April 10, 2024
Pastor Scott and Pastor Melissa
Submitted by Katie Plakos '11
When I think about my time at CLU, so many memories come rushing back. But a theme to my time there was being in the Samuelson chapel, and how that intertwined with so many of my passions. I spent many, many hours there in choir rehearsals and concerts. At my senior vocal recital, the most terrifying moment of my college career was also the first moment my extended family set foot on campus. As a Campus ministry intern and Common Ground leader, I spent most of my senior year in the chapel. Whether we were there planning, laughing, crying, or studying, I was always welcome. Given all that time, it is even more powerful that a single memory stands out. One day, the pastors agreed that I could practice piano on the beautiful Steinway in the chapel. I can still feel the sensation of filling that space with Debussy, Grieg, and hymns. After that day, I returned often, under the pretense of preparing for recitals or taking a break from classes. But that time for me was prayer. It was renewal. When I made music in that glorious space, it was a celebration of everything that CLU had to offer. The campus pastors and campus ministry program supported me in so many ways, and in my mind, that is synonymous with the chapel itself. I know that the mentorship, support, and love from Pastor Scott and Pastor Melissa forever shaped who I am today. The gift of that chapel space is something I envy in today’s students, and I hope they feel the holiness and joy that I did. That is why I give to campus ministry!