Binghamton's InterVarsity Chapter

Large Group Survey

2010-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

We need your help to improve our Large Groups! You can do so by giving us your feedback and input so we can do our best to a space for lives to be transformed, our campus to be renewed, and for world changers to be developed.

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Social Justice Week Re-cap - Share your story with us!

2010-11-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Praise God for the amazing ways He was working through our campus during Social Justice Week! It was exciting to see us come together to engage the campus through conversations, chain gangs, and proxe stations to raise awareness about modern day slavery and God's mission to restore the earth in full shalom.

At Love Out Loud, our Friday night event,we got to see at least 222 people attend - that's one of the biggest IV events we've had on this campus! God worked through the performers, the speakers were informative and challenging, and the gospel was proclaimed.

We're sure that YOU have tons of stories to share! Leave comment below to tell us about the conversations you've had, the people you've encountered, the things you've witnessed, or the ways God has changed you through this eye-opening experience.

And enjoy just a few snapshots and videos of the events below!

Social Justice Week

2010-11-02T17:23:00.001-07:00

SJW Schedule:

Monday (11/1)
* Chain gangs
@ 12:50 PM

@ 2:00 PM

Tuesday (11/2)
* Chain gangs
@ 12:55 PM
* Call and Response Film Showing - LH 7 @ 7:00 PM

Wednesday (11/3)
* Proxe Stations @ 11AM-4PM

Thursday (11/4)
* Proxe Stations @ 11AM-4PM
* Trafficking Info. Event - Dickinson's Rafuse Lounge @ 8:00PM-9:00PM.

Friday (11/5)
* Chain gangs
@ 2:00 PM

@ 3:10 PM
* Proxe Stations @ 11AM-4PM
* Love Out Loud Event - UU-120, doors open @ 6:45 PM.

Organizations we're donating to:

* Love 146 (love146.org)
* Not for Sale Campaign (notforsalecampaign.org)
* New York City Urban Project (nycurbanproject.com)

What will SJW look like?

Chain Gangs
Meet @ UU-314.
Chain gangs meet 10 minutes before class gets out and last ten minutes in between classes.
They go through the Food Court, down the spine, across the bridge across from Lecture Hall, around the PODS, and past the Engineering Building back to the InterVarsity Office in UU-314.

Proxe Stations
Meet @ the fountain.
There are two proxe stations, the Satisfy Your Craving (How much would you have to pay for sex tonight?) and the How Does Evil Invade your Space?

Love Out Loud
Meet @ UU-120. Join us for one of our biggest events of the week! Learn what you can do to fight modern day trafficking.

* Poet Jonathan Walton from InterVarsity's NYCUP and Dierdre Mars from the Not For Sale Campaign will be coming to speak on trafficking from biblical and academic perspectives.
* Binghamton's Koinonia Christian a cappella group will be singing.
* Student groups such as THiNK, OxFam, Amnesty International, and others will be tabling at the event.
* Performances and refreshments will be available.

How can we prepare for SJW?

Watch these Videos
* http://vimeo.com/11821776
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlcrkSdmFs8

Facts to Learn
In order to engage our campus, we need to know what we're talking about! Here are some resources you can use:

There are 27,000,000 slaves in the world today. Roughly 80% are women, 50% are children, and 80% are involved in some form of sexual exploitation. It affects 137 countries out of 195 and makes around $32,000,000,000 (that's billion) dollars a year.

* DoSomething.org's Facts about Human Trafficking
* Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Facts on Sex Trafficking
* YouthNoise's Facts on Sex Trafficking

Buy a T-shirt!
You'll need to purchase one of the t-shirts to participate in the chain gangs or proxe stations for $10. Please contact Nathan Bixler at nathan.bixler@gmail.com to find out how to get one!

How can we pray for SJW?

* That trafficking in Binghamton would be revealed to the police, to the campus, to the community.

* That Christians' hearts begin to break for the things that breaks God's. That we would begin to love our neighbors as ourselves and that the direction of our fellowship would mirror that.

* That God and his love and glory would be revealed to non-Christians on campus, that we would be effective in engaging the campus with the gospel.

Expedition

2010-10-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

Join us at Expedition this year!
Register here: http://www.ivcfnynj.org/expedition_registration.asp
Pay the $50 deposit. For every person from our chapter that signs up, $1 less from the $125 conference fee will need to be paid for everyone who goes!

Chapter Retreat Re-Cap (Sept. 17th-Sept. 18th)

2010-09-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

We're so glad you were able to join us for our Chapter Retreat this year! We hope you had a good time getting to know each other and learning about ways we can partner with God in His mission for the Binghamton campus.

Here are some pictures in case you missed it:

Special Thanks to:

Evangelical Free Church (soon to be called Pierce Hill Fellowship), Barbara MacQuarrie & Pastor Art
All of our drivers!
Large Group Committee
Food Committee: Michelle An, Rebecca Johnson, Crystal Oh, Sarah Min, Jin Lee

Chapter Retreat Sign-up

2010-09-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

If you're having trouble signing up for Chapter Retreat from my emails, click here to sign up!

September 17th-18th, meet in LH 14 @ 7:30 PM

The form will have the packing list and anything else you should know about Chapter Retreat. Leave a comment or email binghamtonivcf@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

We hope to see you there!

Epic Pillow Fight!

2010-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

It was great to see everyone at our General Interest Meeting (GIM). We appreciate you bearing with us as we don't usually meet @ 9:30pm on a Thursday.

It was our first time holding a Pillow Fight as our GIM After Large Group Activity (ALGA), and it was a complete success! We held the battle in the Peace Quad, first splitting up into four teams to play a game where the teams had to protect their kings/queens (which was E-board minus Winnie) and then later on had a free-for-all melee, where we all had to die a dramatic death.

Most people compared the battles to the movie "300" and used words like "epic" to describe the fight.

Here are some pictures from the event:

Thanks for coming out to play with us!

We hope to see you at our Chapter Retreat (September 17th-18th) when we come back from the break. Sign up here!

Leave a comment or email binghamtonivcf@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share.

GIM Tonight!

2010-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

Who: Everyone's invited!
What: General Interest Meeting - Learn more about who InterVarsity is and why we're here on campus.
Where: Lecture Hall 14
When: Doors open @ 9:30pm
Why: Because God calls us to be way more than your average student group, and we invite everyone to come join us.

Yesterday I was at the Susquehanna/Hillside Pillow Night NSO and someone asked me what InterVarsity was. I gave a lame answer, saying that we were a student group on campus that was on a mission to change the world. What does that even mean?

When I thought about it later, I thought about how much God was so relevant in my life, in our generation, and in our world today. I thought about how InterVarsity means to me and how much I've learned that there a big plan that God has that goes way beyond me, but still God invites me to be a part of it, and how He has empowered me to come alongside of Him. And I thought about how so good that is that there's just no way we could keep it to ourselves. God's inviting me, He's inviting you, and He's inviting the people of this community to strive for the world that God had intended.

And then I thought...why couldn't I just say that when I was asked??

When I was walking home from running errands today there was a girl with a t-shirt that said, "A goal with a plan is just a wish" on the back. How true is that?

Brothers and sisters, God has a big goal and a big plan, and InterVarsity is here to help carry that out, to be the answers to the very prayers so many are praying for.

Take a few minutes to just think about what drew you to InterVarsity in the first place, and share that with the new friends we make tonight.

See you at the pillow fight in the peace quad!

*Tammy

God blows my mind. (Winnie Lee)

2010-03-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Karen Ching, our prayer coordinator once said, “God is so distracting.”
This statement is so true.
When she is distracted with her love for prayer, I can’t stop sharing God’s love. But I only got to this point because He’s been doing some major surgery on my heart.

I really felt like I wasted last semester: I let myself get comfortable. I put God in a box.

But, coming into this semester after Urbana, I was renewed and changed. I am amazed at His love for us. Not just for me, but for EVERYONE! I was slapped in the face when God revealed His heart for Binghamton University. It might seem bold or unrealistic, but I am 100% convinced that God will revive our campus and I knew I had to do my small part.

So coming back on campus, I realized how much God wanted my suitemates to draw closer to Him. I am developing great and long lasting relationships with them. Not only that, but I started a PIG (Person Investigating God) and have had some of the most wonderful conversations with these individuals.

It has been so encouraging to see people in our fellowship stripping away their selfishness and following Jesus even when it’s uncomfortable. God has been so prevalent in the relationships around me. For example, I will be living with two of Sarah Dill’s current suitemates next semester. The crazy thing is, I had no idea! I am so excited to see God’s fingerprints all over the place.

Something that I have been convicted by is how God blesses obedience.

There was a big turnaround from last semester to this semester, and I am having the time of my life. So I encourage y’all, to be bold! God bless. Try it out - what do you have to lose? I thought I would lose my comfort...instead, God gave me PWESENTS!

Prepare for Awesomeness. (Priscilla)

2010-02-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

Prepare for awesomeness.

That’s the tagline for Kung Fu Panda (the movie). I mention this because I have just finished watching it on this cozy snow day. Po, the protagonist panda, also says, “There’s no charge for awesomeness," but I beg to differ. The awesomeness that we are preparing for is Jesus, the One who is coming again, but there is a charge. It’s not a monetary charge, but a charge of our lives.

