Finding Community - Will

Will did not grow up in a church-going family but remembers the strong Catholic faith his California grandparents modeled when they would visit. Will attended Baker University, a United Methodist Church private liberal arts college, and came to appreciate the beautiful and historical chapel on the campus. He would sometimes attend weekly services there and was also influenced by a Communication Studies professor who was an ordained Methodist minister. Following his time at Baker, Will pursued master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Kansas. While working on his PhD in Economics, Will found himself looking for ways to augment campus experience beyond the rigorous PhD training.

Will and a fellow econ grad student searched out student groups who served free meals on campus. Then Will encountered Ikigai Noodle Night at Westwood House, home of LCM-KU and Wesley KU campus ministries. In addition to a yummy meal, Will found companionship and connections at Westwood House. Over time, Westwood House became a place for Will and fellow econ students to hold events – always around food, like cheese and wine, or sandwiches, even desserts – and talk about worldly things, human conversations, and even faith. And always in attendance was LCM Campus Pastor, Shawn Norris.

Now on the faculty at KU, Will continues to find community, fellowship and a place to share his faith in a local Lutheran congregation and he shares his love of singing in the church choir. Will also serves on the LCM-KU Ministry Team as his way to give back to the place that gave him support and a place to escape an intense academic environment.

With the spring semester underway, Westwood House has resumed two weeknight dinners – open to all. Wednesday night’s meal precedes a worship service. And Thursday night dinner is a time to gather in community and be nourished with food and conversation. And always, a place to explore faith. These meals are offered as a result of gracious generosity from faithful friends and supporters like you. We give thanks for you being an important part of our ministry.

Thanks be to God!