Candace Hsu

 The Christian Student Center’s Thursday lunches have been a popular trend this year, connecting people from many backgrounds.

 Every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. a different church family volunteers to bring lunch for the students of the Student Center. The lunches are always free and always promising for students who are always on the go. This semester, the lunches have ranged from enchiladas to brisket sandwiches.

 It’s been a great semester for the free Thursday lunches. Compared to years before, this semester may be the most successful in number. There’s always a new person who comes by Thursday for their weekly dose of fellowship and good food. At the beginning of the semester, food even ran out because of the large crowds that the Student Center has drawn in. The lunches have been promoted at every Student Center event as well as during the tabling on campus. Occasionally, students, along with Scott and Garrett, volunteer their time to set up a table with information about the Student Center on campus. Thursday lunches are a great way to involve people who are interested in the Student Center. Marion Jackson comes to Thursday lunches. “I hope to show people how much the Student Center has to offer. The best part of going to Thursday lunches is the diverse turnout. There are great opportunities.”

 We’ve had a large range of people who come by for lunch. There are musicians, athletes, science majors, and foreign exchange students that are at the Student Center every week. The lunches have also been a great basis for many students who want to get more involved in becoming a Christian. Bible studies have been initiated due to some new people who come by for Thursday lunches being interesting in Jesus and Christianity. The Peak of the Week has had some new faces from Thursday lunches as well.  Jackson said, “I haven’t seen a large amount of growth come from just the Thursday lunches, but they have been really successful.” Ultimately, Thursday lunches are growing in popularity here at the Student Center. They are really something to give a try especially with the new faces every week.