Student Religious Organizations

"By whatsoever path you come to Me, I shall welcome you, for the paths humans take from every side are Mine."

--Lord Krishna

All religious or spiritual life clubs at the University of Puget Sound are student-initiated and student-led.  The following groups have been recognized by the Office of Spirituality, Service & Social Justice and, when appropriate, the Associated Students of Puget Sound.  For general information on any of these groups, email University Chaplain Dave Wright, or directly contact the individual club's students or advisors listed below.  If you come from a spiritual tradition not represented below and would like to start a new club or organization, or seek University support in developing resources specific to your tradition, we are more than happy to help facilitate that process.   For more information on any of these groups or other worship opportunities or programs, please contact the Office of  Spirituality, Service & Social Justice by phone, 253.879.3374, or via e-mail.

Baha'i Club

The Baha'i Club works to connect Baha'i students at the University with one another and with the Spiritual Assembly of the  Baha'is of Tacoma.  We work with the campus interfaith community to provide education and information about the Baha'i faith and increase understanding between religious groups.

Advisor: Stuart Smithers

Buddhist Union

The Buddhist Union provides a weekly meditation time for students from all Buddhist backgrounds -- join us in the Kilworth Chapel Meditation Room (garden level of Kilworth) at 8PM on Wednesdays throughout the school year.  BU also arranges visits to local Buddhist communities and collaborates with other campus organizations to offer education about Buddhist practice.

Advisor: Sally Sprenger

Catholic Campus Fellowship

The Catholic Campus Fellowship (CCF) is a group on campus that hopes to bring together Catholics on campus and others, to form a Catholic support group, and offer groups and activities that are of interest to the members of the group.

Several activities are planned for the year.  Programs include, Social Justice activities, community involvement, travel groups for mass, quiet prayer times, retreats, dinners, Catholic movie night, and many more. 

Advisor: David Balaam

Christian Science Organization

The Christian Science Organization welcomes anyone in the UPS community to learn more about Christian Science through useful and inspiring readings from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, prepared by CSO officers. Questions, gratitude and testimonies are always welcomed and shared afterwards.

Advisor: Renee Houston

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

This is an interdenominational Christian fellowship whose goal is to help individuals and communities grow in faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.  Small-group Bible studies are available, as well as weekly Family Dinners for community, fun and Christian fellowship.

Advisor: Matt Pickard

Jewish Student Organization

The Jewish Student Organization promotes Jewish identity by arranging cultural and social events and by celebrating holidays and traditions. This group also provides campus-wide information on Judaism and invites campus participation in all programs.

Advisor: Barry Goldstein

LDSSA at Puget Sound (Latter Day Student Association)

Our group is dedicated to providing access to the Latter Day Saint Religion on the UPS campus.  We host classes on campus and provide information about LDS church services in the area.  Anyone is welcome to participate in this group.  LDSSA meets weekly at 2PM in the Gail Day Chapel (2nd floor of Kilworth Chapel).

Advisor: Karl Fields

Lighthouse

Lighthouse is a student-based, multi-denominational Christian community that strives to engage faith, community, and society. Through small groups called Core Groups, cross-cultural trips, retreats, and a weekly time of worship, students have the opportunity to develop relationships with one another and God. Lighthouse seeks to encourage and empower students toward a lifetime of growth and service. Come and join us every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. in the basement of Kilworth Chapel.

Advisor: Matt Pickard

Muslim Students

The Muslim Student Association is currently inactive, but faculty and staff are ready and willing to assist any students wishing to re-establish the club.  Please contact University Chaplain Dave Wright for more information.

The University does reserve space for noon and mid-afternoon prayer for Muslim students, faculty, and staff on the second floor of Kilworth Chapel Monday through Friday when classes are in session.  A wash basin and a number of prayer rugs are available.

Pagan Student Alliance

The Pagan Student Alliance embraces all forms of Pagan practice and Earth-Centered spirituality.  The club meets infrequently, but members and advisors are willing to help foster a stronger presence on campus.   Activities include major Celtic and Wicca holidays known as Sabbats, workshops to educate the UPS community, and group meetings and outings.   The group meets infrequently, but students work with SSSJ to offer opportunities for connection amongst students who identify as Pagan.

Advisor: Carol Lentz

UMeth (United Methodist Fellowship)

UMeth  strives to be an inclusive group, open to students of diverse religions, opinions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We believe in the equality of all and promote questioning, discussion, sharing, understanding, spirituality, and social action. Activities include fellowship, food, bible studies, and discussion of and action on social justice issues. We meet at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in Kilworth Chapel.             

Advisor: Jane Brazell

Unitarian Universalist

We have a number of Unitarian Universalist students who arrange occasional trips to local congregations.  If you're interested in helping coordinate more regular activities, please contact SSSJ at x3818.                          

Advisor: Louise Perez

Interfaith Council

The Interfaith Council provides a connection point for students from all religious and spiritual practices, and includes representatives from each of the organized religious life organizations on campus.  Interfaith Council plans and sponsors special events such as an annual interfaith dinner, the Hunger Awareness Week, conversations about religious diversity and pluralism, an  annual blanket/sweater drive, movie nights and presentations by noted religious leaders.

Please contact the Office of Spirituality, Service, & Social Justice at 253.879.3374 for further information about any of these communities or to discuss religious life and spiritual diversity at Puget Sound.