We interrupt our normal Sunday afternoon programs of easy-listening music to
bring you a special announcement ...
For all those faithful Christian Unioners currently pondering what to say
when they ring first year students up, some information has just come to
hand which will be of interest and importance to you; WE HAVE THE LECTURE
THEATRE LOCATIONS FOR THIS WEEK!  I repeat, a little softer  now, that we
have the lecture theatre locations for this week.  On Tuesday, the Public
Meeting is to be held in the Medley Theatre, which is part of the Redmond
Barry Building, and on Wednesday the Public Meetig is to be held in the
Latham Theatre, also part of the Redmond Barry Building.  Not sure where the
Reddie is?   Well, it's the building we used in the first semester of 2001 -
a great 1970s-style monolith of bricks and glass, with protruding lecture
theatres popping out like big feet at ground level.  It's opposite the
Commonwealth Bank and can't be missed.  Which bank?  The Commonwealth Bank.
At this stage, I don't know where the public meeting is for Thursday, but
keep checking your e-mail boxes for this salient information.
But for now, this is Luke Nelson, Newsletter Man, signing off, and returning
you to our usual programming, and we start with one of Engelbert
Humperdink's biggest hits, `How I Chose My Stage Name'.

Phoning first years?  Lecture Theatres?  Public Meetings?  CONFUSED?  More
information in our post-Orientation Week wrap-up issue, coming to a
newsstand near you.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND?
Well let Christian Union help you out ...  This weekend is L-camp, or
Leadership camp, our first multi-gender (there's two of them) camp for the
year.  New staffworker Andy Prideaux is speaking on God's sovereignty and
Christian Leadership, looking at 2 Corinthians.  L-camp's a great way to
start the year, getting to spend some good time with people and learn more
about God.  If you'd like to go, you'll really need to get onto it pronto -
e-mail David Huynh, at dh77@....
Pronto.  If you want more info, just reply to this e-mail.  And even if
you're not coming, pray that it's a great time.

SUMMER FUN
Summer Series is continuing apace, with some great teaching, and good times
in the twilighting sun.  Dinner starts at 6pm, study at 7.30.  At Clara's
house, 47 Norman St. Ivanhoe.  Come along!  Next Monday we need everyone to
bring veggie or meat burgers, and if a few kind people could bring some
salads that'd be bonza.  I hereby challenge a bloke or three to bring a
salad - I know it's hard, I know I wouldn't be able to do that without
copious dollops of mum help, but give it a shot anyway, hey?

IT'S ALMOST TIME ...
The 26-week Uni year is fast approaching.  But before it pops in, there's
O-week, a strange and wondrous week of new things.  It's a REALLY big event
on the Christian Union calendar, a chance for us to first witness to Christ,
and also encourage people to come along to Christian Union and learn more
about God.  Rachel Lotherington, one of our trainee staffworkers, is helping
organise our activites during the week, and she has this to say ...

"O'Week is happening Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th February and Friday 1st
March. One of the ways you can be involved is helping at the Christian Union
table on those days. This involves talking to people who come to the table,
helping them to understand what CU is about, giving them information and
making them feel welcome. We also need lots of people to come and hang
around the CU table on the concrete lawns and talk to people, and to go to
the afternoon teas and BBQ and meet new people.

Another exciting thing we'll be doing during O'Week is Gospel Roaming -
going out in pairs and chatting to people on Campus about what they believe,
and telling them what it means to be a Christian. If you've never done this
before, don't worry! There are experienced people you can go with and learn
from, and they won't make you do all the talking on your first try!  (the
Gospel of the nod, as it has been described - ed.)

And the most important way you can be involved is Letter-Writing! It's great
when new students can get a personal invitation to Christian Union. Letters
are followed up by a phone call. Letter
writing is a really practical thing, and it's essential so that new students
will have someone they know at CU and feel welcome to come along.

There will be great training for these things at Summer Series, and an
opportunity to sign up for a time on the CU table, Gospel Roaming, and
Letter Writing.

People can also contact me about any of these things, on 9425 9824, 0408 306
346 or rlotherington@...

Thankyou Rachel.  And before we say goodnight, a quick little note from Cat,
one of the chirpy members of Christian Union; she's just moved, and doesn't
have everyone's address, so she wondered if it was ok if I could just post
on the bottom of this ol' newsletter.  So is it ok, gang?
Great.
Cat is now moving to 338 Barkly St, Brunswick, with the phone number of 9387
8224

Hello everybody and welcome to another Christian Union e-pistle.  As the run
from a sparkling thunderstorm is soaked up by crisp greening grass, so we
turn now to events at the Christian Union ...

CHRISTIAN UNION GOES CYBERSPATIAL
Did you know that Christian Union has a website?!  Fan-diddlies .... In a
sense we have two, in fact; there's one at our yahoogroups site,
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mucu/), but that's not our official one.  We
have another one, which has just undergone a `huge reconstruction', which,
according to web designer Michael Martis `has been a long, long time in the
works'.  Considering the fact that he's done all that hard work, it might be
worth giving it a peek, hey?  The address is http://melbourne.cu.org.au -
please note, there is no `www'.  Which is strange, but oh well.  So check it
out ...

`LEADERS AIN'T BORN ... THEY'RE MADE'
Well, don't really know about that - sounds very `The Army - The Edge' to
me.  But whether you believe people are born with the ability to lead, or
need to have it drummed into them by screaming Sergeant-Majors, you might
find L-camp useful.  The `L' in L-camp stands for `Leadership' or `Leaders'
or `Lederhosen', and this is a camp about developing Christian Leadership.
Andy Prideaux, the shiny new full-time staffworker* at Melbourne Uni, is
giving some talks on God's sovereignty and Christian Leaershp, looking at 2
Corinthians 1-4 and 10-13.  So, it's a great way to learn more about God,
get to know people better, have some fun and `learn the importance of
prayer', apparently.  Doesn't matter if you're not a regular CU-er; just
come along, and invite people from your church who might be interested, as
well.  And even if you're not too keen on leadership, come along anyway -
it's a good place to learn more about God.
When?  Friday night 15th February to Sunday afternoon, 17th of February
Where?  Lawton Lodge and Conference Centre, 14-16 Shanns Avenue, Mount
Martha
How much?  If you want to camp indoors, it's $50, if you want to brave the
tents, $40.  But less if you only stay part-time
Please register quickly, even if you're only going to be there for a little
while - we need numbers so that the cooks can cater for everyone and no-one
is left saying `please sir ... may I have some more ...?'
* for those not sure, a staffworker is someone employed by AFES, the
Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students, to help out a local Christian
Union with teaching, mentoring, bible study leading and drinking coffee

SUMMER SERIES HOTS UP ...
Yes, last Monday saw the first of our Summer Series for 2002 - a series of
Bible studies on the New Testament book of James.  It's good stuff, and it's
nice to be able to get together and study the bible, have some fun, get to
know people better in the more relaxed atmosphere of summer.  Not that I
have all that much work during term anyway, but others would no doubt
appreciate the difference ... :)
So, anyway, come along, why don't you?!  It's at Clara Tung's house, which
is 47 Norman St., Ivanhoe, which is literally a stone's throw from Ivanhoe
station - I've tried it! (only kidding Clara ...).  It all starts with
dinner at 6pm, and bible study around 7pm, so bring $4 for dinner if you
want to eat there.  If you have any questions - perhaps you need a lift from
home? - ring Byron on 9876 5434, or reply to this e-mail.  All welcome ...

