SFA Chi Alpha

Katelyn's Story

2011-04-25T10:38:00.001-05:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday. Classes will be starting up again tomorrow and then it's just a few short weeks until the end of the semester.

Derrick, Katelyn, and I wanted to send you guys an update personally. I know many of you are just beginning to hear what's been happening with Katelyn over the weekend. We are sorry for the delay in getting the word out to you guys. Everything happened within a matter of hours and we've had limited time to send updates even to our families. Thank the Lord for Internet and text messages!

To read the full story of what's happened, you can go to our blog: derrickandashley.com, Katelyn's Story.

We are also posting updates there as we have them, so if you want to follow her progress, that's the place to go. The basic story is she had an infected left hip socket that was causing so much pain she had been immobile since last Monday morning. She needed surgery to drain it but since there are no pediatric orthopedic surgeons in Nac, we were transferred to Dallas in the middle of the night Friday. After another round of tests, she had the surgery Saturday afternoon and was back in her hospital room by that evening, sleeping soundly thanks to the pain medications. She has continued to improve since then. Her pain level is much decreased, she is beginning to move around again, and her appetite and sleep patterns are returning to normal.

Now, we are waiting for results on the fluid they removed to see if we can tell what kind of infection it was - they may or may not be able to pinpoint it. Tomorrow (Tuesday) she will have the dressing and drain removed from her hip and will have a repeat blood test to see if/when she will be able to return home. They have told us to expect to be here a week - so far, we've been here 3 days. So, we will not be back in Nac when you guys return to school, maybe not at all this week.

We wanted to let you know what's going on for two reasons:

1. We are asking you guys to pray (or continue to pray for those who have already heard): Pray that her blood test shows signs of improvement = lower levels. Pray that the blood work and dressing/drain removal tomorrow go as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Pray that her appetite returns fully. Pray that she gets lots of good sleep despite all the interruptions that being a hospital patient brings. Pray that her fear of medical personnel begins to subside. Pray that we would have strength and energy to give her all the love and attention she needs. Pray that we would have wisdom to make all the associated decisions for her. Pray that we would be able to help her understand what's happening to her.

2. We will be updating you guys again soon about plans for XA activities already scheduled for this week, specifically our Last XA Service and Water Baptisms. So watch here and/or on the Facebook Page for updates - or talk to your small group leader.

We love you guys - we know how much you all love our baby girl, too. This has been a scary, difficult few days, but even in the middle of ambulance transfers, IV sticks, vital signs, and sedation, God has been so faithful to us. You can read just one story about that at Ashley's blog - but be forewarned, it seems to make all the girls cry. :)

If you forget where to go for Katelyn Updates, I've added a link on the front page at sfaxa.org that will take you there.

Talk to you guys soon!

2011-04-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

Foundations: The Resurrection

Last week, Derrick told us the true story of the cross of Jesus Christ - but the story doesn't end there! Join us this Thursday as we look at the next chapter. Did the Resurrection really happen, and, if so, what does it mean for us today?

When: Thursday, April14
Time: 7pm
Where: Outside the Student Center!
......What: God...friends...music!
TOPIC: Foundations: The Resurrection

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WHAT IS XA SERVICE?
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or are looking to connect with other believers, you are invited to join us on the journey of knowing God!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT XA SERVICE?
XA Service features music, food, friends, relevant speakers, and true spiritual connection. These gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. The goal is to meet with God among friends! All faiths are welcome!

2011-04-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

iTeams - Make an IMPACT!

Chi Alpha exists at Stephen F. Austin to be an agent of change – to IMPACT the students on our campus with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be a constant example of the love of God for humanity. In every way, iTeams are vehicles for this change – whether it’s by rolling up a sound cord, shopping for the BBQ this weekend, or stopping by a new girl’s dorm room with cookies, iTeam members are IMPACTING the lives of students!

Pick up an application THIS THURSDAY at XA Service!

Want to know what teams are available??? Click "Read More"

The following iTeams are available for the 2011-2012 school year. If you have an idea for an iTeam not listed below, please talk with Derrick or Ashley!

Audio / Visual Team
If you are technically minded, this iTeam is for you! Every week it takes a crew of trained workers to set up & tear down the sound & A/V equipment for XA events. We need students who are familiar with sound equipment (or are willing to learn)… who are strong, physically in shape, familiar with computers & presentation software (ProPresenter for Mac), and who work well under pressure and with others.

XA International
Every year our campus is host to students from all around the world who come here to study. We want to welcome our international students to this campus, town, and country, and help them adjust to life in their new home. We do this by offering friendship and cultural exchanges. We need students to work with Ms. Pattie Willmon and the existing team to facilitate our growing Friday night dinners with international students – if you are interested in other cultures, enjoy cooking, organizing, and having good conversations, this iTeam is for you!

