By Jordan Beach
Fall Break provides Reinhardt students the chance to take time away from their coursework to rest and disconnect from the hectic life of a college student.
Campus Ministries provided a fall retreat, where nearly 30 students returned to Camp Gideon to renew their minds, hearts and spirits.
Tiffany Smith, first-year vocal music education major, saw the retreat as an opportunity to bond with other students involved in Campus Ministries, and to spend a few days focusing on her relationship with God.
“I met several new people and made a lot of new friends. I also got to spend some valuable time out in nature, which was really beautiful,” said Smith. “What I really got out of it was the reminder that I need to have a willing spirit for God and His will.”
The group spent time outside on the campgrounds, completed crafts like tie-dye and button-making and worshipped by a bonfire.
“Campus Ministries’ idea around the fall retreat was to give students time to get to know one another, as well as strengthen their relationship with God,” said senior religion studies major Greg Meadows.
This year, the retreat focused its devotionals around Psalm 51, specifically verse 10, which says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
On the first night of the retreat, Reinhardt joined Hillside United Methodist Church and their youth worship service to connect with their program, where campus pastor Rev. Jamie Hudgins spoke to the group on the ways worship music has changed over the years and how to engage with it now.
Along with the retreat, Campus Ministries offers a variety of opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. Every Tuesday night in the Bannister Glasshouse, students gather for Common Ground worship. Campus Ministries Leadership Team hosts accountability groups for those looking to grow closer in their relationship with God, and a variety of Bible studies are hosted throughout the year to dig deeper in scripture.
