October 1, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Though the year started off quite differently with Columbia University switching to completely remote learning, the students are settling into a “new normal” this semester. The ministry did not have the traditional freshmen welcoming, as students weren’t on campus, but CU Lumine got to connect with quite a few incoming freshmen and transfer students. Students are in their fourth week of classes and ministry is in full swing.
Though the year started off quite differently with Columbia University switching to completely remote learning, the students are settling into a “new normal” this semester. The ministry did not have the traditional freshmen welcoming, as students weren’t on campus, but CU Lumine got to connect with quite a few incoming freshmen and transfer students. Students are in their fourth week of classes and ministry is in full swing.
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Christian Union Vita has begun to study the Gospel of Mark and it has been such an encouragement to see the steadfast love of God and our sure hope in “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). While it is true that economic, social, and political uncertainties abound in our country, our students and ministry faculty have an unshakable foundation and enduring peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has accomplished everything for our salvation.
Christian Union Vita has begun to study the Gospel of Mark and it has been such an encouragement to see the steadfast love of God and our sure hope in “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). While it is true that economic, social, and political uncertainties abound in our country, our students and ministry faculty have an unshakable foundation and enduring peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has accomplished everything for our salvation.
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Vox Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Hello from Hanover and Christian Union Vox. September is always a month of transitions and changes, but this year our changes are more significant. The leaves are still turning red and gold and the Dartmouth Green is still green, but the pandemic has altered the ministry here at Dartmouth. Only half of the student body is on campus and there is a reduced staff presence. Despite being unable to do our large in-person outreach activities or attend sporting events, all those associated with CU Vox are deeply encouraged to be a part of God's work here in Hanover. The students and I are thankful that we are not fully remote and have reconnected with many of our returning students as well as many of the first-year students.
Hello from Hanover and Christian Union Vox. September is always a month of transitions and changes, but this year our changes are more significant. The leaves are still turning red and gold and the Dartmouth Green is still green, but the pandemic has altered the ministry here at Dartmouth. Only half of the student body is on campus and there is a reduced staff presence. Despite being unable to do our large in-person outreach activities or attend sporting events, all those associated with CU Vox are deeply encouraged to be a part of God's work here in Hanover. The students and I are thankful that we are not fully remote and have reconnected with many of our returning students as well as many of the first-year students.
October 1, 2020
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
Dear CU Gloria Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support as the fall semester is now beginning to be in full swing. Bible courses have settled in their new rhythms, mostly on weeknights, studying the gospel of Mark, completely over Zoom. The earliest and shortest gospel has so much to teach us about Jesus, and our team is excited to be mining the riches therein and to be guiding our students in its ancient paths.
Dear CU Gloria Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support as the fall semester is now beginning to be in full swing. Bible courses have settled in their new rhythms, mostly on weeknights, studying the gospel of Mark, completely over Zoom. The earliest and shortest gospel has so much to teach us about Jesus, and our team is excited to be mining the riches therein and to be guiding our students in its ancient paths.
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Our freshman campaign is nearing its end, and it has been a campaign like none other before it. There have been obstacles to overcome, new events to develop, all the while doing ministry in an environment never experienced before. It has been a challenge to adjust to, and our faculty and students are still finding a way forward. But that does not mean that God is not at work.
October 1, 2020
Hello CU Caritas Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Stanford students are nearing the end of their third week of online classes this fall, and I’m sure they are experiencing about as wide a range of emotions as you can imagine. I’m so glad you’re receiving this letter so that we can, for a moment, join our voices together in prayer for these students!
Stanford students are nearing the end of their third week of online classes this fall, and I’m sure they are experiencing about as wide a range of emotions as you can imagine. I’m so glad you’re receiving this letter so that we can, for a moment, join our voices together in prayer for these students!
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Martus Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
The semester has begun at the University of Pennsylvania. There have been so many days where I’ve been encouraged through conversations with our students. I am so thankful to be able to minister here!
The semester has begun at the University of Pennsylvania. There have been so many days where I’ve been encouraged through conversations with our students. I am so thankful to be able to minister here!
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Lux Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
In these challenging times, I hope that you have been able to guard and keep your joy in the Lord. The joy of the Lord is a wonderful source of strength, and I have been noticing recently how easy it can be for a past problem or future uncertainty to steal the fullness of joy that God has for us in the present moment. Remember Jesus’s desire that His joy may be in us and our joy may be full (John 15:11)!
