The Wesley Foundation at UVA

At a large university like UVA, it’s rare to have the opportunity to get to know other students in a small group setting. Small groups and intramurals are a fun and informative way to meet other students and explore your faith from a variety of perspectives.

If you are a first year student, Faces of Faith is a group designed especially for you. People get involved at Wesley in a lot of different ways. Some folks come primarily to the Thursday night dinners. Others are Sunday night worship regulars. Some participate in small groups. Others practically move in. Your level of involvement will depend on you. But here is one suggestion on where to begin if you are a 1st year student: Face of Faith. These are small groups led by two upper-class students. In groups of 4-6 people, first year students study the Bible, discuss issues of first year life at UVA, and explore spiritual disciplines. The meetings are weekly for 1-1 1/2 hours, Tuesdays at 8pm. To sign up now for Faces of Faith, e-mail Melissa Holmes (mlh9j).

Check back often, as groups get added during the semester. Here’s what’s on the fall schedule so far:

“Restless Hearts,” a small group discussion about finding your place, led by our campus minister, Deborah Lewis. How do you find your place at UVA? in a major or school? in life beyond this place? Join us for a 6-week journey of discovery as we consider how God calls each of us. You’ll need a desire to consider more deeply what your place might be and a few minutes each day to read and reflect. This is a group for everyone, from first year to grad student. We’ll meet beginning the first week of October for an hour each week, time and day TBA. Come join us as we ponder, discuss, and pray together each week.

Join Wesley Memorial UMC pastor Elizabeth Foss and graduate student James Hughes for a 7-week study on the Gospel of John, Sunday nights from 7:00-8:30pm at Wesley Memorial Church. Dinner’s included.

Free drop-in Yoga class for the University community, Wednesdays 5-6 pm (begins 9/17 and ends 11/19). Time to breathe and slow down and pay attention…some call yoga “body prayer.” What prayer will you raise up? How is God calling you to more attention and intention? Join us on Wednesdays each week or whenever you can. The class is free and open to all students; spots will be given on a first come-first served basis each week. Certified yoga instructor Cynthia Woodring teaches this class which is suitable for all skill and experience levels. Cynthia’s teaching is influenced by a variety of methods including Integral, Iyengar, Anusara, and Yin yoga styles. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and if you have your own mat please bring it (some mats will be available). You can email Cynthia with questions about the class: cynthiawoodring AT gmail.com

Like to run? Join Erica Gustavson (ekg6w) for our weekend Running Group, friendly and fun folks who work off steam, train for races, and entertain some great theological questions - all while covering some miles around Grounds.

Women’s Group is for women of all years. We meet Monday nights at 8:30pm. Come find support, prayer, fun, and deep friendships. We’ll meet at Wesley Foundation and sometimes we’ll take “field trips” to Arch’s or other fun spots. You can contact Lauren Gilchrist (ltg6s) for more info.

Men’s Group is for men of all years. Come find support, prayer, fun, and deep friendships. This group begins meeting later in the semester. Stay tuned for details and email David Lessard with questions.

Want to get together with other students for prayer, but on a smaller scale? Email Melissa Holmes (mlh9j) to sign up for Prayer Partners. And stop by the Wesley Foundation chapel once a week for an informal Weekly Prayer time, Fridays at 1:30pm, with Nina Ruhter (nwr2e).

Faith in Film is an occasional small group that gathers to watch a movie together and then reflect on its implications for our faith lives. Whether you are a film expert or just like to watch, there is a place for you at Faith in Film. Come once, occasionally, or every month! In recent years we’ve watched films as diverse as “For the Bible Tells Me So,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “The End of the Affair,” “Garden State,” “Field of Dreams,” “Hell House,” and “Groundhog Day.” Check the web calendar and stay tuned to email updates for films we’ll view this semester.

Like to play sports but aren’t quite a UVA athlete? Join one of our intramural teams. Join Annie Bailey (amb9um) and the gang for everything from flag football to volleyball. We play soccer on Wednesdays at 8pm this fall. Other fall semester sports, days, and times will be announced throughout the semester — check back here and stay tuned to email updates for more info. All are welcome and you can just show up when you are available.

Grad Group meets occasionally throughout the year and is designed for “graduate students and sundry others.” Please contact our campus minister Deborah about Grad activities.