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 2018-2019.
Leaders: Madison Near & Jana Robinette
Where: Creative Foundations (downtown)
When: Tuesdays during chapel hour
Partner: Creative Foundations
What: MVNU students spend time with adults with developmental disabilities, forming relationships and doing activities together.
- Leader: Cody Flesher
- When: Thursdays, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- 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!
- Leader: Caleb Bicknell
- When: Friday nights, meet at chapel 6:30 p.m., return 11 p.m. Or come for a portion of the time.
- 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.
Leaders: Danielle Clark, Olivia Huth
Where: The Barn, other CoSMO group locations
When: Varies
Partner: Other CoSMO groups
What: Provides a creative outlet for students on campus as well as art projects and lessons for other CoSMO groups.
Leader: Michelle Ogden, Brea Mummert, Sarah Pethtel
Where: Campus Center 228 (classroom on second floor)
When: Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m.
What: Making blankets for children in foster care so that they have something to call their own during the many different transitions they will go through in their life.
Leader: Jael Via & Erica Charles
Where: Bailey Conference Room, Campus Center
When: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00
What: A crafting and knitting group that makes and donates items to fill community needs.
Leader: Michael Mohnasky
Where: Local elementary schools
When: Lunch hours (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., noon - 1 p.m.) Monday- Friday
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.
Leaders: Carter Watts & Salena Alexander
Where: Various cities throughout semester
When: Various weekends throughout semester
What: An urban ministries-focused group that partners with ministries and organizations through weekend trips and service.
Leaders: Joe Comparatte & Brianna Chenevey
When: Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
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.
Leader: Madeline Frantz
Where: Various events throughout semester; weekly meetings in Birch E
When: Mondays, 8:00-9:00 p.m. meetings, Wednesday evenings at local nursing home
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.
Leaders: Molly Scheich
Where: Country Club Retirement Campus
When: Meet in cafeteria lobby on Sun, 5:45 p.m. & returns 7:00 p.m.
What: A group that ministers to the elderly community through fellowship and various activities, bringing joy to their lives.
Leaders: Isabelle Ditullio
Where: Mount Vernon Developmental Center (carpool from MVNU)
When: Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
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.
Leaders: Kelleyann Stackhouse & Madyson Risner
Where: The Dwelling
When: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
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.
Upcoming Events
- 18Jan
Little Sibs Weekend
- 19Jan
Slam Dunks & Slices
- 21Jan
MVNYou Visit Day
Baillie Bryan, '19“I am so thankful for the friendships I've made and for the transformation God has made in me.”