Summer 2016 Review

Each month we hope to give an update on the 3rd Way Collective experience at Penn State! Follow this blog to learn more about how we’ve been creating spaces for peace, justice, and faith at Penn State.

 

Summer has flown by!

We’ve been amazed by the many students still hungry to connect around peace, justice, and faith – even in the midst of the quieter summer months here in State College. Fortunately we’ve been able to provide spaces, such as our home cooked meals and pub nights, which continued to provide spaces for Penn State students to connect with each other and our broader community this summer. 13412062_940195412745695_6436506328163428057_o

Marv Friesen, lead minister at University Mennonite Church, began a few months of sabbatical leave this summer, meaning that I (campus minister Ben) picked up some additional church pastor jobs that are not typically part of my life. I enjoyed preaching several times this summer at UMC, and walking with the congregation as it journeyed through life. I was also fortunate to officiate at a wedding for two young women in nearby Altoona, PA who had connected with me after learning about my work as an inclusive pastor. It was wonderful to get to know them and participate in their special day.

13891896_666738559909_8473109391573307480_nI also enjoyed some vacation time, heading back to Ontario, Canada to spend time with my family and enjoy the place where I grew up. In early August I also traveled to Boston where I participated in the National Campus Ministry Association‘s annual conference as well as the second gathering for NCMA’s Bethany Initiative. It was a joy to be gathered with other campus pastors from across the country.

We have been busy this summer getting ready for the fall. Our event calendar is shaping up to include several meaningful one-time events, as well as a full slate of weekly and monthly gathering times. It is amazing to have a passionate group of student officers and a dedicated advisory team to work with in bringing this all together.

We continue to work at bringing more financial support for this ministry. 3rd Way Collective could not exist without the many people who keep this going! Thank you.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *