5. 9:30 Focus Group (Part 1)

9:30-10:30 Group Interview
Saturday 11/18, Library
Hal led, Amy took notes

Name - years involved at CR - course of study or job, level of involvement at CR

Brett - 1 1/2yrs. student, mech. engineer, web page design, flautist & choir at Christus Rex
Stan - 5yrs. non-trad. Student, student teaching. Works at Target and security at hospital. (Deacon)
Jane - 4yrs. senior in rec therapy, educational ministry chair (Deacon)
Peggy - 7-8yrs. Associate VP for finance at UND. Part of Presidents Cabinet, was the comptroller, wonderful finance person, Christus Rex treasurer, understands mission. Has a daughter who is a senior at UND who is also a part of Christus Rex community
Lillian - no direct - relates with all campus ministries. At UND for 27 years, Dean of Students, Ass't VP of student affairs, a friend from the U side, not involved in day to day, supportive. always in attendance for opening worship, active member of Sharon Lutheran Church on south side (Kathy's spouse is pastor there)
Barb - 5-6 yrs. Graduated from UND last year, now works full time as a middle school music teacher in Grand Forks. Newly married, still worships and is a deacon at Christus Rex. (Deacon)

Begin…

Lillian - The real reason we come to Christus Rex is the food. Done with flair - opening of school, grad day - relatives of those moving in and graduating feel so welcome. This is a hospitable place

FF: Why is Christus Rex important?

Jane - feeling like home, connecting with other people. Feel better because people know you, you want to stop in here. Tim invited Jane and a friend to chat when he saw them around at worship, made space for them to share their gifts, be a part of leadership activities and committees. Deacons a whole family itself within the family of Christus Rex. There's always a face here that you know and are glad to see

Stan - I'd been away from the church for 5 years. Came here to evening service, Tim's sermon impressed me - well read, not shame based. I kept showing up at night. One day Tim tapped on the shoulder and asked if he could talk to me for a minute. I thought I did something wrong. Tim invited me to be a deacon. And I've been involved here ever since.

Barb - feels like home, welcoming hospitable atmosphere. Feels like there is place here for everyone. Tim and Kathy hospitable, make people feel like they have gifts to offer and help you try to find out what they are.

Brett - two residents that live here, make it feel like home. Always someone to talk to. People come into Tabula to study and make themselves at home. People come in and play piano if they want, even if they don't worship here, and that's ok.
I came and sat by myself and sang and K said you have a great voice, found out he played flute, so now I play in flute duet for the liturgy every week. A lot of satisfaction out of doing that for service, nice to have that opportunity because I really don't at home.
Tabula a big addition. First year, I came to Tabula all the time but didn't worship here. Tim and Kathy hang out in the coffee shop and if they recognize they'll come and talk. You become part of the community

Lillian - an aura of unconditional love - very rare in the rest of the world. Reminds me there are some wonderful people on this campus. Helps you remember that all people want to be this kind and this good and this forgiving. Helps with living and interacting.
Also, in academics there is intense arguing of point of view - not so much affirming, relaxing. Questioning process can be wearing an isolating, but here is welcomed and encouraged with respect. Expectation that conversation will be respectful.
Accepting piece - Kathy being outrageous. Listen to the laughter - her behavior says whoever you are and whatever you are thinking its ok. She takes humor to a theatrical from that we wouldn't dare. (Peggy-it's liberating)

Peggy - personally a place where I'm welcomed accepted valued affirmed, a safe place to be, lots of wonderful people who come through its doors, a place to interact with students in a diff capacity than job, but also helps me do my job better. Reciprocate in a way - can use my skills to be of value to Christus Rex, they value what I do much higher than I do and that feels ok, too. Lots of activities take place here and feel fortunate to participate.
Questioning a way to understand more, to connect.
They recognize your gift and they don't take no for an answer.

FF: How has Christus Rex improved your faith?