Spiritual and Religious Life
The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life educates and models exploration and expressions of faith and spirituality; nurtures a welcoming, supportive, courageous environment where people engage one another for meaningful and balanced living.
The Esch Hurvis Center for Spiritual and Religious Life is a welcoming place for curious, intentional, respectful engagement with persons of similar, different or no religious tradition, and for quiet personal reflection and spiritual practice.
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@LU_Spiritspace
RITU@L Retreat is ready to welcome it's first class
RITU@L - Roadmap of Intentional practices for Traversing the Unknown @ Lawrence
This is not Welcome Week - this is something different.
The RITU@L Retreat experience is an intimate, immersive spiritual retreat, that allows new students to choose how they will make best use of their time at Lawrence. The retreat is designed to inspire connection to self, others, nature, and beyond leaving them energized, emotionally balanced and mentally focused. Participants will learn how they can transform ordinary habits and routines into intentional practices to feel in control of your days, minimize stress, and find pockets of peace even on the busiest of days. In other words, RITU@L is an antidote to “The Lawrence Busy”.
The Landscape
We will be back on a weekly basis in Fall. Watch for more information in August
Spaces for spiritual reflection and observance
We encourage you to make a special place in your room, home or building where you can follow your spiritual practice.
Taking time at the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life 
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If you have an appointment, please bring your own mask. Follow the pledge.
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The second floor is open only for employees with offices in the building.
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Belonging - 5 Part Video Series 
Even when life feels challenging, each encounter and challenge is a chance to grow spiritually. Kathy Privatt, James G. and Ethel M. Barber Professor of Theatre and Drama and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts brings you to the intersection of Alexander Technique and Christian faith as an opportunity to consider Belonging through a poem by David Whyte.
Alexander Technique addresses how we live in ourselves - mind body fused together as one entity. This is achieved by reconnecting to our self awareness, pausing to interrupt habits, and focusing on process rather than the end result.
The series of 5 reflections is waiting for you in our YouTube page.
Sustainable Spirituality
Create your own Spiritual Sustainability Plan
Empower yourself to access your heart's hunger and develop connection with yourself and others. Take an hour to reflect and make a plan to take a spiritual step.
Download the Sustainable Spirituality Workbook (.pdf) and use it you reflect, personalize, and plan for spiritual growth. Connect directly with Linda Morgan-Clement for additional direction or more information.
The Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open in the basement of the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life - use your ID for access. The door for the Food Pantry is across from the first floor restroom, with food, some books, and warm winter wear at the bottom of the stairs.
3/14-20 (9a-midnight) all building doors open
3/21-27 (9a-midnight) all building doors open
3/28-4/3 (9a-midnight) south building door only for Food Pantry access
4/4-10 (9a-midnight) south building door only for Food Pantry access
4/11- 6/12 (9a-midnight) all building doors open
Request an Appointment
Helpful LU Resources
If you're concerned about a student contact Early Alerts
Contact an LU counselor
incense in a white and blue china bowl surrounded by candles
three students huddled together at a buffet table preparing their plates
students and a staff member working with plants
Four students gather around a picnic table at a retreat.
A woman with her hands folded near her ears speaks with two students dressed, both dressed in navy blue
two students, one long haired and one with short hair, look closely at a plant
Our Library
Reaching toward new discoveries and exploring courageously, books within our library allow the users of the center to explore the meaning and expression of spirituality through many lenses. Search by tags that correspond to an alphabet of spirituality, or surf the collection by typing ‘your library’ in the search box and allow yourself a glimpse of the poetry, sacred texts, spiritual literature, and spiritually insightful narratives. Complete the checkout card, leave it in the bin provided, and you can borrow for 30 days (or more if the book really speaks to you).
Baccalaureate
The Baccalaureate service is a special part of commencement weekend. Baccalaureate 2021 was a hybrid of in-person and virtual celebration highlighting the spiritual journey of the class of 2021. You can see a unique vision of Lawrence through the lens of this service that is created entirely by seniors. The livestreamed video from June 6th is full of enjoyment.