Welcome back activities for students returning to campus are in full swing across at The U of M. Religious organizations on campus have plenty of activities planned for students as well.
“We’re all about making sure that students don’t lose their religion,” said Brenda Kindelan, campus minister at the University Catholic Center.
The UCC offers students communion and dinner followed by “Sundaes on Wednesdays” and other activities every Wednesday night at 5 p.m. “Breakfast and the Book” takes place every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. Mass is offered every Sunday at 5 p.m. with the exception of holiday weekends.
The Presbyterian Place holds worship services followed by lunch every Wednesday from 11:30 to noon. Service and lunch are open to all.
The Wesley Foundation, an affiliation of United Methodist churches, will sponsor an Aloha Luau on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. with free food and door prizes. All are welcomed to attend.
The Barth House will have a welcoming tent with cookies and punch available for students today. Bible study followed by lunch will be held every Wednesday starting at 11:30 a.m.
“We want to let students know that we are here for them,” said Samson Gitau, chaplain for Barth House.
Hillel of Memphis, formerly the Jewish Student Union, has quite a few things scheduled for its members. Members are invited to “Sip and Schmooze” at Hillel’s coffee house every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. A Shabbat dinner is offered every Friday night in preparation for Sabbath. Hillel also offers a kosher kitchen.
Emily Bernhardt, director of Hillel of Memphis, explained that a kosher kitchen is necessary so that milk and meat products do not come in contact with each other.
Bernhardt said she would like to invite staff members from other denominations to a Shabbat dinner.
“That way they could observe a traditional Jewish meal,” she said.
As for the Islamic student population, the Muslim Student Association is planning to incorporate welcome back to school activities with upcoming Ramadan festivities.
“Ramadan is the month of fasting,” said Danish Siddiqui, president of MSA.
Practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days, Siddiqui said.
Each of the religious organizations at The U of M offers study rooms, televisions, computers with Internet access, snacks and beverages for students.
Another feature that the Presbyterian Place, the Barth House and Hillel of Memphis will offer to U of M students is parking spaces. However, a nominal fee per semester will be charged depending on the organization. Space will be available on a first come first served basis.
