June 3, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Ithaca! While we will miss our seniors, we are so happy to know that they are moving on from Cornell mature in Christ, eager to put the glory of God on display in their various fields, and equipped to lead and make an impact for Jesus all over the world. Please pray for them as they transition away from life at Cornell to various careers and graduate schools. Pray that they would know that God has a perfect plan for them and pray that they will find solid Christian fellowship and local churches where they can continue to grow and use their gifts and talents for God’s glory.
Greetings from Ithaca! While we will miss our seniors, we are so happy to know that they are moving on from Cornell mature in Christ, eager to put the glory of God on display in their various fields, and equipped to lead and make an impact for Jesus all over the world. Please pray for them as they transition away from life at Cornell to various careers and graduate schools. Pray that they would know that God has a perfect plan for them and pray that they will find solid Christian fellowship and local churches where they can continue to grow and use their gifts and talents for God’s glory.
May 6, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
We are incredibly encouraged by what God is doing at Cornell and we thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. There is an unprecedented amount of fellowship and activity at the Mott Center. Students are praying together, studying together, sharing meals together, and spending time in God’s Word. There is a heart to seek the Lord that we are witnessing both within our group and across the campus.
We are incredibly encouraged by what God is doing at Cornell and we thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. There is an unprecedented amount of fellowship and activity at the Mott Center. Students are praying together, studying together, sharing meals together, and spending time in God’s Word. There is a heart to seek the Lord that we are witnessing both within our group and across the campus.
April 1, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Thank you for continuing to pray for our students and staff. We are grateful for your partnership in the gospel at Cornell. A resurgence of Covid infections on campus caused us to take precautions over the past two weeks and hold all of our meetings virtually, but thankfully we expect to be back to normal with live Bible courses, prayer meetings, and leadership meetings next week. Our students are in the midst of a busy prelim exam season, but they are continuing to gather for Bible study, prayer, fellowship at the Mott Center, and student-to-student discipleship. We are thankful for the many new students that have joined the ministry this year! Please continue to pray:
Thank you for continuing to pray for our students and staff. We are grateful for your partnership in the gospel at Cornell. A resurgence of Covid infections on campus caused us to take precautions over the past two weeks and hold all of our meetings virtually, but thankfully we expect to be back to normal with live Bible courses, prayer meetings, and leadership meetings next week. Our students are in the midst of a busy prelim exam season, but they are continuing to gather for Bible study, prayer, fellowship at the Mott Center, and student-to-student discipleship. We are thankful for the many new students that have joined the ministry this year! Please continue to pray:
March 4, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Ithaca, NY! Thank you so much for your prayers and faithful support. We are happy to report that our students are thriving. Our Bible course groups are studying the Word each week. Most of our students are studying Acts and we have had rich discussions about mission and our Spirit-empowered witness for Jesus at Cornell. Our student-to-student discipleship program is up and running with students from every Bible course meeting in small groups of 2-4 each week to read the Bible, encourage one another and pray. A new weekly worship night is also happening at the Mott Center enabling students to seek the Lord together in praise and prayer, and in addition to this, a student-led prayer meeting is happening at Mott each week! Our students continue to work creatively during the pandemic to gather together for fellowship at Mott and virtually. Last weekend, one of our junior athletes on the Track and Field team hosted a Zoom trivia night. And we continue to add students to our Bible courses on a weekly basis. God is surely at work and we are grateful! Please continue to pray:
Greetings from Ithaca, NY! Thank you so much for your prayers and faithful support. We are happy to report that our students are thriving. Our Bible course groups are studying the Word each week. Most of our students are studying Acts and we have had rich discussions about mission and our Spirit-empowered witness for Jesus at Cornell. Our student-to-student discipleship program is up and running with students from every Bible course meeting in small groups of 2-4 each week to read the Bible, encourage one another and pray. A new weekly worship night is also happening at the Mott Center enabling students to seek the Lord together in praise and prayer, and in addition to this, a student-led prayer meeting is happening at Mott each week! Our students continue to work creatively during the pandemic to gather together for fellowship at Mott and virtually. Last weekend, one of our junior athletes on the Track and Field team hosted a Zoom trivia night. And we continue to add students to our Bible courses on a weekly basis. God is surely at work and we are grateful! Please continue to pray:
February 4, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Thank you for your continued prayers for our faculty and students who are starting to return to campus! Classes resume the week of February 7 and we will launch our Bible courses the following week. We are excited to report that our students have continued to think creatively about how to do ministry and pursue Christian fellowship at Cornell during a pandemic. In addition to weekly Bible courses and prayer meetings, students have volunteered to lead social activities as well as a new student to student discipleship program during the spring semester.
