New name, new mission, new life!

With the changing face of ministry in general, and ministry to upcoming generations, in particular, we – the board, the students, and I – decided to take some time to evaluate our ministry. We prayed. We studied. We had conversations around questions like: How does our ministry reflect what we want to do on campus now and in the future? Who are we? How do we live out our mission on campus?  I am really excited to share with you the results of this process: a new name and a new mission.
 
Over and over through this process, our students mentioned the importance of a community where students can bring their whole selves, where they can struggle with questions and doubts, and where they can learn to be centered in themselves and their faith in the midst of the chaos of college life. Our board and students discerned that our emphasis on grace and Lutheran willingness to dwell in the gray spaces in life leaves us uniquely equipped to be this kind of community. Our new name, The Sanctuary, reflects this call. Our corresponding logo signifies the simultaneous rooting and growth in faith and self that our ministry encourages. Our mission statement demonstrates our commitment to love and justice that are rooted in and supported by the practices of our faith. The statement also tells people that, while we are a sanctuary, we are not only a community to which one goes for rejuvenation: we are also a community that acts in the world in the name of Jesus Christ. As you can see from the line below our name, we are continuing to work alongside our Episcopal siblings in faith; this relationship makes us all the richer.
 
We are excited to begin this academic year with our new name and mission. We are preparing our dinner topics to welcome first-time and returning students. Worship services will begin soon, helping students ground themselves every week in the love of Jesus Christ and preparing them to go into the world to love all, seek justice and practice faith.
 
I hope that this new direction excites you as much as it excites us! We are so thankful that you are with us on this journey.  If you have any questions about these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or a phone call. You have an open invitation to come to a dinner or join us for worship to meet the students and learn more about what we do here. The students love interacting with people who are not college students. We also ask for your prayers for the students, faculty and staff as they begin another school year and prayers for our ministry to reach more and more students.
 
Like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter or instagram, or sign up for our weekly emails here to see what we are up to in God's name. Your support makes our work of spreading Christ’s message of love and grace to the students at the University of Washington possible.  You help us care for these students, providing the space and community they need to grow into faithful adults. In many ways, this ministry is a missionary ministry, sent to care for the students at UW. Without you, we could not do this work. Thank you!