Student Religious Organizations

Taking into consideration the needs of various student constituencies, the Office of the Chaplain accredits a number of externally supported and student founded ministries, currently including the following:

Campus Ambassadors
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Jewish Student Union
Latter-Day Saint Student Association
Newman Club
Q.U.A.D
United Methodist Students

These organizations welcome all Willamette students to their fellowships regardless of their religious background.

Campus Ambassadors

Student Contact: Andrew Kenagy
Advisor: Mark Stewart, associate professor of psychology

Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship desires to help students grow in the knowledge and love of God, guided by the authority of Scripture and prayer.

Campus Ambassadors strives to fulfill its mission through evangelism, discipleship, the study of Scripture and by encouraging student commitment to a local church and to those in need. Regular activites include weekly worship (Koinonia), Bible study and prayer groups, mission trips, retreats, lectures, service projects and a variety of social activities designed to foster community.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Student Contact: Jake Reese
Advisor: Mark Janeba, associate professor of mathematics

IVCF is a mosaic of personalities drawn together by grace and love in pursuit of God. We joyfully invite students to experience God through people, play, prayer, and passionate exploration of Scripture. God enables us to engage our campus in developing a global consciousness to seek reconciliation and justice.

Our fellowship meets on a weekly basis for worship and teaching. In addition we sponsor bible studies in various residence halls on most nights of the week. Each semester there is at least one conference that students may attend to learn more about God and the way they interact with him. InterVarsity also coordinates a two-week urban mission at the end of the school year

Jewish Student Union

Student Contact: Noah Zaves
Advisor: Todd Silverstein, professor of chemistry

Willamette's JSU unites the "Greater Willamette Jewish Community," including lifelong Jews, those with Jewish heritage or families and anyone interested in the religion and culture. We welcome everyone at Willamette to each of our events, whether to practice, to learn or just to hang out with some cool Jews.

In addition to a few yearly landmark programs - like our annual Chanukkah and Purim celebrations and our campus-wide Passover Seder (now boasting attendance of over 70) - the JSU holds smaller events about every two weeks. Sometimes related to holidays (i.e., a Lag b'Omer picnic or a Yom HaShoah service) these events are frequently just for fun (i.e., a Shabbat afternoon bagel schmooze or a movie night with discussion). We also reach out to the other religious groups on campus, organizing joint discussion and hangout events, forums and educational opportunities. However, our most popular and consistently-attend program is our "Legendary Friday-Night Kiddush." Held every Friday night during the school year, we bless the candles, wine (or grape juice), and challah and usually include a story or a couple of songs. Everyone is always welcome to join us for this and all events.

Visit the JSU website

Latter-Day Saint Student Association

Student Contact: Cody Anthony and Kristen Butterfield
Advisor: Betsy Johnson, facilities supervisor

The Latter-day Saint Student Association (LDSSA) is established to help students achieve their academic goals and maintain a balanced life while on campus; to encourage members to become an influence for good by participating in activities and service on campus and in the community; to provide students with meaningful service opportunities and social and religious activities that are consistent with LDSSA standards.

LDSSA meets twice weekly to study the scriptures and their application to daily life - personal, social, academic and otherwise. Meetings give a regular place and time where individuals of shared belief can meet and encourage one another to achieve their goals and maintain a balanced life.

Newman Club

Student Contact: Erica Morbeck
Advisor: Mary Collins, manager of operations, Office of Admission

The mission of the Newman Club is to integrate faith, reason and life experience on the Willamette campus according to the vision of Cardinal Newman. As a Catholic apostolate, we foster spiritual growth through prayer, discussion and service.

Newman Club tries to incorporate a variety of activities in order to offer something that will interest everyone. We combine social activities with spiritual ones. Members will have the opportunity to participate in Mass, Bible studies, game and movie nights, retreats, potluck dinners, athletics and much more.

Quad

Student Contacts: Bonnie Monk and Elizabeth Meek
Advisor: Karen Wood, Associate Chaplain for Vocational Exploration

The mission of QUAD (Quite Unusua Approach to the Divine), is to foster a safe and open community for questioners and seekers of faith who are interested in sharing in fellowship and spiritual practices. Although QUAD activities are often based in the Christian perspective, the greater mission of QUAD is to welcome all in the pursuit of the Divine through discussion, spiritual practices, service and community.

QUAD meets weekly, usually for 90 minutes - sometimes in members' homes, sometimes on campus, sometimes outdoors. Usually meetings include mingling time, a discussion based on a topic chosen by the group, prayer and singing. Discussions have varied from the purpose of prayer to how faith informs politics. Sometimes we opt to engage in a spiritual practice (walking a labyrinth, making collages, musical worship) rather than have a discussion. We hope to add retreats and service to our activities. QUAD is young, vibrant and fluid - attributes that are reflected in members, attendance and club structure.

United Methodist Students

Currently there is not an active United Methodist student organization. Students interested in re-organizing should contact Holli Davenport in the Office of the Chaplain.