"It is a joy and privilege to serve as Campus Minister among so many wonderful students! I look forward to this new year with returning students as well as the opportunity to welcome new students into our programs, activities and worship services. I hope you will join us in our journey to grow our faith in God and discover how we can serve others. Check out our activities and come join us in the area where you feel a tug at your heart! Author Sue Monk Kidd writes, "To grow older physically and not spiritually suddenly seemed a ridiculous waste!" Here at The Crossing we believe this and offer opportunities for students to grow spiritually during their university career. We welcome questions, doubts, insights, and affirmations of faith. We welcome open dialogue with open hearts and minds. We also offer our support to students when it is needed." This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Hello all! I just graduated with a Master's degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development. While the administrator job is not related directly to environmental issues, lots of "good stuff" happens here. I am looking forward to helping make that "good stuff" happen for all of you. I coordinate the building use, take care of what needs taking care of in the Wayland Houses, and help keep everything on an even keel. If you need something, let me know. 

On another note, I have been the music co-coordinator for the past year and am continuing in the post. I am looking forward to making joyful noise with you all. I might even break out the guitar this year since I'm no longer swamped with schoolwork and I'll have time to practice!" This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cecil Findley is a retired United Methodist minister, having served as a pastor, missionary, campus minister, and college professor of religion. He comes out of an evangelical background, and has expanded his horizons with reading and study, without abandoning his roots. He is accustomed to and comfortable with dealing with a wide variety of viewpoints, and feels that discussion of contrasting views is one of our best opportunities for spiritual growth.

Cecil was instrumental in bringing author, Marcus Borg, to Madison on April 26th. Students are invited to Borg's presentation and a special luncheon with the author. Cecil led a book study using Borg's "Reading the Bible Again for the First Time" this past fall and offers the following about Borg's writing and the opportunity to join in discussion about his books.

"Marcus Borg is a very clear and challenging writer. What he does for us is to enable us to use the full range of modern knowledge, which will help us both to raise our questions about the Bible and to read it more intelligently, and thus with stronger passion. Our reactions to Borg may range all over the map, from great relief at the liberation he offers, to anger that he dashes the preconceptions we have grown up with. I would add that there is a great and growing ‘cloud of witnesses’ who feel that he has given them a new lease on their Christian life, a faith that that they can hold to passionately and with integrity. (I confess up front that I am among those who share in this positive affirmation of what Borg has done.) None the less, however you initially come down on this, our discussion will try to help us deal with this range of emotions, and to emerge as stronger people of faith better able to make sense of these ancient manuscripts in a modern world." This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"I'm a songwriter and yoga teacher, drawn to the ecumenical nature of The Crossing and to our faith-based work for peace, social justice and the environment. In working with this year's music team, I'm looking forward to singing with you in various languages; learning about the songs that move your soul; and using music to explore our spiritual and social diversity, and to strengthen our sense of community with each other and with God. There are no auditions . . . if you love music and want to make some with us, please contact me."

"I'm the dance instructor for The Crossing and am looking forward to sharing my love of dancing with anybody who's interested in learning. I started dancing in January of 1997 and have been dancing socially ever since. In that time, I've studied a number of dances including the ballroom smooth and latin dances, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, and Lindy Hop. I've done a little competitive dancing and through that process found I enjoy social dancing much more. The two social dances which I'm currently studying in depth are Argentine Tango and Lindy Hop.

Spring 2008, I'll be offering a Beginner Social Dancing class from 6:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday nights. These classes will focus on dances such as Merengue, Rhumba, Salsa, and East Coast Swing. These classes will be a great place to come and learn the basic steps in a fun environment. In addition to the classes, I'll be hosting monthly dances for The Crossing. I'm confident that between the classes and dances people can very quickly have a lot of fun on the dance floor. No partner will be required for either the classes or dances.

As a teacher, my aim is to help people connect in their dancing so that they can have fun quickly. I also teach to principles. When the principles are understood, people can find the moves for themselves. I'm also teaching an Argentine Tango classes on Thursday night with Fundamentals from 7:00 - 8:00 pm and Vocabulary from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. Please stop on down if you're interested in checking out the dance. No partner is required and we're a friendly group.

Again, I look forward to sharing my love of dancing with The Crossing and look forward to meeting you soon."

  "Meow.. meoww.. meoowww.."