by Andrew Ponder Williams, Campus Minister
We are delighted to share an update with our Southwest Conference friends. We are humbled and encouraged by the incredible outcomes we are experiencing despite the present challenges we all know so well. This partnership of the Southwest Conference and Desert Palm United Church of Christ is resulting in new and exciting ways for us to learn how to be the church in inspiring ways.
Students are very comfortable with and encouraged by our accessible virtual format and authentically inclusive theology and witness. Here are some highlights we want to share:
Bringing New Persons into the UCC
We have 20 active students at the time of this writing and only three of them have prior experience and connection with the UCC. For all these students new to our denomination they are finding a safe and nurturing spiritual home with us.
About Our Students
Our students are finding great hope and purpose through spiritual and theological reflection. The depth of our conversations is inspiring. Our students represent multiple cultures, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. We also have an encouraging retention rate. Approximately 85% of students who visit us once become active weekly participants.
Although we are only five months we already have students from multiple ASU campuses and have nearly as many students from the West Valley campus as the Tempe campus.
Developing Leaders for the Church and Community
UCC@ASU is fully led by our students. We have formed a Leadership Circle in which all students who are interested in vision work for our future and planning are supporting our growth. About half of our students are involved in the Leadership Circle. Many of our newest students are the most involved as they are very thankful for the supportive and safe spiritual community and want to welcome others into our shared ministry.
What We Offer-All on Zoom at this Time
LGBTQ Interafith Forum
On the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 we offer a forum for students who identify at LGBTQ and as people of faith. This is a safe place for us to share our experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Online Worship
On the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm we have our worship service with a time of considering how the spirit is at work in each of our lives, group prayer, scripture, discussion, a brief message, and prayer requests for us each to share and pray with each other about for the month ahead.
Weekly Small Group
Every Thursday at 6:30pm is our weekly small group where we share highs and lows, announcements, and have a discussion topic about faith or share our experiences and interpretations of scripture.
Collaborations
We have and continue to partner with Out@ASU and the Rainbow Coalition on virtual events to specifically support the LGBTQ community on campus. We are also partnering with other Mainline campus ministries on some shared witness opportunities around topics where we have common ground.
Podcast
Our student Hailey Lyons produces an exceptional podcast that features conversations between students and Andrew. Our students choose the topic of each month's episodes. We share this with students and especially with all of our Southwest Conference friends!
Check us out in Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ucc-asu/id1532355816
How to Connect With and Support Us
Invite Andrew to guest preach in your online worship service (we very much look forward to preaching in-person when it is safe down the road)
Connect young adults and college students from your congregation with us
Reach out to us with any other ways you feel called to support us
Contact Andrew Ponder Williams for more information: andrew@desertpalmucc.org