seek to serve
MVNU's many Community and Service Ministry Opportunities (CoSMO) groups encourage students to engage in service in the local and surrounding communities and discover what they're passionate about.
Coordinated by Campus Ministries and a student coordinator, CoSMO groups give students numerous opportunities to participate in local and traveling volunteer groups.
Below are the groups for the current academic year.
Where: Creative Foundations (downtown)
Partner: Creative Foundations
What: MVNU students spend time with adults with developmental disabilities, forming relationships and doing activities together.
Where: Columbia Elementary School
Partner: South Vernon United Methodist Church
What: An after school tutoring program at a local church that includes homework help, Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and lots of fun!
Where: Escape Zone, 1 Old Mansfield Rd
Partner: The Escape Zone
What: Spending time with the youth of Knox County through providing a safe place to hang out on Friday nights. Rooms with ping pong, pool, board games, basketball.
Where: The Barn, other CoSMO group locations
Partner: Other CoSMO groups
What: Provides a creative outlet for students on campus as well as art projects and lessons for other CoSMO groups.
Where: Campus Center 300 (classroom on third floor)
When: Monday nights from 5-6 p.m.
What: Making blankets for children in the foster care and adoption systems as well as children in long term hospital care so that they have something to call their own during the many different transitions they will go through in their lives.
Where: Bailey Conference Room, Campus Center
What: A crafting and knitting group that makes and donates items to fill community needs.
Where: Local elementary schools
What: MVNU students are partnered with a local elementary school student to have lunch and play at recess weekly together. This is a great way to be a role model and impact a child’s life.
Where: Various cities throughout semester
What: An urban ministries-focused group that partners with ministries and organizations through weekend trips and service.
Where: Vernon Ridge Apartment Complex
Partner: Completely student led
What: Travels to Vernon Ridge Apartment Complex to build solid relationships, teach Bible lessons, play games, make crafts, & eat PB&J with the children that live there.
Where: Various events throughout semester; weekly meetings in Birch E
What: Nursing students coordinate various community events throughout the year, including screenings, first aid stations, blood drives, etc. The group also visits a local nursing home each week.
Where: Country Club Retirement Campus
What: A group that ministers to the elderly community through fellowship and various activities, bringing joy to their lives.
Where: Mount Vernon Developmental Center (carpool from MVNU)
Partner: Mount Vernon Developmental Center
What: Socializes and participates in activities with local adults with developmental disabilities in varying degrees. Make crafts with the residents and build awesome relationships.
Where: The Dwelling
Partners: Survivors Ink, Out of Darkness
What: Raises awareness about the issue of human trafficking by hosting campus events and partnering with local and global organizations.
Baillie Bryan, '19“I am so thankful for the friendships I've made and for the transformation God has made in me.”