AU Chi Alpha

Spiritual Sticky Notes

2008-04-13T22:12:00.003-05:00

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.
2 Timothy 2:8

Remembering, it's a pretty important skill in life. We use all sorts of things to help us recall important things, but one method we've all used @ some time in our lives is the sticky note. They're great, just write down the thing you need to remember and stick it someplace where you'll see it later--fail-proof (that is unless you have a neat freak for a roommate). When it comes to following Jesus, remembering is vital. We even have a few "spiritual sticky notes" to help us. On Saturday, Kera, a freshmen in Chi Alpha, was baptized. Baptism is a reminder to us of our identification with Christ's death and resurrection. When we go under the water it symbolizes the death of our former lives burdened with sin. As we come out of the water, we're reminded of the transformation that makes our new life in Jesus possible. It's a phyiscal act that puts God's grace right in front of our faces. I think that's better than 3M could have ever come up with. Way to go Kera!

This week we're going to give ourselves another reminder. This Thursday several Chi Alpha leaders will be fasting. We're doing it to remember that God's purpose is not done through our effort alone. Our work can be fruitful only when we're dependent on Him. Some of us will fast food for one a meal or for the day; others will fast from something else. But, what we give up isn't really that important. What's important is that we fill the time we would be engaged in this activity and devote that to God. We'll also be gathering @ 5 pm in the XA office (basement of Kay) to seek God together in prayer. I want to invite you to join us. I think it's the spiritual sticky note we all need as we finish out this semester.

Click here for the scoop on the rest of what is happening in Chi Alpha.

Pure Religion

2008-04-09T10:41:00.003-05:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

Why is looking after widows and orphans considered pure and faultless? Probably because they have no way of repaying you. James uses these words in his letter after an encouragement to put faith into practice and directly before an exhortation against showing favoritism. For his culture it was practical application. James was telling his audience to truly serve instead of looking for ways to build social capital.

This week we have an opportunity to engage in pure and faultless religion. Chi Alpha has joined forces with a number of organizations on campus to promote the play, "If Thy Tongue Can Speak." Written by Leah Bomberger, the play seeks to educate the campus community about the on-going tragedy of the violence in the eastern part of the Deomocratic Republic of the Congo. Millions have died. Thousands continue to be victimized. Access to medical care is virtually impossible, but we can make a difference. African Harvest Ministries is working with churches in the DRC to open and supply 24 clinics to begin meeting the outrageous need in the area. All of the proceeds from the play and our promotional efforts will go to fund this project. We can save lives! Will you help us fill the empty shelves of clinics like the one you see here? There is still plenty of room to get involved. Email Kera to find out how to volunteer or donate and don't forget to buy your ticket for the play. Your donation of a few dollars or an hour of work will bring hope to those with none. That's religion you can get excited about!

Passion Week is Here.

2008-03-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

We're in the middle of Passion Week. It's a time to reflect and remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to invite others into his story. We have a week full of events you can be a part of. Click the events link on the sidebar to find out more.

The Podcast is Updated

2008-03-07T03:21:00.002-05:00

The podcast is up to date. Just click on the picture to the left to listen to most of this semester's TNW messages online or to subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.

Happy Birthday Chi Alpha

2008-02-18T00:54:00.003-05:00

Chi Alpha @ AU turns 10! Check out the video that was produced especially for the celebration. Thanks Julia, Tanya, Heather, and everyone who put it together.

Don't forget...

2008-02-14T14:20:00.003-05:00

Remember this week we've moved TNW to Friday night for our 10 year birthday celebration. Come join us in Kay to look back on what God has done through Chi Alpha over the last decade. So have a Happy Valentine's Day and I'll see you tomorrow @ the party!

Big Announcement

2008-01-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

Did you miss TNW last week because of the snow? Here's our big announcement in the spirit of the political season.

From April: New Beginnings

2008-01-14T22:22:00.000-05:00

I love new beginnings. There is so much possibility to starting a new semester. I always thought that maybe, just maybe, I would do the reading for all my classes, or work out a couple times a week. (For four years, neither of those things happened.) But a part of me also detests the beginning of the year because I feel as though I merely participate in a cultural ritual of setting unrealistic goals I never intend to keep.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" What I love about this verse is that it's not talking about goal-setting, but about transformation. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Something ordinary becoming glorious. We are changed on a daily basis through a friendship with Jesus. And every day we spend time with Him, transformation happens within us. Maybe that time hasn't happened in a while. Who cares if it's not the first day of the year or the semester, or even the first part of the day? Take time now to pick up a Bible and start talking to Him. Whatever is in your past--guilt, pain, failure--let it go and become the new creation that you are in Christ.

