TO BE KNOWN

Lily is a double pastor’s kid, meaning both of her parents are pastors. As a music lover with skills in singing and playing guitar, Lily is heading west for her next adventure. She recently accepted her first job after college, serving as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bozeman, MT.

Lily attended a small high school in Minnesota, where she was always seeking belonging and community. She participated in all the non-sports activities her school offered, but still longed for deeper, more meaningful connections. In early 2021, during her senior year of high school, she discovered our campus ministry on social media. She recalled what she was looking for during those pandemic-affected days of her final high school year: “I am queer and I knew I needed a safe place to be my full self.” She remembers attending the Student Engagement Expo during her first weekend on campus at South Dakota State University and connecting with our ministry. Her immediate thought was, “These are my people!”

For the past four years, no one has visited the University Lutheran Center without meeting Lily. From her first interaction as a freshman, Lily has been here almost constantly. She recalls Pastor Cassandra inviting her to bring her guitar to the very first campfire to help lead the music. She continued to lead our community in this way throughout her college years. In November 2021, she became one of the paid student leaders for our ministry. Seeing herself in other student leaders inspired her to help other college students experience faith in this community. “To be known,” Lily says, “and to know others on a deeper level,” was exactly the authentic community she was seeking during college.

She credits the University Lutheran Center with helping her grow as a leader, strengthen her faith, and develop her skills in welcome and hospitality. These qualities will serve Lily well as she starts her career as a church professional. “I’m going to go do this again,” Lily joyfully explains, “over there with younger kids.” She has been well-prepared for her new role in faith formation.

We are so thankful for your support of the University Lutheran Center. For students like Lily, your generosity makes it possible for us to create a community where young adults are known and safe to be their authentic selves. Thank you for being part of this shared ministry.