This week in Newing Small Group (WOOT WOOT), we studied Luke 9:57-62, The Cost of Following Jesus (sorry if this is a spoiler for you if you haven’t studied this in small group yet). In the passage, there is no explicit list of what we need to give up or take up to follow Him. But as we dig deeper into the passage, we see that there are things that we must be willing to leave behind. There are things we must change to live a life that is following Jesus. A man tells Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus’ response is, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest His head." As willing as the man may have been to follow Jesus, Jesus reminds him that to follow Him, he will have to risk the possibility of having no place to stay. This may sound odd, because nowadays, we have motels, hotels, inns, etc. available everywhere, including places where we go to do the Lord’s work. But if we dig deeper, we see it is really Jesus telling us that the cost is much more than just a home, it’s everything. To the man who wants to bury his father, Jesus replies, “let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God”. And to the man who wants to first say good-bye to his family, Jesus answers, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God”. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to leave everything else behind and follow Him right now.

Our journey with Jesus begins right now.

This journey isn’t an easy one. It began with a sacrifice that Jesus made and now it requires sacrifice from us. It may be something big, something small, something long term, something short term, something cultural, or something that we have grown to love.

Sacrifice isn’t really sacrifice unless we do it with a humble and willing heart though.

Jesus doesn’t want us to be walking besides Him, grumbling the entire way about how we had to do this or give up that. He wants us to be joyful, because although we gave up something here on this earth, His glory here on earth trumps our desires and we are also expectantly looking towards the day where we will be with Him forever and ever (and if you ask me that will be pretty sweet).

If you have told Jesus that you are going to follow Him wherever He will go, how have you been following Him? Are you still holding on to things that are slowing you down, that are keeping you from walking with Jesus at a full pace? Have you been grumbling about how much you have had to give up or what you have had to do? Is He asking you to give something up for the kingdom of God? Do you need to re-evaluate where you have been walking?

Whatever it is, don’t wait.

Jesus, His Awesomeness, is coming.
He wants us, every part of us, so give your life over to Him.
As we prepare for Him to return, He is preparing for us a home in His kingdom for eternity.

Small Groups, Community, Koinonia

2010-02-21T11:41:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!

This Saturday, I had the pleasure of being asked to speak at KCF (Korean Christian Fellowship) on the topic of small groups. It was really exciting for me to prepare an expositional talk on the fellowship described at the end of Acts 2. If you have some time, and would like to read what I spoke, we have put the transcript online.

Happy Reading!

-Matt Tuttle

Why Basileia? (Tammy)

2010-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Someone from our fellowship asked me online the other day if I was going to Basileia, the upcoming InterVarsity conference in the summer.

I told him that I believed Basileia was a foundational means of how God has opened my heart and my eyes throughout my time here at Binghamton thus far. Ever since going to Basileia my freshman year, I've been a big fan of IVCF conferences...in fact, I get really excited anticipating their arrivals, and I get more excited when I leave them.

What other kind of conferences or retreats do you attend that you leave being more excited than before or during your actual experience?

Usually we get disappointed when the end of those kinds of trips comes because you want to stay in that place of solitude, peace, comfort and fun. But that's not where the growth happens.

Growth happens when you walk down from that mountaintop into the dark valley following God's direction to climb up the next mountain, when you're challenged to move from your temptation to remain complacent, stagnant, and satisfied.

Conferences and retreats like Basileia, Urbana, and Expedition help prepare us with the right tools for the inevitable valleys and the mountain climbs that we will face on our journeys with Him. They also create an opportunity where God can open our blind eyes to see what He sees and calls us to then "Get up, take your mat, and walk," right now. These conferences help us see...here's where we're going and here's how we can get there, so what is your next step?

I enjoy attending conferences like Basileia for a number of reasons:

I get to see that our mission as InterVarsity is not limited to our campus. Visually experiencing how other students from other campuses are empowered by God to carry out the same mission in a different university is something you cannot be told but must see for yourself. We are not alone in the great commission.
I am equipped with seeds of ideas, tools for efficacy, and motivation to go out and learn what part God has designed just for me in His bigger plan not by sitting and listening, but by practicing and doing.
I have the privilege to see God at work in others' lives, especially those within our own chapter, as we may walk on different paths but strive to move together in the same direction.
It's fun, relaxing, and peaceful. You can meet new people from other schools, and you bond with people from our own chapter in a way you've never done before. There are fun things to do, and the Saranac Village campground is just a beautiful place to enjoy God's blessings of creation and rest.

Others who have participated may have other reasons - don't be afraid to ask them.

But I'm not telling you these things to hype it up, nag you to go, or make you feel guilty if you decide not to. I and many others who have gone before want to invite you to experience God moving through you the way we've seen God move through our own lives. We don't want to keep the goodness to ourselves - we want to share it with you.

It's not too early to think about it. There are lots of other schools that are registering, so there are limited spaces, especially with the Work Crew track that gives you a $200 if you stay an extra five days.

So I invite you to pray about it, ask questions (leave a comment), read about it, start setting aside funds for it, and/or register today (Week 1: May 15th-20th).

We would love to see you there. I can't wait to see how God will meet you where you are and walk alongside you in this journey you have with Him.

Following Florence

2010-02-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Florence Luong is an alumna of InterVarsity Binghamton. After graduating last Spring, Florence went to China to be a transformative power there. Florence is a great example of IV members becoming "World Changers."

Email Received 12/26/09:
Hi everybody!

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and are enjoying your post Christmas weekend! This whole week has been busy for me with teaching, celebrating Christmas with teachers, celebrating Christmas with team, and even attending a Christmas Eve service at His house with Chinese believers. It's been tiring, but so full of love and goodness.

Teaching the real reason for this season in my classroom was a blessing. It was so empowering just even saying the Son's name in the classroom. Teaching my students also meant opportunities for my co-teachers to hear the story, because they were translating. My teamleader reminded me how lucky I was to be able to freely share that part of my life with them this week.

Three students came to my apartment to celebrate Christmas with me. Two of them are in my class. One of them actually asked me in class if he could come to my apartment with his friends at 9:00 pm. It was really cute haha. They came at the same time that we were having a Christmas party with our co-teachers. It was really fun not having to be their English teacher and just playing with them

As for the Christmas party with the teachers, it was a pretty good turnout =) We also had 2 other foreign teachers come to our party. I was really glad that my co-teacher, Max, was able to make it. During class this week, I had my worldless word book with me, and I asked him about it. He told me that he had read parts of it before, but felt intimidated by it. I hope that as the year goes on, his perception changes and there will be encouragement for him to read it again.

Celebrating Christmas in China wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. My team and I celebrated by doing secret santa, eating breakfast together, unwrapping presents, and caroling. All the days leading up to Christmas, my secret santa left jokes for me in my office and apartment =) Here's my favorite one:
Why does Santa Claus like to work in his garden?
Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe! :)

Overall, this week has been good. Tiring, but good. I hope you all had a great Christmas and are relaxing this weekend. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season :)

Peace and Joy,
Florence

P.S. I made collages of my Christmas celebration. One is with students and the other is with teachers & team. Check it outttt

Email Received 1/15/10:
Hey everybody!

I hope 2010 has been off to a good start for you. I just finished my first semester at SMBS (Shanxi Modern Bilingual School)... which means I'm officially on vacation! My team and I are leaving for Thailand tomorrow morning at 9 AM (Friday at 8 pm in America) for ELIC's annual conference. During this time, ELIC's staff will be seeking for next year's plans. My teammates and I are nervous about what will be revealed to us. Please rap that we would be reminded that His plans for us are not just for His glory, but also have our best interests at heart. Please rap for clarity and protection, because I know it's also an opportune time for the devil to work distraction, confusion, and lies.
I hope to update and connect with you in the next month and a half when I'm not in China. It will be easier without online restrictions (facebook & gmail). Hope to talk to you soon!

With love,
Florence

Small Groups 2010

2010-02-08T14:03:00.001-08:00

Newing I (Bingham-Chenango)
led by Katy McFadden and Kat Pan* (contact: kmcfadde@hotmail.com)
Mondays, Bingham 5th Floor Lounge @ 7:00 PM

Newing II (Delware-Endicott)
led by Meir Mok and Priscilla Lin (contact: plin3@binghamton.edu)
Wednesdays, Endicott Lounge @ 7:00 PM

Dickinson I
led by Mike Leung, Andrew Steier, and Mary Tuttle* (contact: andrew.steier@gmail.com)
Tuesdays, O’Connor Lounge @ 8:00 PM

Dickinson II
led by Matt Tuttle and Oscar He* (contact: mtuttle1@binghamton.edu)
Wednesdays, Digman Lounge @ 7:00 PM

CIW I
led by Charles Young and Rachel Goldberg (contact: rgoldbe3@binghamton.edu)
Mondays, Oneida 1st Floor Lounge @ 7:30 PM

CIW II
led by Will Chang and Brian Lee* (contact: wchang4@binghamton.edu)
Tuesdays, Onondaga 3rd Floor Lounge @ 7:00 PM

Hinman/Mountainview
led by Joanna Lee, Anthony Chen, Jen Lee* (contact: achen5@binghamton.edu)
Thursdays, Hinman Cafe near Table @ 7:30 PM

Susquehanna/Hillside
led by Steve Kong, Jonathan Jacob, and Garnett Benjamin (contact: g.s.benjamin@hotmail.com)
Wednesdays, Choconut 201 @ 7:00 PM

Indian/South Asian
led by Carissa Rajoon, Marilynn Chacko, and Angel Abraham (aabraha6@binghamton.edu)
Sundays, Appalachian 111 @ 3:00 PM

Off-Campus
led by Lindsey Privitera and Gwang Lee (contact: glee1@binghamton.edu)
Mondays, 240 Hudson Street, Johnson City @ 7:00 PM

Athletes
led by Thomas Chen and Colin Anderson (contact: canders1@binghamton.edu)
Mondays, Choconut 201 @ 7:30 PM

Hello everyone!

