Tucked away in the corner of Colgate University’s campus amongst the trees and the winding trails is Chapel House, a center for retreat, opportunity and, at many times throughout the week, delicious free food. Chapel House runs three major events that offer a quick meal alongside an opportunity for relaxation, including Chili with Lily, Recoup & Soup and Sound ’n Soup.
Chili with Lily takes place on Mondays at 6 p.m. Not only is delicious vegan chili served at this event, but there is a special participant: Lily the therapy dog, owned by Georgia Frank, professor of religion and director of Chapel House, and Program Coordinator for Chapel House Jeff McArn. Students have the opportunity to share a delicious dinner while also taking the time to unwind with Lily.
Additionally, Recoup & Soup happens every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., and while the event is run by Chapel House, it takes place in Lawrence Hall room 305, making it even more accessible to students who are busy with class. It runs for just under an hour, offering a 20-minute meditation session followed by a 30-minute lunch.
Junior Judah Robbins Bernal makes it a priority to attend Recoup & Soup each week.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to find a moment of quiet and reflection in the middle of a busy day,” Robbins Bernal said.
Robbins Bernal also highlighted the program’s food as a favorite part of the experience.
“It is homemade black bean and salsa soup and freshly baked bread with butter,” Bernal said. “It’s a very simple, comforting and satisfying meal that well complements the intention of the gathering.”
The third major program, Sound ’n Soup, happens on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. This event entails two 15-minute sessions of sound bath meditation, a unique experience that many students who attend Sound ’n Soup are trying for the very first time.
Sophomore Nell Droege, who helps facilitate the sessions, described what a sound bath meditation typically involves.
“In a typical session, participants often lie on cushions on their backs and close their eyes. At the front, we use various tools, specifically quartz singing bowls, a rainstick and a wave maker to make the sounds and vibrations,” Droege said.“In the middle of the two sessions, we take a little break, and anyone can talk about how they liked the experience or ask questions.”
After the meditation concludes, the meal commences.
“The food is either tomato basil or butternut squash soup with cheesy mozzarella garlic bread,” Droege said. “It’s a delicious warm meal and snack for a fall or winter day.”
Senior Leigha Schultze, another student associate, also spoke highly of the post-meditation lunch.
“Occasionally we also offer seasonal produce from the community garden or baked goods, depending on what we have from the kitchen,” Schultze said. “While the main focus of the event is the sound meditation, I think providing a light lunch further encourages people to come who might otherwise not be able to step away during their lunch break between classes and take the time to meditate.”
Beyond these three main events, many other programs offered by Chapel House are also accompanied by tasty treats, including Reading Café on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. and crafting circle on Thursdays from 5:15-6 p.m. Both these events offer tea and cookies to participants, and in the colder months, the comforting experience is enhanced by the warmth of a lit fireplace.
The enthusiasm for these programs is shared among all student associates, all highlighting how Chapel House has become a vital part of their campus life.
“My first experience with Chapel House was attending a meditation event during the orientation week of my first year at Colgate,” Schultze said. “Chapel House provides such a unique space on campus where students and members of the Colgate community at large can really step away from their busy schedules and enjoy some time to check in with themselves.”
Bernal also highlights the connections he has found from Chapel House.
“I started practicing meditation before coming to Colgate, and I was really interested in the community aspect of Chapel House,” Bernal said.
Chapel House has become an essential part of life at Colgate for many students, providing a place to rest, recharge and share a delicious meal in good company. If you find yourself searching for different on-campus meal options to mix up your routine, you are guaranteed to find that and so much more with Chapel House programs.
