Only a few more days…

…until we see one another in Montreat! Hi Everyone! I figured I would spare you a video of me talking but then again, I must confess, I’m not too technologically savvy. My wonderful co-director, Stuart Hill, is the brains behind all the technology. Thanks, Stuart!

I hope that you all are as excited as I am that the College Conference at Montreat is almost here! We, the Planning Team, have been working hard and waiting a long time for this moment to arrive (sounds kind of dramatic, doesn’t it?). Well, you all are definitely worth it! In all seriousness, we’re absolutely blown away by the leadership at this conference and by all the people who are VOLUNTEERING their time to be Small Group and Workshop leaders (talk about Outrageous Generosity?). Hope that you will take advantage of small groups and workshops. Most of all though, we’ve been praying that all who come to Montreat will be transformed by the outrageously generous love of Jesus Christ for the world! Can I get an Amen?

Traveling mercies to Montreat, NC! We look forward to seeing you soon. Happy New Year!

Christmas Joy and Peace,
Jennifer E. Fouse,
Co-Director of CC@M ‘09

What Does Outrageous Generosity Look Like?

Earlier this month, Westminster Christian Fellowship, the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech partnered with the Presbyterian Student Fellowship from Auburn University to reach out to Atlanta’s homeless community. They used video footage from that day to show us what “Outrageous Generosity” looks like to them…

So what does “Outrageous Generosity” look like to you?  We want to know!

Hello from Jonathan Kingham!

Our Worship Leader, the Rev. Linda Morgan-Clement

Hello Everyone! Our Advent journey has begun! As I listened to my friend Lisa’s words yesterday during her Advent sermon, I was reminded once again of what our Advent time is all about–God’s outrageous generosity and overwhelming grace that has been given to us through God’s son who is being born into the world–our Lord Jesus Christ. As the time draws closer for our college conference, I have been thrilled to work with the Rev. Linda Morgan-Clement, our worship leader for the conference. Linda serves as the Henry J. Copeland Campus Minister at The College of Wooster and adjunct faculty in the Religious Studies department. She works with students of all faiths and has oversight of the religious groups and staff on campus. Several of my own students here at Auburn have been a part of worship services and small groups that Linda has led, and they are very excited to be a part of what she will be bringing to us at the Montreat College Conference!

During our worship time together, Linda will lead us to think about several things. As we give of ourselves through our offerings, Linda will challenge us to think about God’s outrageous generosity v. our wasteful abundance. As we gather together at the Lord’s Table, we will remember God’s generosity in sharing Jesus Christ with us, then think about how we can depend on the generosity of others around us. Then, as we are commissioned to leave and go out into the world, Linda will lead us to think about generosity as not just something we do, but something that is a calling and vocation for us.

I am so excited to join Linda and all of you at the Montreat College Conference. For me, it is a joy to think that this conference is coming up so quickly–we’ll be in Montreat this time next month! For so many of us, the next couple of weeks will be a roller coaster ride through the end of classes, papers, and exams. My wish for us all is that we take some time out of our crazy schedules to think about the gift of outrageous generosity that Christmas is. Peace to all of you during this Advent season!

Here’s a video of Linda saying hello and introducing us to what we can expect in January:

Rachel Winter, PC (USA) Campus Minister, Auburn University

Friday Night Keynote Speaker– Tony Campolo

I remember early last year when I began thinking about the upcoming election. I’m one of those kinds of people who, when it comes to news, politics, or anything pop culture, really likes to know what’s going on,  understand what’s at stake, and know what all of the issues are. Admittedly, when it came to the political scene, I felt a little… out of it. I knew of the issues, but I didn’t fully understand the numerous ways to approach them. I knew of the positions, but didn’t know fully what it meant to support or oppose them. I knew where I stood on the ‘theological spectrum,’ but hadn’t yet completely deciphered what that looked like in the realm of faith and politics.

Right about then was when I heard that one of our keynoters at the 2009 Montreat College Conference would be Dr. Anthony (Tony) Campolo, professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE), and author of numerous books including the recently released Red Letter Christians: A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics. I had heard a number of good things about him and his work from friends, students, and campus ministry colleagues, but I wanted to see (or read) for myself and draw my own conclusions.

I wasn’t disappointed.

Red Letter Christians discusses a number of hot button topics that are relevant well beyond the realm of politics. Campolo gets into controversial issues we might talk about around the dinner table, at a coffee shop, or with our friends from church. But Campolo approaches these issues from a particular perspective that we may not have considered before… one that is framed by the words of Jesus (words often highlighted by red letters… hence the book’s title).