With so many new students joining the ministry this year, discipleship groups of three to four meet weekly for Bible reading, mutual encouragement, and prayer as a great way for students to deepen their relationships with each other and the Lord. It is truly an answer to prayer to see our students, during this difficult year, think about others with a willingness to serve their friends and the Cornell community! The gospel is bearing fruit and we look forward to seeing God at work by his grace in the lives of our students again this semester. Thank you for all your support and prayers!
Thank you for your continued prayers for our faculty and students who are starting to return to campus! Classes resume the week of February 7 and we will launch our Bible courses the following week. We are excited to report that our students have continued to think creatively about how to do ministry and pursue Christian fellowship at Cornell during a pandemic. In addition to weekly Bible courses and prayer meetings, students have volunteered to lead social activities as well as a new student to student discipleship program during the spring semester.
With so many new students joining the ministry this year, discipleship groups of three to four meet weekly for Bible reading, mutual encouragement, and prayer as a great way for students to deepen their relationships with each other and the Lord. It is truly an answer to prayer to see our students, during this difficult year, think about others with a willingness to serve their friends and the Cornell community! The gospel is bearing fruit and we look forward to seeing God at work by his grace in the lives of our students again this semester. Thank you for all your support and prayers!
January 7, 2021
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
We’re wishing you a happy new year from snowy Ithaca! Thank you for your continued prayers for our staff and our students. We are trusting God and praying for a fruitful 2021 filled with Christian growth and maturity, new faith, and revival on our campus. We are happy to report that the students are doing well, and over the winter break, we have had several new students show interest in joining Bible courses and leadership for the upcoming year. Our staff and student Bible course leaders are preparing to teach Acts, Sex and Spirituality, and Seeking God Bible courses during the spring semester, which we pray will fill our students with truth that will empower their witness for Christ at Cornell in 2021, and we look forward to starting a new prayer meeting this spring that one of our amazing new freshmen has volunteered to lead!
We’re wishing you a happy new year from snowy Ithaca! Thank you for your continued prayers for our staff and our students. We are trusting God and praying for a fruitful 2021 filled with Christian growth and maturity, new faith, and revival on our campus. We are happy to report that the students are doing well, and over the winter break, we have had several new students show interest in joining Bible courses and leadership for the upcoming year. Our staff and student Bible course leaders are preparing to teach Acts, Sex and Spirituality, and Seeking God Bible courses during the spring semester, which we pray will fill our students with truth that will empower their witness for Christ at Cornell in 2021, and we look forward to starting a new prayer meeting this spring that one of our amazing new freshmen has volunteered to lead!
December 3, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Ithaca! We appreciate your prayers and the opportunity to update you on the ministry at Cornell! Most of our students have returned home to complete their work virtually and as we reflect back on the semester, we praise God for his goodness and grace to us in the face of very difficult circumstances. Our Bible courses finished strong and added new members every week throughout the semester. The Gospel of Mark gave us the opportunity to draw near to Jesus and gain confidence in Him and his work for us on the cross. Our weekly prayer meeting also finished on a strong note, with one freshman committing to start her own student-led prayer meeting in the spring. Also, two freshmen had such a meaningful experience in their Bible course that they are feeling led to co-lead a freshman Bible study next year. The sense of community at the Mott center continued to build throughout the semester, with students congregating there for not only Bible courses and prayer meetings, but also small social gatherings and studying. While there is still a lot of uncertainty about the year ahead, one thing is for sure, the Lord is at work in these amazing students!
