Written by: Hannah Johnson
For four years, Pastor David Sitler and his wife, Cindy Lea, have opened their home to Southern Adventist University students on Friday nights. And, this semester, they continue to do so. Klatsch is defined by the Sitlers as a casual gathering of people for food and informal conversation. In a university setting, the event provides an opportunity for students to get to know one another.
“Klatsch is a great experience; it is a great way to meet other young people,” said Heidi Wittmer, sophomore nursing major. “I love how they always welcome the Sabbath with you and they always give you food and there are a lot of great activities for you to do.”
Sitler, pastor of the Standifer Gap Seventh-day Adventist Church, said the goal of the gathering is to create a comfortable environment for rest, peace and worship.
“We wanted to give students a home away from home,” he said.
The Sitlers not only invite Southern students to attend Klatsch but also get involved in the event. They invite students through Instagram stories to help with baking or cooking food, which is another way to spend time together.
“I love cooking with students because I get to hear people’s stories, and it’s just a fun time,”said Cindy Lea Sitler
The idea for Klatsch emerged when the Sitlers’ son was looking for colleges. While he was visiting Union College, he was invited to a small home gathering. He told his parents about the experience and how the home had a very loving and welcoming feeling.
Less than a year later, David and Cindy Lea Sitler moved to an area located near Southern and felt God calling them to start a similar ministry.
“If we ever move near a place by a college, that’s my calling,” Cindy Lea Sitler said.
Even with issues such as COVID-19, limited parking spots and financial challenges, the Sitlers said that God continues to bless and support them in numerous ways. They enjoy interacting with students.
“I like hearing everyone’s stories,” Cindy Lea Sitler said. “And, I think my favorite part is when somebody comes and talks to me in the kitchen about their week.”
According to the Sitlers, Sabbath lunches are on the horizon as a way for the couple to create a family atmosphere with a smaller group of students. The Sitlers hope lunches will give more time to ask questions and have conversations while sitting around a table together.
Social media is a big focus this year as well. The Sitlers want to reach more students through Instagram. They hope this will ultimately connect them with more people in a spiritual way.
David and Cindy Lea Sitler invite students who are just hearing about the program for the first time, or just aren’t sure about it, to come at least once and try it out.
More details are on their Instagram account at @klatsch2connect