Priceless
In between classes and Bread+Belonging gatherings, Kylie (‘26) is often at the university’s map library where they work several shifts each week. They first got into maps in a geography course, and love how maps tell complex stories about places and people.
Kylie grew up what they describe as “vaguely Christian,” but by the time they came to college, they were pretty uninterested in faith. Kylie first came to Bread+Belonging during their first year in part because they wanted a break from dining hall food. But they also came because they were “so tired of being deeply resentful of church,” Kylie remembers, “and I just wanted to give it a chance.”
A spring break trip to Holden Village and conversations in small group programs invited Kylie to experience faith community in new ways. A Queer Catechism group was “the first religious experience where I was allowed to ask challenging questions,” Kylie recalls. “It was awesome! I got to learn things. That was really huge for me.” Bread+Belonging also offered meaningful connections to the intergenerational side of church life. During their time in Boulder, Kylie has worshiped with St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church as well as Trinity Lutheran Church, and has become a big champion of B+B’s annual intergenerational Mardi Gras celebration. This wider community offered Kylie valuable support during a particularly challenging summer. “People were very obviously looking out for me,” Kylie remembers, “and that was really helpful in such a stressful time.”
As Kylie graduates this spring, they are getting ready to start a new chapter on the east coast with close friends they met at Bread+Belonging. They know that seeking out intentional community will be a high priority in their new home. Reflecting on what they are most grateful for during their time with B+B, it comes down to “the love,” KyIie says,” I just felt loved, and like people care. And gosh, that’s priceless, honestly!”
Your generosity sustains this faith community where students like Kylie can ask hard questions and be surrounded by a community of love and care. Thank you!