CORRESPONDENCE ...
As usual, there was no flood of return mail from my newsletter, DESPITE my
quest for comments about the blokes' camp and sheilas night.  But I did get
one from someone about blokes' camp, who shall remain nameless, because his
comments could possibly be misconstrued.  But over to you, M.... oh, yeah -
I was stopped mid-stream.
`I think that blokes' camp is a place where a guy can say what ever he
wants, scratch himself and
even break his bed at nite =) I think its a place where you can wear your
flannel t-shirt and ya stone
wash jeans and Saturday morning sleep-in hairstyle without fear of
retribution. And i think that its a
camp that can have times when your allowed to just hit a ball, and no-one
can make u say anything deep and meaningful. Thats what blokes camp is to
me. A place where men are men and there ain't no women (not recommended as a
long term solution) '
Lovely.

FEELING CULTURAL?
For those who appreciate a bit of Bach, Mozart, Schubert and that long-named
Russian dude Tyschiaaiwoersksy, you might be interested by a little advert
that was popped into my e-mail inbox by Latrobe student Honoria Lau ...
Do you enjoy listening to classical music?  Or just lazing around under the
stars on a warm Melbourne evening with family/friends and food?  Well, you
can do both at the Sidney Myer Free Concerts.  The Melbourne Symphony, plus
various artists, give 4 concerts in February at the Myer Music Bowl on 2
Wednesday and 2 Saturday nights.  The music is usually very listenable and,
best of all, it's free!!  The concerts start at 7pm and finish around
8:30pm.  Usually people turn up with their food hours earlier just to
reserve good "seats" (their picnic blankets on a patch of grass).  I've been
going with family for years and always loved each concert.  So if you want
to see/hear the concert with me, please RSVP, so I can save you a 'seat' and
arrange a meeting time and place.
It all begins Saturday February 16, and you can contact Hon at
honorialau@...

I don't know, but you may remember that last year the Christian Union had
this thing called a `newsletter'?   It sort of had news in it, and lots of
sad jokes, and it always went on too long as well, normally ending with some
silly plea for replies.  Yeah, well, it'd be easy for you to forget about
it, because it hasn't come out in so long .. BUT HERE IT IS!   Yes, under
the urging of several people, the newsletter returns, for its 2002 Odyssey.
And this issue is dedicated to LLJ, who urged me more than anyone else ...

SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME, SUM-SUMMERTIME ...
It's been a strange old summer here in Melbourne, with all this cool
weather.  But one thing that stays the same as last year's hot summer is
Summer Series.  Boy, what a pathetic lead-in...  I think I'll hand it over
to Byron Starkey here, a member of our leadership team:

Hey ladies and gents, next week our first official CU thing starts for the
year!  Summer Series 2002!
Past Summer Series' have been a fantastic way to get back together with our
bro's and sisters at Christian Union to fellowship and learn some practical
stuff from the Bible on how to love God and our neighbor, especially winding
up for O-WEEK!  (ie. orientation week if you're not sure - ed.)  Not only
that but also to eat food in the comfort of a 'luxury' Ivanhoe home!
** At Summer Series we'll look at the book of James (and prayer) for
five Monday nights from 28th January until 25th February from 6pm (dinner)
to
9pm.
** Its at Clara's place 47 Norman St, Ivanhoe. (and apparently we're making
more room there; last year was a tad squashed - ed.)
** Bring your bible and a pen, and $4 - if you want dinner.

** So please come along, and also invite as many people as you can who might
not get/read this email.  Lets start the year off with a shaa-bOOm!
** Q's? Byron (9876 5434), Clara (9497 1795).
PS: Clara's place is very near to Ivanhoe train station, OR if you need a
lift let someone know and it will happen no worries.

Thanks for that Byron.  No wooooooooorries

HANG ON A MINUTE BYRON ...
I would beg to differ on Byron's point that that was the first official
Christian Union event for the year, however.  There was, of course, the
Blokes Camp on the weekend, which drew a really good crowd of about 20
gentlemen.  And what a weekend it was.  We went up to Wandin North, near
Lilydale, to stay in some accomodation that might be termed `a renovator's
dream'.  But it was adequate, and fun.  The Friday night was spent huddled
into a dark room, as we hid from mosquitoes, and we spent the night studying
the scatological (if you know what that means congratulations).  Saturday
and Sunday were spent resting (we got to have breakfast at 10am - most
unusual for a Christian Union camp!), relaxing together, playing a bit of
sport, swimming in a strange dam, having great fellowship and having some
really good sessions on `Building Better Blokes'.  We did a bit of off-key
singing together, than Dave Walter led a series of talks from the books of
Kings and Samuel, picking up lessons from the Bible for Christian blokes to
put into practise.  They were good talks and there was some really good
fellowship.  One of my friends told me that at her church they often have
mens' retreats, after which they find the blokes are really nice and gentle
and lovely things like that.  So I hope we came back the same.  :)

MEANWHILE, THE WOMEN ...
... had a little do of their own.  On Tuesday night a group of about 15 of
them had dinner together at someone's house, relaxed, had a sleepover, then
did some studies on relating to people, I believe.  But I wouldn't really
know, would I, since I was not there....

Anyway, it'd be great if people could write in with some of their own
thoughts on the blokes' camp or the women's night.  How about we start this
year with a few more responses to my newsletter, hey?!  Then I don't have to
look so desperate for attention.

Luke

Well, if you've been reading this e-mail newsletter over the last few weeks,
you'll have heard a lot about NTE, the National Training Event.  It's run by
AFES, the Australian Federation of Evangelical Students, part of a wider
international group (IFES).  Over the past few weeks I've been talking about
it INCESSANTLY  in this newsletter.  There's been crafty subliminal
messages, a chart-topping single, and even a comic book-style story about
it.  But that's it for now; tomorrow we leave for Sydney (at 7.30 in the
morning!  What's that?!).  We're there until Wednesday next week, then we
split into groups and go on mission for a few days, in either Sydney or
country Victoria.

It has the potential to be a really wonderful experience.  And you can be a
part of it ...  We're going to need a stack of prayer, and it'd be great if
you could be with us in prayer.  Please pray for us, that we might first of
all have love - for God, each other, and the people we meet on mission.
Please pray that we have unity as a group, that we have great times, fun and
joy, deep conversations, strong bonds.  Please pray that we have the
strength and health and concentration to really get a lot from the talks, be
challenged by God and changed.  May the good news of salvation through
Christ really seep into our hearts, flood us, excite us, invigorate us,
change us, equpping us for the mission.  May we shine with the warmth of
God's love, trusting him to show His glory through us.  May He provide us
with opportunities to witness to his greatness, may He prepare the hearts of
the people we talk to, may He bring people to Christ, and may those people
find the support they need as young Christians.  But I'm sure you can think
of lots of things anyway.  There's a few bible passages you might like, too;
Matthew 10, where Jesus sends out his disciples to tell the world about Him.
There's whole slabs of Acts, as well, like chapter 2.  And Paul's letters as
well - like Ephesians 3 (sorry, I've mentioned it before, but too bad), like
verses 14-21.