Party Planners
Whoever said Christians can’t have fun was crazy! We believe Christians have more fun on accident than most people do on purpose. It’s important to us to spend time together in a setting that is encouraging to all present. We try to offer at least one fun event each month for students and the Party Planners iTeam is responsible for coming up with ideas, organizing events, and making plans. They are the hands and feet behind all of our parties. The best part? We give you the money, you spend it!

(NEW!) Connection Team
Chi Alpha exists to love students! One way we apply this principle of love is by creating a welcoming environment at weekly XA Service meetings. We want visitors to know how excited we are to have them with us and to feel comfortable in the meeting as well. Our Connection Team are friendly faces, greeting and welcoming new students at XA Service and reconnecting with visitors who fill out contact cards, providing information, friendship, and a link to small groups (and maybe a bag of XA cookies, too).

Worship Team
God created mankind to enjoy His presence. This is how we define worship and in Chi Alpha we take that seriously, believing that even now His people are called worship God in spirit and truth. We want to create an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable and compelled to worship God in sincerity and with abandon. We are continually working to teach students what it means to worship God. The worship team strives to combine musical talents, forming a solid band that is able, both in heart and skill, to lead the larger Chi Alpha group into musical worship at weekly XA Service meetings as well as a lifestyle of worship throughout the week.

2011-04-12T10:56:00.002-05:00

XA Officer Elections

Remember to stick around after XA Service this week to participate in our annual officer elections. Our officers serve a vital role in connecting XA to the University - voting is important! See you this Thursday!

Want to know who's running??? Click "Read More"

Currently nominated are the following (voting members will be allowed to make nominations Thursday night):

President - Currently, Britney Wolther
Britney Wolther, Aaron Perez

Vice President - Currently, Aaron Perez
Britney Wolther, Aaron Perez, Greg Luetwyler, Trey Heidman, Norman Nickle, Amy Johnston

Secretary - Currently, Elizabeth Blanke
Chris Thompson, Greg Leutwyler, Elizabeth Blanke, Katherine Moore, Britney Wolther, Aaron Perez, Amy Johnston

Treasurer - Formerly, Hannason Lindley; Currently, None
Chris Thompson, Amelia Greene, Elizabeth Blanke, Kayla Deville, Britney Wolther, Aaron Perez

2011-04-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

Water Baptisms

Our last XA Service of the year will also be our Spring Water Baptism service! Join us as we celebrate what God has done this year in the lives of our friends who are getting water baptized! It's going to be a beautiful night - worship, short talk from Derrick, water baptisms, and maybe a little more worship!

***If you've never been baptized or were baptized as a small child and would like to participate, contact your small group leader asap - sign ups are going to close soon!***

2011-04-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

Crawfish Boil 2011

In honor of our pastor's home state, SFA Chi Alpha is breaking out the BIG pots and throwing a real, Cajun Crawfish Boil! Join us Saturday, May 7 at the XA House for some spicy crawfish, corn, and potatoes with all the fixin's!

Tickets are on sale NOW - Wednesday, May 4

$10 ALL YOU CAN EAT

$5 for 1 pound

Fruit Follow-Up & Links to 2 Good, FREE Books

2011-04-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

Check out this recording from A.W. Tozer to follow up with Gary Paschal's sermon last week on Fruit of the Spirit!

Listen Now!

Who was A.W. Tozer?

Tozer, as he was affectionately known during his lifetime, is widely regarded as one of the most perceptive writers in the 20th century. He served as pastor of Christian & Missionary Alliance churches in Chicago and Toronto, and was a popular speaker and prolific author who wrote with biblical insight and prophetic precision. In 1950, he became the editor of the Alliance Witness. His best-known books, The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy, are perennial best-sellers, and most of his writings are still in print.

Tozer was known for his deep and personal relationship with God. His life is a compelling example of spiritual passion, commitment to lifelong learning, and the integration of theological reflection and ministry. (Bio courtesy of awtozerclassics.com - borrowed without permission)

2011-04-04T08:54:00.002-05:00

XA Under the Stars

Worshiping God outside in His creation is a very special thing - to get to do it with friends? Even better!!! You're invited to join us this week outside the Student Center for a night of worship and teaching on the Cross of Jesus Christ.

When: Thursday, April 7
Time: 7pm
Where: Outside the Student Center!
......What: God...friends...music...snacks!
TOPIC: Foundations: The Cross of Jesus Christ

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HELP SPREAD THE WORD>

Save the "I'm Going to XA Under the Stars" pic to your computer and then upload it as your profile pic to help us spread the word about XA Under the Stars this week!

And you can also change your status to say, "I'm going to XA Under the Stars - Outdoor Worship Service this Thursday night!" and make sure you type the '@' symbol before typing "XA Under the Stars" so it links back to this event!

