Chapel schedule this fall features familiar faces

By GCU Today Published August 5, 2019

GCU News Bureau

Chapel is formation, information and transformation all rolled into one.

The weekly gathering of students, faculty and staff at Grand Canyon University, scheduled for most Mondays at 11:15 a.m. in GCU Arena, features music by an all-student band and then a spiritually uplifting talk, usually by a local pastor.

It is a way to find out what’s going on at the University, connect with like-minded and – this is important – also develop relationships with those who might not call themselves Christians but want to see what it’s all about.

It is open to everyone on campus.

The schedule for the fall semester of the 2019-20 academic year is out, and it’s filled with speakers who have addressed Chapel on several occasions. Here is the schedule with links to some past talks by that speaker if it’s a returnee:

● Aug. 26: GCU President Brian Mueller

Mueller’s talk kicks off every semester. It’s something he clearly enjoys doing, and he always brings insights that properly frame some ideas that he would like students to consider as they embark on their coursework.

Mueller challenges us to do God’s work full-time

Mueller’s talk provides Chapel with a care package

God can transform marketplace, Mueller tells Chapel

● Sept. 2: No Chapel (Labor Day)

● Sept. 9: Beth Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries

It’s an incredible story, her tale of how she wound up running an orphanage in Mexico and adopting several of them as her own children. Equally incredible is her message at Chapel.

Guckenberger turns Chapel into story of true giving

Guckenberger’s spirit is one the world should adopt

Guckenberger hits the heights with Chapel talk

● Sept. 16: Ron Merrell, Heights Church

He’s funny. He’s deeply introspective. And he always has a creative message.

Don’t give God a busy signal, Merrell tells Chapel

Let Jesus calm turbulent times, Merrell tells Chapel

Chapel shows what a ladder of success looks like

● Sept. 23: Riccardo Stewart, Redemption Church

Fasten your seat belt for the talk by the former football player who tackles the issues that divide Christians.

Church must solve divisions, Stewart tells Chapel

Stewart’s Chapel talk is one for all to hear – as one

Chapel talk: Knowing God supersedes good deeds

● Sept. 30: Ashley Wooldridge, Christ’s Church of the Valley

He spoke to Chapel for the first time last year. He already has been invited back.

Don’t fall into failure’s trap, Wooldridge tells Chapel

● Oct. 7: Dr. Tim Griffin, GCU Pastor and Dean of Students

Mueller gets things started, and Griffin takes his turn in the middle of the semester with an equally thoughtful message.

Ready, set, go: Chapel message prepares the way

Griffin at Chapel: Find quiet time to listen to Jesus

Turn life’s exiles into exultations, Griffin tells Chapel

● Oct. 14: Musical Worship Chapel

A new experience at Chapel this semester – a worship service in the middle of the semester. These have been successful at The Gathering on Tuesday nights.

● Oct. 21: Noe Garcia, North Phoenix Baptist

He was abusing drugs and alcohol in sixth grade and still was on the wrong path when he got older. But then he found God, and his life was changed forever. He has something powerful to say every time.

Garcia keeps it real with Chapel message

Your faith is like a show of hands, Garcia tells Chapel

● Oct. 28: Jo Saxton, author and speaker

The only first-time speaker of the fall semester. Her website makes her mission clear: “Inspiring Women. Empowering Leaders. Impacting Lives.”

● Nov. 4: Chad Moore, Sun Valley Community Church

This smooth, accomplished speaker mixes wit with wisdom to bring home his message.

Nothing simple or foolish about Proverbs wisdom

Moore spices up Chapel with what God really wants

Chapel message on humility is anything but meek

● Nov. 11: No Chapel (Veterans Day)

● Nov. 18: Danielle Rinnier, GCU Director of Spiritual Life

A regular speaker at The Gathering on Tuesday nights, she was added to the Chapel schedule for the first time last fall and is on the list again.

Chapel: Spirituality has grown along with campus

No fear: 1st time’s a charm in Rinnier’s Chapel debut

● Nov. 25: No Chapel (fall break)

● Dec. 2: Christmas Chapel

The semester always ends with a worship service.

Final Chapel of year hits high notes of emotion

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The Gathering takes place at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Antelope Gym. Students find that the smaller, more intimate setting and the evening time slot combine to create another meaningful spiritual experience. There's more great Christian music performed by the all-student Worship team, and the speakers are usually GCU staff members.