I will never forget the first time I attended University United Methodist Church. It was the Sunday before I started college at Texas Christian University. I had received an email because I apparently checked a box saying I was Methodist on some survey at some point in the college application process. Anyway, the email was from Dillon Burns, the president of the TCU Wesley- a Methodist campus ministry- and he said that a group of students would be meeting at Frog Fountain to walk to a local Methodist church on Sunday morning at 10:30 and everyone was invited. I was nervous but I found a girl in my dorm who was interested in trying out some local churches and agreed to go with me that day. We met Dillon and his girlfriend (now wife- their wedding was beautiful) Jennifer at the fountain and there was some small talk and first day of school advice given as we walked to University. I don’t remember the specifics but I remember feeling loved and welcomed at University. The next day I got a phone call from the minister, Beth just wanting to check in on how my first day went. From that day forward, I knew University was my home.
I had never spent a considerable time in a church before so University was my first church home. I love that we take way too long to greet one another at the service because everyone has to hug everyone, even the people across the sanctuary. I love that we don’t care if people are wearing three piece suits or tank tops and running shorts in our services. I love that even when we couldn’t use our sanctuary for more than 6 months due to hail damage, we all stayed positive and were willing to be flexible. I love that when our building was finally done being renovated, we didn’t just get excited about our beautiful new facility for ourselves but we saw it as a gift from God and an opportunity to bring more people into the church. I love that we have a passion for serving in the community and host events at a local park to involve the community, not just our church. I love that we have a heart for missions abroad and in our own community. I love that we have Berry Sweet Babies, a ministry for teen mothers finishing school that allows them to get clothing and baby supplies at no cost. I love that we have incredible potlucks. I love that we are hosting Project Transformation at our church for the program’s inaugural year in Fort Worth. I could go on and on for hours about all the reasons I love this church, my church, but ultimately, it comes down to the people. I LOVE the people at University.
I was an 18 year old college student who had no idea what I was doing stepping into a church. I knew I loved Jesus and that was about it. University took me in and helped me grow in so many ways. I volunteered at Berry Sweet Babies, helped with the Halloween Carnival, led a small group at Go (our week long summer children’s “camp”), helped with the Youth group, helped teach elementary Sunday school, and went on several mission trips to Mexico and a trip to Guatemala with other members of our church. I wish I could thank every single person who made an impact on my time at University but there are simply too many.
To everyone at University- thank you. I love y’all and will always cherish the time I spent at University. Y’all are the reason that saying goodbye this Sunday will be so hard. I know University will continue to be a place that is open to all and that this church will continue to be a place where the love of Jesus transforms lives.
