Over a long weekend in September, morethan 70 Young Harris College students, facultyand staff gathered at Camp Glisson inDahlonega for fellowship, fun and faith.Centered on the theme ofC.H.A.N.G.E., the 2010-2011Spiritual Life Retreat wasdivided into six distinct butinterrelated sessions designedto deepen participants’relationships with God. In addition to the six sessions,students took part in worship,the ever-chilly “creek walk,” anafternoon of outdoor activitiesthat included climbing walls andzip lines, a “tacky prom” and the (in)famouslate-night dinner run. For first-year students in particular, SpiritualLife Retreat serves as a great introduction tothe Young Harris College campus, to theReligious Life program and to a new stage intheir spiritual growth. “Spiritual Life Retreat opened my eyes to thefact that I was not alone and that there wereplenty of other college students that were livingtheir lives for God. It was very amazing to me. Iwas encouraged knowing other peoplesupported me in my life decision,” said DanielleAshby, a freshman allied health major fromCartersville.Taking Danielle’s sentiment further, ElizabethLand, a freshman from Thomson said, “I lovedSpiritual Life Retreat. It was such a nicegetaway to just focus on

God and really feel His love for me. As afreshman, the weekend really helped me findthe group of friends I have been looking for at

Young Harris. I met a bunch ofgreat guys and gals. I wouldsuggest it to any incomingChristian freshman.”For returning students,Spiritual Life Retreat wasequally significant.

Don Bracewell, a sophomore history majorfrom Alpharetta, found it to be both a place tofind community while also intentionallyconnecting with God. “Spiritual Life Retreatwas an excellent bonding experience withfellow students and God,” he said. “We formedlifelong friendships and connections mentally,physically and, most of all, spiritually.” Michelle Brun, a sophomore allied healthmajor from Kennesaw, added, “there werebreakthroughs for people who were strugglingwith trusting the Lord.” Tim Linley, a freshman music educationmajor from Cartersville, captured the spirit ofSpiritual Life Retreat best. “This was my firsttime at SLR, and it was an awesome, amazingexperience!” he said. “I cannot wait until thenext one.”

S P I R I T U A L L I F E R E T R E A T

Encourages Friendship- and Faith-Building

INS IDE TH I S I SSUE :

Message from theCampus Minister

YHC Hosts NewThanksgiving Celebration

Fall Semester ActivitiesRaise Awareness ofHunger andHomelessness

New Groups Added toReligious Life Activities

Students AttendInterfaith LeadershipInstitute Conference

WINTER /SPR ING 2011

“Connexion” is a traditionallyMethodist word and importantChristian practice. Connexion speaksboth to how we organize ourselvesand the penetrating significance ofour shared life, witness and work.

Where Faith Seeking Understanding Connects with Life

A NEWSLETTER OF THE YOUNG HARRIS COLLEGE OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS LIFE

Above, students enjoy the climbing tower (top)and the Cane Creek walk (bottom) during SpiritualLife Retreat.

Students enjoy Cane Creek Falls during SpiritualLife Retreat.

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Message F R O M T H E C A M P U S M I N I S T E R CONNE IONWINTER/SPRING 2011

1 College Street | P.O. Box 97 Young Harris, GA 30582

(706) 379-3111 or (800) 241-3754

A publication of the Office ofCommunications and Marketing at

Young Harris College

© 2011 Young Harris College

The fall 2010 semester was wonderful. From three travelopportunities, to local mission workdays, to celebrations, to newprograms beginning, to great student leadership—Fall 2010 wasa gift. On average, an estimated 200 students participate weekly inone of our Religious Life offerings. In fact, this year has beendefined by student involvement. Our student-led Inter-ReligiousCouncil (IRC) has been particularly active, intentionallyinvolving a cohort of three freshmen as part of the leadershipteam in an effort to lay the groundwork of future ministry. Yet, students have not been the only ones involved in our

ministry this term. Regularly, faculty, staff and administration support Religious Life bysharing in worship, speaking at chapel, advising our small groups or offering theirfaithful presence. Such a broad range of opportunities and involvement is intentional.It is my prayer that Religious Life is not something limited to my Office or restricted tojust our student population but that it becomes an ever-more integrated, broad-reachingand essential element of what it means to say “Young Harris College.”

