Meeting in person for the first time in two years, the Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) Leadership Fellows Program gathered at the Historic Banning Mills retreat center outside of Atlanta, Georgia on November 4-7. One of the recurring themes of the weekend was community and how to build and develop a Christ-centered community. For me, community is a central part of my life as a believer, and I appreciate all the opportunities that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has given me to be a part of an engaging and accepting community. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, creating intentional community has been a major challenge for me. Having the opportunity to gather with other Disciples, both old and new friends alike, was refreshing and encouraging in the midst of an overwhelming semester. One of the things that stood out the most to me was how quickly we all were able to connect and form relationships after just meeting.
One of the highlights of the weekend for me was having the opportunity to travel to Atlanta on Saturday afternoon and getting the chance to walk around the Martin Luther King Center. The MLK Center consists of the birthplace of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where MLK preached, and his final resting place, among other things. To be in the place where one of the greatest American heroes is buried was an experience like no other, and I am grateful to have shared that experience with fellow justice-seeking Disciples. I will forever cherish the opportunity that HELM gives us to meet people from all different places and backgrounds while learning more about our Creator and the world around us.