Campus Ministry Bridged Through St. Luke’s, Tarleton State University

The campus ministry at St. Luke’s, Stephenville, had a successful year through several renewed initiatives, according to Mackenzie Campbell-Furtick, who serves as campus missioner at St. Luke’s and liaison between the church and Tarleton State University.

The “UR Loved Library" program for students and young adults enjoyed its first, full year of in-person gatherings since the pandemic. The program provided weekly meetings during the long semesters, and an average seven to 16 students were welcomed each week. Attendees played games, talked, shared meals, did schoolwork, had meetings, and engaged with parishioners from St. Luke’s. The parishioners serve as mentors to students, talking about subjects in a safe, welcoming space.

In 2022, the campus ministry started two new programs. The first was a small-group discussion group which met every two-tothree weeks during the spring semester to discuss the book Belovedness: Finding God and Self on Campus. The second was a Wednesday evening service for the students which began in late October.

Students participated in numerous activities and ministries at St. Luke’s, as well. Services they assisted with included adult education, food pantry bagging and grocery dispensing. On Thursdays, they helped serve lunches to Tarleton students and staff. The students also attended weekly worship services and served as altar guild, led the readings, and served as vestry clerk.

Many celebrations were held throughout the year, including one student who was baptized and one who was confirmed. One student began a year of service in the Episcopal Service Corps in August, working with homeless youth in Denver.

During the year a student wedding was held where the only attendees, aside from the couple, were the rector, one of the “UR Loved Library” mentors, and the campus missioner. All blessed the union and attended as witnesses.

The student president of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Community Ministries student organization began attending the ministries and programs in August 2021. The student joined the ministry in hopes to find a place that loves and welcomes LGBTQ+ persons. In a moment of personal sharing in the weeks following Easter, the student said: “I’m a believer again.”

As campus missioner, Campbell-Furtick says she focuses on making students feel welcome to the church community, especially those who are looking for a faith community that loves them just as they are, beloved children of God. She is a life-long Epsicopalian who grew up going to St. Luke’s and attended Tarleton State where she received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology. After working in the private sector for several years in Fort Worth, she returned to Stephenville where she serves as part-time campus missioner. Regarding the mixing of science with spirituality, she says she sees both as completely compatible and necessary elements of her being.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Mark 16:15