There’s always something going on at Princeton: a paper due at 11:59 PM, Triangle Club trying to sell the last few tickets for their upcoming show, a friend making dinner plans. There is a certain join in the busyness. With that being said, I believe it’s also important to find some peace.
In my case, I find peace with the Princeton Presbyterians. We gather for worship service (also known as “Breaking Bread”) every Sunday at 6:30 PM in Nassau Presbyterian Church. We also meet every Monday for Small Group in Murray Dodge Hall to discuss biblical themes. Our services are open to undergraduate and graduate students, while our small groups are only to undergraduate students. But regardless, we are inclusive of all faith backgrounds.
I first learned about Princeton Presbyterians last April, while working as a Community Action Fellow with the Pace Center for Civic Engagement. While I knew many of the prospective orientation leaders from my residential college (Forbes College), one is particular I knew because she performs improv comedy with someone from my Zee Group. Yet I was surprised that one of my fellow Community Action Fellows also knew her through Princeton Presbyterians. After learning more about the group, I agreed to go with my coworker to church that Sunday.
Initially, I was a bit nervous to go because I belong to a large Baptist church in Somerset, New Jersey. Because of the size our pastor isn’t always accessible. But as soon as I walked into Nassau Presbyterian Church, the pastors welcomed me with open arms. They're always excited to learn more about the classes and student organizations I'm in, and they are very accommodating of my sensory and dietary needs. My pastors are more than willing to meet me outside of church as well, taking me out to Small World or Bent Spoon for conversation. These acts of kindness, to some students, may sound small but combined they show that Princeton Presbyterians consistently see us as people and cares.
We also have monthly dinners after service that allow us to know each other better. And know them, I do. Even if I don’t see certain students at “Breaking Bread” for a few weeks, it feels like time never passes when we’re together. I know that they will always make me laugh, smile, and think more critically about my relationship with God--and I am happy to do the same for them.
Joining Princeton Presbyterians was, by far, the best decision I made in April of my freshman year. I am not only proud to bond with students over our shared faith in God, but proud to belong to a small, close-knit family that accepts each other for who we are.
I belong to a family who brings me peace at Princeton no matter what mood I’m in.