Pr. Erika Uthe, interim redevelopment pastor at Lutheran Campus Ministry, along with Pr. Jena Finch Manchester, campus pastor for The Wesley Center, set up games, study bags full of snacks, crafts, puzzles, finger labyrinths, and photo scavenger hunts to give students an outlet during the last two, stressful weeks of the semester.

The week before prep week, during a Thursday evening Bible study and Holden Evening Prayer that Iowa State student Rory mentioned she only had her pocket-sized King James Version Bible to use. "I haven't really read the Bible before," Rory said, "and I'm not really sure what it means." The next week, Rory went home with a new Bible, in the New Living Translation, and came back immediately to report, "Genesis and the first half of Exodus are really good! I'm not sure about the second half of Exodus though." 

After a good laugh, Pr. Erika and Pr. Jena provided some guidance about where to turn next, and they are planning additional Bible studies in the spring to engage more students on more topics like the ethics of AI, purpose/vocation, and navigating being a young adult.

Fire alarms and Ministry opportunities

On the last (and coldest) evening of campus ministry before students left for break students who'd gathered for Bible study noticed a gathering of students outside of Friley Hall, just across the street. The gathering came with the expected flashing white lights of a fire alarm.

Pr. Jena quickly noticed and scurried across Lincoln Way to welcome the cold students into the warm student lounge, complete with Prep Week activities and treats. Once students had been supplied with hot cocoa and snack bags, they continued to gather, chat, study, and enjoy the hospitality of The Wesley Center until the drill was complete. 

Pr. Erika and Pr. Jena connected with several students and while we may not see them at Bible study, we know they learned about safe spaces and the warmth of God's love.