News

Students invited to Spring 2022 service and mission trips with Christian Outreach

Christian Outreach, a student religious and spiritual life group of Hendricks Chapel, is offering students four alternative break service and mission trips during Spring 2022.

Three options for spring break include service trips to work with underserved youth in the Bronx or respond to tornado damage in Kentucky, and a mission trip to provide spiritual care to spring breakers on South Padre Island, Texas. The group will also return to Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in May 2022 to support long-term disaster relief and community development.

All Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students are welcome to participate. There will be an open interest and information meeting on Jan. 30 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel, which all are invited to.

Applications are now available online and are due Sunday, Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Please note: Applying does not commit you to attending.

Christian Outreach at Syracuse University has participated in disaster relief, crisis response and spiritual service trips for more than 10 years. One of their primary partners is Send Relief, who they will work with in Kentucky and Puerto Rico.

“Send Relief depends on the leadership of community organizers, like local pastors, to identify communities who need assistance and meet those specific needs,” says Baptist Campus Chaplain Devon Bartholomew.

Learn more about the upcoming opportunities:

Bronx: March 12-18

Be part of a NYC church’s holistic approach to community development in Mott Haven, a neighborhood in the Bronx, through after school programming, English as a Second Language (ESL) education, and facilities projects.

Texas: March 12-18

Join other Christian college students on South Padre Island, TX to meet needs in Christ’s name and proclaim his love to thousands of spring breakers. Please note: This trip is best suited for people willing to provide Christ-inspired spiritual care to people in need.

Kentucky: March 12-18

Respond to an immediate relief need for those impacted by tornadoes in Kentucky by participating in debris clean-up, organizing donations and distributing goods to families in need.

Puerto Rico: May 21-27

Support local churches in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, with projects such as long term disaster relief, adoption & foster care support, church planting, and sustainable community development.

For questions, contact Kate Bartholomew at kawolcot@syr.edu.

Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial Service to be held online Dec. 21

Please note: This event will be broadcast online only due to COVID-19 precautions. Please register for the link at cc.syr.edu/memorialservice2021.

The Dean and Chaplains of Hendricks Chapel invite you to attend the annual Pan Am Flight 103 memorial service on Tuesday, December 21 at 2:03 p.m. ET on Zoom.

The service will honor the 270 people, including 35 Syracuse University study abroad students, who were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland on that date and time 33 years ago. Chaplains and Remembrance Scholars will offer prayers, reflections, and a reading of the names of the 35 students who were lost that day.

This service is offered in partnership with the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars, Hendricks Chapel and the Office of Alumni Engagement.

Evangelical Chaplaincy congratulates HakSoo Ha

The Evangelical Chaplaincy congratulates HakSoo Ha, who just completed his Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy at SUNY-ESF. HakSoo, who is from South Korea, connected with the Evangelical Chaplaincy during his first year at SUNY-ESF and has participated in their weekly Bible studies and worship each week. Through the Evangelical Chaplaincy, HakSoo has not only gained fellowship with other Christian students, but also grown in his faith. Those relationships have extended beyond campus, including a hiking and camping trip to the Adirondacks with some of the friends he has made through the chaplaincy. HakSoo says, “I praise the Lord how he has worked in my life using the Evangelical Chaplaincy.  Bible study and fellowship have greatly helped me strengthen my faith in the Lord even during COVID-19. I am grateful for the faithful work and dedication that have reflected God’s love.”

The Evangelical Chaplaincy has a fellowship and worship gathering Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel, which will continue in the Spring semester, along with other opportunities for fellowship and fun. Jay Koshy, Evangelical Chaplain, is available to students during the week for prayer, spiritual guidance, or even just to talk.

News from the Catholic Center: Nov. 2021

Mass and Dinner with Bishop Douglas Lucia, Diocese of Syracuse

Bishop Douglas Lucia, sitting Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, came to campus on Nov. 11 to celebrate Mass and join our community for dinner. Attendees enjoyed the Bishop’s favorite Italian meal, featuring chicken and eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, salad, and carrot cake for dessert. Fr. Gerry Waterman, Catholic Chaplain, and the Diocese arranged a “listening session” with the Bishop for the upcoming Synod in Rome. The theme of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” 25 students returned to the small chapel following dinner to have a question-and-answer session with Bishop Lucia. The Catholic Center extends their gratitude to Bishop Lucia, Sr. Katie Eiffe, Director of Synodal Planning, and the students for their participation in the listening session.

