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Mission
Kairos services are led by Chaplaincy staff members and student leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve on the Kairos Leadership Team (KLT). The KLT takes an active role in worship leadership by helping with outreach and publicity, preparing the Chapel for the services, serving as lectors, singing, playing music, offering prayers, and planning events for the Kairos community to get to know one another.

Kairos is a ministry of the Chaplaincy, not a student organization. Kairos community engagement activities are similar to the events coordinated by student organizations. We are grateful to be included among the religious and spiritual communities so that we may share about weekly services and events.

There are no requirements for membership in the Kairos community. We welcome all to attend the Kairos services and join us for the community engagement events. We hope to see you soon!

Typical Liturgy for Kairos
Welcome
Opening Song (contemporary Christian music)
Passing of the Peace (smile, wave, introduce yourself to a new friend)
A reading from the Bible or the Christian tradition
Time of Reflection (reflect quietly on the readings)
Scripture Reading
Reflection (10-minute message by one of the Chaplains)
Silence (take a moment to consider the message that was offered)
Candle lighting (Quiet music is played, and you are invited to light a candle for a prayer or a person you are remembering.)
Prayers of the People
Closing Song (a traditional hymn)
Benediction

What to Expect at a Kairos Service

1) No need to dress up for the service. Come as you are.
2) We know it can be intimidating to attend by yourself if you don’t know anyone. Kairos Leadership team members will greet you at the Chapel doors when you arrive, introduce you to others, and even sit with you during the service, if you would like.
3) We gather in the choir loft, so you might arrive a few minutes early (7:55 p.m.) to have time to walk up and settle in.
4) Most people drop their backpacks in the last few pews of the Chapel so that they don’t have to trek all the way to the choir loft with them.
5) The service is contemplative in nature, and the music is accompanied by a piano. We sing one contemporary song and one traditional hymn, and the words are printed in the bulletin.
6) During the service, the “passing of the peace” is a chance to greet one another. You can smile, wave, shake hands, introduce yourself, have a whole conversation - whatever you feel most comfortable doing.
7) Kairos Leadership Team members read two readings in every service - one Bible passage and one from the Christian tradition.
8) One of the Chaplaincy staff members gives the reflection, and the message lasts about 10 minutes.
9) After the reflection, you are invited to light a candle to represent a prayer request that you have or a someone that you are remembering. You don’t have to light a candle; you can just sit there quietly, reflect, listen to the music and/or pray.
10) Following the service, there are fellowship events next door in the Wilton Center, and it’s a great way to meet people and get to know them. You don’t have to stay; if you need to study or have another commitment, we understand. Join us when you can!

If you would like additional information about Kairos, please contact Associate Chaplain Bryn Taylor at bryn.taylor@richmond.edu.

Membership Benefits