Winter Retreat

Students
in the city

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Book
Club


      On a late winter weekend, campus ministry was at its best in an old barn.  The barn had been renamed "Heritage Hall."  Its 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 20 students joined with the Downtowners Campus Ministry for prayer, food and fun.  This time away offered each a communal religious experience of Christ risen among us.  A real ecumenical evolution, it bonded us together to go back to serve others in our troubled world.

              These students supported 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.  

                  Warmed by a cozy fire and a student's Grandma's chicken and dumplings, students spent an evening grappling and reflecting with the central message of the mission of Jesus, the Beatitudes.  



                          In addition to sharing stories of their struggles with humor, honesty, courage and compassion for one another, they relished a nature walk led by camp staffers and graced the snow-covered Templed Hills with sledding and skiing at nearby Snow Trails.  

                               
                               


                                Outreach and Service to homeless, residential and working poor in conjunction with Faith Mission, Lawrence Haven Food Pantry, Salesian Boys and Girls Club, Holy Family Soup Kitchen. Students spend an hour a 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 Blessings Fund of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Springs.  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.

                                        Christian, Jewish and Muslim students together reflect in their journals their call to serve others.

                                         
                                         

                                          Formed as an outgrowth of the Downtowners retreat, students at Mount Carmel College of Nursing formed a Good Book Club to continue their journeys of faith and service.