Fall 2020
Giving thanks: We’ve come this far by faith
From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;
I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to.
~ Psalm 86:12, The Message ~
A New Normal Takes Shape
Yale's Fall semester has been challenging to be sure. For graduates and undergraduates alike, life has looked very different. To start, all Sophomores spent the Fall remotely while First-Years joined the community on campus. While some students resided in New Haven, all classes took place remotely, and we were challenged to adapt our ministries to a new online normal.
While our community may have transitioned to Zoom this semester, there was no diminishment in the light of fellowship. Even with such upheaval, LuMin remains strong and encouraged by the loving determination of its members, alumni, and friends. ~ Patrick Chappel, YC'23
Student Spotlight
Hi Everyone!
My name is Bella Back, and I’m a Senior at Yale in Branford College. Last Summer I became a LuMin Student Leader, and now I'm leading a biweekly Bible Study for students at Yale, something I've never done before!
I joined LuMin in the Fall of my junior year after coming out. I was looking for a welcoming, affirming, and supportive group of Christians, and I absolutely found it with LuMin. Taizé worship became one of the best parts of my week, both during the school year and as we grappled with the rapidly changing world between semesters. LuMin has been an irreplaceable part of my life since I joined.
Despite the challenges of this very strange semester, together we made sure LuMin continues to be a supportive and safe space. Jesus told us: “for where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matt.18: 20) Whether physically together in Battell Chapel or gathered virtually, God’s presence will continue to bring us together as a community!
I'm so glad I'm serving with LuMin, and I can’t wait to spend more time with all of you! Feel free to reach out if you want to chat. My email is bella.back@yale.edu
Semester Screenshot Roundup
A Word From Pastor Kari
Pastor Kari leading worship on Zoom for Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hamden CT
Dear friends,
We are nearing the end of what has been a strangely beautiful semester for LuMin. So strange to be together only remotely, but so beautiful to be gathering in a variety of ways that have meant so much to students! With an abundance of energy and creativity from student leaders, and with the help and strength of our awesome God, we have been nurturing faith and providing hope... and I am exceedingly grateful.
My deepest thanks to all of you who have been praying for us and supporting us with your gifts. Thank you! And thanks be to God for you!
Though we are separated by distance and by pandemic challenges, I offer you this opportunity to connect with the Yale community and with the riches of our faith. On Dec. 6 at 5pm EST, we will be holding our annual university-wide Service of Lessons and Carols, collaborating with more ministry partners than ever to sing our beloved carols and be immersed in the beauty of choral anthems… all via Zoom, of course! As sad as it is to not be in our beloved Battell Chapel, the gift is that YOU might be there! (Go here to register for the zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/YaleLessonsandCarols2020)
As I write this note, we are a few days away from what will be a most unusual Thanksgiving. I pray that you will find, in these days, many reasons to feel the kind of deep gratitude that can give us relief from the heartaches and worries that threaten to weigh us down.
God bless you and enfold you in the loving care that your soul most needs,
Kari Henkelmann Keyl
University Lutheran Ministry of New Haven (LuMin at Yale)
Text/Call 203-200-7589
What’s Coming Up
11/23/20 Thanksgiving Break Begins
12/2/20 Final Fall Taizé (Alumni and Friends Welcome!) https://rebrand.ly/Taize-Prayer
12/6/20 Lessons and Carols https://tinyurl.com/YaleLessonsandCarols2020
12/18/20 Last Day of Finals for Fall 2020
