Every Lenten season, the Halligan Center for Religious Life has held “A Simple Meal” service for students. The brief but intentional fifteen minute service is held every Wednesday from 12:30-12:45 P.M. in Old Main’s Mickel Chapel.
A Simple Meal is a Wofford tradition many students may be unfamiliar with due to its temporary hiatus. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meaningful weekly service was postponed during 2020 and 2021, but has reconvened during this school year.
Callie Henline ‘23 first attended A Simple Meal in 2020, and continued attending again this year after the service’s recommencement. Students like Henline are excited to be able to partake in this special Wofford tradition together once again.
The service is intended to be a brief time of music, prayer, communion and fellowship.
“We sing a song, have a prayer, read from scripture, hear a reflection by me or a student and then celebrate communion.” said Wofford Perkins–Prothro Chaplain Reverend Ronald Robinson ’78, affectionately called “Rev Ron” by many.
At the end of the service, a simple meal of Panera Bread grilled cheese and soup is offered. If a student has a dietary restriction, the Halligan Center is happy to make accommodations.
The Wofford Daily Announcements advertises A Simple Meal as “fifteen minutes that will make a positive difference in your life.” Many students have found that taking a break from the strains and busyness of college life for a few minutes a week has indeed positively impacted them.
“I definitely think the service leaves a positive impact on my day and overall week,” Henline said. “It’s so refreshing to set aside time from the busyness of my schedule to sit still and be in good company.”
A Simple Meal may be rooted in Christian tradition, but all religious backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Robinson has made adaptations to the service to ensure that all of the Wofford community feels welcome and appreciated.
“One of the wonderful aspects of Wofford is that we have students of different faiths on campus, and some come to A Simple Meal because they want to be with their friends,” Robinson said.
“So, I adapted the service,” Robinson said. “If a participant wants to receive communion they come to the table with their hands open. If they prefer to have a blessing, they place their hands over their heart and I give them a blessing.”
The overall concept of A Simple Meal is something that Wofford students may often forget to do due to busy schedules, classes and commitments.
The event offers time in the day to sit, be still and connect to what people see as important to them.
“Simply setting aside an intentional time to acknowledge our connections with each other and with our Creator can remind us who we are and what our values are,” Robinson said. “By carving even a brief amount of time—like fifteen minutes—we can help remind us of what is important to us.”
