By Kaitlyn Avery ’25
The Salvation Army Student Fellowship (SASF) is a campus group for worship, fellowship, and service that is affiliated with the Salvation Army. Emily Stothart (‘09) leads The Salvation Army Church in Wellsville, NY, and is the new official SASF Director on campus this year.
The Salvation Army is a church, and provides social services to those in need. Their Mission Statement, provided by Salvation Army officer Carl Avery, states: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
While affiliated with The Salvation Army, Stothart explained, the SASF is open for Houghton students from any denominational background to participate in a variety of activities, such as club events, a midweek Bible study, attending church on Sundays, and enjoying homecooked meals. Other highlights of SASF activities include an annual missions trip and connections for summer employment at youth camps across the country.
The SASF also provides winter service opportunities during the fall semester, such as The Red Kettle Campaign and Angel Tree. Angel Tree helps provide children of families in need with clothing and toys during the Christmas season. The SASF would love to see students ring bells at kettles and raise money to support their Christmas programs, as well as help out with other year-round service activities, such as outreach programs in the spring.
Stothart helps provide rides to church on Sundays, along with Sarah Rider (‘24), the President of the SASF. When Rider was asked what she enjoys most about the SASF, she responded that she “likes the fellowship experience of Sunday morning. It’s great to just slow down and enjoy time with people and it’s great that we get to grow in community but also meet new people.”
The SASF is currently looking for new members. If you’re interested in joining, feel free to email Emily at emily.stothart@use.salvationarmy.org, or visit the SASF room located in the basement of the Campus Center during her office hours. ★
