Ministry center offers peace and free breakfast

Willow Chicago Ministry Center is looking to provide tranquility and contentment for busy Chicagoans, and particularly busy Roosevelt students this month.

The core mission: unite people from all walks of life.

Upon entering the ministry center at 418 S. Wabash Ave., visitors are greeted by cheerful staff, hot coffee or soothing tea, and free Wi-Fi.  Plush leather chairs, petite coffee tables, and Zen-influenced decor help bring a relaxed and stress-free mood to the spirit.

The center opened Fall 2011. Founded and sponsored by the Willow Creek Community Church based in South Barrington, Ill., it operates as the downtown campus extension of a network spanning throughout the state.

Free breakfast for undergraduate Roosevelt students during September are among several community-oriented services. Every Sunday this month, the Chicago Hostel at 24 E. Congress Parkway will host students around 11:30 a.m. on the second floor.  Services are held in the Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Congress Parkway at 10 a.m. 

Jordan Dowell, a Next Generation Pastor at Willow, has responsibility over ministry attendees. He said the ministries have worship ceremonies for all ages and lifestyles. 

“There’s about 1,200 people from every walk of life and demographic and age you can imagine,” he said. 

Throughout the week, there are various college and young-adult ministries.  Students, including those that attend Roosevelt, can come to worship and congregate with others in the Christian community. There are also student groups geared towards prayer, common interests, financial stability, and homeless care.

According to its website, the church desires to be open to all Chicagoans and truly reflect Chicago’s diversity.

How do you remain peaceful in a busy school semester? Visit www.roosevelttorch.com for more information on the Willow Chicago Ministry Center and tweet us your thoughts @RUTORCH.