I think we can assume that we may approach or interpret those ‘red letter’ words differently, so we may not fall in line with everything that is said. However, what makes Campolo (and his book) effective is his ability to evoke a sense that, when it comes to the matters of this world… especially the political matters… faith isn’t something we should leave out in the cold, completely separate from the decisions we make or the positions we assume on difficult topics. Rather, faith, informed by Jesus’ ‘red letters,’ should guide our steps.

I’m really excited to hear what Tony Campolo will have to say to us at the College Conference in Montreat. Knowing the challenges his book presents makes me believe that he will truly ‘bring it’ on Friday January 2nd.

Hope to see you there.

Happy Thanksgiving y’all.

James Goodlet

[Make sure to check out the study guide for Red Letter Christians by clicking here.]

Keynote speaker John Lewis

Everyone’s got a story — perhaps that’s why the Bible is full of stories. But one person whose story we’re really excited about is Congressman John Lewis, who will be joining us as a keynote speaker at this year’s College Conference at Montreat. Congressman Lewis currently represents Georgia’s fifth congressional district, but long before he was a congressman, he was the leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a key fixture in the civil rights movement. His book, Walking with the Wind, features the incredible first-hand accounts of the movement that only someone like John Lewis can tell, and he also brings a unique faith perspective, as he headed to Nashville to train to be a preacher, and ended up at the center of the movement.

We asked our friend Heather Scott to make a video about Congressman John Lewis to post on the blog and to show at the conference so each of us can start to know his story even before he begins speaking. Below are two YouTube videos: the first is a quick interview with Heather about how creating this video has changed her perspective and inspired her; the second is Heather’s video about Congressman Lewis. Please watch both and enjoy. 

The conference is less than six weeks away! Can’t wait to see everybody there.

Update on Recreation!

Here’s a list of recreation events in no specific order!

Coffee House: Located in scenic Convocation Hall, from 9:30pm – 11:00pm each night of the conference you will be able to sample the musical stylings, poetry, speeches, or whatever talents folks have to bring to the table while you sip coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.

Game Room: Located in the lobby of Assembly Inn, a collection of vintage and modern games for the enjoyment of all the conference attendees.

Spirituality Center: Location TBA, but will include a labyrinth, quite space for prayer, reflection or meditation.

Mixgizeroke Part-ay: Mixer-Energizer-Karaoke PARTY! Friday, January 2 at 9:30pm as an alternative activity to the film Invisible Children, the Game Room, and Coffee Shop.

Movies: Invisible Children, Pay It Forward – If you want to get up to speed on Invisible Children before they speak, there will be a showing of their film in Anderson Auditorium at 9:30 pm on January 2. The other film, Pay It Forward, will play at 9:30 pm on Sunday, January 4, as an alternative activity to the Barn Dance, Game Room and Coffee Shop.

Coalition for the Homeless Poverty Simulation: In Upper Anderson from 4:00pm-6:30pm on both January 3 and January 4. The Community Action Poverty Simulation is a learning tool created to help people understand the realities of poverty. During a simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some participants are employed, some disabled, some are using public assistance, and some are senior citizens on Social Security. Participants have the stressful tasks of providing for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget. They interact with human services agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, employers, police officers, and others. The simulation enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their community. The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders, and others.

Barn Dance: In the Barn, Sunday, January 4. Megan Bannerman will call a real barn dance! What could be more fun than Smokey Mountain circle dancing with all your fellow conference attandees, with a few novelty dances thrown in for fun.

Concert: Jonathan Kingham will wow us with his musical stylings on January 3 in Anderson Auditorium at 9:30 – 11. Be there or be square!

About Invisible Children

HOW IT BEGAN…

In the spring of 2003, three young Americans traveled to Africa in search of a story. What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them. A story where children are the weapons and the victims. The “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” film exposes the effects of a 20-year long war on the children of Northern Uganda. Children who live in fear of abduction by rebel soldiers, and are being forced to fight as part of a violent army. This film is the original in a series of unique, wonderfully reckless, fast-paced, and hauntingly true stories of the original three filmmakers and others who are just as passionate, inspired, and, as some say, crazy enough to plunge into the depths of Northern Uganda to capture the truth of this terrifying war.

WHAT IS BEING DONE…

Invisible Children was born as a non-profit in 2004. The Movement is the awareness, mobilization, and fundraising effort taking place throughout America and other countries around the world by people who are inspired to act. The goal of the Movement is to empower the individual viewer to become a part of the story, and “be the change they wish to see in the world” through action. There are two current projects gaining much momentum. The first is the Schools for Schools program where a high school or college sponsors a school in Northern Uganda, seeing as how close to all the schools have been destroyed during the conflict. Also, the Bracelet Campaign, which is a micro-economic program intended to create jobs, in an otherwise unemployable area, and allowing Ugandans to generate a much-needed income. Each bracelet is accompanied by a short film about an invisible child.  These bracelets are hand made and the money raised from the purchasing of these bracelets and films funnels right back to the Invisible Children Education Program. Finally, a bracelet that comes full circle.

