Monday, February 28, 2011

THEOLOGY PUB + worship + MORE!

+++++++++++++++
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.
(In case of inclement weather, check http://twitter.com/LCMGMU and/or http://facebook.com/LCMGMU for updates.)
+++++++++++++++

Theology Pub: Mon. 3/1, 5-7pm in the SUB1 Rathskeller (lower level).  Feel free to bring questions or topics for discussion.  Join fellow students and Pastor Meredith to discuss God, life, theology, and how they intersect.  ALL are welcome for safe, open conversation. Facebook event. (Please invite your friends and let us know if you want this event to continue!)

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 3/2 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room B (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  ALL are welcome!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)  http://GMU747.org
Stay in the loop at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248
 
Hypothermia Shelters: Winter is a particularly hard time to be homeless.  To help, Facets implements a hypothermia shelter program, hosted each week by various faith communities in Fairfax County.   They almost always need more people to help (especially on weeknights)!  An example host: Holy Trinity Lutheran, Falls Church (Feb. 27 - March 6) --> they've asked for our help, especially with evening hospitality, overnight supervision, morning cleanup, or entertainment.  Interested volunteers can contact Deb Haynes at 703-560-0263 or ladybogus@cox.net or go directly to the sign up form on the HTLC homepage: www.htluther.org.  Simply enter the password: homeless.

SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP in Baltimore: March 11-13, we'll head to Baltimore again for a weekend helping out at Helping Up Mission -- an absolutely amazing recovery community which is incredibly successful at helping people break addictions and become healthy, educated, responsible, and employed -- and also provides food, hot showers, clean clothes, and overnight shelter for people living on the streets.  We'll have the opportunity to meet people whose lives have been saved by this mission, and to serve alongside them in helping to keep their community running!  It is one of the most rewarding places that I've ever volunteered -- and I highly recommend joining us for this rewarding experience!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries).  We went there last year, and here is what one student said:
"Helping Up Mission was really, truly wonderful. The people working there and the men going through the program are friendly and enthusiastic and very happy. A lot of the men working there had gone through the program themselves and decided to stay as staff members. I can't tell you how inspiring it was to be there...."


Lenten devotion services: Starting on Ash Wednesday (3/9) and continuing each week throughout Lent, we'll have a short (~20 minutes) mid-day devotion service in the Johnson Center -- exact time & room are pending.  We'll send out an update later this week when we find out.


YOUR IDEAS:  Please let us know if you have ideas for service projects that you'd like to take part in (or plan), social events for drawing our community together, Bible study topics you'd like to learn more about, etc.

+++++++
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
703-829-0220
+++++++++++++++








Tuesday, February 22, 2011

SPRING BREAK + worship + THEOLOGY PUB + more!

I'm pleased to announce that Northern Virginia Lutheran Campus Ministry has identified the next  Campus Minister / Director of Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University: Jeanne Larsen.  Here is a brief introduction that she wrote:

I come to you after having finished my Master of Divinity degree at Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg, PA, and while waiting for ordination. Yah—no more exams. I like
Classical studies, animals, coffee and mystery books but will probably need help with finding my way around campus and with computers. I look forward to being on campus and working with you. God blessings to each of you.

Jeane will be taking over most of what I (Ben) have been doing -- and I'll still be around some this semester to help with the transition.  Look forward to Jeanne announcing some new opportunities and activities soon!

Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.  Each day, help us to focus not on asking you to bless what we are doing, but to discern what you are doing in the world around it, and to be open to whatever roles you would have us fill.  May your realm be revealed around us.  In Jesus 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.
(In case of inclement weather, check http://twitter.com/LCMGMU and/or http://facebook.com/LCMGMU for updates.)
+++++++++++++++

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 2/23 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room B (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  ALL are welcome!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)  http://GMU747.org
Stay in the loop at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248
 
Hypothermia Shelters: Winter is a particularly hard time to be homeless.  To help, Facets implements a hypothermia shelter program, hosted each week by various faith communities in Fairfax County.   They almost always need more people to help (especially on weeknights)!  Some example host weeks:
+ Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairfax (Feb. 20-26) -- Contact the church office at 703-978-3131.
+ Holy Trinity Lutheran, Falls Church (Feb. 27 - March 6) --> they've asked for our help, especially with evening hospitality, overnight supervision, morning cleanup, or entertainment.  Interested volunteers can contact Deb Haynes at 703-560-0263 or ladybogus@cox.net or go directly to the sign up form on the HTLC homepage: www.htluther.org.  Simply enter the password: homeless.
     
