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.
Aug. 27: Tim Griffin
Sept. 3: Local/Global Outreach Night
Sept. 10: Danielle Rinnier
Sept. 17: Bikonzi Moise
Sept. 24: Worship Night
Oct. 1: David Sorensen
Oct. 8: Braelyn Armenta
Oct. 15: Njenga Maina
Oct. 22: Brenna de Jong
Oct. 29: Worship Night
Nov. 5: Cory Tubbs
Nov. 12: Jenny Moise
Nov. 19: Worship Night
