Anyone Comes. Everyone Belongs.

Our College Ministry is made up of young adults aged 18-25. Whether you are currently taking classes, taking an academic pause, or jumped right into the workforce, we would love to have you join us.

We break down our college ministry into three major ideas:

Connect:

We partner with young adults for all to grow together. We seek to create disciples of Christ.

Support:

We help in the hurdles of life. We build authentic relationships with every individual to lead where God calls.

Belong:

We love you the way God made you. Every person feels a sense of belonging in our Christian community no matter their race, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical capability, or any other factor.

Announcements

All Day Coffee

Every Thursday Starting at 7:30 a.m. in The Vine

All Day Coffee with the College Ministry is every Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in The Vine! Grab a cup of free coffee, relax, and enjoy a dedicated study space. Whether you're catching up on coursework or just taking a break, we’ve got you covered!

August 2024 Schedule

August 6th:

ABIDE Respite Ministry Visit at 9:30 a.m. in The Vine

August 10th:

River Tubing from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lower Ocoee River

August 15th:

UTC Operation Move-In from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

August 18th:

Monthly College Lunch at 12:00 p.m. meet in The Vine Lobby

August 19th:

Clumpies Ice Cream Social from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside of The Vine

August 20th:

Taco Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in The Vine

August 21st:

Good S'morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wesley Center

August 25th:

August 25th:

Monthly College Lunch at 12:00 p.m. meet in The Vine Lobby
Back To School Box Creation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Oak Street Center Room 101/102

August 26th:

Garden in a Pot from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Vine

August 27th:

Puppies & Popsicles from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center

August 28th:

Free Hug Campaign from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in The Vine

August 29th:

Coffee Pick Me Up from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Vine

August 30th:

Walk to Nightfall at 6:00 p.m. meet in The Vine

Monthly Student Lunch 

November 24th, and December 29th

Meet at The Vine after the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

Calling all fcCollege students! Join us in the Vine lobby after the 10:45 service to walk over to one of our favorite restaurants. Enjoy some great conversation, get to know other young adults, and hear about some upcoming events. The best part? Lunch is on us!

Friendsgiving

November 29th at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Center

It’s time to celebrate friendship and community with a potluck! Join the College Ministry for Friendsgiving on November 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Student Center. Enjoy a nice meal, fellowship, and fun with fcUNITE. Bring your favorite dish to share in our potluck as we celebrate the season of gratitude together. We can't wait to see you there!

For more information, contact Kirsten Shipp at kshipp@firstcentenary.com.

fcUNITE Holiday Party

December 21st at 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Student Center

Join the College Ministry for their fcUNITE Holiday Party on December 21st at 6:00 p.m. We’ll gather at the Student Center before heading out for a night of festive fun. The evening will include either a special Christmas dinner or a trip to enjoy the Rock City Lights. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the season with your fcUNITE family. Details on the evening’s plans will be shared soon—so stay tuned and bring your holiday cheer!

Volunteer Opportunities

Connect. Support. Belong.

fcUNITE is a college ministry connecting First-Centenary's congregation to our young adults that pursue their continued learning in amazing places outside of Chattanooga! We support these students through mentorship, continued connection, and specific events timed for when they are home from school. 

Small Group Schedule

Starting in September!

Bible Journaling

Sundays at 7:15 p.m. at the Student Center

dinner will be provided

We explore and discuss a book of the Bible at a time, engaging with scripture by recording insights and reflections within a special journaling Bible. We utilize this as a creative outlet to meditate on and analyze our life experiences over time, making it easier to refer to the Bible in times of need.

Open and Affirming

Mondays at 12:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center

bring your own lunch

We create a community of spiritual growth that celebrates the sacred worth of all people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We study & learn to promote greater understanding and acceptance in the church and community through active outreach and fellowship, utilizing video or book studies.

Veterans and Military

Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center

lunch will be provided

Our group is comprised of student veterans and military members. We use a variety of study materials including secular books combined with scripture to reconnect, recalibrate, and rediscover. We aim to facilitate a rediscovery of purpose so we can reclaim the best versions of ourselves.

Connect

For more information about our College Ministry email:

Kirsten Shipp at kshipp@firstcentenary.com.

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Meet The Team

Kirsten Shipp

Director

Kirsten Shipp

Director

Kirsten Shipp is the College Ministry Director and Assistant Youth Director. Before joining First-Centenary, she worked in hospitality as a consultant, as an elementary school teacher, and served in the US Marine Corps. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and a Master's degree from UTC in Early Childhood Education. Kirsten moved into ministry when realizing she wanted to do something more to impact young people with the hospitable skill set she has.

In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys singing, cooking and baking, and going to concerts with her daughter, Emma. On a Sunday afternoon, you might find her hiking with her two dogs, Taco and Monkee, or going to the Chattanooga Market!