Kelden Cook: “More Than a Church” (Grad Sunday)

There are many reasons why I like Pres House. Food, of course. Fun events. Great people.  Worshipping God, of course. I really enjoy myself here, truly. But, as I begin to think about what my life will look like after I graduate, I’m really worried I’m not going to find another place like Pres House. I am going to miss this place, but it’s difficult to describe why.

Will I miss the free food? Honestly, only kind of… I mean, I do love free food, but is it really the reason that I come back here week after week? Maybe that is the reason for some of you, but it isn’t for me. Will I miss the fun events? Sure, I have had a lot of fun here! I have great memories both from Sundays and from weekly gatherings and from special events. But that also isn’t what draws me back to this place. Will I miss the people? Will I miss you guys? Yes, of course I’m going to miss you guys, but I hope I didn’t have to write this reflection for you all to know that. It’s going to hurt to see y’all less frequently, but that doesn’t get to the root of why I am sad I’m leaving. Other times that I have moved across the country haven’t felt quite the same. What is it about this community that I am going to miss?

To me, this is more than a church. We share quite a bit of time together, and there are a lot more activities than just worship. But, at the same time, we are more than just a friend group. What we have here, and what I am really going to miss, is a community that understands what it means to embody Christ. Some of you are incredible at making people feel welcome here; not only welcome to be in community, but also welcome to be ourselves. I admire that. Some of you are ready to volunteer for the service of others, so that they can be fed and feel heard. I admire that. Some of you are ready and willing to fight for justice and a world that values mercy. I admire that. I admire this community because it is clear that the Holy Spirit lives within each of you. I believe this because I have seen it and I have felt it. And I’m going to miss it.

Kelden Cook (he/him) graduates in May 2025 with a Masters in dairy chemistry.