The story of Rachael Styer, Yale '12 and President of the Luther House Student Organization. Email her at rachael.styer@yale.edu

"Like many students coming into Yale I decided that at school I would
explore the religious community, see what it was all about, and hopefully I would find a place that I would feel welcomed and comfortable, a place where I could learn about religion and grow in faith without feeling pressured or uncertain. After being contacted by Luther House early in my freshman year I began attending services regularly because the small, friendly community and beauty of the liturgy really inspired me to keep coming back. Luther House was, and still is, perfect for me because it combines elements of the traditional Lutheran worship found in a large congregation with the elements
of hominess and comfort that I really need as a college student. At Luther House we have a lot of fun together by doing things such as caroling at a local nursing home over Christmas, going on a hike and holding informal worship outdoors, and having dinner together after worship on Sundays. Luther House is a really special place for me, and for all who find a home there. Welcome!

The story of Ben Crosby, member of the class of 2013:

"When I finally made the decision to attend Yale in the spring of 2009, I checked “Lutheran” on the Chaplain’s Office card provided in the admission materials – it seemed the logical thing to do, as I did indeed identify with the particular branch of the Christian faith tradition known as Lutheranism. I came to Yale both hopeful and apprehensive about what my college faith journey might look like; for while I certainly considered myself a Lutheran Christian, I was nonetheless beset by doubts and questions and looking for the sort of peer faith community
which I was unable to find in the Midwestern church in which I grew up. After a year spent at Yale, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to say that my faith experience at Yale has been one that has been often exhilarating, occasionally terrifying, but always powerful – and that Luther House has become an integral part of this faith journey. Indeed, in after-dinner discussions, Bible studies, and even sermons
themselves, questioning and doubts are treated not as the enemies of faith but rather as necessary components of it, and the strength of the community allows Lutherans with divergent views to both honestly voice their opinions and still exist in communion with each other."