As another school year arrives, many students return to Eastern University, or step foot on campus for the first time. For both new and returning students, many may desire to belong in a faith community. Fortunately, Eastern University is home to a diverse and welcoming collection of Christian faith communities and clubs.
Student Chaplains are an accessible source of spiritual guidance who are purposely located in the residence halls. “Our job is to help students with spiritual needs and help people who might be in crisis. We’re there for people to understand them, to be there at the toughest times,” student chaplain Kyle Gileot said. Dr. Joseph Modica is the head of the student chaplain program, and is also the University Chaplain.
Students also have access to various services and ministry events on campus. “Worshipping with my voice is something that is very life-giving. I know for students on campus, being in an environment full of like-minded believers where they can really lift their voice is very fulfilling,” Sydney Shine, a singer for Wednesday Night Worship, said. Wednesday Night Worship, as the name suggests, meets every Wednesday night to sing contemporary Christian music. Micah Chapman is this year’s club president. “[I want to]…not only lead the club in musical worship, because worship is so much more than music. It’s our whole life. I want Wednesday Night worship to be a place where you can worship God and say, ‘I want to continue following Christ,'” Chapman said.
The Gathering is another worship-focused club on campus. “[We meet]….every other Sunday to worship, fellowship, and come closer to Christ. If you aren’t as close with Christ, you are always welcome.” this year’s co-president Paul McConnell, said.
The Interfaith Club meets monthly for various outings and events. “Our goal with the interfaith club is to open up space for conversation and community to learn and deepen our understanding of religions while meeting new people,” vice president of the club Selah Curcuruto, said. “Our biggest motivations are to build tolerance and create ‘holy envy.’ By finding the good and beautiful in others’ religious beliefs, we will be better equipped to work together and serve the world” Curcuruto, said.
Another faith-based space on campus is the Newman club, Eastern’s Catholic ministry. “[The Newman Club] is a campus ministry dedicated to fostering faith and vibrant community among Catholic students, empowering them to know and serve Jesus Christ and His Church,” club president Ethan Muldoon said. “We meet weekly for prayer and fellowship in Walton Chapel. We typically pray the Rosary as a group,” Muldoon said.
For Eastern Orthodox students, or those simply interested in Orthodoxy, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship meets on Wednesday nights to do services with a visiting priest. They also provide rides to liturgy on Sunday at St. Philip Orthodox Church.
Eastern houses several faith-based groups that specialize in areas of common interest, service and prayer. The Nurses Christian Fellowship and Fellowship of Christian Athletes serve specific subsets of Eastern’s community, and the Prison Ministry does work off-campus at the Lancaster Youth Intervention Center. Delight Ministries holds women-centered Bible studies, and the Unceasing Prayer Ministry regularly meets together to pray.
All these clubs and ministries welcome visitors and new members. For those seeking a deeper engagement with Christ, or for those pursuing Him for the first time, there are many avenues to grow in your faith here at Eastern.