Bishop Hutterer: Lutheran Campus Ministries

“Even youths will faint and be weary,
    and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint.”

— Isaiah 40:30-31

In 1994, I was hired to work part-time in the Office of Public Relations for Augsburg University, where I was also a part-time student. Eventually I became a full-time staff member with the office.

One of my cherished memories was the daily 20-minute chapel break. Classes were scheduled around this break, and campus offices closed. The break included prayer, scripture, a sermon, and usually a few songs. Fellowship was available after for those who could linger, a time to interact with students, faculty and staff. These morning breaks were a time for renewal and refreshment.

While that formal program was a solid foundation for the university’s spiritual life, Campus Ministry’s real power in building a cohesive community was found in informal settings. The Campus Ministry staff was physically and emotionally present for students and employees, stopping by our offices, talking with people over a meal in the dining area, showing up at games and concerts. The campus pastor was available for any crisis or need to talk, even after hours, taking phone calls from distraught students.

The campus pastor and I had many discussions about life and faith. When I started at Augsburg I was having a crisis of faith (a topic for another time). We often prayed together. He was one of the cloud of witnesses that encouraged me to listen to God’s call and attend seminary.

This was my introduction to Lutheran Campus Ministry, which was a life preserver for me. I saw first-hand how students were hungry for a place to be heard and ask questions about life and faith. I saw students blossom and grow—they are leaders in the church today.

I ask you to refer students from your congregation to campus pastors. Use the student referral tool from ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministry to make sure these students receive a welcome from campus pastors, or refer them directly to any of the Lutheran Campus Ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod using the contact info below.

College is a time of profound questioning for young adults. When we factor in these days of extra uncertainty and anxiety, the message of Jesus and new life is even more important. We can all think of a life-changing talk, be it a passing nudge or a years-long dialog, that put us on the path of a better relationship with God. Lutheran Campus Ministry continues to provide that kind of vital ministry and presence.

I am pleased that we, as Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA, have supported this ministry. In fact, we have three Lutheran Campus Ministries in Arizona, as well as an Agape ministry. Please encourage any students you know at these locations to contact any of the following:

Campus minister Brad Eubanks, brad@lcmcanterbury.org, at Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College.
Pastor Gary McCluskey, asuLCM@gmail.com, at Arizona State University.
Pastor Rebecca Boardman, pastor.lcmuofa@gmail.com, at University of Arizona.
Pastor Charles Newman, cvnewman@asu.edu, at ASU Polytechnic Campus.

Here is what two of our LCM leaders shared about plans this fall.

Northern Arizona University
LCM|Canterbury is the emerging Lutheran and Episcopal Campus Ministry in Flagstaff, serving Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College. We have come together from many backgrounds, so we know what feeling like a stranger is all about. Our campus community welcomes people of any race, national origin, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Growing together in faith, we seek the unity that Christ envisions for his church through learning, worship, service, and fellowship. Currently we are working to build a Sacred Community, online, during this time of loving our neighbors by not being near our neighbors. Although our buildings are closed, our ministry is very much open: We have weekly worship on Sunday evenings, Book Clubs, Theological discussion groups, game nights, movie nights, pastoral care, and more all happening in our virtual chapel space. For more information, and to watch our welcome video, visit us at www.lcmcanterbury.org. Our campus minister and chaplain is Brad Eubanks, and you can reach him at brad@lcmcanterbury.org.
Arizona State University
We have a plan A and a plan B. Plan A is for students returning in person for classes. Plan B is to operate similarly to how we did March 15-end of the semester: online.
One way or another we will have twice weekly worship. Wednesday and Sunday worship will be in person (following safe guidelines) or online. Wednesday worship will be geared mostly toward students with Sunday being worship for the congregation and students. Bible studies and discussions will be done in person or Zoom. We will continue to feed students twice weekly with either in person meals or, as we did last semester, with "Grab 'N Go" meals.
For times it will not be possible to gather together in person, even fun events will be online and we are developing service projects that can be done in the student's residence. Pastor Gary and Campus Ministry Associate Amy Gauthier will check in regularly with students.

May the Holy Spirit work through the students, faculty, and staff at our learning facilities in this time of profound personal, institutional, and world change.