As chaplain for the Eastern Michigan University police department, the Rev. Bryan Schindel would often ride along with the patrolmen at night. Experiencing some of the crime occurring in the community, he said he was always thinking about the students and ways to lower crime rates.
"How can we keep students out of trouble?'" he said, asking himself this more than once.
A little more than a decade ago, he found an answer he liked: free pancakes and waffles.
Friday Night Pancakes was launched at Cross & Resurrection, The Chapel at EMU, at 812 Ann St. on campus, with a goal of giving students a safe place to socialize, grab a late-night meal and have a little fun. Free pancakes and waffles are available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. each Friday. All students are welcome.
Schindel, the senior pastor at the church, said he is very thankful to be able to provide the space and food for students. He said the project works because of volunteers and donations, some of which come from EMU alumni and some from other area churches.
"It's not a government program, this is people who actually care about the students," Schindel said. "It is because of the people that give to the church."
Schindel has been a part of The Chapel for 15 years. In addition to serving as chaplain to the EMU police department, he is a member of Love Washtenaw and the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North. When Schindel first started riding with the police patrols, he said crime rates were high.
Eastern was hosting a double feature in the Student Center on Friday nights, but Schindel wanted to find something else for students to do.
Now, Friday Night Pancakes serves more than just EMU students. Apparently students from Washtenaw Community College, the University of Michigan, and even people from the Ypsilanti community arrive for the late-night pancakes.
"We don't turn anyone down," Schindel said.
He loves that he is able to provide students with food and safe space.
“It warms my heart because it is needed,” Shindel said.
Every week students come together and connect over pancakes. Pastor Bryan said they usually get up to 300 students every Friday. Sometimes there are even lines to the back of the building.
Senior at EMU, Erin Joyce, has been coming since they were a sophomore. They said the community is what brings them back each week.
“A lot of times people don’t really see their friends after classes,” Joyce said. “It is a good place to catch up or meet new people.”
Students also are able to volunteer to help serve pancakes each Friday. Organizers said the event provides a great opportunity for students to receive community service hours.
“We’re usually booked out a couple months in advance,” one organizer said.
Those interested in getting involved should email pancakes@crissabdres.org.
