Seattle Pacific University prides itself on providing its students with religious outlets and countless ways to exercise and express their faith. Through it all, University Ministries seeks to bring students together through God.
UMin’s work for the SPU community transcends reading scripture and hosting worship services. It also involves creating spaces for students from all walks of life. Chaplain Lisa Ishihara feels it is important to foster community and a sense of belonging amongst students.
“We want to make sure students have been able to find parts of their lives where they feel belonging,” Ishihara said. “I think that that’s something that we all want to feel at some point in our life. I think that there’s something different when we do things together in a group. We learn from each other and share with each other, and I want every student to feel as though they’re felt, seen and loved.”
Among the different groups across campus is the Upperclass and Commuter Ministry. The UCM hosts a weekly Bible study and lunch, as well as other activities for students interested in expanding their faith or just being together with others. In addition to their weekly meetings, the UCM also hosts a variety of events, including a ferry trip to Bainbridge Island on April 21.
Another outlet for students to get involved with SPU’s faith community is the John Perkins Center. The JPC regularly offers students opportunities to give back and volunteer to improve their community, and every year a series of lectures are held for students and staff to reflect on important ideas of faith. Associate Chaplain Kelsey Rorem offered some details regarding 2024’s lecture and other activities the JPC hosts.
“In upcoming weeks we’re excited to welcome Elizabeth Perkins as part of the annual Perkins Lecture Series, as well as Olympian Brian Clay,” Rorem said. “Every week there are 8 different opportunities to volunteer through Urban Involvement. Check out their Instagram for more specifics on dates and times. In addition to those regular spaces, JPC Learn & Serve is sponsoring an engagement day focused on environmental justice through service at Daybreak Star Center on April 21.”
Along with those already mentioned, there are many other organizations dedicated to cultivating community through Christianity on campus as well, including “Group”. As Group coordinator and second-year psychology student Didi Uwase explained, one of the most important parts of the organization and its structure is being open to many different kinds of activities and all kinds of people.
“Activities in Group vary each time we meet depending on what the theme is and what’s going on that week, but for the most part, we usually have a game at the beginning kind of like an icebreaker, and then we have musical worship lead by our students here,” Uwase said. “We have different activities available during group, like people who want to color or really indulge in any activities they want, because that’s the main goal of Group to create a place where students can be themselves, and feel at most rest.”
Aside from just events, SPU and UMin seek to provide students with opportunities to come together through spiritual services whenever and wherever they need them, regardless of their personal faith.
“A lot of students reach out to us who feel they’re in a really challenging moment,” Ishihara said. “We’re able to meet with them in that state. We try to talk to them about their importance, even if they’re not on the same faith journey as us. I think that’s one of the very important opportunities that we provide for students. No matter who you are, we want to provide a common good.”
UMin seeks not only to provide its services to religious students but also to bring SPU together. Through its services and institutions, Ishihara states that UMin offers a helping hand to guide community members down the paths of their lives whenever they need one.
“I think that there’s a really important question we should ask,” Ishihara said. “The question is ‘God, what am I doing and how am I moving with you?’ I think that no matter if they’re of the Christian faith or not, there’s a good question and one we hope to help them with.”
