Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy!: Philippians 1:4 (CEB) This Thanksgiving, our hearts are filled with gratitude for each of you and the ways you support young adults by embodying God's love and grace and invest in...

read more
UKirk’s Advent Devotional “Words for Waiting”

UKirk’s Advent Devotional “Words for Waiting”

Advent begins this Sunday, December 1st, and you still have time to sign up for our 8th annual Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas! Provided in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource...

read more
Emerging Leaders Program @ Auburn Seminary

Emerging Leaders Program @ Auburn Seminary

Do you know a student or young alum from your UKirk Network Ministry who wants to learn more about how to bridge divides, build community, pursue justice, and heal the world? Auburn Theological Seminary's Emerging Leaders Program may be something they want to look...

read more
We Were Made for Times Like These?

We Were Made for Times Like These?

Friends, This week - this month - this Fall semester has contained a lot for all the students, faculty, staff and volunteers connected to our UKirk Network Ministries. I've talked to many of you who are carrying the hopes, fears, concerns, and questions not only of...

read more
2024 UKirk Advent Devotional

2024 UKirk Advent Devotional

The eighth annual edition of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas is available now. Provided in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource includes daily Scripture readings, reflections,...

read more
Register Now for the 2025 Montreat College Conference!

Register Now for the 2025 Montreat College Conference!

All are invited to the 2025 Montreat College Conference, January 2-5, 2025! College Conference @ Montreat invites college-aged young adults to spend three days in the mountains of Western North Carolina nurturing their faith and connecting with others as they engage...

read more
Last Call – Enneagram Leadership Cohort!

Last Call – Enneagram Leadership Cohort!

Do you want to grow your leadership skills and awareness? This is your last chance to register for the 3-session cohort Sophie Maness will be facilitating for UKirk Network Ministry Leaders on your Enneagram Type and Leadership. The suggested cost for this cohort is...

read more
UKirk Network Ministries Effected by Recent Hurricanes

UKirk Network Ministries Effected by Recent Hurricanes

Below are updates, prayer requests, and places you can offer spiritual and financial support to others in the UKirk Network who are recovering from the recent storms. We heard from Eckerd College chaplain Doug McMahon and his family that they are safe after heeding...

read more
New UWorship Resource is Available

New UWorship Resource is Available

This UWorship resource is a continuation to the good and holy work done in 2015, when the first UWorship Resource was published. In the 9 years since that resource was published, the world has continued to trans- form before us. We learned of new needs held by...

read more
Enneagram Leadership Workshop – New Time!

Enneagram Leadership Workshop – New Time!

Sophie Maness will be leading UKirk's Enneagram Leadership Workshop for all UKirk Network Leaders on Thursday, October 10th @ 2 pm Eastern/1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11 am Pacific. (We've changed the time to avoid potential conflicts with Fall Break plans.) UKirk...

read more
Cohort Registration Ends October 4th

Cohort Registration Ends October 4th

Whether you are a campus minister, chaplain, youth worker, educator, pastor or volunteer the Office of Christian Formation has a cohort for you this fall! Our cohorts are a group of 5-8 leaders that have a similar focus or interest in ministry development. Each cohort...

read more
PC(USA) Fall Cohorts for Faith Formation Leaders

PC(USA) Fall Cohorts for Faith Formation Leaders

Whether you are a campus minister, chaplain, youth worker, educator, pastor or volunteer the Office of Christian Formation has a cohort for you this fall! Our cohorts are a group of 5-8 leaders that have a similar focus or interest in ministry development. Cohorts...

read more
New UWorship Resource is Available!

New UWorship Resource is Available!

This UWorship resource is a continuation to the good and holy work done in 2015, when the first UWorship Resource was published. In the 9 years since that resource was published, the world has continued to trans- form before us. We learned of new needs held by...

read more
UKirk E-News September 12, 2024

UKirk E-News September 12, 2024

UKirk Network Friends, Grace to you and peace from God and the UKirk National office! The Fall semester has begun and now that Welcome Week activities are over, you are doing the ongoing work of hospitality by welcoming back returning students and continuously...

read more
Workshop with Author Deepa Iyer, next Thursday, Sept.19th

Workshop with Author Deepa Iyer, next Thursday, Sept.19th

In this interactive workshop on September 19th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Eastern) for all who are connected to a UKirk Network Ministry, Deepa Iyer will introduce a framework to help us identify our core values, clarify our roles, and understand how we can support broader...

read more
Join Us at our Next UKirk Monthly Gathering!

Join Us at our Next UKirk Monthly Gathering!

