Emma Kelsey – Staff Writer

Proclaim is a unique and welcoming Christian organization here on the Gustavus campus. Student led and inter-denominational, students attend when they want and when they can. No matter one’s attendance, though, any student is always welcome.

Student led and inter-denominational, students attend when they want and when they can. No matter one’s attendance, though, any student is always welcome.

The meetings take place every Tuesday night from 9pm – 10pm in Alumni Hall, where students gather to worship, sing along to songs, mingle, and grow in their faith.
To experience first-hand the experience, I attended the Proclaim meeting on October 12 in Alumni Hall. I was greeted enthusiastically at the bottom of the stairs in the Student Union by two students, and once I climbed the stairs, was offered a snack at the entrance to Alumni Hall. As I entered, I took in the room. Students munched on their bowls of pretzels, mini marshmallows, golden grahams, and popcorn while visiting with one another.
The theme of the night was campfire, so the room was illuminated by orange lights and a video of burning logs on the projectors, together casting a warm glow in the room. I was immediately greeted by students who showed genuine excitement upon each student’s arrival. I mingled among the groups until the service started, making conversation with friendly fellow-students. I could already feel this was a group that envelops kindly with open arms any first-timer.
When we were greeted by the first speaker and the band was introduced, attendees were encouraged to participate in worship in any way they wish, and in whatever form would help them connect in the best way with God. They also offer a Prayer Ministry – two students on either side of the room are open for any student to come to if they feel the need.
The band opened up with a song, their space surrounded by string lights. Three guitar players, two singers, a percussionist, and the audience all singing along created resonating melodies of music and reverberating chords of community.
Once the first song was finished, we were asked to mingle with someone new, and to share our answer to the question “what happened lately that made you smile?” Immediately conversations sprang and connections were made throughout the room. Not only are relationships with God fostered at these services, but also relationships within the community and among one another.
About halfway through the meeting, a student speaker took his place at the front of the room, and spoke on the chosen proverb of the evening: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. For whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Matthew 25:29. The speaker went on to say what he believes this proverb means. He explained it is not only talking about gaining or losing riches or possessions, but one’s own talents and how they use them.
People have nothing not because they are born with no talents, but because they do not recognize them. Furthermore, they are given more not because they have many talents, but because they utilize the ones they recognize. Accompanying his words was a slideshow of different graphics that not only helped students understand the message, but also evoked a humorous response. It not only made the speech meaningful, but entertaining as well. When the speaker finished, students applauded earnestly, leaving me to believe the message was well-received throughout the room.
Throughout the meeting, songs were played by the band: some slow and soothing, others upbeat and uplifting. Students swayed, danced, hooted, clapped, or harmonized with the music.

Throughout the meeting, songs were played by the band: some slow and soothing, others upbeat and uplifting. Students swayed, danced, hooted, clapped, or harmonized with the music.

Amid the glow of soft orange light and graceful music carrying the words “Lord you know just where I’ve been / so light the fire in my heart again”, I truly felt the effects of such a peace brought on by this weekly practice. Coming in need of peace, faith, love, and hope in a swath of people seeking and offering the same things, it is a truly valuable experience.