Religious groups feed bodies, souls

Another busy spring semester with lots of obligations, lots of classes and lots of things to worry about is well under way.

Students need a break every now and then, so what better way to escape it all than to get involved with one of the religious organizations serving the campus?

Whether you are looking to strengthen your faith, find people you have something in common with, make friends or just escape a routine, the religious organizations are here to help.

There are four religious organizations represented on campus: Campus Crusade for Christ, Catholic Student Association, United Methodist Student Ministry and Church of Christ.

Each of the three student centers also provides space for socializing or studying, places where students may feel welcome and at home.

Campus Crusade for Christ, the only group without a center adjacent to the college, is committed to the proclamation of God's word, and focuses on helping students impact the campus, city and world for Christ.

Meetings are at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the craft room on the second floor of Loftin Student Center.

The Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland Place, offers daily activities such as Breaking Open the Word Bible study from noon–1 p.m. Monday, rosary and lunch at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, social justice at 12:15 p.m. Thursday and Mass and meals at 12:15 p.m. Friday. The Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry also can be found at this center.

The Church of Christ center at 301 W. Dewey Place offers a relaxing atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, religious education and also features a food pantry.

Their events feature a devotional from noon–1 p.m. Monday, evening life group from 7 p.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday, Texas tea at noon Wednesday, Bible answer hour at noon Thursday and lunch devotional at noon Friday.

The United Methodist Student Ministry seeks to provide a setting where members may converse about world issues, respond to God's world in ways leading to fuller humanity, formation of community and theological reflection. Their center, 102 Belknap Place, offers activities such as Hot Potato forums at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, worship at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Bible study and free lunch at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and the Connection Worship at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Education sophomore Marcus Freeman who frequents the Methodist Student Center, said, "I value the study of all religions as opposed to just one. It is important to incorporate views from the various religions in order to broaden one's spiritual boundaries."

He also mentioned the importance of learning about multiple cultures and ethnic groups to "improve humanity, and end worldwide pain and suffering."