Created for Community: Courtney and Ava

Created for Community is a summer series where we highlight communities founded or built by connections at SMPC. We are so grateful for the many ways our church comes together to build community!

A connection we make through SMPC – no matter how circuitous – might just change everything. That was especially true for two recent UNC-Chapel Hill graduates – Courtney, who is an SMPC member and the daughter of Nancy and Craig Parrish, and Ava, who is the daughter of SMPC Communications Director Cheryl Perry and her husband, John.

Despite being the same age and growing up within a few miles of each other, Courtney and Ava didn’t meet until the growing vine of SMPC connected them at UNC in 2023.

Courtney was a member of the Presbyterian Campus Ministry (PCM), a ministry of University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill that meets weekly for dinner and a program. When she heard through SMPC channels that Ava had transferred to UNC as a sophomore and was looking to make new friends, Courtney didn’t hesitate to reach out to invite Ava to PCM. She met Ava on campus, introduced her to a couple of other friends, and made sure she felt included during her first PCM dinner and program.

“I remembered how hard it was meeting new people and finding a community at UNC, and I wanted to help Ava do that in any way I could,”  said Courtney. “Little did I know that by reaching out, I was meeting one of my best friends for life. I continue to be grateful to SMPC, even though I no longer attend every Sunday, because it has given me wonderful people like Ava.”

After their initial meetup, the two were inseparable. Not only did they attend PCM together every Thursday, but they went on beach retreats, attended UNC sporting events, stormed Franklin St. after UNC Basketball’s win over Duke, and enjoyed all the big and little moments of life as an undergraduate. Their parents even sat together at UNC’s Commencement Ceremony in May!

“Transferring to a new school can be scary,” said Ava. “I am so grateful for Courtney welcoming me with open arms into her college church community, and I thank SMPC for its love even from 150 miles away. I can confidently say I would not be the person I am now without Courtney and the entire PCUSA family!”

Presbyterian Campus Ministry is often called UKirk on college campuses. It’s a wonderful way for college students to find community and grow in their faith (and oftentimes there is a free meal involved!). Learn more here.