Office of the Chaplain

 

Welcome!

Happy Advent!  You are invited to read Chaplain Dan McQuown's Advent message to Albion College's Christian community.  You are also invited to read the recent news release about The Bridge and Albion College Chapel.

Albion College is a richly diverse community, with a core commitment to the spiritual life.  While there is no religious requirement, students can find multiple ways to be involved. Here are some of the opportunities:

 

 

The Bridge Interfaith Council advises spiritual life at Albion College, and fosters interfaith dialogue between students, faculty, and staff.  Students from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds work together, helping support the core mission of the College.

 

 

Albion College is one of over 300 colleges participating in the President's Interfaith and Community Service Challenge for 2011-2012.   The Bridge is collaborating with student organizations and academic departments throughout the College in this initiative.  Read the UMReporter article about our participation.

 Albion College Chapel

Every Wednesday night in the historic chapel of Albion College, the Kellogg Student Center "Stack."  Seven Christian student organizations come together to praise Jesus Christ.  Christian life is vibrant in Bible studies, service, and prayer.  Student Christian organizations include Athletes in Action, Cru, Catholic Connections, InterVarsity, Students of Destiny, United Voices of Albion College (Gospel Choir), and Wesley Fellowship (United Methodist).

 

Exploring Ministries group supports students considering professional or avocational ministry as a career.  All current students are welcome.

 

 

Hillel is a "small and mighty" chapter, sponsoring numerous Jewish religious and cultural activities throughout the academic year.  See also "Religious Services."

 

 

 

 

Muslim Student Association was voted "Most Active Student Organization" of all diversity groups in 2010-2011, and continues to provide important support and education on Islamic life.

 

Asian Awareness Group sponsors Diwali, in celebration of our Hindu, Jain, and Sikh students.

New in 2011-2012: A weekly Buddhist Meditation Group meets in the Boyd Meditation Chapel (see "Campus Spaces").

Faith in Transition: Being a Christian in College is a retreat for United Methodist youth on February 4-5, 2012, on the campus of Albion College.  Registration materials and more information can be found on the "FIT" website.

Albion College Spiritual Opportunities

Visit the Office of the Chaplain for a comprehensive and multi-faith directory of spiritual opportunities.

Prospective Students

If you are considering Albion College in your future, we encourage you to contact the College Chaplain to discuss the religious climate on campus.  Albion College is a phenomenal place to grow spiritually.

About Us

Mission Statement of the Office of the Chaplain: The Office of the Chaplain nurtures the religious and spiritual lives of Albion College students and engages them in the work of pluralism on a domestic and global level to grow personally and develop into interdependent citizens.

What we do: The Office coordinates support for the diverse traditions practiced on campus, coordinating interfaith and ecumenical life, and participating in the College's wider diversity efforts.  The College Chaplain provides spiritual care and mentoring, pastoral presence and advisement in the life of the College, and ritual leadership. 

Diversity: The Office of the Chaplain is part of the Global Diversity Unit, working directly with the Office of Intercultural Affairs and the Anna Howard Shaw Women's Center. The Office of the Chaplain partners closely with many student organizations and departments on campus, as well as maintaining strong partnerships with religious and philosophical organizations at the regional, national, and international level. The Ferguson Hall suite 103, including the Global Diversity Unit and the Offce of Career Development, is a "safe zone" for the LGBTQ & A community.   We offer all students a spirit of hospitality.

Albion College is affiliated with the Detroit Conference and West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, and maintains a relationship with numerous other religious bodies (e.g., Michigan State Hillel, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo).  Please visit the "Affiliations" section for more information on the relationships maintained by the Office of the Chaplain.

Availability

The Office of the Chaplain is located in Ferguson Hall suite 103, and is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and the College Chaplain and student leaders are available by appointment. Contact us to schedule a meeting. In case of emergencies after hours, contact Campus Safety at 517/629-1234.

On behalf of our staff, involved faculty, and student leaders, welcome!
-- Chaplain Daniel McQuown (photo by Alex Jasinowski, '12)