Gatherings

We gather regularly for worship, fellowship, formation, and fun. All are very welcome to join us.

Students gather at Protestant Evening Worship to pray and light candles, Goddard Chapel, January 2025.

Protestant Evening Worship (PEW)

Sundays during the academic year, 7 pm ET, Goddard Chapel

Whoever you are, however you come, there is always room for you in the PEW.

Join the Protestant student community at Tufts for worship in prayer, song, preaching, and reflection. Chaplain Dan, a variety of guest preachers from different denominations, and students offer weekly messages to inspire and challenge one’s faith. We celebrate Communion once a month; all are welcome to receive. A few times each semester, we gather for “Dinner Church,” enjoying a meal together in a more relaxed worship setting. After each service, we we invite you to stay for snacks and community time. It’s always great to hang out and connect with fellow students before the start of a new week.

Bible Study and Small Groups

Each year we have different small groups for study, prayer, and reflection. In the past, we have had numerous Bible studies, book clubs, a contemplative night prayer gathering, a labyrinth walk, and more. Chaplain Dan is excited to work with students to offer programming that are relevant to students’ lives today. Faculty and staff are invited to take part in “The Breakfast Club,” a weekly time of Bible study and prayer, Wednesdays at 8am. If you have an idea for a gathering or program, please be in touch.

Bonding Events

Students have fun on a pumpkin-picking trip, Hanson’s Farm, Framingham, MA, October 2024.

Each year begins with a “Sundae Sunday” ice cream social to welcome new students during Orientation. In the fall, students often go apple- or pumpkin-picking, and have even done a “bike and hike” trip to the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Throughout the year, students hang out and spend time together. Often they will organize a trip to Davis Square or have some other fun activity to build friendships.

Retreats and Spiritual Reflection

Often students in our Protestant community will go on retreat together and find other ways to grow spiritually in their lives together on and off campus. Please contact Chaplain Dan to learn more.

Tufts’ S-Factor offers songs of praise at our annual Easter dinner celebration, Alumnae Lounge, April 2025.

Holiday Celebrations and Special Events

We have special gatherings throughout the year. These include a special LGBTQ+ “Pride in the Pew” service in October, a Thanksgiving dinner, Lessons and Carols during Advent, and a Christmas dinner. In the spring, we mark the beginning of Lent with a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and Ash Wednesday services. We also observe Good Friday as a campus community and come together for an Easter dinner and celebration. We also have many opportunities to connect with other religious and philosophical student organizations on campus, and participate fully in Tufts’ vibrant interfaith community. We mark the end of the year with a senior sermon series and a festive interfaith luncheon for graduates and their families.