Student Religious and Spiritual Groups

This is a listing of student led religious or spiritual groups on campus.  See the Chaplain's Office Schedule of Events for a current schedule of meetings and activities or see a Religious Life on Campus brochure. If you wish to add information to this page or have any questions about student religous and spiritual groups, please contact the office at ext.4981 or stop by the CRSSJ (1233 Park Street).

 

Catholic Students Association (CSA)

A group of students interested in maintaining or rediscovering their Catholic faith through meeting other Catholic students, discussing important issues surrounding the church, and participating in volunteer activities. Students gather for bible study at the CRSSJ Sunday mornings prior to attending Mass. Or more information contact ext.4981 or e-mail [CATHOLIC].

Chalutzim

Chalutzim (Hebrew for Pioneers), the Jewish student organization, is a diverse community in which students celebrate and learn about Judaism. We hold religious services on campus as well as educational, cultural and social programming. We also participate in interfaith dialogue, multicultural activities and promote diversity on campus. All of our activities are open to everyone.

Jewish Programs                   E-mail [chalutz]

  • Chalutzim Cabinet meeting is held every Wednesday at Noon in the Chalutzim Lounge of the JR '25 Center (Suite 209 O & P)
  • Kabbalat Shabbat Services each Friday at 5:30 p.m. in JR '25 Center (Suite 209 O & P)
  • Shabbat Dinner each Friday at 6:15 p.m. in JR '25 Center (Suite 209 O & P) (reservations are required)
  • Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur Services are held in Main Lounge.
  • Festivals and other holidays are celebrated throughout the year.
  • Torah Study is held weekly, led by students and the Rabbi.
  • A campus-wide Passover Seder is held and kosher for Passover food is available in the dining halls.

Christian Science Organization (CSO)

The Christian Science Organization is composed of students, faculty, and staff who are striving to perceive the spiritual sense of the Scriptures and to apply this understanding to their daily lives, demonstrating the science of Christianity. At the weekly meetings we explore issues together and share ideas and experiences relating to our individual spiritual progress. Anyone seeking a deeper awareness of the dominion of Spirit and its spiritual resources is welcome to attend. For information on meeting dates and locations, e-mail: [ROBERTDC]

Grinnell College Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The Grinnell College Fellowship of Christian Athletes meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 9:00 p.m. in the Cubs Room of Bear Athletic Center.  For information contact the Chaplain's Office at ext. 4981 or e-mail [HAMILTON].

Grinnell Meditation

Grinnell Meditation is a mindfulness practice group for anyone who wants to connect to the present moment and cultivate awareness.  These bi-weekly meetings will be no shorter than 30 minutes, no longer than 1 hour, and will have the following format:  5-10 minutes of basic instruction and approximately 20 minutes of sitting meditation.  There will be an optional discussion group afterwards for those who wish to stay.  We will offer "alternative" meetings whenever we can, such as: walking meditation, guided meditation, visualization meditation, outside sitting meditation, dharma talks, metta meditation, and walking meditation labyrinth!  You can come to any meeting, any time - it doesn't matter if you've never attended before or have no idea how to meditate.  Email [meditation] if you have any questions.

Grinnellians Seeking Christ (GSC)

Grinnellians Seeking Christ is a student group oriented toward following Christ's teachings and creating community.  Students meet weekly to worship, study the Bible, and engage in discussion.  Additionally, GSC is actively involved in serving the larger college and town communities through various service projects.  We adhere to Christ's call for unconditional love, welcoming the participation of people from all creeds, races, ethnicities, genders, regions, and sexual orientations.  For more information contact [GSC] or [graziano].

Grinnell UCC Group

Grinnell UCC is a group of students who are dedicted to exploring the United Church of Christ (Congregationalist) tradition.  We work to find faith and grow together in a religion that supports an open and affirming mesage and acts through social justice.  We celebrate weekly and bi-monthly services in Grinnell and Des Moines in addition to holding casual meetings throughout the year.  For more information contact [craneade].

Hindu Festivals

For information regarding the celebration of holy days, contact the CRSSJ at ext. 4981.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS)

For information on meeting and worship times and locations, please contact ext. 4981.

Ecumenical Discussion Group (Lutherans)

This group meets monthly for potluck dinner followed by an ecumenical discussion led by retired Lutheran Pastor Jerry Laehn.  All are welcome! For information contact x4981.

Muslim Prayer Group (MPG) and Muslim Student Association (MSA)

The Muslim Prayer Group meets for weekly prayer on Friday afternoons. Adjunct religious leader, Kamal Hammouda, will lead prayer.  For specific prayer time or additional information contact the CRSSJ Office at ext. 4981 or [hammoudk].

Orthodox Christian

An opportunity for Christian Orthodox students gather with Father Basil Hickman, from the Greek Orthodox Church of Des Moines, Iowa. Father Basil Hickman is the adjunct religious leader in the Chaplain's Office, sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Grant. We also celebrate Pascha each spring and organize worship opportunities with Orthodox communities in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids. For more information contact the Chaplain's Office at ext. 4981.

Eastern Orthodox Christian Liturgy

Looking for Orthodox Christian worship and fellowship?  Curious about ancient Eastern Christianity?  Seeking for welcoming, inclusive liturgical worship, prayer, preaching, and sacrament?  Richard Cleaver '75, a priest for the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America, would love to share the journey with you.  He will serve the Divine Liturgy in English on Sundays in Herrick Chapel.  All are welcome, whether from a traditional Orthodox background or seeking an expression of the Good News that is rooted in Tradition but open to the needs of the 21st century.  Let's journey together!  For more information, contact [cleaverr].

Pagan Discussion Circle (PDC)

Paganism is not a single religion, but a diverse collection of beliefs. Most pagans draw from a number of different traditions, including Celtic, Native American, Greek, Asian and African spiritualities. Most pagans are very earth-oriented. Some pagans worship a central deity called Goddess. Others worship a God and a Goddess, a single nongendered deity, or an entire pantheon. Many pagans believe that divinity is found within oneself. Nearly all pagans believe in the importance of finding your own path and creating an individual spirituality. For information on meeting dates and locations e-mail: [PDC].

Quaker Friends Silent Meeting

This group gathers every Sunday.  Everyone is welcome!  For more information please contact Nancy or Bob cadmus at 236-8398 or [cadmusn].

Seventh Day Adventist

For information on meeting and worship times and locations, please contact ext. 4981 for more information.

Unitarian and Universalist (UU)

Unitarianism and Universalism date back to the fourth century, when they arose in response to the Christian doctrines of the Trinity and multiple afterlives, respectively. Unitarian Universalists believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and respect for the interdependent web of existence. Most UUs also believe that Jesus and other famous prophets were "ordinary" humans, that souls are not punished after death, and that religious insight can come from anyone or anything, not just certain books and certain places. UUs are not required to believe anything specific at all; there is no creed and no dogma. The Unitarian Universalists on campus meet weekly for discussion, worship, and fun and games, which are, according to our beliefs, largely interchangeable. For information on meeting dates and locations e-mail: [UU].