The Pace Center for Campus and Community Ministry at VCU

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The Pace Center for Campus and Community Ministry at VCU

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Tending Methodist Roots. Nurturing the Greater VCU Community. Bearing Missional Fruit in Richmond, VA and beyond. Email us at [email protected]

We equip and empower servant leaders! The Pace Center is an inclusive, multicultural community at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Pace is a place where students feel their unique stories and gifts are valued. As a collaborative ministry of the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA), we believe all are created to live in deep relationship with one another, not in isolation. We also believe every individual has been created with infinite value and an important role to play in their community. Pace is located in the heart of VCU’s campus. We are grounded in traditional ministries such as Bible Study, weekly communion, and small groups. At the same time we offer innovative ways for students to explore their spirituality and find community. At Pace, students create and lead programs that showcase their gifts and the gifts of the VCU community. Join us and meet new people, share your story, build community, and discover your gifts!

10/30/2026

Sam, a junior majoring in fashion design, discovered her passion early. “I actually started working at a vintage shop in high school, and that got me interested in how clothes are created,” she said. Although Sam was passionate about her major, she quickly realized she needed a different outlet in order to unwind.

During her freshman year at VCU, Sam decided to try Sip ‘n’ Tale, a weekly book club at the Pace Center. It quickly became a meaningful part of her routine and one of the few activities not tied to academics. “It was just really fun to have new people to talk to,” she said. “Sometimes we discussed serious topics or what was going on in our lives. Other times, we connected the book to what’s happening in the world. But it could also just feel like hanging out with friends.”

What stood out most was the welcoming spirit of the group leaders. Karen, a Pace Fellow alum, especially modeled genuine hospitality. “She wasn’t just politely welcoming, she asked questions and truly seemed interested in what you had to say,” Sam shared.

Now in her third year, Sam has stepped into leadership as a Pace intern, teaching others to lead. At first, she worried about not being as outgoing as others, but soon realized she didn’t need to change. “I feel much more comfortable when I just let myself be,” she said. “Even as an introvert, I feel at home at Pace. It’s like being in your living room you can just go up and talk to anyone.”

Sip ‘n’ Tale remains a grounding routine for Sam, offering a space apart from the demands of design school. “Pace is the one non-fashion-related thing I do, the one place I can fully step away from academics.”

Thank you for your support, which helps Pace students make space for community and connection.

10/01/2026

“I’m a club person,” laughed Sunshine, a senior at VCU double-majoring in criminal justice and political science on a pre-law track. Sunshine has joined many student organizations at VCU including one with a pre-law focus, a Latin dance club, and VCU’s Student Government Association. During her junior year, Sunshine experienced burnout from overcommitting to extracurriculars, so she stepped back from almost everything. “I’ve learned I can’t do everything at once,” she said. However, she found that when she focused only on academics, “(her) life felt dulled and boring.” Sunshine was looking for something in between: a space that was both meaningful and energizing. “I needed a little spiritual feng shui.”

Sunshine found out about Pace while looking for volunteer opportunities on VCU’s activity board. After volunteering at Stories & Lunch, Sunshine realized many of her friends and classmates were regulars at Pace. Drawn by the welcoming atmosphere, Sunshine started attending Sip ‘n’ Tale, Pace’s book club. “I came because my friend was going,” she explained. “But then it became a bigger thing. I was meeting new people, and it was just really fun.”

Now a Sip ‘n’ Tale leader and Pace Fellow, Sunshine has grown into a confident leader, reshaping how she sees herself and her future. Through Fellowship, she’s learned to navigate real-life challenges, like welcoming newcomers who haven’t read the book, and creating inclusive spaces. “Now I know how to invite people in,” she said. “Even if they haven’t read our book, we can welcome them by asking about the book they’re currently reading.”

Sunshine, a senior, is anxious as she applies to law school, but Fellowship has given her tools to navigate the uncertainty. “It’s helped me reflect not just on where I want to go, but why I want that,” she said. “What’s driving me to keep going? What impact do I want to have on the world?”

At Pace, Sunshine has found clarity for the kind of leader she wants to be: one who welcomes others in and creates spaces where everyone can belong. “I love meeting new people and helping them feel like they’re part of the group,” she said. “We make it fun for everybody.”

