Transitioning to a safer campus lifestyle will be difficult for many student organizations this upcoming semester.
It will be challenging to plan and execute gatherings and activities that stay within the guidelines given by the university. One particular group of student organizations that plan on moving forward are the religious organizations.
For these organizations that emphasize the value of fellowship and unity, it would seem almost impossible for these organizations to stay open during the fall. However, three of these religious organizations offered some insight into how they plan on moving forward this semester, while prioritizing the students’ safety and health.
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry, BCM, is one student organization that is implementing many precautions into its daily routine in order to do its part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Morgan Owen, the campus minister for the BCM, said, “the BCM is preparing to follow the CDC, UTM, and Tennessee Baptist Convention guidelines in order to do ministry this fall. This includes temperature checks before events and building frequency, mask wearing, social distancing, and event tracking.”
Owen also said that incoming students can easily become a part of the BCM organization, with no fees required. “All UTM students are welcome to frequent the BCM Student Center at 112 Hurt Street. The BCM Student Center is a great place to hang out, have conversations, and study.”
In regards to events held by the BCM, Owen reluctantly had to temporarily get rid of a few programs, but there will still be opportunities for students to gather together. The BCM will hold a weekly worship service on Monday nights called The Well. There are also plans to hold Radiant and Man-Up, which is a women’s and men’s small group devotional. The current plan is to offer both in-person and online options for these events.
“If a student would like to have a spiritual conversation over current or personal issues, the BCM had a Campus Minister, Bro. Morgan “MO” Owen, available for appointments. Students can contact the BCM at 731-431-6302. Again, everyone is welcome to visit the BCM Student Center and to be involved in the BCM activities.”
The Church of Christ Student Center, COCSC, is another religious organization that plans to continue hosting events during this upcoming school year. Tucker Pounds spoke about the COCSC’s current plans for the semester.
“The COCSC will be abiding by all University regulations. We will still be having devotional several times per week as well as worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays,” Pounds said.
The COCSC holds a weekly devotional on Monday nights, as well as a split devotional twice a month where the men and women separate to hold their own study. These events are open to any students who want to come be a part of what they are doing.
The COCSC is located near campus at 107 Mount Pelia road. They also have a website that can be visited at skyhawks4christ.com.
Reverend Amanda Crice gave some insight into what the current plan looks like for The Wesley Foundation, another religious organization that can be found at 312 Lovelace Ave. This is also where the organization will meet while wearing masks and social distancing.
“Our main focus will be offering small groups to students. We plan to offer some outdoor in person groups as well as groups that meet on Zoom. We hope to have a list and description of each available small group out soon,” Crice said.
Along with these activities, Crice is very excited to announce their next big project, which is a Wesley Podcast. The current plan is to launch this podcast by October.
Crice also added, “We know this is going to be a different and somewhat challenging year, but our theme and our goal this year is to Be a Light in the midst of everything that is going on. If there are ways we can be a light and a service to students please let us know. We are here to love, serve, and build an inclusive community on our campus.”
To be included with The Wesley Foundation’s mailing list, send your email address to utm.wesley@gmail.com. They also have an Instagram account, @utm.wesley, and a Facebook page, WesleyFoundationAtUtm.
It seems as all student organizations will face their own challenges this upcoming semester, yet these religious student groups have plans to move forward with as typical of a schedule as can be planned for. These religious organizations continue to find safe ways to meet and worship together, and they are all welcome to any students who would be interested in joining them.
