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue. 12/13, 2pm-6pm: JC mtg rm D. Spend some time seeking peace and centering yourself in prayerful meditation during the reading day before final exams.

 

Service project: If anyone would like to plan and lead a service opportunity for Sat. 12/4 or 12/7, let me know.  ;-)

 

Winner of a a Starbucks gift card: Molly Henry.  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 one winner getting an iPod Touch -- so watch this space!)

 

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We are starting to look ahead to lots of exciting opportunities next semster.

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

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week + more!

Our scriptures of filled with God's care for people who are poor, hungry, homeless, and oppressed...of God accompanying people who are exiled from their homeland, on pilgrimages, or in exodus from exile...of God's instructions to us to care for the naked, widowed, orphaned, hungry, marginalized, foreigner, and oppressed.  Jesus was homeless, and he and the disciples frequently relied on others for food as they traveled.

Christianity isn't alone in the call to help people who are homeless and/or hungry.  Virtually every religion has this in common, and that is why the GMU Campus Ministry Association joins forces to make Hunger and Homelessness Action Week at Mason a reality, and a priority.

Join us this week -- and take ACTION on hunger and homelessness in our community and around the world!

God of love, help us to stand with you on the side of people who are outsiders, poor, hungry, and homeless.  Encourage us to learn how we can help, and give us the strength and courage to take action to help others.  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.
+++++++++++++++

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 11/3 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor) -- NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE.  We'll be talking about what Jesus called the greatest commandment.  ALL are welcome!  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries <http://www.gmu.edu/org/ucm/>.  Check out the facebook Fan Page for this worship gathering <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairfax-VA/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248>.  We are in JC meeting room D for the rest of the semester! You can always find our location listed at  http://GMU747.org

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week is THIS WEEK: November 14th-21st. It is an annual week of activities sponsored by the GMU Campus Ministry Association to educate about these issues and inspire people to ACTION.  You can see all of the events at http://ActionWeek.org or http://facebook.com/ActionWeek -- but here is a sampling:

+ LCM is responsible for staffing HEADQUARTERS on the North Plaza today (Wed. 11/17, 12:30pm-2:30pm) and we still need YOUR HELP!  It should be good weather for it -- forecast of nearely 60 degrees with some sun.  Just show up at the North Plaza at 12:30pm (or whatever portion of that time slot you can spare between classes).  In case it does rain into the afternoon, the rain location is JC Kiosk A.

+ 24 Hour Fast (starting Wed. 11/17 at 6pm) and Hunger Banquet (starting Thurs. 11/18 at 6pm -- to break the fast) -- Facebook event.

+ SLEEP OUT (4th annual) and Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau -- both on the North Plaza on Thurs. 11/18 starting at 10pm (with the sleep out ending at 7am on Friday morning).  Facebook event.

+ CROP Hunger Walk: Ending Hunger One Step at a Time on Sunday 11/21 from 2pm-4pm, with shuttle service provided starting at 1:30pm from the Rappahannock River Lane bus stops on the north end of campus (near the Starbucks and the Rappahannock Parking Deck).  Join me on the George Mason Action Week (GMU HHAW) team!  More details at the Facebook event.

+ Clothing and Donation Drives with drop locations spread around campus -- details at http://actionweek.org/donationdrives.php

As I said above, there are lots of other activities listed at http://ActionWeek.org and http://facebook.com/ActionWeek -- so take ACTION on hunger and homelessness this week!

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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
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

LABYRINTH + Worship + Hunger and Homelessness Action Week + T-SHIRTS + much more!

What does community mean to you?  I'm often struck by how the inherent vulnerability of relationships and communities can also be a core strength.  Sometimes, we have to forgo the security of our secrets to find support and healing.  Other times we need to stop talking and really listen to others in order for them to learn what we really believe. Communities can be comforting, scary, frustrating, fantastic, hurtful, healing, amazing, messy, loving, and so much more!  I love the apparent paradoxes, and how the God's light and love can be reflected and refracted even more beautifully by the imperfections of our humanity.  If you are seeking community, come journey with us.  All are welcome!

God of love, we thank you for the amazing variety of people that surround us.  Help us to recognize the beauty all around us, and call us into deeper relationship with you and with one another.  Give us what you know we need, and help us provide for those around us.  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.
+++++++++++++++

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue. 11/9, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D. Take a break from your busy schedule to seek some peace through prayerful meditation.

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 11/3 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor) -- NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE.  We'll be talking about what Jesus called the greatest commandment.  ALL are welcome!  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries <http://www.gmu.edu/org/ucm/>.  Check out the facebook Fan Page for this worship gathering <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairfax-VA/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248>.  We are in JC meeting room D for the rest of the semester! You can always find our location listed at  http://GMU747.org

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week (an annual week of activities sponsored by the campus ministry association to educate about these issues and inspire people to action) is drawing nearer.  It will be November 14th-20th, and there are several ways that you can get involved now to help make this week possible and meaningful:
+ "Like" the Facebook fanpage at http://facebook.com/ActionWeek
+ Helping to staff HQ on the north plaza (our shift is Wed 11/17, 12:30pm-2:30pm);

+ Helping to plan and facilitate the 4th annual Sleep-Out on the North Plaza (which will occur Thurs. 11/18 at 10pm through early morning on Friday);
+ Signing up to walk in the CROP Walk to raise awareness and money to stop hunger (walk will be Sun. 11/21, 2pm-4pm);
+ and there will be more ways to participate as November progresses.  Please let me know if you are interested!

