Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., a small circle of students meet in the senior café to read the bible, share prayer requests and keep each other accountable in their faith. The study began last spring, after senior Katlyn Shinkle and junior Lacey Jennings decided they wanted a smaller, close-knit bible study group.

“I wanted a small group of girls that I could connect with on a deeper level, and I get the chance to lead them in the Gospel, to have those deeper conversations about God’s word,” Jennings said.

The group meets at 7:30 on Wednesdays in the commons. Shinkle shares how they normally take advantage of the early morning.

“Usually we get there and start by saying how our week was, how we saw Jesus, then we get into reading by breaking [the passages] into verses around the table,” Shinkle said. “After we read, Lacey will have some questions for us, and we’ll talk about the questions, what we read, and our thoughts. Then after, we’ll have prayer requests, do a quick prayer, and go to class.”

Senior Kylie Stegner sees the bible study as an example of the importance of growing faith as a young person, which is something she cares deeply about.

“Building faith from a young age is important [to me] because it brings so much joy to my life- There’s nothing like it,” Stegner said. “Building your faith early makes it easier later because you already know [God].”

Overall, the bible study has been a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into their faith, which is why Jennings hopes that it can continue.

“I hope that our Bible study will grow here at Mill Valley, and I just really hope that we can find ways to serve here at Mill Valley and to spread the gospel,” Jennings said.