Sojourn Campus Church

Jaci July 22nd, 2008

Hi friends–Jaci Here!

So in light of Summer being the time when everyone scatters to the four corners of the earth…or to the mountains like the Kruegers….I thought I might write an update of church happenings and needs.

first, and most exciting, Campus Journey, planned by our most incredible director, Greg Silker, and administrative royalty, Julie Manthey,  is hosting n Open-House style dessert banquet at Bordertown Coffee on Sunday, August 17th from 5-9 p.m. Everyone is invited and you should also invite others to come too! Students: Invite your parents, your friends; Adults: bring your families, call your neighbor, or invite your coworker! This event is all about supporting Campus Missions and Chi Alpha! And we DO want to support because we know that God wants to be known and worshiped on campus and we want to be a part of what He is doing! So come!

In other news, there are three more Oasis/Church BBQs left! They are happening Thursday, July 24th at the Zwillings’ home and August 7th and 21st location tbd. They start at 6:00 p.m. Bring something to grill and a dish or dessert to share!

Our Semi-annual business meeting will be Sunday, August 17th after service. Stay and learn about Sojourn’s finances and business side! We’re encouraging everyone to come so that we are an informed, prayerful church body as we move into the Fall season.

Finally, with the business meeting, comes another matter of finances. We need to fix a nasty pipe on our boiler that, as it turns out, is very expensive. Our treasurer, Iris, made an announcement last Sunday seeking financial help in paying for this large expense. Please email me or call me at the church if you’re interested in or have questions about the details of this project!!!!!! Contact@sojourncampuschurch.net or 612-379-1200.  We would ask that your prayerfully consider giving to this new “building project” we have. Unfortunately, this is not a repair we can postpone as it could be much worse if we wait through winter where we risk having the pipe actually burst–leaving us without heat in the building for a considerable length of time.

Thank you so much for your continued giving to the various projects, ministries, people, and endeavors Sojourn has sponsored and supported over the years, but especially in the last months–Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse China Earthquake Relief, Shelter for Life, and our host of diverse and gifted campus pastors, ministries, and missionaries! You are the ones that help give feet to the dreams God has given these people and organizations!

feel free to contact me at any time if you need updates or have church questions

love

Jaci

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Jaci June 20th, 2008

From:

Sojourn Campus Church

310 18^th Ave SE

Minneapolis, MN

55414

www.sojourncampuschurch.net

Need: Children’s Ministry Teacher

Sojourn Campus Church is a Student University Church located in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission is to serve students and the surrounding Minneapolis community. Because we are based around service to the University of Minnesota, we have a diverse congregation of students, young professionals, and families.

We are looking for someone to join us in our ministry as our Children’s Church pastor/teacher. Our children’s church is made of around nine extremely curious, bright, and motivated elementary schoolers who are hungry for God above and beyond what one might expect. We are looking for someone to partner with us in teaching them about God and helping them grow in Christ. Our other children’s ministries, including preschool and nursery are staffed by volunteers from the congregation. Coordination of these volunteers is not part of the Children’s Church Teacher position, though could be developed if the applicant shows a heart and a desire to stay with Sojourn long-term. Outreach is a definite possibility for those with the time and aptitude; we especially have a growing connection with some young Hmong-American girls.

Duties of this position:

• Teaching Children’s Church 3 Sundays a month (they elementary schoolers stay up in adult church once a month as part of their growth in the body of Christ).
• Developing lessons based on our children’s needs and what they desire to learn—they are extremely self-motivated!
• Supporting the children as they grow in their prayer, reading the word, developing Christian character, understanding their role in the body, and ministry to the body and to their peers and siblings.
• Meeting with Church Staff periodically to check in, give updates on the children and Children’s Ministry, and receive guidance and support from Pastor Craig Krueger and the staff.
• Joining together with the congregation and staff in our vision to bring our children into true, lifelong relationship with Jesus.

Details:

• Estimated 5 hours a week work teaching, planning, and preparation.
• Salary: $12/hour.
• Access to other teachers, staff, and pastors to plan activities, events, and lessons as needed—we will partner with you and support you in teaching our children!
• Modest budget to buy new materials and supplies for the children.

We are currently receiving applications! Please send your resume, a letter describing yourself, your interest in this position, and past work with children, as well as three references we could contact to Jaci McKay at contact@ciauc.org or to the church mailing address at 310 18^th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55414. Applicants will be reviewed and a selection will be called in to interview with Pastor Craig Krueger and the staff for this position.