09/15/2026

For the first time, Pace held a Labor Day Faith Retreat to connect students to mission faith opportunities and new neighborhoods in Richmond. Six students and Rev. Russ Kerr volunteered at Second Presbyterian’s Walk-In ministry to prepare food and serve our unhoused neighbors in downtown Richmond.

In addition to making and serving a ‘to-go’ lunch for over 100 guests, the group had the opportunity to learn from Elva Mapp (Walk-In Coordinator and Second Pres member) about the different ways that Second Presbyterian and other churches in the Downtown Community Ministries work to eradicate hunger in our community. The group then had time to reflect on our experience over lunch with one another.

The day concluded with a walk from Oregon Hill down to Belle Isle to enjoy the wonderful weather and God’s creation. One student commented, “I feel much more connected to the Richmond Community because of this event. I am glad we got to learn so much.”

One reflection from Rev. Russ Kerr was that this retreat felt like “a time set apart.” Often times in the busyness of school life, it felt holy to take a moment to step away and give thanks for time that our faith calls us to serve with and for one another.

The day was a good reminder that part of our responsibility as a campus ministry is not only building community at VCU, but helping students become part of the wider Richmond community, volunteer, and form their faith as young adults.

09/10/2026

On Labor Day, six Pace students participated in our first ever Labor Day Faith Retreat. We spent time serving at Second Presbyterian Walk-In Ministry making and serving a ‘to-go’ lunch for over 100 guests. The group had the opportunity to learn from Elva Mapp (Walk-In Coordinator and Second Pres member) about the different ways that Second Pres (and other churches in the Downtown Church Ministries Collective) work to eradicate hunger in our community. The group then had time to reflect on our experience over lunch with one another. We concluded the day with a walk from Oregon Hill down to Belle Isle to enjoy the wonderful weather and God’s creation. One student commented, “I feel much more connected to the Richmond Community because of this event. I am glad we got to learn so much.”

One reflection from Rev. Russ Kerr was that this retreat felt like “a time set apart.” Oftentimes in the busyness of school life, it felt holy to take a moment to step away and give thanks for time that our faith calls us to serve with and for one another. We love that Second Presbyterian Church RVA has been a welcoming place for students to serve not just on Labor Day, but on every Monday throughout the school year.

09/03/2026

For Elizabeth, who started her journey at Pace as a non-traditional graduate student, Pace offered what she had been missing elsewhere at VCU: a true sense of belonging. “I was very lonely,” she recalls. “You know, VCU tries, but I often eel like there's not enough effort given to making sure students feel a sense of community and belonging. I was older than everybody. I lived at home. I felt like I had more in common with the professors than the students sometimes.”

Elizabeth began volunteering at Community Café, a communal meal. Before long, she was volunteering in other ways, becoming deeply involved. “Pace was one of those ‘third spaces’ -- a place outside of home and class where you can go and meet people in an informal way.”

For her husband, a retired professor at VCU, the impact is just as personal: the conversations, the shared meals, and the chance to witness students grow has made Pace a place that gives as much as it receives. “Pace is a great place to be because people are really happy here, which makes it easy for me to be happy to be here. It’s a joy.”

That sense of joy and connection has shaped how both John and Elizabeth think about giving back. For Elizabeth, supporting Pace is deeply tied to care for future generations. “We want our money to help other people after we pass. I feel like I’m doing something good for future generations of VCU students - treating them as if I were taking care of my own children,” she says.

Together, they made the decision to leave a legacy gift to ensure that the experience they’ve enjoyed at Pace continues. Working with the Community Foundation, they established a plan that will distribute funds to organizations they care about, including Pace. “When we were deciding where we wanted to generate an ongoing impact, Pace, of course, figured prominently,” Elizabeth explains.

Their hope is simple: that Pace will continue to be a place where students feel connected and empowered. Through their planned gift, John and Elizabeth are helping ensure that future generations of students can walk through Pace’s doors and find the same sense of joy, purpose, and belonging.

08/21/2026

Potting plants, welcome week cookouts, and first Stories & Lunch, oh my!

We are coming to the end of a busy first week of the semester here at Pace, and wanted to share about some of the exciting things we have already done.