THE MISSION…

“The mission is the ultimate goal of Invisible Children. It is the resources, skills, and funds that hit the ground in Uganda. These resources will provide helath, safety and education for the children of Northern Uganda who are affected by this 20-year long war. It is our belief that we need to live for more, because the invisible children need more to live.”

MY STORY…

Perrin, a dear friend of mine, convinced me one Tuesday evening to go with her and a handful of others to a screening of the newest Invisible Children film, “Black is for Sunday”.  In all honestly, I knew very little about this organization called Invisible Children.  As we wandered into the Foy Student Union, we were greeted by IC “Roadies” (college-age young people who travel around the country promoting awareness about this conflict and speak about IC).  My attention was immediatley captured by the merchandise table.  I, of course, felt compelled to buy a t-shirt, hat, and a copy of the film I would soon be viewing knowing that my money was going to a wonderful cause.  However, I had no idea that the film I would experience in only a matter of minutes would reveal such hard truths to me.  That particular Tuesday evening transformed not only me, but everyone in that ballroom.  Many of us left in stunned silence.  I had to get involved.  I had to make a difference. 

As a Christian, it’s hard to become aware of such injustice and suffering in the world, and try to escape the call to so something about it. After all, to accept Jesus is to also accept his teachings.  Just as we consider the death of Jesus on the cross and what that means to us, we must also consider what put him there.  Jesus is continuously quoted speaking about the poor, the oppressed, the outcasts, and the “least of these”. He also reminds us in Matthew 5 of our responsibility to be “peacemakers”, and in Luke 10 about the importance of “loving our neighbor as ourself”. So what does this really mean? What will our role be as individuals and as a Church? Invisible Children, for me, has been one of many attempts to get involved in this radical love of my global neighbors. I am beyond excited that many of you will have the opportunity to experience and re-experience (in person!) this organization that possesses such compassion, imagination, focus, and determination. I look forward to being with you all in a short matter of months! For more information about Invisible Children, vist the website: www.invisiblechildren.com

 

Peace and Love,

Patrick Harley

CC@M 2009 planning team

Update on Small Groups

I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced several different conferences at Montreat: Youth, Music & Worship, & College.  At Youth and College Conferences, Small Groups have been an important part of my “Montreat experience.”  I appreciate the opportunity to process and discuss what I hear in keynotes and worship services.  I also enjoy listening to what my peers find striking (or not) about aspects of different conferences in which I’ve participated.  Since Small Groups have been a key aspect of Montreat conferences for me in the past, I’m really enjoying seeing the “behind the scenes” aspect of preparing for Small Groups.  I hope you will find Small Groups this year at the 2009 College Conference as helpful as I have in the past.

 

I’m so excited about the things we’ll be discussing in Small Groups this year!  I know there will be great conversations around the worship services and the keynotes from Dr. Campolo, Congressman Lewis, and representatives of Invisible Children.  We’ll be discussing each sermon and keynote and how it relates to scripture as well as our conference theme of “Outrageous Generosity.”  In Small Groups, we’ll also discuss what everything we’re hearing means for us as Christians.

 

Many wonderful people have contacted me about being Small Group Leaders, so I’m confident that your Small Groups are in excellent hands.  I’ve been so grateful for people’s willingness to serve in this important role at the conference.  I’m still looking for more Small Group Leaders, so please contact me if you’re interested! Small groups applications are available on the “Forms” page — click here!

 

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in January!

Claire Harris

Memories, Memories

The 2009 College Conference at Montreat will make its own memories, of course, but until that time, the last two conferences have stood out in my mind and I wanted to share some of those images with you.  These two conferences together brought over 1,300 folks together at Montreat to explore our life and faith in Christ.

2008 “Hope has a Voice” was the year we had Shane Claiborne, Ishmael Beah, Jeffrey Harper, and the worship team from Virginia Tech challenge and inspire us! See photos from 2008 here:
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27359&l=4591e&id=503456846

2007 “Searching for God knows what” featured Donald Miller, Jonathan Kingham, and the worship band from UT Chattanooga. This video was produced as a promo for 08 but has a lot of good footage from 2007 and will help those of you who haven’t been to Montreat get an idea what it’s like:

One thousand of us will gather soon in a little over two months. I invite you to come join us and make your own memories!

Bob Tuttle, Vice President
Center for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Montreat Conference Center