Thoughts from an experienced chaplain

Bishop William Willimon has some interesting thoughts on his blog about reaching out to college students.

Here's a short bit:

I have found that today's "Abandoned Generation" brings a new curiosity and openness to the gospel as well as a willingness to hear what their elders have to say, if we will speak directly to them. Therefore leaders of the church need to revise some of our conventional wisdom about the imperviousness of young adult hearts to the gospel.

Thanksgiving for ECM and its role on campus

Earlier this month, the following was given as a part of the thanksgiving message at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd by Lindsey Skakum.

Donald Miller once said,

"It is always the simple things that change our lives. An these things never happen when you are looking for then to happen. life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. This is how God does things."

I find this to be very true in my own life. It is often in the simple, unexpected, and intimate moment that God moves in striking and profound ways. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of ECM, a body that fosters a community where young adults can find support physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether it is through a campus care parcel, a warm hugging embrace, a listening ear, or an intimate time of worship I get to witness God's hand working in the lives of others. Gently using His touch to mold and mend his children in a broken and hurting world. God is alway in the process of seeking those he has formed and created for His glory. In seeing these blessings unravel around me God calls to me in unexpected ways, sharing the love and peace he is giving to others with me as well.

Over on my blog

Over on my blog I wrote about last night's Unchurch service. It was great! Check it out.

Worship tonight

We met tonight for worship at Christ Trinity Lutheran church. It was a really great time of singing and praying.

retreat

This weekend the student chaplains and I went on retreat to the Martha Retreat Centre to get to know each other better and do some planning for the term. It was an awesome time. We had some great conversation and laughed a lot. The sisters who run the centre are wonderfully hospitable and we really felt cared for.

Kick off BBQ

Last night's bbq was a lot of fun and now the term has officially begun!

Here are some scenes:

Free Parking Passes

If you are looking for a free parking pass the Alliance Church on the corner of Columbia and University are handing them out tomorrow (Saturday) from noon to 1:00 pm at a free BBQ. You have to get there early - I've stood in the line and it formed way before noon. But it is worth it! Burgers are good too!

Starting Up

Tomorrow we're starting up St. Drogo's Cafe in W564. I'm planning to be there by 10 and we should have her fired up and running until 2:00 so come on by!

Everyone is welcome to our opening BBQ

on Tuesday, September 11th, at 6:00 PM.

The BBQ will be held at 416 12th St. South

(in the yard beside Christ Trinity Lutheran Church)

A New Academic Year Begins!

Today was New Student Orientation at both the university and college. I was thinking that I'd work the college and our student chaplains would work the university but our office at the college isn't quite ready so I went to the university after all. My plan is to be at the college Mondays and Wednesday and the university Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Here are some scenes from NSO at the U of L. Melinda and Lindsey handed out 300 brochures inviting students to our activities and we've promised a lot of free lattes!

Bill Cade, the President of the U of L addressed the students and invoked the image of the pronghorn, the school's mascot. I saw pronghorns in Saskatchewan last week. They are fast.