Campus Ministry

Welcome

The Purpose of Campus Ministry is: 

 To provide a place of welcome and safety, 
 To minister to students, faculty and staff,
 To facilitate spiritual reflection and dialogue,
 To participate actively in the ongoing campus life, and
 To identify with the Episcopal Church.

Campus Ministry is a liaison with other religious, charitable and educational organizations. Many programs originate in Building #4 and then move on to other locations. Each is interfaith and/or interdenominational and welcomes all who come to share. 

The Chapel 

The Chapel is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other times of availability depend upon a semester program and/or appointments made with on-duty clergy. Individuals may come and go while seeking moments of quietude, prayer, and peace. These are often hard find on a college campus.  We provide them here. 

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Clergy

A part-time Chaplain coordinates the program. Although his salary is paid by local Episcopalian congregations, he works with all persons regardless of religious or denominational persuasion. He also seeks to involve clergy of various traditions for moments of worship, study and counsel.  Other clergy are available as requested or needed and may be contacted through the Chaplain. All clergy working through the Chapel make themselves available on an inclusive basis rather than exclusive. The clergy and Chapel are available to all.

Prayer 

Prayer begins each week day at 8:00 a.m. for the Chaplain. He prays for the faculty, trustees, staff, and students of the College. He also prays on behalf of those who have requested prayer through a visit to the Campus Ministry Building. This comes from a commitment to share with all and to promote dialogue in and through the College; sharing and dialogue begin each day with God. All are welcome to these prayers and are invited to pray in their own manner. People come and go as time allows.

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Moments of Worship 

Moments of Worship are held apart from the moments of prayer noted above.  Ecumenical / Interfaith Services are designed to bring together faculty, administration, staff, and students of the College to build a community of faith. 

* Special celebrations recognize events or groups from the College.  Participants are sought from the various groups.  Celebrations usually begin at Noon.  Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services are examples; celebrations of other major religious holidays are recognized as well.

 

ThursdayWorship

Weekly Holy Communion or Eucharist is celebrated Thursday at 11:00 am; all are welcome. The service lasts about 20 minutes.
 

Counseling

Counseling is a main function of the Chaplain who listens and shares feelings and advice. He has expert training and experience through years of ministry. When a member of the College community wishes a counselor of another faith or expertise, the Chaplain works to find one suitable. This counseling may take place on or off Campus. All counseling by the Chaplain is strictly confidential and not part of one's College record.
 

Campus Ministry

The Campus Ministry works with other Campus groups and religious expressions to provide worship in the Chapel and beyond.

 

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Studies 

Studies go on throughout the year. Some are held in the Ministry Building, many are held elsewhere. Bible Study is a major Campus pursuit, and the Student Bible Club does it well. These studies are held both in the Ministry Building as well as other locations throughout the Campus. The Chaplain gladly refers inquirers to the various locales.

Special Studies

Special Studies arise through personal inquiry at the Chapel's Office. The Chaplain is most interested in answering questions without judgment and seeks to gather persons to discuss issues and viewpoints. The Chaplain is honest and open to any pursuit and will help all to network with like-minded seekers. Additional off-Campus experts are brought to the College to address special subjects.

Friends are Here

The Campus can be a lonely place, in spite of the fact that there are many others around. Loneliness is part of any campus experience, especially at the beginning of a new term. The Ministry serves to put people in touch with others. We will be glad to help you find friends amidst faculty, staff, administration, students, and - oh, yes - clergy. Within these diverse people there are many friends and loving people. There are also informal happenings to bring people together in relaxed moments. These usually revolve around food and drink and are fantastic times to make friends. Come Mondays at Noon when food is provided free by local Baptist churches or drop by for spontaneous celebrations held both inside and outside the Chapel. Watch for announcements. All are welcome. 

We Support 

We support each other. Additional moments for friendship are available when people gather in support of each other. AA, Al-Anon, Single Parents, Abused Spouses, and the International Student Club are great examples. There are others, both on and off-Campus. If you can't find a group of your interest, please ask. Chances are we know of one you seek; if not, we'll help you start one. 

Other Programs

Other Programs are available. We piggyback with a number of worthwhile programs, and invite you to volunteer for them. Student Leadership Development, Peer Counseling, and Volunteer Services are but a few. Please ask about them and share. 

We Celebrate 

We celebrate being 40 years young this year! Campus Ministry still seeks ways to witness to a loving and caring God - primarily by living in God's Spirit and sharing with those around. Join us.
 

 Stop by the Chapel or telephone us at 752-5446. 

Rev. Dr. Jim Williamson, Chaplain

Dcn. Kathy Gilpin, Chaplain

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