NUrturing Faith

Sharing Stories from LCMNU

November 2024

Nurturing Seeds: Sophie Ruddy

Sophie Ruddy, a member of the Class of 2027, came to Northwestern in September 2023, having grown up in Iowa as a highly involved high schooler. Her activities were frequent and varied, covering the spectrum from mock trial events to sports competitions, YMCA summer camp for over ten summers, and programming at her local congregation.

LCMNU came on Sophie’s radar the summer before starting at NU. It can be a small world, and when Pastor Deanna heard through the Lutheran grapevine that Sophie would be a student at NU, Pastor Deanna reached out to Sophie and invited her to the open house and Back to School BBQ. Sophie’s encounter with campus ministry was underway, making it possible for the church to nurture the seeds of faith planted at baptism in a new context beyond parents, family, and home.

Sophie’s expectations for a faith experience at LCMNU were modest, anticipating a passive, low-commitment, and surface-level engagement. She didn’t foresee being too involved but was curious enough to try it. It was a significant surprise when the ministry challenged her to be more active, participate in deeper theological discussions, and give back.

At first, it seemed too much. While Sophie processed the larger ask she was feeling, she kept being drawn back by a pastor who showed interest and concern for her, a theology that emphasized there was nothing she could do for God to love her any more or less, and older students who were genuine, mature, and supportive. As Sophie navigated some typical freshman challenges, she realized the safe and affirming community at LCMNU seemed like home and was just what she needed.

By the end of the school year, Sophie discerned that “religion plays a role beyond thinking and understanding, but also putting those things into action.” She felt proud to be part of LCMNU and open to sharing her involvement with others. She also agreed to grow in her leadership in her sophomore year by serving on the Student Leadership Board and as a student minister. Sophie’s first-year journey at LCMNU surprised her with the new ways her faith flourished. As Sophie discussed it, she laughed, expressed gratitude, and confidently stated, “This is who I am.”