Engaging Jesus in campus life

Photo by Heather Nyce

(Left to right) Ron Copeland, Becka Rankin, Dustin Miller, Sarah Bernier, Eojin Lee, and Heidi Swartzendruber participate in Monday's Simplicity Meal.

"We have to look at what Jesus actually said, what he actually did." That was John L. Bell's main message for EMU, EMS, and the community during Engaging Jesus: Spiritual Life Week '06 last week.

The week opened in Martin Chapel with Bell, an internationally renowned songwriter, storyteller, and creator of worship resources from the Iona Community in Scotland. Throughout the week Bell shared talks covering aspects of Christ, focusing on Jesus and humor as well as challenges and opportunities for the church, women, and family life. He spoke in all over the local area including the Spring Convocation, EMU chapel, seminary chapel, EMHS chapel, Park View Mennonite Church (PVMC) and in numerous classrooms throughout the week.

The theme of Engaging Jesus opened the Spiritual Life Week planning committee to many possibilities and encouraged them to think beyond the normal activities that usually happen on campus. A different spiritual discipline was emphasized each day, for example Monday's "engaging Jesus through worship" with Bell speaking in the morning and inviting students to 'The Prayer Room' in the Discipleship Center later that evening.

Engaging Jesus through Prayer was the theme for Tuesday, with prayer resources available in the Campus Center and the prayer rooms in Maplewood and Northlawn open during the afternoon for those wishing to pray with one another. Tuesday night concluded with an Open Mic night in Common Grounds, allowing anyone to share songs or poetry on how they engage Jesus.

On Wednesday the campus community was encouraged to think about how they can engage Jesus through the discipline of solitude. Bell addressed over 40 local pastors over lunch and presented 'An Evening of Story and Song' at PVMC. Over 60 people joined the Worship 808 Hymn Sing in Common Grounds later that evening.

Thursday's theme was Engaging Jesus through service. Campus ministries and YPCA provided service opportunities for students and as well as holding a panel discussion over dinner, inviting community members to share with us how they engage Jesus in their vocation. The week's highlight was Thursday evening's "Ask Jesus Coffeehouse," where folks packed Common Grounds asking Bell questions that they wished Jesus would have dealt with during his ministry.

Friday's meal of soup and bread concluded the week in Northlawn's lounge. Students met to discuss what it looks like to engage Jesus with simplicity.