New LCM T-shirts have arrived!  Let us know if you'd like one, and in what size. Student cost = $5 (or $15 for non-students).  See what they look like at http://is.gd/fXXOz

Winner of a a Starbucks gift card: Rebecca Palmer.  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!)

+++++++
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
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

Vote + THEOLOGY PUB + Worship + Hunger and Homelessness Action Week + T-SHIRTS + much more!

We're past half-way into the semester, and many of you are probably stressed.  Stress may comes from trying to keep your grades up, from relationships with others, from family (whether we live with them or worry about them while we are away), lack of sleep, overcommitments, or any number of other things.  Regardless of all of that -- we want you to know that YOU ARE A LOVED CHILD OF GOD. 

Start there, and take some time to catch your breath and relax -- time when you can let this gift and promise of God's love sink in.  Maybe schedule some time in your day to pray, or to read the Bible. (NOTE: If you don't have a Bible, just let us know and we'll give you one.)  Make sure you find time to do something you love to do in celebration of God's love. 

God Almighty, creation dances for you and with you.  Help us to embrace our identity as your beloved children, and to find ways to joyfully serve you in all that we do.  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.
+++++++++++++++

VOTE TODAY: Today (11/2) is election day -- let your voice be counted!

Theology Pub: Tue. 11/2, 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.  :-) 

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 11/3 at 7:47pm in SUB2 room VIP2 (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  We'll be doing a bit more with Midrash.  ALL are welcome!  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries <http://www.gmu.edu/org/ucm/>.  Check out the facebook Fan Page for this worship gathering <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairfax-VA/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248>.  You can always find our location listed at  http://GMU747.org

"Religions Brunch" on tolerance & unity: Sun. 11/7, 12:22pm-2:30pm: SUB2 Ballroom.  Come eat FREE food and hear myself and others speak and take questions about religious tolerance and unity at this brunch hosted by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue. 11/9, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D. Take a break from your busy schedule to seek some peace through prayerful meditation.

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week (an annual week of activities sponsored by the campus ministry association to educate about these issues and inspire people to action) is drawing nearer.  it will be November 14th-20th, and there are several ways that you can get involved now to help make this week possible and meaningful:
+ Helping to staff HQ on the north plaza (our shift is Wed 11/17, 12:30pm-2:30pm);

+ Helping to plan and facilitate the 4th annual Sleep-Out on the North Plaza (which will occur Thurs. 11/18);
+ Signing up to walk in the CROP Walk to raise awareness and money to stop hunger (walk will be Sun. 11/21);
+ and there will be more ways to participate as November progresses.  Please let me know if you are interested -- and ASAP for the two student groups forming within the week!

New LCM T-shirts have arrived!  Let us know if you'd like one, and in what size. Student cost = $5 (or $15 for non-students).  See what they look like at http://is.gd/fXXOz

+++++++
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
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

THEOLOGY PUB + Worship + Hunger and Homelessness Action Week + T-SHIRTS + much more!

We're past half-way into the semester, and many of you are probably stressed.  Stress may comes from trying to keep your grades up, from relationships with others, from family (whether we live with them or worry about them while we are away), lack of sleep, overcommitments, or any number of other things.  Regardless of all of that -- we want you to know that YOU ARE A LOVED CHILD OF GOD. 

Start there, and take some time to catch your breath and relax -- time when you can let this gift and promise of God's love sink in.  Maybe schedule some time in your day to pray, or to read the Bible. (NOTE: If you don't have a Bible, just let us know and we'll give you one.)  Make sure you find time to do something you love to do in celebration of God's love. 

God Almighty, creation dances for you and with you.  Help us to embrace our identity as your beloved children, and to find ways to joyfully serve you in all that we do.  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.
+++++++++++++++

Theology Pub: Tue. 11/2, 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.  :-) 

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 11/3 at 7:47pm in SUB2 room VIP2 (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  We'll be exploring Sacramental Living and are also expecting guests from Virginia International University.  ALL are welcome!  Co-sponsored with
United College Ministries <http://www.gmu.edu/org/ucm/>.  Check out the facebook Fan Page for this worship gathering <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairfax-VA/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248>.  You can always find our location listed at  http://GMU747.org

"Religions Brunch" on tolerance & unity: Sun. 11/7, 12:22pm-2:30pm: SUB2 Ballroom.  Come eat FREE food and hear myself and others speak and take questions about religious tolerance and unity at this brunch hosted by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

Prayer Labyrinth: Tue. 11/9, Noon-4pm: JC meeting room D. Take a break from your busy schedule to seek some peace through prayerful meditation.

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week (an annual week of activities sponsored by the campus ministry association to educate about these issues and inspire people to action) is drawing nearer.  it will be November 14th-20th, and there are several ways that you can get involved now to help make this week possible and meaningful:
+ Helping to staff HQ on the north plaza (our shift is Wed 11/17, 12:30pm-2:30pm);

+ Helping to plan and facilitate the 4th annual Sleep-Out on the North Plaza (which will occur Thurs. 11/18);
+ Signing up to walk in the CROP Walk to raise awareness and money to stop hunger (walk will be Sun. 11/21);
+ and there will be more ways to participate as November progresses.  Please let me know if you are interested -- and ASAP for the two student groups forming within the week!

New LCM T-shirts have arrived!  Let us know if you'd like one, and in what size. Student cost = $5 (or $15 for non-students).  See what they look like at http://is.gd/fXXOz

---

Winner of a one of our new LCMGMU T-shirts: Katie Yohman. 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!)

+++++++
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
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