GCF Newsflash! Mystery Pumpkin Extravaganza | Westgate Lounge | Oct 18 @7pm

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

Murder mysteries and pumpkin carving; two fun activities on their own, but when mixed together, the result could be deadly. Will you help squash the mystery? We'll begin with pumpkin carving, then transition to solving the murder mystery.

If we catch the murderer, we will celebrate by eating pie and ice cream!

What:            Mystery Pumpkin Extravaganza!
Where:          Westgate Lounge (W85) *note location change!
When:           7pm - Friday, Oct 18 *note time change!

Contact:        Joe Moore | stuck outside? call Keith at 617-229-9672

Announcements

• Writing and contributing to the GCF Newsflash is an easy way to get involved with the fellowship!  Contact Emily to see how you can help. 

Recap Lane

We had a great time at the retreat, full of God-focused learning and community building among the colorful trees. We started the retreat playing "Cause and Effect", a GCF Tradition and we surprised Alli with a birthday cake! The inductive bible study was on Luke 10 where we read how people were sent out to tell others "The Kingdom is near". Oh yeah, the GCF team won a volleyball tournament and Kevin bought as all ice cream at Kimball's Farm.

Prayer Square

• Praise God for building relationships at the retreat! Pray that God would continue to grow these relationships in our fellowship and especially within our small groups.
• Pray for those struggling with exams and work to find peace and encouragement in the arms of Jesus.
• Pray for those reaching out to friends. Pray that GCF'ers would keep persevering in love.

Kudos

• Thanks to Kevin, Marianne and the rest of the Boston Grad IV staff for planning a great fall retreat. 
  
• Thanks to Sam, Adam and Steph for giving up their free time during the retreat to practice for worship!
  
• Thank you to those who cheered on the MIT team in the rain during the volleyball tournament!

Community Corner

Victory!! MIT GCF wins at the annual tournament at the fall retreat!

Happy people! Missed out this year? There's always the Winter Retreat!

All Things Considered

"I know competitiveness can be healthy and good, unless it is pride driven."

My favorite Christian author is Max Lucado. I've read three of his devotionals which make up about 50% of all books I've read for leisure. Here is an article about his ego.

I struggle with pride-driven competitiveness, and it shouldn't come as surprise to many of you! I have always been competitive, but in a different way than how I was in high school. Back in those days, I wanted to win approval from my parents, friends and strangers. If I could only be the most athletic/funny/smart... people would like me. A serious case of approval addiction.

As I grow deeper in faith, I find myself slowly (very slowly) focusing more on God as the primary motivation for working. With that brings peace, security and joy. I can stop pretending to be a wolf and focus on the Shepherd leading my lamby-self to green pastures and still waters.

Verse of the Week

"Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."
_ Luke 10:3

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

GCF Newsflash! Fall Retreat at Toah Nipi this week!

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

The leaves are starting to fall off the trees, which means the fall retreat is just around the corner! Registration for the retreat is completely full! If you haven't signed up for your ride to the retreat, make sure you sign up here. See you at the retreat!

What:            Intervarsity Boston-wide Graduate Student Fall Retreat
Where:          Toah Nipi
When:           Friday Oct 11 to Sunday Oct 13.

Announcements

• Writing and contributing to the GCF Newsflash is an easy way to get involved with the fellowship!  Contact Emily to see how you can help. 
• The 2014 Veritas Forum is coming up this Spring, but planning is already in the works  Check out past MIT forums and contact Sam Elder if you are interested in helping this year.

Recap Lane

Prof. Troy Van Voorhis spoke to us on the topic of how to interpret the bible. We found out through his survey that GCF is diverse in how we approach scripture. Despite having differences, going through the bible in a community is important!

Prayer Square

• Pray for those planning the Fall Retreat and those in the worship band who are practicing and preparing to lead.
• Pray for those who are graduating this December. May they follow God's will for them in the next phase of life with courage.
• Pray that our community would be one that perseveres in prayer, especially for those who are hurting and those who are waiting on God.

Community Corner

Toah Nipi snowball fight flashback from the Winter Retreat! What new memories will we have this weekend? 