 

Sandwich Ministry

Each month following  Thursday Mass and dinner, the SU Catholic community “pays it forward” by making sandwiches and donating them to the local Assumption Food Pantry. Nov. 18 marked the final sandwich-making event for the Fall semester. Students made a combination of baloney and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a total count of 450 sandwiches! The Catholic Center extends their gratitude to the volunteers and to members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon  fraternity and Francis Core for their help preparing over 1,400 sandwiches this semester. The sandwich ministry will resume in January for the Spring 2022 semester.

 

Celebration of the Sacrament’s of Confirmation and First Communion with Jediel Ponnudurai

The SU Catholic community celebrated with Jediel Henrik Ponnudurai as a new, fully initiated member of the Catholic Church on Dec. 2 during Mass. Chaplain Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv, administered the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in the presence of the gathered community. Jediel, enrolled in the School of Architecture at Syracuse University, is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and will be studying abroad during the next two semesters.

 

Service to our local community

A group of 15 students from the SU Catholic community spent their Saturday on Nov. 13 working with volunteers at Joseph’s House on the Northside of Syracuse, raking leaves and trimming plants around the property. Then, on Dec. 2, students participated in a card-writing event where they created Christmas cards for people living in long-term facilitated living and homeless shelters, with the assistance of Tehnaya Brewer ’24. A special thanks to SU Catholic’s Co-Service Chairs, Camila Tirado ’23, and Nate Erickson ’24, for organizing these service projects!

Dinner with Chancellor and more at Catholic Center

Mass and Dinner at Chancellor Syverud’s Home

On Thursday, Oct. 21, the SU Catholic Center celebrated their annual Mass and dinner at the residence of Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen. Ninety-five students enjoyed the evening with a sumptuous dinner. Fr. Gerry’s Minister Provincial, the Reverend James McCurry, OFM Conv, joined in the evenings’ festivities and shared a brief message of gratitude to the Chancellor and the students. SU Catholic extends their appreciation to Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen for their hospitality and generosity.

 

Sandwich ministry in October

Each month following  Thursday Mass and dinner, the SU Catholic community “pays it forward” by making sandwiches and donating them to the local Assumption Food Pantry. On Oct. 28, students made 430 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! SU Catholic would like to extend their gratitude to their students and to Sam Saunders and members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon  fraternity for their help! They are looking forward to the final sandwich-making event of the semester on Nov. 18.

 

Family Weekend 2021

The SU Catholic Center welcomed families and loved ones for the return of Family Weekend 2021. More than 260 students and family members attended Sunday Mass on Oct. 10 at the Catholic Center and Hendricks Chapel with Chaplain, Fr. Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. It was a true blessing to have the space filled with students and their loved ones. SU Catholic offered a light reception at the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. Mass, courtesy of board member and alumna Margaret Van Patten.

Sound bathing at Buddhist retreat

Students had a well deserved half-day retreat hosted by the Buddhist Meditation Association on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Inn Complete on South Campus.  It was a great time to get together with other meditation practitioners for fellowship and shared experience.

Matt Murray, SUNY-ESF ’22, says, “It was a refreshing day with interesting people!  Really great to have everyone together.” Sixteen participants enjoyed some social time over breakfast, followed by silent meditation.  A talk by Ekhart Tolle about quieting the mind then gave way to a lively discussion about our own meditation experiences.

BMA President Rosalie Turner, SUNY-ESF ’23,  says, “I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation centered around Silencing the Voice inside. I felt like it was extremely relatable.”

The last hour was spent in a deep dive of “sound bathing”—a meditation practice where one is immersed in the vibration of sounds produced from singing bowls and gongs.  Kara Hayslip and her Nepali husband, Sujendra Dhoj Karki, facilitated.  After that deep experience, students had time to try out the wide collection of gongs.  The most frequent response to the experience?  Simply, “Wow!”

Halloween concert, People’s Place and more during Orange Central

Join us for Orange Central 2021! Make plans to come home to Syracuse University October 28-31 to celebrate what makes you proud to be Orange. Walk-in’s are welcome, so join us for any event you’d like!