2010-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is Matthew Tuttle, your President, and I am most excited to be back for Spring Semester and to have been given the privilege of leading you. I believe that this semesters going to be a really big one-- God is moving on our campus and I cannot wait to see what fruit we will see.

This past weekend, the Executive Board, Ministry Heads, and some Small Group Leaders got to attend Leaders Days, a weekend retreat for the leadership of chapters of InterVarsity in Eastern New York. We met together and prayed, worshiped, and planned. It was an awesome time, not just because we had fun together, but we caught a glimpse of the magnitude of God's mission-- extending far past the boundaries of Binghamton, NY.

I am proud to be a part of such a strong leadership team. I know my brothers and sisters have been chosen by God to bring our fellowship into a deeper level of commitment to our Vision of Transform, Renew, Change. We wait in eager expectation of the manifestation of God's power and glory, conscious of the work He is already doing through us.

I thought it'd be a good idea to introduce some more of the Leadership Team because they are some great people, whom I love. The first is our Administrator/Vice President, Tamaria Chan. Tammy has worked tirelessly for the past year, making sure that logistically, InterVarsity is running like a well-oiled machine. She brings a new meaning to the phrase "detail-oriented." It has been a pleasure serving with Tammy for the past year because I know that she is conscious of where her heart is, and is not satisfied until she is giving her 100%. Her dedication to our fellowship has been invaluable, and I look forward to the way she will bless us in this coming year. She is also a really good friend of mine, and I can attest to her beauty as a person (inside and out :D) and desire to serve God with her gifts.

Jonny Hui is a sophomore Engineering major serving as our Large Group Coordinator. I first began serving with Jonny on Large Group committee last semester and I was greatly impressed by the effort he put in to the little things. If you wonder why the door to Lecture Hall 14 doesn't slam anymore, it's because of him. It'd be easy to say that those sorts of things don't really matter, but what I see in that little act is something that I believe will translate into how Jonny runs the ministry: He strives for excellence, putting together many little, thought-over pieces to make something big and beautiful. It's been a real treat to watch Jonny grow into his position, and it'll be an even bigger treat to enjoy the large groups he coordinates.

Our Small Group Coordinator (or my replacement) is Priscilla Lin. Priscilla is a sophomore Chemistry major (I know- weird, right?) who has been dedicated to the small group ministry since she came to Binghamton. It was a true joy to work with her when we led the Dickinson small groups together in Spring 2009, as I was able to observe her evolution from small group member to small group leader and a tremendous growth in her desire to serve her peers. Priscilla is passionate about the transformative power of small groups on an individual, communal, and systemic level. She is also committed to caring for her small group leaders, so they in turn can care for their small group members. Expect great things from this girl.

Winnie Lee is our Outreach Coordinator. If I had to describe Winnie's passion and intensity on a scale from 1-10, I'd pick a 14.5. Winnie has blown me away in the few meetings we've had so far in the way that her heart breaks for the campus. Winnie has a very clear agenda: To get the 130 members of our fellowship to reach out to the 14,000 people on this campus. Sound a little lofty? I'd think so, but Winnie and I both know that we serve a God who is capable of doing that ten times over. Winnie's affinity in evangelism and living missionally has grown exponentially since I met her in Fall 2008 when I gave freshman-Winnie a tour of the campus. I know that leading with Winnie will be exciting and energizing, and I believe that Winnie will be a powerhouse in reminding all of us about why we do what we do.

Remember, our GIM is this Friday, January 29th, at 7:30pm in Lecture Hall 14!

Administration

2010-01-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

Tammy's Office Hours (UU-314)

MWF = 1:00pm-2:00pm
T = 10:00am-11:00am
R = 3:00pm-4:00pm

Important Links:

InterVarsity Purchase Request Form Spring 2010

Binghamton University IVCF Ministry Leaders 2010

2010-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

President: Matthew Tuttle
(matthew.j.tuttle@gmail.com)

Large Group Coordinator: Jonathan Hui
(huiboi@gmail.com)

Small Group Coordinator: Priscilla Lin
(priscillas.got.mail@gmail.com)

Outreach Coordinator: Winnie Lee
(winniewjlee@gmail.com)

Administrator: Tamaria Chan
(yummm.spaghetti@gmail.com)

Prayer Coordinator: Karen Ching
(fallen4grace@gmail.com)

Social Justice Coordinator: Nathan Bixler
(nathan.bixler@gmail.com)

Back-to-Basics Praise Team Liasons: Brendon Yee & Glory Eshareturi
(byeehaaw@gmail.com, glorylov3@gmail.com)

Publicity Coordinator: Joanna Lee
(liddoshootinstar@gmail.com)

Hospitality Coordinator: Tamaria Chan
(yummm.spaghetti@gmail.com)

Large Group: Community

2009-10-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Speaker: Brian Murphy from Union Christian Center Church

The idea of an isolated person is not Biblical.
Does that mean I can't do anything alone?
There are some things you need to conquer, but you don't have to do it alone.
We want to do thing linearly - "Well, if we get this done first, then we can do this..."
Are we talking about outreach or inreach tonight? The answer is...YES.

There are two kinds of need people:
Need anorexic --> we don't need anything from anyone
Need obese --> we need everything from everyone
And we go back and forth between these.

A healthy need: time heals nothing (old wounds)
It makes you numb but it doesn't make you feel loved.
How can I have healthy relationship and have a healthy need?

Mid-Summer Checkpoint (Steve)

2009-07-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

So July already more than half over, and in six weeks we'll be back at school. I don't know about you guys, but that blows my mind.

Upon realizing this, I wish I could say I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm in anticipation for the semester to come. Going over in my mind the plans that eboard has made, the courses I will be taking, my new house and housemates, I simply just can't wait to be back in glorious Binghamton. Absorbing the wisdom and knowledge of higher education. Reuniting with the closest of friends. Soaking in the beautiful summer sun on the softball fields. And above all, diving into the center of God's work on the campus through InterVarsity.

That's what I wish I could say. In all honesty, what I actually felt was nothing like that. Perhaps maybe the exact opposite. There was no excitement. When I realized that there was only 6 weeks left in the summer, I felt...blah.

There was a sense of confusion. Somehow, I didn't really believe that the summer is already more than half over. As if the mundane routine into which my summer has diminished blinded me from looking ahead, leaving me devoid of an accurate sense of time.

There was a sense of failure. I haven’t accomplished what I had hoped to this summer.

Upon realizing that summer had only 6 weeks left, I felt pretty crappy. I was disappointed in how the summer was going so far, and I wasn't excited to start the semester again in the fall.

And then I realized why.

It had been weeks since I've prayed. A real prayer, not a "Thank you God for the food" but an honest heart-to-heart talk with God.
It had been weeks since I've opened my Bible. And read it. Aside from the Scripture readings at church on Sundays.
Even on Sundays, worship has felt empty.

I've allowed myself to drift away from God, even for the span of just a few weeks. I've allowed myself to become lazy, spending way too much time playing video games. I've succumbed to the lies that Satan has been feeding me, and have lost sight of the God who gives me life.

The truth is, we are most vulnerable during the summer, and Satan hits us hard. The summer gives us a false sense of time, that we have so much of it, even when we're busy with jobs or classes or whatever. We become lazy. We become apathetic.

I don't know if you're in the same boat as me, but whatever boat you're in, remember God.
Remember the sacrifice that was made on the cross, and that He did it out of love.
Remember the new life that we have in Him.
Remember the desire he has to simply talk to us, to be in relationship with us.
Remember those who don't know Him, and how it breaks God's heart so deeply.
Remember that He has a plan for us, greater than any plan we can come up with for ourselves.
Remember that power He has to transform our lives for the better.
Remember the power He instills in us to be agents of change in the world we live in.

God never intended for us to lead a dull and mundane lifestyle.
There's enough time left this summer to turn things around if you need to.

Now I am starting to get excited. I can't wait to join with you all again in the fall, to dive headfirst into the work that God has prepared for us, and to continue living our lives in a manner that is worthy of the calling He has given us. Get ready. Before you know it, we’ll be back at school again.

Where are you now? (tuttle)

2009-06-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellowship,

Can you believe it's been a month since Basileia?

Take a moment, a deep breath. Reflect on this past month. Has it gone fast or slow? Haveyou been busy? How much time this past month have you spent working? Hanging out? Sleeping? Now, how much of that time have you spent with God?

