The development of our spiritual life is valued at Wilmington College. What could be more central to who we are a human beings than our spirituality and our faith? Because of this conviction Wilmington College and Wilmington Yearly Meeting sponsor a program of campus ministry and religious life that is coordinated through the Office of Campus Ministry (OCM).
Located in the Thomas R. Kelly Religious Center, the OCM coordinates, encourages, and nurtures religious life on campus. This office is committed to encouraging openness to the many ways in which God is present.
Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, Campus Minister & Recorded Quaker Minister is available to listen, spend time with students, work with campus faith groups and facilitate programs and ministry events.
"May our faith be vital and transformative in our life at Wilmington College". - Martha Hinshaw Sheldon
Bible study groups meet weekly for study and prayer,seeking to tie the Scriptures to daily life and concerns. Students, faculty, and other concerned people lead Bible study groups. Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Some groups are listed below. Students are welcome to initiate new groups in consultation with the Campus Minister.
Athletes in Action is a national, nondenominational Christian fellowship group that meets weekly on campus for Bible study, fellowship and conversation in groups and individually on issues of faith. For more information contact Barry Wulf, ext 648.
The Catholic Campus Ministry is co-sponsored by St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington. The group offers a variety of activities that include opportunities for ministry within the parish, some Mass on campus, and retreats. Membership is open to all students, staff, and faculty. For more information contact Bud Lewis, ext. 341.
Chi alpha is a non-denominational Christian fellowship group. The group meets on campus, in all sorts of settings and sizes. The gatherings are informal, charged with music, given to humor, and address topics that vary from relationships to the nature of truth. The goals of these gatherings are to meet with God, meet with friends, and meet real needs. For more information contact Tara and Ken Lydy, ext 624 or 261.
The College Young Adult Friends gathers together Quaker and non-Quaker students for fellowship, discussion, retreats, and various activities. They seek to learn more about Quaker faith and witness and to reflect on their own spiritual journey in light of today’s issues and concerns. For more information contact Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, ext. 239.
Recipients of the Quaker Leader Scholarship meet regularly to develop their leadership abilities and strengthen their spiritual life. They also sponsor activities that promote a greater understanding of Quakerism on our College campus. QLS are encouraged to participate with the Department of Religion and Philosophy in their travel offerings to study internationally so participants can gain a global perspective of Friends faith and witness.
Quaker Fellowship Luncheons provide an opportunity to hear and interact with Friends who are making an impact on their communities. Throughout the semester Wilmington Friends Meeting and Campus Friends Meeting sponsor luncheons on campus for Quakers and interested others.
Students sometimes gather for prayer, worship, and for encouraging one another in faith. The Meditation Room in Kelly Religious Center is open for this purpose. All are welcome.
Campus Friends Meeting for Worship is held in the traditional Quaker manner of worship each Sunday at 10:30am in the Meetinghouse. People gather and “center down” in silence in the presence of God. Shared thoughts come out of the silence. Anyone present is free to speak when moved by the Spirit of God. At the end, people all around the room shake hands and greet each other. For more information contact Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, Ext. 239 or Ron Rembert, Ext. 210.
St. Anthony’s Episcopal Church meets in the McCoy Room of Kelly Religious Center every Sunday morning at 9:30. The congregation is yoked with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in nearby Hillsboro, Ohio.
Students are encouraged to make connections with their local congregations while at college. Wilmington College maintains an active relationship with the Wilmington Area Ministerial Association and recognizes its Quaker heritage through the Wilmington Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Information on worship opportunities in the local area churches and Quaker meetings is available through the Campus Ministry Office and on the Campus Ministry web site.
Wilmington College main number: (937) 382-6661
Campus Minister
Martha Hinshaw Sheldon, ext. 239