Welcome to Our Newest Member

2007-12-12T00:57:00.001-05:00

Mike and Jen welcomed Nathanael James into the world on December 11 @ 1:35 pm. He weighed in @ a whopping 9 lbs and is 22 inches long. Both Nate and Jen are doing well, but Mike will be noticeably absent from the office this week. You can read more about Nate's birth and see pics on Mike's blog.

What are you doing for New Years Eve?

2007-11-28T18:19:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do over New Years Eve? Check out the SALT Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Hundreds of college students worshipping Jesus and an incredible opportunity to grow deeper in your faith over 4 days--what could be better? Check out the facebook event for more info and to register. Early registration ends December 4th so do it today!

What are you doing for Spring Break?

2007-11-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's not even Thanksgiving--kind of early to be talking about spring break isn't it? Not when you're making plans to go global with Jesus. This past Thursday, we unveiled our 2008 Chi Alpha Spring Break Trips. Here's the scoop in case you missed it:

New Orleans, La. New Orleans post-Katrina remains an incredible opportunity to share God's love through service and relationships. We will be spending our Spring Break partnering with other ministries, serving in those areas still recovering from the hurricane. We will also have opportunities to partner with XA ministry at Tulane. Cost will be around $500. For more info email Adam

Yucatan, Mexico. We're heading down to work with missionary Dave Godzwa (my twin brother). The team will be doing light construction/renovation for a church in the area and outreach in the community through music, drama, testimonies, and service. Spanish proficiency is helpful, but not required. The cost will be around $1,000. For more info email Mike.

Help Darfur from Washington, DC. As many as 450,000 people have died in the Darfur conflict. We have the opportunity to raise money that will directly minister to the people affected. Prayer and raising awareness will also play a role in the "trip." For more info email April

Going Global

2007-10-28T21:24:00.000-05:00

We're changing things up this @ TNW week. We'll be taking a 1 week break from the 3rd Person series to turn our eyes to the world. This Thursday night, we've invited Chi Alpha students from around the DC metro area to allow God to guide us on a global scale.

A few years ago, Chi Alpha unveiled their missions theme, "Give a year, pray about a lifetime." Scott Martin, the national Chi Alpha global student mission director took that theme seriously. He moved his family to Central Asia last year to be a catalyst for student ministry there. He'll share about his about his experience and we'll fill you in on this year's missions opportunities for spring break. Get your passport ready and I'll see you there!

A Great Weekend!

2007-10-07T21:36:00.000-05:00

We had a great fall retreat! The weather was amazing, we had a ton of time to hang out, and the services were powerful. Did you miss it? You can get a taste of the retreat by downloading Shawn's messages. They're posted on the TNW Podcast now. Just follow the link and download them through iTunes or listen online.

Last Day for EagleBucks Retreat Registration

2007-09-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

We're only 2 weeks away from Fall Retreat! Have you signed up yet? Well if you want to register with EagleBucks, today is the last day. We'll make it easy for you though. Just email April with your name, phone, email and complete AU ID # (including those last 2 digits). That's it. Do it today!

9:9 @ 9

2007-08-27T16:20:00.000-05:00

In Matthew 9:9, the author tells the story of his first encounter with Jesus. Jesus speaks the words, "Follow me," and Matthew leaves everything to become a disciple. Following Jesus begins with hearing his voice. This year we'll have an opportunity each weekday morning @ 9 am to open ourselves to God's voice throughout the day. Starting tomorow (Tuesday) we'll be meeting in the West Chapel, a room on the left side of main Kay Chapel, for corporate prayer and worship. Join us and we'll listen to Jesus together.

Thank you Best Buy!

2007-08-22T12:08:00.001-05:00

Our local Best Buy in Tenleytown has just donated 2 iPod shuffles for us to give away at our upcoming events. We'll be giving the first one away @ the Riddle Quest this Saturday. Just click the link for more details and I'll see you there. Maybe you'll be thanking Best Buy too!

Need a hand?

2007-08-17T19:51:00.000-05:00

Got a few things to carry up to your new room? Let us give you a hand. We'll be @ the North and South-side Residence halls, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am - 3 pm. Just find a Chi Alphan wearing a red t-shirt and we'll help you get settled. And don't worry, we don't take tips.

This just in...

2007-07-29T14:59:00.000-05:00

We're only 20 days away from the start of Welcome Week and Chi Alpha's got a lot planned. The Event Calendar has just been updated. Check it out by clicking here and keep checking for more details.

New XA Shirt?

2007-07-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day! In celebration of this mid-summer holiday (sort of), I wanted to unveil the leading design for our new t-shirt. Feel free to leave your thoughts or your shirt size. We'll be ordering soon!

