Colgate University’s Chapel House has introduced new programming for the Fall 2024 semester. Their regularly scheduled program list now includes “Chili with Lily,” “Recoup & Soup,” “Reading Café” and daily guided meditation sessions, along with other sporadic events.
Most of the programming takes place in or around Chapel House. Chapel House Program Assistant Jeff McArn described “Chili with Lily,” a chili dinner that is hosted on Wednesday evenings at Chapel House and features Lily the therapy dog
“It’s just an excuse to hang out with a lovable therapy dog, enjoy a hot cup of vegan chili and check out the space at Chapel House,” McArn said.
Senior Reanna Bartels-Quansah, a Chapel House associate, highlighted “Chili with Lily” as a reason for students to come experience Chapel House’s happy and cozy environment.
“‘Chili with Lily’ is a program that brings the Colgate community together to the warm, welcoming space of Chapel House,” Bartels-Quansah said. “It’s a unique opportunity for community members to gather, enjoy a comforting meal, engage in meaningful conversation and spend time with the new Chapel House mascot, Lily!”
However, if Chapel House ever feels too far away, one program is hosted in the academic quad. On Wednesday afternoons, Chapel House hosts “Recoup & Soup” in Lawrence Hall. Students can take a break from classes while eating soup and bread in a quiet and peaceful environment.
“It’s in 305 Lawrence for those who don’t have time to trek up to Chapel House. ‘Recoup’ is not exactly meditation […]. The silence can also be used for journaling, napping, daydreaming or studying if your back is against the wall,” McArn said. “But spending time together in silence is a powerful gift we can give each other. And then there is the black bean and salsa soup and homemade bread we share together before heading back out into the academic fray!”
Senior Ayden Simpson is the Chapel House kitchen associate, and his duties include making food for certain Chapel House events. Simpson makes the chili for “Chili with Lily” events and explained how the new programs are intended to help further integrate Chapel House as a space and an organization within the Colgate community.
“From what I understand, [Interim Chapel House Director Georgia Frank and McArn] have started to expand the programming as a way to bring students to Chapel House and vice versa — events like ‘Recoup & Soup’ help to provide some of the serenity of Chapel House in the middle of everyone’s Wednesday afternoon right in Lawrence Hall,” Simpson said. “‘Chili with Lily,’ on the other hand, is partly aiming to bring some of the student community to Chapel House, which is something that has been left relatively separated at least since I started working here in 2021.”
Chapel House has also partnered with Professor of English and Creative Writing Jennifer Brice on their Sunday evening “Reading Café” program, where students and faculty can come to Chapel House for a few hours of reading and snacks.
“[‘Reading Café’ was] created with Professor Jennifer Brice […] to pay attention to the act of reading,” McArn explained. “Bring anything you read for fun, read for work, read for school and pay some mindfulness to reading intentionally, alongside the classmates and professors gathered in the Chapel House library with you. Tea, cider, coffee and homemade cookies [are] served to enhance the reading experience.”
Daily guided meditation sessions are hosted five days a week, in the morning and evening. McArn explained that the sessions, along with the other programs, relate to Chapel House’s larger goals of wellness and balance.
“Mindfulness, meditative and contemplative engagement and spiritual exploration across a diversity of religious traditions and practices [are the values Chapel House prioritizes.] […] We are hoping to build a community of mindfulness at Colgate and to offer Chapel House as one of the campus resources for creating a sense of emotional balance and spiritual wholeness which can often get lost in the stress of a rigorous academic environment,” McArn said.
“I think everyone should go to these events because it is a great chance to meet new people and to interact with Chapel House’s mission in one way or another,” Simpson added.
Along with the weekly-occurring programming, Chapel House hosts special events and collaborations with student groups. They recently hosted a night hike with the Colgate Hiking Club, which included a brief meditation and an early evening mindfulness hike. McArn encourages student groups to contact him to plan events.
“We are looking to collaborate with a variety of student organizations and campus departments to bring the value of mindful attention and spiritual depth to our campus community in a multitude of different ways,” McArn said.
Additionally, McArn encouraged student organizations to reach out to him at [email protected] if they have ideas for collaborative events.
“Chili with Lily” is on Wednesdays from 6 to 6:45 p.m., “Recoup & Soup” is on Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1 p.m., “Reading Café” is on Sundays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Daily Guided Meditation 15-min Sessions are Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
