Kelly initially came to Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State as a pianist for Thursday
Evening Worship. “At first I thought, ‘Cool! I get to make money doing this thing I love to do.’”
Quickly, though, this weekly piano gig grew into something much more for Kelly.
The free-flowing conversation about scripture, life, and faith at the center of worship drew Kelly
in. “It’s impossible to not have your ears perk up. I think about how much I have, at first
accidentally, grown spiritually just by being exposed to the love and the light that is so abundant
at Lutheran Campus Ministry.”
“I really love sitting together as a community, learning and sharing and being vulnerable with
one another. This is so important for me as I develop into a functional adult and realize that
everyone around me struggles.”
Kelly found in Lutheran Campus Ministry a safe place of sharing and support. A place where
God’s love and acceptance were abundant. “I have loved the fact that this community is so
welcoming of any questions – and I’ve brought up many!”
“I feel so much more connected and willing to have discussions about faith, and well-versed in
the teachings of Jesus. It’s very cool to have that knowledge now. Having general knowledge
of the Bible is a skill that I never thought I would have and really appreciate.”
For three years, Kelly played piano and was an important part of the community’s life together
until she graduated. “From the beginning, it was clearly understood when I show up to that
space that I’m appreciated as a musician, but first and foremost, I’m appreciated as a person.”
Thank you for investing in the lives of young people like Kelly and providing safe communities of
faith where they can be open and grow as people of faith. Your support means that every week
students experience the love of God in community while exploring questions and discovering for
themselves God’s presence in their lives.