Theology Pub: Mon. 3/1, 5-7pm in the SUB1 Rathskeller (lower level).  Feel free to bring questions or topics for discussion.  Join fellow students and Pastor Meredith to discuss God, life, theology, and how they intersect.  ALL are welcome for safe, open conversation. Facebook event. (Please invite your friends and let us know if you want this event to continue!)

SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP in Baltimore:
March 11-13, we'll head to Baltimore again for a weekend helping out at Helping Up Mission -- an absolutely amazing recovery community which is incredibly successful at helping people break addictions and become healthy, educated, responsible, and employed -- and also provides food, hot showers, clean clothes, and overnight shelter for people living on the streets.  We'll have the opportunity to meet people whose lives have been saved by this mission, and to serve alongside them in helping to keep their community running!  It is one of the most rewarding places that I've ever volunteered -- and I highly recommend joining us for this rewarding experience!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries).  We went there last year, and here is what one student said:
"Helping Up Mission was really, truly wonderful. The people working there and the men going through the program are friendly and enthusiastic and very happy. A lot of the men working there had gone through the program themselves and decided to stay as staff members. I can't tell you how inspiring it was to be there...."


YOUR IDEAS:  Please let us know if you have ideas for service projects that you'd like to take part in (or plan), social events for drawing our community together, Bible study topics you'd like to learn more about, etc.

+++++++
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
703-829-0220
+++++++++++++++







SPRING BREAK + worship + THEOLOGY PUB + more!

I'm pleased to announce that Northern Virginia Lutheran Campus Ministry has identified the next  Campus Minister / Director of Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University: Jeanne Larsen.  Here is a brief introduction that she wrote:

I come to you after having finished my Master of Divinity degree at Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg, PA, and while waiting for ordination. Yah—no more exams. I like
Classical studies, animals, coffee and mystery books but will probably need help with finding my way around campus and with computers. I look forward to being on campus and working with you. God blessings to each of you.

Jeane will be taking over most of what I (Ben) have been doing -- and I'll still be around some this semester to help with the transition.  Look forward to Jeanne announcing some new opportunities and activities soon!

Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.  Each day, help us to focus not on asking you to bless what we are doing, but to discern what you are doing in the world around it, and to be open to whatever roles you would have us fill.  May your realm be revealed around us.  In Jesus 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.
(In case of inclement weather, check http://twitter.com/LCMGMU and/or http://facebook.com/LCMGMU for updates.)
+++++++++++++++

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 2/23 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room B (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  ALL are welcome!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)  http://GMU747.org
Stay in the loop at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248
 
Hypothermia Shelters: Winter is a particularly hard time to be homeless.  To help, Facets implements a hypothermia shelter program, hosted each week by various faith communities in Fairfax County.   They almost always need more people to help (especially on weeknights)!  Some example host weeks:
+ Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairfax (Feb. 20-26) -- Contact the church office at 703-978-3131.
+ Holy Trinity Lutheran, Falls Church (Feb. 27 - March 6) --> they've asked for our help, especially with evening hospitality, overnight supervision, morning cleanup, or entertainment.  Interested volunteers can contact Deb Haynes at 703-560-0263 or ladybogus@cox.net or go directly to the sign up form on the HTLC homepage: www.htluther.org.  Simply enter the password: homeless.
     
Theology Pub: Mon. 3/1, 5-7pm in the SUB1 Rathskeller (lower level).  Feel free to bring questions or topics for discussion.  Join fellow students and Pastor Meredith to discuss God, life, theology, and how they intersect.  ALL are welcome for safe, open conversation. Facebook event. (Please invite your friends and let us know if you want this event to continue!)