If you're anything like me, then that last question was not a pleasant one to answer. At Basileia, you may have made big promises, committed to do things, or welcomed new practices into your life that haven't really materialized since you've come home. Personally, I'm one of those people who can barely remember to take my contacts out at night, so remembering to pray before I go to bed or spending some quiet time with God are not things that I find it easy to commit to.

Coming home, you may find that you don't have a lot of emotional or spiritual support. You may have trouble finding a church like the one you have in Binghamton, or you may be realizing how vital small gruop or large group was to your spiritual well-being. It's possible that you feel lonely, unsupported, or even backslidden.

Now here's the good news: Jesus Christ is Lord of all, seated at God's right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given. And no amount of backsliding, broken promises, discouragement, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.

So what do you do? Summer is nowhere near over! That means that there's no reason to give up hope. Here are some things that might help:

Before waking up at 11am and staying up until 3am becomes too habitual, set up a time and place for you to spend time with God. It doesn't need to be fancy, just you, God and a Bible. Try it out. :]
If you haven't started reading the books you bought, do it now! If you didn't buy any books and are regretting that decision, here are some suggestions: Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World and Jesus Without Religion.
If you need to, confess and repent. If you've found yourself back in a place where you didn't want to be, or you're facing new challenges since you've been home, then give it to God. Remember that sin has been conquered and that as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Keep in touch with people from IV! For those of us who don't live in the city, this may not be as easy, but it doesn't hurt to drop a line or facebook some of your friends from school. Let them know what's up, keep them updated on what's going on in your life and see how they're doing. Pray together.

That's all I have for now. Hope everyone's summer is going well!

In Him,
Matthew Tuttle
.5 Small Group Coordinator

no, basileia was not a dream! (tammy)

2009-06-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

aaaannnddd we're back!

i know it's been a couple of weeks since returning from our adventures at saranac lake, but let's not forget what we've learned. now that you've had several days to let it sink in, let's live out what He has shared with us that week. you may need more time to mull over it, but here are some ways that can help us continue to remember the things God has revealed to us:

I know this may sound weird, but write a letter to yourself.

Write to yourself about your experience at Basileia, not necessarily the things you did, but the things that God spoke to you about, and how He revealed those things to you.

Write about your hopes, your excitement, your plans, and what you took away from that week.

Keep it in a safe place or give it to a friend to hold on to it.

Bring it to school with you in August so you could read it again as the semester craziness begins.

I'm working on this one. But I'm going to do it and maybe mail it to myself.
ACTUALLY read the books you bought from basileia!

If you didn't buy some books from the bookstore because you wanted to buy them online, please order them!

If you bought a book to give to someone you had in mind, make sure you give it to them ASAP.

Read at your own pace. It's okay if you're a slow reader like me or a super fast one like Pam, just as long as you're reading!

Try reading a chapter or section of the book and then pray about it. If you want, try journaling about it, or blog about it, or talk to someone about it, or something. Make something of what you learn and share it.

Find someone or a group of people who bought the same book as you and read it "together." You don't have to literally read it together. Just read the same section and then talk about it. That person can also hold you accountable to reading it.

I'm currently reading "Invitation to Solitude and Silence," by Ruth Haley Barton and God knows it's just what I need. Mike Leung supposedly is reading another book and then we're supposed to switch eventually. Unless Carrie finds her copy first :]

Find a prayer partner to pray regularly with you this summer!

Pray on a regular basis - it could be everyday, every week, every two weeks. Just make sure you are consistent and diligent in doing it. But don't let it become a chore! It's definitely a spiritual discipline.

Share with each other your burdens, desires, praises, requests, or just anything God puts on your hearts. Listen to each other, and challenge each other as well.

Pray specifically and with faith.

Pray for the upcoming semester.

Pray for the 14,000+ students we need to reach at Binghamton University.

Pray for our fellowship and for growth (deeper in His Spirit and higher in numbers!) and that we would be the impact on campus we always say we want to be.

Memorize verses with your prayer partner and pray from Scripture as well!

I've prayed with Karen every night so far (ooh, except one!) this week, and it has definitely been a blessing. I have faith that God hears us, and will answer us in His time and in His own ways (He's already done so!). But that doesn't mean we know everything about prayer, or that we're super savvy prayer warriors. We're learning, too.

I know we've learned tons of things, but what's ONE thing you can take away from Basileia?

Write it on a post-it or piece of paper, or make something that'll remind you of it, and put it somewhere where you'll see it every day.

you can always leave a comment or email binghamtonivcf@gmail.com if you'd like us to help you out in any way to live out and take action on what we've learned for this summer, and to prepare you for the semester to come.

what's going on with our money? (tammy)

2009-04-01T07:31:00.001-07:00

hello, brothers and sisters!

I am putting on my treasurer's hat and will use this blog entry as an FAQ for a few of the financial issues that have been going on this semester. If you have any other questions or concerns, leave a comment or email me at yummm.spaghetti@gmail.com.

What are some of the treasurer's responsibilities?

Take an open book exam & practical exam from studying the treasurer's handbook provided by the SA

Handle all financial forms and procedures related to the SA chartered group (fundraiser prior approval forms, budget request form, budget appeal form, religious prior approval forms, prior approval forms, vouchers for reimbursements, etc.), of which there are MANY.

Keep a tight record of all expenses and income

Take care of fundraisers

Fill out all forms in an efficient, proper manner

Attend all treasurers' meetings

Keep track of allotted SA account
Check the IVCF SA mailbox every day

I never really heard much about our group's money before. Why are there all of a sudden so many issues with our SA account?

With our group growing tremendously, we need the funds so we can afford to hold events, reach out to our campus, and tell others about the gospel and about our group in creative ways without having to reach into our pockets.

In the past, our group has been wary about SA finances and have been taking care of IVCF's account with as little SA involvement as possible. We'd like to take more of a stand and build a good financial account and relationship with the SA.

What's the difference between a "budget appeal" and a "budget request"?

The budget request happens every spring semester, where the treasurer has to fill out a form, requesting the SA to allocate money for our fellowship for the entire next school year.

After the request approval, the SA gives a date, time, and place where the e-board has five minutes to present their case to the Vice President of Finance (VPF) and Financial Council (FinCo) of why they should be given a certain amount of money, and five minutes of Q & A.

After all the student groups have presented, the VPF and FinCo allot budgeted amounts to each group and posts it up in the SA office.

A student group can then make a budget appeal to argue what the VPF and FinCo allotted to request more money. the process is the same as that of a budget request except the group is given three minutes to present and three minutes of Q & A

How much money did we receive from the SA for this entire 2008-2009 year?
$300

How much money did we receive from the SA for the entire 2009-2010 year?
$600

How much money do we have in our account now?

Right now we have $2,630 in our account because all expenses from this semester have not been subtracted. We accumulated funds from our service auctions and rollover money from last spring.

Why is it taking so long for my reimbursements to come back to me?

This is how the process works:

A religious prior approval form for the expense has to be submitted.

The treasurer has to wait for that form to be approved by the VPF, who goes through these forms once a week.

Once those approval forms are approved, the treasurer needs to fill out a voucher form.

The voucher then has to have the receipts attached, with the signature of the person being reimbursed.

Then after the voucher and form are submitted, the treasurer has to wait for the yellow slip to be in the IVCF mailbox to then tell the person that he/she has to pick up the check from the Couper Administration Building or have it sent to them to receive their reimbursement check.

What are the plans for our 2009-2010 year?

Right now I don't have details, but here are a few general things/ideas:

There will definitely be a system/process set up so that I can keep control of the expenses of our group. It will probably be a form that people will have to fill out for me before they buy something.

I will probably hold office hours next semester (so cool, right? I know! It was Carrie Moorhead's idea) so that I can make myself available to the fellowship members, answer any questions, and set aside some time for me to focus on just fulfilling some administrative duties.
I will meet with the new VPF to talk about our shaky financial standing and how we can get onto a path of good financial standing.

Once I figure out some more details and processes, I'll post them up.

I hope this was helpful!

Living Purposefully - Katy

2009-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellowship!

As March and housing sign ups rapidly approach, and the phrase "intentional housing" sweeps through the fellowship, I wanted to add new something to the conversation. While I believe more strongly than most that it matters who with and where you chose to live next year, even more important than that is how you chose to live in your current resident this year. No sense in moving across campus to reach such and such a dorm, when you never bother to care for the dorm where you live currently. Please do keep praying and thinking about where God would like to use you next year, but for this semester, try some of the following tips, and walk in Jesus' footsteps of living with the people you are reaching out to.

Tip 1. Do you have a door on your room? (I bet you do!) Make sure to print the Large Group flyer that is sent out weekly and post it on your door. Go the extra step and ask your RD for permission to put it on the bulletin boards around your dorm. If you live on the first floor, consider putting up IV advertisements in your window.

Tip 2. Another door suggestion. Keep it open!! While obviously if your h- core studying, sleeping, changing etc… you will want your privacy, but when you’re just chilling in your room, try leaving your door open. It might feel weird for a while, but it gives an open invitation to your hall mates to pop in, say hi, and chat. Unless you are all about door to door evangelism, it’s from these casual interactions that relationships will be formed, and opportunities to share the gospel arise.

