Reflections on a Challenging Term
Written by Students Minister Emily Huggard
Dear Students,
What a term it has been! For many of you, this term has been deeply challenging and yet, for others, it has been far better than you ever could have hoped! Some of you have had first-hand experience of Covid-19 whilst many of you have isolated at least once (if not multiple times…)! Some of you have experienced deep loneliness and anxiety, whilst others have grown closer to housemates and hallmates in comradery for this strange season. We’ve welcomed back returning students and we’ve loved connecting with new students – both undergrad and postgrad, from UoN and NTU. Whatever your experience has been this term, I want to say ‘well done’ for making it through – you’ve made it to Christmas!
Perhaps the biggest joy in my role as Student Minister is that, where you may only see and hear about the experiences of the few students that you journey more closely with at St Nic’s (and this has only been exasperated through lockdown), I get the privilege of seeing some of the bigger picture that God is weaving together. And so, I wanted to write to you at the end of this unique term to draw your attention to some of the bigger storylines that I believe God is writing in the lives of students at St Nic’s. I hope, that in doing so, this will encourage you as you reflect back on this term and look ahead to 2021.
Firstly, God’s work in you is not on hold. In a year where so much else has been put on hold, it would be easy to fall into the trap of believing that God’s work in you has also paused. But this is not the case, in fact, with God, there is no wasted time! In Romans 8:28, Paul says ‘that in all things God works for the good of those who love him’. I have had so many conversations with students this term where it is so clear to see how God is using this season to work good in you – to draw you deeper into intimacy with Him and make you more Christlike. I’ve had conversations with students who are healthily wrestling through big theological issues; conversations about how to go about praying; I’ve heard how God is speaking to you through scripture; how God is answering prayer like you have never seen before; how God is teaching you perseverance in faith and how God is working through you to draw your friends nearer to Him. Be encouraged that, whatever you may feel, God’s work in you is not on hold.
Secondly, this term we have seen community being built. As restrictions have continuously changed and as we’ve moved from plan A to B to C (etc…), I’ve been so impressed by the commitment to community that so many of you have shown and the resilience you have grown in as you’ve pressed through the zoom fatigue for the love and sake of others. It’s often been said that the welcome and community is one of the most attractive features of St Nic’s to new students, and it’s been a joy to hear this continue to be said this Autumn term! I’ve loved hearing stories of the ways you’ve been building community with one another through walks, zoom bake-alongs, games nights and more! Be encouraged that, even though we may have had to work harder for it, community is still being built.
And finally, students are still (if not more!) hungry for God. My biggest prayer for this term was that we, at St Nic’s, would be led by God into connection with the students who really needed us. And we have seen this prayer answered time and time again. I have been so struck this fresher season by the number of students who are returning to or re-engaging with their faith after a time away - freshers who recognise that they are at a pivotal point in their walk with God. Something in 2020, something of the big questions that Covid-19 has provoked, something of the desire for hope in this season has led students to hunger and seek for someone bigger, sovereign over it all – God. If this is you, know that we had been praying for you before we’d even met.
Another exciting initiative of this term has been ‘Knock and Pray’ – where we’ve spent time knocking on the doors of student houses and asking how we can pray for them. All of us involved have been overwhelmed by the openness with which students have answered their doors and their desire to be prayed for. Over the last few years we have prayed many a prayer at Student Prayer for the students of Nottingham to have their hearts stirred and opened to God and in this last term we have encountered this prayer being answered more than ever. Be encouraged because, in the challenge of this season, students are growing hungrier for God.
God is still at work in you, community is still being built and students are still hungry for God – if not more open than ever! As you rest and replenish over Christmas, let me invite you to reflect on this term yourself, inviting God to show you where He has been at work. You may find these questions helpful…
· How has God been at work in you this term? Ask God where He wants to work in you in 2021.
· What has 2020 taught you about the importance of church community? How will you play your part in building community in 2021?
· Thinking of your friends, housemates and coursemates, where have you seen a fresh hunger or openness to God? How might God be calling you to step out in boldness as you share your faith in 2021?
As you reflect on these things, I hope and pray that you know deep rest and peace over the Christmas season. May God replenish, re-strengthen and re-inspire you to live more for His glory in 2021.
Have a great Christmas!
Love Emily
(St Nic’s Student Minister)