The weekend is packed with fun, family-friendly activities, including these great events at Hendricks Chapel and Syracuse Hillel:

At Hendricks Chapel

History and Creativity at Hendricks Chapel – Session 1

Friday, Oct. 29
2-2:45 p.m.
Hendricks Chapel, Main Chapel

To celebrate the storied history of Hendricks Chapel and illustrate the new and innovative methods of engaging religion and spirituality today, the Dean and Chaplains will host an interactive session for new and returning visitors of all ages. Those in attendance will explore some of the unfamiliar chapel locations, experience portions of in-person and online programs, and participate in unique opportunities to sing, listen, discuss and enjoy. CART captioning services provided for program. 

History and Creativity at Hendricks Chapel – Session 2

Friday, Oct. 29
3:15-4 p.m.
Hendricks Chapel, Main Chapel

To celebrate the storied history of Hendricks Chapel and illustrate the new and innovative methods of engaging religion and spirituality today, the Dean and Chaplains will host an interactive session for new and returning visitors of all ages. Those in attendance will explore some of the unfamiliar chapel locations, experience portions of in-person and online programs, and participate in unique opportunities to sing, listen, discuss and enjoy. CART captioning services provided for program. 

50 Years of Community and Coffee at People’s Place Café

Saturday, Oct. 30
9-10:30 a.m.
Hendricks Chapel, Lower Level, People’s Place Café

Since its founding in 1971, People’s Place Café has served the Syracuse University campus community as a student-run, nonprofit, socially engaged gathering space that offers “caffeine for a common good.” To celebrate, the Café will be open (with a 1970’s theme!) for visitors to meet current student employees, take tours, and taste classic and novel menu items. Receive a special People’s Place button!

Halloween At Hendricks Featuring Organ And Choir

Saturday, Oct. 30
9-10 p.m.
Hendricks Chapel, Main Chapel

This interactive concert will feature students and faculty, as well as costumes and candy! The Hendricks Chapel Choir and University Organist will perform songs from Phantom of the Opera and other classics—come dressed as your favorite characters from theater, horror and beyond!

With historical roots in various religious and spiritual traditions, Halloween – or “All Hallows’ Eve” is dedicated to remembering those who passed away, including the saints (hallows) and all the faithfully departed. CART captioning services provided for program.

Music and Message

Sunday, Oct. 31
4-5 p.m.
Hendricks Chapel, Main Chapel

“Music and Message” is the popular weekly series from Hendricks Chapel that features musical performances and spoken reflection from diverse religious and spiritual perspectives. These gatherings seek to nurture the soul and ignite the spirit! Join us for this fun Halloween-themed program!

At Syracuse Hillel

Pre-Shabbat Mixer

Friday, Oct. 29
4:30-6 p.m.
Atrium, Winnick Hillel Center, 102 Walnut Place

Join Syracuse Hillel for a Pre-Shabbat gathering! Mix and mingle with current students, Hillel staff and fellow alumni at the Winnick Hillel Center while enjoying wine and cheese. Afterwards, stay for Shabbat services, led by current Syracuse University students, and join us for a delicious, Kosher Shabbat meal.

Combating Antisemitism and Building Jewish Identity

Saturday, Oct. 30
9-10:30 a.m.
Atrium, Winnick Hillel Center, 102 Walnut Place

Join Syracuse Hillel as we hear from current students about their experiences: combatting antisemitism on campus, building their Jewish identity and finding joy in their Judaism. Afterwards, reconnect over coffee and light refreshments.

Religious and Spiritual Services

Religious and spiritual services will be offered by chaplains at Hendricks Chapel throughout the weekend. For a complete list, visit Faith Communities and Weekly Services or call 443.2901.

Serving the community this fall with Christian Outreach

Christian Outreach strives to love God, serve others, and share Christ. Making community service a priority helps them accomplish that mission on campus, in the Syracuse community and beyond.

The student organization, part of Baptist Campus Ministry, has organized and served in a variety of settings this semester. They began during Syracuse Welcome with an afternoon weeding at Pete’s Giving Garden on South Campus, which provides fresh produce for the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantries. Their students also volunteered with Goon Squad, helping new students move into their residence halls.

