"A Sanctuary in the City… Living Faith"

United Campus Ministry at WMU

The United Campus Ministry is a collaborative effort with six other congregations in Kalamazoo
to provide service learning and leadership for students of Western Michigan University and
Kalamazoo Valley Community College. United Campus Ministry is located in Kanley Chapel
on the WMU campus. The Reverend Kathleen Robertson King is director of this program.
UCM promotes three essential components to “Service Learning”: Getting Out [of one’s comfort
zone], Mutuality, and Reflection. Other churches involved in United Campus Ministry are the
American Baptist Churches USA, Church of the Brethren, United Church of Christ Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ), St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, the Religious Society of Friends,
and the Unitarian Universalists.

Each Tuesday evening during the academic year, students are invited to join Tuesday Evening
Dialogue sessions with staff from UCM for spiritual growth and service learning leadership. Also
on Tuesday evenings, UCM hosts a knitting group; this year the students are knitting scarves
for to donate to those in need. All WMU and KVCC students are welcome to participate in either
or both activities.

UCM service projects include Habitat for Humanity, Volunteering with Kids, Kalamazoo Urban
Plunge, and the Alternative Spring Break Trip. Volunteering with Kids is comprised of two
components that run for the academic year – one takes place on Thursdays after school at
Peace House, and the other on Friday evenings at the Boys and Girls Club at Edison School.
At each session, WMU and KVCC students assist youngsters with homework and serve the
children a nourishing meal. Urban Plunge students learn service leadership by working at Loaves and Fishes, Boys and Girls Club, and other agencies in the city. Students also share in anti-racism training and replications of poverty scenarios. Alternative Spring Break participants are exposed to a variety of issues, such as immigration, and working with several other service agencies.