The Albion College Greek system is something truly unique – just over 50 percent of the student population participates, while encompassing a wider range of personalities than the stereotypical fraternity and sorority profile. Within the last few weeks, Albion Greeks have done even more to differentiate themselves.
Three weeks ago, a small group of students came up with the idea of a weekly group bible study for the Greek community. They wanted a chance for Greek men and women to also have the opportunity to worship and learn about scripture in a space more comfortable to them.
The initial idea came from Jacqueline Nowak, Comstock Park junior, a member of Intervarsity, Albion College’s student-led Christian fellowship group.
“I wanted to be able to provide a safe place for Greeks to come and learn about God, experience his love and not have to worry about judgment at all,” Nowak said. “I really want them to be able to keep growing in their faith and give them the tools to be able to do so in their Greek houses with their brothers and sisters.”
Nowak spread the idea to her friends in the Greek community to get started. Dana Brooks, Wooster, Ohio, senior, and Jessica Sholl, Jerome junior, got the ball rolling.
“We wanted to do something more,” Brooks said. “We thought it would be an awesome thing to start here on campus.”
The group meets on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. in the Kappa Delta lodge. Although there have only been three meetings so far, members are excited about the future of the group
“We’ll read passages from the bible and have discussions based off of that,” Scholl said. “People can say whatever they want. We want it to be a safe space.”
The average turnout has been about 10 to 15 students, with numbers increasing each time.
“We want to do what the people want,” Brooks said. “It’s very open. You can be any denomination.”
Apart from reading scripture passages, the group also exists as a support system for students to come and talk about their problems if they so choose. Brooks’ desire is to emphasize a relaxed and pressure free atmosphere for the new Greek bible study.
Photo by Alex Carey
This happened during the spring 2012 semester as well through one AXO, one KAO, and some ATO students. It met weekly in ATO’S basement.