by Mari Pizzini–College students unite, and u-Night-ed they gather at Sunnybrook Community Church’s United Night. But what draws college students, even students from Vermillion, South Dakota, to this church’s college ministry night?
With a full chapel, Tuesday, Oct. 8’s session of food, fellowship, and games drew students out of their dorms for an 8 p.m. service. Pastor Matt Holmesand a worship team add to the once-a-month ministry’s attraction.
“I first went to United Night as a way to grow in my faith outside of just going to church on Sundays,” Kenny Osten, a junior, said. “But the Chick-fil-A didn’t hurt.”
Grace Nordquist, a Morningside senior, said, “My friends who had gone before me brought me to United Night, and I wanted to get connected with a campus ministry.”
Wanting to grow faith and get connected with some kind of ministry are common themes of those who attend. What keeps students coming back are the connections.
“Growing my faith with other college students is an awesome experience,” Nordquist said. “I look forward to United Night every month. It’s one of my favorite nights.”
Osten said, “Sunnybrook has become a second home for me. It’s a place that is truly accepting of everybody.”
Pastor Holmes recently spoke on God’s love and forgiveness, and focused Tuesday’s talk on what he called “authentically biblical communities.”
“My hope for tonight is that everyone here, everyone hearing my voice tonight,” Holmes said, “will leave knowing how to get plugged in with a community. I hope you don’t leave without exploring that.”
United Night College Ministry meets one Tuesday a month at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Dr, Sioux City, IA 51106.
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