And of course you can help us in the wider scheme.  We've all been entrusted
with the awesome task of spreading the gospel, of sowing seeds for God's
kingdom.  So I hope you have a good couple of weeks doing that in your own
worlds as well ...

God bless
Luke

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and
be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." -
Numbers 6:24-26

THIS IS A STORY . OF A MAN NAMED CAPTAIN CU
Captain CU stood in his super bedroom. Soaring high above him were the great
birthday cards he'd received two months earlier at his birthday party (ref
Newsletter August 24), while in the corner a steadily moulding piece of
birthday cake remained. These things always made Captain CU smile, but
somehow tonight they were not enough, a feeling of unease plaguing him. It
was 22:00 hours, November 29, the day before he left for National Training
Event, and something was missing. Captain CU was packing now for National
Training Event, and however many times he went over his stuff, there always
seemed something, SOMETHING, missing .. But what?
Towel? Check. Bible? Naturally. Toothbrush? This time, yes. Comb? Just
borrow someone else's .. Doona? Yes (complete with Official Captain CU
merchandised cover). Money for books? Yessireeeee. Lycra tights and bright
orange undies to put on outside them - as a good superhero must do? Of
course.
`Mmmmm, but there's still SOMETHING missing!' moaned Captain CU.
Then it hit him. How was he going to get there? A cold sweat broke out
across his muscular forehead. What was he to do?! Panic? NO! Not yet,
anyway . Suddenly a light bulb sparked in his miniscule brain. He raced to
his computer, went to his e-mail program, and found the answer; all he had
to do was contact Suresh Brady or Esther Tse, Transport Organisers
Extraordinaire. So he quickly sent off an e-mail, to
s.brady5@... - and then sent one to Esther, just for good
measure, at esther_tung@....
And Captain CU lived happily ever after.

PHEW .
Most of you will probably have finished their Uni work for the semester, and
if so, you're probably looking to have some fun, which is where Recovery Day
comes in. On Wednesday, November 28, come along and have some fun with the
CU gang. The day starts at 1pm at the ground floor food court of Southbank,
and then moves to Williamstown Botanical Gardens at 5pm (Melway 56 C10). If
you need more info, ring Zoe on 9439-3781 and 0401-140-562 or Lucy-May, on
9598-3389 and 0421-077-479.

NEED ACCOMODATION?
If you got last week's newsletter, you'd have seen that a couple of people
are looking for housemates. Anyone interested in living in a Christian
girl's household should contact Zoe Williamson, at
z.williamson@... (note the corrected address). Zac Nelson
is also still searching for a friend, and can be contacted at
zacnelson@....

OK, well that's about it for this week. But with NTE coming up very shortly,
I thought I'd put in an excerpt from 2 Corinthians 2 and 3, which talks
about evangelism and the role of the Christian.
2 Cor 2:14-17      "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal
procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the
knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are
being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of
death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the
contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from
God. .
And where does the strength for this task come from? 2 Cor 3:5b-6    ". but
our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a
new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills,
but the Spirit gives life."
Words of comfort, words of challenge.
Luke

Hey people
Sorry there was no newsletter last week - when I'm not learning new
languages for these newsletters or researching cutting edge stories, I'm
sometimes doing homework. I had to hand in three essays on Monday, all due
at 5pm, and I got them in at about 5.15. Not bad. And they hadn't even
emptied the essay box. Sweet. But enough about me ...

RECOVERY DAY
If you're unfortunate enough to still be in the middle of your exams, I hope
they're going OK. You're probably looking down the long black tunnel of
horror as we speak, straining to see the light of holidays and
fffffreeeeeeeedooooooooom. Which means you'd probably be very interested in
the Christian Union Recovery Day, 2001 edition, planned for Wednesday
November 28.   It starts at 1pm the ground floor food court of Southbank -
outside if it's nice weather - and then rolls along to the Williamstown
Botanical Gardens at 5pm, where we can sit in the garden, play some soccer
in the adjoining field, or even go down to the beach across the road.  It's
a great spot .  Come when you can, leave when you must.  The Williamstown
Botanical Gardens can be found in your Melway, at 56 C10, on the corner of
Giffard and Osborne Streets.
If you need more info, e-mail me, or ring Zoe on 9439-3781 and 0401-140-562
or Lucy-May, on 9598-3389 and 0421-077-479.  So come along - it's a great
chance to relax and unwind, hang out with people, get to know them better,
share how bad you went in your exams, and talk about how you're already
bored even though you've only been on holidays a few days.  Cool!

NICE PEOPLE NEEDING FLATMATES
This e-mail newsletter's got a fair bit of potential, and I've had two cool
new requests this week, to put in ads for flatmates. Good idea, I reckon. So
have a squiz at these ...

If you are a person who would like to live in a Christian girl's household
that will be close to Melbourne Uni please contact me at
zoeaw@....
Zoe Williamson

And in keeping with the `Z' theme ...
My name is Zachary Nelson (that's ah ..... my brother, ahem!), and I have a
very short time to find some new flatmates to move in with me. I am renting
a furnished 3 bedroom home in Mulgrave, situated only a stone's throw from
the Monash (South Eastern) Freeway, and within walking distance of Waverley
Gardens Shopping Centre. It is also only about a 20 minute drive to the
city. I am a 25 year old Christian, and I am a non-smoker with no pets. The
rent is negotiable, but I can guarantee that it will be very affordable,
certainly not more than $70 per week.
Please call ASAP:
Home (AH) 9795-3136
Work (BH) 9263-2632
Mobile 0411640228
Address: 16 Lammas Ct Mulgrave Vic 3170
Email: zacnelson@...
If you read this ad and you're not personally available, but you think you
might know someone who is, please pass on my details!!

So there you go.

OK, well, that's about it this week.  We leave you tonight with a snippet of
Psalm 103, verses 1-5 ..
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives
all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the
pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with
good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Kon-nichi wa.  Wakarimasuka?  It's Japanese, my dears.  And there's actually
a good reason for it, this week, as will become clear ...

NTE WILL ROCK YOU!
In 1977 British band Queen released `We Will Rock You'.  In 2001
little-known Clara Tung released a cover version.  Within weeks of its
Melbourne University release, it proved a hit, delirious fans destroying
several music stores in their eagerness to grab a copy of the dramatic
single.  So here, ladies and gentlemen, all the way from Ivanhoe, is Clara
Tung, with her single, `We Will Rock You'!!!!
(mad and wild cheering.  A familiar, rhythmic hand clap begins ...)

Driving up to Syney, meet 600 people
Learning 'bout Jesus in a deeper way
You've got a smile on your face
You're growing in His grace
You're making new friends all over the place

Singing NTE will rock you!  NTE will rock you!

Driving up to Narrabeen or Forrestville or Albury
Putting into practice what you've learnt on the way
You've got a smile on your face
Living by His grace
Telling 'bout Jesus all over the place

Singing NTE will rock you!  NTE will rock you!

Yes, apparently it will - or your memories cheerfully refunded.  Better get
in quick, though, people; registration closes Friday November 9 - that's
next week!  Register online at http://www.afes.org.au  Need mo' money?
Don't let that stop you ... Contact Esther `Overseer of CU slush fund' Tse
on 9857 8608 or 0419220373 for help.
This was an official NTE advertisement.  Spoken by Luke Nelson for the
Christian Union, Melbourne.

