12/03/2024
Dear Supporters of Campus Ministry on this Giving Tuesday,
"What my generation is learning the hard way is that faith is not about defending conquered ground but about discovering new territory. Faith isn’t about being right, or settling down, or refusing to change. Faith is a journey, and every generation contributes its own sketches to the map. I’ve got miles and miles to go on this journey, but I think I can see Jesus up ahead."
From “Faith Unraveled: How a girl who knew all the answers learned to ask questions” by Rachel Held Evans
If you’ve been paying attention to the news at all this past calendar year it would come as no surprise to you, that college students are overwhelmed, and that my friends is an understatement. Between their classes and schoolwork, their internships, friendships, and the state of the world, more times than not it feels like far too much for any one person to handle. Well, for the students of The Table at least once a week, I am privileged to remind them that they’re not called to be everything to everyone or to have their lives all figured out. They’re just called to take the next faithful step.
And that’s what we’ve been doing in campus ministry this year, too. Last October, as I began my work as Pastor of The Table the world began to shift, and we all have been called to take the next faithful step together. We’ve focused our attention on the needs of the world, on those in war-torn places. We’ve focused our attention on the self-care necessary to continue being faithful followers of Christ in an increasingly secular world. We’ve focused on Jesus and the tables he laid for all people, in all places and in all times. We’ve focused on the good when the forces of evil and hatred cloaked as apathy and greed have tried to distract us. We’ve focused on one another and the ways God is continually at work - in the world, our lives, and the life of the universal Church.
Our walk has already led us down promising new paths where we have welcomed new friends, shared delicious meals, and learned fun and interesting ways to be Church together. This semester on both campuses we have explored the topic of intersectional theology. The various experiences and traits that make us who we are, combined in all that is faithful, challenging, and meaning-making in our lives. We have learned from our ancient siblings the way they navigated stigma, caste systems, and unjust rulers. Learning from their pleas to listen, be transformed by, and ultimately change, reveling in their hope, despite their uncertain futures. Feeling connected, though centuries separate us.
On both campuses this year we have fostered new opportunities to feel connected to one another. We’ve gone on beach retreats, held Thanksgiving meals, watched documentaries, worshiped together, and had round table discussions, and in January, we embark on our biggest journey yet - when we head to Tanzania, East Africa with our friends at The Humble Walk, UMD’s Lutheran Campus Ministry. There, we will discover what God has to teach us about Tanzanian faith, culture, and college students' daily lives just like our own. In one-on-one dialogue and worship, we will witness the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the fellowship in Christ we share. We are buzzing with excitement.
At UMBC, we furthered our commitment to our LGBTQ siblings by standing proudly as one of the only Christian groups on campus that not only welcomes all people regardless of sexual orientation & gender expression but who allows all students to actively participate in all facets of our program. They are invited to join in our community engagement with local congregations and to take on roles within our student leadership. Because “The Table” exists proudly and boldly, we’ve gotten to know new siblings in Christ who were simply waiting to find a Christian community that welcomed the fullness of who they are. I can’t help but get choked up when I think about Maggie, who was referred to me after her family of origin disowned her after coming out but who has now found joy in our community and has been connected with an amazing local congregation where she feels welcomed and cared for, both spiritually and emotionally. This ministry and your gifts which sustain us financially matter. In fact, they matter more than these words can convey.
Towson’s ministry continues to expand its welcome to our silly, chaotic Christ-filled table. On top of the members, we welcomed at the beginning of the school year who have jumped right into the fellowship and shared work we do on campus, we have recently welcomed 2 new members who have found us through our online presence. These new yet fast friends have decided to come and give the in-person community a trial run and by the grace of God have stuck around – mentioning the grace and support of “The Table” as a newfound bright spot in their week.
Your first-time or continuing gift to this ministry will support the work that we are already doing and enable us to continue the work of our beloved Rev. Reggie Price at an HBCU in the coming year. If cooking is your language of love, you can join local congregations in providing our weekly meals for our students to gather around or aid in supporting our students with treats at exam times. Local churches are extending a welcome to our students in worship. And because this work is shared, know that our wonderful students are inviting friends, helping plan evening discussions, offering rides to church, driving folks to service events, reaching out to students who are struggling, and praying for each other. You would be in awe of how they pray for one another. It is holy, indeed.
In a hectic time of young adulthood, we are inviting students to stop and listen to the voice of God. To hear it through service and community and Scripture. And in love and hope, we’re encouraging them to take that next faithful step to bring God’s justice and peace, and beauty to our world. And in the grace that defines us, we remind our students that all our steps- even our missteps- are an opportunity for God to step in and continue the work we begin in faith. Help us continue to make steps in faith and continue this life-giving work in the name of Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Kelsey Green
DONATE HERE - https://www.baltimorelutherancampusministry.org/donate