Rev. Dr. Tim Moore Campus Minister

Y H C H O S T S

New Thanksgiving CelebrationIn 1621, the Plymouth colonists andWampanoag tribe shared an autumn harvestfeast that is acknowledged today as one ofthe first Thanksgiving celebrations in theAmericas. For more than two centuries, daysof thanksgiving were celebrated byindividual colonies and states. In 1817, New York became the first of

several states to officially adopt an annualThanksgiving holiday. Then in 1863,Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential orderat the height of the Civil War scheduling acommon, official Thanksgiving holiday forthe final Thursday in November. From theirinception, American Thanksgivingcelebrations have been marked not just bytheir character of thanks but by theirmulticultural and interfaith composition.This past November, Young Harris

College’s Office of Religious Life added tothat tradition by inaugurating the firstInterfaith and Multicultural ThanksgivingCelebration. Thanksgiving, a civic holidayrather than a religious one, provides awonderful opportunity to learn about otherfaith and cultural traditions and their reasonsand means for giving thanks. The Interfaith and MulticulturalThanksgiving Celebration includedconstituencies from across the YHC

community, representing different faithtraditions, nationalities and cultures, andcelebrated Young Harris College’s diversityaround a common civic holiday, buildingunderstanding and fostering a bettercommunity. Representatives from Judaism, Christianityand Hinduism spoke about faith andthanksgiving. Meanwhile, members of theCherokee Nation sang songs and offeredprayers of thanks in their native language,regaling the gathered community, also, withstories of their Cherokee traditions andbeliefs. Finally, junior business and publicpolicy major Rachel Ren, an internationalstudent from China, spoke of herexperiences at YHC, specifically offering herown perspective on and reasons for givingthanks as she prepared to celebrate her firstThanksgiving in the U.S. “It was wonderful to share good fellowshipand prayers before eating apples dipped inhoney—a food that Jews customarily eat ingratitude and anticipation of a sweet year tocome. It was indeed sweet to share withothers a few of the many Jewish traditions ofblessing and thanksgiving. I am grateful tohave been a part of this celebration and lookforward to next year,” said Rabbi Zvi Altman,Founder and Director, Teshuvah Institute,

Hayesville, N.C.The celebration was an effort to expose

students to the diversity of beliefs and faithpractices that define the YHC community.Matthew Kammerer, a senior from Loganvilleand Student Government Associationpresident, confirmed that the eveningaccomplished that goal. “I enjoyed thepresentation from the Cherokees, and I lovedhearing stories from an Elder of the tribe,” hesaid. “Overall, I enjoyed hearing so manyperspectives; it was an eye-opening event!” Reiterating Matthew’s observations, YHCPresident Cathy Cox, who also attended theevent, said, “It is important for us to provideopportunities, like this multicultural dinner,that expose our students to things thatchallenge them and enlarge their world view.” On that night, YHC’s small corner of theworld felt much larger.

“I thoroughly enjoyed serving as worshipleader at the Spiritual Life Retreat with thestudents of Young Harris College. They are anexcellent and diverse group. They wereexcellent in that they are seeking to be moreengaged in their personal spirituality and tounderstand more fully what they believe. Theywere diverse in their background andexperiences—yet perfectly willing to hear fromthe differing perspective of a fellow student.The student leaders showed their leadershipabilities in their planning of the weekend, thearrangement of the worship space andactivities, and especially in their leadershipduring the final night’s worship service. I cameaway from the weekend experience with a deepappreciation for the students and their ministryat Young Harris (as well as Rev. Dr. TimMoore). It was a great weekend for students tofurther explore their faith, to worship Godtogether, and to have an excellent time infellowship with other students in an off-campussetting.”

JOSEPH MCBRAYER, CAMPUS MINISTER ANDWESLEY FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR, EMORYUNIVERSITY, ATLANTA

Fall Break Trip Provides VolunteerOpportunities for Students

Eleven Young Harris College studentstraveled to Charleston, S.C., during FallBreak, Oct. 6-10, to take part in the“Scratch Beginnings Experience.” Jointlycoordinated by the Office of First YearExperience, the Bonner Leaders Programand the Office of Religious Life, the tripemerged as part of the College’s recentlyadopted campus-wide reading program.The reading program book, AdamShepard’s Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, andthe Search for the American Dream,chronicles Shepard’s time spent living inCharleston on the edge of poverty.“We wanted to provide a firsthandlearning experience for students thatwould allow them to volunteer in theCharleston area while also gaining abetter understanding of the issues of

homelessness and what Adam Shepardexperienced,” said Niki Fjeldal, director oforientation and first year experience at YHC.The group sorted and prepared boxes of