Tip 3. Oh! Be careful little ears what you hear. Now that you have your door open during your chill time, people will probably be able to hear the music you’re chilling to (or in my case; singing, very very loudly.) Think about how the music we listen to/ belt out in the shower reflects your life, your faith and your God. This does not mean you can only listen to praise and worship, or even Christian music. (Both work. I’ve gotten the opportunity to share the Gospel with an acquaintance because she asked me about a worship song I was singing when I was washing my hands after going to the bathroom. I’ve also shared the Gospel with two friends when I was in high school illustrating different biblical truths with Bright Eye’s quotes. (Coincidentally, that conversation also happened in a bathroom....)) Point is, that nothing is not spiritual, and the music we listen to needs to reflect that. If you are listening to music that you know God isn’t down with, cut it out.

Tip 4. Assoxinate!! If your building does assoxination or another building wide game, participate! You will get to know people, have fun, and support your res life staff.

Tip 5. Go to programs your RA offers. Even if no one else goes, your RA needs Jesus too, and s/he will love you for coming out!

Tip 6. Do you have international students on your hall? Its never too late to start a friendship with them. Stop and chat with them, offer to correct an English paper, have them teach you something from home. (Or try to teach you… I still have no idea how to play that Korean tile game (Go Stop) even after watching them for an hour or so.) If your hyphenated nationality is the same as theirs (aka they are Korean international students, and you are Korean-American) use your hyphenatedness to its fullest!! I don’t really know what that might look like, but my guess is that you have something unique to offer them being a part of both cultures.

Tip 7. Happy Holidays!! For 3$ at Wal-Mart you can buy enough holiday themed lollipops/ nerds/ pixy stix/ what have you for every one on your hall. Buy some and go to door handing them out. You’ll get to familiarize your self with your hall mates, and a permanent reputation for being “nice.” (Nicenice isn’t straight up evangelsim, but it is a good first step.)

Tip 8. Next time your at Wal-Mart, invest (don’t steal from the dinning hall!!) in some bowls, forks/ chopsticks, salt& pepper, and easy mac and cup ramon. Next time your chilling with your door open, and you over hear a hall mate complaining “Im SOOOO hungry right now!” stick you head out and say, “Hey, ________________, I just over heard you say you were hungry. I’ve got some easy mac and cup noodles if you want some.” Lots of times they will say yes, and then you have an insta conversation the 3 minuets it takes to cook the food. Even if they think your weird for asking, it’s the “nice” weird, which sounds like a pretty good description for a Christian to have. It was over easy mac my freshman year that I got to share my faith with my pledging neighbors.

Tip 9. Next time you’re at Wal-Mart, invest in a soup cup or two, and a couple cans of Cambell’s soup. Next time your chilling in your room with the door open and hear your hall mate’s nasty cough, you can heat them up/ bring them soup. If you wanted to go the extra mile, you can buy the little packs of tissues and or cough drops at Wal-Mart or the dollar store and give them those too. They will love knowing you care! (Even if again, they think you’re a little weird.)

Tip 10. Next time you do laundry, bring some reading down with you and stay with your stuff. Not only is this a good idea in light of past cases of laundry room vandalism, but others who stick around too are usually up for conversations, and you can meet people who live on different floors.

Try these out, talk to your hitches about what your doing or if you have more ideas, and if something cool happens, post it as a comment!

Much Love

-Katy McFadden, Out Reach Coordinator

what is a HTCH and what does that have to do with me?

2009-02-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

hi guys, tammy here.

for those of you who missed our town hall meeting on valentine's day, here's a chunk of what we talked about:

imagine if all the IVCF members were uprooted and disappeared from the binghamton university campus.

do you think anyone would miss our presence on campus?

the things we've been doing on campus have been great. we've begun to see the lives of our fellow classmates, roommates, floormates, and other people on campus slowly (and sometimes quickly) transform.

but are our transformed lives making an impact on this campus? because if they aren't, then how can God use us to renew the campus?

most of you know that there has been a huge community-focused movement in IVCF. we're beginning to see a glimpse of the possible and potential opportunities God has for us to make an impact through the community we live in.

no one can make decisions for you. i'm not just talking about big decisions like whether or not you should transfer, where you should live next year, or what classes you should take. i'm talking about the attitude you have in making those big decisions, as well as the smaller, every-day decisions.

so when it comes down to making those decisions (both big and small), we're asking you to do two "i's":

take initiative.
and be intentional.

my pastor described the definition of "initiative" this way: you're aware of the needs around you and you care enough to do something about them. neither of those things can be without the other. you can be aware of the needs around you but not care enough to do something about it (i call that apathy...not one of my favorite things in the world), and you can care a lot about needs enough to do something about it, but may not necessarily be aware of what needs need to be fulfilled.

so take initiative. if you care enough about needs to do something about it, find out what the needs are. if you're aware and know what needs are around you, find a way to do something about it. God is constantly working and constantly moving in and through people and circumstances. He's got a plan and you're huge part of it.

so be intentional about your decisions. if you believe God has a purpose for your life, live like you believe it! take initiative with purprose and pure intentions.

imagine what God can do if we all take initiative and live intentionally in obedience to Him?

so what do "HTCHs" have to do with all of this? this hospitality team community ministry provides a huge opportunity where you could put into practice taking initiative and living intentionally.

HTCH = hospitality team community head.

they are the ones in charge of the hospitality environment of their community. they are the leaders in creating an inviting, welcoming, fun, and interesting environment for people to encounter God and build relationships.

but without followers, there are no leaders. these HTCHs understand and taken on the challenge of taking the initiative and living intentionally. and they could use your help in doing the same as they organize and plan events and activities such as community dinners and follow-up for their community.

so who are these HTCHs?

newing = sara ito smito011@hotmail.co.jp
dickinson = michelle an man1@binghamton.edu
ciw = rachel goldberg lostmiaminut@gmail.com
mountainview = may wu hwu4@binghamton.edu
off-campus = wesley yee wyee1@binghamton.edu

if you would like to help be the followers that these leaders need or just have more questions about your specific community, drop them an email and let them know.

susquehanna, hillside, and hinman currently do not have HTCHs. if you would like to help start up community activities or get involved somehow in these communities, email binghamtonivcf@gmail.com for more information.

if you are a small group leader, you are highly encouraged to actively participate and work with the HTCH in the community you are currently serving.

if you are a small group member, you are highly encouraged to attend the small group in your community.

if you attend a small group in a different community because of schedule conflicts, you are highly encouraged to stay active in the community you live in, although you are welcome to participate in your small group's community activities (if you have the time) in addition to your own living community's activities.

don't be surprised if you get an email from your HTCH quite soon!
if you have any other questions, leave a comment or email binghamtonivcf@gmail.com.

A message from the Small Group Coordinators

2009-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

Transcript of the small group plug, spoken at large group on February 6, 2009:

Hello InterVarsity. My name is Matthew John Tuttle and I am the current Small Group Coordinator. My other, taller and more Chinese half is sitting over there, you may know him as Michael Leung. I know him as BFF. I am super excited to be able to stand before you today and talk about one of my favorite things ever. Small Group.

Father Matt just talked about the importance of Bible Study- something that’s vital for our growth as Christians and necessary if we really want to know who this God we worship is. Fr. Matt just explained to us that Scripture is God. It's God-breathed, and it equips us for every good work. In essence, we cannot live up to the name of “Christian” without understanding first who God is and what He’s done. Some of you are looking at me and shaking your head, saying, “Oh yeah, I just read the entire Old Testament last night. For fun. In Greek.” I don’t know. Some of us have grasped the concept of Scripture necessity. But for a lot of us, myself included, Scripture is not NEAR as high of a priority as it should be.

Just this week, I read WAY more than I cared to on subjects that aren’t nearly as life changing. Such subjects covered were Major Problems in Asian American History, psychoanalysis, and single subject research design. Was it interesting? Maybe. Am I a changed person? Hayyyyyck no. But the Bible isn’t like that. The Bible is God’s Word, it has eternal relevance, it speaks to all humankind, in every age and in every culture. If I spent half as much time reading the Bible this week as I did trying to figure out German grammar or whatever I was studying, well, I can’t even imagine what that’d look like.

Michael and I have done a lot of planning and praying and debating when it came to what we should do with small groups. We believe that small groups are the backbone of this fellowship. Large group is the face, what everyone sees, but small groups is what gives the fellowship structure, provides stability, and, in the same way the backbone houses the spine, small group facilitates one of the strongest venues of communication with our Heavenly Father. That’s why Mike and I believe that small groups is a huge deal; that’s why I’m standing before you today and asking you to participate in epicenter of radical life transformation and campus renewal.

After a lot of discussion and administrative tasks I don’t necessarily excel at, Mike and I, working with the E-Board, organized small groups in such a way that one is provided in every community. If you count Susquehanna and Hillside as one community. Sorry. We thought: How amazing would it be if we didn’t have to walk all the way across campus to attend our small group? Or—how great would it be if I could invite my roommate to the small group that’s happening in OUR building or OUR community. In the past, it’s seemed to be a free for all in deciding where we feel the most comfortable going to receive God’s word, or we’ve made decisions based on what leaders we would most like to learn from. This semester, why don’t we view small groups as less of just a service provided by IV, ensuring that we’re being fed with spiritual food, and instead as a means of realizing our vision not JUST in LH14 on Fridays, but throughout the week in our very communities, in our buildings, in our very halls.

