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Christian Union Faculty Transitions to Online Ministry During Pandemic
by tom campisi, managing editor
In the blink of an eye, the collegiate academic year was relegated to online courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March. No campus life. No spring sports or activities. No May commencement.
In the midst of the chaos, Christian Union Universities transitioned to an online ministry—Bible courses, Leadership Lecture Series, and mentoring sessions were hosted online via Zoom and other portals. Ministry Fellows were there to provide continuity by shepherding students and offering counsel to those grieving over what was lost.
Family is Thankful for Christian Union's Ministry at Columbia
At Columbia University, in the heart of one of the world’s most influential cities, academic rigor and the vibrant, rapid pace of life merge to form an exhilarating and often intimidating atmosphere for incoming freshmen. Establishing relationships and a sense of belonging are critical in the first weeks of college life. Michael was first introduced to Christian Union during freshman orientation when he was invited to a Christian Union jazz night. “From that point on, I’ve been involved in the ministry, helping out and volunteering in any capacity necessary,” Michael shared.
Os Guinness Speaks at NYC Event
by catherine elvy, staff writer
In the midst of a fast-paced, often superficial world, believers are called to pause to reflect on the redemptive, purposeful nature of God. “Life is very short, fragile, and vulnerable,” said Os Guinness, prolific author and noted social scientist. “How do we live wisely and well and make the most of it?”
Semester Brings Joy, Challenges to Christian Union Gloria Law
by catherine elvy, staff writer
Christian Union’s ministry at Harvard Law School celebrated a major milestone in December 2019, just before a spring semester that would require students to maintain their faith and fellowship under difficult circumstances.
After concentrated work from a group of student leaders, Harvard Law School recognized Christian Union Gloria Law as an official organization, six years after it was launched. With recognition status, the ministry can reserve space on campus and gain better access to students while providing strategic leadership training.
“We are growing in community, reach, and impact,” said Justin Yim, Christian Union’s ministry director at Harvard Law School (HLS).
Jeon ’21 Led Daily Prayer Initiative in Winter
by luke brown, dartmouth ’18
Students who steadfastly committed to daily corporate prayer experienced an abundance of spiritual growth during the winter quarter at Dartmouth.
Meeting every morning, this student-led gathering was wholeheartedly devoted to each other, to prayer, and to God before the COVID-19 outbreak shut down the Dartmouth campus. They prayed fervently, shared news of answered prayer, and were committed to flourishing Christ-centered relationships.
The daily prayer initiative was started by Paul Jeon ’21, who serves on Christian Union Vox’s Student Executive Team. Christian Union Vox is the Christian Union ministry at Dartmouth.
Student-led Prayer Enhances Ski Safari
by eileen scott, contributing writer
Christian Union Nova’s annual Ski Safari in Upstate New York offered Princeton students a holy space where the Spirit moved and attendees bonded through fellowship and fervent prayer. In late January, approximately seventy students and Christian Union faculty attended the five-day event at Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York.
Nicole Williams ’22 discerned the palpable presence of God at Ski Safari. “Many of us, in our devotion time, felt God highlighting the importance of prayer,” said Williams. “As friends shared with one another, it seemed to affirm what God was speaking to us individually. Many of my peers had a hunger for prayer that they previously did not have.”
Wyatt ’20 Pursuing a Career in Media Arts
by catherine elvy, staff writer
A Columbia University senior dreams of reflecting his faith while unleashing his passion for acting, storytelling, and triggering laughter.
In the fall, Nathaniel Wyatt ’20 plans to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. “I want to communicate the beauty of God through art,” he said. “It’s part of being salt and light.”
At Columbia, Wyatt served on the executive team for Christian Union’s ministry and as editor-in-chief for The Columbia Witness: A Journal of Christian Perspectives (columbiawitness.org). Wyatt also was active in Chowdah, Columbia’s sketch comedy troupe that performs original material from student members.
Seniors Help Launch Program for Homeless
by anne kerhoulas, staff writer
Becoming a follower of Christ during college was not part of the plan. But for Penn senior Steffen Cornwell, finding community in Christian Union Martas reoriented his vision for his future. Part of the prestigious Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, Cornwell has taken a newfound interest in social entrepreneurship and spearheaded a program that allows individuals experiencing homelessness to store important personal identification documents in a secure website.
Bae and Payne among Ministry’s First Graduating Class
by rachel mari, contributing writer
Though commencement plans for Stanford’s Class of 2020 have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caritas, Christian Union’s ministry at Stanford, will celebrate its first graduating class since its inception four years ago.
Garrett Brown, Christian Union’s ministry director at Stanford, said it was “bittersweet” that those students could not finish the year on campus, but rejoiced at what this class had accomplished.
Our New Alumni
During the past several weeks CU New York has partnered with Christian Union’s recently hired Vice President of Alumni Engagement Christine Foster, to coordinate meetings with our ministry fellows and graduating seniors. CU New York reaches out to CU’s seniors annually in an effort to facilitate connections within professional networks and to build the Christian Union community in cities across the nation.
Initially, these connections were to be made in person on each of the campuses in which CU is currently present, but under the circumstances of COVID-19, these meetings have migrated to Zoom. Using a virtual webinar platform has actually provided a unique opportunity for an even greater involvement of our CU alumni, as they were able to dial in from across the country. On each call, CU alumni shared testimonies and practical advice to these graduating seniors on how to navigate the challenging transition from college to the workplace.
Call with CU Martus (UPenn)
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