Every person who gathers around IAC's table has a story of how God is meeting them through this community.
As we enter of a season of "Creating Space at the Table," we want to gather up these stories so others can get a glimpse of all God is doing in and through us!
Please share HERE how you've seen God work through IAC: in your life, or in the lives of others in our community. Stories of belonging, renewed faith, healed relationships, shared tears, or simply knowing God more deeply could all be examples. Adults, students, and kids are all invited to share.
(lightly edited for grammar and readability)
"We have been at IAC for just a year, yet people know our names. We feel familiar every time we walk in. In March of 2024, I unexpectedly and abruptly lost my job – in the middle of maternity-leave! A fellow IAC-er encouraged me to reach out to the prayer team and ask for prayer. At first, I felt like I 'shouldn't.' I had all kinds of reasons: 'I'm too new,' 'This prayer need isn't big enough or important enough,' and others. Well, long story short, I did end up reaching out for prayer. Not only was I incredibly encouraged by the prayer support and personal messages I received, but God actually used these connections to lead me quickly to a job! I am so grateful. We love IAC. Our personal faith-walks have been deepened and strengthened by the Anglican rhythms as well, which is another gift."
"Initially, the beauty of the people and sacraments struck me. I’ve also grown from the classes and events I’ve participated in. Being involved in the Retreat in Daily Life retreats every year has made a big impact, as well as other opportunities to be in a quiet space with God such as the Longest Night services and Prayer Meetings. The focus of 'receiving' alongside the music playing during Prayer Meetings has deepened my relationship with God. Reading the Common Word the last four years has also helped me see the entire Bible coming together in ways I hadn’t seen before, as well as the rich sermons given by all the pastors. In general, the many contemplative practices I’ve experienced at IAC such as listening and discernment combined with the rich liturgy have made it such a joy to belong!"
"My first years in college were very hard. Getting to know who God is and who I am more through bible study and companionship has been so healing. Now I’ve found a sense of belonging while studying God’s word with my friends!"
"I don’t think we really understood what it means to experience God more fully within the Body of Christ until we had our miscarriage. There were a lot of emotional highs and lows as we were told we’d be losing the baby, then that the baby is doing fine with a great heartbeat, then that the baby is behind schedule and we’d have to wait and see. Ultimately, we lost the baby — but the way we experienced peace through the prayers of others was such a beautiful picture of community bringing out the reality of God in our midst."
"My husband and I attended the Christmas Eve Kid Pageant along with some of our family. We had told our daughter who has two children (aged five and eleven) about it. She attends a church that doesn’t offer simple Christmas Pageant opportunities, so she was glad to have our five-year-old granddaughter participate. She was very excited; this would be her first play! A few days beforehand, our daughter asked a family of three children she had cared for in foster care if they would like to attend. They were also excited to participate, and everyone felt welcomed and included. When our granddaughter and her friends arrived and saw the costumes the church provided, they all decided to become angels. Looking around I observed that the situation could easily become chaotic, with shades of the movie/novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! However, because of the organized flexibility of IAC's leadership, it all worked out well for everyone. We are grateful for such a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas that was truly so simple, yet so fun and meaningful for all of us – including our guests, who may not always feel included the way they were at IAC. We all heard God’s story that morning in a beautiful way. Thank you to all who provided this wonderful event which will always be a special Christmas memory for all of us."
"I got baptized on Jan, 7, 2024 – exactly one year ago at IAC. I was graced by God. He showed me the way and sacrificed his only beloved son for me. I am grateful to come to IAC and know all of you through Jesus. I will never forget the Magi, and how we came from the same land to cherish Jesus our God and our Savior. How joyful is talking about Jesus! Now, I announce that I live in Jesus, through him and with him forever... As I've grown in my faith and moved across the country, I've been inspired to live out my Christianity in practical ways. I've started serving at my local church. I help them to translate and check the meaning of the Gospel in Persian."
"When I came to IAC, I was on the verge of leaving the Church for good. As a survivor of childhood abuse that occurred under the Church’s watch, I’ve witnessed its darkest sides. I’ve seen churches abuse, exploit, and destroy. Yet, despite the pain, the very vessel that caused such devastation in my life has continually called me back. Even in the midst of brokenness, something kept me believing in the Church. I’ve come to understand that to truly know God—the head of the church—we must be part of His Body. As physical beings with souls, we need a tangible, communal expression of spiritual connection. No matter how much I’ve wrestled with it, I know that the Church matters. Although my journey has been far from perfect, IAC has provided a safe place to heal, grow, and rediscover the beauty of Christian community. When I think about Creating Space at the Table, I think about those who are where I once was. Colorado Springs is full of the scattered – men and women wounded by the church – who are still longing for worship and community. I believe there are others in need of a space to find hope again. I want to make room for the scattered and the vulnerable. I want IAC to be the Body of Christ—a living reminder that there is always hope."
"On December 23, we received a packet of thank you cards from the staff at Queen Palmer Elementary School. IAC has been involved with them for more than two years now. We started by serving on CityServe/Umuganda Day there in simple yard clean-up as they requested.
When we asked the principal for what would be most impactful for them, they indicated that mentoring students would be the most beneficial – so we started a mentoring program through Kids Hope last year. We had seven students last year and thought we were off to a good start. This year, however, there were only four for the fall semester, and that was a bit discouraging, particularly for the new mentors who had committed to all the training and so forth. Happily, we will be back up to seven in January and continue to pray for a few more.
We have done several other things. Nomads have done several clean up, painting, and organizational projects for the Community Liaison. We have continued our CityServe Days. The organization Kids on Bikes has worked with Queen Palmer’s PE teacher on helping kids learn to ride again this year. We have provided a breakfast on the opening day of teacher work and have provided lunch during teacher appreciation week. We have helped staff vision screening day and Science Night. Etc.
The past two Christmases we have given a small cash gift to each staff member. It seems like such a small gesture, but the teachers have appreciated it very much.
Here are some of the heartfelt comments from the thank you cards:
• I cannot even begin to convey the level of my appreciation. In today’s world, your gift speaks volumes.
• What you have done is so thoughtful and greatly appreciated. Thank you!
• Thank you so much for such a kind blessing! Your generosity during the Christmas season helps so much.
• We work so hard and I’m glad to be seen!
• It means so much to feel appreciated for our work at Queen Palmer.
• Your church is truly the salt and light that is needed in our world!
• Thank you for blessing us with such an unexpected and thoughtful gift.
• Thank you for being the hands and feet and I hope you continue to find tangible ways to offer community care!
• Your kindness is overwhelming joy!
• Seriously, thank you for the kind words, it meant a lot.
• Your unwavering support has made a meaningful difference in our lives and has strengthened the bonds of our shared mission. Your contributions, whether through time, resources, or heartfelt encouragement, have not only uplifted those you’ve touched directly but have also inspired us to embody the same spirit of giving and compassion.
A couple comments imply that there are some believers in the room. Let’s continue to pray for this school and their impact on children and families. Praise be to God!"