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Show wsusignpostxony' 2004 I Mt't I tM:-' , 'T! Q St I Religious entities endow students with various wors hip o By KATIE VAN AUSDAL sr. news reporter The Signpost While Weber State University believes in giving students an academic experience, it also believes in giving them the opportunity for a religious experience. This Generation, the Muslim Student Association, the Ogden LDS Institute and the Newman Center are four organizations that provide their own unique religious atmospheres. This Generation is a religious group that caters to average students instead of relying on traditional worship services. "Because we are a college campus ministry, our music, our teachings, and our fellowship time is geared toward 'this' generation," Campus Minister David Bernesser said. "We attempt to make all that we do culturally relevant to the college agetwenty-something student." This cultural relevance comes, in large part, from the Christian bands at their worship services. The music leans toward rock rather than toward traditional gospel. The group meets every Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Community Center at University Village. Anywhere from 30 to 65 people of various religions attend. "We are an interdenominational ministry, serving those of all Christian faiths," Bernesser said. "We feel it is more important to celebrate that which we have in common than to squabble over doctrine." Their activities include volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, serving at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake and serving Christian bands giving concerts. The organization came into being eight years ago when Alpine Community Church noticed a lack of Christian presence on campus. While Christians have had an organization on campus for several years, Muslims only recently founded an organization. Brian Davis, professor and director of the Religion and Ethics Resource Network, and several Muslim students founded the Muslim Student Association in the fall of 2001 to combat stereotyping of Muslims. "Many Muslims feel that they "We are an interdenominational ministry, serving those of all Christian faiths. We feel it is more important to celebrate that which we have in common than to squabble over doctrine' David Bernesser, This Generation campus minister are stereotyped on the basis of extremists whose views, actions, and pronouncements do not reflect the mainstream of Islam," Davis said. "Our group is keenly interested in promoting goodwill and countering these negative stereotypes." The MSA strives to provide a support network for Muslim students and to inform others about Islam. Meetings typically involve a video or discussion of some facet of Islam. They also include pizza (non-pepperoni in accordance with Islamic dietary restrictions). Meeting times vary, as Davis likes to accommodate the needs of the current members. "Not all (who attend) are Muslims; some are students, faculty and staff who want to learn more about Islam," Davis said. He welcomes anyone interested in knowing more about Islam to attend. The Ogden LDS Institute also welcomes anyone interested in learning scripture and enjoying a religious environment. The Institute offers classes during the day and the evening and boasts many opportunities to get involved: two choirs, a folk dance team, and 13 committees. The committees meet every Friday at 6:30 a.m. "We have breakfasts for these people," said Jerry Sandberg, adviser of the Latter-day Saint Student Association. On Fridays, 385 students come for the food and committee meetings. The Institute sponsors Friday Night pportunities "COX. , ' , 'n'V i.i TfV 1.4 . !.. I -.. . - i. .' - "X - I 7 .X. X i k i til n I ! : i i u 1 1 i ; ) i ! The Newman Catholic Student Center (top) and Ogden LDS Institute (above), just north of the Education Building, offer students a location to study faith or observe worship. There are other religious organizations that regularly meet on campus and are open to people of all faiths. Activities the second and fourth Fridays of every month. "If a person is registered for Institute, the activities are free," Sandberg said. These activities include formal dances, stomps and talents shows. Those not registered for Institute are also invited but are charged a small fee. The Newman Catholic Student Center, just east of the Institute, provides Mass services to students. Sunday and Saturday Mass is held at 6 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m. during the week. Father Charles Cummins directs the center, which offers premarital counseling and education in Catholicism. More information about these organizations is available at thisgen.net, faculty.weber.edubdavismsa, lds.org institutes and faculty.weber.edubdavis center Newman, htm. You can leave a message for reporter Katie Van Ausddl by calling 626-7655. Ogden continued from page 26 Tim Maycock, head of recreation for Weber County, said, "These leagues are a good opportunity for people to get out and be active." Adult softball and basketball are played at the Weber County Fair Grounds in Harrisville. "Basketball is starting in October and we're looking forward to that Maycock said. "We've had a lot success with our summer softba league, and we're getting readv the fall leagues to start in a couple of weeks. Other local recreation sports include volleyball, tennis, soccer and golf. Jamie Mikesell, WSU sophomore, plays tennis in a local competitive women's league. "Playing in this league gives me a chance to be involved with the sport," of for Mikesell said. "I played in high school and I'm glad I still have the opportunity to play." "My mom actually got me involved in the league," Mikesell added. "I play doubles with her and some of my friends. It gives us a chance to spend time together." More information on league signups, fees, dates and locations is available at ogdencity.com or by calling 629-8253. Ogden is also home to two professional sports teams: the South Ogden Rhino-Raiders semi-pro football team, and the Ogden Raptors Rookie League Baseball team. The Rhino-Raiders are the reigning Rocky Mountain Football League champions and are looking to earn a sixth straight title next year. The team "We've had a lot of success with our summer softball league and we're getting ready for the fall leagues to start in a couple of weeks." - Tim Maycock, Weber County head of recreation is made up of local residents, most of whom played college and high school ball in the Ogden area. The Rhino-Raiders play their home games at various sites throughout their season, which runs from April to September. More information on Rhino-Raider football can be found at rhino-raiders.com.The Raptors are affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers and play in the Pioneer Baseball League. Since the team's inception in 1993, 11 players have gone on to play in the major leagues with many playing in the AAA ranks. Ogden Raptors baseball games are played at Lindquist Field in downtown Ogden. Ticket prices are $8 or less. The season runs from June to September. More information about the Raptors is available to students at ogden-raptors.com.You can reach reporter Kelly Maw by calling . 626-7983. |