P-P-P-P
Yes, it's getting to that stressful time of year; Christmas shopping.  Oh,
but before that, there's exams and all things difficult.  But take a Kit Kat
break next Tuesday, November 6, for a day of prayer, pancakes (8am), psalms
and pizza (1pm).  Everything's in Undergrad lounge A, second floor, Union
House.  Darren is speaking on Psalm 121, looking at trusting God through
stressful times.  Bring a little bit of money, stay all day, and do some
study.
Psalm 121:2  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

NIHONGO O HANASHI-MASEN
No, I don't speak Japanese either, but someone who receives this e-mail does
... Last week I asked, again, for responses to the newsletter, and got some
nice replies (and they were nice presents I sent out, too, hey?).  One reply
was particularly memorable, from someone called Linda Lee.  I was really
encouraged by what she wrote, and so I asked if I could include it in our
newsletter.  So here it is, and I hope it's a real encouragement to everyone
else ...
"My name is Linda, and technically I live at the Gold Coast in Queensland. I
go to Griffith University, I'm a second year student, and I study Japanese,
which is why I'm actually in Nagoya, Japan. I'm on exchange, and after I go
back home and graduate in November 2002, I plan on trying to do a masters at
Melbourne University, in interpreting and translating.
     This is where it makes sense why I subscribed to your newsletter, while
being in a totally different country. It brings me joy to get to know your
group, and dream about joining in all the great activities you guys
experience. I only became a Christian about 6 months ago, I'm brand-new, and
I'm so hungry for instruction. My choice of university for my masters degree
will rely heavily on the opportunity I will have to study the bible as well.
So i found your group. I can't wait to meet you! ... I really think that God
is working through mucu. Its such a pleasure to watch and learn."

Wow!  She would later write;
"Being born again in Japan of all places was the least of my lifes
expectations. I'm so
immersed in God's grace. I have the most wonderful `support group` here,
missionaries and church friends that i will miss sorely when I leave in
December. Naturally they make up the bulk of all the christians I've ever
met, but I'm daily surprised and encouraged by their love and strength. I go
to a couple of churches and bible studies each week ... I'm just devouring
all I can."

Good stuff.  So Linda, g'day over there, from the whole of Melbourne Uni
Christian Union.  And guys, how about we remember her in our prayers?  She
returns to Oz in December, and may even make it to Melbourne in January, and
meet her brothers and sisters in Christ over here.

Well, I suppose I'd better stop now, even though I've got more to say!  So
next week, our roving reporter will have to provide a bit of coverage from
some of the stuff that's been happening, like the End of Year Dinner last
Monday.   But for now, sayonarra

Lukie san

And by the way, kore wa Nihongo de nan desuka? (`what is this called in
Japanese?')

G'day.
NTE
Yes, National Training Event.  Last week I gave you the big thing about it,
with all the info.  This time I just send subliminal messsages... NTE
........N - T- E, N - T - E, N - T - E.  Look out for them through the
e-mail - they're designed to make you want to come.  And if you've already
decided you'd like to, fill in the form available at Public Meetings and
small groups, or register online at http://www.afes.org.au  If you're
slightly broke, or completely penniless, contact Esther Tse on 9857 8608 or
0419220373 for access to the wonderful Christian Union slush fund.

LE RESTAURANT DE L'UNION CHRISTIAN
That's right, Monday is the Christian Union Annual Dinner.  If you haven't
already got your tickets, please get onto Suresh tout de suite (that's
straight away), at s.brady5@... - so do it straight after
reading this e-mail!  Tickets are $12/$15, and you can pay on the night.  If
you do have your tickets already, here's a reminder that it's on at 6.30 at
St Judes Anglican Church, Carlton, cnr Lygon st, and Palmerston st.  [NTE -
(woahh, there's the first subliminal message!!!!)]  The speaker is Monsieur
Peter Owen, who knows no French.  In French, to say `My name is Luke' you
would say, `Je m'appelle Luc'.  So he said: `Hi, Je m'appelle Peter ...
what's your je m'appelle?', which is like saying`what's your my name is'.  I
hope you enjoyed that as much as I did.  Oh, don't worry, he knows more
about the Bible than he does French.  A lot more.

P-P-P-P
No, I don't have a stutter; I'm inviting you to a special `P' event.  On the
Tuesday of swotvac (that'd be November 6), there's a day of prayer and
pancakes, preaching psalms and pizza!  Now say that 10 times quickly ...
It's in Undergrad lounge A, second floor, Union House.  [NTE]  The early
birds can get some pancakes and prayer at 8am, the ... others can come along
at 1pm for pizza and preaching, and a perusal of Psalm 121 with Darren,
looking at Trusting God through stressful times.  Come along to both,
studying in between - `don't procrastinate.'   Bring a couple of bucks for
pancakes, four deniros for pizza.  And as Darren says, `please' come.  [NTE]

NTE NTE NTE NTE NTE NTE (that wasn't very subliminal ...)

HAS ANYBODY HERE, SEEN MY FRIEND JOHN ...
Apparently we have a serious case of lost property in the Christian Union.
My source tells me that there are two booklets from Mini-Summit - one with
notes in! - waiting for their owner to remember them and pick them up.
There's also several pens, and some information on an Old Testament book.
If you think you've lost these things, contact my confidential source at
p.humphreys@...

AlrNTEighty then ... That's another newsletter in the box.
Over the next week, I'm wondering if you, the dear reader, could do me a
favour; I'm still not getting enough replies, so if someone replies with a
comment, or question, or something cool, I can send them a little present
...
Mmm, I don't think I'm making a rod for my own back at all.

lukiechoo (I've been getting some good reviews for that little name, so I
reckon I might use it more!)
This newsletter proudly brought to you by the letters N, T, and E.  Funny
that.

Zdravo
(that's Slovenian for hello)

MINI-SUMMIT ... A RETROSPECTIVE
Well, you may remember last week I asked people for some feedback on
mini-Summit - experiences, notes, anecdotes, whatever. Well .... I got one
reply!!!  So I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank Clara
profusively for her involvement!  But now over to you, Miss Tung ...
"Mini-Summit was the best camp I've been to since February 2000.  I was
really encouraged on Mono Monday that we can devote so much more time to
serving God when we're single and we don't all have to get married.
Although earthly marriage is a great gift given by God, it is still only
temporary.  How much more of a privilege is it to devote our whole life to
serving God as we await the final and lasting marriage to Jesus!  It was
also great to be reminded of our freedom in Christ, the only thing that
binds us is love.  Great thing to keep in mind!  Love youse all! - Clara"

Good stuff.  And I refuse to give up - if there's anything anyone wants to
say about mini-Summit, or Christian Union, or some bible passage they're
reading, pllllllleeeeeassssse don't be afraid to send it along to me, at
luknelson@...  Oh, I've got a new e-mail address too - but I'm
not going to put in here, because I'm a little embarrassed by it - it's a
bit of a stupid name, but I was thinking on the run, so that's why it's a
bit stooopid.  If you ever see it...

LET'S MAKE THIS THING BIGGER
Well, it's probably time I moved on from talking about all that.  Here's a
message from your Wayne Schuller, one of our friendly staff workers ...

