Fall Semester – It’s Good!
Every fall semester is the start of something amazing at St. Paul’s. New students
begin their college careers full of hopes and goals – and a bit of terror at
the craziness that is Iowa City.
Returning students, more confident in their roles and fresh from summer job
experiences and internships, begin to focus more intently on their majors with
one eye looking at jobs and/or grad schools down the road. Internationals
arrive, bewildered by American slang, new foods, new living situations, and a
culture vastly different from their own. In the midst of all this, St. Paul’s Chapel reaches
out and welcomes all of them.
A highlight of campus ministry continues to be our
International Student Ministry. Rebecca Schaff now serves as the director of
the program. Rebecca just returned to St. Paul’s
after a year studying abroad in China.
Rebecca’s understanding of the culture and language make her a tremendous asset
as we welcome many new internationals. The outreach, however, would not be possible
without our fantastic team of volunteers. These men and women from our sister
congregations continue to be a source of strength and joy as they work with
small groups and with individuals to not only help with English language, but
more importantly to share the Gospel message. Outings to area attractions,
cooking classes, knitting classes, and the conversation times are all possible
thanks to their efforts.
Our outreach to undergrads and grad students includes a
schedule packed with activities and events. A bonfire and hayrack ride at Camp
Io-Dis-E-Ca, softball and flag football games, a tailgate and watching the Iowa City high schools rivalry
football game, and a tailgate before the Hawkeye football game are just a
sampling of what has filled our fall schedule. These opportunities are
important as they not only provide alternatives to the “party school”
atmosphere of a college campus, but they also help the students form lasting
friendships. Of course, the central activity each week is the Divine Service,
and each week all of these students, have the opportunity to hear God’s Word
and receive his gifts.
