Some students at Drury have never experienced a church setting, and others have had negative religious experiences in the past. Some may be interested in becoming part of a faith-centered community, but do not know how to get involved.

Stone Chapel. Photo via Taylor Stanton.

Tuesday Chapel’s “Faith and Food” at Drury hopes to give students (and faculty alike) a safe and caring environment to learn, grow and share in one’s personal and spiritual journey.

Every Tuesday at noon, the Stone Chapel Lounge is filled with strangers and friends alike: you will immediately be greeted and welcomed, regardless of if you have been to Chapel in the past.

A typical Chapel meeting includes around 30 minutes of a short message, prayer and music, and concludes at 12:30 p.m. Following the informal service, a (free for students!) catered lunch of pizza, salad, drinks and various desserts is served.

Dr. Peter Browning, Drury’s chaplain and professor of philosophy and religion, aspires for Tuesday Chapel to be as inclusive as possible.

“We hear from students, staff, faculty and community guests who represent a wide range of traditions within Christianity.  At least once a semester, we invite a speaker from a tradition outside of Christianity to speak about that person’s faith. Over the years, we have heard from Jews, Muslims and people from Eastern religious traditions,” stated Browning.

It is important to note that Drury’s “Faith and Food” meetings are different from the typical church experience. Even those who have anxiety about faith-related gatherings due to a negative past experience will find that Drury’s chapel community is welcoming and not intimidating. Browning has carefully ensured that Tuesday Chapel is accepting.

“Many people have had experiences with religious communities which have made them uncomfortable. As the chaplain, my desire is to help nurture a spiritual community rather than to force people to think the way that I think,” stated Browning. “Gathering to sing, pray and listen to people talk about their faith journey reminds us that we are all seeking to find meaning in our lives and that we can do that better together than apart.”

Genevieve Travers, the worship leader guitarist for Tuesday Chapel, has found a positive community in Tuesday Chapel.

“Chapel is a great place to get involved with a close-knit community and learn more about the Lord,” stated Travers.

Chi Alpha volunteer Marta Hammond also wants to invite students to give Chapel a chance.

“Come experience Chapel!” she said. “We laugh, we learn, we cry, we pray and we love! And as always, we welcome!”

If you are interested in experiencing the “Faith and Food” community, Chapel meetings are every Tuesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Stone Chapel Lounge. Contact Dr. Peter Browning (pbrowning@drury.edu) for more information.

Written by Olivia Thompson.