"I really enjoy the Christian Union weekly email newsletter. (`here's the $5
for that mention, Wayne,' said Luke) But there are still many people in CU
who don't know about it! Please check with your CU friends in your small
groups and elsewhere and ask if they
receive the 'good news' (!). You can tell them they can join by going
to the Melb Uni Christian Union web site: http://melbourne.cu.org.au
(and check out the great work Michael Martis has been doing on the site)."

Good job.

MOVIE-MAKING
If you received the e-mail a fortnight ago, you would have read about plans
to make a movie.  Well, they're still there, so if you want more info, just
e-mail me.  And don't worry - we hope to really get down to working on it
after the exams, so don't think we're asking you to jeopardise your Uni
futures for the sake of a film!

FOR THE DIARY ...
No special events coming up that soon, except NATIONAL TRAINING EVENT, from
December 2-9, I believe.  But MUCH more about that some other time ...
Next week we have public meetings, Tuesday 1pm at the Prince Phillip, in
Architecture, and Alice Hoy 316 on Wednesdays.  Dave has just begun a series
on Amos - a little-noticed book, but an important one.  Looks like a
challenging series ...

Ok, well, that's all for now.  Expecting some e-mails here people ...
Lukie

G'day everyone!  Sorry about last week - I don't really have a truly
adequate excuse, though I've got a couple that weren't too bad...

MINI-SUMMIT MIRACULOUSLY MEANDERS INTO OUR MINDS
Yes, that's right, Mini-Summit is here.  From Friday until Monday the crazy
kids of CU are off to Flowerdale, near Whittelsea.  It's a mini-summit, but
it should still be a mega time, hanging out with friends made over the
year(s), and learning about `freedom and flexibility' through studying 1
Corinthians 7-10.  The talks are being done by Rhys Bezzant, minister at the
7.30 Unichurch at St. Jude's Carlton.  In fact, so much fun is expected that
a fourth day is planned!  Unlike most camps, this humdinger rumbles on for
another sleepless night, before `Marriage or Mono Monday', where a
discussion panel is being set up to look at relationships in the light of 1
Corinthians 7.  Maybe next week we'll have a gossip column with information
on new couples or potential couples ....  hehehehe.  But in seriousness, it
should be a good talk, because it's a complicated bit of verse.
The camp is open to everyone, even if you haven't registered yet.  So if you
read this astonishing e-mail and have a sudden whim to visit, just come up,
you're more than welcome.  You may have to pay a teeny weeny bit of money,
but the whole thing costs $50, which is excellent value.  If you're
interested, but need a lift, ring Darrell, on 0403-431-618.

NEWSLETTER LACKING NEWS
Yes, I'm afraid so kids, I'm running out of things to say.  How about a few
more notices about stuff that's going on, that the CU community would be
interested in?  Although there was something on the CU calendar last week; a
special outreach talk for Jewish students, led by a Jewish chap who has
become a Christian and wanted to show how doing so was the most Jewish thing
a Jew could do.  I'm not sure how it went exactly - drop us a line to tell
the world what you thought of it.
Mmm, that was impressive journalism, wasn't it, hunting down a story,
finding out the facts ...

NEW YORK
It's now over a week since the World Trade Centre destruction, but still
analysis of this event is everywhere.  There are thousands of pictures,
millions of words, reams of footage, and it's very easy to be swamped by the
whole thing.  It's remarkable just how many things there are to pray about
the whole thing.  There are many witness opportunities at this time, for
people are looking for answers to the horror, reasons for the pain.   So may
we have wisdom and love to seek opportunities at this time to tell the
gospel, to speak words of truth and comfort to people and give them the
answers they need.  May we also trust in God to make us good and firm and
strong witnesses for him.  But there are many other things to pray for as
well ...


Well, that's it from me for this week.  Uni breaks for two weeks, but there
should still be a newsletter flopping down in your inbox next week, jammed
with news on what should be a sumptuous mini-Summit.  As I said earlier,
just come along, and be blessed.
Lukie

STOP THE PRESSES!!  That's quite fun putting that in ...
Alright people, sorry if two Christian Union e-mails in a week is just too
much to bear, but this is a special one, a special edition.  It's Student
Election Week from September 10-14 - an opportunity for us to have a say.
Now, wait, woah, stop there, don't run away - I know you may hate elections,
I know you may not have ever voted before, but just read on - this e-mail
may be able to convince you that it's actually a good idea (shock horror!).
A long-standing attender of Christian Union, Geoff Cox, takes up the story
...


You only have to read the latest edition of Farrago to realise that
Christian groups on campus face all kinds of scrutiny. This is nothing new
and is really a reflection of the challenges we as Christians can expect to
face at uni and beyond. What you may not know is that it is student
elections THIS WEEK! By putting these two facts together it's clear that as
Christians here at Melbourne Uni, we need to make a response - one idea is
to vote! There are a number of good reasons to do this...

WHY VOTE?

     Because our ministry belongs to God
Let's start with God's word, the Bible. 1 Peter 2 tells us we are called
upon to submit to all kinds of authority instituted among us (v13) but that
we must continue to live as servants of God. What does this mean for us? 1
Peter 4 says that if we suffer as Christians we should not be ashamed but
praise God that we bear that name. In this context, being active in deciding
the sorts of authorities that are instituted among us, is a fitting way to
influence our ministry and our praise of God here at uni.

     Because we are students
Another reason to vote is that we as students are entitled to vote whether
we be Christians, communists, engineering students, or all of the above. Its
in our Melbourne University Student Union Constitution, believe me!

     Because the Student Union does impact our organisation
As a bottom line it is vitally important that for the CU to have an
effective ministry here we must receive co-operation and support from the
Student Union. You may be aware of a controversy surrounding an evangelistic
event run by Students For Christ just recently. The fallout from this
illustrates the union first and foremost has the power to affiliate or
disaffiliate student organisations such as SFC and indeed the CU.
A second broad power of the Student Union relates to their discretion
whether or not to approve promotional material we put out and public events
that we run.
Additional (but equally decisive) powers include control over a budget of
approximately $7m and room allocations. All of these put together translate
into a huge mandate on the part of Student Union to directly impact CU's
program of gospel ministry.

FINALLY, and most importantly...please pray:
That God places the right people in the places of leadership here on campus;
That His name will continue to be praised here without threats or
intimidation;
That the CU's ministry can not only be allowed, but encouraged to grow; and
That we can positively impact the result of the election THIS WEEK!!

Whoa Nelly, we've got a big newsletter today people, a rip-snorter,
darn-tooting - even bigger than the Goodwill Games, or my name's not Ray
Warren.  Goodwill Games?  Ray Warren?  Very peculiar.

