“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Philippians 2:1-2
A few weekends ago, Fourth Fellows participated in the National Fellows Conference, held in McLean, Virginia at McLean Presbyterian Church. Our schedule allowed plenty of time to build community with those outside our class, but we also took advantage of a few hours each afternoon to explore simply in one another’s company. The weather was beautiful, just on the cusp of winter, and some golden leaves remained on the trees. We treasured the hours of sunshine in the midst of a few cooler days. I felt so grateful to be where I was and that those who had journeyed a long way to D.C. could experience God’s beauty in the city.
While I found some beauty in the outdoor “expedentures” (my made-up word to combine experience and adventure) we embarked on, the most beautiful thing to witness this weekend were the diverse relationships present. I had the chance to reunite with old friends from my alma mater, Grove City College, which really encouraged me. It felt like a small piece of home to be together again! However, the new friendships I made through this conference brought me so much joy and an eagerness to soak in every moment of the short time we shared. The conference cultivated in my heart a deeper appreciation for the wide range of backgrounds and perspectives woven into this organization. We bring various gifts and interests to the table, yet we are unified in a common goal to follow Christ in the beginnings of a new season of life. That truth was clearly portrayed in our conversations around meals and the talks given during sessions!
This conference created a space for organic relationships to form in the spontaneous adventures that occurred between the programmed events each day. Truly something to celebrate! I met a girl from the Orlando program and we chatted on the metro for half an hour, only to find out we already share mutual friends through The Fellows Initiative. Another girl from Birmingham, who sat next to me during a breakout, told me that she went to college with my sister! I really believe the church body is incredibly gifted at making the world feel small and fostering these sweet connections.
The biggest highlight from the weekend was the opportunity I had to facilitate worship alongside other D.C. fellows on the music team. As a band, we quickly bonded in our rehearsals and enjoyed rich fellowship through creating a joyful noise and unique sound to praise our Creator. It deeply blessed me to play with such talented individuals in an artistic setting, magnifying the name of Jesus in our laughter, mistakes, prayers, and songs. He is a good Father who loves to give His children good gifts! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
“Let those be thy choicest companions who have made Christ their chief companion.” – Thomas Brooks
About the Author
Maddie Mills is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2025-2026. She is from Clovis, California and is a graduate of Grove City College. This year, she is she is working at Fourth Presbyterian Church with the Communications, Youth, and Music departments.