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Ashok June 4th, 2008

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that Jaci, our most able administrator has created a Facebook group for our Church (search for Sojourn Campus church)… We are exploring options for mirroring posts between there and our blog here. So if you are on Facebook, check it out, and Jaci can add you on as a member. It’s got everything from discussion boards to video uploads, so jump in! BTW, for those of you NOT on Facebook yet, you are, like, seriously missing out on the fun side of a bunch of your fellow Sojourners…

Peace & CUOL,
Ashok

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JoshSilker May 27th, 2008

If you haven’t guessed, It’s all good and Press on became the theme phrases for the mexico trip as we neared the end. Thanks to Amy Braun (did I spell that right?), and the all around catchy–uh–ness? of the words.

This was the… fourth time on the mexico trip for me. So I am pretty familiar with everything that goes alone with going to mexico from Minnesota. Then again, I did have a two year gap between the most recent one and the last trip.

The more I go on these trips, the more I seem to get out of it. Sort of like reading Lord of the Rings (that is SO me) or the Bible. Every reading brings forth newer and deeper stuff. Before I seemed to see more of the physical resistance that these people face. You know, being poor. But this trip helped me see more of the spiritual side of life there. It is obvious that satan works in ways that are a lot more open then here in Minnesota. While we were there the family experienced a couple of spiritual attacks. This helped me to see that a christian HAD to be right with God in order to not be flushed with temptation and attacks in a culture that seems to be much more open to sin then our own.

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Jaci April 28th, 2008

Hello everyone! Reminding you all that this coming Sunday will be our spring fellowship meal! Please bring a main dish and side dish (or dessert) to share!

Students–we know you don’t all have access to kitchens, so feel free to bring something store-bought!

Also, if you are planning on using the oven, please let me know ahead of time so I can make sure we’ll have enough space!

Thanks! See you Sunday!

Jaci McKay

Sojourn Campus Church Administrator

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Jaci April 14th, 2008

God’s Unconditional Love and Grace is for Everyone!

Testimony from Violet Johnson

Sojourn Campus Church

April 6, 2008

            Greetings precious brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus! Hello, my name is Violet Johnson. I was incarcerated at MCF/Shakopee for 19 years and 4 months. I was release on August 16, 2007 to a halfway house in St. Paul.

Forgiveness

            “He redeemed us in order that the blessings given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit” Galatians 3:14.

            I am honored and humbled as I express to you how I know that our God is in charge of life, protects us daily, gives us all freely his unconditional love and grace, because of Christ dying for us all at Calvary. This moment would not be happening if I had not received forgiveness from the Lord, my sisters, my son and for the power of many prayers, letters and encouragements of support I have received from my Charis family, a faith-based community who have been in my life for over twenty years. They have helped me to let go of the past in order to change and heal. They have watched the changes of my attitude, behavior, mindsets from anger, hurt, and negative thoughts into accepting, forgiveness, healing, positive thoughts and love for others.

Past Life

            James 1:2 teaches us all, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”

            My past life sucked. I was a mess, unhealthy, in deep denial, a drunk with many emotional issues. Continue Reading »

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belindaloo April 11th, 2008

Hello friends,

Just thot I’d let you all know that I’ve recently updated my website at: www.belindaloo.com I sure miss you all and hope to hear from you soon.

Love and blessings, Belinda

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Amiejoy April 11th, 2008

Singlehood the gift of flying by the seat of my pants. The pleasure of going at my own pace. The trip to Mexico had been planned months in advance. On a Tuesday night I was teaching and I thought I would like to go to Mexico. I am going to go to Mexico. On Friday I left. The experience grately impacted me. I laughed non-stop. Barbara Jean is darling. Greg silker is humble. Craig Krueger is a hoot. Dennis is a riot. I am a gal that needs help and Emily was always available. Heather is compassionate and Erin is going to move mountains some day. My sweet Anna Belle. Ian Kruegar has a dragon living with him. Someone should ask him about that. I told him, if he told his friends that, he would be the coolest kid on on his block. Josh, your attitude on the trip impressed me. Matthew you’re good. When I go away on trips a part of me heals, grows, and changes. On this particular trip I was humbled at what Jesus has done for me on the cross. I was reminded of the power of the blood of Jesus. I knew that I was part of something greater than myself. I was in an army working beside warriors. I felt it very strongly while washing dishes, while scrubbing paint brushes and lying awake in my bed in the middle of the night. I am a very fortunate young woman to be part of this church body.

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missheather April 11th, 2008

Hey all!

I never realized how difficult it is to put a life-changing experience into words. I’ve had millions (exaggerating a little) of thoughts running through my mind for the last 2 weeks and I can’t seem to focus on only one at a time. For this reason, it has taken me a little while to get this “update” to you all.