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WHAT IS XA SERVICE?
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or are looking to connect with other believers, you are invited to join us on the journey of knowing God!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT XA SERVICE?
XA Service features music, food, friends, relevant speakers, and true spiritual connection. These gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. The goal is to meet with God among friends! All faiths are welcome!

Investing Spring Break

2011-03-18T20:09:00.002-05:00

I just finished looking through 500+ photos of the renovation work being done at Pleasant Hills Children's Home for this year's edition of Supreme Home Makeover. I was excited to spot our students in some of the photos and are proud of the work they're doing this Spring Break. When most college students spend Spring Break partying, 200+ volunteers (including Chi Alpha students, contractors, church workers, and more) have come together in Palestine, TX to remodel / improve facilities at the children's home! Click either picture to visit the Facebook page of the Children's Home and see the pictures for yourself!

2011-03-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

Help Chi Alpha win $200
SFA v. Sam Houston - Show for the Dough

Chi Alpha is competing in this year's Show for the (Double) Dough contest - the student organization with the most representatives at the game wins $200 from the University. Any student, faculty/staff, or community member can sign in for Chi Alpha! Come out and enjoy a great game and support SFA Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship!

Wednesday, March 2
7:00pm
William R. Johnson Coliseum

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $7
Children (ages 9-18): $4
Children (8 and under): Free
Visiting Student (w/ ID): $4
SFA Student (w/ ID): FREE

2011-03-02T15:23:00.000-06:00

XA Service - Foundations: Heaven & Hell

Have you ever wondered just what happens after we die? Is there really a heaven waiting for us? What about the Christian claims about hell? These are important questions that deserve an honest consideration and an honest answer. Join us this Thursday as we look at the Christian concepts of heaven and hell!

When: Thursday, March 3
Time: 7pm
Whe...re: Liberal Arts North, Room 102
......What: God...friends...music...snacks!
TOPIC: Foundations: Heaven & Hell

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WHAT IS XA SERVICE?
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or are looking to connect with other believers, you are invited to join us on the journey of knowing God!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT XA SERVICE?
XA Service features music, food, friends, relevant speakers, and true spiritual connection. These gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. The goal is to meet with God among friends! All faiths are welcome!

2011-03-02T14:40:00.000-06:00

Panhandling for Arizona Missions

Chi Alpha's missions motto is, "Every student goes. Every student gives. Every student prays." This Saturday, you will have an opportunity to give towards to the Arizona missions team by helping to panhandle in Lufkin. We have city permits allowing us to stand at busy intersections in town and collect donations for the trip.

Sign up at XA Service to help make a difference!

Saturday, March5
9:00am - 1:00pm
Lufkin, TX

2011-03-02T14:34:00.000-06:00

XA Picnic After Church

Whatever church you attend, join us afterward for lunch with the MGO team from Nicholls State University! Bring a blanket and your lunch. We will have the grill fired up and ready to go - if you want to cook on it, you're more than welcome - just bring your own supplies.

Sunday, March6
12:30 - 2:00pm
XA House Backyard

2011-03-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

XA Trash Day Service Project

We want to serve the students of SFA regardless of whether we know them. As a simple act of service with no strings attached, we are going to send groups of XA students into the dorms to offer to take trash out for residents and staff. Click "Read More" to find out more info and how to sign up!

Sign up to work on a team at XA Service!

Monday, March 7
8:30pm - 10:00pm
All SFA dorms

2011-03-02T14:24:00.000-06:00

Capture the Flag

Does your team have what it takes to be the reigning CTF champions??? Find out this coming Tuesday night in another round of Chi Alpha's CTF On Campus! Meet us at Surfin' Steve at 9pm on Tuesday - we'll take care of the rest. Close-toed shoes and long pants are recommended - we will be playing on concrete.

Tuesday, March 8
9-11pm
Surfin' Steve

NOT SURE WHAT CAPTURE THE FLAG IS?

Capture the flag (CTF) is a traditional outdoor sport often played by children or sometimes adults where two teams each have a flag (or other marker) and the objective is to capture the other team's flag, located at the team's "base", and bring it safely back to their own base. Enemy players can be "tagged" by players in their home territory; these players are then, depending on the agreed rules, out of the game, members of the opposite team, or "in jail."

2011-03-02T13:47:00.000-06:00

Praise & Worship Night

There is nothing like the time we spend in corporate worship - there's something so special about being together singing praises to our God. So we are very excited to tell you that we are going to set aside an entire night of XA Service devoted to worshiping God together!

Join us for the last XA Service before Spring Break for a night of praise & worship, led by our awesome worship team!

Thursday, March 10
7-9pm
Liberal Arts North Building, Room 102

2011-02-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

XA Service - Sin & Holiness

In the last several weeks we have presented an overview of the Christian argument for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, and the divinity of Jesus Christ. This week, Derrick & Ashley's Chi Alpha pastor from their time as students, Greg Pampell & family will join us to talk about the Christian insistence on personal holiness: what is it, can we achieve it, and, if so, how?