There was a lot of prompting by the Holy Spirit in terms of our book choice this semester. After hours of discussion, countless emails, lengthy homework assignments involving reading a LOT of Scripture, and a bunch of impromptu interviews involving me holding a purple marker like a microphone, we decided to study the book of Nehemiah, in the Old Testament. We thought, here’s a guy, who saw a problem, saw a way he could honor God, mobilized a whole bunch of people, and brought radical and God-pleasing change to his people. What I want us to get out of Nehemiah is a realization of our campus’s need for God, a method for seeing God brought to our campus, a mobilization in our fellowship towards that goal, and radical and God-pleasing change. If you want to know more about what Nehemiah did, and how his actions can affect our actions today, I can say nothing else to you except that small groups are the place to be.

Small groups is more than a ministry made for getting our fellowship to sit in circles and on weekday nights to read uninteresting Scripture and make superficial or boring interpretations of what we read and how it applies to us. Small Group is a ministry devoted to diving into God’s word, pulling out meaning and significance, and making real, effective application to our lives. And doing it together, as the Body of Christ. Brothers and Sisters, I’m not standing up here to sell you my ministry. I’m standing here to implore you to take part in life-transformation, campus-renewal, and the development of world-changers.

Without further ado, I’d like to introduce the Spring 2009 small group leaders.

Spring 2009 Small Groups
Monday
▫ CIW Co-Ed
7pm, Oneida 3I02
Leaders: Karen (fallen4grace@gmail.com) and Will (email.willchang@gmail.com)
▫ Newing Co-Ed
7:30pm, Endicott Lounge
Leaders: Boaz (boaz.j.tingson@gmail.com) and Keren (keren.wong@gmail.com)

Tuesday
▫ Mountainview Women’s
7pm, Hunter 422
Leaders: Samantha (changstar423@gmail.com) and Winnie (wlee9@binghamton.edu)
▫ Susquehanna/Hillside Co-Ed
7:30pm, Brandywine 212
Leaders: Alan (alanyip64@gmail.com), Meir (mok.meir@gmail.com) and Pam (plee813@gmail.com)

Wednesday
▫ Dickinson Women’s
7pm, O’Connor Conference Room/Discovery Center
Leaders: Pam (spamelasagna@gmail.com) and Priscilla (priscillas.got.mail@gmail.com)
▫ Dickinson/Mountainview Men’s
7pm, Digman 214
Leader: Matt Tuttle (matthew.j.tuttle@gmail.com)
▫ Hinman Co-Ed
7:30pm, Smith Study Lounge
Leaders: Glory (glorylov3@gmail.com), Jason (damon_redsox18@hotmail.com) and Florence (luong.florence@gmail.com)

proper introductions

2009-01-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

greetings, our fellow InterVarsity members!
we thought it might be nice to properly introduce the new members of our 2009 e-board.
here's what we've got to say:

administrator - tamaria (tammy) r. chan
hello, everyone! i'm excited to serve as your new administrator this year. i'm already starting to feel the weight of the mountain-load of administrative duties that i know will only get heavier as the year goes on, but it's a challenge from God that i'm willing take on. i realize He's been teaching me so much and has been shaping my character in a way i never thought i'd be molded in preparation for placing the e-board administrator position in my hands. so i know that He'll continue to work in me and through me as i serve Him and serve all of you. however, because i am a work in progress, i hope you'll all be patient with me and try to keep me accountable for my actions and words as i know i am not perfect and will make mistakes. i could always use constructive feedback, fresh ideas, and a good push in the right direction. i am not above any of you because as a fellowship we serve our God together. i can't do anything without God and i can't do anything well without all of you coming alongside of me as a partner.

some fun facts about tammy:
-i really enjoy having company over!
-i am going to try to keep the cookie jar in my room filled with goodies
(not this week, though)
-i've always wanted to write and publish a novel.
-i once took a bite of a sugar daddy candy and took it out of my mouth to find a loose tooth suddenly freed from my gums and attached to the candy.
-i really like blogging. http://writeawaywithme.blogspot.com

small group coordinator - matthew j. tuttle
Hallo! Wie geht es euch? I am Matthew Tuttle and I am super stoked to serve as your Small Group Coordinator! Small Groups have been a huge part of my spiritual growth since I came to Binghamton, so it feels awesome to be able to give back and serve my brothers and sisters in the same way I have been served. I have led small groups for two semesters, my first being a men's group (with my current SGC partner) in CIW and my second being a co-ed group in Newing last semester. (I will be leading again this semester.) I've have gained invaluable experience, had a lot of fun, and not stopped learning since I began leading. God has been faithful in teaching me, inspiring me, and convicting me, and I have done my best to remain faithful to His call.

some fun facts about Tuttle:
-I blog more than tammy does : http://semioticsofstability.blogspot.com
-I am not as obsessed with high school musical as people think i am.
-I have four sisters with 20 years between the youngest and oldest.
-I have never met anyone famous. Except for Greg Jao.
-My secret dream job is celebrity blogger.

small group coordinator - michael leung
whoa whoa whoa. My name's Mike as you guys can all read above. I'll also be serving as a Small Group Coordinator in conjunction with Matt this year. I've been super excited for the direction that God is leading our fellowship for this upcoming year. One of my favorite things about small groups is that its a medium for which college students can meet together to discuss spiritual issues and biblical passages with one another in an environment that challenges members to take further steps in their faith. The small group ministry has been an invaluable place where I was able to grow more in my faith in a community that shared Christ's love. I also found that my learning experiences have multiplied exponentially since I started leading small groups (so if any of you want to grow your faith, consider small groups!). I'd love to have a conversation with you guys at any time, so please feel free to just talk to me whenever you see me.

some fun facts about mike leung:
-i'm still scared of the dark (basements, attics, and empty floors are a no-go)
-i rarely drive 5 mph more than the speed limit ('cause i'm paranoid)
-my comfort food is ramen (preferably the korean kinds)
-i really don't like blogging (don't expect too many posts written by me alone)
-i don't watch tv (the one in my dorm room is put to waste)

large group coordinator - gary chow

Hi guys! So... i'm the large group coordinator. What i envision for large groups this semester is a place where newcomers feel welcome and community is built but most importantly, a place where people feel challenged every week. i envision people always leaving one step closer to God than when they came in. We will be focusing on "The Core of Christianity" this semester so i really hope people learn to build a strong foundation. This semester, i'm working with awesome large group committee so i'm really, REALLY excited to see what this we can do this semester. =]

some fun facts about gary chow:
-I really don't like to blog...but i have one
- I enjoy commercials more than other people (The rollover "milky" minutes...HILARIOUS)
-After I graduate, i'm going to try out for American Idol
-I am a very neat eater. I prepare my food before eating it...which is why i eat slowly
-Weirdest nicknames ever? Chowderpuff or Quanell

Listening to God's Voice (Katy)

2008-11-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

Sunday, at small group leaders' training, Sunroot did a brief teaching on listening to God's voice and then had leaders pray and listen together for what God might be saying to them. What that looks like is this:

An individual or group comes before God to ask what His will is, either in general recognition that God cares deeply about who we are and what we do and that He might have something to tell us about the two, or in response to a specific question or situation where we will allow God to have a say in how it is answered. The individual or group will start in a prayer where they:

1. Confess sin and seek forgiveness so that one can come before God with clean hands. (Psalm 24:3,4)

2. Admit our desperate need for God's specific guidance for our lives. (Proverbs 16:9, 20:24, Isaiah 30:21)

3. Ask God to quiet your own thoughts. (The idea of "not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

4. Silence Satan with the spiritual authority God has given us in the name of Christ Jesus. (Luke 10:18-20)

5. Invite God and the Holy Spirit to speak. Then listen to what He says.

This is a discipline that I have been trying to cultivate in my own life, and that e-board has started to practice together this semester.

The simple fact is that God wants to speak into our lives WAY more than we are willing to listen. Our God is a God of relationship and communication. He is willing, able, and wanting to burst from the pages of the Bible to speak to us as individuals. Jesus said "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) The Bible tells us SO MUCH of who God is, what He has done, what He wants to do, and what He wants to do through us. But it doesn't tell us everything.

As a 17-year-old in school for missionaries in Colombia, I could and did make a great Biblical case for why I did not want to go to college, and instead go directly onto the mission field. Unfortunately, my parents who were also quite versed in scripture could make an equally compelling case for why it was better for me to come back to the States to receive a higher education first. It was only through the Holy Spirits strong conviction that I should go to college followed by almost immediate confirmation (three different people told me in the period of a day or two that they felt like God was telling me to go back to New York for school) that could change my mind.

The Bible tells us everything that we need to do. However it is listening to God in the context of the relationship that we have with Him that tells us how to do it. As leaders in the fellowship, both e-board and small group leaders would be doing the people the lead and serve a huge disservice if they only assumed how to obey God instead of asking him directly.
Below are some common concerns that Christians have with the idea of listening to God. I hope they clear things up for you. If you have one that isn't addressed here, leave it under the comments, and we will try to respond.

