Religious Life & Community Service
About Religious Life
Located in the Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center (MMC), the Department of Religious Life and Office of the Chaplain are available for students interested in connecting with religious and spiritual life on campus, learning about faith communities, or seeking spiritual support along the journey of university life. Religious Life fosters a spirit of hospitality that supports and encourages all students, faculty and staff in honoring the sacred. In this environment of education and growth, there are safe and respectful times and places to wrestle with the hard questions of life. The University Chaplain, adjunct chaplains and staff are available to students of all traditions for conversations around faith and personal matters. Religious Life has many opportunities to serve, lead and grow spiritually. The core tenets of Religious Life are: Connect. Grow. Serve. Listen. Love. Learn.
The Ministry Center’s Student Lounge, “The Family Room,” (open 7 a.m.-12 midnight) is an inviting place for students to relax, watch TV, study, meet new people and enjoy an occasional snack.
The University Chaplain, Rev. Kelli W. Taylor, is available at 910.630.7515 or [email protected]. Student program information, including details on mission trips and alternative break experiences, is available from Ruth Carr at 910.630.7157 or [email protected].
Events & Programs
CIRCUIT is offered on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. CIRCUIT is the weekly gathering of the Methodist University community for inspiration and education. Rooted in justice, love, truth, and virtue, CIRCUIT uses lectures, table conversation, worship, and service to challenge, inspire, and engage the campus community toward action.
Chaplain’s Bible Study, Holy Communion and MUGS are offered weekly. Check your MU email and MU Religious Life social media for the most current meeting times for these gatherings.
Faith-based student groups offered through the Campus Engagement Office include Ignite, Bible Study, PGM Fellowship, and Delight Women’s Ministry. A student-led worship experience is offered by IGNITE on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Matthews Chapel.
Unpacking Religion is offered several times per semester and centers on a shared meal and in-depth discussion of various religious traditions and faiths around the world.
Services are also held to observe special days throughout the year:
- NSO Worship Service on the Sunday of New Student Orientation
- Advent Lessons and Carols
- Lenten Praise/Worship Concert
- Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday
- Alumni Memorial Service
Spring Break 2025 Mission Trip
The Costa Rica Mission Project works to establish long-lasting relationships between churches in the U.S. and churches in Costa Rica. Since 2003, CRMP has coordinated mission trips as a way to be a part of a body that extends far beyond the walls of our campus. Visit costaricamissionprojects.com for more information about the project.
- Dates: March 8-15, 2025
- Total Cost: $1,700
- Deposit: $200 due by Sept. 30, 2024
- Follow this link to Register
Adopt-a-Hall Program
The Adopt-a-Hall Program partners with local Christian congregations in the Fayetteville area to provide students with a connection to the Fayetteville community and the opportunity to experience God’s love and acceptance, as well as “a touch of home” while living in the residence hall community.
Adopt-a-Hall Program Informational Booklet
Sacred Spaces
Several sacred spaces are offered on campus for worship, prayer and meditation.
Pastor’s Certificate for UMC Students
Initial enrollment of a (MU) undergraduate freshman or transfer student in their first semester as a full-time student (at least 12 hours) in one of the on-campus programs. Student must be referred by a United Methodist Pastor. This Certificate is valued at $500 per academic year for residential students and commuting students.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA after their first year at MU. Certificate eligibility is a maximum of four years (eight semesters). Download the Pastor’s Certificate form or contact the MU Campus Chaplain for further information.
Contact
Ruth Carr, B.S.