All Things Considered

We all hate cheaters. For the first time in my life, I've been on the teaching side of school. I've realized that students rarely set out to cheat on a exam... it just happens. A student could be under immense pressure or have other factors which lead them to cheat. Here is an interesting devotional. Although it talks about affairs in a marriage context, I think much of the devotional is relevant to "cheating" in other situations. There have been many instances where I let down my friends, family, or God by choosing the path of darkness instead of light. I found the points in this devo very helpful for future screw up prevention.

Verse of the Week

"And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
_ Luke 10:2

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

GCF Newsflash! How NOT to read the Bible | Friday 10/4 @ 7:30pm, Mezzanine Lounge

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

This week, we continue our series on burning questions with: "How do we rightly interpret the Bible for our daily lives?"  Joining us this week is Prof. Troy Van Voorhis, from the department of chemistry, as we examine this issue and look at ways he feels the Bible is often misused or misinterpreted in today's culture.  Come ready with your best questions!

Don't have plans for dinner on Friday?  Come out with us!  Sign up here by Thursday 8pm to join a small group of GCF'ers (that is the technical term) for dinner.

What:            How not to read the Bible: A conversation with Prof. Troy Van Voorhis
Where:          Mezzanine Lounge (3rd Fl. Student Center, W20-307)
When:           Friday October 4th @ 7:30pm
Contact:        Eric Jones

Announcements

• Next week is the Boston Grad Fall Retreat, so we won't have our normal large group.  Still want to come to the retreat?  Sign up before Oct. 4th.
  
• Writing and contributing to the GCF Newsflash is an easy way to get involved with the fellowship!  Contact Emily to see how you can help. 
• The 2014 Veritas Forum is coming up this Spring, but planning is already in the works  Check out past MIT forums and contact Sam Elder if you are interested in helping this year.

Recap Lane

Last week, we heard from fellow GCFers Sam P. and Kayleen about their encounters with the supernatural.  Backed by scripture, their stories reflected just how close the spiritual realm is to our daily lives, whether in a struggle with temptation or while interceding for friends.  Get in touch with them to hear more.

Prayer Square

• Praise that Tori (Marianne's daughter) was released from the hospital on Monday, after having a ruptured appendix.  Please continue to pray for healing as she completes her semester at college in NY.
  
• Pray for encouragement for our first years, in the midst of midterms, problem sets, studio reviews, and more. 
  
• Pray for those planning the Fall Retreat and those in the worship band who are practicing and preparing to lead.
• Pray that our community would be one that perseveres in prayer, especially for those who are hurting and those who are waiting on God.

Community Corner

Tea sipping is an essential part of being Bostonian, right?  One of the teams from the scavenger hunt shows us just how to do it, pinky first.

All Things Considered

Inviting friends to church, and how that's not a scary thing

Get excited for fall (and for Toah Nipi goers, we bet you'll see some bold colors!)

Verse of the Week

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
_ Romans 8:38-39

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

GCF Newsflash! The Supernatural | 9/27 @7:30pm Kresge (W16-030)

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

The fellowship has spoken! The supernatural is the category which fetched the most votes for the our poll of burning questions. How do the heavenly realms interact with us? Should we expect the miraculous? This week, we have the pleasure of addressing these questions together by exploring the biblical basis for supernatural occurrences and hearing from our very own Sam Perli and Kayleen Moore! 

There will also be a few groups going out to dinner around 6pm before large group. Sign up here by Thursday 8pm, and look for an email revealing your dining partners.

What:             Perspectives On The Supernatural, with Sam P. and Kayleen
Where:          W16-030 (Rehearsal Room B, under the Kresge Auditorium)
When:            Friday, Sept. 27 @ 7:30pm
Contact:         Sam Elder

Announcements

• Still haven't found a small group? Well, what are you waiting for? Contact Annie or Heather to find one near you!
  
• The Boston Grad Fall Retreat is coming up, Oct. 11-13!   Don't wait -- spots fill up FAST.
  
• Are you savvy with the written word?  Do you know how to type?  We need help for our weekly newsflash! Contact Emily to get involved. 
• Planning for the 2014 Veritas forum is starting! Please contact Sam Elder if you are interested in helping out this year!

Recap Lane

Last week we ran around the city completing tasks devised by Joe and Kayleen! Plenty of video content was generated of GCF'ers doing silly things such as singing in public and frog leaping. Luckily, most of the videos were too dark to identify the perpetrators!

