news article
UM Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University
August 8, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song, Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The term “chaplain” has an origin from the story of St. Martin. On a rainy day in 337, St. Martin ran into an impoverished man at the gate to the city of Amiens, France. While the crowd ignored this half-naked man, he took pity, took out his sword, removed his cloak, and sliced it into two pieces to give half to the poor man. Being moved by this powerful turn of events, Martin, who was a military man, dedicated his life to serving the poor. Years later, his cloak was kept in a building called a cappella, or “chapel,” and the person assigned to take care of the sacred relic was deemed the cappelano or “chaplain.”
As this short story beautifully depicts, chaplains are those who serve others with their care. In the present days, chaplains serve various institutions and serve alongside with people of diverse spiritual and ethical backgrounds. Their main roles are to build community, explore spiritual growth, provide guidance, and offer unconditional care.
The opportunity and challenge from the chaplaincy are to see how God can work beyond the walls of our churches and beyond our imagination.
For this reason, I am honored to be appointed as the new United Methodist Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University.
As I embark on this new journey, I am thrilled to welcome new and returning students to campus and invite them to the upcoming events and programs of the United Methodist Chaplaincy.
The United Methodist Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel will hold these events throughout the Fall 2024 semester:
- Eat, Pray & Connect: Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel
- August 27
- September 24
- October 29
- November 19
This monthly dinner event will provide a great opportunity for participants to connect with various people from the campus in addition to the great food catered from a local restaurant.
- Lectio Divina Bible Study: Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel
This weekly Bible study will help the participants to learn how to read the Bible prayerfully and discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance through reading. Light snacks will be provided.
I am excited to step into this role and am eager to connect with the campus community. I hope to also collaborate with Upper New York congregations to enhance our collective mission and strengthen local churches and university community. If your congregation has Syracuse University students, encourage them to attend the United Methodist Chaplaincy’s events or reach out to me at jsong11@syr.edu. In addition to the Tuesday night events, I will be available for office hours on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. and Thursdays 12-1:45 p.m.
For more information, click here.