UKirk Network Friends,
Grace to you and peace from God and the UKirk National office! The Fall semester has begun and now that Welcome Week activities are over, you are doing the ongoing work of hospitality by welcoming back returning students and continuously reaching out to invite new ones. Preparing meals, posting small group times on social media, coordinating rides to Fall retreats, leading worship…..listening, teaching, asking, praying, coordinating, meeting, laughing, and some days even crying….all of these things make up the Holy rhythm that is a new semester.
Just in case you wonder if anyone beyond the bubble of collegiate ministry notices the impact you are making, I want to share two conversations I had this week with fathers of college-aged students. One dad shared he wanted to send a note to the campus minister at his son’s school that says, “Thank God you (and your ministry) made room for my son to show up!”
The other is helping a UKirk ministry get started at their local university. When I asked why, he wrote:
(As a dad) I am a first-hand witness to the challenges today’s young adults face. It is just not the same world as when I was young. But for me, during those years, I had my church peeps that cared for me. Growing up in Oklahoma, church groups were everywhere and most folks could find someplace to fit in. Today, I don’t see that as much. They grow skeptical and burdened and just never return. I would like to see an organization like UKirk try to fill a hole I see for this generation. No judgement, no pre-conceived requirements, just a place to be loved and learn about Christ; together. A place that feels like home… away from home. Bring your questions, all of them. We are going to support you as you work them out. All in the spirit of Mark 12:29-31. Love God, Love Everybody.
Your UKirk Network Ministry provides this kind of space for students to show up, fully, just as they are. My prayer over the coming weeks is that your community of faith will become a “Love God, Love Everybody” home away from home for new and returning students alike.
Peace and blessings,
Gini
PS – Don’t forget to update your ministry page, make plans to attend the Mapping Our Roles for Social Change (9/19) and Enneagram Leadership Workshop (10/8), and take a look at the Jesus & Justice Young Adult Advocacy Conference in Charlotte October 18-20! Find out more on our Linktree – https://linktr.ee/ukirknational