Student Groups and Programs
From service work to Bible studies to social events, Gustavus students gather in a variety of settings and participate in all sorts of different activities as they explore their faith together with their peers. Listed on this page are many of the recognized student-led religious and service groups at Gustavus.
Apprentices
Apprentices, begun in 1997, is a group of students who are interested in being part of the ministry of Christ Chapel and open to see where the Spirit might be leading. Individuals are invited to consider being Apprentices at the end of their first year at Gustavus, and remain a part of the program through graduation. Students pursue their own projects and programs, as well as nurturing others' ideas and initiatives.
Assisting Ministers
Assisting ministers participate in Sunday worship services in Christ Chapel by assisting the presiding minister with the liturgy. Gustavus seniors, faculty and staff are welcome to assist. Training sessions are held twice a year, and are advertised in the Chapel bulletin. If interested, you may talk to a Chaplain for more information.
Christ Chapel Volunteers
Christ Chapel Volunteers assist in the ministry of Christ Chapel by ushering, carrying the cross and candles in Daily and Sunday Chapel, reading lessons, writing and/or reading prayers, and serving as assistant ministers. Volunteer forms are available in the Chapel bulletins at the beginning of each semester, or you can print one from this website.
Community Service Center Programs
The Community Service Center offers a variety of on-going and one-time service programs for Gustavus students. Programs include Amigos, Big Partner/Little Partner, Study Buddies, FLEX (Foreign Language Exploratory), Saint Francis Pound Pals, Junior Great Books, After-school Clubs, and Elders. Applications for these programs are available at the beginning of each semester in the Service Center, Johnson Student Union Room 208. In addition, Center staff advise many student-led service organizations and programs such as Alpha Phi Omega (the national co-ed service fraternity), Little Gusties Athletic Programs, Common Ground Junior High Mentoring Program, and many more. For more information, or to ask for help in planning your own service initiative, contact staff in the Center!
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Thursdays, 8 p.m., Lund 207
FCA is a Christ-centered and God-adoring organization dedicated to knowing God and making God known. All are welcome, athlete or not, whatever your belief. Meetings feature time for fellowship with friends, worship, speakers and the like. FCA also plans weekend activities such as alcohol-free parties, bonfires, capture the flag, and service projects. In addition FCA takes a Spring Break mission trip each year! Recent trips have gone to West Virginia, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Gustavus Youth Outreach (GYO)
Sundays, 8 p.m., Linner Lounge
Gustavus Youth Outreach is committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and providing opportunities for Gustavus students to serve God by participating in off-campus Christian Youth Ministry. GYO encourages and inspires young people in their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Outreach teams travel throughout the area, usually working in cooperation with churches or youth groups, to present youth events such as lock-ins, special youth evenings, leadership sessions, Sunday services, or any other event that a church requests. Bookings include worship, songs, games, Bible study, discussion groups, skits/drama/clowning, and just about anything else teams creatively dream up. If you love God, spending time with kids (elementary through high school), and having a ton of fun, then GYO might be for you!
Habitat for Humanity and Spring Break Work Trips
Habitat for Humanity and Spring Break Work Trips partner to raise awareness on housing and homelessness issues. Habitat works locally to fundraise for and build affordable housing in the Mankato, St. Peter and Le Sueur areas. Habitat volunteers coordinate with local chapters in those communities. Spring Break Work Trip participants fundraise for the opportunity to build nationally each year. Both Habitat and SBWT's offer chances for volunteers to build relationships, learn and reflect on their experiences.
Newman Center
1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 8 p.m., Newman Center in the
Student Activities Suite Gustie Den
The Newman Center is a group of students dedicated to building a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Activities include fellowship events, campus-wide prayer services and masses, and car pools to mass at the Church of St. Peter. The Newman Center is a place to pray, talk, read, and find information on Catholicism, religious issues, and group events. Office hours will be posted. Students of all denominations are welcome.
Prepare Ministries
Thursdays, 9:30 p.m., Linner Lounge
Prepare Ministries is an interdenominational Christian campus ministry called to build this new generation of believers to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. We are committed to courageously and compassionately building foundations of truth by facilitating life-on-life mentoring relationships, regularly sponsoring global mission trips and holding regular campus meetings that incorporate worship, Bible study, teaching, prayer, ministry and fellowship.
Proclaim
Tuesdays, 9 p.m., Alumni Hall
Proclaim is a Bible-based environment of contemporary worship and teaching intended to allow all involved to experience God.
Wednesday Friends
Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45 p.m., Chapel Doors West (Olin Hall Side)
Wednesday Friends is a volunteer organization funded through the Chaplains' Office. Each week we go to the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center and visit with the residents. Past activities have included Pet Therapy, seasonal dances, card tournaments and bonfires. This organization is open for everyone to join and may be of special interest to psychology majors. As a member, you must be dedicated and able to make a weekly time commitment.