Faces of Faith – Nicole

Nicole found St. John’s and True North Campus Ministry at a difficult time in her life. Her dad was diagnosed with cancer. Her mom was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away shortly after. As an only child, she was very close to her parents. A close neighbor, Carolyn Curtis, noticed and invited her to church. In Nicole’s own words, “Everyone was so friendly at St. John’s—lots of smiling faces. The pastor even came down to meet me.” Nicole confessed she didn’t come from a religious background; she didn’t even go to church growing up. But she knew that this was where she was supposed to be. She felt at home.

The church continued to be her home when she faced tough times. When she was struggling with health issues and could only work 10-15 hours a week, she found a natural place to serve as the Administrative Assistant of the church. She was there for the church when it was going through tough times too. COVID plus a long pastoral vacancy meant that there were lots more to do: planning services, newsletters, helping vacancy pastors, and especially keeping everyone together and connected with God’s Word. When the college students couldn’t meet on-campus for Bible studies, Diane Hofer (the Events Coordinator) and Nicole helped the students transition to meeting at church. It became their home too.

Nicole continues to serve as the Administrative Assistant of St. John’s and True North. She mostly does stuff behind the scenes, but she still enjoys making calls and talking to others, being a friendly face. “I love people, I try to make them feel welcome. To make the church a safe place to go.”

From Samuel Lor, campus ministry pastor at True North Campus Ministry in Minneapolis, Minn.