Thank you for praying:
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer for Cornell and the students of Christian Union Vita!
Blessings,
The Faculty and Students of CU Vita
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Cornell, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
Greetings from Ithaca! We appreciate your prayers and the opportunity to update you on the ministry at Cornell! Most of our students have returned home to complete their work virtually and as we reflect back on the semester, we praise God for his goodness and grace to us in the face of very difficult circumstances. Our Bible courses finished strong and added new members every week throughout the semester. The Gospel of Mark gave us the opportunity to draw near to Jesus and gain confidence in Him and his work for us on the cross. Our weekly prayer meeting also finished on a strong note, with one freshman committing to start her own student-led prayer meeting in the spring. Also, two freshmen had such a meaningful experience in their Bible course that they are feeling led to co-lead a freshman Bible study next year. The sense of community at the Mott center continued to build throughout the semester, with students congregating there for not only Bible courses and prayer meetings, but also small social gatherings and studying. While there is still a lot of uncertainty about the year ahead, one thing is for sure, the Lord is at work in these amazing students!
Thank you for praying:
- For student leaders, that more students will step up to lead with a willingness to serve their friends and the Cornell community in the coming year.
- For our freshmen, thanking God for them and praying they will continue to develop solid friendships and be encouraged by the ministry and the message of the gospel.
- For our students, that they will keep Jesus first in their hearts and minds, confident in Him as they finish their studies for the semester and get ready for winter break, and that God would bless them on their winter break and give them a vision for the spring semester.
- For Cornell University, that the virus infection rate would remain low, and that revival would come with many across the campus coming to know and trust Christ for salvation, and for wisdom in planning the spring semester with respect to Covid.
- For our staff, that we would have opportunities to encourage our students while they are away on winter break, and that we would prepare well for the spring semester.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer for Cornell and the students of Christian Union Vita!
Blessings,
The Faculty and Students of CU Vita
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Cornell, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
November 5, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Thank you so much for partnering with us in prayer. Your prayers are being answered! God is working powerfully in so many ways and we rejoice in his unfailing love and faithfulness. Although the virus has limited our ability to gather together in many ways, attendance at our Bible courses has been strong and student engagement in the Word of God and prayer during these times has been very encouraging.
More students are added to our Bible course groups every week, including a freshman guy who had felt overwhelmed with his academics during his first two months at Cornell, but responded to my message last week and joined one of the men’s groups for the first time. The women athletes’ Bible course taught over zoom has grown from 15 women to 25! And one of those women, a freshman hockey player, has joined leadership and is helping head up our communications team.
The CU Vita ministry faculty members have also been meeting with three different students who are considering the Christian faith and/or fellowship for the first time. One of those students comes from an atheist/Hindu background and is meeting with me weekly to discuss the gospel and issues of faith and reason. Finally, the Mott Center is open again, bustling with various Bible courses, prayer meetings, and small group gatherings.
Thank you so much for partnering with us in prayer. Your prayers are being answered! God is working powerfully in so many ways and we rejoice in his unfailing love and faithfulness. Although the virus has limited our ability to gather together in many ways, attendance at our Bible courses has been strong and student engagement in the Word of God and prayer during these times has been very encouraging.
More students are added to our Bible course groups every week, including a freshman guy who had felt overwhelmed with his academics during his first two months at Cornell, but responded to my message last week and joined one of the men’s groups for the first time. The women athletes’ Bible course taught over zoom has grown from 15 women to 25! And one of those women, a freshman hockey player, has joined leadership and is helping head up our communications team.
The CU Vita ministry faculty members have also been meeting with three different students who are considering the Christian faith and/or fellowship for the first time. One of those students comes from an atheist/Hindu background and is meeting with me weekly to discuss the gospel and issues of faith and reason. Finally, the Mott Center is open again, bustling with various Bible courses, prayer meetings, and small group gatherings.
October 1, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Christian Union Vita has begun to study the Gospel of Mark and it has been such an encouragement to see the steadfast love of God and our sure hope in “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). While it is true that economic, social, and political uncertainties abound in our country, our students and ministry faculty have an unshakable foundation and enduring peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has accomplished everything for our salvation.
