For the study-weary student, Eugene offers a myriad of nocturnal activities with which to distract knowledge-numbed brains: clubs, dancing, concerts and cheap movies. And should someone like to add a spiritual spin to his or her night, a search for religion-friendly activities can be just as fruitful.
The Alpha Omega House, a Christian men’s co-op located at 1332 Kincaid St., hosts two dance parties a year called “Muggers,” the first of which, a Halloween-themed party, will be held Oct. 27.
Many of the Jewish students on campus observe Shabbat, the day of rest, at Hillel at 1059 Hilyard St. on Friday evenings at 6 p.m.
“This may not seem like a religious ceremony because it’s less traditional and informal,” Executive Director Hal Applebaum said. “But we are here for the Shabbat.”
The Shabbat service typically includes a speech and music followed by a free kosher dinner with attendance of 15-20 people on some nights and 50-60 people on others, Applebaum said. The Hillel organization also provides weekly events such as conversational Hebrew classes on Tuesday nights at 5 p.m. as well as First Year Students at Hillel (FYSH) food on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.
The Onyx House, Eugene Faith Center’s on-campus ministry, located at 1850 Onyx St., hosts meetings Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Coordinators say there is usually high attendance at the meetings.
“Last week we had three hundred people come, easily,” said Stacey Miller , events coordinator at the Onyx House. With such a large group the staff finds it necessary to organize many activities to reach many different students. “After the message every Friday, we always have a snack and an activity. One week, we did karaoke.”
They also host knitting nights on Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at the Onyx House and organize ultimate Frisbee at the Student Recreation Center on campus at 9 p.m. Also, on Wednesday nights, are basketball games at the Eugene Faith Center from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“I go because it’s a fun, welcoming group of people who come up with interesting things to do in a safe environment,” said Liz Stewart, who regularly attends the Onyx House meetings.
For Stewart and many other students, attending the events organized by these groups helps them get plugged into a faction of the student body that shares their ideals, traditions and beliefs.
The Baha’i campus student group is in the “beginning phases of reforming,” said Ariel Olsen, a recent University graduate who works with the Eugene Baha’i community. While official group meetings are being organized, many of the students are “actively engaged in other community activities including devotional gatherings, study circles, teaching children’s classes and junior youth activities and attending and participating in the commemoration of our religious holy days.”
Students attend a devotional gathering at the Baha’i Center, 1458 Alder St., on the first Sunday night of every month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The singles ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers “Family Home Evening” nights on Mondays, a gathering that Program Director Judy Hill said, “simulates a family situation. The ‘Family Night’ on Mondays is a tradition in Mormon families.”
The ward, located on 17th and Alder , organizes events on Friday evenings that include barn dances, game nights and service projects.