HARK - A LARK; MINI-SUMMIT ON YONDER HILL
Yes that's right, Mini-Summit is approaching.  It's now ... eight weeks
since Summit, which is equivalent to two months, without a camp!!!  Without
late nights talking to people, without dining room food and queues, without
crazy early mornings (strange to Arts students, they are).  It's been so
long, in fact, that Summit withdrawal symptoms may have been replaced by
Mini-Summit longings.  But fear not, for in two weeks this great lark of a
camp arrives.  That's right, MIIINNNIIIII-SUUUMMMMMIIIIITTTT 2001.   Here's
some quick details:
When:  Friday September 21 - Monday September 24 (yes, MONDAY ...
revolutionary)
Where:  Gum Creek Recreation and Conference Centre, 2710 Whittlesea-Yea
Road, Flowerdale (around 70 kilometres from Melbourne)
What about:  `Freedom and Flexibility' - how does freedom work for
Christians?  Is it OK for Christians to be flexible in the way they approach
life and faith?  Such questions are being addressed by Monsieur Rhys
Bezzant, of St. Jude's Unichurch fame, through talks on 1 Corinthians 7-10.
OK, so ... NO!! WAIT!!!  We're also having a special thing on Monday,
entitled, `Marriage or Mono Monday', where there's a panel discussion on 1
Corinthians 7, and an opportunity for people to ask the many questions they
may have about relationships.
Oooh ... dramatic ...:  Yes yes.  So come along.
What now?  Sign up, by getting a form.  If you can't get one, e-mail me at
mailto:luknelson@...  And bring a friend, too, if you like -
maybe someone from church, or wherever, even if they're not from Melbourne.
BEEEEE THHHEEEERRRRRRREEE!!!!

OK, well, that mega ad for Mini-Summit has stretched my space budget, for
these e-mails can't be too long.  But there are other things happening in CU
world, such as ....
Public Meetings - 1pm Tuesday (Prince Phillip Theatre, Architecture
Building) and Wednesday (Alice Hoy, Room 316).  This week we looked at 1
Corinthians 13, and `Spiritual Love', Dave informing us that love is
expressed through actions, rather than mere mushy feelings or passions, or
some catchphrase, and that all spiritual gifts flow from love.  As 1
Corinthians 13:13 says:
"And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of
these is love."

Small Group meetings are also continuing, as are Prayer Meetings.  If you
want information on these valuable events, just e-mail me.  It's never too
late to join ...

AND NOW ... A NEW FEATURE; THE CU NOTICEBOARD
Alright, well, this week we've got an e-mail from CUer Mildred Yim, who is
wondering if people are interested in doing some fundraising for
missionaries through the selling and eating of apple pies.  Sounds tasty ...
The funds are being raised for an evangelistic outreach team to visit
Manipur in 2002.  Manipur?  You know the one - near the border of India and
Myanmar.... Yeah, knew you'd remember their flag at Sydney 2000.  Anyway,
this area is largely closed off to tourists, but River of Life World
Evangelism has been able to reach out to these people, enjoying some
success.  But they seek more, and in January hope to hold an outreach
program.  Many of the funds raised by these patties would go to ongoing
building projects and food and clothing for the poverty-stricken society.
To get in on this, simply ring Mildred, on 93428125, or e-mail her at
brown_bag@..., and leave your order.  But get in quick - orders are
only being taken over the next week, maybe even only until September 8.
Each apple pie costs $4.50.  If you would like to find out more about River
of Life, visit their website, at http://www.eps.vic.edu.au/jj/rolwe/.

And ... ooh, no, sorry, that's the final siren.  The buzzer's buzzed, the
hooter's hooted, the bell's clanged and chimed - this newsletter is over!
Luke `Over-exuberant sports commentator' Nelson

Good afternoon, boys and girls.  My name's Mr. Nelson, and I'm here to tell
you a little bit about Christian Union ...

CAPTAIN CU PARTY FINALLY ARRIVES - JUST AS I STRUGGLE TO FIND THINGS TO SAY
ABOUT IT
The Captain CU Theme (sung to the tune of Old Man Finnegan)

There was a young man called Captain CU,
His favourite colours were orange and blue-ue
No matter what he's pleased to meet you,
Good ol' Captain CU, Scooby-Doo!

One day while eating orange and blue-berry
He saw something that was scary
Suddenly he could fly like a fairy,
Saving from despair-y, Scooby-Dee!

This Saturday is his birthday,
A chance to laugh and play-ay.
So come along and join the part-ay
And make Captain CU's day, Scooby-day!

Oooh, crikey, that last verse was pretty pathetic, wasn't it?!  That's
because I had to write it myself, without any help, and I'm no great
lyricist!
But yes, this Saturday is Captain CU's birthday, and you're all invited.
What a nice fellow he is ... It's a kid's party, with pass the parcel and
other games, and lolly bags, and, and, and .... so it should be good and fun
and all things nice.  You can wear some psycho superhero's costume, or 1980s
clothes, and bring your friends.  It's all free, and it starts at 7.30.

GUILT
Savage kind of word, isn't it?  And a horrible thing.  Yesterday (Thursday
August 30) the Christian Union held a seminar on the topic, led by Dave
Walter, with some music by Clara Tung.  It was a good session, Dave giving
some advice on how to deal with guilt in our lives. He used the example of
Psalm 51, written by King David after he stuffed up and committed adultery,
which led to some other bad mistakes.  Dave (our Dave, not Israel's) told us
how we need to turn to God when we feel guilty, and look at the Cross and
what was achieved there by God, and so seek to silence our feelings of
weakness and condemnation.  It was a really valuable time, which I haven't
really described properly, and if you want to hear the talk, just contact
Dave - I believe he had it taped.

FOR THE DIARY
Public Meetings - 1pm Tuesday (Prince Phillip Theatre, Architecture
Building) and Wednesday (Alice Hoy, Room 316).  Dave Walter is doing the
talks on 1 Corinthians, despite feeling rather sick and being very busy!
Thsi week we looked at 1 Corinthians 12, which is a real call to spiritual
unity.  We speak a lot about having spiritual gifts, but this passage points
out that these gifts aren't to be used for ourselves, but for the good of
the church:
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are
different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of
working, but the same God works all of them in all men." (v 4-6)
Small Groups - multiple times.  If you want to know them all, just e-mail
me.

Alright then class, that's all for this week.  By the way, if you have any
notices you'd like to include - maybe some observation from your quiet time,
a prayer point for us all, a verse for us to think about, or simply a
private query that you'd like passed on to someone who can help you out -
just drop it in the suggestion box ... which is my e-mail inbox.
OK.  Off you go.  Have a good w .... (class leaves in a flurry of overturned
seats) ... eek

Mr. Nelson
luknelson@...

Howdy pardners, and welcome to another shakedown, hootanany of a Christian
Union newsletter.  This week we've got a double issue (dramatic indeed) -
the other e-mail you receive is a letter from a cowboy called Mark Hardy.
Many of you would know him - he's been a big part of CU over the past three
years, but is in Japan this year.  But you can get a konichiwa from him if
you open up the other e-mail - he asked if he could send something to
everyone.  How nice ...

STUDENTS REVOLT WITH STAFF WORKERS AWAY
Only kidding.  This week the staff workers of Christian Union have been away
at a conference.  Hopefully it's been good fun, and instructive, and no, we
haven't changed the constitution of Christian Union in their absence, or
created some strange hierarchical structure with a `grand poobar' or
something.  At least, not that I've noticed ...

