"The Crossing offers countless opportunities for service and community involvement, and there is something for everyone. I know that as I go through college, I'll be able to turn to the people at The Crossing to support me. Some of the things I've participated in are the Quest
trip to Northern Ireland, directing The Crossing Choir, and being a part of the music team at Vespers. The Crossing has a great mix of diverse, open-minded, and talented students, and a great sense of unity is formed through service together. I'm excited to see what we can do together this year at The Crossing. If you are interested in being a part of the choir or have questions about The Crossing, please email me. I'd love to hear from you."

"The Crossing has been the most important part of my non-academic life during my years in Madison, supporting me and helping me grow as a person in countless ways. I cannot imagine my university experience without it."

"So what makes The Crossing unique among campus ministries?  Well, over the years I have consistently found the staff and students to honor all our differences and approach them with sensitivity and understanding.  This is a place where you can explore the range of Christian expression and interfaith issues AND not have to give up being you!  Two years ago I was fortunate to travel to Israel/Palestine to talk with Palestinian Christians, Muslims and Israeli Jews about the conflict in the Holy Land .  During that experience I learned that most people are just trying to understand their place and purpose in the world and to live together peacefully - and that is exactly what The Crossing helps students with at the University of Wisconsin .  Stop in and say hello!  We're here for you!"

"The Crossing has been a guiding light for me in a tunnel of intimidating classes, difficult tests, and a large, diverse student body here in Madison. It is my main extra curricular activity.  I have enthusiastically expended
energy to encourage growth and participation in our worship services and
other activities."

"Hi, my name is Katie Barder and I am a graduate student in the Education Leadership and Policy Anaylsis program. I am also a 6th grade teacher in Oregon, WI who has a passion for Social Justice issues (which is why I love the Crossing so much). I am a member of School of Americas Watch-Madison. We are a group that focuses on ending the training of Latin American soldiers in military tactics in Fort Benning, Georgia. Graduates of this school have gone on to commit countless human rights abuses. Manuel Noriega is just one example. Each November, we travel to Fort Benning, GA to participate in a protest and a vigil at the school. An amazing opportunity to not only protest something so clearly wrong, but also to learn about other human rights issues throughout the world. For more information on the group and to receive an application to go to Georgia (scholarships available), please e-mail me (Katie Barder) at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on the school, please visit the website - www.soaw.org."

"I can't imagine what my UW-Madison experience would be without The Crossing. After the first Vespers service I attended as a freshman, The Crossing became a home. The people I have met and the ways my faith has grown are unforgettable. I truly look forward to creating and sharing new meaningful experiences with all the great people at The Crossing!"

"The Crossing has been a home for me where I can always feel welcomed, a place to run into friends, and a community that challenges the way I think about the world. I'm so thankful for the people I've met there and the people that I get to know this next year!"

" I came to the Crossing at the recommendation of my house fellow. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was really glad to have a friend there with me. However, I was immediately welcomed as a student, a visitor and as an old friend. I've meet fascinating people not only from Wisconsin and the US, but from other countries. I've participated in moving worship services, worthwhile community projects and entertaining and comfortable small group activity nights. I'm excited to see what this next year will bring."

"The Crossing is known as "where faith meets life".  To me, this means that it is a place where I connect my faith, values system, spirit, and Christian tradition with the way that I live my life. The people at The Crossing have helpd me to think about social, political, and environmental issues in a whole new light. They also allow me to explore the roots, traditions, and meaning of my faith as I continue to redefine what my spiritual place is in the world. In the last four years, The Crossing has brought me a host of new friends, new opportunities, and new perspectives.  Most importantly, perhaps, is the way that coming to The Crossing reminds me of my need for quiet, spiritual, time in a busy, sometimes confused, often exciting life as a student here in Madison."

" The Crossing has been a wonderful outlet for me in my college years as a place to reflect spiritually on what is going on in my life and the world around me.  I have found the community at The Crossing to be open-minded, adventurous, social justice oriented and environmentally aware combined with the Christian values I have been seeking to explore and deepen in my life.  I am very excited about serving as the student trip leader for our 4th annual Quest to Costa Rica trip this year as my experience three years ago proved to be a time of self-reflection, growth and learning and valuable group bonding!"

"I came to The Crossing after attending the Florida Habitat trip, and signing up for the Questa Rica trip.  Both experiences were amazing, and I quickly found a place to get away from the academic part of UW-Madison.  Everyone is very welcoming, and I am very happy with how my spirituality has developed since joining The Crossing."