Joel 2:12-13

Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; ¹³rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.

A local college which the Presbyterian Church (USA) is in covenantal relationship is Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. Eckerd College was founded in 1958 by the Presbyterian Church as Florida Presbyterian College.

The Director of Religious Life and Chaplain is primarily concerned with the spiritual and religious lives of students and is a pastor to the entire Eckerd Community. The Chaplain directs the Student Coordinators and Paraprofessional program.

According to their most recent brochure, “Students participate in a variety of spiritual life programs: guided meditation, restorative yoga, discussion groups for vocational exploration and spiritual growth, weekly religious services, an annual Pet Blessing, and many more offerings throughout the year. In this student-driven and student-responsive program, the chaplains and student leaders seek to develop and enhance the spiritual lives of students within the context of Eckerd College’s vision of educating the whole person—and student leaders are involved in every area of religious and spiritual life programming.”

Prayer

God who walks with us in our journeys of faith and learning, continue to be a steadfast companion to the young people of Eckerd College. Open them to the beauty of your creation, your faithfulness and give them joy, as we have experienced in Christ Jesus. Amen.