University Lutheran News

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and a time when many people make all kinds of resolutions for the year ahead. Some of these will have a lasting impact. Most tend to be frivolous, and even more will be broken well before January draws to a close.

Here's one resolution urged on me by an old pastor many years ago: never let a day pass by when you don't read God's word. It's some of the best advice I have ever received. While my desk returns to its usual messy state within days of a new resolution, and my diet has its ups and downs, this one resolution is one that has been worth working hard to keep?

Why?

Because it's God's word. And, therefore, it is a powerful word. Whenever we hear God speak, whether through preaching, teaching or conversation, or through reading the Bible, we put ourselves at the disposal of His Holy Spirit, to create, sustain and strengthen faith, to mortify the sinful flesh and to empower in the fight against sin.

So why not make this new year one where you let God into your daily life in a new way through His word? Then, whether it turns out happy or not, you can be sure it will be blessed.

Student Invasion

2009-07-09T00:17:00.001-07:00

This is the time of year again, the time for students from all over the world to come to the UK for a university experience. This 'invasion' is a good thing. Those students will challenge the values of the people who are here. Sometimes those students will be in conflict with the people here. Conflict can be a good thing. It's a tremendous learning experience. Remember, not everyone thinks the same way as you!

So, if you're reading this, and if you're preparing to invade or preparing to be invaded, hopefully you can see some good to all of this. In Lutheran churches this year, the Gospel texts are from the Gospel according to Mark. From that perspective, Jesus enters the scene rather forcefully--in traditional terms, like a lion--and causes no small amount of conflict. Certainly some good things came from THAT invasion!

And for all the invading Lutheran students, please feel free to contact a nearby Lutheran pastor who can serve as chaplain for you. If you are doing the invading, a 'military' chaplain might be just the thing during these 'difficult' times.

Salsa Event in London???

2009-04-23T08:06:00.001-07:00

I just heard of the possibility of a Salsa event at Luther-Tyndale for older youth/young adults, literally those who have outgrown the 11-18 youth group. I think it's an excellent idea. Thanks to all who are helping with this. Look to the ELCE website for more info--or this blog.

Future Student in the UK

2009-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is the time of the year when students might hear that they are headed to the UK for a term, a year, perhaps even three years! There will be many things to take care of.

But literally millions of students have come to these shores. It might help to talk to some of them. Perhaps it would help to talk to other Lutherans as well.

If you are a future Lutheran student in the UK, please make your presence known to someone--at least your pastor, but perhaps also the closest Lutheran clergy to the university that you will be attending.

Before you know it, there will again be a million things to do. You will again be headed somewhere, perhaps this time 'home'. But you probably won't be the same. Perhaps the UK will never be the same! Hopefully you will make it a better place for the next million or so students.

Zeitgeist Reaction

2009-01-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

A Lutheran student in the UK recently brought this to my attention, although I had heard much contained within this video before.

Here is the link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-594683847743189197 (ZeitgeistI)

I don’t think I could actually recommend someone watch it, but it exists whether you watch it or not. It is the ‘spirit of the times’ (Zeitgeist).

I watched it. What I usually don’t hear too often is a denial that Jesus never existed, that everything was made up--because there were other similar stories to Jesus’ life (someone in Egyptian mythology, e.g., was born on 25 December, did miracles, died, and was resurrected). That’s a bold statement!

The video I watched connected this anti-religious view to an anti-authoritarian view. The video’s message was that those in authority are not to be trusted; people should think for themselves. Specifically 9/11 and the US Federal Reserve were brought up. I remember hearing some of the same statements about the Federal Reserve already in the seventies. The sixties must have been a significant change in the view of authority within both the US and the UK.

As with many statements, there is some good to them and some bad. The importance of things needs to be weighed. To do that a person needs an accurate tool of measurement. The video praised human thought, what a person thinks in the hear and now. Certainly this should be done, but certainly within limits.

Here are some final thoughts:

The video’s depiction of Christianity was unfair, but I shouldn’t have expected anything else. Society is unfair. God is often unfair. People are given a wide variety of things. These things are then usually taken away.

The video’s depiction of religion was accurate. All false religions have been made up by people in an effort to control others, in a desire for power. The fall into sin was also an uprising against God, an effort to take him out of the picture.

God has the power. Sometimes he gives it to some people. That’s called authority. He’s certainly the author of it all. That’s not a bad thing.

Christianity is something different than 'religion' though. The wonderful thing was that Jesus gave away his power on the cross as a sacrifice for sin. That’s a story you don’t hear of in legends or myths. Why would God die in the place of people? Why would God love his people so much? In other stories, gods die and come back to life. In the Christian story, Jesus did this for us and for our salvation.

That fact is something worth ‘watching’ again and again.

Getting Ready for Depression!

2008-12-27T02:03:00.000-08:00

People talk about getting ready for Christmas. Why not get ready for the month after--known to be the most depressing month of the year? Why not look forward to that time of extra time in bed ... extra negative thoughts ... extra time to think about where your life is going?

It should be no surprise that the leisure centres and exercise classes will all be full for the next couple of weeks as well. There's something to be said for the person who's realises that something is not right with the way he or she has been acting and does something to change that.

As a very young student I enjoying the act of writing any date after December at the top of my paper. From September through December, the end of the school year seemed so far away. January means that February is close, and then comes March ... the end is almost in sight!

I'm assuming of course that today's Lutheran university students have a much better perspective than all of the above. My offer still stands, of course, to help any Lutheran student within the UK to connect them to other Lutheran students--and to a (relatively) nearby Lutheran congregation. Hopefully we can all get through this next month together!