Make plans to join us for our virtual monthly UKirk Gathering next Thursday, September 12th @ 2 pm (Eastern). These monthly gatherings are a great time to meet your UKirk Network colleagues, reflect on a topic together, and share highs and lows with others who...

read more
Advent 2024 Call for Contributors – One Week Left!

Advent 2024 Call for Contributors – One Week Left!

UKirk Collegiate Ministries is excited to bring you another year of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent & Christmas. In partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource will once again be available as a...

read more
Did You Know You Have Access to More Resources Online?

Did You Know You Have Access to More Resources Online?

The UKirk National website is more than just a place where churches, mid-councils, students and families can find information about your ministry. It is also where UKirk Network Leaders can find resources AND share resources with one another behind a secure login....

read more
Enneagram & Leadership Workshop and Cohort Opportunity

Enneagram & Leadership Workshop and Cohort Opportunity

The Enneagram is a tool that invites people to grow in understanding and compassion, first for themselves and also of others. In this virtual 90-minute workshop on Tuesday, October 8th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Eastern), ICF ACC certified coach, Christian educator, and...

read more
Advent 2024 Call for Contributors

Advent 2024 Call for Contributors

UKirk Collegiate Ministries is excited to bring you another year of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent & Christmas. In partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource will once again be available as a...

read more
Liturgy for the Beginning of the School Year

Liturgy for the Beginning of the School Year

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Office of Christian Formation and UKirk are excited to share that the second volume of UWorship will be coming out in September. The prayers and liturgies included were written by Rev. Rachel Penmore (UKirk UTK), John Golden (UKirk...

read more
Register by September 13th for UKirk Network Opportunities

Register by September 13th for UKirk Network Opportunities

UKirk is excited to share we have a number of opportunities for UKirk Network Leaders and their students to participate in this year to support you spiritually and professionally. Use this link to Register or ask for more information. The deadline to register for a...

read more
Litany for a New Semester

Litany for a New Semester

Many of you have used liturgy from the UWorship resource over the years, and have asked for an updated resource. We are excited to share that the PMA Office of Christian Formation has again partnered with us to provide a new and updated UWorship resource that will be...

read more
Brief UKirk Network Survey

Brief UKirk Network Survey

As you may know, the Board of Pensions has announced changes to the medical insurance and pension plan. UKirk National would like to learn how many of our Network Ministers are on the Board of Pensions, as well as how many are serving in validated ministries of their...

read more
Navigating Chaos as Leaders Workshop

Navigating Chaos as Leaders Workshop

Our country, campus communities, and world are teaming with immense anxiety and fear these days. As people of faith and those in spiritual leadership, how do we navigate the chaos without and within and foster hope, welcome, and peace within ourselves and our faith...

read more
Monthly Spiritual Direction Group Registration is Open!

Monthly Spiritual Direction Group Registration is Open!

Have you ever needed space during the academic year to stop and breathe? Do you yearn to gather with others who understand the beauty and complexity of campus ministry? All UKirk leaders are invited to join a monthly spiritual direction group. With the guidance of a...

read more
Your Voices at the Table Matter

Your Voices at the Table Matter

I just returned from a few days at the 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I was overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the sheer number of commissioners and observers who care about and serve the PC(USA). And even as our polity can get complicated and muddy...

read more
Next UKirk Virtual Gathering is July 11th@2pm Eastern

Next UKirk Virtual Gathering is July 11th@2pm Eastern

The next UKirk Virtual Gathering will be on Thursday, July 11th @ 2 pm Eastern (1 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11am Pacific). Members of the UKirk National Governance and Infrastructure Task Force will be with us, and we'll have a conversation about ways that UKirk...

read more
Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Did you know that higher education ministry is the oldest mission beyond the congregation in the Presbyterian Church, and predates even the founding of our country?* To celebrate this long-standing ministry and promote all of our PC(USA) connected collegiate...

read more
A Letter of Support for Overture POL-01

A Letter of Support for Overture POL-01

Siblings in Christ,   I write today on behalf of the UKirk Collegiate Ministries Association Board of Directors to share our strong support for the Olympia Overture (POL-01). We believe the overture calls each of us to value the beautiful diversity of the Body of...

read more
Upcoming Opportunities for You and Your Students!

Upcoming Opportunities for You and Your Students!

UKirk National is excited to share the upcoming opportunities for you and your students to find time to Stop, Collaborate with one another, and Listen for God's voice and guidance as you take the next, most faithful steps in life and ministry. September through May -...

read more
New Resources!

New Resources!

The work of collegiate ministry is deep and broad, and can often be difficult to explain to congregations, volunteers, and even each generation of student leadership. Not only WHAT we do can vary day to day, but also HOW we do it can change from semester to semester....

read more
Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Add Your Ministry to our T-Shirt!

