Welcome Class of 2028!

Written by Maria Navarre, Student Leader

Dear incoming students,

Welcome to the University of Minnesota! Just a year ago, I was in your place, both incredibly
excited and nervous to start my freshman year.

I came into my first year with a lot of questions about my faith and the role it played in my life.
During the summer before I started my first semester, I tried to shove those questions into the
back of my mind in favor of the more pressing concerns I had going into the year. As a new out-
of-state student who had taken a gap year, I worried a lot about finding my place on a campus
where I knew no one, and that felt larger than I had imagined it.

On my way to and from the dorms during Welcome Week and the first week of school, I passed by Grace University Lutheran Church, where Lutheran Campus Ministry-Twin Cities meets every week. Each time I walked by, I read the sign that said “Student Worship – Wednesdays at 8pm” and tried to get up the courage to go. Finally, during the second week of classes, I told myself that there was nothing wrong with going, and deciding it wasn’t for me. But to come to that decision, I would have to actually go.

That Wednesday, I attended my first pause student worship. I remember being greeted at the door,
given a name tag, and then wandering into the sanctuary, where almost immediately an upperclassmen welcomed me and asked if she could sit next to me during the service.

It’s that first experience that I’ve come to realize best represents what LCM is. I have always felt
welcomed and like there is a community who genuinely cares about me and my story every time
I step through the doors. LCM is a place where I see our tagline, “God loves everyone, no
exceptions” in action. It’s a community where everyone is considered a beloved member, queer
students are welcomed and affirmed, and where our questions about God and religion are just as
important as the answers.

I attended LCM’s Freshman Bible Study before the second pause worship service I went to, and slowly that first service turned into attending regularly, and I found myself going on the Fall Retreat. I came back from that weekend feeling so refreshed and I discovered that suddenly, this community was really
starting to matter to me. From participating in retreats and bible studies, to pre-worship activities
and community dinners, and, of course, pause, LCM has been such a grounding force for me
throughout my freshman year.

LCM helped guide me through the ups and downs of my first year, and I hope that all of you find
something that does the same. If want to learn more about LCM or just want to talk, please feel
free to reach out! Freshman year can be such a hectic experience, but through all of it, I know
everything will work out. Have a great start to fall semester, and I hope to see you around!