by Sam Fink

When Rev. Al Scheips was the pastor at University Lutheran Chapel, he would say that his interaction with students was “a practical laboratory in churchmanship.”  That meant that their time at the Chapel was formative in making them productive and successful members of the church. Simplified even further, it meant that the students were learning to live in a community of faith.  And when it played out, it meant they had a close group of believers who met, studied and worshiped together.

At the time Rev. Scheips said this, ULC was notable for its traditions and practices that garnered a tight community. Members would make dinner every Sunday night, and then have a service or program together. Today, students eat together Friday nights, and we share brunch and soup on Sunday mornings. Then, students were known for being loyal to the chapel even after their graduation; many of them even had a tradition of stopping in before football games.

Today, we have great spiritual and financial support through a caring and committed Alumni group. Students would work with Rev. and Mrs. Scheips to keep the grounds and building up to date and clean. On July 13, the ULC community gathered for a work day, tackling an unbelievable variety of projects around in the Common Cup, Church, and grounds. We estimate that on that work day, our Church family put in almost 300 person hours of labor.

As I’ve reflected on both the distant and recent past, I have been reminded many times of Chapter 4 of Ephesians, where we read:

“10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Through the lens of this passage, our purpose and capabilities as a community are called out as something intentional, with great potential.  The ministry at University Lutheran Chapel happens because of people like you who pitch in and help make it happen. A few upcoming needs include:

  • Brunch and Soup (every Sunday starting 8/31)
  • Welcome Back BBQ  (9/12)
  • Adopt-a-Student
  • Sunday School coordinators & helpers

If you have any questions about these opportunities as you consider your gifts this fall, please find one the elders or site leaders, they would love to help you find a way to use your gifts.