A student-led worship gathering rooted in faith, community and rest.
For more than 20 years, Haven has been a familiar and meaningful part of campus life at Concordia University Wisconsin. Since its beginning in 2000, the student-led worship gathering has offered something many students seek during a busy week: space to pause, reflect and worship together.
The word haven means a place of refuge or safety. For CUW students, that meaning comes to life each Sunday night at 7 p.m. in the Terrace Room. Haven is a weekly worship service where students gather for encouragement, fellowship and time in God’s Word. It is welcoming, relational and grounded in shared faith.
Many students recognize Haven through Chapel. If you have attended a Wednesday morning service, you have likely heard a Haven band lead worship. But Sunday night tells a fuller story. In the Terrace Room, student musicians lead with freedom and sincerity, creating an atmosphere where worship feels personal and unhurried. The music is expressive and genuine, allowing students to engage fully — whether through singing, listening or quiet reflection.
Each semester typically includes four Haven bands, made up of students who rotate between Chapel and Sunday evening services. Music plays a central role in shaping the experience, but it is only one part of the evening. The hour-long gathering also features a guest speaker who brings encouragement rooted in Scripture. Messages often speak directly to student life, faith and purpose, offering perspective and reassurance in the middle of a demanding academic week.
Prayer is another important element of Haven. Most services include a time of reflection and prayer, with a designated team responding to pre-written prayer requests. This intentional practice creates a space where students feel supported and known, even when words are difficult to find.
While the structure of Haven remains consistent, the experience is shaped each week by the students who attend, lead and serve. Some come seeking community. Others come needing rest. Many come simply because Haven feels like home.
Together, the images in this gallery reflect what words can only begin to describe — raised hands during worship, quiet moments of prayer, shared laughter and focused attention. They capture a ministry that continues to grow not because of spectacle, but because of authenticity.
Haven is not just a Sunday night event. It is a reflection of Concordia’s commitment to faith, community and student leadership. It is a place where students are reminded they are not alone.
Haven meets every Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Terrace Room. All students are welcome.
All photos by Kirsten Harrington
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.