The Episcopal Church at Princeton

The Episcopal Church at Princeton University intentionally embraces an Anglican sensibility that includes an emphasis on the sacramental and on the ancient Christian doctrine, especially the doctrine of the incarnation - the mystery of God choosing to share our humanity motivated only by love for us. It also implicitly embraces values of tolerance, inclusivity, and questioning based on the Anglican threefold foundation of scripture, tradition, and reason. So, for us campus ministry is...

Celebration of word and sacrament. Gathering weekly in both formal and informal (The University Chapel and Procter House) settings to hear the word of God proclaimed and to celebrate the Eucharist (also called the Mass or the Supper of the Lord). This is our central act of worship and community and it is vital to our sense of who we are and to our relationship with God. "Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" Luke 22:19

Hospitality. Procter House provides a place where students can come to "hang out," study, share a meal, gather before going off on retreat or to a special ministry. It provides a place that feels more domestic and homey than a college dormitory, and it provides a place where a students – and faculty and staff – can come in safety to let down their guard and be themselves, especially when they are hurting or confused. Procter House is also a place parents can come to in times of a child's crisis and alumni can return to and remember good old times. And Procter House is a place where in times of turmoil student groups that have been fearful of bigotry have a safe meeting place – a place where all are welcome. Muslim students, fearful of reprisals in the days following the attacks of September 11, 2001, gathered for meetings and meals at Procter House. It is a place where homesick or otherwise troubled students come over for a little while to study or relax in a quiet, home-like environment – where all are welcome. Through the ministry of hospitality, the circle is expanded; the gospel is proclaimed in word and deed. By this hospitality we telegraph to everyone that the Episcopal Church is a place where you belong before you believe or "join up.' "Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for He is going to say 'I came as a guest and you received me.'" Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 53

Presence. Ministry to the Princeton community is about being around, being available, being seen by being present as a symbol of the presence of, and immediate availability of, God in our lives. Chaplains and student leaders of ECP are a part of the life of the campus in ways that are a witness to the love and abiding presence of Christ. By being seen and known around campus the student and ordained leaders of ECP will be that much more approachable when someone needs help. "Eighty percent of life is just showing up." Woody Allen

Caring for one another. ECP offers a ministry of counseling through a crisis in faith or in choosing a major or sorority, of visiting the sick at the university infirmary or the hospital, of being with someone who needs a good cry – or a good laugh – talking things out and through. This ministry is students looking out for other students and reaching out to them when they are in need and helping them get professional attention when they need it. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Service to others. ECP involves students in delivering food baskets to the poor and tutoring and mentoring runaway kids, visiting nursing home residents, serving meals and talking to rescue workers at Ground Zero in New York, a Habitat for Humanity project. "And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'" Matthew 25:40

Having fun. The ministry of ECP is watching a comedy classic movie or playing a challenging board game at the chaplain's home during exam week, an annual squirt gun attack on seniors at the Seniors' Cookout in May, going to a football game or concert together – especially to support a friend active in the campus ministry, being silly together. "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" Psalm 126:2

Knowing God. ECP promotes the knowledge of God by regular liturgical worship, going on retreat at a monastery, Bible study, theological conversations, praying together in silence in the chapel, encountering God in one another, figuring out what we believe and why. "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" Psalm 122:1

Equipping the saints. The ministry of ECP is allowing students to stretch themselves in leadership positions. It is encouraging young people to strengthen their own faith by sharing it with others through Bible and theology study groups. We believe that a fruitful discussion of issues that may challenge and divide the church and the world can only be undertaken after the work has been done to understand the basics of Christian theology and scripture. We make opportunities for students to preach at worship services and get students involved in diocesan and national church conventions and other activities. We raise up lay leaders and ordained leaders for the church's future. "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." Ephesians 4:12