Lutheran Campus Foundation WVU

THE LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY at WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Synod Assembly Report, October 2021

Like you, the Lutheran Campus Ministry at West Virginia University (LCM@WVU) experienced an array of challenges put forth by a global pandemic, but not without the overwhelming blessings of God’s continual redemption and renewal. In addition to adapting campus ministry within various stages of physical distancing, we had the bittersweet transition of wishing Godspeed to our former chaplain, The Rev. Tony Setley, as he was called to serve St. Paul in Morgantown. Yet, God is always faithful and as we journey forward with our two (!) new chaplains, we rest in the confidence that the Holy Spirit is up to something wonderful among and through campus ministry in the West Virginia – Western Maryland Synod.

NEW LEADERSHIP
On August 1, 2021 we welcomed the Revs. Courtney & Ben Erzkus as our new chaplain duo! With a strong sense of call to serve as a family, they fill this one full-time chaplain role together, along with the creative and spontaneous inspiration of their two young children, Alice and Charlie. You can learn more about the Erzkus family in our “About Us” section of our website (listed below), but if there is one thing you should know now it is that God has given them a deep appreciation and love for serving alongside our amazing young adults, and that they feel right at home in these mountains and valleys.

ANCHORED IN WORSHIP
Life for those connected with the LCM@WVU is anchored around worship. On Sunday evenings we gather for Mass, followed by a free dinner and then Compline. Currently we also gather for Morning Prayer, Vespers, and Compline during the week, and anticipate offering worship using Holden Evening Prayer, as well as begin a Facebook live-streamed Compline liturgy later this month. Earlier in the semester we enjoyed learning and praying Vespers, which sometimes brought us guests from around the Synod! You are always welcome to join us for worship, and we look forward to hosting you, your Women’s or Men’s groups, and your Confirmation classes. Our worship brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members—thanks be to God!

SPIRITUAL CARE & CONNECTION
One of the high privileges of campus ministry is walking alongside young adults as they embark on one of the biggest transitions of their life. The intersection of new experiences, ideas, and people provides rich soil for diving deeper into their beliefs, and further discerning and developing their sense of vocation. This may take the shape of a scheduled one-on-one conversation at the Chapel, but more often it looks like getting together for a cup of coffee, chatting on the way to and from class, or talking over a shared meal. These holy conversations aren’t only reserved for students, though – we also are continuing to build relationships and serve faculty and staff through both formal and informal meetings.

Our plans this year include continuing efforts to reach out to new and returning students (you can help us by asking the student’s permission and then sharing their info with us!), as well as expanding these outreach efforts to faculty and staff. We also enjoy getting to travel throughout our beautiful Synod and visit congregations on formal LCM@WVU visits or as pulpit supply.

PARTNER & SUPPORT
There are many ways you can partner with and support the Lutheran Campus Ministry at West Virginia University! Here are just a few:

• Include the LCM@WVU in your personal prayers and weekly Prayers of Intercession!
• Sponsor one of our Sunday meals (send a gift card or join us and bring/make a dish)!
• Connect us with your new or returning students at WVU!
• Visit and join us for worship; or,
• Invite us to visit your congregation (in a formal LCM@WVU visit or as pulpit supply)
• Become one of our donors by giving a regular financial gift!
  

CONTACT US

Visit www.LutheranMountaineer.org for information on worship, current program offerings, and how to set up online giving. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LCMWVU

Chaplain Ben
ben@lutheranmountaineer.org
717-881-4631

Chaplain Courtney
Courtney@lutheranmountaineer.org
717-881-4621