Dear Friends of UKirk,
As we near the close of the fall semester, we are grateful for the ways in which your support continues to nurture our students and strengthen our impact at MTSU. It’s been a semester full of lots of highs, and unfortunately, some tragic lows.
We've turned camping into an annual UKirk activity--UCamp! This year we headed to Natchez Trace State Park where one of our students works as a seasonal interpretive ranger. With Ranger Jayden leading the way, we had the opportunity to venture out from the campsites and participate in a variety of fun and educational activities. Despite the rainy weather, our group braved a pontoon cruise on Pin Oak Lake and enjoyed archery lessons, all led by Jayden.
The beauty of God's creation was on display all weekend. Temperatures were mild, leaves were colorful, and at least one night had some of the students saying, "I don't know if I've ever seen this many stars". It was a great time with good food, laughter, and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of campus life.
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
The Monday after UCamp, our campus was shaken by the tragic loss of Serenity Birdsong, an MTSU student who took her own life in the MTSU Library. Serenity's passing has deeply affected many of our students, and we are doing our best to provide a space where they feel safe to grieve, reflect, and support one another. Over the years, we’ve been intentional about creating an environment at UKirk where students know they can open up, share their struggles, and find a community of care. We've leaned even more into that now.
Serenity's death underscores why the work we do is so important. Our students, many of whom are away from home and facing academic and personal pressures, need places to belong — places where they can find hope and healing. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to provide that space.
This coming Thursday, our board of directors, campus minister, and UKirk alum Rita Shacklett will be preparing a delicious Thanksgiving meal for our students. We’re excited to share this time of good food and fellowship with them. After the meal, we will continue our annual "hanging the greens" tradition and put up all of the Christmas decorations!
Once students return from their well-deserved break (Thanksgiving), it will be time to prepare for finals, and with that, our annual UKirk Christmas party! We’re hopeful these final events will leave students with a sense of joy and peace as they head into the winter break.
As we close out this semester — one that has had its challenges and heartaches — we ask for your continued prayers for our students. Please pray for peace, healing, and strength for them as they navigate these final weeks. Your partnership and support mean so much to us and to the students we serve. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to UKirk MTSU as we approach year-end giving.
Thank you again for your commitment to the work we do. We couldn’t do it without you.
Blessings,
Rev. Micah Watson
UKirk MTSU
615-692-2742
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