When: Thursday, February 24
Time: 7pm
Whe...re: Liberal Arts North, Room 102
...What: God...friends...music...snacks!
TOPIC: Foundations - Sin & Holiness

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WHAT IS XA SERVICE?
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or are looking to connect with other believers, you are invited to join us on the journey of knowing God!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT XA SERVICE?
XA Service features music, food, friends, relevant speakers, and true spiritual connection. These gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. The goal is to meet with God among friends! All faiths are welcome!

2011-02-10T12:38:00.000-06:00

XA Service - Is the Bible true?

Last week we discussed the existence of absolute truth... This week we look at the Christian Bible and ask whether it is the source of Truth?

When: Thursday, February 10
Time: 7pm
Where: Liberal Arts North, Room 102
...What: God...friends...music...sn

acks!
TOPIC: Foundations - The Holy Bible

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WHAT IS XA SERVICE?
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or are looking to connect with other believers, you are invited to join us on the journey of knowing God!

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT XA SERVICE?
XA Service features music, food, friends, relevant speakers, and true spiritual connection. These gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and deal with everything from relationships to the nature of truth. The goal is to meet with God among friends! All faiths are welcome!

2011-02-10T12:37:00.000-06:00

UPCOMING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

We are excited to offer a number of opportunities for Chi Alpha students and friends to serve the larger University community. Be at XA Service tonight to get all the details for our next Service Projects!

2011-02-10T12:34:00.000-06:00

Missions Interest Meeting #2

As you may have heard by now, many of our students' parents expressed concerns about our upcoming mission trip to Mexico City. After speaking with the rest of the team at Sam Houston State Chi Alpha (the host for the Mexico City trip), we feel confident that our absence from the team will not hurt the trip in any way, so we are excited to offer a state-side trip during the same general time frame. If you would like to get information about this NEW missions opportunity, stick around after service tonight for details!

Thursday, February10th
aproximately 9:00pm (as soon as XA Service is over)
Liberal Arts North, Room 102

A Prescription?

2011-02-03T09:46:00.000-06:00

Ravi Zacharias, in his address Why I am Not an Athiest*, tells the story of a young teenage boy, maybe 12 or 13, who sits down at the table with his father and begins to talk about his day at school. He tells his father about a particular discussion in one of his classes about the ethics of a certain lifestyle and asks his father what he thinks about it. The father begins to share with his son a verse from Scripture that deals with the issue at hand.

Is this the right approach?

Maybe. But what the son does not say to the father is that, while quoting Scripture works at the kitchen table, it no longer works in our schools. Ravi calls this a prescriptive answer. What his son really wanted to know was why his father believed the Scripture!

It is one thing to know what you believe (the Bible); it is a whole other thing to know why you believe.

Do you know why you believe what you believe?

Join us tonight at XA Service as we look at, what I believe to be, the starting point of finding out!

* This title is a reference to Bertrand Russell's famous book, Why I am Not a Christian. Russell was an atheist.

2011-01-30T19:29:00.000-06:00

Super Bowl Party 2011

Greenbay Packers take on the Pittsburg Steelers in this year's epic Super Bowl match up! We will be watching the game and celebrating in style with FREE FOOD & DRINKS! You're invited to join us - get the details below:

Sunday, February 6th
6:00pm
XA Cafe

2011-01-12T12:24:00.001-06:00

UCM Plaza Bash

You're invited for FREE HOT DOGS & CHIPS and FREE GIANT INFLATABLE GAMES the day classes start in the BPSC Plaza!

Wednesday, January 19th
11:30am
BPSC Plaza

Sponsored by SFA United Campus Ministries. All SFA students & faculty welcome!

2011-01-12T12:22:00.000-06:00

Chi Alpha Worship Workshop

WORSHIP WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 22, 1-7:30pm
SFA Chi Alpha, Nacogdoches, TX

Calling all worship teams, sound, lighting, and multimedia techs!

Worshiping together is a vital part of our experience as believers. As Chi Alpha, that truth is amplified because of college students’ love and appreciate of music (of all kinds). So how do we excel at the music portion of our weekly meetings???

We have gathered top worship leaders from the South Central area for a one day, bootcamp worship training experience designed to challenge both your heart and your skill level! The day will be a combination of group study & discussion, and individual encouragement and instruction in specific instruments.

Cost for non-SFA students: $10
Housing: If you need a place to stay, and don't mind crashing on a couch, we have plenty of space for you at our Chi Alpha house (guys) or with students (girls)

2011-01-12T12:18:00.000-06:00

Dare YOU to Move!

Click the pic above to watch a very important message from Derrick about XA Service!