LEM Events 2010-2011
First Annual Ecumenical Pentecost Picnic
 On Monday June 13th, The Lutheran Episcopal Ministry hosted its first annual Ecumenical Pentecost Picnic! 30 students from all over the institute joined us as we celebrated the Holy Spirit's birthing of what would come to be called the Christian church.
Janie busted out her bright red clergy shirt and many followed suit, in one case literally, as a die hard LEMmer arrived sporting a red dress shirt with a red tie and pants.
All traditions were welcome to this party, particularly those who came from non-Lutheran, non-Episcopalian Christian traditions, as we intentionally marked the day that the Spirit danced on the believers, miraculously empowering them to understand one another.
The Spirit danced on Kresgee this Pentecost!
The Rev Dr Elizabeth Keaton talks UCO with LEM
 Wednesday, May 18th LEM hosted The Rev Dr Elizabeth Keaton. As an Episcopal General Convention delegate, Elizabeth has participated in the struggle to hold together a national church and an international communion whose members vary, at times wildly, in their interpretations of scripture and their understandings of what makes for holy living. On May 18th she came specifically to help us think through some of the theological issues that have surfaced during our conversations with the United Christian Organization. It was an encouraging and stretching time for all of us.
From Orishas To Knocking On Wood - A Visit from The Rev. Edwin Johnson
 On Wednesday May 4, LEM hosted the dynamic Rev. Edwin Johnson, Assistant Rector at St. James's Episcopal Church in Cambridge. Calling on his own experience with the Orishas of Afro-Latin American religion, Father Edwin led a discussion about cultures that meld what many would consider extra-Christian superstitions with traditionally held Christian beliefs. It was a lively and thought-provoking conversation.
Spring Book Group - The Language of God by Francis Collins
 This Spring LEM hosted a weekly discussion of The Language of God, by Francis Collins, in the Student Center Coffeehouse. Francis S. Collins was a leader on the Human Genome Project and is the Director of the US National Institutes of Health. We are grateful to the Grad Student Council for its generous support of this project, and look forward to starting a new text on June 2nd.
Holy Week at LEM 2011
 This Holy Week, LEM invited the entire MIT community to join us as we moved through the last week of the life of Christ liturgically and personally. It was a truly communal journey, bringing many new faces into our midst. It was also an intimate time for our core members, who designed and executed each service with grace. He is risen, and IS here in the blessed life of the LEM community.
Partners in Health
 Wednesday April 13th, LEM enjoyed a round table discussion with a representative from Partners in Health, a Boston based justice and relief organization. Using the principles of community-based care and solidarity, Partners in Health leverages the resources of the worlds leading institutions to inspire, enlist, and train others to address the pressing health inequalities of our times. Students enjoyed hearing a progress report on the reconstruction work in Haiti, which they support with their weekly offerings.
Report from United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
On March 16th, Michelle Sukup Jackson reported from her recent attendance at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women conference in New York City, February 21-27, 2011. She shared experiences and insights with the LEM community giving us a glimpse of this historic event and encouraging us to consider together how we can help effect justice for women around the globe.
Ash Wednesday
On March 9th, LEM offered an Ash Wednesday Service for the MIT community in the Institute Chapel. Many came to receive the imposition of ashes in honor of the beginning of the 40 days of Lent.
Report from LEM Holy Land Pilgrims
 On February 16th and 23rd, Members of LEM who traveled to Israel Palestine over the Christmas break, shared their experiences after our 5:15 Wed worship and meal.
It was a compelling two week conversation that left participants ready to discern what role they could play in bringing justice to the region. Step one, all agreed, was to tell the story. That is what our pilgrims did, and for that we are all grateful.
Community Hymn Sing
On Feb 2nd, the LEM community, the Tech Catholic Community and the Protestant Student Community hosted an ecumenical Hymn Sing and festive banquet. Thirty brave souls trudged through ice and snow to sing their favorite hymns with fellow students and faculty.
Spring Registration Day Hot Chocolate Jan 31st
LEM served hot chocolate to the hordes of registering students in the du Pont Gymnasium on Monday January 31st. The chocolate whipped cream was voted "most decadent topping."
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Members of the MIT and Cambridge Communities gathered together on December 8th for a night to remember. The powerful music of the a capella group, Cross Products, brought additional energy to our festive liturgy. Then we lifted our joyful voices in the balcony of Lobby Seven and enjoyed a hearty holiday banquet in W11.
Thanksgiving Feast brings joy to many!
Wed, November 24, LEM welcomed 40 hungry grateful souls to our annual Thanksgiving feast and tableside service of the Eucharist. This year¹s service was co-sponsored by the Baptist Student Ministry and LEM.
 It is a tradition at LEM that every year on the Wed before Thanksgiving, we come together in fellowship and thanksgiving to share a meal and the elements together. We give thanks for those who were in our midst that beautiful night!
All are welcome. There are no faith requirements for participation in LEM events or worship, ever! We are a welcoming and open community.
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