Christian Union Vita has begun to study the Gospel of Mark and it has been such an encouragement to see the steadfast love of God and our sure hope in “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). While it is true that economic, social, and political uncertainties abound in our country, our students and ministry faculty have an unshakable foundation and enduring peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has accomplished everything for our salvation.
September 3, 2020
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and other friends of the ministry,
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been a great encouragement to our team and student leaders over the past few weeks. While restrictions due to the coronavirus threaten to limit our normal ministry activity at Cornell, we have been reminded to remain steadfast and to pray (1:2-3), stay in God’s Word (1:5-6), and walk in the power and joy of the Holy Spirit (1:5-6), so that the gospel of Christ will sound forth (1:8).
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been a great encouragement to our team and student leaders over the past few weeks. While restrictions due to the coronavirus threaten to limit our normal ministry activity at Cornell, we have been reminded to remain steadfast and to pray (1:2-3), stay in God’s Word (1:5-6), and walk in the power and joy of the Holy Spirit (1:5-6), so that the gospel of Christ will sound forth (1:8).
June 7, 2020
June 7, 2020
Christian Union Vita (Cornell University) enjoyed connecting with alumni at 2:00 PM EST for a virtual reunion. Christian Union Vita invited participants from all classes, all denominations, and all Christian ministries to this annual event.
Learn More
For questions about how to get involved as an alumni or Christian Union Vita on campus, contact Christian Union's VP of Alumni Engagement Christine Foster: christine.foster@christianunion.org.
January 30, 2020
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
We have begun our second semester at Cornell as students have come back from winter break. After a period of transition, we now have a new director on our staff. Greg Ray has come from Madrid, Spain, where he was doing missionary work to lead our team. As we move into this new stage, we look forward to seeing how God is going to work through the team on this campus.
November 21, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
It is hard to believe how much of this semester has gone by already. We have had a very productive year so far, as our new ministry team has settled into their positions. Bible courses are going very well, and we have had far more freshmen men involved this year than in previous classes, which has been an immense blessing for our ministry. As students get busier leading up to finals, we pray that they would stay focused and continue to be involved in Bible courses even as it becomes more difficult with time constraints.
September 26, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
It has been a busy month here at Cornell, as we have been welcoming this year’s freshmen and transfer students. We have also been reconnecting with all those who have returned to Ithaca after the summer. Throughout this Freshmen Welcoming season, we have done a number of events, led by our students, to reach out to those who are looking to be connected to Christian community. We just started our Bible courses, as well as large group meetings, and we all look forward to what God will do this semester on campus.
It has been a busy month here at Cornell, as we have been welcoming this year’s freshmen and transfer students. We have also been reconnecting with all those who have returned to Ithaca after the summer. Throughout this Freshmen Welcoming season, we have done a number of events, led by our students, to reach out to those who are looking to be connected to Christian community. We just started our Bible courses, as well as large group meetings, and we all look forward to what God will do this semester on campus.
July 25, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
As the summer has progressed, we have been hard at work preparing for the Fall semester. We are planning events for Freshmen Campaign, and have been meeting with our Exec team through Skype, about our teams and retreats at the beginning of the academic year. Along with this, there have been a lot of transition for us here. Geoff Sackett has moved onto other ministry opportunities, and I am now filling his position as we look for a new Ministry Director. We have also hired two new women’s ministry fellows: Liz Thomforde and Lisa Cooper.
As the summer has progressed, we have been hard at work preparing for the Fall semester. We are planning events for Freshmen Campaign, and have been meeting with our Exec team through Skype, about our teams and retreats at the beginning of the academic year. Along with this, there have been a lot of transition for us here. Geoff Sackett has moved onto other ministry opportunities, and I am now filling his position as we look for a new Ministry Director. We have also hired two new women’s ministry fellows: Liz Thomforde and Lisa Cooper.
May 30, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
We have come to the end of our Spring semester, and our students have mostly departed from campus. Seniors graduated and are preparing for new jobs and graduate school. Underclassmen are at summer internships, jobs, or are remaining on campus for various research projects. The summer is a time to prepare for the next year and is hopefully a time of rest for our students.
