Religious life
Learn about worship opportunities, special religious events, student ministries, and faith organizations at YHC.
A Young Harris College education has been steeped in religious life since Methodist minister Rev. Artemas Lester founded the College in 1886.
We believe a liberal arts education transforms how we think, what we believe, and what we do. The Office of Religious Life seeks to provide a “GPS” for student navigating their lives during these formative years. This includes:
- Great conversations
- Participatory practices
- Service to others
Worship opportunities
For some, worship includes loud music. For others, it means silence. Some follow a set liturgy. Others do not. At YHC, we recognize that people craft their praise to God in unique ways.
Wednesday College Chapel
Also known as Vespers, the College Chapel is a weekly gathering for campus-wide worship. It takes place at 7 p.m. in the Susan B. Harris Chapel. These services offer a chance to ask questions and wrestle with the deep questions of life.
YHC also offers holiday services for All Saints, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, and Easter.
Special religious events
Spiritual life retreat
This annual event takes place each fall and is open to the entire campus community. The Spiritual Life Retreat is a weekend away for spiritual growth, transformation with worship, small groups, and outdoor activities. For more information, please contact the office of Student Development at 706-379-5180.
Mission trips, service projects, and retreats
The Office of Religious Life organizes many mission and service opportunities. These include a local volunteer work, a campus-wide CROP WALK to fight hunger; a Spring Break mission trip, a Take Back the Night event to end sexual violence, and the annual Spiritual Life Retreat.
Lectures and panels
Each year, the Office of Religious Life sponsors lecture series and panel discussions. Topics range from religious pluralism, Christianity and healthcare, the environment, and capital punishment.
