At the root of Christmas is a scandalous revelation that Christ's birth changed the world, and continues to change the world! It is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. Over many years, this celebration has become co-opted by commercialism, and become a stressful experience of spending lots of money to buy lots of gifts -- and often families end up digging themselves deeper into debt. This is a near polar opposite to the model of Jesus, who emphasized not material stuff, but relationships.
For the past several years, there has been a growing movement of Christians who seek to restore worship to the season, to spend less money, to give presence -- actually committing to spend more quality time with the people they care about, and to share love. One growing campaign for this is the Advent Conspiracy. Check out http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Watch the video there, and think about how you can join the Advent Conspiracy. For example, one side of my family has completely done away with giving gifts for Christmas. Last year, instead of exchanging packages, we spent time singing carols and reading the Christmas story from the Bible. Consider donating some of the money you save toward a cause that helps people living in extreme poverty or another cause through which your donation can help you express God's love for the world.
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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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Theology Pub: Tue. 12/7, 5pm-7pm in the Mason Rathskeller (lower level of SUB1) -- join Pastor Meredith Keseley and a group of students to discuss God, theology, faith, life, and how they intersect over food and drink. We welcome questions, doubts, and differences of opinion. :-) Facebook event.
Angel Tree Gift Distribution: We'll join United College Ministries in helping prepare for the Angel Tree gift distribution at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church, 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22309 (just off Route 1). Meet Pete Fontneau on campus to carpool from Sandy Creek Circle on Sat. 12/11 at 12:15pm sharp to get to Rising Hope at 1pm (return to campus before 4pm). The gifts will be distributed at the worship at Rising Hope the next day.
For the past several years, there has been a growing movement of Christians who seek to restore worship to the season, to spend less money, to give presence -- actually committing to spend more quality time with the people they care about, and to share love. One growing campaign for this is the Advent Conspiracy. Check out http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Watch the video there, and think about how you can join the Advent Conspiracy. For example, one side of my family has completely done away with giving gifts for Christmas. Last year, instead of exchanging packages, we spent time singing carols and reading the Christmas story from the Bible. Consider donating some of the money you save toward a cause that helps people living in extreme poverty or another cause through which your donation can help you express God's love for the world.
Lord God, it is mind-boggling to think that you transformed the world with the birth of a child. Help us to remember this special event with a season of love and caring. 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 (12/8, & 12/15) at 7:47pm in JC meeting room ***C*** (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 Pastor Meredith Keseley and a group of students to discuss God, theology, faith, life, and how they intersect over food and drink. We welcome questions, doubts, and differences of opinion. :-) Facebook event.
Game Night: Fri. 12/10, 6pm-9pm in JC mtg rm D: Celebrate the end of classes by taking a study-break to play games, eat snacks, and listen to music.
Angel Tree Gift Distribution: We'll join United College Ministries in helping prepare for the Angel Tree gift distribution at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church, 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22309 (just off Route 1). Meet Pete Fontneau on campus to carpool from Sandy Creek Circle on Sat. 12/11 at 12:15pm sharp to get to Rising Hope at 1pm (return to campus before 4pm). The gifts will be distributed at the worship at Rising Hope the next day.
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.
Winner of an iPod Touch: Amanda Myers. 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.
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
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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
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
