11/26/2014

Jacob's Porch College Ministry Insider Newsletter (Nov 26 2014)--Read up on what's going on at the OSU Campus Ministry

Jacob's Porch publishes a wonderful electronic newsletter, which the Southern Ohio Synod will share as it is released. We cannot share all the photos and format on our website, but a link to the full newsletter is provided below. Please take a few moments to read up on how these young people are growing in their faith and sharing the love of Jesus on campus and in the Central Ohio community.

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1584b464e1d9633c602d110d1&id=41661fed06&e=cdfad3ab8a

Covenant Houses

Jacob's Porch Covenant Houses are an opportunity for students to live in intentional Christian community. They worship, serve and live together abiding by a "Rule" that guides them in their journey. The Porch does not own the houses that the students live in, but rather they rent homes near campus and the porch pays a small monthly stipend to the house leader who coordinates their life together.

Additionally, Covenant Houses invite others into their home each week to join them in what they are doing as a house. This includes studying, praying, small group experience, road trips, serving the community, etc. What happens in the covenant houses are in many ways the heartbeat of our larger community.

Recently I spoke to a local leader of an Episcopal Service Corp community where one of our recent graduates is doing a gap year experience. He said that having her as part of their community this year is a huge asset for them because she already understands how to live in intentional christian community. Read on for an interview with Chris Tavenor, a first year law student at Ohio State and the 'house dad' of the Mens' Covenant House.
Street Outreach on 13th Ave

On Wednesday evenings prior to our time of Community in the Word (bible study), students have been wheeling out hot food and hot chocolate on a cart to the corner of 13th Ave. and High Street to share what they have with anyone who passes by.

Serving

Jacob's Porch jumped in to prepare Thanksgiving meals at the West Side food bank for Faith Mission.

Thanksgiving at the Women's Covenant House

Last week our students and some of their friends gathered at the Women's Covenant House for a Thanksgiving meal that they prepared. Around 25 students or so showed up for the festivities.

Porch Partners - Join Us!

Jacob's Porch is entirely supported by our partners. Our partners include churches, families, Alumni, friends, the synod and the ELCA. If you would like to inquire how to partner with us and support this important ministry please contact Pastor Grant Eckhart at grant@jacobsporch.com or 614-291-9317 for more information. You can click here to give.

We are grateful for two new church partners: Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville, Ohio and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Loveland, Ohio. Thank you!!

Interview with Chris Tavenor, member of Jacob's Porch

What has been your experience of Jacob's Porch?

Chris: Jacob's Porch has been an important and safe place for me to explore philosophical and theological concerns that felt like they were not allowed to be explored elsewhere. The difference here is that there is freedom for everyone to explore core questions and different perspectives they have - such as creationism vs. evolution, faith and doubt, the bible, etc. to name but a few that have been meaningful to me. Jacob's Porch is willing to help people explore different viewpoints rather than marginalize a minority opinion. Without Jacob' Porch I wouldn't have a passion for Jesus. Without a place like this I wouldn't have attended a church much less have it as a central part of my life.

What is the importance of a "Covenant House"?

Chris: The Covenant House is a community center for the porch in its outreach beyond the church building. As the leader of a "Cov House" my role is to give a lot of opportunities for people to connect with one another and to the neighborhood. We serve, study, play games, watch football and worship together.

What is one favorite memory you have at Jacob's Porch?

Chris: During one particular time of worship a bunch of Danish students were here. We spent 30 minutes on our knees praying. It was important to me that a church would do that. I appreciate that Jacob's Porch is willing to do things way outside of the comfort zones of many people.