While many religious or spiritual practices are very personal in nature, we also know that for many students there is much value in gathering in community. In addition to practices or services offered through student clubs, we specifically strive to support several ongoing opportunities on-campus. This is an open-ended and evolving list – there’s always space to find new ways to meet students’ interests! Participation is always by individual choice, and most practices are very welcoming of those who want to observe or learn more about different spiritual traditions.
Friday Night Shabbat
Our student-led Shabbat services are held each Friday during the academic year. The location varies from year to year, but the combination of strong leadership from our Hillel with support from the campus helps to provide Jewish students the opportunity to gather weekly to welcome the Sabbath! Our services tend to be very informal and reflect the Reform background of many of our students, but are constantly adapting to meet the needs and makeup of the campus Jewish community. Usually at 6:15pm in the Social Justice Center.
Islamic Prayer
Our dedicated Islamic Prayer Room is available for Muslim students throughout the academic year. A Qu’ran and prayer mats are always available. While our Muslim community is small, we’re committed to offering a safe and welcoming space for community and prayer.
Taking Time
Taking Time is a secular, spiritual space created at the beginning of each month. Faculty, Staff, Students, and Community Members are invited to gather in the Murray Boardroom (in WSC) to reflect on the month that has just ended -- including remembering both losses and tragedies as well as celebrations -- and then to consider individual intentions for the month ahead. This brief (30 minute), reflective time is meant to offer a community connection point at the start of each month. 9-930am, Murray Boardroom.
Monday Morning Christian Centering
On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mondays of each month, members of the campus community who identify with or are curious about a centering/reflective practice drawn from inclusive Christianities are invited to gather in Wheelock 219 for a very brief time of centering, liturgy, and silence to begin the week. This gathering draws heavily from both ancient and contemporary Celtic traditions, with some influences from the Taize community and others. 9-915am, WSC219.
Christian Resources
In addition to special programs hosted by the CICE, and campus-coordinated services during Orientation, Advent, Ash Wednesday, Easter, and Commencement, much of our Christian worship is led by our diverse student clubs.
Buddhist Meditation and Prayer
Our campus Meditation Room is home to a variety of spiritual traditions, but is focused on providing a space for Buddhist students, with support from the Tacoma Buddhist Temple. While the complexity and global nature of Buddhism mean that there are many different ways people may choose to meditate or pray within Buddhist practice, we always encourage students to come together to explore different forms and rhythms for sitting meditation.
Off-Campus Local Worship Services
To learn more about places of worship in the area and service times, Local Worship Services.
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