iFast (Res Life)

Throughout the first-year halls, we will offer an intentional day focused on fasting from technology in order to promote consideration and practice of self-reflection, faith development, and connection with God and neighbor.

The First-Year Residence Life team would like to invite you to join us in participating in iFast on Thursday, March 31. This is a day devoted to fasting from technology. This will provide an opportunity for us to consider our technology use habits and focus on relationships with God, each other, and self for a day within the season of Lent.

One of the major reasons for fasting is to cut something out of our lives in order to more fully understand that our sustenance comes from the Lord. In addition to being a way to practice self-control and to rely on the Lord, a technology fast specifically stresses the importance of being present with the people around you.

Logistically, this would include refraining from using technologies such as Netflix, social media, YouTube, video games, etc. We encourage you to go all in and put the smartphone away for the day! You may not be able to completely fast from your computer for homework purposes - especially in this season where so much has gone virtual - but we invite students to cut technology where they can for a day. Note: if not using your phone, give your parents or guardians an emergency line (e.g. Dispatch) in case of immediate need for communication. Additionally, this is not an excuse to not do homework, etc.

In addition to the fast, we have a few ways for students to engage with each other and God throughout the day.
- A devotional will be handed out in First-Year halls by the RA team Wednesday evening, March 30
- The RAs & RDs will have a few ways to engage with one another in Bittner, Naugle, & Witmer - more info to come from individual teams
- Powerhouse will be holding their usual worship services in the evening and we encourage students to conclude their day in worship (reminder: tickets are necessary so keep your eyes peeled for communication from the Powerhouse team)