This past Wednesday, the United Campus Ministry (UCM) hosted an event for students to come out and observe and experience what the church is all about.
Other than introducing what they do, the UCM also offered an entire assortment of desserts, fruits and various subs for its current members of the ministry as well as the new members who are interested.
“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Spirits” is the slogan that the United Campus Ministry goes by.
Reverend Jan Bye is the minister at the on-campus ministry and is in charge of the majority of the events and activities that this church provides for students. She has been in charge of what goes on in the ministry for 23 years.
Aside from a minister, she also sees herself as a trustworthy individual between everyone’s beliefs while putting aside her beliefs in the process.
“I believe we offer folks a very nonjudgmental place,” Bye said.
Along with the free food, fun and games were involved such as water balloon volleyball.
Emmy Wagner is a junior at SU who attends this ministry and attends a large amount of the events held by it.
“My favorite part about this ministry is that everyone can just be themselves,” Wagner said.
UCM is also seen to be a “safe place” in the sense that it offers open arms to anyone and anyone’s beliefs.
“Here we are just like one big family. Everybody is weird but in a good way, and our aim is to be welcoming to other people who want to come,” sophomore Zach Miller said,
The ministry also has exciting and different weekly activities such as volunteer services, weekend retreats, game nights and mission trips. Louisiana is a very popular trip that UCM provides every year.
Whether it is for seeking someone to just talk to or trying to find someone to support your beliefs in the world, the UCM, as well as Reverend Bye, are there to offer all the help they can give.
Every Monday there is a dinner held with Reverend as well as a grilled cheese and Bible study night on Wednesdays. Students looking for a place to worship and receive communion can also attend the ministry Sundays at 4pm.
Anyone interested can find more information on flyers around campus.
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