What can seperate us from God's love?

During these heavy times of assignments and exams you probably don't want any more words ...but I'd like to give you a bit of perspective of the bigger picture.

Let's assume the following verses are really true ...and see what that means for us in the middle of all the annoyance, panic and bother and other overloaded feelings you are probably going through:

In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.

I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below.

Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

From Romans chapter 8 in the Bible

What can separate us from God's love; apparently ...nothing...that includes work, study and exams. Take heart!

Disability Services - University of South Australia

Bodies

"Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God. ²Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." (Romans 12:1-2)

I'm going to use the word "secks" here so that some of your internet filters don't block this article.

You who are reading this may have a different opinion to what I'm writing but please reflect on it. I respect that you are adults and can live life how you choose. This is my opinion at this time:

Director Justin Sisely is in the process of 'de-flowering' some willing people for a doco.
(see: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/director-justin-sisely-auctions-off-aussie-virginities/story-e6frfmvr-1225864251527)

...and no matter what side of the argument you are on - the verse I took from Romans 12 is a reminder that:

(a) We do have choices - it's ultimately up to you what you do

(b) God - who made your body - actually does have a preference in how you use it - so don't let anyone tell you that he shrugs his shoulders and doesn't care.

(c) You body IS connected to your spiritual life - there is no separation of body and soul in this life. What you do in your body is a reflection of your soul - and what you do with your body will effect your spiritual life - so take care of yourself and others.

(d) If you have problems with what God wants you to do - he is OK with you discussing it with him - in fact we are often encouraged to pray to God ... even if we disagree with Him.

Let's not forget who invented this whole 'secks' thing - and let it be known that God is not a wowser - his creation is very rich and varied and mysterious...it is not something cheap - but something to be valued.

Luke 7:36-50 (and myriads of other verses!) tells each of us that if you feel you have already cheapened your body and spirit - that God is very willing to give you a new start. That's another CHOICE that you have; a choice to start again and receive an offer - this is an offer from God himself, no one else can give it to you.

On the other side of the coin - the time we spend in our bodies - is limited. And those of you who have frail bodies would understand that our bodies are not perfect.

This blog from 'Erin' - who was a student a few years back is worth a read for a bit of perspective: http://musicanddisability.blogspot.com/

Quiz Night!

You are invited to come along to LSF's

***Quiz Night!***


When: 6.30pm (for 7pm start) Saturday 8th May,

Where: ALC Refectory, 104 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide

Cost: $10 (there will be prizes on the night)

What: BYO drinks and nibbles

What else: To book a table of 6-8 or if you would like to be fitted into one contact Adam Kauschke on 0434 912 039 or saevents@lsf.org.au

Why: why not?

Here's some great lyrics : )

Christian Groups/ support people on Your Campus

If you need support or encouragement from other students, have a look at these webistes of Christian groups on your campus. There are plenty of people around. If you become aware of other groups, please let me know. I've had contact with all of these groups over the years and recommend them. Some groups are more 'social' while others are more 'spiritual' yet they all have a combination of both. Find the contact person on the site and let them know what you are after.

Evangelical Students (ES)
http://magill.es.org.au/











Catholic Youth
http://www.cathyouthadelaide.org.au/

Oxygen (Pentecostal)
http://www.paradiseoxygen.blogspot.com/









Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF)
http://ocfunisa.wordpress.com/

Lutheran Students and Friends (LSF)
http://www.lsf.org.au/sa/

*Other Chaplains (and Christian Support Workers) on your campus*

Catholic Chaplains at Mawson Lakes
I spent a friendly afternoon with these people last week - if you are or know anyone who is Catholic or lapsed Catholic, I'd have no hesitation sending anyone to them. Arturo also has a heart for overseas students. They are:

Arturo Jimenea,
Sister Liz Tham
Father Roderick O'Brien

Available Tuesday 12.30 - 1.30pm during semester8258 2314 (work)Room: H1-33 salcath@chariot.net.au


Revd Father Silouan Fotineas (Greek Orthodox)
I have not met Father Fotineas yet but he is on the official UniSA site:
Available by appointment Mobile: 0438 334 370

Rev.Stephen Trautwien from Mawson Lakes Community Church has special interest in supporting international students. He does a 'bread run' to international students who live near the campus and is always brimming with new ideas on how to best support students from overseas. I've got to know Pastor Stephen a bit over the years and he has a long history of helping people out. So, if you know any overseas students who are a bit lonely or need a hand contact Stephen on phone:

8162 5108 or 0403 007 156

2010 welcome

Greetings!