food at the Low Country Food Bank,worked at Rural Missions with children thatparticipate in a Head Start program formigrant workers, and cooked breakfast forthe Women and Children’s Shelter andMen’s Shelter at Crisis Ministries. “Going on this trip taught me that youdon’t really know someone’s story until youlet them tell you. There are a lot of peoplein need and a lot of people committed toserving them. It was a great experience tomeet some of these people,” said freshmananthropology major Jordan Wilkes ofCleveland.Students also had the unique

opportunity to experience elements of

homelessness firsthand by sleeping on thefloor at Bethel United Methodist Churchfor the duration of their stay and takingpart in immersive exercises to simulatebeing homeless. “We went to several places AdamShepard mentioned in his book, so we gota little taste of how some people have tolive,” said freshman education majorElizabeth Chastain of Dillard. “For oneday of the trip, we weren’t allowed to haveany money or phones, and were given sixdollars for a bus ticket and two dollars forfood. I learned that people do not alwaysget the same

opportunities, so you should be thankfulfor what you have.” Amanda Noonan, a junior English majorfrom Smyrna, drew a connection betweenher experiences in Charleston and her faith.“God used the fall break trip to show methat serving Him is not about my agenda,but about the joy of knowing that He hasblessed me by letting me be His servant inthe first place,” she said.

Students Travel to Asheville ToAssist with Church Outreach

As part of a larger program co-sponsoredby the Office of Religious Life and othercampus departments, a group of YoungHarris College students, faculty and staffparticipated in the National Hunger andHomelessness Awareness Week, held Nov.14-20, by traveling to Asheville, N.C., Nov.13-14, to take part in outreach activitieswith the Haywood Street congregation ofCentral United Methodist Church.Each year, one week beforeThanksgiving, the National Coalition for the

Homeless and the National StudentCampaign Against Hunger andHomelessness co-sponsor National Hungerand Homelessness Awareness Week. Duringthis week, a number of schools,communities and cities take part in anationwide effort to bring greater awarenessto the problems of hunger andhomelessness.While in Asheville, the group from YHClearned about the work of the HaywoodStreet congregation, took a walking tour ofdowntown Asheville to witnesshomelessness firsthand, volunteered in theHaywood Street clothing closet, andparticipated in a weekly meal for thehomeless and poor at Pritchard Park. Rachel Ren, a junior business and publicpolicy major from China said, “I feel verytouched by the homeless people weencountered and Rev. Combs at theAsheville church. No one is too young ortoo busy to make a difference.” Rev. Brian Combs, the pastor of theHaywood Street congregation, wasdelighted by the grace and demeanor of theYHC students. “When an epileptichomeless brother with mental illnesses andsubstance abuse struggles walked inunannounced to our dinner gathering [atthe Haywood Street church], the theologyof the weekend moved from conversationto incarnation,” he explained. “The studentsfrom YHC responded just as Jesus would.Hospitality was extended, conversation wasengaged and the table was widened.” Campus Minster Rev. Dr. Tim Mooreadded, “In addition to widening the table, itis my hope that that the perspectives ofstudents on issues of homelessness andpoverty also expanded.”

“Many college students put a lot of effort intochoosing the right school for the ‘optimal collegeexperience,’ but I wonder how often studentsfactor spiritual development into their choice.During my visit to Young Harris College, it wasapparent that the campus not only offers a solideducation, social life and athletics, but it alsooffers the ideal environment for communing withGod. The scenery, the loving YHC community andthe centrally located chapel are key to an optimalexperience. Many more young people should bemade aware of YHC! I organize a national collegetour every year, and I will make sure that YHC isa future site!”

TONYA LAWRENCE, ASSOCIATE PASTOR,CASCADE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,ATLANTA

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Freshman Kirby Dickerson, of Eastanollee,assists with the Head Start program activitiesat Rural Missions in Charleston, S.C.

The Young Harris College group gathers aftervolunteering at the Low Country Food Bankin Charleston, S.C.

F A L L S E M E S T E R A C T I V I T I E S

Raise Awareness of Hunger and Homelessness

New Groups Added toReligious Life ActivitiesIn an endeavor to expand the reach and impact of the

Office of Religious Life at Young Harris College, three newor renewed groups began during the fall semester.