Did you know that higher education ministry is the oldest mission beyond the congregation in the Presbyterian Church, and predates even the founding of our country?* To celebrate this long-standing ministry and promote all of our PC(USA) connected collegiate...

read more
UKirk E-News May 9, 2024

UKirk E-News May 9, 2024

We have all heard about the protests that have and are taking place on college campuses around the country, many on the campuses you serve. I am proud of the many ways you have born witness in person and online, stood vigil in prayer, embodied a faith that seeks not...

read more
Last Call!

Last Call!

This is the last call for campus ministers and chaplains connected to the UKirk Network to register for the 2024 National Gathering June 11-14, 2024 at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas! Click here to register.  To apply for a...

read more
UKirk E-News, April 25, 2024

UKirk E-News, April 25, 2024

What has been on your to-do list this week? Lead bible study? Create worship liturgy? Meet with student leaders? What about: Buy balloons? Take students to Coffee? Make a meal? Fundraise? Do a well check on a student? Counsel someone struggling with their faith? Pray?...

read more
We Don’t Have to be Afraid of the Dark

We Don’t Have to be Afraid of the Dark

Friends, I'm not sure how many of us got to experience the solar eclipse this week, but even amidst cloud cover it was an awe-inspiring experience to behold. On a presbytery call last night, the moderator shared that a total solar eclipse offers us a lot of metaphors...

read more
The Word at the Center: Love

The Word at the Center: Love

A few years ago, a friend gave me a book of blessings and prayers written by Jan Richardson, and I continue to return to her writing again and again during moments that lead me to pause - the beautiful, the sacred, the difficult. Maundy Thursday, for me and maybe for...

read more
“Y’all are a different kind of Christian”

“Y’all are a different kind of Christian”

Have you ever had anyone say to you, "You are not like other Christians I've met"? It seems in college ministry, this kind of comment can come up quite often as university and college campuses are teeming with students of diverse religious, cultural, and socioeconomic...

read more
UKirk Monthly Gathering March 7th@2pm Eastern

UKirk Monthly Gathering March 7th@2pm Eastern

All UKirk Network campus ministers and chaplains are invited to our virtual monthly gathering on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central/Noon Mountain/11:00 am Pacific). A zoom link will be sent out via email. Rev. Maggie Alsup (Lyon...

read more
Summer Fellowship for Students

Summer Fellowship for Students

"Listening to the Land: Cultivating Hope through Spiritual Practices and Theological Reflection in Times of Crisis" Pittsburgh, PA June 3-July 12, 2024 Application deadline: April 12, 2024 The Miller Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and its...

read more
Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Applications are Live!

Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Applications are Live!

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation....

read more
“Good God, Y’all!” 2024 UKirk National Gathering

“Good God, Y’all!” 2024 UKirk National Gathering

Have you heard that ’Bruce Reyes-Chow’s new book ”“Everything Good About God is True: Choosing Faith” is being released March 4th, AND everyone who attends the 2024 UKirk National Gathering June 11-14 in Little Rock, Arkansas, will receive a FREE copy? Not only will...

read more
S.T.U.F.F. Cohort to begin February 28th

S.T.U.F.F. Cohort to begin February 28th

There is still time to register for our S.T.U.F.F. Spring Cohort that starts Wednesday, February 28th! New to campus ministry, at a new ministry site, or just wanting to learn from and with colleagues, old and new? Join us for STUFF (Stuff That Ukirk Finds Formative),...

read more
UKirk Network Ministries Demographic Survey Due March 1st

UKirk Network Ministries Demographic Survey Due March 1st

UKirk is excited that we are being invited more often to share the impact your ministries are having at colleges and universities across the country! What this has made us realize, though, is that it would be helpful to have some basic data to help us articulate the...

read more
New Fresh Expressions is Available!

New Fresh Expressions is Available!

The Presbyterian Oultook has released 3 new young adult Fresh Outlook Bible Studies. The lessons in this bundle include "What's your superpower" by Sarah Leer, "God in the mirror" by Catherine Knott (Chaplain, Hanover College) , and "Sex and the Bible" by Maggie Alsup...

read more
UKirk E-News & Events

UKirk E-News & Events

This week we are celebrating the amazing accomplishments and leadership of UKirk Network ministers and chaplains. If there is anything your ministry would like to share, please email Gini so she can share with the UKirk community.  And don't forget our Virtual...

read more
UKirk E-News

UKirk E-News

When was the last time you received - I mean really received - a blessing? This was a question posed by Mark Yaconelli at the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Annual Event being held in St. Louis, MO, this week. I'm not able to attend this year in...

