Winter Retreat 2013

Small Group Time

Last weekend, campus ministries from across the states of Indiana and Kentucky gathered at Camp Illiana in Washington, IN for this year’s Winter Retreat. We made the trip with 14 students from our ministry and had a wonderful weekend. Tom, one of our associate campus ministers, and a handful of students lead worship through music for a couple sessions and did a wonderful job. Our students were able to connect with other college students from different campuses and we even met some students who are from South Bend and excited to come hang out with us while they are home for the summer.

During the five-hour drive to the retreat, I had the opportunity to ride along with some ladies who are newer to our ministry and begin to get to know them better, which I thoroughly enjoyed since they are from campuses other than St. Mary’s. The focus of this retreat was centered on how to build deeper, more authentic relationships in the midst of our crazy schedules, long to do lists, and a culture that doesn’t always encourage this. On the drive home, we had a great chance to unpack this idea and discover some great next steps about how to live out the things we learned over the weekend.

I really can’t explain the importance of retreating and how weekends like this do so much to help us connect with students and challenge them in their pursuit of God. So many of you helped provide funds to cover travel expenses and registration costs for students who could not. Thank you for helping us provide this space for our students. You are making a difference in the lives of these students. I love partnering with you!

Impact Stories: Learning to be a Follower

This post is part of a series of stories from our Impact St. Mary's students. These posts are all written by student. I hope you'll enjoy a closer look at what God is doing on our local college campuses.
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Bridget is a sophomore at St. Mary’s College and studying sports management.  She will be studying abroad next semester in Ireland.

I just joined Impact this year and it has been amazing all semester. I joined because a friend invited me and since I’m very involved with my church back home, I thought I would go to see what they do. I quickly became part of the Impact group of women! All the members are inviting and fun and so involved in their faith that they are just wonderful people.

Impact has taught me to really look at my life and change how I praise and worship God. This group has taught me that giving praise and loving God are the most important and that God should be in every part of my life rather than just a separate part.

I have loved my semester of Impact and it will be hard to go without it next semester in Ireland.

Impact Stories: My Impact Family

This post is part of a series of stories from our Impact St. Mary's students. These posts are all written by student. I hope you'll enjoy a closer look at what God is doing on our local college campuses.
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Chloe is a sophomore studying psychology and serves on the Impact St. Mary’s student leadership team.

There are so many things about Impact that have changed my life. Impact is my safe place. When I went through a difficult time last year, it was my Impact family that stayed by me through it all. I love everyone in our small group of girls. The support of my Christian sisters is beyond anything I have ever had before.  My relationship with Christ has grown so much. On my own, I would have never been able to be where I am today. The leaders are the most knowledgeable and caring people. Impact is my family. I am so very blessed.

Impact Stories: Go to a Bible Study?!

This post is part of a series of stories from our Impact St. Mary's students. These posts are all written by student. I hope you'll enjoy a closer look at what God is doing on our local college campuses.

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Elizabeth is a junior at St. Mary’s College and is studying accounting.

I never intended to join a Bible study…ever. My roommate is a member of Impact and welcomed me to join her on Wednesdays at Saint Mary’s. After the first few sessions, I finally made it to a meeting and couldn’t be happier. Our leader, Sarah Koutz, is phenomenal and my mind is blown every time. I couldn’t be happier with the group of girls and open conversation. I’m glad God led me to Impact in order to continue on my path of faith.

Impact Stories: Finding a Relationship with God

Over the next week or so I'll be sharing stories from our Impact St. Mary's students. These posts are all written by student. I hope you'll enjoy a closer look at what God is doing on our local college campuses.
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Ashley is a junior studying biology and serves on the Impact St. Mary’s student leadership team.

I was brought to Impact by a good friend last year and stayed when I found my relationship with God. I don’t’ know where I would be without this relationship, but I wake up everyday and thank Him for Impact and the encouragement I have found.