SPEEEECCCCIAL SUPER SUMMIT REUNION
Yes, the Super Summit Reunion is on this weekend.  Saturday, in fact.
Saturday, the 25th of August, in fact.  So if you'd like to catch up with
people, relive great conversations, strengthen friendships, etc., etc.,
etc., then come along.  Even if you didn't come on Summit, you can come
along, so bring your friends - it's a great way to get to know what
Christian Union is all about, and see the great people God has given us.
Here's the salient (nice word) data:
When:  7PM Saturday 25th August
Where: Glen Waverly Anglican Church (800 Waverley Rd. Waverley)
Theme: "Ocker Aussie" Don ya best flanny, blunny's and stubbies.
Cost: $10 - includes delicious muilti-course BBQ extravaganza (BONZA!), as
well as some music from those crazy kids Balaam's Donkey and Cinnamon.
There is also a `spoken word' spot, and no-one has been able to tell me
quite what that is since last week.
Perhaps I should have e-mailed Fiona Hopper, for if you have any questions
and want some info, just contact her, at fiona_hopper@...,      or
phone  9888-9862.  Your Super-Summit booklets (which I managed to leave at
Phillip Island) also has some data, on page 48.
Editor's suggestion:  As you open your wardrobe doors (if you can -
sometimes it's tough at my house) you may find that you have no ocker Aussie
items there.  Can I suggest, therefore, that you hop along to an opp shop or
something?  Much great stuff, at `dirt cheap prices'.  And if you call now,
you can receive a free set of steak knives as well ...

CAPTAIN CU NEEDS SOME FRIENDS
`Captain CU?  Who is this fabled creature,' I hear you ask.  Well, we're
still working on that one.  But if you were at Public Meeting at Tuesday,
you would have discovered that there is a Captain CU.  He's been pretty
quiet for some years now, but it's time for him to re-emerge, clad in crazy
shirt and towel and much muscle.  It's nearly his birthday - this is his
third millennia, so it's a big date - and WE NEED YOU to help him celebrate.
It can be pretty lonely be a superhero, so a birthday is a great chance to
show our appreciation of his sterling work.  So, we're planning a birthday
party, like the kinds of kids' parties we went to when we were ... kids.
Here are the significant pieces of information:
When:  Saturday September 1, from
Where:  St. Jude's Anglican Church - cnr. Lygon and Palmerston St, Carlton.
Enter at crypt.  If you are unfamiliar with St. Jude's, please don't be
alarmed by this gothic-sounding term.
Dress:  Dress up as a superhero - even just a mask, or a towel tucked into
the top of your shirt, some funky coloured hair.  Alternatively, dress in
1980s' fashion.  It was truly a remarkable decade ...
What to bring:  Bring some party food.  If you were born January - April,
bring some drinks.  If you were born May - August, bring some savoury food.
If you were born September - December bring ... some desserts.
But ... but .... what on earth is this all about?!!:  Excellent question -
go to the top of the class.  Well, basically, we were looking for a social
event, a chance for CUers and friends to just get together and have some
fun.  If we create a character called Captain CU we can have a yearly
birthday party, creating a tradition that can last eons!  And as for the
1980s  clothes, well, we were looking for an alternative to superhero
costumes - not everybody wants to wear their undies outside their clothes.
And it's also suitable, because this is a kids' party, and we were kids in
the 1980s.

FOR THE DIARY
Public Meetings - 1pm Tuesday (Prince Phillip Theatre, Architecture
Building) and Wednesday (Alice Hoy, Room 316).
Small Groups - multiple times.  If you want to know them all, just e-mail
me.

Hooroo
Luke ARTHUR Nelson (hearty congratulations to those who guessed it)

G'day everyone, and welcome to AD, the Christian Union Newsletter.  AD?
Yes, that's a little idea I've had - maybe we could call this thing AD, or
Anno Domini, Latin for  `Year of our Lord' ... I believe.  That purveys
(what a nice word) the idea of a journal of events and history, and also
puts some focus onto God.  He's still working, you know, just as he was in
Acts - as we're learning at the moment in Christian Union.  Anyway, just an
idea - if you have a good title in mind, e-mail me at
luknelson@...  Ripper!!

WOMEN `WEARN OF THEIR WONDER
On Tuesday Natasha Langford and Esther Tse ran a seminar for women,
focussing on issues of self-esteem, which got some good reviews.  Winnifred,
from Boronia, (not real name) found the talk "both frightening and
reassuring - it helped me to recognise expectations I unfairly put on myself
and comforted me with the knowledge that God doesn't put such expectations
on me - I am his child and he can love me because of his grace and always
will", which sounds a good endorsement.  It was also a good chance for
people to catch up who don't always see each other, and one attendee noted
that whenever someone said something funny, it was met with high-pitched
laughter, such as that produced by women!   Meanwhile we blokes sat down the
passage, saying blokey things and sharing good conversation, though we were
probably all wondering just what they were saying in that room!  Not that I
was, of course, ahem ....

SUPER SUMMIT'S SUMPTUOUS REUNION IMMINENT
For those of you who pine for the sweet summity days of July, a light of
nostalgia and fun appears in the near distance ... Yes, that's right, it's
almost time for the Super Summit Reunion - a chance to hang out with those
people who surrounded you for a week and you wished you could know longer
and better.  Here's the data:
When:  7PM Saturday 25th August
Where: Glen Waverly Anglican Church (800 Waverley Rd. Waverley)
Theme: "Ocker Aussie" Don ya best flanny, blunny's and stubbies.  And bring
your address book, too ...
Cost: $10 - includes delicious muilti-course BBQ extravaganza, as well as a
smorgasbord of aural (that's ears for those unsure) entertainment, provided
by Cinnamon and Balaam's Donkey, who play the kind of music `those young
kids listen to these days'.  Apparently there is also an opportunity for
`spoken word' entertainment.  Now, please let me be frank here; I'm not real
sure what that is, but I think, I THINK, that it may be an opportunity for
people to just get up and say stuff.  But, I really don't know ...
Now, if you want more info, look up your Super Sumit booklets, pg. 48, or
contact Fiona Hopper on her abstractly named e-mail addy,
fiona_hopper@...,      or phone at 9888-9862.
AND PLEASE NOTE, this event is not merely for registered Super Summiters -
anyone can come!  So it could be a good witness opportunity.  And if you
decide to come and you weren't on camp, it's ok - there were 350 of us, and
everyone will think they just forgot your face!  And if you're looking for
some way of bluffing, just talk about penguins.  People will either find you
very funny or a little sad, and you won't quite know why, but just play
along ...

FOR THE DIARY
D-Day - Saturday August 18.  A day to learn about prayer in the Dandenong
Ranges, starting from 11:30, though at the Upper Ferntree Gully picnic
grounds (Melway 74:H5), though you can come any time, and even be picked up
from the train station.  For more information, contact Catriona at
catriona@...     or 0401-137-484, or 9486-3330.
St. Jude's Phillipians series - From Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd, St.
Jude's  is running a series of talks on Phillipians, led by Allan Chapple,
who has been described as a "great preacher".  The talks begin at 8pm, I
think, at St. Jude's, which is at the corner of Palmerston and Lygon Sts,
Carlton.
Public Meetings - 1pm Tuesday (Prince Phillip Theatre, Architecture
Building) and Wednesday (Alice Hoy, Room 316).
Small Groups - multiple times.  If you want to know them all, just e-mail
me.

PRAYER POINTS
Please pray for the staff workers in Christian Union, who will be away next
week on a conference.  Thank God for their dedicated, powerful work and pray
that others will be able to fill their roles well in their absence.
A considerable number of MUCU students attend St. Jude's, and you may like
to pray for the Short Course beginning August 16, which offers an informal
introduction to Christianity for those interested.

