The first week in May was Spirit Week at the University of Chicago, and Augustana had the opportunity through campus ministry to host several events for the University community. Spirit Week actually stretched over ten days, including two Sundays, so we invited members of the University community to join us for campus ministry lunches after worship two weeks in a row.
The discussions focused on the relationship between Christianity and Islam. On April 29th Professor Mark Swanson talked with us about ways in which Islam intersects with and challenges Christianity, and on May 6th two Muslim students came to talk with us about their faith from a personal perspective.
Other Spirit Week events in which Augustana participated included an Ice Cream Social highlighting “31 flavors” of Christianity on campus; a panel discussion featuring Pastor Palmer and a few other religious advisers called “Can Christians Agree?”; an interfaith celebration which featured Lutheran Campus Ministry singing a version of Psalm 91; and an ecumenical Taizé service in Bond Chapel which was planned and attended by several members of Augustana. Thanks to all who helped highlight the importance of religious life on campus by participating in Spirit Week activities!