Religious organizations adjust to Covid protocols

Transitioning to a safer campus lifestyle will be difficult for many student organizations this
upcoming semester. It will be challenging to plan and execute gatherings and activities that stay
within the guidelines given by the university. One particular group of student organizations that
plan on moving forward are the religious organizations.
For these organizations that emphasize the value of fellowship and unity, it would seem almost
impossible for these organizations to stay open during the fall. However, three of these religious
organizations offered some insight into how they plan on moving forward this semester, while
prioritizing the students’ safety and health.
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry, BCM, is one student organization that is implementing many
precautions into its daily routine in order to do its part in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Morgan Owen, the campus minister for the BCM, said, “the BCM is preparing to follow the
CDC, UTM, and Tennessee Baptist Convention guidelines in order to do ministry this fall. This
includes temperature checks before events and building frequency, mask wearing, social
distancing, and event tracking.”
Owen also makes note that incoming students can easily become a part of the BCM organization,
with no fees required. “All UTM students are welcome to frequent the BCM Student Center at
112 Hurt Street. The BCM Student Center is a great place to hang out, have conversations, and
study.”
In regards to events held by the BCM, Owen reluctantly had to temporarily get rid of a few
programs, but there will still be opportunities for students to gather together. The BCM will hold
a weekly worship service on Monday nights called The Well. There are also plans to hold
Radiant and Man-Up, which is a women’s and men’s small group devotional. The current plan is
to offer both in-person and online options for these events.
“If a student would like to have a spiritual conversation over current or personal issues, the BCM
had a Campus Minister, Bro. Morgan "MO" Owen, available for appointments. Students can
contact the BCM at 731-431-6302. Again, everyone is welcome to visit the BCM Student Center
and to be involved in the BCM activities.”
The Church of Christ Student Center, COCSC, is another religious organization that plans on
continuing to run events during this upcoming school year. Tucker Pounds spoke about the
COCSC’s current plans for the semester.
“The COCSC will be abiding by all University regulations. We will still be having devotional
several times per week as well as worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays,” Pounds said.
The COCSC holds a weekly devotional on Monday nights, as well as a split devotional twice a
month where the men and women separate to hold their own study. These events are open to any
students who want to come be a part of what they are doing.
The COCSC is located near campus at 107 Mount Pelia road. They also have a website that can
be visited at skyhawks4christ.com.
Reverend Amanda Crice gave some insight into what the current plan looks like for The Wesley
Foundation, another religious organization that can be found at 312 Lovelace Ave. This is also
where the organization will meet while wearing masks and social distancing.
“Our main focus will be offering small groups to students. We plan to offer some outdoor in
person groups as well as groups that meet on zoom. We hope to have a list and description of
each available small group out soon,” Crice said.
Along with these activities, Crice is very excited to announce their next big project, which is a
Wesley Podcast. The current plan is to launch this podcast by October.
Crice also added, “We know this is going to be a different and somewhat challenging year, but
our theme and our goal this year is to Be a Light in the midst of everything that is going on. If
there are ways we can be a light and a service to students please let us know. We are here to
love, serve, and build an inclusive community on our campus.”
To get included with The Wesley Foundation’s mailing list, send your email address to
utm.wesley@gmail.com. They also have an Instagram account, @utm.wesley, and a Facebook
page, WesleyFoundationAtUtm.
It seems as all student organizations will face their own challenges this upcoming semester, yet
these religious student groups have plans to move forward with as typical of a schedule as can be
planned for. These religious organizations continue to find safe ways to meet and worship
together, and they are all welcome to any students who would be interested in joining them.