College is an exciting time in a young person's life. It's also a time of change and new beginnings. Many students leave home and their church family to begin a new chapter. As with any major transition in life, the church has a great opportunity to minister to these individuals in this season.

Members of Plankinton UMC assemble care packages to share the love of Christ with college students from their church and community.

Maintaining connection

For the United Methodist Church in Plankinton, South Dakota, staying connected with students during their college years has been a long-standing tradition. For more than 30 years, the women of the church have put together care packages twice a year – around Halloween and Valentine's Day – to send to these young adults attending college.

"When they graduate from high school, we give them a graduation blanket," said Elaine Titze, a member of Plankinton UMC.  "We include sons and daughters of church members and kids who attended our youth group at one time or Sunday school or had some other connection to our church. Then we add them to the [care package] list."

Many people contribute to making the project a reality, whether by donating treats to be included in the boxes or paying for postage.

Over the years, people have suggested just sending gift cards instead of spending money on the postage required to send a box of goodies. But these women know the joy these students experience when they receive the box in the mail—thankfulness that has been expressed in a variety of ways.

"Somebody posted a picture on Facebook of the box they received and thanked the church," recalled Titze.  "We sometimes get personal thank yous or a word of appreciation from their parents."

Including kids who aren't necessarily members but have a connection with the church is one way they extend love and care beyond their church family. They also hope that the care package contents are an opportunity for these young people to spread the love in their college setting.

"We had one mother say, 'You could just send it home with me, then he doesn't have to share it with his roommates, 'and we said, 'But that's part of our mission. We WANT them to share it with their roommates and tell them it came from the church ladies,'" said Titze.

These women know the care package isn't about extra treats. It's about making sure these young adults know their church family is still thinking of them – and helping others get a glimpse of the love of Jesus extended through the church.

Pastor Andrea Johnson and members of Aberdeen North Highland participate in the Northern State University Gypsy Days parade to increase visibility and share their mission with the campus and community.

Welcoming Students

There are 36 colleges, technical schools, or tribal colleges located across the Dakotas Conference. Because of the transient nature of this season of life, some churches are hesitant to engage a demographic that may not have a lot to “give back” in terms of time, resources, and long-term commitment.

But several United Methodist Churches in college towns across the Dakotas are intentionally engaging in missional opportunities to love these young neighbors.

The start of the school is a great time to engage new students.

"We had a table at the engagement fair on campus at the beginning of the year and also participated in the Gypsy Days Homecoming Parade with a float that promotes the Coats for Kids coat drive we do here," said Rev. Andrea Johnson, pastor of North Highland UMC in Aberdeen, South Dakotas.

"It is good for connection with Northern State University and gets us more name recognition."

North Highland has also hosted the NSU football team for dinner the past two years—recently feeding 140 players and coaches in one gathering! These connections have led to student-initiated ministries, such as a Sunday evening time at the church called "The Table" for dinner, devotion, conversation, and discussions about the possibilities of a spring break mission trip.

Pastor Andrea is using her time in the DWU Practical Church Leadership program to focus on making and growing connections, team-building, and discernment as to what a UMC presence in a sustainable student campus ministry at NSU looks like. 

"The church leadership is very supportive and invested in building these connections," said Pastor Andrea. "There are many in the church with strong ties to NSU, a couple that work there now, and some retired from there. They really want to do what they can and welcome the students."

Fargo First UMC hosted a welcome table for their "Let's Do Life" collegiate ministry at the NDSU Block Party.

With the help of a Conference Breakthrough Ministry grant, Fargo First UMC started a small intentional student ministry group at NDSU called "Let's Do Life."  Andrea Plueddeman, children, youth, and families director, leads this group and resources a core team of college students with oversight, mentoring, and Bible studies. Andrea meets with them throughout the year, and one of the events they plan is a table of information and fun during the first week of classes at NDSU. 

"This gives current students an opportunity to meet all kinds of new students, share about the church, and opportunities for spiritual growth and support on campus," shared Rev. Ryan Mutzenberger, senior pastor of Fargo First.

Fargo First has also capitalized on the strength of its music ministry to engage students with interests and talents in this area. Over the years, members of the Sanctuary Choir have created a scholarship fund that stipends 4 to 6 students to sing with the church choir during the school year.   

"Students who love to sing and love music join our choir for rehearsals, Sunday worship, and special events," said Pastor Ryan. "Over the years, the more experienced members of our choir have become surrogate grandparents and local connections for these students."

In Grand Forks, a group of young adults from Zion United Methodist Church created, registered, and launched the Emet Collective (Hebrew for "Truth"). The group is now listed in the school directory and is actively recruiting members from the University of North Dakota and the greater Grand Forks community.

The Emet Collective will focus on praise, worship, and apologetics as primary activities, with opportunities to expand as the group grows. They plan to hold meetings on campus for the convenience of students without transportation and to organize occasional outings throughout the year.

"Zion Church is praying that this new group will settle in well and continue to grow with new members," said Rev. Chang Yi, pastor of Zion.

Churches and families can capitalize on the United Methodist Connection to help students they know connect with a faith community during their college years. Check out the Conference website for a list of names and contacts for United Methodist campus ministries in the Dakotas. The General Board of Higher Education also provides information for finding United Methodist campus ministries across the country. 

Small Acts of Welcome

Dakota Wesleyan student and Conference staff intern Camille Zachrison shared some simple ideas for connecting with college students in your community or from your church:

• Know them by name and greet them when they attend church on Sundays.

• Reach out. Attend their sporting or music events. Be present and interested in their lives goes a long way. Feeling loved and valued is very important to young adults, especially when they are away from their typical support system.

• Pray for them. When students know that their church is praying for them, it makes them feel loved and appreciated.

• Offer a home-cooked meal. Students appreciate the opportunity to share a home-cooked meal with a family and experience some of the normalcy they are used to. Meals are also a great way to build relationships and get to know the student.

"College is new and fun, but it can also be scary," said Camille. "Being a friendly face or even a shoulder to cry on means a lot to young adults. Reaching out and loving from back home is also very meaningful to them."

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Support these young adults in their journey of faith and learning by celebrating United Methodist Student Sunday. Held this year on Sunday, November 24 (or whatever date works best for your congregation), this Special Sunday is a denomination-wide celebration focused on the value of education. We honor this day by giving generously to support scholarships like The Gift of Hope Scholarship. By supporting our students now, we contribute to community transformation and leadership empowerment, building future leaders.

Find more information and resources here.