Tag Archives: PUC pastor

Get to Know Lem Garcia: Associate Pastor for Worship & Administration 

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Pastor Lem Garcia began pastoring in 2009 at Grand Advent Church in his hometown of Oakland, CA. When the opportunity came to join the PUC community, he could not pass it up. Since October 2022, Pastor Garcia has been the associate pastor for worship and administration and feels blessed to be a part of an amazing pastoral team.

What made you decide to work at PUC? 

The short answer is that God brought me here! The long answer is that I could not pass up the opportunity to join an amazing community and the group of professionals who collaborate to advance the mission of our college. This requires a lot of hard work, commitment, presence, and creativity to take on the challenges that come with ministry on a college campus. We are blessed to have an amazing pastoral team and I believe that together we can make a meaningful impact on the spiritual life of our campus and the wider community. 

What makes pastoring a campus special to you? 

I really enjoy being able to collaborate with very talented multi-disciplinary teams on various projects throughout the year. I also appreciate the energy and creativity that our students bring to the life of the college and church. 

How do you stay connected with young people and be a mentor through their spiritual lives? 

I think the secret sauce is authenticity, self-awareness, and presence. My job is not to be an expert on all spiritual or worship matters, but I am an expert on my own story and journey. Faith and spirituality require space for relating, asking questions, partaking, and expressing. It all begins with creating and holding space for us to journey together, and I’m quite passionate about doing that. 

What goals do you have for the PUC church and community? 

That we can be one, as Jesus prayed. Just as He is in the Father and the Father in Him, we are invited to be part of something bigger than ourselves. God invites us into a community because he exists and works in the community. I believe we begin to enjoy this oneness when we learn to behold God and each other. 

What is your favorite thing about PUC? 

After its people, definitely the location- the surrounding nature, the mountain, Napa Valley. 

How can the PUC family support you as you minister to us? 

Through prayer first and foremost. I also don’t mind Giugni’s or Gott’s!  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Visiting family and friends, working on my cars, growing my vinyl collection, going on bike rides, and finding new places to eat. 

Meet PUC’s New Lead Pastor, Nate Furness

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Meet PUC’s new Lead Pastor, Nate Furness. Born in Seattle, WA. (“GO Seahawks”) and raised in Orange County, CA., Pastor Nate began his pastoral ministry at Westminster Good Samaritan SDA Church, then became the lead pastor at the Costa Mesa SDA Church. After that, he became the lead pastor at the Napa Community SDA Church, where he was the lead pastor. Having a passion for Adventist education made him decide to accept this position at PUC, and the college could not be more excited to see Pastor Nate lead the students and church. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? 

I wanted to be a pastor or a fireman. I am a pastor’s kid, and as I was growing up, I watched my father. I knew I wanted to be like him. In college, I didn’t choose a religion degree. I knew what it meant to be a pastor, and I wasn’t ready to fulfill that obligation. I graduated with an Education Degree in Health, Wellness, and Physical Education. 

When did you first feel the call to be a pastor?

Early on, but I didn’t think I was ready. I had some growing to do. After I married Jennie in 2005, I knew it was time to become a pastor. 

What made you decide to accept this position? 

I have a passion for Adventist Education. I want to be part of preparing young adults to serve Jesus in their context. We want to prepare nurses, psychologists, filmmakers, teachers, pastors, and others to share the love of Jesus with everyone they encounter.

What are your spiritual focus or goals for the campus? 

To prepare young people to be missionaries in their professional context, to disciple and mentor young people, and to demonstrate that life is joyful and that we are better in community. 

What methods do you use to stay connected with young people and be a mentor to them throughout their spiritual lives? 

I like to connect with them in the classroom, during intramurals, and invite students into our home. I plan to be present in the student center and available to chat. For those wishing to go deeper, I would schedule meetings where we can listen and encourage.  

What makes pastoring a campus church special to you?

Community. I love that there is a variety of people on campus. I look forward to working with Admin and the various departments to lean into our spiritual development. 

How can we, your PUC family, serve and support you and your family as you minister for us? 

I like homemade cookies and ice cream…lol. Encouragement. We all need to be encouraged, even the pastors.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the PUC family? 

The people. I love that we live in a community where we run into people we know all the time. I love the campus. I love that PUC has hundreds, if not thousands, of acres to explore on bike and foot.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Cycling, Snowboarding, wakeboarding, and being with my family.