Chicago Semester

Being a Servant

Posted by Cynthia Stewart in Around Town in CS Seminars in Guest Speakers in Service-Learning in Special Tracks in Staff Stories in Student Activities | Apr 27, 2011

I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these; you did not do for me – Matthew 25:45

The Metro Religion class this semester, I will say, was one of my favorites since teaching at Chicago Semester. I had seventeen enthusiastic students who were ready to take on a new understanding of religious diversity.

During the semester, we had an interfaith panel, which consisted of an African-American female Muslim from Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), a female Reformed Jew and a female Christian (grew up in an atheist family), and they both work for Interfaith Youth Core. The students were amazed as they heard these women talk about their religious journey and how it is important to respect others of different faiths. The semester continued with a lecture by a Jewish Chef from Wolfgang Puck at Spertus Institute. Chef Laura taught the students about the importance of Jewish kosher laws. If you did not know, a Jewish person will never eat a cheeseburger, “Why, you say?” because it is against kosher law to mix meat and dairy together. In order to eat meat and dairy, it would have to be hours apart from each other. To make it more interesting, the students visited an Orthodox Jewish Synagogue and for the first time they was able to see a Mikvah. I am going to leave it up to you to find out what a Mikvah is.

So as the semester was coming to a close, we ended it on a high note. We visited a Muslim Mosque and all the young women had to wear a scarf, and we all had to take off our shoes as we entered. As you will see from the picture, even one of my male students decided to wear a scarf, but only for the picture! It is customary for Muslim women to wear a hijab (scarf) while they are out in public. It is a sign of reverence to one’s body and they dress discreetly in order to not be a distraction to men. For most students, they enjoyed this service the most, because in the media Islam is portrayed in such a negative way. By being in the Mosque and witnesses over 300 men worshipping was an eye opening experience for them. Many students stated it caused them to appreciate Muslims more and they wished that more individuals would take the time to learn and experience the life of Muslims before they judge them.

Not only are Muslims in this world judged, but so are homeless individuals. Each semester our students ask the question, “What are we to do with the homeless people we see on a daily basis?” As I continued to hear that question, semester after semester, I decided to come up with a service learning opportunity for my religion class.  Every semester, I would take my religion class to Fourth Presbyterian Church on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue). They would learn about the history of the church and how the newly built church burned down during the Chicago Fire of 1871. They would also learn about the various outreach/volunteer opportunities that the church does for the least of these since the 1960s. So instead of learning about all of the great things that the church has been doing, I thought it would be good for them to experience it. 

So for three weeks the class was split up into groups and they served the homeless at Fourth’s Sunday Night Supper for three hours. After a quick orientation by Greg, who is one of the coordinators, the students were handed gloves and a name tag. They would choose between passing out cups of ice or pouring beverages: lemonade, juice or diet Snapple. But a few students had the grand opportunity of serving food. Each week, there are at least 150 individuals who come for a meal each Sunday and Monday. There is a diversity of races, ages and homeless status. Some of the individuals are living on the street, some live in transitional shelters, and others live in apartments, but because of limited income they need additional assistance. Here is a reflection by one student:

I have learned through this serving experience that there are many other ways that I can help out. It is not like giving money is the only way that I can lend a hand. Serving these people in the capacity that I did (serving food) is one very legitimate way to help without handing out cash. I am learning that I should not simply give up trying to help if the one way I know how does not work. I do not think that is an excuse. I need to be looking for new and creative ways to help those in need. I think that we make excuses far too often and that needs to end. There is no excuse for doing nothing. We are called to get up and work for the good of others, even though this may take some creative thinking on our part!

So just like the disciples who asked Jesus, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” the students learned this semester that their service was not in vain. They were able to serve someone in need and in doing so they were also serving Jesus, which is our call as children of God, “To be a Servant!”