Open to a variety of traditions, the Chaplain's office offers a comforting space that provides a host of spiritual resources for the campus community.
By Megan Z. Shearin '06
Chaplain Bob "Chappy" Chapman.
Located in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, Room 28, Virginia Wesleyan College's Chaplain, Bob "Chappy" Chapman '79 is taking a fresh approach to spiritual life for the campus this year. His goal is to offer a comforting space that provides a spiritual atmosphere and resources for anyone along the journey.
"The atmosphere in Chappy's new office is totally different than what it was last year," said Evan Ashby '10, a member of the cross country team and communications major from Remington, Va. "It is a great place to go to get away from everything that is going on around campus, while providing a place for me to come and relax, reflect and study."
Korinda Rusinyak '10, Vice President of Circle K from Virginia Beach, Va., said her favorite things about Chappy's office are the oversized rocking chairs and the small fountain with running water.
"It is peaceful to sit and listen to the water," said Rusinyak, adding, "The environment is open to everyone."
Rusinyak, a regular attendee of Campus Worship Sprit 400, said the office is a place for her to slow down, if only for a little while.
"If I ever need to just relax or talk, Chappy's office is a nice comfortable place to do so," she said. "In addition, there are a lot of readings to aid in students' spiritual growth and well being."
"The atmosphere in Chappy's office is a great place to go to get away from everything that is going on around campus, while providing a place for me to come and relax, reflect and study."
- Evan Ashby '10Once inside the office, the continuous music of Gregorian Chants, flute and drum echoes softly in the background. Simple artifacts from different faiths, including Christianity and Buddhism and various cultures such as Native American, enhance the environment.
In the middle of the room, a circular table holds a "Circle of Friends" sculpture and a variety of spiritual reading materials. Comfortable chairs and a sofa reflect the circular shape of the table, inviting individuals to contemplate, converse and share.
"I'm very pleased with the office," said Chappy, who describes the space as having "an ecumenical and interfaith touch. It's a great resource for the community and one of our students said it was the coolest room on campus. That made my day," he said.
An assortment of daily spiritual devotionals from The Upper Room, Alive Now and Weavings (an academic Christian spiritual journal) are offered for individuals to browse and take with them. Caring Mentors, Role Models Who Inspire & Encourage, a free series of handouts, offers encouraging words from Mother Teresa, Julian of Norwich, Dorothy Day, C.S. Lewis, and Thomas Merton.
"The deliberate decision to increase the spiritual atmosphere of the Chaplain's office has been a positive change for the campus community," said Chappy.
The office invites people to read, inquire and explore issues related to contemporary spirituality and traditional theology, along with the presence and influence of subtle, yet authentic visuals from different faith traditions, he added.
In addition to his office, Chappy also provides pastoral counseling, faith exploration and several programs for Virginia Wesleyan students including: Spirit 400 Campus Worship, Drum Circles, devotional studies, spiritual life retreats, creative spiritual expression through journaling, and a mock radio show on contemporary faith issues.
For more information on the Chaplain's office and spiritual life at the College, contact Chappy at 757.455.3400 or rchapman@vwc.edu.
12.03.08