Faces of Faith – Julia

Going into my first year of college was a big change for me. I was headed to Northern Michigan University, which was several hours away and in a different state from my home. I didn’t know anybody going there, and for the first time I was focusing the majority of my energy into theatre. All of these changes were honestly intimidating, especially the challenge of having to build an entire new support system and community. Finding Anchor Church in Marquette, and especially their campus ministry program, was the blessing I needed in this time of transition.

On my first Sunday at Anchor, I instantly felt welcomed by everyone in the church whether they were college students or not. I quickly got introduced to the music director, Sarah, as soon as Pastor Joe and his wife, Julie, found out that I play instruments and sing. The very next Sunday, I was singing in church and am now involved with music almost every weekend.

The even bigger blessing though is the campus ministry program. After church, all of us college students head over to Joe and Julie’s house to make brunch and have a Bible study. From eating good food to having conversations about difficult topics, I have found the community and reprieve I need. I have never felt closer to my faith than I do when I’m making music at Anchor and digging into the Bible with Pastor Joe and the other college students.

Written by Julia Neuman, student at Northern Michigan University