I've just spent most of the beginning of this year moving house. The feelings and thoughts swirling around in my poor tired body remind me of what it was like being a tertiary student – the beginning of the year is all crazy with a lot of organizing, meeting with people, planning, trying to do everything on a shoestring budget. Often you need advice and practical help.

If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place. There is a lot of support if you need it. You can refer back to this page – because you never have to go it alone!


LSF = Lutheran Students and Friends

Lutheran Students and Friends
A friendly group of Christian students who organise camps, conferences, monthly worship services and guest speakers, social events and a quarterly newsletter called ‘Grapevine’. Check them out.

The overseer, the Man, the head-honcho, the big-cheese is Rev Mike Pietsch
he is very approachable - so don't hesitate to contact him if you have any questions about LSF - or, indeed, being a tertiary student:

Contact Rev. Mike Pietsch: 0409 725 573 (mob)

or LSF South Australia president:

Andrew O'Loughlin - Email: sapresident@lsf.org.au


COMMENCEMENT CAMP 2010

*There’s a commencement camp coming up 19-21 March at Aldinga – great way to get to know people!

Here are a few details:

Theme: "Jesus Vs Buddha?"
( I don't think it is aggressive, but a looking at other religions from a Christian point of view)

Speaker: Rev Dr Dean Zweck

Dates: 19th - 21 March 2010

Where: Aldinga Beach Holiday Park

Prices: 1st time LSF campers= $55
"Students who already know how great LSF camps are" (I didn't write this)= $60
Workers=$65


Contact Mike or Andrew for more details.

See also: LSF on Facebook
and/ or submit an enquiry about it on the LSF/SA site

Your Local Lutheran Churches

Don’t be shy to set foot in a church – many of the people will not pounce on you and will be willing to lend a hand if needed.

See below (last post) for all the contact details!

And I’m in at Magill on Tuesdays and Mawson Lakes campus on Friday afternoons – don’t hesitate to contact me if you need someone to talk to.

Tim Oestmann, Chaplain,
UniSA Magill and Mawson Lakes
(mob: 0404 303 084)

contacts

Hey, as things start to slow down on campus and if you find yourself still in town - here are a few contacts that you might want to consider. No one has to be lonely this side of town :)


If you live around the Magill campus, you'll find the Magill Lutheran Church nearby here:







21 Edward St Magill SA 5072 Australia
Telephone:
08 8364 3957


If you live near Mawson Lakes Campus, you'll find the Mawson Lakes Lutheran Church here:

Unit 4 5 Goodall PdeMawson Lakes SA 5095 Australia (during the week)

Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes BoulevardMawson Lakes SA 5095 Australia
(for Sunday morning service)

If you find yourself in a sticky situation there are emergency numbers you can ring. Here are a list of people who can help you:

General Crisis Help
Life threatening emergencies - phone: 000

Police - phone: 131 444

Lifeline - phone: 131 114 Counselling for people with any type of crisis.

Living Hope - phone: 8277 4033 Counselling for people with any type of crisis.

Domestic Violence helpline - phone:1800 800 098Counselling for victims of domestic violence and their concerned friends. Counselling for people who commit domestic violence

Addiction Help
Al-Anon and Alateen - phone: 8231 2959 Support for people affected by the alcohol problems of relatives or friends.

Alcoholics Anonymous - phone: 8346 3255 Counselling and support if you have an alcohol problem.

Nar-Anon - phone - phone: 8272 8228Support for people affected by the drug problems of relatives or friends.

Narcotics Anonymous - phone: 8231 4233Support group for people with drug problems.

Gambling Helpline - phone: 1800 060 757Counselling, information and referral for people who are concerned about their own, or another person’s gambling.

Mental Health Help
Emergency mental health help 24 hours - phone: 131 465

...and don't forget that God offers real hope to all of us "Call to me and I will answer you ". I certainly don't always 'feel it' but I do certainly 'believe it'. When something cr*ppy happens, it's my first instincts now to call on him. He is not stingy, nor waiting to punish - in fact the opposite is true: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

God be with you

-Tim O