As the 2024 school season begins, NC students seek out clubs and events to participate in. Whether a freshman searches for a new world of opportunities or a senior looks for activities to add to their college applications, NC offers a diverse range of clubs allowing any student to find a place where they feel represented. From cultural clubs to academic organizations to hobby groups, students can create any desired club by simply forming a group and gaining a sponsor. Religious clubs, including the Collective Hope Club (CHC), take their place in NC.
This year, a resurgence occurred in NC’s own CHC. This four-year-old club seemed to explode with its first meeting August 13. With triple the attendance compared to the past year, CHC welcomed a plethora of new members. Each Tuesday, members meet in room 3054 at 7:45 a.m. to study passages in the Bible, discuss Scripture and even pray together.
Fellowship: the gathering of community and Godly friends. Establishing a fellowship easily became a prominent factor in CHC meetings, allowing attendees — even those who do not identify as Christian — to feel comfortable learning and finding a Christ-centered community. Led by co-presidents magnet senior Addie Hill and magnet junior Nadia Guthrie, this presence of God in a school setting creates an environment for students of all kinds to express or find religion.
“I love the camaraderie and fellowship. Being able to expand my faith with other like-minded people has helped me tremendously, I’ve made several deep friendships as a result and I wouldn’t be the Christian I am today without them. I’ve gained more friendship and understanding of my faith from CHC,” magnet senior member Jack Brillinger said.
Originally established by Guthrie’s older sister, Daniela Guthrie, the club experienced tremendous success in impacting student lives. With the help of
sponsor teacher Deepa Stephen, new conversations stem from each meeting discussing God and the Bible, bringing intriguing perspectives and interpretations of the text. By allowing students to share their takes on meanings of different Scriptures, each participant simultaneously strengthens their bond with the Lord. Not only does CHC foster an environment for religion, but also a place for friendship and safety.
“Addie and I wanted to make sure that we lead with everyone’s best interest in mind. We want to make the club as accessible to everyone as possible and we never want to say that we don’t have enough room for more people. The best part about being co-president is that I get to serve everyone around me. I also love being able to make my ideas and Addie’s ideas happen. We plan hangouts, bible studies, service projects, game days and pretty much anything you can think of, which is awesome because we have the freedom to make the club better each year,” Guthrie said.
Visible in even the first meeting, ties form that ensure security within a well-bonded group of members. Through simple games such as Uno, an enjoyable atmosphere immediately appeared within the CHC meetings. Beyond the club, Hill and Guthrie pray over their members throughout the entire week. NC students can submit anonymous prayer requests into a small box that the co-presidents spend the week praying over and sending support to those who need it.
Because of NC’s ability to cater to such diverse groups of people, any NC student can truly find a home within the maze of a school. Religion plays a major role in numerous students’ lives and can take up time outside of school, so finding other students with similar interests and habits can create long-term connections vital to school life.
“My favorite part about CHC is how open we are with each other. There’s no such thing as a wrong answer and we each bring a little wisdom that we can share with the group. I always enjoy how refreshed I feel after Collective Hope. I’ve gained a community. It’s been really awesome to see that other students love Jesus and want to share that with everyone. It helps remind me that I’m not alone,” Guthrie said.
