As many students of different faiths, attitudes and beliefs struggle to come to terms with their spirituality on their own, Guild House would like them to know that a forum does exist to discuss these thoughts and ideas with others who may be experiencing the same thing.
Guild House is an interfaith Christian campus ministry that recognizes awareness, social justice and peace by focusing on the spiritual life and ethical problems of students at the University. It is sponsored by many churches, committees and associations.
The Board of Directors at Guild House includes members who represent supporting local congregations and members of the campus and Ann Arbor community.
The organization originated more than 100 years ago, when the Disciples of Christ created an independent learning institution where students could take non-credit courses in Bible and religious studies.
The most notable accomplishment under the Rev. H.L. Pickerill, serving the Guild House from 1934 to 1957, was the establishment of the Inter-Cooperative Council, which currently oversees 17 co-ops around campus. Recently, under the leadership of the Revs. Ann Marie and Don Coleman (1975-1992), Guild House concerned itself with issues such as fighting apartheid, supporting homosexual rights and opposing the Gulf War.
Guild House maintains itself as a non-partisan organization. "Guild House seeks to act on what you believe is justice - the traditional view of radical politics," said Susan King, the current interim director of Ministry. She added students will always find a forum at Guild House to discuss their views.
In fact, one of the most popular events that Guild House co-sponsors is the Day of Dialogue, where students choose a topic dealing with their lives and experiences. A diverse panel of students, faculty, and ministers then discuss each others' ideas to try and come to an understanding about what part these issues play in their own lives and in the University itself.
Guild House sponsors several weekly programs on campus. Students Involved for the Global Neighborhood (SIGN) begins every Sunday at 5 p.m. with a free dinner, then an open discussion on a topical issue. The Interfaith Trialogue for Jews, Christians and Muslims gives members of different religions an opportunity to compare the stereotypes, traditions and ceremonies connected with their faith and to clear up ignorance.
Guild House also sponsors two literary programs: The 30-year-old Monday night Writers' Series, which King describes as focusing on "the whys and hows of life," has hosted many Hopwood award winners and the Women's Book Group, a group that compares multicultural women's spiritual experiences around the world.
In October, Guild House plans to host a supper forum featuring four of the candidates for regent of the University, and students will be able to ask questions. "These are issues that will be affecting students' lives," King said.
For more information on Guild House Ministry, call 662-5189. Even if you have dismissed religion as unimportant in your life, Guild House may have a place for you.
"There is a definite difference between religion and spirituality," King said. "It is important on a college campus to not only recognize specific religious denominations, but also to deal with the underlying spirituality that affects us all."
Yup, it's the Boss himself, coming to our very own Hill Auditorium tonight! It is sold out. This concert is part of his artsy solo acoustic tour. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. - perhaps you can catch a glimpse of him sneaking in the back. He might be getting older, but heck, he can still "dance naked."
