Page 9 - Presbyterian Connection

Connection
Young Adult Ministry Welcomes Students Far from Home
presbyterian.ca
SUMMER 2023
By Keith Randall, the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal, Que.
It will soon be that time of year again. Whether heading to kin- dergarten or first-year university, kids and parents face a step into the future with various degrees of anticipation and apprehen- sion. The K–12 school down the street is one thing; a university in a distant city or country brings new ideas, new friends, new resi- dences and, yes, new challenges and new isolation.
Whether at home or far away, one constant remains: within a few minutes of any university campus is a church, a worldwide symbol of hospitality.
The Rev. Susan Brasier, As- sociate Minister for Community Connection and Care at Mon- treal’s Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, launched her small- group Young Adult Ministry last year, welcoming students from two nearby universities, McGill
and Concordia, along with oth- ers already working and a few young-at-heart seniors inspired by youthful energy.
“I lived through my boys going off to university, so I know how a parent feels,” she said. “And our children, whether raised in the church, absolutely without reli- gion or even of another religion, welcome the friendship and en- couragement they can find in a church.”
The Rev. Brasier, an enthusias- tic cook, has hosted students in her own apartment, and encour- aged students from China, India, Italy, New Orleans and elsewhere to teach new friends recipes they learned in their homes, as well as prepare lunches for the local Na- tive Friendship Centre. There have been cross-country ski and mu- seum excursions, even a day at a cabane à sucre for Quebec maple syrup. And she has been a car- ing listener for young people who are now far from their home and childhood friends.
Participants of the Young Adult Ministry program at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal, Que.
PRESBYTERIAN
9
“It’s not uncommon for new university students to feel the anxiety of being without guidance or direction, facing life’s trials on their own for the first time,” said Aaron Yan-Lam Law from Hong Kong, already teaching English as a second language in a local school. “Our young adults gather and build friendships, navigat- ing through their new hopes and dreams, knowing they are not do- ing this alone.”
India Sturgeon moved to Mon- treal from Czechia in 2021 at Cov- id’s peak, an exciting and nerve- wracking trip into the unknown.
“Finding St. Andrew and St. Paul and meeting Susan has not only furthered my connection with God, but has made me feel loved, supported and at home, even if my own family is thousands of miles away. I’ve met people just like me and others who couldn’t be more different who have taught
me about their cultures. I’ve felt beyond welcomed, which has given me comfort throughout the rest of my university career knowing that I am not really on my own.”
If your church is near a univer- sity, you can reach out to the stu- dent-relations office or just show up with a handful of pamphlets to events during initiation week. A few bright-eyed students can bring new fresh air and laughter
to any congregation.
Students, whether first-year or
post-doc, might venture into one of those churches in the neigh- bourhood. You’ll find welcome, lively conversation, good food and good company. And if you are a parent, the Internet will lead you to a church near that new uni- versity, a church that knows that “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
KNOX COLLEGE www.knox.utoronto.ca
Explore your calling
Knox College is a leader in Reformed theological education. Nestled in downtown Toronto, we are a welcoming student community and offer annual bursaries.
knox.utoronto.ca/admissions
2023 05 PC Connect 4x7 recruitment.indd 1
5/10/2023 12:25:01 PM