Come meet some new friends and build a community where you belong. We have music, soup, bread, and conversations - all homemade!

Our Drum, Dine, Discuss program focuses on bringing together two of the ministry’s most successful programs; the Drum Circle and the Simple Supper. These two programs together offer students the opportunity to build community through making music and then eating a shared meal while discussing universal topics. All of this, the listening without speaking, the breaking of bread together, the sharing of thoughts and feelings, are all integral parts of building a community. And these two programs together give students that feeling of community quickly and in a space where they can get involved as quickly or as slowly as they would like. Drum, Dine, Discuss takes place on Wednesdays at the University of Calgary and Thursdays at Mount Royal University, both from 4:30 to 7:30. Keep reading to learn more about each one of these fabulous programs.

The Drum Circle

Have you ever felt the vibration of a drum beneath your hand? Felt the rhythm flow through your body? Become one with the sound of beating drums? Most people in North America haven't had this amazing opportunity, but students at Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, and SAIT Polytechnic can experience this for themselves thanks to the Campus Ministry's drum program. 

Each week we offer Open Drum Circles where students join together to create music, community, and experience the power of drumming in an open circle. These drum circles are open to all, and require no previous drumming or musical experience. As we like to say, "Beginners are Welcomed" and will be shown how to drum by one of our highly-experienced, and very friendly, facilitators. The whole experience is navigated by our trained drum circle facilitators, who understand how to ensure every participate has the best experience possible.

Our Drum Circles at UCalgary take place every Wednesday during the Fall & Winter semesters at 4:30 in the Vitruvian Space (DC12). The Drum Circles at MRU take place every Thursday during the Fall & Winter semesters at 4:30 in the Yellow Room (2nd Floor of Wyckham House).

UCalgary Drum Circle

Working in conjunction with YYC Campus Ministry, we offer a weekly Drum Circle every Wednesday in the Vitruvian Space (DC12/14) located in the Dining Centre. It runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and is completely run on a drop-in basis with no further expectations or requirements. All we ask is that people come out, sit down, grab a drum, and experience the exhilarating healing power of drumming.

The drum circle also ties into the weekly simple supper, which happens at 6:15 every Wednesday in the Faith and Spirituality Centre. Watch the UCalgary Drum Circle Facebook feed to know exactly when we will be drumming and crafting music together.

MRU Drum Circle

Hosted weekly in the Yellow Room on the second floor of Wyckham House the MRU Drum Circle occurs every Thursday from 4:30 until 6 p.m. The Drum Circle is run on a drop-in basis with no further expectations or requirements asked of those who attend. All we ask is that people come out, sit down, grab a drum, and experience the exhilarating, healing power of drumming. 

To learn more about the MRU Drum Circle visit us on Facebook! The MRU Drum Circle also features our weekly Simple Supper, where students are given a free meal and the chance to build more community through deep conversation. This normally occurs from 6:00 to 7:30 in the same room.

The Simple Supper

Are you a post-secondary student or young adult, and feel like getting a free meal, great conversation, and a caring community all in one evening? Then join us every Wednesday night during the Fall and Winter semesters for a Simple Supper, where we gather for a communal meal and conversation.

On Wednesdays, the meal starts at 6:00 p.m. in the Faith and Spirituality Centre (MSC487) at the University of Calgary and will run until about 7:30 p.m.

On Thursdays, the meal starts at 6:00 p.m. in the Yellow Room (z203) on the second floor of Wyckham House at Mount Royal University.

But how does it work you ask? Well, you can stop by to find out, that’s the easiest way to understand how awesome the Simple Supper is. But if you would really like to know a little more beforehand, read on.

The Idea

To practice an age-old tradition, bringing together community over the dinner table. The meal is focused on gathering together not just for food, but to grow relationships and provide a space for conversation and relaxation. Everyone is welcome at the meal, there are no requirements to be a part of any religion or spiritual tradition. During the conversation, everyone speaks from their own life experiences. This is an open table for all.

The Food

The food is handmade every single week by our very own Rev. Margaret Propp and YYC Campus Ministry’s Rev. Tim Nethercott. Occasionally, we have churches get involved with the cooking as well. Each week, between both universities, we make about 20 litres of soup for students to enjoy. The soup varies every single week, but there are always a few staples about the meal which you can rely upon; it will be kosher, halal, vegetarian friendly, healthy, and free.

The Conversation

Just like the supper – the conversation is simple, elegant and thought provoking. Based on the concept of a ‘taking circle’ our conversation centers around a friendly and open discussion of a universal theme. This theme becomes the center of the conversation, and those partaking discuss their reaction to the particular topic. These topics are broad and will allow those from all walks of life to share their own personal interpretation. The conversation is structured, ensuring each person has the opportunity to contribute and the conversation is not dominated by one person.

If you wish to come, but feel shy about speaking up in a group, fear not! You are not required to say anything at all if you do not wish to. You can simply come and absorb the conversation. However, we encourage everyone to take part in the conversation as it can be an enlightening experience. These conversations are a way for people to see perspectives from many walks of life and can be a form of introspection into one’s own life. You may even find solidarity with other people who share the same beliefs and doubts that you do. They can be eye-opening, thought provoking, engaging conversations that can simultaneously relax one’s busy mind while also being inspiring.