|
Campus Ministry
WelcomeThe Campus Ministry program is focused in Building #4 of the northern Campus, adjacent to the Lancer Cafe. Its ministries take place formally and informally throughout the Campus.
The Purpose of Campus Ministry is to:
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 ChapelThe Chapel is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other times of availability depend upon a semesters 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 college campus. We provide them here.
ClergyA full-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. In addition to the Chaplain's full time services, a Baptist pastor teaches Bible study each Monday and a Roman Catholic priest celebrates Mass each Tuesday. 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.
PrayerPrayer 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.
CounselingCounseling 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.
Moments of WorshipMoments of Worship are held apart from the moments of prayer noted. During the Fall and Spring terms, a Catholic Mass is celebrated each Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Jewish prayer and study are held each Friday at 11:00. All are welcome.
Thursday WorshipEcumenical/Interfaith Services are designed to bring together faculty, administration, staff and students of the College to build a community of faith; * Weekly Holy Communion or Eucharists are celebrated Thursdays at Noon; all are welcome. The service lasts about 20 minutes. Volunteers are always sought to lead the service.
* Special celebrations recognize events or groups from our 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. Campus MinistryThe Campus Ministry works with other Campus groups and religious expressions to provide worship in the Chapel and beyond. A rabbi, the Student Bible Club, an Islamic teacher, Buddhist layleaders, and Bradenton/Sarasota clergy associations are but some of the participants. Please contact the Campus Ministry or watch for notices in the Lancer Cafe for time and place.
StudiesStudies 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 StudiesSpecial 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 viewwpoints. The Chaplain is honest and open to any pursuit and will help all network with like-minded seekers. Additional off-Campus experts are brought to the College to address special subjects.
Friends are hereThe Campus can be a lonely place, in spite 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 can find you 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 evolve around food and drink and are fantastic times to make friends. Come Mondays at Noon when food is provided free by local Baptist churches and co-sponsored by the Student Bible Club or drop by for spontaneous celebrations held both inside and outside the Chapel. Watch for announcements. All are welcome.We SupportWe support each other. Additional moments for friendship are available when people gather in support of each other. AA, 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 one you seek; if not, we'll help you start one.
Other ProgramsOther 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 CelebrateWe Celebrate being 30 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. We will gladly share or point you to another who will.
|
Bring people into dialogue with God,