SIGHT (Seekers’ Interfaith Group for HonoringThought) is a new program for faculty, staff andstudents co-sponsored by the Office of Religious Life,the Bonner Leaders Program and the Department ofReligious Studies. Meeting on Tuesdays, SIGHToffers an open and relaxed environment to discussthe dynamic matrix of faith, doubt and spirituality.Deliberately non-sectarian, SIGHT hopes to fosterdialogue for those interested in spiritual exploration. “A college campus is a natural place to engage inconversations about faith, yet at YHC, only about25% of our students regularly participate in College-sponsored religious activities,” said Campus MinisterRev. Dr. Tim Moore. “We hope this new groupallows those from our college community interestedin conversations about faith but who currently arenot engaged in the College’s offerings to experiencethis organization as a welcoming and comfortableenvironment to ask those deep and probingquestions with which we all wrestle.” Tad Tarleton, a freshman from Dalton said, “Beingin SIGHT has benefited my college experience.SIGHT provides me a sense of belonging within thecollege community with fellow students who are alsointerested in open discussion and reflection on issuessuch as religion and spirituality.”

Another new group, Catholic Student Association(CSA) is a reconstitution of the College’s NewmanClub. Open to more than just Catholic members ofthe YHC community, every Monday, students, facultyand staff gather for prayer, fellowship and mutualsupport. “The CSA has made me feel like I have aplace to be myself in my faith. It has brought mecloser to my Catholic faith, and I have made somelifetime friends. I encourage anyone to be a part ofthis amazing organization!” said Allen Lim, asophomore science major from Mt. Airy. This pastfall semester, the CSA sponsored a bake sale,participated in Chapel services, held monthlypraying of the Rosary, and organized an on-campussaying of the Mass.

Thirdly, after some prompting by members of thefaculty, the Office of Religious Life started a bi-weekly faculty/staff bible study. Initially studying thebook of Esther, the gathering has provided both newand returning members of the YHC community aconvenient way to engage their faith and explorescripture together during their lunch hour. EricDickman, Ph.D., assistant professor of religion,described the new bible study as “a great on-goingconversation.”

S T U D E N T S A T T E N D

Interfaith Leadership Institute Conference

S TAY C O N N E C T E D

Young Harris College Office of Religious Life1 College Street | P.O. Box 97 | Young Harris, GA 30582(706) 379-5166 | tsmoore@yhc.edu | www.yhc.eduwww.ichapel.wordpress.comConnect on Facebook: Young Harris College Religious Life

Young Harris College students Amanda Noonan, a senior English majorfrom Smyrna, and Jack Tripp, a junior business and public policy major fromFayetteville, and Campus Minister Rev. Dr. Tim Moore recently attended theInterfaith Youth Core’s (IFYC) Interfaith Leadership Institute conference, titled“Better Together,” in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24–26. The conference included awelcome event at the White House hosted by the Office of Faith-Based andNeighborhood Partnerships. The IFYC was founded in 1998 to build mutual respect and interfaith

cooperation among young people from different religious traditions byempowering them to work together to serve others. The conference wasdesigned to provide intensive training for 100 student leaders and 50 campusstaff allies on the knowledge and skills necessary to lead interfaith andcommunity service initiatives on campus.“We attended workshops on how interfaith activities can be organized on

campus and how we might engage in cooperative interfaith actions withoutcompromising our individual faith commitments,” Rev. Dr. Moore explained.“We discussed how our faith might bring us together rather than drive usapart, balancing our particular commitments with our common commitmentsto the betterment of the world.”The group also learned about

IFYC’s “Better Together” internationalcampaign that empowers students tospeak out about the power ofinterfaith social action and mobilizesstudents to work with different faithcommunities and design efforts tosustain long-term interfaith work oncollege campuses.“The most inspiring part of the

conference was listening to peopleshare stories about their faithtraditions and how they have usedtheir faith as motivation to make adifference in the world,” Noonan said.“I was interested by the idea thatpeople of different faith traditions canfind more common ground than we often realize.”

“It was an eye-opening experience to the potential relationships that canbe cultivated across cultural lines,” Tripp added. “I truly enjoyed everythingabout our trip, from the sessions I attended to the friends I made there.”During the conference, Noonan, Tripp and Rev. Dr. Moore had the

opportunity to engage in activities with college students and staff membersfrom across the country and meet with staff from the White House Office ofFaith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.“The trip was a great and challenging success. Our hope is to begin

expanding interfaith dialogue and interactions on the Young Harris Collegecampus,” Rev. Dr. Moore said.

Junior Jack Tripp, of Fayetteville, seniorAmanda Noonan, of Smyrna, and Rev.Dr. Tim Moore visit the White Houseduring the Interfaith Leadership InstituteConference in Washington, D.C.