College & Adult Education Report
Following the somewhat ‘fallow’ 2021, 2022 was a year of joy and momentum for our ministry to college students. Easter was probably the highlight, with students packing the pews at all of the services. Bible studies were finally able to meet more consistently, and both of us were able to resume our regular lunches and coffees with students, many of whom had a lot on their minds following the chaos of pandemic life.
In April a handful of 4th year girls hosted a baby shower for Jen, which was very special and well attended. May saw us hosting the graduating 4th years at Dave’s house for a luncheon to celebrate and pray with them as they step out into their next chapter.
Over the summer Jen worked alongside Josh Bascom to make preparations for our new Undergrad Fellows program. Then in August we welcomed 21 students (3rd & 4th years) into the program. These fellows have breathed new life into our college ministry. The group meets weekly for a theology class hosted by Jen and Josh, and on Sundays they effectively run our 5pm service. The energy created by the program spilled over into the wider student body; on numerous Sunday evenings we ran out of food at dinner.
In November we mourned alongside the UVA community following the tragic murder of three football players. A group of heavy-laden undergrads spent that very evening at Jen’s house, enjoying a “Friendsgiving” meal and processing the tragedy together. Later that week Christ Church held a widely attended prayer service in our sanctuary. We wrapped the calendar year with a Study Day and Christmas Party in Meade Hall, with the students very grateful for a welcoming and cozy study space off grounds.
Looking forward into 2023 we are very optimistic, especially with the number of new students who began attending toward the end of the fall. A special prayer request is that more 2nd years would find their way through our doors, as COVID prevented us from getting to know that class very well.
David Zahl & Jenoa Sapunarich
In terms of adult education, we began the year with a short but fun offering on Grace at the Movies before moving on to four weeks from Marilu and Ethan on Communication and Mental Health. It proved a popular course, as well as an effective introduction to the Downtown Counseling Center. Paul then took the reins for his annual Confirmation class. In the Fall, Sam and I (DZ) taught on my new book, Low Anthropology, for six weeks before new hire Ben Self presented on the History of Christian Art.
Another highlight worth noting was the Low Anthropology book launch event in September, which brought out over 300 people to Woolen Mills on a Wednesday evening. I’ve also heard quite a bit from parishioners about the second season of The Brothers Zahl podcast, which came out during the summer and provided some intermediary theological reflection. I am gratified that those efforts resonate with our congregation so deeply.
Personally, I spent a great deal of the past few months traveling to promote my book around the country, which was fruitful but exhausting. I greatly look forward to refocusing my energies this year on teaching at CEC! What a supreme privilege it remains to serve on the staff of this remarkable church. It has been inspiring and encouraging to see our worship community ‘bounce back’ so enthusiastically after the hiccups of the past couple years. Praise God.