First of all, the scripture that continued to come to my mind during the week we were in Mexico is:

“Love never fails” [1 Cor 13]

It was neat to see the Love of Christ cross every cultural/language “barrier”. I don’t know any Spanish and the Mexicans we met didn’t know much/if any English. However, it didn’t affect my friendships.

I met a sweet, little six year-old boy named Sammy. He was either on my back (piggyback ride), in my arms, sitting on my lap or holding my hand. I taught him a goofy handshake/hi-five, which we did the entire week! It was a blast! I really love this little boy! His smile/laughter melted my heart. We also made many silly faces at each other.

In Juarez, we stayed at an orphanage (where Sammy’s family actually runs the orphanage/school). We painted the ceilings and walls of the orphanage. It was a lot of work, but it blessed our host family and the children a lot. It was a lot of fun doing something significant with my “spring break.” Our “host” parents, Sean and Juanita, were very humble and loving. The orphanage actually used to be their house. They built two separate buildings in the back courtyard for their home and the other building is now the orphanage. They would give anything and everything to help one of the parents or children at the orphanage.

A few of us (Greg, Erin and I) from our team were able to go and visit two of the houses of the children. The mom of the first family we visited has leukemia. She was at the doctor when we showed up to pray for her. Her four children and husband were all at home. He works night shifts and so he was home with the kids.

When we arrived, he was very quiet and his eyes were glazed over. He’s heavily into drugs and alcohol. Typically, the houses are built of cement/brick and have a wooden roof. It reminds me of a small shack. The houses reminded me of my family’s old “woodshed” where we kept our “firewood.” They are not very sturdy or dependable. Many leak when it rains and look like they are about to topple over. They have a barricade surrounding their property. This includes metal fences or wooden boards made of different lengths.

Each family we visited immediately offered us their beds to sit down on when we entered their home. There is barely enough space to walk around their small table. At the first home, Sean and Juanita offered to pray for the father since the mom was not home. We prayed for him and their family, and then Juanita began to speak boldly to the father. She spoke directly to him regarding this lifestyle. At first, he wouldn’t look her in the eyes, but soon, he began to look at her and nod his head. Even though I couldn’t understand her, I sensed the Lord was speaking through her. What Juanita spoke was not condemning, but done out of love. Even now, as I remember this instance, I sense how much this couple (Sean and Juanita) love these families.

“Love never fails.”

A reality that Sean and Juanita deal with, because they are obedient to advance the Kingdom, is spiritual warfare/attacks. It isn’t uncommon for someone to threaten Sean with a gun. While we were there, he woke up in the middle of the night feeling as if he was being choked. He and Juanita stayed up the rest of the night praying. They are real prayer warriors. Sean (the next day) was on his way home. Suddenly, got a headache and was feeling very dizzy and weak. We (our team) prayed for him right away. By the end, his headache and dizziness was gone.
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Craig April 2nd, 2008

Diseases and Cures for the Human Soul Pastor Craig Krueger

A few years ago I was talking with my then six year old son about hearing from God. His response was, “But you can’t hear God out loud like in the Bible, Dad.” Indeed. Part of the need for spiritual direction arises from two realities:

1. We cannot clearly perceive God’s communication in this fallen world, and

2. We are designed for a personal communion with God that goes beyond simply the reading of Scripture.

So Christians desire direction, communion, comfort and a sustained awareness of relationship, among other motives. This hunger for God has given rise to many historical movements. Two movements that I will draw on are the ancient (and modern) spiritual direction movement, and the more recent evangelical “spiritual disciplines” movement.

Purposes and Process

What is our purpose? Out ultimate purpose is the strengthening and deepening of the spiritual life of Jesus’ church. Spiritually rooted people will bear fruit. “I am the vine you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him, he it is who bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). So this introduction to spiritual direction involves three components interwoven together:

1. Identifying common “diseases and infirmities” of the human soul;

2. Discussing how classic spiritual disciplines can be used in “healing” these diseases; and

3. Discussing how a small group could address these issues in the context of a group.

One of the primary insights the Christian mystics and earlier writers bring is that the spiritual life is a progression,[1] with seasons of closeness and distance designed by God. These seasons are intended to build faith and wean us from various selfish motives. Although one could do this in isolation, throughout most of church history believers have realized that some group context protects us from extremes and fanaticism. The insight of progression in the spiritual life is crucial. For many churches who are heirs of the reformation, one gets the impression that since we have so much in Christ, no further effort is needed, and that any effort may somehow betray the gospel of grace. Not so!

So part of our initial task is to spark spiritual hunger within people in a gracious and grace-centered manner. This brings us to the brink of our diseases and infirmities.

Spiritual Diseases and Cures

There are many obstacles to the spiritual life. Growth in grace can be challenging for a number of reasons:

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