Caring for our neighbors – bridging community and campus.

Looking for a welcoming community that feels like home?

St. Luke Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministry at Cornell University and Ithaca College is the perfect place for you! Sponsored by the vibrant congregation of St. Luke, an ELCA congregation located just across the gorge from Cornell in Collegetown (right next to the Big Red Food Court), we bring the campuses and the community together in a caring and nurturing environment. Join us for engaging Bible studies, inspiring worship, delicious community dinners, and meaningful fellowship. Come as you are and find your place with us! Welcome home!

Study Hours

Study Hours @ St. Luke generally run from the last day of classes through the last day of finals in the Fall and Spring semesters.

It’s pretty simple, just show up at 109 Oak Avenue and find a place to study. The whole building has free WiFi.  The first floor will have a more community vibe with homemade treats, coffee, tea, and socialization. It’s important to take a break now and then!

The other two floors will have areas for individual or group studying. 

Please stop in or email communication@stlukeithaca.org with any questions.

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Campus Ministry Events

Connect, grow, learn.

Adopt a Student

The Adopt-A-Student program originated at St Luke in 2001 to connect college students (both undergraduate and graduate students) from Cornell University, Ithaca College, and SUNY Cortland with families in the congregation. It provides the students with a connection that is different than the “peer” connections they will have in college and offers a local “family” while they are in Ithaca.

Anyone can adopt a student; families with little ones, empty nesters, singles, younger or “life-experienced,” just moved to Ithaca, or long-time resident. Activities between St Luke family and student are flexible and mutually agreed upon. Activities might include a “check-in, home cooked meals, meals out, how are you doing” text, a short chat after church, a walk or a hike, or attending a concert or other school event.

There are no requirements other than being a caring presence for the adopted student. The program has been mutually beneficial for both students and St Luke for over 2 decades and continues to be a positive outreach program. Please contact the church office for more information.

Email us for more info.
Suicide & Crisis Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.)

Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis, offering free and confidential support.

Crisis Text Line

Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor 24/7.

LGBTQIA+ Support Hotlines

The Trevor Project (U.S.)

A crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Trans Lifeline (U.S. and Canada)

A peer support and crisis hotline run by trans people for trans people.

LGBT National Help Center (U.S.)

Offers confidential peer support and information for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support Hotlines

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)

RAINN operates the 24/7 National Sexual Abuse Crisis Hotline. Website links to chat hotlines for sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence.

Advocacy Center of Tompkins County

Provides 24/7 sexual assault and domestic violence hotline for those in
Tompkins County, NY. Other services described on website.