Forging Bonds - Julie

Julie may be a bit of an anomaly in our campus ministry stories, since she made the first move to establish a relationship with LCM-KU. Arriving as a first-year student, Julie looked for a Lutheran community and she contacted the ministry, then located at Bethany House.  And because she did not have a car, campus pastor Shawn Norris arranged for rides for her to worship and ministry activities. Her efforts to engage were rewarded – she found community and friendship. She remembers weekly spaghetti dinners and playing Guitar Hero in the back room at Bethany House. Julie enjoyed just meeting friends there and hanging out. One special memory is attending the wedding of two LCM-KU students – Angela and Jake when they were married in Bethany House by Pastor Shawn. Another special memory for Julie is participating in the design process for Westwood House.

Julie especially appreciates LCM-KU for the opportunities she had to grow her skills. She is proud of the work she did as Spring Break Coordinator for three years. Julie organized the itinerary, housing and mission work for the annual trips students took to New York City. Julie says she “learned to talk fast!” as she communicated with the various people she needed to coordinate with for trip details. And, on one of the NYC service trips, she met her husband, Randy!

While Julie looked for and created new friendships through LCM-KU, she gained so much more in community, worship and new administrative skills.

With the fall semester underway, Westwood House has resumed ministry activities – open to all and a place to explore faith. These opportunities are offered because of your gracious generosity. We are so thankful you are an important part of our ministry. Thanks be to God!