Week of Worship Brings PUC Closer To God

Pacific Union College held Week of Worship from October 9-13. Students led out in praise, sharing the theme song “Yet Not I But Christ Through in Me” with PUC Chaplain Arturo Lopez speaking to the campus. He spoke on topics such as commitment, uncertainty, and distractions- and reminded students that PUC is a community and place where they can reach out and ask for help.

Lopez received the invitation to preach for Week of Worship right after becoming PUC’s chaplain. With two months to prepare each message, he jumped into it right away. Since the theme for the school year is “All In,” he focused on how Jesus can help break down the barriers that hold people from fully committing themselves to Him. Every day, Lopez took a Bible story that related to these barriers and challenged the students to let Christ be a part of their lives.

“My main aim was to help students feel the Spirit touching their hearts and to reassure them that they're not alone in their struggles,” said Lopez. “I wanted them to understand that Christ is right there with them throughout their journey, whether things are going great or when life gets chaotic.”

From Monday to Thursday, around 200 students showed up, not to mention the faculty and staff. On Friday, the numbers swelled to more than 300. Week of Worship had awesome teams leading the music, a top-notch A/V crew handling the behind-the-scenes tech, and the feedback on the sermons was incredible.

After each sermon, several students reached out, expressing a desire to get involved in ministry, seeking prayer, and wanting to delve deeper into the Bible. You could feel the Spirit at work, not just from the daily feedback but also in the spiritual atmosphere on campus shifting. This Week of Worship did wonders in getting people excited about what God can do on campus this school year.

“I am always blessed when I hear students sharing their faith and inspiration in various ways with those of us who assemble to worship together,” said PUC President Ralph Trecartin. “God provides each of us with spiritual gifts. Our students have amazing ways of expressing their gifts, love, and admiration for him – in our worship setting. And, I love to be there with my colleagues to be inspired, to support, and to cheer and praise God in response to what he is doing through their lives.”

Lopez passionately told students that worship is a safe space. He called on students who feel distracted, hurt, or having mental health issues not to be afraid to reach out and ask for help because the PUC community offers support, counseling, and mentorship- and reminds them they are worth so much.

Campus Ministries Worship Coordinator David Bui said, “Week of Worship brought our school community closer to God and each other, filling our hearts with faith and unity.”