LISA BATTEN
Director and Campus Pastor
How long does it take to move a church? A campus ministry?
For Wesley at WMU it has been a short five years since making the decision to sell the 1964 building and move 1250 feet west to a new location on Howard Street.
This decision came after much prayer and conversation and an offer from Western Michigan University.
Kalamazoo District Superintendent, John Boley, was among those turning over a shovelful of dirt. ~Kalamazoo District Facebook
As we prepare to move in December 2015, I can’t help but reflect on the many years of ministry that have taken place in the current building and the many lives that have been touched.
In our move we will continue developing Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through worship, small group ministry, and retreats. We will continue to grow leaders through our leadership team training and EncounterMICall Intern program to local churches.
We will continue to be a culture of mission by providing service and social justice opportunities.
In our move we will become more welcoming by having a fully accessible building. We will grow in our efforts to be sustainable through enlarging the community garden, decreasing waste and increasing recycling.
Here are some of the thoughts of those in ministry in the present facility …
Jenna Johnson, Student Music Director: I have appreciated having the current building, as it has given a space dedicated for worship on campus. This has been freeing and refreshing as it has provided resources for creative worship experiences to happen, not in a multi-purpose room but in a sacred space. I am looking forward to the new ministry center as a place to build a community that feels empowered to invite others in, especially when there is so much going on in the nation,world and on campus. We will better be able to create safe space, not giving up on the faith journey while in college, but deepening faith in a place that equally challenges and empowers students.
Ivan, a sophomore with the Peace Center: The Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center has impacted my life in a positive way in such a short time. I joined looking to learn more about social justice issues and help out where I felt comfortable. What I got was a group of loving, non-judgmental people that have pushed me to really get involved in today’s social issues and do more than just talk about it. I feel the Peace Center has given me the drive and skills I need to successfully act on the social issues I feel are important.
Destinee Wells, a junior with Kappa Phi: Kappa Phi brings together Christian women on campus. The fellowship with my sisters is a wonderful experience where I can share my values and beliefs with a group of like-minded people. The opportunities for service are a great way to get connected in Kalamazoo. I’m glad that
Kappa Phi can meet at Wesley because I already spend much of my time in this warm and hospitable place. I hope that the new building has the same warmth and hospitality, just in a safer and more energy-efficient space.
Ally Spring, Coordinator Campus Beet: I am involved with Campus Beet because I’m vegan and I think this is a great step in bringing campus closer to a sustainable food system. The thing I like about the Wesley space is that it’s become a hub where people know that they can come and get a nice meal. I’m looking forward to having the same comfortable space in the new building. It will still be Wesley, of course, and I’m looking forward to that new atmosphere. I think that will be cool.
The celebration of the ground breaking was held on Tuesday, April 21st. It was a time to remember how lives have been touched through the ministry at the current building since 1964. It was a time to look forward with excitement.
Last Updated on October 27, 2023