Diocesan Dialogue
October 2006
Lumen
By the Rev. Joel Nau, Chaplain Lumen Episcopal - Lutheran Campus Ministry
When I arrived in Salt Lake City five years ago I had no idea of the changes I would see in campus ministry within a relatively short time. I had only a sketchy knowledge of the history of campus ministry on the University of Utah campus, some sense of past ecumenical efforts, and an understanding that my job was to work with a small group of students with a base at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Little did I know that within a few years a new partnership would form between Episcopal and Lutheran ministries, that these efforts would lead to a growing witness on campus, which would in turn lead to my current call as fulltime campus chaplain for Lumen Episcopal/Lutheran Campus Ministry.
On a personal note, this has been a Holy-Spirited journey for me. The training rooted in traditions of both Canterbury and Wittenberg at the Episcopal/Lutheran Seminaries in Austin, Texas, was unforeseen preparation for this calling.
I appreciate that growing up near the State University of New York as a campus pastor's son instilled a lasting appreciation for both the church and the university, and a yearning to see fruitful conversation between them. Now I am privileged to put my past to use. Is it any wonder that I enjoy going to work every day?
The overall goal of Lumen is to provide opportunities for students to explore their baptismal vocation as they work towards their professional credentials.
Our vision is that by the time a student graduates, she will have a developed sense of how God might use her and her education to bless the world. We hope that by involvement in Lumen students have a sense of their unique giftedness and how to share those gifts as a reflection of God's grace.
We also encourage students in their appreciation of the church's offerings: the ability to reflect on the mystery of God-increation; to see every human being as an image of Christ; to get caught up in the liturgical patterns of worship as rhythms of life.
From these goals we shape our activities, whether it be 8th Day Worship (6:00 Sunday nights at Zion Lutheran Church), Engage! small groups, Reel Presence movie nights, Habitat for Humanity build days, or faith retreats (such as Celebrate VI in New Orleans during winter break).
Please stop by for worship or any local event. I invite you to get to know some of the students of Lumen and catch their enthusiasm! You may find out more about Lumen by visiting www.lumenmin.org.
Finally, a word of thanks for your ongoing support of Lumen Campus Ministry. The college years are a crucial time in which to make lifelong decisions and enduring perspectives. These are ripe opportunities to engage in faith. Your support allows faithful conversations to happen. Thank you!