SPRING BREAK SERVICE TRIP in Baltimore: March 11-13, we'll head to Baltimore again for a weekend helping out at Helping Up Mission -- an absolutely amazing recovery community which is incredibly successful at helping people break addictions and become healthy, educated, responsible, and employed -- and also provides food, hot showers, clean clothes, and overnight shelter for people living on the streets.  We'll have the opportunity to meet people whose lives have been saved by this mission, and to serve alongside them in helping to keep their community running!  It is one of the most rewarding places that I've ever volunteered -- and I highly recommend joining us for this rewarding experience!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries).  We went there last year, and here is what one student said:
"Helping Up Mission was really, truly wonderful. The people working there and the men going through the program are friendly and enthusiastic and very happy. A lot of the men working there had gone through the program themselves and decided to stay as staff members. I can't tell you how inspiring it was to be there...."


YOUR IDEAS:  Please let us know if you have ideas for service projects that you'd like to take part in (or plan), social events for drawing our community together, Bible study topics you'd like to learn more about, etc.

+++++++
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
703-829-0220
+++++++++++++++






Monday, February 14, 2011

Labyrinth + FREE MOVIE (LORD, SAVE US) + Worship + SPRING BREAK + MORE!

In case of inclement weather, check http://twitter.com/LCMGMU and/or http://facebook.com/LCMGMU for updates.
+++++++++++++

I really want to encourage everyone to join us in the JC Cinema this Tuesday for a FREE film screening and discussion.  Invite your friends, too!  Here is what I wrote about it last week:


You've probably encountered people who feel Christians are hate-filled hypocrites.  Maybe you've encountered that kind of Christianity yourself -- and it can be very hurtful.  Watching the media, sometimes it appears that Christianity is all about condemnation and irrationality.  How do we reconcile that with our scriptures:

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." -Jesus (Matthew 5:44)
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." -Jesus (Matthew 25:40)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16)

Let's invite our friends together and start a civil conversation on campus about this -- including those who have been hurt by Christians -- to dismantle the culture wars and really talk about how the Church could be more faithful to loving in accordance with what Jesus taught.  See http://LordSaveUsMason.com
    
God, break us open to understanding the ways in which we fail to fully love those around us, and help us to faithfully follow where you lead.  In Jesus 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: Mon. 2/14, Noon-4pm: JC mtg rm D. Drop in for 15 minutes or more to take a break from your stressful schedule to spend some time seeking peace and centering yourself in prayerful meditation.  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)

LORD, SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS: Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?: FREE MOVIE & discussion on Tues. 2/15 in the JC Cinema at 8 PM.  How is Christianity viewed in our culture, and why?  Let's start a civil dialogue on campus about how we might more faithfully share God's love with those we encounter.  More info: http://LordSaveUsMason.com
Please RSVP on Facebook and invite all your friends: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151591961561332

747 Creative Christian Worship: Wed. 2/16 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room B (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  ALL are welcome!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)  http://GMU747.org
Stay in the loop at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248
 
Hypothermia Shelters: Winter is a particularly hard time to be homeless.  To help, Facets implements a hypothermia shelter program, hosted each week by various faith communities in Fairfax County.   They almost always need more people to help (especially on weeknights)!  Some example host weeks:
+ Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairfax (Feb. 20-26) -- Contact the church office at 703-978-3131.
+ Holy Trinity Lutheran, Falls Church (Feb. 27 - March 6) --> they've asked for our help, especially with evening hospitality, overnight supervision, morning cleanup, or entertainment.  Interested volunteers can sign up on the HTLC homepage: www.htluther.org -- using the password: homeless.
     
Theology Pub: Mon. 3/1, 5-7pm in the SUB1 Rathskeller (lower level).  Feel free to bring questions or topics for discussion.  Join fellow students and Pastor Meredith to discuss God, life, theology, and how they intersect.  ALL are welcome for safe, open conversation. Facebook event. (Please invite your friends and let us know if you want this event to continue!)
 
