Incoming Students Serve Through Project Bridddge

August 10, 2006

More than 20 entering Duke Divinity School Students will immerse themselves in local community service projects as well as Durham’s history and culture this month through the school’s Project BRIDDDGE.

From Aug. 13-18, 22 incoming students and eight returning student leaders will participate in the week-long, pre-orientation program, which offers opportunities for Christian outreach and involvement in the Durham community. Now in its 16th year, BRIDDDGE (an acronym for Building Relationships In Durham through Duke Divinity Graduate Education) is designed to expose first-year students to the everyday life and challenges of Durham.

(From left) Gyasi Patterson, Caroline Lawson, Elaine Wilder and Cayce Stapp, all entering divinity students, split wood during Project BRIDDDGE Aug. 15 with Durham Woodchucks Ministry. The wood goes to low-income families in Durham for heating and cooking.

“We hope this experience will nurture the understanding that a divinity student can also be a contributing citizen in the larger community during his or her years in seminary,” said Greg Duncan, associate dean for student services.

Each day of the program, participants worship together, partner with various organizations serving those in need in Durham, and reflect theologically on their experiences. Partner agencies include Urban Ministries of Durham; Woodchuck Ministries; Habitat for Humanity; Interfaith Hospitality Network; Anathoth Garden; Walltown Children’s Theatre; Seeds, Inc.; and more.

Supplementing these opportunities for hands-on ministry are programs led by political, academic and religious leaders in the Durham community, Duncan said. Fellowship also is a fundamental component of the week. BRIDDDGE members enjoy picnics, visits to historical sites, tours of Durham, a Durham Bulls baseball game, and the opportunity to worship at Duke Chapel – including climbing the tower steps to witness the playing of the carillon.

BRIDDDGE members also covenant to meet every other week throughout the academic year for prayer, fellowship, support, theological reflection and service in Durham.

This year, BRIDDDGE welcomes four additional participants from Duke Chapel’s Pathways program. Pathways Fellows are recent Duke graduates who have been selected to live together for 10 months in an intentional Christian community in Durham. Their responsibilities include auditing classes at Duke Divinity School, spiritual and vocational direction, and servant ministry in a local church or non-profit service organization.

For more information about BRIDDDGE, contact Greg Duncan or Cheri Benjamin at 919-660-3558.