UCM Blog

Bishop Dyck at UCM Alumni Sunday

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:51:47 -0500

On Sunday, approximately 40 UCM students, alumni, and board members shared dinner and worship with Bishop Sally Dyck of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. Referring to Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus as a boy in the temple), Bishop Dyck encouraged students in their emerging faith by highlighting the importance of campus ministry and reminding them of their place as "beloved children of God." If you would like to support future programs which encourage students to remain engaged in the church, please consider a donation to UCM today!

Spring Retreat

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:56:13 -0500

17 students shared a wonderful weekend of renewal this weekend at Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, Michigan. Our Bible studies and reflections centered around the theme of fire: the refiner's fire, the fiery furnace in Daniel, the hearts burning on the road to Emmaus. Fire consumes; out of the ashes, fire renews.

Fellowship included card games and dune jumping. Everyone wore their new UCM t-shirts with our motto boldly proclaimed "Open Hearts, Open Minds."

Everyone finished the weekend knowing each other better, recommitted to opening ourselves to God and a spiritual life.

If you would like to support future retreats which encourage NU students to live a fuller spiritual life, please consider a donation today.

Easter Sunrise Service

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:20:28 -0500

Early Easter Morning, UCM students woke at 6 am to greet the sunrise and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Clark Street Beach. Seminary Interns, Natalie Stumpner and Heather Dorr, preached an inspiring and powerful message. Approximately 65 people attended and many of them returned to UCM for a light Easter breakfast sponsored by the UCM Board of Directors. The service was co-sponsored by Alice Millar Chapel and University Lutheran Church.

Join us next Easter!

UCM Friendship Mission to New Orleans

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In our first ever domestic mission trip, a group of 23 people visited New Orleans over spring break, rebuilding homes still in need of repair, 7 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina. The group was ecumenically sponsored by UCM, Sheil Catholic Center and Alice Millar Chapel and included representatives from a variety of Protestant denominations and Roman Catholics. We jointly attended Holy Week services at Presbyterian, United Methodist and Roman Catholic churches during the week.

Students grew in faith and discipleship from the opportunity to serve and the chance to experience a wide variety of Christian faith expressions. UCM intends to resume our global commitment to International Friendship Missions in 2014. Please consider making a donation to support future mission trips that encourage students to think deeply about systems of oppression and the responsibility to bring God's justice to our world.

UCM Service Project

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:20:01 -0500

As part of a new student initiative, UCM students are participating in monthly service projects in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. This month’s project involved preparing and serving food at Hilda’s Place, a shelter run by Connections for the Homeless.

UCM Morning Prayer Group

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:02:27 -0500

A small but dedicated group of UCM students began meeting in January for weekly morning prayer. The group meets on Thursday mornings from 8:30-8:50am and ends in time to get to 9am classes. However, several of the participating students do not have 9am classes and get up early, specifically so they can attend. The brief service is student led and organized around a theme each week. The service includes scripture reading, chanting the psalms, a time of joys and concerns, and ample time for silent, centering prayer.

Students who have been attending have found this to be a peaceful, centering ritual to begin their day. They plan to continue meeting through the rest of the school year. If you would like to support more opportunities for students to more deeply engage the spiritual life, please consider a donation to UCM to support this and other spiritual practices.

UCM Serves with The Night Ministry

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:42:56 -0600

On a cold and snowy February night (therefore the dark and blurry photo!), 6 UCM students went to Wicker Park with the Night Ministry's Health Outreach Bus. Students prepared soup at UCM and then met up with the bus on its nightly rounds at 10:30pm. While serving piping hot soup, students chatted with the approximately 50 folks who visited the bus that night.

This is the first of a new UCM initiative for monthly service projects in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. This month, the project was made possible entirely by donated ingredients. If you would like to help UCM serve the people of our community, please consider making a donation today!