“The purpose of the Wesley Foundation is to nurture students as disciples and followers of Jesus and to meet them at the point where they are spiritually,” Hugh Griffith, Wesley Foundation director, said. The Wesley Foundation is the Untied Methodist’s student ministry and dates back to the 1930s at Mississippi State University. It was then located in the YMCA building.
The current building, located on East Lee Blvd. next to Campus Book Mart, was built in 1963.
Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., students are invited to participate in Insight–a time for Bible study and worship.
“Insight serves the purpose of fellowship and friendship,” Griffith said.
The Wesley Foundation’s praise band rejoices in song during the service, and Bible study is lead by Griffith. On average, about 130 members attend.
There is a Bible study and fellowship time for freshmen Thursdays at 8 p.m.
“The Wesley has given me a great place to go and make friends with people that share my morals,” freshman Kimberley Woodruff said.
Transfer students meet on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., which serves as an immediate support system for incoming students.
Pre-marriage counseling is also available at the Wesley.
In the spring, a weekend retreat called Engaged Discovery will be held as a marriage preparation weekend.
The Wesley is also actively involved in Habitat for Humanity.
Sept. 7-8, Wesley members traveled to Clarksdale to work in a third-world environment in America, building a home for a poverty-stricken family.
The staff at the Wesley Foundation consists of two student interns and a director. Griffith has been a part of the Wesley Foundation for 10 years.
“We welcome all students to participate; we are open to all denominations,” Griffith said.
For more information, contact 323-3393 or visit www.msstate.edu/org/wesley.
“The people are inviting, open and friendly,” Woodruff said. “It is something that I encourage everyone participate in.