Prayer Square

• Pray for those planning the fall retreat this year!
• Pray for GCF'ers to recieve wisdom and courage to invite non-believers to church or GCF events.
• Pray for those seeking God's love but haven't found it yet. Pray that God can help provide a surge which will help them break through whatever is holding them back.
• Pray for God to be in the room when Thrive meets this Saturday. Pray for God to help us create an environment which facilitates the development of spiritual bonds between Thrive members.

Kudos

Kevin, Heather and Annie for their efforts in setting up small group leader training sessions! Thanks!

Community Corner

Plenty of smiles at the last year's fall retreat! Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend with these beautiful people? Don't miss out on the great moments this year... Sign up now!

Verse of the Week

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
_ 1 Thess 5:14

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

Photo Scavenger Hunt! 9/20 Kendall T Station @7pm

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

Get to know your fellow GCF'ers by going on an adventure together! We'll meet at the Kendall T stop at 7pm to split up into teams, then we'll be off running (I'll be walking) around the area to find scavenger hunt items! We'll reconvene at 9pm at the student center to eat ice cream and erase whatever exercise we did during the hunt.

What:             Photo Scavenger Hunt!
Where:          Meet at Kendall T, then finish at Mezzanine Lounge, 3rd fl. Student Center (W20-307)
When:            Friday, Sept. 20 @ 7pm
Contact:         Joe Moore - josephlmoore@gmail.com

Announcements

• Still haven't found a small group? Well, what are you waiting for? Contact Annie or Heather to find one near you!
  
• Lunch Small Group!  Tomorrow (Weds 9/18) 11:50a - 1p in Private Dining Room 3 (3rd Fl. Student Center). Dessert and drinks supplied, but bring or buy your own lunch. Email Kevin for details
• First years can still sign up for Thrive here.  For GCF veterans:  If you'd like to host a Thrive gathering, contact Gerald.
  
• The Boston Grad Fall Retreat is coming up, Oct. 11-13!   Don't wait -- spots fill up FAST.
• Are you savvy with the written word?  Do you know how to type?  We need help for our weekly newsflash! Contact Emily to get involved. HELP WANTED, we'll hire you for ice cream sandwiches!
• Planning for the 2014 Veritas forum is starting! Please contact Sam Elder if you are interested in helping out this year!

Recap Lane

Last week we were blessed to hear Dan Liu share his incredible spiritual journey! If you missed it, you must talk to him about how he came to faith while in grad school. Prof. Picard shared some wisdom with us on how God keeps her grounded while being a top flight researcher. Remember to put bible verses on your computer chip designs!

Prayer Square

• Pray for new students adjusting to the pace of MIT.
• Pray for those planning the fall retreat this year!
• Pray for those students going through qualifying exams! eek

Prof. Picard mentioned ACTS during large group last week. Adoration/Confession/Thanksgiving/Supplication -- Give it a try!

Community Corner

From last year's fall retreat: Now that's a prayer and reflection spot! Still thinking of skipping the fall retreat? really? sign up now. DO IT! 

Quote of the Week

On having a journal submission rejected: "Remember, there is only one true reviewer"

_Prof. Picard

Verse of the Week

"He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding."
_ Daniel 2:21

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

To kick off our first official large group of the semester, Media Lab professor Rosalind Picard will be joining us to share how Christian faith made a difference during her years at MIT as a grad student.  Come learn what inspires her even today -- and tough questions welcome!

There will also be a few groups going out to dinner around 6pm before large group.  Sign up here by Weds. 11:59pm, and look for an email revealing your dining partners.

What:             Grad School: Faith at Work with Prof. Rosalind Picard
Where:           Mezzanine Lounge, 3rd fl. Student Center (W20-307)
When:            Friday, Sept. 13 @ 7:30pm
Contact:         Sam Elder - same@mit.edu

Announcements (lots o' them!)

• Next week: Tighten your shoe laces for a scavenger hunt!  More info to come.
• This is the first week for all small groups.  See the attached PDF for info on each of them to find the best one for you -- or check them all out!
• Lunch Small Group debuts!  Tomorrow (Weds 9/11) at 12:10pm in Private Dining Room 4 (3rd Fl. Student Center).  This is specially timed for commuters living off campus.  Dessert and drinks provided, but bring or buy your own lunch.  If you can't make it, do not despair!  Email Kevin with your day preference to help decide when to meet for the semester.
• First years can still sign up for Thrive here.  It's also for GCF veterans, too.  If you'd like to host a Thrive gathering, contact Gerald.
• The Boston Grad Fall Retreat is coming up, Oct. 11-13!  First years who register by the early bird deadline get 1/2 off.  Don't wait -- spots fill up FAST.
• Are you savvy with the written word?  Do you know how to type?  We need help for our weekly newsflash! Contact Emily to get involved.
• GCF-Fun is an unmoderated email list for sharing spontaneous hang outs, activities, and other news/requests with your fellow GCFers.  Sign up online by checking "GCF Fun" on the InfoCard.

