For spring quarter Week of Worship, “Brewed for Belonging,” Walla Walla University’s Chaplain’s Office teamed up with the Office of Belonging to show students the beauty that comes in slowing down for and with one another. “I hope that this would help us rediscover each other’s unique value and find rest, healing, and growth together,” said Andrea Keele, associate chaplain for missions.
This WoW welcomed guest speaker Kevin Wilson, a pastor and entrepreneur also known as the “Chai Guy.” “We wanted to bring someone to campus who could speak about identity and social diversity as strengths,” said Cheris Current, chair of the President’s Advisory Committee for the Office of Belonging. “Because of his own experiences as a third culture kid, Wilson can speak to being an outsider and to forging a sense of belonging through relationships.”
The week hosted four CommUnity events, a Friday evening vespers and Sabbath Sigh, a special discussion event with WWU theology professors, and a collaborative church service between Berean Fellowship and Nuestra Iglesia.
“We addressed notions of practical and embodied theology and explored how chai brings us closer to these ideals,” said Josue Mendez, lead student chaplain. “We felt that if we were going to talk about belonging, equity, and connection, we ought to practice these values and create space for further discussion.”
Tuesday night offered a special discussion opportunity about “Biblical Perspectives on the Stranger.” There, Matilda Frey—professor of biblical studies: Old Testament and Hebrew—and Tiago Arrais—associate professor of biblical studies: theology and Old Testament—addressed the difficult question: what is the intersection between faith and contemporary social conversations?
“As a theology student, I have had the opportunity to speak firsthand with Frey and Arrais on this topic, both of whom hold deep wisdom,” said Mendez.
Other efforts to encourage space for meaningful conversation and connection included Sabbath Sigh, where the campus community got to bond over chai made by Wilson, and specially designed conversation cards placed in the cafeteria after each CommUnity program. Finally, time was set aside at The Atlas for students to meet one on one with Wilson.
“In my experience, smaller groups and personal interactions are best for deeper discussions, for tackling hard questions of faith and belonging, and for fostering personal connections in a polarized age,” said Mendez.
To keep up with regular worship opportunities or learn more about the Chaplain’s Office, visit wallawalla.edu/chaplain.
Posted May 4, 2026.
