Religious groups give new students support

Settling in a new town usually calls for a search for new services and new acquaintances. In your quest for new hangouts, new friends and teachers, a new bank or a new doctor, you might discover that you no longer have a church or worship service to attend. Don't worry, you newly proclaimed Tiger, you're in luck. Mizzou offers a wide array of religiously affiliated groups such as the Buddhist Association at MU, the Jewish Student Organization, Latter Day Saint Student Association and Campus Crusade for Christ.

Several different denominations such as Baptist, Lutheran, Evangelical Lutheran, Catholic and Buddhist offer student groups. There are also several non-denominational Christian organizations such as Veritas, which is a campus ministry that holds weekly meetings Tuesdays at 8 p.m. It offers Bible studies, retreats, social events, conferences, service opportunities and mission trips. Senior Lindsay McCoy, who attends Veritas along with Campus Crusade, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Purified Unified and Redeemed, says she enjoys sharing God's word with people who have the same beliefs.

"Worshiping with others is a great way to learn and grow in your faith," she said, "It's an outlet to connect with individuals that share the same morals and values, which is a feeling of togetherness."

To learn how to get involved with Veritas go to, web.mac.com/veritasmizzou/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html.

Another popular organization at MU is Young Life, which "brings the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of adolescents with an approach that is respectful of who kids are and hopeful about who they can be," according to its Web site.

Young Life is a Christian leadership organization open to everyone. Young Life boasts ‘Five C's' as its mission: Contact work; Club, which includes singing, games and skits; Campaigners; Camp and Committee. To learn more about Young Life and the "Five C's" go to younglife.org.

There are several other religious organizations available to students at MU. To see a list of all the religious organizations on campus, go to religionnews.typepad.com/religiouslifemu/2007/10/religious-organ.html.

There is also an interactive Web site made for students having doubts, questions or comments about religion. Go to everymizzoustudent.com for answers to your questions. The site touches on the sensitive topics that may cross the adolescent mind concerning God and faith - the site is also posted on the Campus Crusade for Christ's Web site under links.

Getting involved in one of the religious organizations MU has to offer can help you find people who share your beliefs at a campus that can seem really large.