Isn't this a little like Ouija board?

Yes, but only in the same way that a one night stand is like good and godly marital sex. Ouija board, tarot cards, and other forms of fortune telling are a perversion of the good and Godly act of seeking guidance from something more powerful then one's self. The difference is who and why you are asking. Fortune telling is almost always done to further one's own interests. Listening to God is done to further God's interests and his kingdom. Fortune telling often includes some level of manipulating the "spirit world" who are demons. Demons and Satan are characterized by lies. God is TRUTH.

How do we know that what we are hearing is really from God?

Once I was praying before bed, and I heard someone call my name. "Katy!" The voice said. I sat straight up and was like, "Holy crap!! Did God just call my name?!?!" I waited and heard again "Kaaaaty!!!" But this time I was more suspicious. Another couple of seconds went by and I hear "Kaaaaaaaaty!!! Turn off the light in the bathroom!! I'm trying to go to sleep." It was my sister, her voice slightly muffled by a pillow, who was bothered by the light coming through the crack under the door of the bathroom that opens into both of our rooms.

Especially when we start off, we might not distinguish between our own voice and will and God's. Not to worry. There are guiding principles that can help.

For situations with minor consequences: Just do it!! If your praying and you feel like God has told you "Billy-Bob, I want you to go to Hinman dining hall and buy a thing of orange juice." Instead of sitting there for ten minutes wondering if it was you or God who placed that thought in your head, just go to Hinman and buy orange juice. If it wasn't God, the worst thing that happens is that you end up with some orange juice you might not have bought otherwise. But imagine if it was God telling you to do this. Maybe the orange juice didn't matter, but as you walked to Hinman you saw a friend who was really upset and you are able to comfort them. Perhaps as you get back to your dorm see a hall mate. When you ask your hall mate how they are they tell you that they feel like they are coming down with a cold. You fortunately have a nice bottle of orange juice in your hands and you can give it to them and tell them "I know this sounds crazy, but I was just praying a while ago, and I thought I heard God tell me to go get orange juice. I had no idea why, but I think its cause God wanted me to give it to you. God cares about you, and even about your sniffles. Can I share with you about Jesus?" (ok, I added that last sentence in just cause I'm outreach coordinator.) But do you see what I mean?
For situations that have weighty consequences: Lets say you're praying about marriage, career, major, how to lead a ministry that you are in charge of, even where you live on campus next year. Confusing your will with God's on who to marry obviously has much more serious implications than ending up with an unwanted bottle of orange juice. For decisions such as these...

1. 1. Compare what you think God has told you meticulously with God's word. He will never contradict himself.

2. 2. Seek the advice of unbiased and mature Christians.

3. 3. Ask God a question in a group. If God gives all of you the same answer, chances are, it's Him and not you. If there isn't agreement, ask God why. (Are you asking the wrong question? is there more He wants to say?)

4. 4. Ask God for peace and/or confirmation on what you think he has said. Its not wrong to ask for a sign if we are asking in faith so we can be confident of God's will

5. 5. If you do all of that and are still not sure, I'd say, go ahead with what you think God wants you to do, but keep checking in with him. Ask him, and trust that he will guide you in the way you should go, and stop you if you start unintentionally going astray.

LisListening to God is an adventure. It requires complete obedience, complete trust, and a strong faith in the goodness of God. Reading of the lives of those following Jesus in the New Testament, actively listening to God was posed to be a normative part of the Christian faith. As we seek to see lives transformed, Binghamton renewed, and world changers sent out, InterVarsity as a community will need to learn to listen to what God is saying to us and following it whole heartedly. God cares for these things more than we do, and he knows how to make them happen better than we do. Imagine what would happen if we only stopped to listen.

Post-Expedition Musings + NEW EBOARD!!! (Pam)

2008-11-15T22:28:00.000-08:00

Post-Expedition Blog! (For Expedition and non-Expedition attendees... in other words, relevant to everyone!)

Dear IVCF Fellowship,

How is life, post-Expedition? Well I'm not going to beat around the bush... I'm just going to say what I came here to say: I know that at Expedition, God impacted us in different ways... a lot of people learned or became aware of a different things and are taking action steps in response to God's promptings. Awesome! God has allowed us to partner with Him, and it's such a blessing that He's trusting us with more and more. Imagine that.

In light of that, I realized that because our fellowship is growing, moving forward and starting to see and be immersed in the value and joy of living out as a true community of God, I believe that Satan can now see us as a "force" worth messing with.

Crazy, right?

What does this mean? Satan can and will use any possible means to manipulate, lie, make us feel content or comfortable or make us doubt... and the list can go on. He's a tricky one.

It wasn't until college that I realized the eternally dire implications of when we fail to acknowledge that we are in spiritual warfare. We all need to not just be aware that we're fighting spiritual battles everyday (questions of integrity, having boldness to take God up on the opportunities He presents us with, etc.) but that we need to be constantly preparing ourselves and calling others into action. This is urgent!

What does this mean? Many things! Including:

_Diving into His Word daily.

_Investing time and energy into things that are outside of our own (esp. immediate) needs or desires.

_Being diligent with what God entrusts us with (classes, family, friends, time, etc).

_Allowing God to mold you continually into His image.

I leave you with two verses.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Mark 13:32-37

The Day and Hour Unknown

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

AND... if I may, I would like to take the liberty in announcing to you the new e-board!

President: Steve Kong
Large Group Coordinator: Gary Chow
Outreach Coordinator: Katy MacFadden
Small Group Coordinators (yes "s"): Michael Leung and Matthew Tuttle
Administrator: Tammy Chan

Are you excited? I sure am. = )

Treatise on Small Groups (sunroot/joanna)

2008-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Before you all read this I have a confession. (sunroot does) I was really angry when I originally wrote this email. I'm frustrated for the small group leaders and I think that we all can be experiencing more in our small groups. Joanna cleaned up the language and the finger pointing. I hope this will be helpful for you all. (try to look for the undercover passion)

Hello Fellowship (PLEASE READ THIS! FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THAT IS SMALL GROUPS!)

Recently I talked to small group leaders about this and I wanted to share this with the whole fellowship, and especially those of you who are small group members. It comes with a challenge:

I personally think that there is a problem in our fellowship in the depth of our relationships with each other. We need to be vulnerable, and push to go deeper. We hang out, play sports, talk and play a lot together, but we can be so much more of a fellowship to each other. I want that deeper community to permeate into the culture and environment of our fellowship. I don't want us to need 2 years of hanging out with each other every day to be able to talk about our father issues. Or for it to be 4am in the lounge of Oneida 4th floor lounge for us to talk about how another member in the fellowship hurt us.

I think we all know this and we all want more.

Unfortunately, I have used small groups as a means to fight this and I don't think it's fair for the leaders as well as for yourselves. I'm sorry I used so much effort to try to make the focus of small groups community building when, yes, community is an important aspect of small groups, but it cannot and should not be the sole means of it. We've tried to do so much with small groups: community building, evangelism, fundraising, community service, bible study. And in the midst of doing so much, we've done very little.

When we try to do too many things, it's inevitable that we end up doing it all half-heartedly. We don't want this for our small groups. We want to invest in people in a way that promotes a transformation in personal lives as well as relationships with others - but this requires A LOT of effort and focus.

Community building is not the primary role of small groups contrary to what we've been emphasizing previously. Bible study is. Small groups are the one place we can study the bible in depth on a personal level. We need to focus on that. The expectations that have been put on small groups to fill this void of friendship and belonging are unrealistic for small groups and for small group leaders. It's not fair that the leaders get frustrated or hurt because they aren't sure what to do or when their members don't become best of friends; this is not their responsibility.

Small group leaders are there to lead you into a Bible study. And when they do so, they should be able to end their meeting knowing that they've done right and not be frustrated with themselves because their members didn't seem to connect. They should be assured that they have obeyed God's calling for them and should walk away from a meeting thinking. 'Heck Yeah! It wasn't perfect, but I obeyed. And that's what God called me to do for this group of people."

A lot of times, members come into small groups with a consumer mentality. They want to be served. To be fed. For example, if you come into a small group expecting that the leaders will make it so you are able to bond with others, please re-evaluate yourself as well as your leaders' roles. It's not fair to the leaders. I fervently believe that you get what you put into a small group. And I think it's about time that people take ownership of their own growth. In your small group, you should have been given the opportunity to bond through the Word and if you are teachable in that way, that's what will bring you all together. You will need to take more ownership of the depth of your friendships outside of small groups.

Many of you have heard a "bad" sermon. Or attended a "poorly led" discussion. And you know what? You got something out of it. Why? Because you anticipated God speaking. You went in with the right heart and attitude. I believe in our leaders this year. They are equipped and gifted. How much more so will you learn from them when you go in with an open heart?

God speaks through His word. God speaks through His people speaking His word. If you're not getting anything out of small groups, take a look at yourself and evaluate your attitude. Is it a consumer attitude? Or an attitude ready to hear what God has to say through whatever the circumstance?

For many of you, you're thinking, "I do go in with the right attitude." I would ask you to think about the Bible Study part of what I talked about. Expect a bible study and make more of a personal effort to build relationships on your own.

