Seminary education is much more than coursework. We understand the importance of caring not just for the mind and body, but also for the soul. Along with weekly worship, multiple sacred spaces for prayer and rest, our Student Life Office maintains a list of Spiritual Directors in the Chicago area who are trained and available to our students.
Held weekly, our Community Worship service blends together a variety of worship styles and practices in a creative and dynamic worship language that allows for active participation and cooperation in an action-reflection dynamic that enables us to learn from one another and learn to be and become with one another.
Having sacred space is vital to maintaining good mental, physical, and spiritual health. Garrett offers a number of sacred spaces for students to find solitude, center their spirit, and commune with God.
Dedicated in 1992 “to the glory of God in memory of the Unnamed Faithful,” the Chapel the Unnamed Faithful is designed to express the seminary’s understanding of corporate worship, where siblings in Christ gather, not as observers, but as family members around a common table.
This small, intimate chapel is located in front of the main building of Garrett. Since its dedication on January 31, 1937, Howes Chapel doors have been open to all people within and outside the seminary community, inviting all to enter to rest and pray.
The Prayer Garden behind Howes Chapel serves as a quiet outdoor place for the Seminary’s students. Along with benches and open areas for one to sit and rest, the Prayer Garden features a path with stations for prayer and reflection.
The Leona Anita Black Prayer Room is located on the lower level of Loder Hall and provides students opportunity and space for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
The Barbara Wendt Bell Chapel is located on the fourth floor of Loder Hall. The sacred space is available for the seminary community and offers an intimate place for prayer, reflection, and study.
Garrett is blessed to be located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Walking paths, bike trails, and the Northwestern Lakefill provide a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and are perfect places for prayerful walk, gathering for a bible study or covenant group, or simply sitting in the wonders of creation.
Established in 2012, the Rueben P. Job Institute for Spiritual Formation is an initiative at Garrett for continuing education in spiritual formation of laity and clergy.
