Located just one block east of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, College Hill Lutheran Church and Brammer Student Center hosts a vibrant college ministry led by Rev. John Wegener.
“Though a number of years have passed since my graduation from UNI, College Hill continues to be a huge blessing,” said former student and current employee of Lutheran World Mission Leah Sieveking. “Not only was it the place where I was fed spiritually in college, but it was also where I formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”
More than five years ago, IDE encouraged the expansion and enhancement of campus ministry at College Hill, partnering with LCEF for building loan. “This addition created a space that is attractive and inviting to students; it’s welcoming the first time they step in and they want to come back . . . And bring friends,” said long-time congregation member Doris Mauer.
“Any given Sunday may have as many as 40 - 50 students, and, interestingly enough, there is just as good attendance on Wednesday nights. Laborers For Christ helped build the addition which means that our members stepped up to help too; these members have a real ownership in the new space! We traded property with the city so the congregation was able to close off the alley for a full block front. The new addition is located where the alley used to be. The lower level has study rooms for students whose campus dorms are too noisy, a game room and student apartments. In turn for housing, students serve as custodians and take care of light snow removal, etc. It’s a great partnership. By hosting a few students on site, other college students are encouraged to come over too,” said Mauer.
A church van picks up students from campus for Bible studies, choir practice and worship. “Upstairs we added a large fellowship area where today we host monthly potlucks to feed the students some real home-cookin’,” said Mauer. “The students bring their friends and we have a wonderful time.”
College Hill also hosts Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) which is very active and utilizes the space by offering various events throughout the year including a high school retreat. The addition has had a huge impact on the ministry. “College students have a wonderful passion for service projects; they’ve gone to New Orleans to help out, and this spring break they are going to work with Habitat for Humanity. They host an annual dinner theatre at the church as a fundraiser for their servant events,” said Mauer. Each evening more than 100 attend. This year performances were in February. Visit college-hill.org for more information on College Hill and their ministries.
LCEF continues to be a ministry partner for LCMS churches.
For information on services available for your church contact Carole White – carole.white@lcef.org.I
