Summary
Organization name
UKirk SMU
Causes
LGBTQIA, Religion/Spiritual Focus, Education - Higher Ed
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Dallas
Address
PO Box 600817 C/O Jessie Light-WellsDallas, TX 75206
One word that sums up the ministry and mission of UKirk SMU: HOME.
Since our first days on campus in 2019 to this fifth year at SMU, UKirk has become home for hundreds of seeking students, offering respite, nourishment, and belonging. This North Texas Giving Day, help us continue to build this home together by giving generously!
UKirk SMU’s vision of what it looks like to follow Christ is to center those who may feel on the margins, to give a home where there was no home and make a way where there was no way, always looking to offer compassion and peace in an anxious world.
UKirk SMU gathers students in the spirit of Christ’s open table—connecting all who are seeking a place of community and care. Our ministry brings together those who share a curiosity about the relationship between life and faith, and how to live as compassionate people. We continue to be the only Christian ministry at SMU that is fully open and affirming to LGBTQIA+ students, making us a sanctuary and safe haven for those longing for home.
At UKirk SMU, students know that they can bring their questions, doubts, and challenges with the traditions and churches that don’t fit for them—or in some cases have unjustly excluded or harmed them. With UKirk SMU, in the spirit of Christ’s own ministry, these students find a place of comfort, peace, and non-judgment where they can experience God’s deep love.
2022-2023 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
80 students welcomed into our community, offering a fully inclusive and affirming place for all to call home.
22 Sunday worship and dinners, creating a weekly place to land for weary students to breathe, laugh, eat, and dwell in God’s presence.
100+ dinner providers who fed our students weekly with nourishing and delicious food!
250+ coffees and pastoral care conversations
20 students who journeyed to Mo-Ranch for rest, play, and relaxation over Labor Day weekend, 2022.
58 households who shared their hopes and dreams for UKirk during our Feasibility Study with Vandersall Collective.
5 student sermons from preachers who shared their stories of groundedness and growing and inspired us with their wisdom.
9 pilgrims who ventured to Montreat College Conference, beginning 2023 in the mountains with hundreds of new friends and delighting in the connectional church.
20 graduates in the class of 2023 sent into the world with lots of love and a few tears.
45 alums who make the world a better place each and every day!
Mission
UKirk SMU is a place where all belong.
We are a PC(USA) campus ministry at Southern Methodist University. We are the first and only ministry at SMU that is fully open & affirming of LGBTQIA+ people. We are a place of nourishment, centering, care, and support.
Needs
Staffing & Program Expenses make up the majority of our budget.
The human connection, fostered through pastoral care, conversation, and a ministry of presence brings UKirk SMU to life. All of these rely on funding a dynamic, energetic, and compassionate staff. As with all non-profits, the small staff (in our case one permanent campus minister and three interns) makes the whole organization run. A contribution to our staffing budget goes to sustain the very heartbeat of UKirk SMU’s life on campus.
Our internship program trains and prepares upcoming leaders in the church with hands-on vocational discernment and practice. Gifted pastoral wisdom and experience are essential to the stability and growth of this important ministry.
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All opportunities
Anywhere
In-Person Volunteering
Provide Dinner for UKirk
Canterbury House
Ongoing opportunity
Organization Data
Dallas, TX 75206