University ministry advisory Council

Melody Savage, University Ministry Advisory Council Chair

Campus ministry has always been an essential component of the Chapel of the Cross. Over the decades, numerous parishioners have devoted enormous amounts of time, energy, and affection to the university ministry, serving as chaplains, faculty advisors, "friends," and members of the University Ministry Committee.

In October 2004, the UNC Campus Ministry Vision Committee met to study and synthesize recommendations by the clergy, the vestry and others in the parish who had been involved in Campus ministry to assist the newly appointed associate for university ministry in achieving a ministry that reached beyond the walls of the church into the campus community. Led by Janet Turchi, the Campus Ministry Vision Committee made several recommendations including the restructuring of the Campus Ministry Vision Committee into an advisory council. In September 2005, the newly formed University Ministry Advisory Council (UMAC) held its first meeting.

The UMAC is a regular committee of the vestry and has been charged with a three-fold mission: First, the UMAC is to serve to support and advise the associate for university ministry, the rector, and the vestry. Second, recognizing university ministry as a calling to serve God in the world, the UMAC seeks to identify areas of spiritual need in the campus community and to assist the associate for university ministry in implementing efforts to address those needs. And finally, the UMAC is to serve as an advocate of the present and future mission of the university ministry to the diocesan leadership, the diocesan family, and this parish.

The council consists of up to 12 voting members appointed by the rector with the consent of the vestry. Members are asked to serve for a period of one year, with the possibility of reappointment for up to two additional consecutive years. Each member of the council was recruited and appointed for specific positions and liaison duties. Four of the positions represent specific university constituencies. These are:

• An undergraduate student

• A graduate/professional student

• A faculty representative who will also serve as faculty advisor

• A campus events coordinator.

Three positions will be held by members who support the program initiatives of university ministry and will be designated as members-at-large. Three other positions will be held by representatives of major parish programs. These are:

• A Christian education representative

• An outreach (social ministry) representative

• A worship representative.

In addition, a member of the vestry will be appointed to the council.

The first meeting of the UMAC was held on September 8, at which time the members had the opportunity to learn about one another's roles in campus and parish activities and to begin to think about how we can work together to support an expanded vision of university ministry. With a goal of building bridges between the parish and the campus, including students and faculty, and ensuring that communication, activities, and relationships are fostered by our university ministry, the council can look forward to an energizing and rewarding opportunity toserve.

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© 2005 The Chapel of the Cross