We have come to the end of our Spring semester, and our students have mostly departed from campus. Seniors graduated and are preparing for new jobs and graduate school. Underclassmen are at summer internships, jobs, or are remaining on campus for various research projects. The summer is a time to prepare for the next year and is hopefully a time of rest for our students.
April 25, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
We are coming up on the end of our Spring semester here at Cornell, and there are several important things which are happening in the last weeks of the school year. The seniors are getting ready for their next stage of life, and others are getting into serious study mode as they prepare for finals. We are also preparing for our Grill Me for Grilled Cheese outreach event, as well as our Senior Banquet.
We are coming up on the end of our Spring semester here at Cornell, and there are several important things which are happening in the last weeks of the school year. The seniors are getting ready for their next stage of life, and others are getting into serious study mode as they prepare for finals. We are also preparing for our Grill Me for Grilled Cheese outreach event, as well as our Senior Banquet.
March 28, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Though it is hard to believe, we have hit the halfway point in the Spring semester. Bible courses have been full and fruitful, and God has continued to work in and through both students and our leadership to grow His kingdom on campus at Cornell. We have also continued in our outreach activities as well as in prayer and fasting.
As we approach Spring break, there are some important things to keep in prayer regarding our ministry at Cornell.
- This semester, we have been doing a Mocha Mondays coffee giveaway. At this point, we have established a regular presence on campus giving away coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Pray that this would lead to relationships and a chance to present the gospel.
- We had a showing of the documentary Liberated: A New Sexual Revolution, with a panel following that including students and staff discussing the dangers of the hook-up culture. Pray that the fruit of this would continue to show itself as students think through these important topics.
- The new Bible course with men in Greek life has been consistently going well and has led to some very fruitful discussions. Pray for the continued growth of students in their spiritual lives as we continue to disciple them.
- There are a number of events that need to come together for the end of the semester. Pray for student volunteers, especially as they try to navigate their busy schedules.
We appreciate all of your prayers for the students here at Cornell!
Geoff Sacket
Ministry Director
Christian Union at Cornell
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Cornell, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
Ministry Director
Christian Union at Cornell
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Cornell, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
February 28, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
About a month into this semester, Bible courses, Vita, and prayer groups are meeting regularly, and are continuing to be a source of encouragement for our students as they seek God. Our outreach team began a new activity this semester which we have called “Mocha Mondays,” in which we hand out free coffee and hot chocolate at one of the libraries on campus. Along with this, we are also offering free books and mugs. We also have plans to show a documentary on campus about the dangers of the hookup culture, which is so common among college students. The goal is to promote a conversation about sexuality and God’s design for us as men and women.
About a month into this semester, Bible courses, Vita, and prayer groups are meeting regularly, and are continuing to be a source of encouragement for our students as they seek God. Our outreach team began a new activity this semester which we have called “Mocha Mondays,” in which we hand out free coffee and hot chocolate at one of the libraries on campus. Along with this, we are also offering free books and mugs. We also have plans to show a documentary on campus about the dangers of the hookup culture, which is so common among college students. The goal is to promote a conversation about sexuality and God’s design for us as men and women.
January 31, 2019
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Our students were gone for the past month over Christmas break, and classes have just reconvened. Some Bible courses started last week, but most are about to begin as we teach both the book of Acts and Seeking God to our students. As a staff we have begun meeting with students since they have come back from break and have been planning for our Bible courses this semester. Our large group meeting is going to begin next week. At the end of the first week of classes, we kicked off our semester with a dinner and game night. Many students came and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the events coming up within the next couple of months.
Our students were gone for the past month over Christmas break, and classes have just reconvened. Some Bible courses started last week, but most are about to begin as we teach both the book of Acts and Seeking God to our students. As a staff we have begun meeting with students since they have come back from break and have been planning for our Bible courses this semester. Our large group meeting is going to begin next week. At the end of the first week of classes, we kicked off our semester with a dinner and game night. Many students came and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the events coming up within the next couple of months.