read more
UKirk News & Events

UKirk News & Events

It was amazing to see so many UKirk leaders and students at the UKirk reception Montreat College Conference in January! Not only am I grateful to connect or re-connect with y'all in person, I'm also excited to share all of the opportunities UKirk has coming up for...

read more
2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

The 2024 UKirk National Gathering, “Good God, Y’all!”, will be June 11-14, 2024 at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. You can click here to register. Rev. Bruce Reyes Chow will be our keynote speaker for the“Good God, Y’all!” June 11-14,...

read more
Webinar Series on Helping Students Discern God’s Call

Webinar Series on Helping Students Discern God’s Call

UKirk network leaders are invited to participate in a free webinar series that Youth Mission Co is hosting this Spring with an awesome new group, the Young Adult Transformation Collective.  The series is about providing opportunities for young adults to discern God's...

read more
STUFF Spring Cohort

STUFF Spring Cohort

New to campus ministry, at a new ministry site, or just wanting to learn from and with colleagues, old and new? Join us for STUFF (Stuff That Ukirk Finds Formative), a 6 session, biweekly, zoom gathering of campus ministry practitioners learning from one another about...

read more
We Need Your Pictures!

We Need Your Pictures!

UKirk National is embarking on a project to share the amazing stories of how God is working on YOUR campus and across the network. To help us do that, we want to gather as many pictures (and stories) of your ministry's programs, retreats, worship services, service...

read more
UKirk Monthly Gatherings

UKirk Monthly Gatherings

Starting next Thursday, January 11th, UKirk campus ministers and chaplains are invited to our monthly UKirk Gathering at 2 pm Eastern (1 Central, Noon Mountain, 11 am Pacific) every 2nd Thursday of the month to share ideas and resources on a various topics and get...

read more
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We give thanks to God for the gift YOU are to the world, your families and friends, your UKirk communities, and the larger church. May you experience the good news of great joy that Christ's birth brings, and may peace find its way into our world and into your life,...

read more
Manna Young Adult Retreat, January 26-28, 2024

Manna Young Adult Retreat, January 26-28, 2024

Ukirk alumni and all young adults are invited to Montreat's Manna young adult retreat, Jan 26-28, 2024.  The Manna Retreat is for alumni and young adults (22-32'ish), NOT for current college students (that's College Conference and we hope to see you there in a few...

read more
2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

2024 UKirk National Gathering Registration

Registration is now open for the 2024 UKirk National Gathering, "Good God, Y'all!", June 11-14, 2024 at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Rev. Bruce Reyes Chow will be our keynote speaker for the“Good God, Y’all!” June 11-14, 2024, at...

read more
Montreat College Conference Reception

Montreat College Conference Reception

All campus ministry leaders and chaplains are invited to join us at our annual Montreat College Conference Reception on January 3rd@3:30 pm in the Assembly Inn Lobby (by the Christmas tree)! Let us know your t-shirt size by December 10th so we can make sure to have...

read more
UKirk News & Events, December 7th, 2023

UKirk News & Events, December 7th, 2023

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! The UKirk National Board extends our warmest greetings to you and yours this holiday season. It has been an exciting and hopeful year across the UKirk National network. We have seen growth, connection, and...

read more
UKirk E-News & Events

UKirk E-News & Events

UKirk is thrilled to announce the news that because of the incredible generosity of a donor and the additional financial pledges of the UKirk board, we are able to match all donations given by December 31st dollar for dollar up to $12,500! The money we raise will go...

read more
UKirk’s 2023 Matching Gift Challenge

UKirk’s 2023 Matching Gift Challenge

What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others offer thanks to God! 2 Corinthians 9:12  The impact UKirk network ministries are having in the lives of thousands of students...

read more
Happy Thanksgiving from UKirk!

Happy Thanksgiving from UKirk!

Paul writes to the church at Philippi, "I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy." (Philippians 1:4, CEB) I can think of no more fitting sentiment to share with all of you. Thank you for all you do! With abundant gratitude,...

read more
Save the Date for the 2024 UKirk National Gathering!

Save the Date for the 2024 UKirk National Gathering!

We are excited to share that Rev. Bruce Reyes Chow will be our keynote speaker for the 2024 UKirk National Gathering, "Good God, Y'all!" June 11-14, 2024, at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a sought-after speaker and writer on...

read more
Words for Waiting UKirk Advent Devotional

Words for Waiting UKirk Advent Devotional

As we prepare to celebrate the Advent season, Rev. Allison Wehrung shares a glimpse into this year's theme for UKirk's Words for Waiting, a series of daily devotions for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As we prepared for this devotional, I kept coming back to the...

read more
I Give Thanks for You!