In these challenging times, I hope that you have been able to guard and keep your joy in the Lord. The joy of the Lord is a wonderful source of strength, and I have been noticing recently how easy it can be for a past problem or future uncertainty to steal the fullness of joy that God has for us in the present moment. Remember Jesus’s desire that His joy may be in us and our joy may be full (John 15:11)!
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Libertas Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
We are so grateful for your prayers in this unusual season. Typically we would be beginning to have coffee with freshmen at Thayer Street restaurants and setting up shop at a table in Ratty or V-Dub, for our regular discipleship meetings with students.
We are so grateful for your prayers in this unusual season. Typically we would be beginning to have coffee with freshmen at Thayer Street restaurants and setting up shop at a table in Ratty or V-Dub, for our regular discipleship meetings with students.
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
What a year this has been, particularly for university students. When the pandemic started unfolding in March and Columbia University was forced to go virtual, we were all holding out that Fall 2020 would be the reset we needed. But instead of our students moving into John Jay, Schapiro or Ruggles or connecting with new freshmen during NSOP (New Student Orientation Program), we are mapping out what ministry can look like virtually.
What a year this has been, particularly for university students. When the pandemic started unfolding in March and Columbia University was forced to go virtual, we were all holding out that Fall 2020 would be the reset we needed. But instead of our students moving into John Jay, Schapiro or Ruggles or connecting with new freshmen during NSOP (New Student Orientation Program), we are mapping out what ministry can look like virtually.
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been a great encouragement to our team and student leaders over the past few weeks. While restrictions due to the coronavirus threaten to limit our normal ministry activity at Cornell, we have been reminded to remain steadfast and to pray (1:2-3), stay in God’s Word (1:5-6), and walk in the power and joy of the Holy Spirit (1:5-6), so that the gospel of Christ will sound forth (1:8).
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been a great encouragement to our team and student leaders over the past few weeks. While restrictions due to the coronavirus threaten to limit our normal ministry activity at Cornell, we have been reminded to remain steadfast and to pray (1:2-3), stay in God’s Word (1:5-6), and walk in the power and joy of the Holy Spirit (1:5-6), so that the gospel of Christ will sound forth (1:8).
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Vox Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Hanover and Christian Union Vox. We just finished our summer term (virtually) and have a two-week break before the start of the fall term and the beginning of another academic year. It would be an understatement to say this year will be different here in Hanover. Only half of the student body will be on campus this fall with both freshmen and juniors returning to Hanover. There will not be any fall sports, clubs have been curtailed, and large-scale gatherings are on hold. Campus life will look vastly different and the traffic on the Dartmouth green will be diminished. In spite of these challenges there is much to rejoice over and much work to be done. Please be praying for us in these specific ways:
Greetings from Hanover and Christian Union Vox. We just finished our summer term (virtually) and have a two-week break before the start of the fall term and the beginning of another academic year. It would be an understatement to say this year will be different here in Hanover. Only half of the student body will be on campus this fall with both freshmen and juniors returning to Hanover. There will not be any fall sports, clubs have been curtailed, and large-scale gatherings are on hold. Campus life will look vastly different and the traffic on the Dartmouth green will be diminished. In spite of these challenges there is much to rejoice over and much work to be done. Please be praying for us in these specific ways:
September 3, 2020
Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Dear CU Gloria Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
It is a new season and the weather is getting cooler and cooler as the fall is beginning to engulf New England. First year students are all moved in on Harvard’s campus, which looks very different from the campus freshmen have been arriving to for years. The students are quarantining for their first week, and following that, they will be adhering to strict guidelines within the Harvard bubble. Needless to say, what these new students are facing is unique, and our prayers for them to find community, thrive, and adjust to this new reality are all the more important.
Dear CU Gloria Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
It is a new season and the weather is getting cooler and cooler as the fall is beginning to engulf New England. First year students are all moved in on Harvard’s campus, which looks very different from the campus freshmen have been arriving to for years. The students are quarantining for their first week, and following that, they will be adhering to strict guidelines within the Harvard bubble. Needless to say, what these new students are facing is unique, and our prayers for them to find community, thrive, and adjust to this new reality are all the more important.
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
I sit here today on the morning of the beginning of a year unlike any seen before on the Princeton campus. As you may have heard, the Princeton University administration decided to move to a fully remote model for classes this semester with no students on campus. And here on the final day of August, students begin their year at Princeton in a completely online format. Furthermore, as you have likely heard, Christian Union has gone through a vast financial transition where our ministry faculty has been reduced from eight full-time staff to three. Much has changed since our last interaction.
