Worship & Prayer
Convocation and Chapel
Chapel services and convocation programs gather the Goshen College campus community together for shared learning experiences and for spiritual formation, usually in the Church-Chapel sanctuary on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
The purpose of chapel is to tend to the spiritual lives of students and staff. Chapels invite us to come together in worship, to reflect on our individual spiritual journeys, and to affirm our community commitments. Chapels may include guest speakers, faculty faith stories, singing, student reflections, or meditations from the campus pastor.
Convocation provides whole-campus learning opportunities and conversation starters. In convocation, we support and celebrate each others’ stories and accomplishments, and we think together about topics related to our institutional core values and commitments. Convocations may include faculty reflections, guest speakers, student speakers and groups, or other special events.
Attendance Requirement
Students are required to attend 10 chapel or convo events each semester. The chapel/convo committee programs 18-20 events total so that students have some choice in what they attend. Students must bring their Goshen College ID with them to convocations and chapels to get credit for attendance. This is a Core graduation requirement at Goshen College.
Exemptions may be requested for the following reasons: You are a parent of dependent children, a fifth-year senior, a commuter who does not have Wednesday classes before noon, or you must complete internship hours during convo time. To request an exemption, complete this Convo Chapel Exemption Request Form and return it to the registrar’s office, registrar@goshen.edu.
Attendance Record
You can log in to GCOnline to check your attendance. If you believe this number is in error, contact the registrar’s office.
If you have a deficit from previous terms, you can erase it by attending more than the required number of events in future terms. If your deficit is too large to overcome in this way, please contact the registrar to discuss your options.
Prayer Spaces & Bible Study
“Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~Matthew 22:37, 39
Muslim Prayer Room
Located in the lower level of Kulp Residence Hall, this space is set aside as a private place for daily prayer and meditation for our Muslim students.
CMC Prayer Room
Located in the Church-Chapel, this is another place set aside for prayer and meditation, open during the day.
Bible Study, Prayer and Support
Opportunities are available for students who are interested in meeting together in small group settings. For more information, contact the campus pastor.
Witmer Woods
Located on the west side of Main Street between campus and College Cabin is a wonderful 18-acre arboretum of native shrubs and trees. It’s an excellent place to spend time with God in nature.
Prayer & Peace Vigils
As local and global needs arise, we often gather to light candles, sing, or pray around the Peace Pole. This can be organized or requested by anyone in our campus community who feels the need to call others to pray. We are happy to help coordinate a vigil to offer our communal prayers for healing, lament, or protest. Contact the Campus Pastor to make arrangements.
Labyrinth
The Goshen College labyrinth is a place for prayer and meditation in the lawn north east of East Hall. The labyrinth is a replica of an ancient labyrinth constructed around 1220 CE, in the stone floor of Chartres Cathedral, France. This design has 11 circuits, or concentric circles, with a twelfth one forming a six-petal rosette at the center.