On Monday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Bridges, a women’s fellowship and discipleship group, held its second session in Glover Hall.
This study serves as an opportunity for women across campus — who were carefully selected by the office of Student Discipleship and Engagement — to connect through Scripture, prayer and community.
Each session begins with attendees gathering around a table to share a meal from Brewer Dining Hall, followed by an introduction to that evening’s guest speaker. This structure allows the attendees to hear wisdom from different female leaders across campus.
Beth Madison, associate professor of science in the School of Adult and Professional Studies, led this session with a talk on finding contentment in suffering.
Madison shared her experience living with chronic illness and how she was able to find joy amid a period of mental and physical pain. Through sharing, the attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own walk with Christ and the lessons they could apply.
Fran Thomas, assistant director for campus ministry and women’s discipleship, said the study creates spaces for connection with busy student schedules.
“I love the meaning behind gathering behind a table, and getting to know each other in an intimate way,” Thomas said. “And learning from a speaker on how we can love the Lord and one another well.”
As the attendees were challenged with deeper, reflective questions, many began to bridge gaps and uplift each other in a Christ-like way.
When deciding the most efficient way to meet this purpose for Bridges, Thomas said it took time to determine how best to meet its purpose.
“Often when you inherit something, you have to take the time to figure out what you want to accomplish with this,” Thomas said. “I knew it was important to gather around a table with a variety of young women so that we could get to know one another, genuinely love one another and therefore genuinely support one another.”
This journey for Thomas started with early 6 a.m. Monday meetings, leaving her wanting more turnout and feeling like something was missing. Now, she is hopeful and excited for this new season of Bridges.
Haiven Potts, sophomore public relations and political science major, said that a commitment for the four weeks together “with peers and faculty mentors to learn, discuss, and pray over what God is doing, is the epitome of faith integration into my every day life here at Union.”
She added that her time in Bridges has deepended her discipleship through both faculty mentors and friendships with fellow students.
To close the session, Madison read Scripture and provided verses for the women to take home and refer to. This was also given to the women so they may apply it to their daily walk in Christ, and in their journey navigating how to find joy in unexpected, difficult trials.
Ultimately, Thomas said her hope is that Bridges helps women learn how to love and support one another well. Through fellowship and faith, the group continues to live out its purpose of showing that women truly are better together.
