[LSF-Announce] This Week at Refuge

[Nicole Kooistra]

Hey All,

Most of us have now heard of the attack at Virginia Tech that killed 33
people, including the gunman.  The obvious questions arise.  Where was God,
and why did He allow this to happen?  Could something like this happen at
NIU?  Should I even go to class tomorrow?  None of us knows the answer to
any of those.  I'm terrified to attend class tomorrow, and I think it's
unfair that I should have to fear going to school.  Amid the fear, chaos,
and uncertainly, Christ tells us, "And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age." (Matt. 28:20b, the words spoken to His disciples when
He ascended)  God is omipresent--all present--everywhere.  As Lutherans, we
accept that the nature of Christ is both physical and spiritual at the same
time, all the time, even though we don't understand this and can't see
anything.  So when Christ says, "I am with you always," He means, we
believe, that both His Spiritual and Physical Nature surround us.  We can't
comprehend this miracle, but we know that Jesus was in those classrooms.
Jesus was in those dorms.  Jesus is with us tomorrow and was with us today,
whether we decided to go to class or whether we were too afraid to venture
outside (both acceptable responses).  The world is often a terrible, brutal
place.  Sin doesn't make sense, and the fall brought sin's full effects on
the world.  But we have Christ's promise to be with us, and that's all we
need.  Let us find comfort in His promise, no matter what heartaches we
endure or what dangers we face.


Here's what's going on this week at Refuge:

Tues., April 17: Pastor-led Bible study on Luke at 9:00.

Wed., April 18: Women's Bible study. Meet in the lounge at 8:00, and we'll
go from there. Guys: meet in the lounge at 8:00.

Thurs., April 19: Bible study on Revelation at 9:00 in the lounge.

Fri., April 20: From 7:00-10:00 pm, several bands will be performing at
Java101 to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Rachel Stade, a Refuge attendee, will be performing, so it would be awesome
for us to show her our support, as well as help promote such a worthy
cause.  There is a $3.00 donation at the door. I've got more info, so
contact me if you'd like it!

Sat., April 21: Rehearsal for REFUGE SUNDAY! (see below) In the pm at some
point. We'll keep you posted.

Sun., April 22: REFUGE SUNDAY! Pastor sent out an email about this already,
but basically, we're running both services (8:00 and 10:30).  If you're
interested in participating (ushering, greeting, etc.) email me or Pastor or
whoever ASAP, and we'll do our best to get you in!

Also, for future reference, if you are GRADUATING this May or this summer,
we'd really like to recognize you.  Our graduate breakfast is fast
approaching, and if you're interested in being recognized and meeting the
congregation, let one of the peer ministers or Pastor Marty know ASAP.

Thanks, and God Bless. Let us all be faithful in praying for the victims of
this tragedy.

Nikki
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