In an effort to tell people who we are, I am bringing (bit by bit) pieces over from the now-defunct facebook profile (we do now have a facebook page, entitled "UTC Episcopal Chaplaincy"). This is one of those pieces.
First of all, we are a community of (mostly) Episcopalians who are students (mostly) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). I am the Chaplain, put here by The Rt. Rev. Charles von Rosenberg, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. Whew! That's a mouthful. Basically, I exist here to foster the spiritual and prayer lives of all students at UTC, especially those who are of the Episcopal persuasion - we would gladly welcome others, though.
Our worship is out of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (1979), though there are sometimes small variations that are allowed for by the rubrics. There will be no asking, "are you saved?" or, "if you died today would you spend eternity in heaven?" Thank God, from all of us, that I do not sit on the judgment seat - Christ does, and he is merciful.
That being said, how about some pictures that can walk you through where we have been in order that you might see where we hope to go.
In the beginning . . . we met in the UTC University Center. We met in order to watch movies that had spiritual themes or characters and we shared food and discussion (both sometimes great!).
We then decided to move someplace where we didn’t have to order Aramark’s food, so the UC was out. In an effort to further ecumenical relationships, the group moved its meetings to the PCUSA Presbyterian Campus Ministry House (located at 808 Vine St.) Our conversations were still great and the food was good too. Who else likes pizza? The Presbyterians were very kind to us and we miss them very much.
The Presbyterians had a great facility, including a home theater set up in the basement, complete with comfy couches.
Mid way through the semester (at Fall Break), a group from the Chaplaincy went on a retreat to visit our sister ministry at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK).
The Episcopal Campus Ministry there is called the Tyson House, after the family that donated the land to be used in that capacity. The Tyson House was warm enough to welcome us and we had a great time there, sharing the in the food and worship service. It was really great.
At this point the focus of our group was community building. But, we began thinking to ourselves, what is more community building than sharing the Holy Eucharist? Perhaps we too could share a Eucharist and meal every Sunday evening – just as our friends at UTK did. We began to brainstorm. Being that UTC began as a Methodist College, there are chapels on campus – why not celebrate the Holy Eucharist in one of these chapels? Well, that is exactly what we have decided to do. Every Sunday evening during the school year, we gather at 6:10 PM in Danforth Chapel – right next to Founders’ Hall on the UTC Campus. Afterward, we share a meal together and there is freedom to talk about anything – the Holy Scriptures, matters of faith, your life, etc. All questions are welcome, all people are welcome. If you are an Episcopalian (mostly)or a UTC Student (mostly), you are invited to join us.
Naturally, our efforts at Community Building continue. One of my other functions in the Diocese of East Tennessee is at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, as a minister to Young Adults (aged 20 - 39). Obviously, there is some overlap here in age and in worship communities. So, why fight it? All service projects that I program are for all the groups to whom I minister. Here is a picture from our most recent outing to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
Perhaps you recognize some UTC students in this picture from other pictures on this page . . .
Regardless of where you are in your life or in your journey of faith, I encourage you to come and see what we are about. We are not a judging community. We are a place where you can ask those tough questions that college is full of and, perhaps you might just find, that others are asking those questions too.
Besides, where else would you find a Campus Minister hip enough to go down this slide? Check out those red socks – WOW!
I hope to see you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Bob
The Rev. Robert K. Leopold
Assistant Rector for College and Young Adult Ministries
St. Paul's Church, Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
UTC Episcopal Chaplain
leopold@stpaulschatt.org
http://utcepiscopalchaplaincy.blogspot.com/
Facebook group: UTC Episcopal Chaplaincy
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