Community: Stories from our Fellowship Retreat

Many years ago, in September 2003, I began my studies at Trinity Lutheran College. A core memory of my experience is the powerful community developed with other students, faculty, and staff. When I arrived on campus—fresh out of high school—I was concerned that no one would talk to me, accept me for who I was, or that I would struggle to make new friends. These are common feelings—many that new students are experiencing today as fall term begins at colleges across the country. My new student fears were quickly assuaged as I started building what would become lifelong relationships with others. From praying together in the chapel, late-night trips to Denny's for pancakes and coffee to "study," walks around the loop with my future spouse, passing a pint of Ben and Jerry's around in a youth ministry class as we shared in conversation and sugary goodness, sneaking into a professor's office to "rearrange" their books, to taking over the faculty lounge for movies at 2 a.m. It was in these moments—shared with others in community—that God came close.

Now, many years later, our Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship students begin to experience the same sense of community. Arriving at our home for the week in Sedro-Woolley, we didn't know each other and wondered what the time together would be like. We listened to our new friends with open hearts and minds as we dived into conversation. We explored ways to care for creation and grabbed shovels and gloves to work the land with our friends from Circlewood on Camano Island. In the midst of learning about God's love for each of us and the promises of Jesus, we threw pizza dough in the air to make the perfect pie, gathered around the fire sharing about our elders who shape us while munching on warm freshly baked cookies, and experienced quiet moments of solitude sitting in nature, listening to God, journaling, and reading scripture.

As an alum from Trinity Lutheran College, now helping to lead the Trinity Education Foundation, I am filled with joy to see how the LBIS/TLC flame is burning brightly in our Fellowship program as we gather together in community and journey together.

Returning to my time at TLC, as a student in Professor Mark Jackson's hospitality course, I learned about the power of relationship and community that exists in the Triune God. The Trinity is in itself a powerful example of community. In class, I recall exploring Andrei Rublev's Trinity painting and discussing how we are invited into the space between God, Christ, and the Spirit. In this space, we all come together as a Christian community.

Trinity by Andrei Rublev (circa 1411)

That story came to mind as Fellows reflected at the end of the retreat. One Fellow shared how they never realized the importance of Christian community in their life until participating in the Fellowship retreat. Another Fellow shared about how they now feel a part of the Trinity family.

Indeed, the flame burns brightly as we center students in an environment where we cultivate a calling in community, driven by curiosity to partner with others in caring for and co-creating our world.

As the 2025-2026 academic year begins, our Scholars and Fellows return to college campuses to learn and grow. Through Trinity, they will participate in personalized coaching throughout the year: providing them with space and intention to explore themselves, spirituality, and more. In addition, our Fellows will gather online multiple times throughout the year to continue developing their community and exploring themes of creation and calling. Each Fellow will also be paired with a mentor from the Trinity community–creating a deeper integration and pathways for future development.

We cannot do this work alone, and we invite you to hold us and all of our Fellows and Scholars in prayer as the new year begins.

Please consider supporting our work financially. Your gifts propel us into the future and create transformational opportunities for our scholars and fellows as we work to address key concerns of young people:

• Financial barriers to education

• Unclear purpose and place in the world

• Loneliness and desire for community

• Eagerness to live harmoniously with creation

May you, too, sense the love of the community of God, Spirit, and Christ!

Ryan Ingersoll (BA '07)

Executive Director