Other on-campus service projects have included handing out morning breakfast bars to students and an energetic evening packing backpacks, provided by partner SEND Relief, full of school supplies. The Noble Room became a swirl of activity as pencil cases, folders, and other classroom essentials made their way into the backpacks. Students prepared 100 backpacks full of school supplies for Delaware Elementary in Syracuse, which were delivered to the school’s social work office the next day. One first-year student reflected on the experience: “This was my first civic engagement activity on campus, and it was awesome being around so many other students taking time out of their days to give back! I look forward to my next chance to participate in civic engagement, and will definitely be keeping in touch with this organization for upcoming events.”

Christian Outreach also headed off campus for several projects. They stayed close to home by volunteering in the Westcott neighborhood at Petit Branch Library. Students helped librarians set up and clean up for their annual book sale during the Westcott Street Cultural Fair, the proceeds of which support the great work the library does in the neighborhood!

Then, in mid September, a group of students traveled with Chaplain Devon Bartholomew to northern New Jersey to assist with flood recovery from Hurricane Ida. Participants aided in tasks such as removing damaged property from homes and tearing out waterlogged drywall. Their work contributed toward homes being livable again for several families!

Christian Outreach is also preparing to offer alternative break service trips again this year. “We’re excited to be able to meet needs through service trips and continuing to support our partners at SEND Puerto Rico,” says campus minister Kate Bartholomew. Christian Outreach and Baptist Campus Ministry brought students to Puerto Rico multiple times after Hurricane Maria in 2017 to aid recovery efforts. Learn more about one of the first trips in SU News.

Keep up with Christian Outreach on Instagram @christianoutreachsyr or online at christianoutreachsyr.org.

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu to Speak for Hendricks Chapel Conversation Series

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, world-renowned advocate for truth and reconciliation, is the next guest for “Matters that Matter: A Conversation Series from Hendricks Chapel.”

She will join Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol for a live virtual conversation on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. ET. They will discuss healing as individuals and as a society, exploring South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a contemporary guide for hope and healing.

The virtual event can be accessed through Zoom webinar. Pre-registration is not required, and the conversation is free and available to all.

About Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu

Tutu is the daughter of South African anti-apartheid activist and 1984 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She was educated in Swaziland, the United States and England, and has served in various capacities throughout her adult life between South Africa and the United States.

Her professional experience ranges from economic development consultancies in West Africa, coordination of programs on race and gender, as well as gender-based violence prevention education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition, Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford, University of Connecticut and Brevard College in North Carolina. She served as program coordinator for the historic Race Relations Institute at Fisk University and was a part of the Institute’s delegation to the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa.

As well as preaching and teaching, Tutu has established Nozizwe Consulting, which brings different groups together to learn from and celebrate their differences and acknowledge their shared humanity. As part of this work, she has led Truth and Reconciliation Workshops for groups dealing with different types of conflict.

Rev. Tutu is the recipient of four honorary doctorates from universities and colleges in the United States and Nigeria. She is an ordained clergyperson in the Episcopal Church. She is the associate rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California.

About “Matters that Matter”

This will be the 18th installment of “Matters that Matter: A Conversation Series from Hendricks Chapel,” a virtual series hosted by Hendricks Chapel that brings local, national, and global thought leaders together in conversation to discuss critical matters facing society. Learn more at chapel.syracuse.edu.

For more information, email Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.

High Holidays at Chabad House

The High Holiday season at Chabad House at Syracuse University was a whirlwind!

It began with a wonderful Rosh Hashana, for which Chabad hosted 70 students for services in their outside patio area followed by delicious Holiday meals. Rabbis Yaakov and Mendy Rapoport also walked throughout campus blowing shofar during for students all over Syracuse University. Although a solemn day for contemplating and prayer, Chabad also had a full house for Yom Kippur services.

After days of awe come days of joy! Chabad brought out the joy of the Sukkot holiday with the Sukkah Mobile, a mobile space of worship, driving around campus so students can shake the Lulav and Etrog, also known as the “4 species.” Sukkot is also known as the Jewish Harvest festival, and so for eight days the Jewish people eat in a special hut called a “Sukkah.” This fulfills the commandment which the Jewish people received from G-d after they left Egypt. The High Holidays were concluded with the Holiday of Simchat Torah, where Chabad took the joy to the streets of campus singing songs of Jewish pride.