It's official--the next gathering is set for Saturday, 1 November, 2008 at Luther-Tyndale Memorial Church (9-10 Leighton Crescent, Kentish Town, London NW5 2QY). Luther-Tyndale is a great 'central' place to meet, and there will be many things to do in the afternoon after we all arrive.

The event will start at approximately noon with a short devotional service, then a brief discussion of how things have been going for everyone, with a look to the future and some events that could be planned. Lunch will be provided--those details have yet to be decided. The group will then go off and do something for a few hours--please bring your input re that as well! Things will end probably around 5 pm.

Any Lutheran university students--or those about university student age--are invited! Please bring a friend if you're not interested in travelling alone. All transportation to Luther-Tyndale will be reimbursed (up to 400 GBP for the entire event) by a generous LCMS grant. Those students who are further afield are especially invited to take advantage of this generous offer--come to London for a day of fun!

And some may wish to stay longer--or come earlier! The day before will be a special Reformation Service at Luther-Tyndale. Sunday morning will of course feature the Divine Service. All are welcome to these events as well. Please contact Revd Claudio Flor at Luther-Tyndale for more info re those events (02072 673994).

Labels: Ablaze grant, gathering London, students

These happen to be the latest cities where details have been received about Lutheran students coming to those cities from outside the UK, but without an English-speaking Lutheran congregation there. And the very same thing is happening in other places around the country.

Coming as a student to the UK from another country is certainly a daunting task. Coming as a Lutheran can be even more daunting! Many Lutherans are not used to being so outnumbered!

There will always be changes and differences from the country of origin. One thing will stay the same for every student--the death of Jesus on the cross in the place of sinners; this is the centre of the Lutheran faith.

Anglican congregations each have their own distinct history. There may be some that will seem quite similar to a Lutheran congregation. If a Lutheran student finds one of those, with a vicar who preaches Christ crucified, that certainly is a wonderful find! Others may not be so blessed.

One or two Lutheran students can make a big difference within a UK university. If you are a Lutheran student within the UK, please make your presence known on this website.

Labels: students

I am in the process of creating an updated list of all university Lutheran chaplains within the UK. If you are--or would like to be--a Lutheran university chaplain, please contact me with your details. The number of Lutheran chaplains is increasingly fewer. If the students can make themselves known, certainly the chaplains can as well!

Labels: Lutheran chaplains

Lutheran students are few and far between in the UK. It's been like that for many years. But things don't have to continue like that. And it's really up to you who are students! Make your presence known; encourage other Lutheran students to make their presence known; then see how easy it will be to get a Lutheran group of students together in the Midlands, in the North, and certainly around London.

Labels: gathering, gathering London, students

There will be in the next few weeks for many new students a new-found freedom, something rarely experienced in recent years. The options of schedule, food and friends for some are essentially unlimited. Is that true freedom? Where will the student be after several years of such variety?

Martin Luther, the famous Reformer, reminded people time and again that ultimate freedom comes from the forgiveness of sins. Temporary freedom is never true freedom. Who can claim to have freedom from sickness, from death ... from things such as these?

Labels: students

Those two words, 'busy' and 'chaplain', in my opinion at least, should go as well together as oil and water. Professors are busy. Universities are busy places. When things get difficult, and a student wants somebody to talk to, he wants someone who's available, who is coming from a different perspective, who can give a different message.

I am a busy person, but often for the wrong reasons. I am busy sometimes because I fail to prioritise my things to do. I am also busy sometimes because it looks a lot more impressive in the eyes of the world. Who would want to talk to someone who had a free schedule? Would this person have anything important to say?

The scriptures would answer that question, 'Yes!' The wise university chaplain deliberately sets apart time to remind himself (and others) of the value in listening to Someone more important, Someone with a different perspective, someone who can give a saving message.

Labels: chaplains, students

Events in the news have made me think a bit about the following .... If there would be a poll among university students, what would be the top ten reasons for getting drunk?
1. It makes you happy ... for a while ....
2. It makes you forget your problems ... again, for a while ....
3. It's easier to accomplish than a meaningful relationship ....
4. Lots of people are doing it ....
... I think you get the idea ... feel free to finish the list ....

Labels: students