I Give Thanks for You!

Have you had a version of this conversation: a junior or senior student at your university finds your worship service and bible study, and says their version of "I wish I would have found out about your ministry earlier in college because I've been wanting to find a...

read more
Opportunities for Campus Ministers & Students!

Opportunities for Campus Ministers & Students!

There are a variety of upcoming opportunities for you and your students! NEXT Church Preaching for Change Cohort applications are live! Gather a group of fellow campus ministers to create a cohort and apply by January 7th. Job Openings Campus Minister at North...

read more
Montreat College Conference, January 2-5, 2024

Montreat College Conference, January 2-5, 2024

Have you signed your group up for the 2024 College Conference, January 2-5, 2024, in Montreat, North Carolina? Rates & Registration The theme this year is Necessary Risks. Life is not linear or some game of dominoes. It’s full – in all the ways! Risks are at every...

read more
2023 Advent Devotional

2023 Advent Devotional

UKirk is excited to offer the seventh annual edition of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas. Provided in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource includes daily Scripture readings,...

read more
Resources to Support Interfaith Dialogue

Resources to Support Interfaith Dialogue

Joey Haynes, former chaplain at Queens College, is now with Interfaith America (formerly IFYC) and has shared a resource to help guide campus ministers and chaplains. You can download Resources for a Time of Conflict, go to the Interfaith America website, and look...

read more
UKirk News & Events

UKirk News & Events

In a few weeks, we are excited to announce that our UKirk App will be fully functional and ready for primetime! But if you, like me, don't like waiting (and can be patient while we work out some bugs), our UKirk Daily prayer portion of our website and app is up and...

read more
Gift Card Giveaway WINNERS

Gift Card Giveaway WINNERS

I'm excited to announce the winners of our gift card giveaway! Rev. Becca Seely from LaMP in NYC was chosen out of the 35 who logged on and updated their ministry information. In addition to serving as LaMP's co-pastor, Becca serves as pastor of PRiSM Student Ministry...

read more
UKirk News

UKirk News

Last week, I referenced the powerful words of 1 Corinthians 12:26, and am deeply aware how much more profound the invitation to "suffer with all who suffer" means after watching the unfolding violence of the war between Hamas and Israel. What does it mean to suffer...

read more
UKirk E-News, October 5, 2023

UKirk E-News, October 5, 2023

One of my favorite scripture passages is 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." (NRSV) I was reminded of the power of this passage during our First Monday Conversation with...

read more
UKirk E-News & Events

UKirk E-News & Events

Friends, Have you ever been to Stony Point Conference Center in Stony Point, NY? I've been here this week working with UKirk board members, leaders, and our Presbyterian Mission Agency Christian Formation Collective partners across the PC(USA). Among the five...

read more
UKirk News & Events

UKirk News & Events

Friends, "What would be missing on your campus - and in the lives of the students you work with - if your ministry did not exist?" This is a question that I was asked more broadly about the UKirk Network as a whole....what would be missing if UKirk Network ministries...

read more
UKirk E-News

UKirk E-News

Friends, The UKirk Collegiate Ministries Board has been hard at work on a Strategic Plan for the last 9 months, and we are excited to share the vision God has provided for the UKirk Network to continue to grow and flourish now and into the future. In the past week,...

read more
UKirk E-News & Opportunities

UKirk E-News & Opportunities

Last week I received a text from my oldest son who is a college sophomore. "Have you seen the news? There has been a shooting at UNC Chapel Hill." I told him, "No, I hadn't heard" as I raced to the internet to find out details. "Doesn't UKirk have a ministry there?"...

read more
Why Presbyterians Are Like That Bible Study Resource

Why Presbyterians Are Like That Bible Study Resource

One of the special things about each UKirk Network Ministry is that, in some way, each of them are connected to the Presbyterian Church(USA). Sometimes that means the ministry is ecumenical (or supported by 2 or more Christian denomination), and one of the partners is...

read more
August 17, 2023 UKirk News & Events

August 17, 2023 UKirk News & Events

It has been amazing to see all the IG pictures and posts y'all have been sharing of the hundreds of activities you are planning to welcome new and returning students to their spiritual "home away from home" in the coming weeks. These days are filled to the brim with...

read more
Advent 2023 Call for Contributors – Deadline September 18

Advent 2023 Call for Contributors – Deadline September 18

UKirk Collegiate Ministries is excited to bring you another year of Words for Waiting: Daily Devotions for Advent & Christmas. In partnership with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Christian Formation, this free resource will once again be available as a...

read more