Jonathan Schmucker, Hutchinson; Terrasel Yoder, Haven; and Garret Todd, youth pastor, enjoy some food. Club Dragon provided food, games and entertainment for college students to gather for fellowship. Photo by Rachel Willbanks
Schmucker tickles Taia Baker, Hutchinson, during a movie at Club Dragon. Eastwood Church of Christ held Club Dragon every Monday night. Photo by Rachel Willbanks
Religion is a subject that people talk about around the world. College students relate and come together. There were several opportunities that local churches around town had to offer to students. “Club Dragon is every Monday night and we just watch movies and play games and eat junk food,” Terrasel Yoder, Haven, said. Club Dragon started at 8 p.m. on Monday nights, following the Dragon Feed at 6 p.m. at the Eastwood Church of Christ. It’s an opportunity for college students to get together and do homework, hangout, and have fellowship. Another place where students could get together was MANNA at the Venue 301. MANNA met every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. so students could play games, sing praise and it also provided a place for fellowship. The Dragon’s Tale staff conducted an online survey in the fall semester with 427 students responding. Twenty five percent of students also attended church regularly on Sundays. “I just attend like other people do during the week or on Sundays,” Jake Durham, Sterling, said. Fifty one percent of students had other obligations that kept them from making it to church. “I try every Sunday, but now that I work, I don’t always get every Sunday off,” Ethan Dowell, Dighton, said.
Dragon’s Tale
Dowell attended a church in his hometown. “I haven’t been to church in years,” Kat Saunders, Hutchinson, said. “I used to go to St.Teresa’s, and I also used to go to the Kingdom Hall thing because my grandma is a Jehovah’s Witness.” Thirty five percent of students didn’t make an effort to attend at all. “I’m not affiliated with any religion, and I don’t attend church. The only time I go is to see my high school music teacher preach,” Shannon Nye, Stafford, said. A lot of students that previously attended church didn’t take the time anymore. “I never go anymore, but I used to,” Caleb Miller, Nickerson, said. Even though many students didn’t attend they still discussed religion with family and friends. “My parents go most Sundays. Me and some friends will discuss things from the bible every once in a while, mostly about revelations,” Miller said. Some students that didn’t attend church still prayed on a daily basis. “I pray every night and during the day in times that I really need to just talk to God about whatever, whether it be encouragement, safety, for someone else, or anything like that,” Dowell said. Even though not all students can make it to church, there are several local opportunities for students to keep the faith.
students and religion
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