There are approximately 30 Bethel members attending college (including undergraduate, graduate and seminary).  The ministry presently consists of a monthly outreach during the school year (Sept-May) and a monthly column in the newsletter.  Additionally, we e-mail the college students to let them know of opportunities to get involved in other activities, employment, or ministries.

The monthly outreach begins in August with a “send off” whereby the congregation is introduced to the college members and is invited to pray for those going off to college.  In September we begin our monthly correspondence, which usually involves the members of the congregation writing note cards to the college members to encourage them.  We have enclosed bookmarks, gift cards and during Advent, devotional booklets.  Before finals in the spring we ship a care package to all of the college students. We also recognize our college members on their birthdays by sending a card with a small gift card enclosed.

We also solicit all of our college members to write a column, “College Connection,” each month in the Bell Tower. In the past we have featured two or more students sharing their college experience.  They usually include photographs; it makes very interesting reading!

Currently Pastor Jeff and I are involved in this ministry.  I would like more members to join us by giving us ideas on how to keep our college members connected and by being willing to make the phone calls, send e-mails, or write out cards.  The Senior Highs helped us in April with the care packages which were received very well by the college kids – they loved it!

I probably spend about 12-15 hours a month working on this ministry.

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