Recap Lane

Last week's Welcome Dinner brought 70 hungry graduate students from all over to fellowship together over a great meal and to learn more about GCF in this exciting semester.  It was awesome to see so many new and old faces.

Special kudos to Michelle for acting as "food czarina" and taking care of all the food for the Welcome Dinner, as well as for keeping everyone on track.  Thanks also to Keith for coordinating the dinner, and to all who helped to make it possible!

Prayer Square

• Pray for all the small groups that are starting this week, that they would experience blessed times of learning and fellowship.
• Pray for our GRTs (Graduate Resident Tutor), living in the midst of undergrads -- for wisdom and in their roles and for time management in juggling work and quality time with residents.
• Praise for a successful conclusion to the summer women's group, which has been meeting weekly and had its last meeting on Monday.
• Pray for victims of the war in Syria, including Christians who have recently been caught in the crossfire around the historic town of Maaloula

Community Corner

The Grand Tour of Boston made its orientation debut this year.  Thank you, Kevin, for revealing so many secrets of Boston!

All Things Considered

We couldn't choose just one story for this week, so here is a collection of web tidbits:

is our complaining about being busy a form of bragging?  |  "big data" comes to the Bible through beautiful (and interactive) infographics of the Word  |  how to keep your communications secure in a connected world

Verse of the Week

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
_ Hebrews 12:11

If you have any event highlights, kudos, prayer requests, announcements, or other submissions/ideas for next week's newsflash, we want to hear!  Send them to leungk@mit.edu.

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/

Welcome to the MIT Graduate Christian Fellowship!

Whew! What a week we've had at GCF! To cap off our orientation events this year, we saved the best for last. Our annual welcome dinner is this Friday. Dinner is completely free and is open to all students. See you all at our first official large group event of the school year!

What:              GCF Welcome Dinner
Where:           Twenty Chimneys in the Student Center W20-306
When:             Friday, Sept 6 @ 7pm
Contact:         Keith - 617-229-9672 | leungk@mit.edu

Announcements

• The Westgate Small Group (married couples) is having a welcome Potluck dinner on Wednesday Sept 4th at 7pm! Contact Joe if you're interested in joining.
• The ArchPlan Small Group is hosting a free welcome dinner on Wed, Sept 4th at 6pm in 9-450a! Contact Gao Yu 
• First Years: Thrive is having their first meeting this Sat @ 7pm! Trust me, you don't want to miss it! Sign up for Thrive here.
• If you have email and enjoy the written word, then the emails team is the right place for you! Contact Emily to contribute your 2 cents.

Kudos Cove

• Peng for booking the Owu room for the potluck and making sure the chairs, tables and subsequent clean-up were all taken care of.
• Christina for doing a superb job of taking care of our activities midway booth and planning a fantastic dinner afterwards.
• Alvin and George for freshening up the GCF website.

Show your appreciation when you see these folks! If you have any kudos for next week's newsflash, send them to Keith

Recap Lane

Food. We filled up 3 huge tables at Royal East on Friday night, then proceeded to eat more at the welcome pot-luck on Saturday night. Peng wins the award for cooking the most food by mass (and in the least amount of time!). We should have paired these events with a workout...oh wait, we did: Kevin's Grand Tour of Boston!

Prayer Square

• Pray for great connections to develop at Thrive!
• Pray for all the new leaders at GCF as they embark on a fun and challenging journey serving God!
• Pray for the new lunch time small group starting up this semester. Pray for God to clear a path for a student leader to rise up in the group.

Send prayer requests for the newsflash to leungk@mit.edu

Community Corner

Andong's huge catch this weekend! Is the guy on the right...sleeping? ><

Verse of the Week

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
_ Jeremiah 29:11

For Other Good News and Updates, Visit the GCF Website: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/