Campus Ministry

University Lutheran has a mission of ministry to the academic communities of Boston and Cambridge—so campus ministry is very important to us! Students represent about one-quarter of our members, and we support a variety of activities both at University Lutheran and on local campuses....

At University Lutheran

During the academic year, students gather regularly for programs ranging from Bible study to brunch, and the Young Adults and Graduate Students (YAGS) group also meets frequently. In addition, our pastor is available for conversation and counseling.

The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter makes its home in our basement each year from mid-November to mid-April. Directed by students from Harvard's Phillips Brooks House, the Shelter welcomes more than a hundred student volunteers from colleges across the Boston area every season. See the Shelter page for information on volunteering.

Many students also participate in the ongoing life of the church: as members of the Church Council, as deacons, in the choir, or in other activities that match individual talents and time. For ideas on getting involved, speak with a staff member or e-mail office@unilu.org.

At Boston University

Jessica Chicka is Boston University's Marsh Chapel Associate for Lutheran Ministry. Jessica notes, "Throughout the academic year, we will gather on Sunday mornings at 11 am at Marsh Chapel for worship, and on Wednesday evenings at 5:15 pm for prayer and Eucharist with other Protestant denominations at Marsh Chapel. We will also participate in service projects, participate in special events, and meet for coffee and conversation throughout the year." For more information, email Jessica or see the BU Lutherans Facebook page or LCM@BU website.

At Harvard

Harvard undergraduates will meet on Tuesdays at 6 pm in the UniLu Alumni/ae Room this fall. For more information, contact our coordinator of ministries at Harvard College, Samantha Lyon.

Harvard Divinity School has strong support for Lutheran students; see our HDS page for details.

At MIT

University Lutheran has close ties with the Lutheran-Episcopal Ministry at MIT (LEM), which has been a cooperative venture of Lutherans and Episcopalians for more than twenty years. LEM offers weekly worship on Wednesdays in the MIT Chapel throughout the calendar year, with 5:15 P.M. services (usually alternating between Lutheran and Episcopal liturgies) followed by supper. The ministry also offers a full program of activities, including guest speakers, classes, retreats, and opportunities for service. For more information, visit the LEM website or contact the Lutheran chaplain, Rev. Kari Jo Verhulst (pictured), at (617) 253-2325.

At Northeastern

On Thursdays from fall through spring, NU students gather in the Spiritual Life Center (201 Ell) for worship and discussion at 5:45 P.M. NU students also make regular visits to an elderly housing complex near Northeastern. For more information, contact chaplain Joyce DeGreeff (pictured) at j.degreeff@neu.edu, visit the ministry's Facebook page or consult the Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at Northeastern website.

At Other Nearby Campuses

If you are too far away to participate in UniLu student ministries, another Lutheran congregation may be closer to you:

Through the Northeast Lutheran Student Movement

The Northeast Lutheran Student Movement (NELSM) is a pan-Lutheran group, primarily supported by the ELCA, operated by students for students and their campus ministries. NELSM offers two retreats a year and other activities; check out the NELSM website for the latest.

Regionally and Nationally

Please see the Related Sites page for links to other ELCA campus ministry resources, in the New England Synod and nationwide.