Welcome Freshmen!

Dear Freshmen,

Despite this being my fourth and final year at the University of Minnesota I remember my first semester of college oh so vividly. I remember being thrown into harder classes, managing living away from home for the first time, forming new social groups, the whole nine yards. Most of all I remember it all feeling very, very complicated.

Deciding how and with whom I wanted to spend my limited free time, new relationships and new priorities, and deciding how I saw myself fitting into this bustling campus; all of it was complicated. I’m sure in the coming weeks and months some of you may feel similarly, but I have some good news for you. Finding a community, a foothold on campus, was very simple for me and it can be for you as well.

I am not exaggerating when I say that discovering Lutheran Campus Ministries felt like finding a second home. Not only did this organization welcome me my first year, it has stood by me as I continue to grow and change in my time in college.

While there is a lot of exciting information about LCM’s various programing available, if you take away one thing let it be this: Whoever you are, whatever place you’re in, you are welcome. From a deep faith background or not particularly religious, excited or reluctant, overwhelmed or eager, questioning or certain, you are all welcome. LCM acknowledges that each person contains multitudes, everyone is both sinner and saint. People are complicated. Finding good ones doesn’t have to be.

So amidst all of the complications, I invite you into a place of simplicity. Whether you join us for just one evening or like me you decide to stay for the duration of your time here at the U, I truly believe this community is changed for the better by you and your presence.

The table is set, the candles are lit, the door is open; all you have to do is come, and I am so excited to meet you.

Sophia