University of Pennsylvania
The rhythm of the semester has commenced, with mid-terms, clubs, and activities now in full force. One of the challenges for our students this semester is to “seek first the kingdom,” in the sense of taking 2 set times per day of prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. We’ve noticed that students are looking for structure, not in the rote sense of going through the motions, but in developing habits. As a few of our students prepare to participate in the Broad Street Run (a 10-mile race here in Philly), they have to set aside times for training. Our running the race of faith requires time set apart for training as well. Would you pray…
This week is our first full week with the students after winter break, and it is starting with a bang. This weekend we are heading to Refreshing Mountain near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for a weekend retreat. Nearly 50 students will be seeking the Lord’s presence and renewal, and we are hopeful for a filling of His Spirit as we worship, pray, and fellowship.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I just listened to a sermon by the late, great pastor Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He summed up Paul’s epistle to the Romans as “Soli Deo Gloria!” The summum bonum of the cosmos and all of redemptive history is the glory of God in Jesus Christ. As we near the completion of this fall semester, God’s glory is particularly evident on the campus of Penn.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As our Bible Courses study Paul’s letter to the Colossians this fall, we are reminded again and again of Paul’s joy in the Church. He loves God’s people! This is reflected in all of his letters, even to the Corinthians! His letter to the Philippians is often called the “Joy Letter,” because of his deep love for the recipients reflected in his joyful, hopeful epistle.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Though Paul and the Colossian church were strangers, they still prayed for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. So it is with us. As you pray for us, we are praying for you. And we are thankful for your partnership in this ministry. It is our joy to serve with you and alongside you for the sake of the Kingdom!
Penn’s Freshmen Welcome is always intense: Intensely tiring, intensely exhilarating, intensely active, intensely fast. Penn’s 1st year students have already been here a month, and are only 3/12 weeks away from Fall Break. As a staff, we don’t want to take these days for granted. Meeting new students, re-connecting with returning students, and seeing Bible Courses form is a joy, even in the midst of the intensity. We appreciate and need your continued prayers!
Dear Friends and Partners of Christian Union at Penn,
Thank you for your continued prayers for our ministry, staff, and students. It was a restful, hopeful, prayerful summer for us here in Philadelphia. As a staff we are excited to begin our Freshmen Campaign, and our returning students share that excitement.
Dear Friends and Partners of Christian Union at Penn,
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” - Nehemiah 8:10
There is much to be thankful for during these summer months, and many reasons to rejoice. But our greatest joy is the Gospel of grace - God’s Kingdom coming in power through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. July is a sweet season of small group studies with students, professional development, and opportunities for retreat. We have already begun planning for our (fast) approaching Freshmen Welcome at the University of Pennsylvania. Our students have been intentional in developing a strategy for the fall campaign, even as our 4 executive leaders are meeting via Skype from Botswana, San Francisco, New York, and Philadelphia! Would you please pray with us for the following:
Dear Friends and Partners of Christian Union at Penn,
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15.13, ESV).
By God’s grace, we are entering a season of rest for our staff. Immediately after Penn’s graduation, I joined with other Christian Union staff in visiting Fiji for a time of learning and fellowship with the Fijian church. Kelly led a team to Uganda to serve with ROWAN (Rural Orphan and Widow Aids Network). We returned to Philadelphia tired but excited about sharing with our students all that we experienced. As we re-convene and begin planning for next fall, would you please pray for the following:
- rest (both spiritual and physical) for our team as we return to work and professional development. Pray that Penn’s staff would be further equipped to bring the Gospel to our students with boldness and grace.
- wisdom as we plan for NSO (New Student Orientation), which will begin in mid-August.
- Penn’s incoming class of 2023. Pray for hearts and minds, that the students would be prepared to meet Jesus Christ in a powerful way upon entering Penn.
- Penn’s returning CU students, that they will grow in leadership as they serve in churches this summer. It is incredibly easy for our students to struggle spiritually when they are out of the semester routine. Pray for discipleship, service, and care for them this summer.
Thank you for your continued partnership in the Gospel here at Penn. We are grateful for you!
in Christ our King,
Tucker Else
Ministry Director
Christian Union at Penn
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