A look at Smoke Rise’s growing college ministry.
Did you know that Smoke Rise has 22 undergraduate students situated throughout Kentucky and Georgia, as well as Florida and Mississippi? This semester, we launched a new college ministry to connect with these members of Smoke Rise who are spread throughout the metro Atlanta region and four Southeastern states. Whether students are living at home or away at school, they remain an important part of our church family. This college ministry is one way we remind them that they are seen, valued and prayed for.
Throughout the fall semester, we reached out in tangible and meaningful ways. Whether or not they were able to attend our Blessing of the Students Sunday, every college student began the semester with a bag tag as a visible reminder of God’s presence and our congregation’s support as they began a new term. During midterms, we sent coffee gift cards along with notes from Jeremiah and Becky, offering encouragement and good wishes. As finals approached, care packages were mailed to provide comfort, support and a reminder that their church community was cheering them on.
In addition to these touchpoints, we offered Sunday school during the holiday season, creating space for continued faith formation. We also hosted a Christmas gathering, giving students the opportunity to reconnect, share a meal, and celebrate the season together.
This college ministry is just beginning. In the coming semester, we plan to expand our outreach through notes from our deacons and lunches with ministers near students’ schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our students as they grow in both life and faith, no matter where they are studying. Please keep our college students in your prayers as they learn and grow, and as this ministry continues to develop.
– Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation