One of the greatest gifts of being a United Methodist is our connectional nature—the way our ministries, missions, and relationships intertwine to form something stronger together than we could ever be apart. It’s a defining feature of who we are as a faith community, and one that I’ve come to deeply appreciate in my own ministry journey.
When I served as Campus Ministry Director, I had the privilege of connecting with a wide variety of groups within the college community. Now, in my shared role at West Liberty University and Christ United Methodist Church, those opportunities for connection have multiplied in ways I never imagined.
The lines between campus and church often blur—in the best possible way—and I’m truly grateful for each moment I get to serve as a “Blessed Connection.”
Through this shared ministry, I’ve witnessed how God’s love flows across boundaries and brings people together:
- House of the Carpenter – Supporting families and children by donating needed items, joining their Trunk or Treat event, and giving to Christmas Kids.
- Campus Ministry Students – Living out their faith by helping with Trick or Treat on the Quad, babysitting for children of the WVUMC Justice and Advocacy Team, tie-dying shirts with Girl Scout Troop #10467, and helping with food security by providing weekly backpacks for West Liberty Elementary School and assisting with Thanksgiving food boxes for Warwood UMC.
- West Liberty University Community – Partnering with the Women’s Soccer Team to teach Girl Scouts about health and teamwork, offering pet blessings for students and staff, being invited to join the Veteran’s Luncheon and Recognition program, and joining student groups to pack food for the local backpack program.
- Messy Church – After a wonderful and joy-filled Vacation Bible School this summer, the four participating churches decided to keep the spirit going by offering a monthly alternative worship experience — Messy Church! Messy Church is a welcoming, Christ-centered gathering for people of all ages and faith backgrounds. Each month, we come together to share a meal, hear a message from Jesus, and enjoy hands-on activities and music that bring faith to life in creative and meaningful ways. This collaborative ministry includes Christ United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, St. Mark Lutheran, and Vance Presbyterian Church, with gatherings rotating among the four locations from 6:00 – 7:30 PM on the first Monday of each month. We’d love for you to join us for this joyful time of connection, creativity, and community. Come as you are — there’s a place for everyone at Messy Church!
- United Women in Faith – Studying together through Response Magazine, engaging in mission work that uplifts women and children, making a new friend and receiving an invitation to attend Sight & Sound’s Joshua performance in 2026, receiving Calvary UWF local unit donation, and serving on the House of the Carpenter Board of Directors as District President.
- Girl Scouts – Teaming up with Laurie Ruberg and Christie Hill to lead programs for more than a dozen girls at Laughlin Chapel, opening doors for them to explore new experiences through both the Church and West Liberty University.
Each of these moments—big or small—reminds me that connection is at the heart of discipleship. As Christians, we are called to offer ourselves in service to our neighbors, to be the hands and feet of Christ in every setting we find ourselves.
Our connections matter. They create opportunities to share the Good News, to lift others up, and to simply be present with those who need to see and feel God’s love in action. So, I encourage you to look closely at where your own lines cross and overlap. You may be surprised at how God is already using your connections to make a difference.
I give thanks to each of you who helps make these ministries possible. Together, we are the Blessed Connection—living, loving, and serving as one community in Christ.
Diann Nickerson,
Family Life Coordinator & Director of Campus Ministry