It’s been a blast to have the building abuzz with students, alumni, and friends of Pace alike, and we are looking forward to an exciting semester FULL of events, community, and fun! Stay tuned for plenty of opportunities to connect and get involved here at the Pace Center!

08/18/2026

In July, we had the unique opportunity to share our experience and gather campus ministers from across southeastern Virginia to learn from and with one another about Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). While Pace staff led the ministers through sections of our curriculum, we also had the opportunity to learn what is happening at other universities. We had campus ministers from seven universities—VCU, UVA, William & Mary, Longwood University, JMU, Univ. of Mary Washington and Hampden-Sydney—and three denominations represented— United Methodist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian. One take away from a participant was, “It was so nice to connect with others who are doing similar work.”

Here at Pace we use ABCD methodology to equip and empower our student servant leaders to listen deeply and respond lovingly to those around them. Our internship program is key to keeping our events running well at Pace and how we can better connect our ministry to a wider community of students, volunteers and congregations. By focusing our ministry on the gifts of VCU students rather than what they lack, Pace’s innovative ministry empowers students to build communities where individuals’ unique strengths and cultures are valued.

This summer, we took time to reflect on the ABCD curriculum as we taught it to students this past school year. During weekly peer-led leadership badge training, students gathered to explore the core principles of servant leadership – including how to introduce themselves with confidence, create welcoming ministries, identify their personal gifts, recognize the God-given gifts of others, and foster genuine, lasting connections within their communities. Interns were able to teach “Badge Trainings” to students to learn about connecting, hosting, and bond-building, just to name a few in the series.

08/17/2026

Stories & Lunch is back starting THIS Wednesday (August 19th) from 12-1pm. Make friends, share your story, and enjoy a free lunch!

Each Wednesday, we choose a new story-telling theme with a lunch provided by a local congregation or partner organization. Come join us for our first Stories & Lunch of the school year!

Check the link in our bio to register on RamsConnect

08/12/2026

It’s been a quiet summer here at the Pace Center, but that is all about to change! We are excited to ring in the Fall 2026 semester in just a few days and have these halls filled with students and the VCU community once again.

If you are moving in on Friday (the 14th) and need a cool place to sit, rest, and take a breath, we will be open from 9 to 5 for you to come in and grab a glass of water, and escape the summer heat!

Keep an eye out in the coming days as we announce all of the exciting things that will be going on at Pace next week and throughout this semester!

08/06/2026

The Pace Effect
Emmett, a master's student in education, started at VCU during the pandemic, keeping his circle small and his guard up. “I was definitely more reserved and less socially confident,” he said. “I stuck to the people in my circle, even though they weren’t really a great fit for me. I was treated respectfully, but I wasn't necessarily included in everything. It kind of hurt.”
Initially skeptical, Emmett first attended a Pace Student Circle and was immediately struck by the atmosphere. “I was put at ease by how relaxed and open everyone was,” he shared. Through Student Circles, he found a space for intentional, nonjudgmental conversation. “Everyone has a chance to speak and share, so you’re really getting to know people,” he said. “People you wouldn’t otherwise meet.”
That diversity became one of the most meaningful parts of his experience. As a graduate student, Emmett found himself building friendships across majors, ages, and life experiences. “We’re all in it together, but we also celebrate differences,” he said. Beyond diversity and conversation, Pace offered something else Emmett had been searching for - a community that embraced fun without pressure. “I like having fun without substances,” he said. “Pace is a mellow, safe space where you can just try new things.”
As he became more involved, Emmett took ownership of Pace’s gracious atmosphere. He volunteered to be a Greeter, where he welcomed students through Pace’s front doors. “The Greeter is the first impression for whoever enters Pace,” he said. “I took enormous pride in setting the tone for Pace every week.”
Through these experiences, Emmett discovered his voice. “I’ve become more in touch with my feelings and more confident speaking up for myself and for others,” he reflected. Student Circles, in particular, helped him learn how to balance offering advice with simply showing support - an insight that has shaped both his personal growth and his work as an educator. “It’s almost like the Pace Effect. The longer you've been here, the more intentional you become. And the more you spread that intentionality.”
Thanks to your support, Pace can create intentional, inclusive spaces for VCU students.

Address

700 W Franklin Street
Richmond, VA
23220

Telephone

+18046584064

Website

http://www.thepacecenter.com/

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