Hooroo
Luke A. Nelson (hearty congratulations to anyone who can work out what the
`A' stands for)

Hello and welcome everybody to another semester of the Christian Union
newsletter. Fasten your seatbelts, and ready yourselves for the ride of a
lifetime, as we take electronic communication to a higher level! At least,
that's the idea . G'day everybody, I'm the New Newsletter Man, Luke Nelson,
and over the coming months I hope to bring you the news from Christian
Union, a roving reporter at public meetings, a newshound keeping you
informed on upcoming events. There are also some other features I'm hoping
to incorporate as I become more familiar with the whole thing, but I won't
let on about them. Suspense is a good thing - and if I don't manage to do
them than you don't have to be disappointed!
Well enough of the formalities; on with the show .
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public Meetings have begun again for the semester, with John Diacos
commencing a series on 1 Corinthians. On Tuesdays we meet at 1pm in the
Prince Philip Theatre, part of the Architecture Building (where the post
office is). It's an enormous theatre, cavernous even, but the seats are
veeeeeery comfy, with great big backs that remind you of a cinema. The
Wednesday Public Meetings are being held in an altogether different venue,
the cosy Room 316 in the Alice Hoy building. It's a new style Public
Meeting, with tables set up randomly around the room in a more informal
atmosphere. So come along, and bring your friends; it's a great way to see
what Christian Union is all about and learn more about Christianity.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups have also begun for the new semester, with a veritable
smorgasbord of options, groups meeting at various times throughout the Uni
week First-year groups, designed for people new to Christian Union, are
studying the book of Romans, while later-year groups are studying Acts.
Anyone is welcome, and if you come, you can anticipate an hour of fun,
fellowship and .. some word meaning teaching that starts with an `f'. Can't
think of one. Maybe I should go to a Small Group; surely I'll be able to
find knowledge there.
UPCOMING EVENTS
`Do you know what it feels like to be a girl?'
Mmm, intriguing title - sounds like something Madonna might say. Next
Tuesday, August 14, Esther Tse and Natasha Langford are holding a special
talk and discussion for women (sorry guys) on the issue of self-esteem. It
starts at 3:15, running until 5:15, in Undergrad Room A, Second Floor Union
House, and afternoon tea is to be provided. If you have any questions, ring
Esther on 9857-8606, or 0419-220-373.
The Dandenong D-Day
On Saturday August 18 the Christian Union is holding a prayer day in the
Dandenong Ranges. It's a chance to get to know people better, and learn
about prayer. We are focussing on prayers from Paul's letters, and to
conclude this week's newsletter, take a peek at one such prayer, this one
from Ephesians 3:14-21
" For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in
heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you,
being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the
saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to
the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is
at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Nice prayer, worth studying.
Hooroo
The New Newsletter Man

hi everyone,

Welcome to this weeks edition of the Melb Uni
Christian Union Newsletter. We hope you have had a
restful break. The 80 or so of us at the Summit had a
great time. If you didn't get to Summit, ask someone
to share with you what they learnt...

For those who are new to this list, this email will
now come out about once per week, with lots of great
information about up and coming Christian Union
events.

Christian Union Public Meetings begin in the first
week of semester. The locations have changed:
- The TUESDAY public meeting is in the Prince Philip
Theatre, Architecture Building.
- The WEDNESDAY public meeting is in the Charles
Pearson Theatre, ERC Building.
Both are from 1-2pm, and will kick off with talks on 1
Corinthians from John Diacos. So pick one day (not
both!) and come along to hear God's word and hang out
with CU people.

Small groups will start in the first week of semester
at the same times. For most groups the location will
have changed, so contact your small group leader to
find out. If you are not in a small group, there is a
new one starting at 3:15pm on Thursday (email
darren_fitzpatrick_2000@... for info). If you
have questions, email David Walter
(kingdavid@...), or come to a
public meeting for more info.

The Christian Union Monday night training courses will
begin at Monday 5:15pm in Week 2, at 5:15pm in Room
205 Old Arts Building. (Small group leaders should
come in week 1 though).

At Monday night training you can do a 8-10 week
training course in evangelism, discipleship, small
group leading, systematic theology, or how to read the
Bible. The best course to do first is the evangelism
one, here is more info:

Have you ever wondered how to talk to your friends
about Jesus? Would you like to be more passionate
about doing it? Have you ever wanted to understand the
centre of  Christianity more clearly? Would you like
to be more confident in your faith? The 'Two Ways To
Live' training course is for you. We are running it at
5:15 Mondays and at 10:00am Tuesdays. This is the best
CU training course to do first. It is for everyone, so
come, even if it's your first CU thing. Please let me
know on darren_fitzpatrick_2000@... if you

I hope you enjoy reading the CU weekly email...

Thanks,
Wayne 'temporary news editor' Schuller.
ps: There are some photos of Summit on our Yahoo MUCU
group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mucu
(click on photos)


_____________________________________________________________________________
http://messenger.yahoo.com.au - Yahoo! Messenger
- Voice chat, mail alerts, stock quotes and favourite news and lots more!

hi everyone,

This is a special Summit edition of the CU newsletter.

Welcome to the new yahoo groups CU newsletter list. Please send feedback on it
to Wayne Schuller (schullerwayne@...). We only have 33 people on this
new list, so please forward this newsletter on to anyone in CU who might not be
here. You can join the new list by going to: http://melbourne.cu.org.au

This will be the permanent home of the CU news list from now on, so it's
important that everyone we know gets onto it.

SUMMIT: The Summit is coming soon (July 9th-13th). This will be a wonderful week
of fun and growing in our knowledge and love for God.

Registrations close this weekend, so register at: http://www.cu.org.au/summit
Please get all your friends and anyone you know to come along to Summit.

So far we only have 70 from Melbourne Uni and we were aiming for over 100...

If have you registered for Summit, you will receive a letter in the mail next
week telling you all the info you need to know.

Special CU 'Winter Ones' meetings:
CU Winter Ones are for those who want a bit of extra Bible study in the cold
months of June & July to keep them warm inside. It's not for those who feel they
have to come, but for those who really want to come.  It's 4 low key Monday
evenings looking at Jeremiah.
Winter Ones is on June 25, July 2, 16, 23.
It's 7-8:30 pm at David Walter's house, 7 Meaker Ave, Brunswick West.
For more info email David Walter: kingdavid@... or phone him
on 9387 5407.

I hope everyone is surviving exams!!!

I will see you all at Summit!,
Wayne 'temporary news editor' Schuller!

hi everyone from Christian Union at Melbourne Uni,

This is just a hello message.

We will probably be moving over the entire news list to this new
system this week.

Can you please in the next day or two send me some feedback on how you
found subscribing to the list? Was it easy?

There might be some ads that get displayed at the bottom of the
message, i hope they are not too weird.

Thanks,
Wayne Schuller
Melb Uni Christian Union

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
mucu group:

Do you think the MUCU Yahoo group is a
great way to send out announcments?

   o Yes - Very easy to join
   o Yes, but it's a bit difficult to us.
   o No - Yahoo sucks
   o No - It's too hard.
   o Other


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mucu/polls

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!