SPRING BREAK trip to Helping Up Mission in Baltimore: March 11-13, we'll head to Baltimore again for a weekend helping out at this amazing recovery community.  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries).  We went there last year, and here is what one student said:
"Helping Up Mission was really, truly wonderful. The people working there and the men going through the program are friendly and enthusiastic and very happy. A lot of the men working there had gone through the program themselves and decided to stay as staff members. I can't tell you how inspiring it was to be there...."

YOUR IDEAS:  Please let us know if you have ideas for service projects that you'd like to take part in (or plan), social events for drawing our community together, Bible study topics you'd like to learn more about, etc.

+++++++
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






Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Worship + FREE MOVIE + Labyrinth + SPRING BREAK + MORE!

In case of inclement weather, check http://twitter.com/LCMGMU and/or http://facebook.com/LCMGMU for updates.
+++++++++++++

You've probably encountered people who feel Christians are hate-filled hypocrites.  Maybe you've encountered that kind of Christianity yourself -- and it can be very hurtful.  Watching the media, sometimes it appears that Christianity is all about condemnation and irrationality.  How do we reconcile that with our scriptures:

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." -Jesus (Matthew 5:44)
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." -Jesus (Matthew 25:40)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16)

Let's invite our friends together and start a civil conversation on campus about this -- including those who have been hurt by Christians -- to dismantle the culture wars and really talk about how the Church could be more faithful to loving in accordance with what Jesus taught.  See http://LordSaveUsMason.com
    
God, break us open to understanding the ways in which we fail to fully love those around us, and help us to faithfully follow where you lead.  In Jesus 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. 2/9 at 7:47pm in JC meeting room D (3rd floor, ask the info desk or call/TXT 703-829-0220 for help finding us).  ALL are welcome!  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)  The location is always at: http://GMU747.org
Stay in the loop at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/747-Creative-Christian-Worship-at-George-Mason-University-gmu747/120575701329248

Prayer Labyrinth: Mon. 2/14, Noon-4pm: JC mtg rm D. Drop in for 15 minutes or more to take a break from your stressful schedule to spend some time seeking peace and centering yourself in prayerful meditation.  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.)

LORD, SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS: Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?: FREE MOVIE & discussion on Tues. 2/15 in the JC Cinema at 8 PM.  How is Christianity viewed in our culture, and why?  Let's start a civil dialogue on campus about how we might more faithfully share God's love with those we encounter.  More info: http://LordSaveUsMason.com
Please RSVP on Facebook and invite all your friends: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151591961561332
 
Hypothermia Shelters: Winter is a particularly hard time to be homeless.  To help, Facets implements a hypothermia shelter program, hosted each week by various faith communities in Fairfax County.  Some example host weeks:
+ Lord of Life Lutheran, Fairfax (Feb. 6-12)
+ Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairfax (Feb. 20-26)
+ Holy Trinity Lutheran, Falls Church (Feb. 27 - March 5).
They almost always need more people to help (especially on weeknights)!  If you are interested in helping out sometime (i.e. cooking and serving food, talking to people and providing hospitality, etc.), let me know and I'll try to put you in touch with the coordinator at the hosting congregation. 

Theology Pub: Mon. 3/1, 5-7pm in the SUB1 Rathskeller (lower level).  Feel free to bring questions or topics for discussion.  Join fellow students and Pastor Meredith to discuss God, life, theology, and how they intersect.  ALL are welcome for safe, open conversation. Facebook event. (Please invite your friends and let us know if you want this event to continue!)
 
SPRING BREAK trip to Helping Up Mission in Baltimore: March 11-13, we'll head to Baltimore again for a weekend helping out at this amazing recovery community.  (Co-sponsored with United College Ministries).  We went there last year, and here is what one student said:
"Helping Up Mission was really, truly wonderful. The people working there and the men going through the program are friendly and enthusiastic and very happy. A lot of the men working there had gone through the program themselves and decided to stay as staff members. I can't tell you how inspiring it was to be there...."

YOUR IDEAS:  Please let us know if you have ideas for service projects that you'd like to take part in (or plan), social events for drawing our community together, Bible study topics you'd like to learn more about, etc.

+++++++
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