Commons in The Courtyard

Capital Fellows
2 days ago
4 min read

By Curtis Kim

On Monday evenings, around 6:00 p.m., John and Shirley Kyle shuffle in and greet the Fellows. We've just come off our weekends—filled with hangouts, church responsibilities, and a bit of rest—and we’re bracing ourselves for another week. But before we dive in, we get to pause for something truly sacred: Capital Commons.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)

Commons is our response to the Apostle Paul’s call to persevere in faith. It’s a rhythm of grace built into our week—a moment to recognize that since last Monday, we’ve all lived through joys, sorrows, laughter, and tears. We gather to share a meal and encourage one another before the whirlwind begins again. We’ve committed to this time and to these people so that we might be strengthened—and strengthen one another.

This past Monday felt a little different. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Logan Richardson and Dasha MacDonald, we had Commons outside. It may seem like a small change, but it made for a profoundly memorable evening.

Most of our Fellows year has taken place in the winter months, so being able to end the year in warm weather has felt like a gift. That evening, a cool breeze and golden sunlight surrounded us as we laughed, listened to John’s stories, and reflected on both the past and what’s to come. The food—another variation of chicken and rice—was comforting and nostalgic. And the shenanigans in the kitchen afterward reminded us how far we’ve come together, how close we’ve grown.

The highlight of the evening? Birthday affirmations.

If you’ve never seen it, here’s how it works: we take a moment to affirm each other on or around our birthdays—often even half-birthdays. It’s a simple but powerful tradition. Someone stands on a chair and delivers a short speech using a single word to describe the honoree. They share a few “prongs”—reasons why that word fits—and end with a toast in celebration.

It’s the ultimate picture of community: speaking truth into the lives of those we love. Arming the things they may struggle to believe about themselves. Knowing someone well enough to encourage them in a way that lands gently and sincerely. It’s recognizing that the people around us are gifts—each wonderfully made by God, with their own talents, quirks, and stories.

Jesus does this with us daily. He knows us completely, and instead of condemning or shaming us, He stands—metaphorically—on a chair and proclaims His love for us, sealed by His sacrifice on the cross.

Fellows has been a unique blessing of a year. And Commons is just one of the many reasons why. I’m so thankful the Lord brought me here, with these people, in this season. May we continue to love one another more deeply each day, and never give up on meeting together.

Curtis Kim is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2024-25. He is from Vienna, VA, and is a graduate of Virginia Tech. This year, he is working at North Highland Partners, a real estate investment firm.

Pictures From The Week

Know a Potential Capital Fellow?

If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2025-26, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.

About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.

Pray for the Capital Fellows

Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!

Next Saturday, May 3rd, we will gather together for the Capital Fellows Celebration Banquet. This is a great time for family and friends to come and reflect on all God has done this year in the lives of the fellows and in our church. Please pray for this gathering, that God would be glorified.

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Meet the Fellows

About The Fellows Initiative

Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,200 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.

If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining TFI by launching a new Fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.