Reverend Kelli Taylor places ash on the forehead of a Methodist University student on Ash Wednesday

Religious Life & Community Service

About Religious Life

Located in the Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center (MMC), the Department of Religious Life and Office of the Chaplain are available for students interested in connecting with religious and spiritual life on campus, learning about faith communities, or seeking spiritual support along the journey of university life. Religious Life fosters a spirit of hospitality that supports and encourages all students, faculty and staff in honoring the sacred. In this environment of education and growth, there are safe and respectful times and places to wrestle with the hard questions of life. The University Chaplain, adjunct chaplains and staff are available to students of all traditions for conversations around faith and personal matters. Religious Life has many opportunities to serve, lead and grow spiritually. The core tenets of Religious Life are: Connect. Grow. Serve. Listen. Love. Learn.

The Ministry Center’s Student Lounge, “The Family Room,” (open 7 a.m.-12 midnight) is an inviting place for students to relax, watch TV, study, meet new people and enjoy an occasional snack.

The University Chaplain, Rev. Kelli W. Taylor, is available at 910.630.7515 or ktaylor@methodist.edu. Student program information, including details on mission trips and alternative break experiences, is available from Ruth Carr at 910.630.7157 or rcarr@methodist.edu.

2023-24 Religious Life Brochure

Events & Programs

CIRCUIT is offered on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. CIRCUIT is the weekly gathering of the Methodist University community for inspiration and education. Rooted in justice, love, truth, and virtue, CIRCUIT uses lectures, table conversation, worship, and service to challenge, inspire, and engage the campus community toward action.

Chaplain’s Bible Study, Holy Communion and MUGS are offered weekly. Check your MU email and MU Religious Life social media for the most current meeting times for these gatherings.

Faith-based student groups offered through the Campus Engagement Office include Ignite, Bible Study, PGM Fellowship, and Delight Women’s Ministry. A student-led worship experience is offered by IGNITE on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Matthews Chapel.

Unpacking Religion is monthly program centered on a shared meal and in-depth discussion of various religious traditions and faiths around the world.

Services are also held to observe special days throughout the year:

  • NSO Worship Service on the Sunday of New Student Orientation
  • Advent Lessons and Carols
  • Lenten Praise/Worship Concert
  • Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday
  • Alumni Memorial Service

Adopt-a-Hall Program

The Adopt-a-Hall Program partners with local Christian congregations in the Fayetteville area to provide students with a connection to the Fayetteville community and the opportunity to experience God’s love and acceptance, as well as “a touch of home” while living in the residence hall community.

Adopt-a-Hall Program Informational Booklet

Reverend Kelli Taylor speaking during a Palm Sunday service at Methodist University

Sacred Spaces

Several sacred spaces are offered on campus for worship, prayer and meditation.

Hensdale Chapel

The smaller of two Christian chapels on campus, Hensdale Chapel is open for prayer and meditation, can be reserved for functions in the spirit of the space, and is one location that hosts chapel services. Hensdale Chapel is open 24/7 for meditation and prayer and can be reserved through the University Calendar system.

Hensdale Chapel at Methodist University

Matthews Chapel

The larger of two Christian chapels on campus, Matthews Chapel is located in the Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center adjacent to Huff Concert Hall. This space hosts Christian worship services and other Religious Life events, as well as music recitals, performances, dinners and other programs that maintain the integrity of the space. Matthews Chapel is open 7 a.m. – 12 midnight and can be reserved through the University calendar system.

Matthews Ministry Center Policy for Use

Matthews Chapel at Methodist University

Still Point

Located in Chris’s House, across the road from the Cape Fear Commons, Still Point is a dedicated, neutral, sacred space available to all faiths for prayer and meditation. The space cannot be reserved and is open 7 a.m. – 12 midnight to the campus community. A cabinet is available in Still Point where worshippers may leave their religious wares and a washing station is available for wudu.

For more information on the Religious Life program or Sacred Spaces on campus, please contact Ruth Carr in the Religious Life office at 910.630.7157 or rcarr@methodist.edu.

Pastor’s Certificate for UMC Students

Initial enrollment of a (MU) undergraduate freshman or transfer student in their first semester as a full-time student (at least 12 hours) in one of the on-campus programs. Student must be referred by a United Methodist Pastor. This Certificate is valued at $500 per academic year for residential students and commuting students.

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA after their first year at MU. Certificate eligibility is a maximum of four years (eight semesters). Download the Pastor’s Certificate form or contact the MU Campus Chaplain for further information.

Contact

Ruth Carr, B.S.

Director, Religious Life & Community Service
Ruth Carr