Reflections on the first INN
Last night I stumbled through the door at about 12:15 am. Sweaty, hot, and tired I made my way to bed, found the welcoming sheets and finally laid down. It was a long day. We had the first INN of the year last night.
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) was packed with hundreds of excited students. Some were freshmen, fresh-faced and filled with anticipation of their first day of college coming the next day. Others students had found their way back to the INN for another year, glad to be back in a place they call home. Whatever everyone’s story, the whole room united in a loud chatter and buzz as the lights went off and the first video began to play…(wait, it didn’t quite play right away, we had a few technical glitches, to say the least).
It is wild to be on the other side of this now. What I saw from the side of a student was amazing, a community filled with people who cared about each other, who were willing to come to God together with questions, seeking after Him, learning together. Now I have seen what it’s like to work incredibly hard to make things work, anticipate everything, and still get swept away by God’s ability to move in mysterious and unexpected ways. To think He would use the death of our main projector, thirty minutes before the night began, to unite the team and show our character, was less than desirable but incredibly significant. Mysterious ways.
I was touched to see many familiar faces last night, to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in awhile. It was also awesome to meet the new faces that will be joining this community in the upcoming year. The first couple nights of the year are great for these kinds of interactions. I think that the newness allows people to open themselves up more than maybe they would later in the year, so I love jumping on these opportunities to meet people and make new connections.
Because I know a few of you out there have had a few experiences with the "first INN", I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or memories they’d be up for sharing. Maybe something along the lines of what you remember about your first time coming down to the church or how you connected with God and with the community and wanted to call that community a home. I’m curious what people remember/feel.
My first INN was when i decided that i would probably like college…a lot. Oh and get a girlfriend real quick. only one of the two was true.
My first INN was when it was completely solidified in my being that God answers prayers. I prayed for a community of Christian friends, most specifically men of God, who would provide lasting friendship. Seth, Brian, Jesse, Sean, BJ; know that you are answered prayers.
my first INN was nearly a decade ago.
gulp.
i remember it clearly, though…
i walked all the way from fairhaven to the doors of that church standing on the corner.
i sat far up in the center of the balcony.
just one small girl in a room bursting with energy, hopes, expectations, fears, uncertainties, and so many people…each with a story.
i shared all those things…and i belonged.
i had no idea that 10 years later i would have fallen completely in love with that place, and still spend every tuesday night inside those walls.
and i praise God that it’s still a place bursting with energy, hopes, expectations, fears, uncertainties, and people…each with their own story.
i pray others know they belong.