September 3, 2020
Hello CU Caritas Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
In a week and a half, Stanford students will begin an academic year unlike any of the 129 before it. Only a few undergraduates with special circumstances will reside on campus; the rest will be scattered across the country and globe. The Stanford community will push technology to its limits in a valiant attempt to substitute physical with virtual presence. Please pray that the time required for these measures will be short, and that God will bring relief from the sickness, disunity, and hardship of these days!
In a week and a half, Stanford students will begin an academic year unlike any of the 129 before it. Only a few undergraduates with special circumstances will reside on campus; the rest will be scattered across the country and globe. The Stanford community will push technology to its limits in a valiant attempt to substitute physical with virtual presence. Please pray that the time required for these measures will be short, and that God will bring relief from the sickness, disunity, and hardship of these days!
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Martus Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
A semester unlike any other begins in just under a week. This year we will gather on Zoom instead of on Locust Walk. Student leaders at CU Martus have been preparing and praying for a God-honoring start to the semester. Thank you for your continued prayers for us!
A semester unlike any other begins in just under a week. This year we will gather on Zoom instead of on Locust Walk. Student leaders at CU Martus have been preparing and praying for a God-honoring start to the semester. Thank you for your continued prayers for us!
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Lux Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this afternoon.
Facing difficult COVID-related financial shortfalls from donors unable to sustain their normal giving this upcoming year, CU made the difficult decision to lay off over 30 people across our organization last month. This has affected every campus where CU ministers, including Yale. Therefore, we are saying goodbye to Jane Hendrickson and Michael Racine right on the cusp of what was already shaping up to be a challenging semester for ministry. As I have expressed to our CU Lux community, these 2 servant-leaders have glorified God so well in their work. Jane, a 6-year veteran has been a highly-competent, faithful, loving, servant-hearted leader helping this ministry continue on true to its mission over many, many seasons. She has gone above and beyond to serve each of our individual students, the ministry at Yale, and the broader CU organization. Michael, with 3 years on our team, has brought academic excellence, theological depth, and a compassionate heart to our campus and organization. He as inculcated in others a real heart for seeking God with his well-measured and God-centered words in teaching and everyday conversation. Blessings to you, Michael, as you transition to another role in Christian Union.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this afternoon.
Facing difficult COVID-related financial shortfalls from donors unable to sustain their normal giving this upcoming year, CU made the difficult decision to lay off over 30 people across our organization last month. This has affected every campus where CU ministers, including Yale. Therefore, we are saying goodbye to Jane Hendrickson and Michael Racine right on the cusp of what was already shaping up to be a challenging semester for ministry. As I have expressed to our CU Lux community, these 2 servant-leaders have glorified God so well in their work. Jane, a 6-year veteran has been a highly-competent, faithful, loving, servant-hearted leader helping this ministry continue on true to its mission over many, many seasons. She has gone above and beyond to serve each of our individual students, the ministry at Yale, and the broader CU organization. Michael, with 3 years on our team, has brought academic excellence, theological depth, and a compassionate heart to our campus and organization. He as inculcated in others a real heart for seeking God with his well-measured and God-centered words in teaching and everyday conversation. Blessings to you, Michael, as you transition to another role in Christian Union.
July 30, 2020
Thank you for your continued prayers for CU Lumine (Columbia University) and for New York City. Columbia University has released plans to re-open for the fall semester in a limited capacity. Incoming freshman and sophomore students will be returning to the campus. There are still a lot of unknowns regarding what ministry and student life will look like. This is truly a trying season and as a ministry, we have greatly depended on the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. We are confident that God will continue to reveal His good purposes. As a staff, we know one-on-one discipleship will be crucial for the students that are returning to campus.
July 30, 2020
Hello from Hanover and Christian Union Vox at Dartmouth College.
We are in Week 4 of the summer term, albeit virtually.
We are in Week 4 of the summer term, albeit virtually.
July 30, 2020
1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3
Hey friends,
I hope this update finds you well, especially amidst a summer that no-one could have expected. Thankfully, ministry at Harvard has continued to take place over the summer, primarily through the summer Bible study of the book of Proverbs. These words from Proverbs 7 remind us of the central importance of the Word of God in our lives. The exhortation here is that as we treasure God’s words in our heart, then we can truly live. God’s desire for us is that we experience the abundant life he has for us, one full of joy, peace and contentment in Christ. That is also our prayer for our students during this season, as many of them will be studying remotely, taking a gap-year, or coming back to a completely different campus.