Lutheran Students Meet Again in London

2008-11-17T04:18:00.000-08:00

Lutheran UK Students gathered once again for a time of mutual encouragement and support. The group that gathered at Luther-Tyndale on 1 November was small, but all had a wonderful time. The group was led in Responsive Prayer by Revd Paul Landgraf, ELCE Student Chaplains’ Coordinator, and in bible study on Romans by Stephen Preus, a new Westfield House student. The group then went to lunch at Nando’s, and then on to the British Museum. The lunch and travel expenses to London were paid by a generous Ablaze (LCMS) grant. The group also discussed possible future events. If you are a Lutheran student within the UK, please ‘stay tuned’ for the details of future gatherings like this one!

2008 Autumn Student Gathering

2008-09-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

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).

What Do Edinburgh, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Have in Common?

2008-09-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Attention All Lutheran Chaplains!

2008-09-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

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!

Lutheran Union

2008-09-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

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.

A Student's Freedom

2008-09-01T09:55:00.001-07:00

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?

The Busy University Chaplain

2008-09-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

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.

In a Completely Different Direction ....

2008-09-01T09:38:00.001-07:00

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 ....

There is some interest!

2008-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

The latest is that there is some interest from some of the university students within and near London. Last year the event was on a Saturday, late October, at Luther-Tyndale Memorial Church--and that seemed to work well. Are there any other ideas? Please don't hesitate to email. Hopefully we can get the word out in plenty of time.

Maybe Next Time!

2008-03-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately it wasn't a big crowd on the 8th--but there were lots of things going on that day. Three showed up. There was some good discussion; some good ideas were thrown around. All in all, it was still a good day.

Are there any Lutheran students out there who might want to get together with other Lutherans? Obviously we should pick a good weekend and a central place to meet! Other factors may be important as well. Does anyone have any other thoughts on the subject? Please respond. Thanks!

Don't Miss This One!

2008-03-04T23:45:00.000-08:00

It's still not too late to make plans to attend the Lutheran student gathering this Saturday at Christ Church, Petts Wood. Perhaps you could get a student friend to join you?

Don't forget that travel expenses will be reimbursed. Please bring some proof of your costs. It should be a great time!

This Time We Gather in South London

2008-01-23T05:34:00.000-08:00

All Lutheran students are invited to another pan-Lutheran gathering, 8 March, this time at Christ Lutheran Church (Poverest Rd, Orpington, Kent, BR5 1RD). The time will be approximately noon to 5 pm. There will be a devotion, lunch and a trip to some local caves! Should be a great time. The total cost should only be about 13 quid. Travel expenses to the church will be reimbursed by a generous LCMS grant.

Twenty Students Get-Together in London

2008-01-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

Twenty students left a variety of situations in Cambridge, Canterbury, Coventry, Durham and London to come together on 27 October at Luther-Tyndale Memorial Church to encourage and be encouraged. There was a short service and bible study which reflected the Reformation, along with some general discussion concerning what it is like to be a Lutheran university student in the UK. A generous LCMS grant again reimbursed travel expenses, as well as provided a nice lunch at nearby Nando's. The vast majority of the group then visited the British Museum to enjoy a little bit of what London has to offer.

Our Autumn Gathering

2007-09-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Our Autumn Student Gathering is planned for 27 October at Luther-Tyndale Memorial Church. Hopefully this is a weekend that will work out for many! And hopefully all will receive support and encouragement from each other. A free meal is planned, the details of which are dependent upon the number of people attending. RSVP if you plan on attending. The group will probably head to some place like the British Museum--which is free! Bring a couple quid to get yourself around in London on that day. If you are a Lutheran student, hopefully you can make it.

The First ELCE Student Gathering

2007-05-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

The first get-together of ELCE university students was held at Luther-Tyndale Memorial Church, London, on 31 March. About a dozen students rom across England met to begin what will hopefully be a regular event. Coordinated by Revd Paul Landgraf, the group enjoyed a great day in London, beginning at Luther-Tyndale, then going to a Mediterranean-style restaurant for lunch, then visiting the National Gallery. Funding for travel and the meal came from an LCMS grant for university student work within the UK.

Lutheran Chaplains Meet in Leeds

2007-03-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

When Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University have a teacher, staff and student total of approximately 100,000, almost anyone can feel in the minority--so why not have a Lutheran chaplains' gathering there? Lutheran university students are few and far between. Lutheran chaplains are even more so. In an effort to provide more coordination and an extension of pastoral care for some Lutheran students, a Lutheran chaplains gathering was arranged to take place at the Immanuel Centre in Leeds, 19 January.

The Immanuel Centre was originally a gothic style church, converted into meeting rooms and offices for the many chaplains at the two Leeds universities. Deaconess Seija Frears, the International Chaplain at Leeds University, hosted the event. Only six Lutheran chaplains were in attendance, due somewhat to the weather and train disruptions.

Material was presented that addressed the question of a chaplain's purpose and the difference between a chaplain and pastor. For more information on this topic, please email Revd Landgraf.

The enjoyable gathering was in an enjoyable part of the country. The chaplains each recognised their uniqueness in their own position, but also saw some similarities amongst them all. The plan is for the next gathering to be in London.

Chaplain Coordinator Position Started

2006-09-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

At the July 2006 Executive Council meeting Revd Paul Landgraf (Good Shepherd, Coventry) was appointed to the newly made position of ELCE Student Chaplains' Coordinator. The following responsibilities come with that position: the production of pamphlets and the coordination of appropriate materials, the oversight of dispersing Ablaze! funds, and the oversight of the university Lutheran website. Regular reports will be made to the ELCE pastors at each Barnes Conference about the work and opportunities available. The appointment will be reviewed every two years.