Photos by Ralph Freso
“If you are looking to go deeper in your faith, this is 100% the place you’ll find it,” Worship Manager Jared Ulrich said to a room full of students at the Faith in Your First Year session during Welcome Week.
Every seat was filled in Grand Canyon University’s Prayer Chapel on Tuesday afternoon, when Spiritual Life hosted an informational session for new students to hear about ministry opportunities offered on campus.
“Come on in, guys. There is room up front here around me,” Ulrich added as he waved in students to fill all open floor space. “You will quickly learn this is normal at GCU, at all our events students just sit wherever there is room.”
Ulrich started the session by introducing four big initiatives hosted for students every week during the academic year:
- Chapel at 11 a.m. on Mondays.
- Spiritual Formation workshops at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays.
- The Gathering at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
- The Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
Through a combination of worship and teachings, these initiatives are meant to grow and challenge students in their faith and help them learn about God.
“I grew up in a Christian school, so I’ve heard a lot about Jesus, but I didn’t know Him in my heart,” junior Spiritual Formation leader Meredyth McClue shared in front of a packed Prayer Chapel. “When I came to GCU, I learned how to know God as my father, friend and everything He is in His character.”
McClue, sophomore Sara Schelonka and senior Brooklyn Cox, who all serve as Spiritual Formation leaders, held a panel in front of students to share their perspective as student leaders and the growth they have experienced since getting involved.
Freshman Gianna Albright was especially encouraged by the panel and informational session. “I am trying to get a grasp of what GCU offers because I want to get involved with the spiritual aspect of GCU.”
Ulrich concluded the session by sharing various Spiritual Life student leadership positions open to everyone and urging students to get involved. Every spring semester, students have a chance to submit applications to serve as life leaders and in Global and Local Outreach, Spiritual Formation workshops, worship and production.
“We want to encourage students to make their faith the rock and foundation on which they stand,” Spiritual Life Director Erik Nelsen said.
An ongoing initiative that already has encouraged students and families to prioritize their faith is the GCU Prayer Fence between the Lope Shop and Prescott Field.
Since the first day of Welcome Week, the GCU community has had a chance to tie a ribbon on the fence. Each ribbon represents prayers and hopes for the academic year.
White ribbons signify prayers for students to find supportive communities. Orange ribbons signify peace, and purple ribbons signify wisdom for faculty and staff.
“We want students to know that what they are attending this year and participating in is way bigger than just this year. They are continuing the legacy of prioritizing their faith," Nelsen said.
New students will get a glimpse of the campus’ faith at Spiritual Life's Ignite event on Sept. 3 in Global Credit Union Arena.
A GCU tradition, Ignite kicks off the year by bringing students together to worship God, hear from University Pastor Dr. Tim Griffin, engage with music from the Worship team, and pray for the new academic year
An after party will follow on the Quad, where students will have a chance to stop by different ministry booths and connect with leaders.
“Moving for college can be very stressful,” freshman Bailey Cass said. “Knowing I have a team of people that really support me and pray over me helps.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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