Interview with Laura Jones, Christians United Society

President of the Christians United society, Laura Jones is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12) at UNE and has recently caught up with us (via the web) to tell us how the society has been able to keep up their regular events such as weekly bible studies and prayer meetings, as well as some of the fun iso-projects they have been up to! Minecraft-enthusiasts you might like this one!!… 👾

How has Christians United adapted to the changes on campus in response to the Government restrictions?

Being separated has been one of the biggest challenges during the lockdown. Not only have we not been able to gather weekly for bible studies, prayer meetings and other social events, but some of our members have had to travel back home as well. One of the great joys of Christians United is being able to meet together to encourage one another and spur each other on, and so not being able to do this has been really hard.

However, we have been blessed with amazing technology that has allowed us to be able to continue to meet together virtually. All of our weekly events are now happening over Zoom, which has been a lot better than not being able to meet at all!

What are some of your top tips for staying connected as a club during this time?

We have attempted to provide a range of different events at various times to attempt to accommodate all of our members. For example, we have changed the night of our weekly bible study meetings, so that there is a meeting on four different nights of the week.

We have also added different social events to try to encourage people to continue meeting together virtually. For example, we have weekly Minecraft challenges and Jackbox Games. Besides having a range of different events that people can join in on, we have also been interviewing some of our members and posting the interview on our clubs Facebook page in an effort to stay connected.

Most importantly, remaining positive and motivated and continually checking in on people has been important throughout this time.

What’s the best thing about being involved in Christians United?

Being a part of Christians United has been such an amazing experience. One of the aims of Christians United is to strengthen Christians in their faith and witness. My faith has deepened and matured more than I could have imagined over the last 3 ½ years I have been part of the group. To have had the chance to meet and get to know the people who are a part of this club has been an absolute joy. They are not just fellow members, but fellow Christians – which makes them family.

Describe your study space

I live in a share house in Armidale, and I have been able to stay here for the past 6 weeks or so during lockdown. I study at the dinning room table most of the time, or at the table out the back (when the sun is shining nicely). ☀️

What are some of the iso-projects you have been working on!

Our group has decided to hold a Talent Show, so I have been spending time working out what my talent is and then practicing it – a lot! I have also taken up trying to learn a new language!

What do you look most forward to when restrictions are properly eased?

I look forward to our group being able to meet together in person again. Zoom meetings are fantastic because we are still able to meet, but they are not the same. I look forward to the day when we can all be in the same place at the same time again.

What have you enjoyed about staying at home?

I have enjoyed things slowing down a bit. It has made me appreciate the things that I still have – even just being able to sit outside in the sun, reading a book, or doing some gardening. I have also really enjoyed spending some quality time with my housemates!

Community is everything – especially as a student. Connect with people who have similar interests or studies as you.

Follow Christian United on their journey or see the range of Clubs and Societies here.