For many of you, you need to do a heart check. Think about what you're expecting.

I'm not saying that small groups are perfect. I'm not saying we shouldn't try to improve. But small groups can't be made perfect to meet unrealistic expectations. They won't have to be to meet the needs of someone with an open heart.

Please think about such things. Then go and make your small group even more AWESOME because I really do believe God has already begun stirring in hearts and minds.

-sunroot (joanna making it nicer)

Big and little: inter-class community and discipleship for all in a growing fellowship (Katy)

2008-10-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

How to structure the big sibling/ little sibling program for this year has been a hot debate inside e-board since last spring, but last e-board meeting we spent most of our time talking and praying through this one issue, and we are excited to present to the fellowship the plans we have for structuring the big/ little program for this year.

As previously mentioned in this blog, we as a fellowship have prayed and planned for growth -- and we are seeing it, thanks be to God! It is our expectation that every year we will have more freshmen than upperclassmen, and we couldn't be happier, because we believe that being part of this community facilitates transformation, renewal, and the development of quality men and women who God will use to change the world. And again as mentioned before, this means we get to try new and creative means to provide welcome and friendship to our new students. So this year, instead of assigning one big to one little, we have decided instead to take advantage of the number of upper-classmen living in the dorms by facilitating/ encouraging the development of community based family groups, where your bigs are assigned to you by where you live.

For example, Joanna and I are now officially the bigs of the 4-6 underclassmen who live in Newing. We will either cook dinner, organize a group dinner in the Newing Dinning hall, or ask one of our littles to cook dinner (if they like doing things like that) on a weekly bases (most likely on Sunday nights). There are no agendas for the conversation at those dinners, only that we might get to know each other and share life with one another. Newing kids will know that our door is always open to them if they need to talk, and the contents of our dinner conversations will let Joanna and I know when one person might need some extra big-sistering that we can either provide or facilitate with someone else who may be more aptly suited to address ther needs(especially if they really need big-brothering).

In larger communities, where there are both more bigs and more littles (such as in Dickinson) it will be up to the bigs to decide how to subdivide the littles into more manageable sized groups.

For those who either live in grad, hillside, or off campus, we suggest one of three things:

1. Create family groups for your area of influence. There are lots of new students who live off campus. You could create an off campus family group, or groups in hillside or grade for new folks you know that liver around you.

2. You can attach yourself to an on campus community. Most communities do not have enough upper classmen to keep the groups small, or (as in Newing) only have upper classmen of one gender. Talk to God and the upper classmen in the communities to see where you might best fit in, go to dinners, and take any relationships you build with folks from there.

3. Be a big on reserve. While we hope most people will feel comfortable in a family dinner setting, some might not. For those who are either very shy, or whos needs for discipleship are not being met through the consolation of other discipling opportunities that are available in the fellowship, you could be paired up with some one who really does need or would benefit most from some intentional one on one time with a more mature Christian.

We hope for these groups to strengthen community, and facilitate natural friendships through which discipleship will occur.

We realize that you may have many questions about this restructuring and the implications that it will have on you. We will have a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday October 4^th at 4pm in a location TBA to discuss this further (as well as other issues) so come prepared with your questions and suggestions. Also leave a questions comments and concerns on the blog or e-mail us at binghamtonivcf@gmail.com and we will to our best to address them.

Community, wise spending, and yummynesss: a good stewardship dinner (Katy)

2008-09-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

Has your conscience ever been a little uncomfortable when, after a large group where we talk about participating in Social Justice, you go out to BJs & Bubble Tea, Applebee’s, Texas etc… and spend way more then you want on food you don’t need? Or do you feel left out after Large Group because your new and never know where the fellowship is going, or know you can’t afford to go anyway?

We want to be able to be able to enjoy each others’ company on Friday night after large group, with out excluding people, and with out spending tons of money that will not end up going to Kingdom work. Good Stewardship Dinner or GSD (better name suggestions are welcome) is an answer to this dilemma that we are going to be trying out this Friday, October 3^rd.

This is what it is going to look like. This Friday after Large Group we are going to have a ministry fair for kids who did not go to Chapter Retreat from 9:00-9:45ish, and at 9:45 we are going to start loading cars to head to Good Shepherd Church 74 Conklin Ave, Binghamton. Instead spending your usual $5-20 at a local restaurant, we are going to charge $7 for a simple yet delicious spaghetti dinner that a group of kids from the fellowship will have prepared. From 10:00-11:30pm we will hang out at church and have dinner and fellowship together before returning to campus.

This will be a conscious decision on our parts as individuals and as a community to do something perhaps a little less chic then going to a restaurant, so that we can steward our money better for God’s purposes. For this GSD we are going to be giving all the proceeds to Love146 (formerly the JFCI) to support their work providing aftercare and therapy for young girls who have been rescued from forced prostitution in South East Asia. (Check out Love146 at http://www.Love146.org) If the same number of people who went to Applebee’s last large group go to GSD instead, we will raise enough money for 2 girls rescued from sex slavery to receive after care treatment. If half of the large group goes (60 people), 5 girls will be able to receive after care, and if the whole large group goes 10 girls will have that opportunity. This includes medical care, education, psychological counseling, as well as providing for safe homes for these girls. (For more info on sex trafficking, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfg6cMxtUNg&feature=related or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uun92FyJ95Q)

If you always hang out with the fellowship after large group, we ask that you set your plans firmly on GSD this Friday. If you have never hung out with fellowship kids after large group, this would be a great week to start! You will be able to sign up for a ride at Large Group, but please be sure to join the face book event page (LINK HERE) and RSVP just so we have an idea of how many rides and how much food we will need. This might also be a good event to invite friends who can’t make it or don’t feel comfortable attending large group.

If you have any questions, comments, ideas, concerns or questions, leave them here, or let me (Katy, kmcfadde@hotmail.com) know.

We hope that you are excited for this, and that we will see you Friday night with $7 cash!

In Christ

-Katy

i just wanted to say... (Pam)

2008-09-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

hey all!

this blog was created in order to help the fellowship be on the same page and for you guys to understand how we're thinking through things... so, i wanted to share this with you guys (because one should never wait to encourage or edify others):

i just wanted to say that i feel so incredibly blessed to be serving with this year's e-board.

katy, joanna, steve and sunroot... you guys have affirmed me in who I am as a daughter and leader and servant in more ways that you know. you guys bring so much to the table (your God given gifts, your ideas, you vision, your passions) and i love diving in together, not being afraid of change, doing radical stuff and figuring it all out with you guys.

hey everybody, don't hesitate to encourage and build each other up! we live in an increasingly depressing, lost and deteriorating world and we can't afford to not do the best we can to share the love that God has unconditionally shown us.

okay so here's my challenge to you: think of someone and go encourage them. go! now! = )

bouncing around with joy,

pam.

are YOU up for it?! (Carrie)

2008-09-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellowship! Carrie here.

I need to warn you all -- we have entered a competition! I told the IV staff of the RPI/Russell Sage fellowship (near Albany) that we were hoping to take 50 people to EXPEDITION, our great fall conference. Schools from all over Upstate NY gather together to grow in their ability to encounter and know God through Scripture. Anyway, she told her fellowship, and they are absolutely determined to beat us and have the most people there. They are convinced they can beat 50. I think we can have more than them. What do you think? And hey, RIT often has the most, so they are in the running too. The registration is now LIVE and you can register at: www.ivcfnynj.org/expedition.asp. See you at Expedition!!

New wine skins (Katy)

2008-09-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hello InterVarsity! This is Katy McFadden (Outreach Coordinator) writing.

Some of you may be wondering why e-board is making a blog. So right off the bat, I thought I would give a brief explanation:

The days where every one in the fellowship knew every one else have long gone and the transition is pretty scary for us (as e-board and as a community). It is way more comfortable to be in a group where everyone can know every one else. It’s easier logistically, and it’s what we are used to. Being bigger requires more diligence to make sure that every one is included in the Body, more faith in God that He will do things out of our control, and most formidably, it requires change. (Scary, right?)

Daunting as it is though, we are never the less committed to the growth of the fellowship. If we do what we are supposed to be doing, InterVarsity will be a place where people encounter the God who brings transformation- and the more people who are involved, the greater number of people there are who are being transformed. We also know that to do what God has called us to do on the campus (to see the campus renewed and people sent out from here to change the world) we need as many people as we can get.

So, as we commit to the constant growth of this fellowship, we also commit to follow God in the inevitable changes that will occur. Always checking and replacing the wine skins so as not to loose new wine.

So here is a new wine skin. We (E-board) want everyone in the fellowship to understand why we do what we do- the method to our madness. At the same time having one on one conversations with everyone, taking big chunks of time at Large Group meetings, or having lots of people sit in on e-board meetings are impractical. Our hope is that this blog will give you valuable insight as to how decisions are being made, offer transparency in our leadership, and let you get to know us so that if you have a suggestion or question you will feel comfortable talking to us about it- even if we aren't already friends. We will try and update at least every week, and rotate who writes so you can get a sense of what we are all like.

E-board is super excited about this year, and we hope that comes through in our blogs, and gets you excited too!

With much love

Your Out-Reach Coordinator

-Katy