inside danforth chapel

Campus Ministries

The college experience is an exciting time of transition and self-discovery.

It is an occasion for growth - personal, intellectual and social; a time when one’s identity is shaped by the experience. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of life and a chance to examine one’s faith development.

Worship Services

College Service

Every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM during the academic year, Florida Southern provides a weekly worship opportunity led by the Chaplain for students, faculty, and staff. Held in Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the non-denominational service is a chance for the college family to gather as a community of faith as we journey together on the path of discipleship. Designed with the student in mind, the service utilizes technology, multimedia, and metaphors from the culture to present the timeless message of scripture in the language of today’s college student. As the student praise band leads worship with modern songs and ancient hymns, students are invited into a lifestyle of experiencing and serving God with gratitude, praise, and surrender as we seek to become all that God created us to be.

Catholic Mass

Catholic Mass is held on Sundays at 1:30 PM in the Danforth chapel. Father Ramone Bolatete, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Lakeland, leads the services. Communion is served. For more information contact Father Bolatete at 863.682.0555.

Jewish Ministries

Florida Southern College boasts an active Jewish population that includes faculty as well as students. The closest place of worship is a Conservative synagogue, Temple Emanuel, located on the far side of Lake Hollingsworth. Regular Shabbat services begin at 7:30 PM on Friday and 9:30  AM on Saturday mornings and include onegs. Students are welcome to attend High Holiday services free of charge and are invited to various special events at the Temple at any time. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Catherine Eskin, English, or the Temple directly.

Polk County also has a Reform temple in Winter Haven and Chabad in North Lakeland.

On campus, the Florida Southern chapter of Hillel, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, provides resources for our Jewish students, educates the campus about the Jewish religion, and provides opportunities to connect with the Jewish community of Lakeland.

Campus Ministries

The student-led campus ministries are at the heart of religious life at Florida Southern College. Virtually every night of the week there is an opportunity for students to put their beliefs into practice and live out their faith. With a variety of offerings, it is easy to find your niche, develop your leadership skills, and discover your place in a ministry to be passionate about.

Program Date/Time Location Description
Sandwich Ministry Sundays
1:00 PM
Fannin Ministry Center Ministry to the homeless community of Lakeland
Catholic Student Organization Sundays
1:30 PM
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel Catholic mass and fellowship
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Mondays
8:30 PM
Fannin Ministry Center  
Upper Room Ministries Wednesdays
7:30 PM
Fannin Ministry Center Women’s student-led Bible study
Wesley Fellowship Tuesdays
6:00 PM
Fannin Ministry Center United Methodist Campus Ministry, accountability groups
Beyond Thursdays
8:00 PM
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel Student-led worship and fellowship; Bible studies in Residence Halls
TZeDeK Monthly Fannin Ministry Center Social Justice Ministry
PISITIS Monthly Fannin Campus Ministries Center Ministry to Fraternities and Sororities

Questions? Contact

Tim Wright, MDiv

Chaplain
863.680.4298

e-mail Tim Wright

Rick Gebauer

Director of Church Relations
863.680.4756

e-mail Rick Gebauer