"Coming Home"

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you know, it's Homecoming Week here at George Mason.  Join us Wednesday night for worship at 7:47 pm in Johnson Center Room F as we consider how our awesome God continues to welcome us into God's family.

Thursday, February 2, isn't just for Groundhogs!  It's also the day the church celebrates the Presentation of Jesus at the temple 40 days following his birth, in accordance with Jewish custom.  According to the gospel of Luke (see chapter 2, verses 22-40) on this occasion, the man Simeon was "guided by the Spirit" to the temple to see Jesus, the Messiah.  He offered his praises to God with the words we know as the Nunc Dimittis:
     "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
   according to your word;
      for my eyes have seen your salvation,
         which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
      a light for revelation to the Gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke also tells us that on that same occasion, Jesus was also revealed to be the Messiah to the 84-year old prophet Anna, who also offered her praises to God.

This day is celebrated in some traditions as Candlemas, when candles for use in the home are often brought to worship to be blessed for the year.



Remember, this is your campus ministry; we welcome your ideas, conversations, and your presence!  Let me know how I can serve you!

Pastor Terry Hannon
Campus Minister
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://LCMGMU.org
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
703-829-0220

This Week with Lutheran Campus Ministry

Greetings, all,
Welcome to Spring Semester at Mason!  I hope you'll take an opportunity to join us this semester for worship, service, learning, and fellowship.

We continue our weekly 747 Worship on Wednesday evenings at 7:47 p.m.  That's February 25 for this week.  We'll meet in Johnson Center room F, on 3rd floor.  This is a joint ministry of Lutheran Campus Ministry and United College Ministries of Northern Virginia.  All are welcome!  Bring a friend!

"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

God is with you!
Pastor Terry
Campus Minister
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://LCMGMU.org
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
703-829-0220

Highlights This Week

Greetings from your Lutheran Campus Ministry!
Welcome new students, especially those who will attend one of the Mason Orientation sessions today!

Today the church commemorates the confession of Saint Peter, in response to Jesus' question to his disciples:  "But you, who do you say that I am?"  And Peter replied:  "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."  (Matthew 16:15-16).

Today also begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

"Almighty God, you inspired Simon Peter to confess Jesus as the Messiah and Son of the living God. Keep your church firm on the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace it may proclaim one truth and follow one Lord, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."  (Prayer of the Day for the Confession of St. Peter, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.)

Grace and peace,
Pastor Terry Hannon
--
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://LCMGMU.org
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
703-829-0220

Epiphany Blessings

Today the church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord.  Epiphany means "manifestion," "making known," or "revelation".  Especially today we remember how Jesus the Christ has been made known to all nations.  Read the story of the adoration of the child Jesus by the magi in Matthew 2:1-12.

"Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star. Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship, prayer of the day (alternate) for the Epiphany of Our Lord, page 21, (c) 2006, ELCA.
--
Pastor Terry Hannon

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://LCMGMU.org
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
703-829-0220