Chi Alpha @ New Student Orientation

2007-06-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to AU and New Student Orientation! Stop by the Chi Alpha table during the Campus Life Service Fair today (Tues.) from 12 - 1:30 pm in the Bender Arena Lobby. We'd love to meet you, give you a few freebies let you know a little more about what we do. Got questions on the campus, finding friends or exploring faith? We're here to help. See you there.

Summer Bible Study: We're on for this Wednesday

2007-06-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

For those of you waiting on the edge of your seat for the announcement, here it is! We're starting our summer Bible study this Wednesday, June 6th @ 7 pm in the Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge. This week we'll have some snacks, get to know each other and choose our topic for the rest of the summer. I hope to see you there! Don't forget to invite a friend.

New Side Poll

2007-05-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

We need your input. Chi Alpha's summer Bible study will be starting soon and we want to pick a night that will work. Scroll down the home page, find our poll section on the left hand side and place your vote. We'll announce the results soon.

Read Any Good Books? Here's one for the Summer.

2007-05-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

Dallas Willard is my hero! Apart from those who penned the Bible, he's done more to bring me closer to Jesus than any other author. Ask anyone I know, when it comes to recommending Christian books, I'll always slip in one from Willard, but there's just one catch--he's not an easy read.

In his day job, Dallas Willard is a professor of philosophy @ USC where he specializes in the works of Edmund Husserl and the philosophical discipline of phenomenology. Being a huge Willard fan I once attended one of his philosophy discussions. I think I understood two thoughts in about 45 minutes. Willard does not regularly operate on the same wavelength as the common mortals of the world.

Now before I scare you off completely, you don't need to reread your Intro to Philosophy textbook before you crack open one of Willard's Christian books. The main thing to remember is The Divine Conspiracy is not a beach read. Each sentence in this and most of his writing is loaded with meaning. You need to live with a Willard book for a while. This is a major drawback for most people. Because so many have struggled to read Willard, I've started to back off on recommending his books. That is until his latest offering, The Great Omission.

The Great Omission is an interesting project. It's a collection of articles on discipleship that were published over almost 30 years. Writing for popular magazines such as Christianity Today have made his thoughts more accessible to the ordinary reader.

What you'll find in the pages of The Great Omission is (printed on the provocatively on the back of the book) "What the church forgot to teach you." Instead of making disciples, the church has engaged in "making converts (to a particular 'faith and practice') and baptizing them into church membership." This prevents us from enrolling people as Christ's students and taking them through the training that will bring them to what Jesus directed.

After building a case for a return to the Great Commission of making disciples, Willard's articles focus to teaching us how to live as a student of Jesus. Chapter 4 introduces us to the "Golden Triangle" of spiritual transformation which are three different avenues (faithful acceptance of everyday problems, interaction with God's Spirit in and around us, and the spiritual disciplines) that God uses to form Christ in us. In chapter 5 Willard highlights 3 spiritual disciplines: solitude, silence, and fasting as keys to enter the door of spiritual formation.

Chapter 8 entitled, "The Spirit is Willing…" caught my attention. In it he describes how the body can be used as a tool for spiritual growth. I've not heard too much on this subject (probably because it involves the use of the word mortification). Willard makes the biblical imperative to "crucify the flesh" (Gal 5:24) practical through the spiritual disciplines. As we train our bodies with the simple exercises of fasting, silence, and service we find ourselves capable of accomplishing spiritual feats that were formerly impossible (like holding our tempers, reigning in our pride, and overcoming habitual sin). This makes our body the "power pack" for spiritual growth.

The truth found in these pages is never flashy. You won’t find a lot of buzz. What you will discover is the beauty of discipleship and the brilliance of the master teacher, Jesus Christ. As I put these biblically-based principles into practice, I find myself looking more and more like the One I'm attempting to follow. I highly recommend The Great Omission. To get a sample of a few of the articles found in it, check out Willard's website www.dwillard.org.

Summer Chi Alpha

2007-05-06T14:38:00.000-05:00

Are you sticking around DC this summer or are you coming to campus a bit early? We'll be getting together throughout the summer for Bible study, worship and some random fun. Email me mike@auchialpha.org to get plugged in.

New Leaders Join the Team!

2007-05-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's always exciting to see student take on the challenge of serving God in positions of leadership in Chi Alpha! Here are your new leaders for next semester:

New Small Group Leaders:
Lindsay Spell
Tanya Elshahawi
Julia Gerlach
Megan Schultz
Kaia Vereide
Sommer Altland

New Student Officers:
Amiee Landman - President
Anne Bradley - VP/TNW Coordinator
Megan Schultz - Treasurer
Ashley Wall - Secretary
Julia Gerlach - Interfaith Chairperson

Thanks for serving. I know you'll help make 07-08 a great year!