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On September 15, Sonoma State hosted a Spirituality Fair for all students, religious or non-religious, who are looking to identify with their like-minded peers. There were stalls in Seawolf Square, expressing their beliefs and teaching curious minds the faith they stood for and believed in. Each table was representative of a different religious belief for different groups, and it allowed people from all walks of life to observe and celebrate their religion or learn more about the faith through the multiple channels that have been offered throughout the hour and a half event.
Many stalls served as supports for the faith that people expressed, such as Catholicism, Christianity, and the Bahá’í Faith. Some tables had brochures, others had activities, but all had the desire to enrich the students with their unlimited knowledge of the subject they were teaching. The student participation table had the opportunity to win prizes, such as a salt lamp and other smaller items, such as a foam finger or a cord. Other tables included the SSU Bible Club, the Mahakaruna Kadampa Buddhist Center and the Sonoma County Tenants Union, to name a few.
One table featured a small activity for students approaching it called “Stump the Pastor,” where students were encouraged to ask a question about God or the Son of God. If the pastors at the table were stumped, a student would have the chance to win a $ 20 Starbucks gift card, courtesy of Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr.
The STAR asked Reverend Lindsey about the importance of showing up at an event and what his game Stump the Pastor stands for. “It’s important for students to know that people in the wider community care about them. This is the main reason I come to SSU, and why I formed OpenTable SSU. In addition to the religious leaders who introduce themselves for the students, it is important that the students have spaces where they can introduce themselves to each other. For me, faith is more about asking questions and living in the mystery than having answers. So my hope with “Stump the Pastor” was to get the students to ask questions… Most of the questions they asked were about the intersection of faith and science, the place of the divine in an imperfect world. , and how people of different religions relate to each other. “
All of the students who visited the Spirituality Fair were understandably excited to share their views and interests in the faith, with some tables offering a little stamp to encourage more students to come and talk with them and learn a little more. on their respective religions. The stamp encouraged students to engage with each table and stamp a small bingo card that would have them entered into a raffle to win a salt lamp.
Another notable student organization was the SSU Bible Club, and they were promoting their “Friday Feast” event that they have every Friday across the street around 7:11 to 6:00 p.m. which consists of in a dinner and a fellowship. Asked about their message and what they want to convey, both at the show and at their engaging events, they said, “We are here to show that we are a club on campus where you can come as you are, without any requirement. from you, and learn what it really means to become a Christian and to enjoy fellowship and community with your fellow sea wolves.
The Spirituality Fair was an interesting experience for everyone, with raffles and items that could be received if they made it to the various tables. Sonoma State has always been an inclusive campus, but the Spirituality Fair is further proof that Sonoma State strives to make all of our students feel safe and encourage the pursuit of community and inclusion, no matter what. be your beliefs.
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