Church Relations | Worship & Bible Study | Spiritual Traditions | Presbyterian Traditions | ACtivators | Staff
Austin College is deeply sensitive to, and respectful of, the many spiritual traditions represented among its students. Proud of its affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the College cultivates a vital religious life for Austin College students, faculty, and staff through a wide variety of programs and activities.
Dr. John Williams, Chaplain & Director of Church Relations
Religious Life Calendar 2018-19
Austin College has a Labyrinth
For thousands of years, human beings have created the spiral paths that fold back on themselves within labyrinths for reasons ranging from decoration to art and myth. As well, the labyrinth has long been used as a creative or spiritual tool. If you have a problem, you can use the labyrinth to help solve it. If you have a need to discover spiritual meaning or find inspiration, a labyrinth can be put to service for you.
As a meditation tool consisting of a walkable single line path, a labyrinth can be a source of solace and can quiet a distracted or overactive mind. When troubled by disturbing emotions or unfortunate events in your life, walking a labyrinth can help resolve your inner discomfort and still your mind enough for you to get clarity of what is going on. As a spiritual tool, both the calming and quieting effect and the metaphorical symbolism of the labyrinth as a pathway on a journey or a spiritual track can help you to ponder life's greater mysteries.
Austin College students, staff, or faculty may walk the Labyrinth in the Small Chapel on any Monday in the Fall Semester.
Bible Study & Worship
Bible Study
"B.S. with J.W." is a weekly Bible study program for all interested students.
Worship
Every Sunday evening, there is a non-denominational Christian communion service planned and led by Austin College students in the Small Chapel of Wynne Chapel. In addition to its own programs, the Religious Life Office coordinates the work of several different student organizations. The membership and activity of these groups varies from year to year depending on student leadership and participation. In recent years this list has included such groups as:
- Austin College Unitarian Universalist Students
- Asian Students Association (which includes several Buddhist students)
- Baptist Student Ministry (BSM)
- Black Expressions/Impact Bible Study
- Catholic Students’ Association
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
- Habitat for Humanity
- Indian Cultural Association (which comprises Hindu, Christian, and Muslim students)
- InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)
- Jewish Students Association
- Muslim Students' Association
- Second Floor (Sherman Bible Church Collegiate Ministry)
- Young Life
Volunteer
The Service Station facilitates service by connecting Austin College with service opportunities and promotes involvement in local communities by facilitating service opportunities to Austin College students. As a result, we hope to encourage a lifelong commitment to service.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
- Opportunity Fair
- Great Day of Service
- JanServe | Green Serve
- Saturday Morning Program
- Tostan
- Alternative Spring Break
AColyte
Published by the Religious Life Office, the AColyte features discussions of faith and information about Religious Life programs and activities at Austin College. Request a copy of the AColyte by email!
Download a copy of the AColyte:
- Opening of School 2016 Issue
- Easter 2016 Issue
- Holiday 2015 Issue
- Commencement 2015 Issue
- January 2015 Issue
- Advent 2014 Issue
- November 2014 Issue
- Commencement 2014 Issue
- Easter 2014 Issue
- Lent 2014 Issue
- Spring Break 2014 Issue
- Epiphany 2014 Issue
- September 2013 Issue
- Commencement 2013 Issue
- April 2013 Issue