On a late winter weekend, campus ministry is at its best—in an old barn. The barn had been renamed “Heritage Hall.” It’s heritage has been enriched again as it rests amidst a beautiful camp of the United Church of Christ, called “Templed Hills,” near Bellville, Ohio.
Here students join with the Downtowners Campus Ministry for prayer, food and fun. This time away offers each a communal religious experience of Christ risen among us. A real ecumenical evolution, it bonds us together to go back to serve others in our troubled world.
These students support one another, coming to realize that out of their faith they’ve been called to serve those in need. Many already had served others in the Student Disciples in the City Program with its outreach to the homeless and the residential poor.
In addition to sharing stories of their struggles with humor, honesty, courage and compassion for one another, they relish a nature walk led by a professional naturalist.
Student Disciples in the City
Outreach and Service to homeless, residential and working poor in conjunction with Faith Mission, Lawrence Haven Food Pantry, Dominican Learning Center, the United Methodist Free Store, and Holy Family Soup Kitchen. Students spend time each week from the first of February through the end of April in service.
This program is supported by grants from the Presbyterian Synod of Maumee Ohio and the Dominican Sisters of Peace. The participating students receive a small stipend to help them with books and supplies. They come together with Trinity Lutheran Church for prayer and reflection and serving at Faith Mission.
The students keep journals and reflect on the call to serve. Christian, Jewish and Muslim students together reflect in their journals on their call to serve.
The Good Book Club
Formed as an outgrow of the Downtowners retreat, students at Mount Carmel College of Nursing formed a Good Book Club to continue their journeys of faith and service.
Bethlehem on Broad Street
Downtowners students, under the leadership of “Dr. O,” engage in community service with Bethlehem on Broad Street.
It is a ministry of a collection of downtown churches (such as First Community, Broad Street United Methodist and Broad Street Presbyterian) plus shelters and other organizations who provide food, clothing and toys for families to provide a joyous Christmas for about a thousand less fortunate who have to do without.
In preparation for this three-day event, students work on the planning phases, wrap toys and then are present on Christmas Day to help provide a festive meal. Working, often along with their families and friends, the students’ hard work brings joy and hope to those who often get lost in the shuffle.
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Arlene Reynolds, founder Bethlehem on
Broad Street,with Dr. O on Christmas Day.
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Rev. Dave Meredith, Pastor of Broad Street
United Methodist, entertains the children.
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Student in the City
The Student in the City program awakens students to their urban environment and the plight of the poor.
They visit Friends of the Homeless and Holy Rosary St. John Community Kitchen where they share a meal with the urban poor as they come to better understand the struggles many people face in coping with joblessness, homelessness, hunger, disintegrating family structures, health issues and overcoming addictions.
The three-week program culminates in a shared meal with a panel of urban poor followed by a professional counselor who leads students in discussing and processing their experience. Now provided at Capital University Law School, the program has been and can be arranged for other campuses.
