hilltopics images people features wednesday, april 4, 2001 for comments, contact kristi elliott at 864-4924 or features@kansan.com
8A
The Rev. Thad Holcumbe directs students through the Veggie Luncheon at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries building, 1204 Oread Ave. Students say they feel comfortable at the ECM, largely because of Holcumbe's open-mindedness. Photo by Justin Schmidt/KANSAN
just
your everyday community rock star
reverend opens his ministry to all religions, creeds and races to make students feel welcome at Ecumenical Christian Ministries
by michelle ward ★ kansan staff writer
"Our ministry is broad and very clear to include everyone. We don't apologize for that. It's really important to be hospitable. We are becoming a more diverse world."
had Holcombe moved from group to group and from table to table, interjecting a smile and a word or two. He took time to talk with those attending Veggie Luncheon, making sure everyone felt welcome.
Thad Holcombe Reverend, Ecumenical Christian Ministries
Individuals, whether Christian or nonChristian, black or white, gay or straight, walk through the doors of the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave., knowing they will be accepted. The openness of the church, and particularly its leader, the Rev. Thad Holcombe, brings people back week after week for friendship, conversation and of course food
"Our ministry is broad and very clear to include everyone," Holcombe said. "We don't apologize for that. It's really important to be hospitable. We are becoming a more diverse world."
The luncheon attracts an eclectic group of people from the University of Kansas and Lawrence community. Students
Holcombe: shares ECM with groups not based on faith.
prepare this buffet for more than 60 people who are asked only for a donation for such goodies as rice with broccoli, salad, bread and dessert.
The weekly meal reaches out to some
The Veggie Luncheon doesn't have a religious context, with an array of topics being discussed at different tables.
people who would not pass through the doors of a church, such as Kate Hegé, who started going to Veggie Lunches two years ago. What started as a weekly treat developed into something much deeper for the agnostic. She became part of the ECM, acting as a former coordinator for the lunch and current student coordinator for the human sexuality class. Hegé has worked on the leadership council and gone on an alternative-spring-break trip, all while remaining agnostic.
"Thad is one of the most important people in my life," said Hége, a Topeka senior. "He is always amazing and inspirational. Anybody can come here because he is really open. He is really, really nonjudgmental and compassionate. Thad is the best example of living a Christian life."
While Hegé remains hesitant about the spiritual beyond, she has no doubts about the impact Holcombe has had on her life.
Holcombe, who has been the pastor at the ECM for the past 10 years, does not exclude anyone. Holcombe said he believed faith was inclusive not exclusive, always keeping the doors open.
The ECM holds faith-based activities as well as general community activities, such as Veggie Lunch. Holcombe shares the building, allowing such groups as the
Brazil-Portugal Student Organization to hold a dance clinic and Brazilian night there during Brazilian week.
"I really enjoy working with groups," said Holcombe, 60. "I want people to feel they can join in the community."
Brittany Lee, a Veggie Lunch participant and
More information For more information about what is going on at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, visit
www.ku.edu/~ecmlu
For more information about Thad Hol-
combe's life and work, visit
www.ppeopleku.edu/~mmward/bolcomba
Derby junior, said Holcombe led by example. Lee, who started going at the insistence of friends, never misses a Thursday lunch. Her commitment stems from the values shared by the lunch's
"He is a great mentor for students," Lee said. "He shows how easy it is to go out of the way to make someone's day. He is so accepting. There's always a mix of people here. It's very diverse, which says a lot about his character."
leader, Holcombe.
Felicia Mitchell, the current student coordinator of Veggie Lunch and a Topeka sophomore, first came to the ECM for the weekly luncheon. A year later, she has become an integral part of the ECM, helping with the Thursday buffets and attending a variety of programs including the play *The Vavina Monologues*.
"It doesn't feel like a church," Mitchell said. "It's a very open-minded place. It has to do with Thad. He embraces everyone."
Isa Kretschmer, a Lawrence junior, got to know Holcombe by living in his building, as part of a communal living group, called Koinonia.
The group, made of six students who reside in the basement of the ECM, has found that Holcime likes to eat. He usually brings a pie for the group and then begins conversations on a wide range of topics, including people who live in community situations.
Kretschmer said Holcombe enlivened the group with his visits.
"That'd a local community rock star," Kretschmer said. "Even though he's a reverend, you can talk to him like an everyday guy. He spends so much time letting the ECM be used as a place to talk about issues. It's more like a community center."