Tag Archives: religion

Glow and Grow With God 

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PUC is committed to helping and encouraging students to become closer to Christ and build their relationship with him. A great thing about PUC is there are many ways students can worship, allowing them the opportunity to grow in an environment they feel safe in. 

Every Friday night after vespers, students head to the Campus Center to relax at Afterglow. Afterglow is simply an opportunity to continue the blessing provided at vespers in a more casual setting.

Afterglow acts as a place where people can relax, let go, and let God. Students are encouraged to gather and talk, worship, and support each other without the stressors of school and work, or anything else weighing heavy on their minds. 

Dylan Gray, a sophomore marketing communication and emergency management major, is in charge of Afterglow. He appreciates how much planning and work is put into providing an experience for the students and really enjoys seeing students have such a passion for worshiping God in their hearts. Being able to worship with friends is what inspires him to continue working hard week after week. 

Dylan is dedicated to furthering Afterglow’s goal of creating a place of worship where students can go knowing they’ll find love and support in their time of need. He knows how important it is for every student to understand while they may be struggling, someone else is also and while their struggles might be different, they can still support each other. 

If you haven’t been to Afterglow yet, come! If you’re interested in getting involved, the door is always open. “I came from a public school and didn’t have a space to worship or support each other,” says Dylan. “I appreciate that there is space for that and am thankful for it. I appreciate worshiping with my friends and peers. It is not just a knock off vespers, it’s an organic place of worship and friendship. I just want to worship with people. ”

Editor’s Note: This blog was written prior to the Covid crisis and PUC switching to temporary online education. If you’re interested in learning more about Afterglow, other PUC ministries, or ways to stay connected while we’re apart, reach out to our Campus Ministries team at campusministries@puc.edu or on Instagram @campusministries.puc. 

A Message Just For Me

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Yesterday, I sat down to read my Bible. Before I opened it, I prayed God would bless my time and give me peace during the craziness happening around me. I opened my Bible and there it was, God’s blessing for the day. It felt like a blessing just for me but I would like to share it with all of you!

My Bible opened to John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled … believe in God.”

That really struck a chord with me. And then verse 27 popped out, “… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Wow, I hadn’t been looking for that message, but God planned it for me, for just this moment. In this time of upset, with so much changing around us, it is so reassuring to be reminded that God does not change. He is always the same. He is, always has, and always will remain constant. He is safe to trust! I find much comfort and confidence in knowing and believing this.

Jaime Herman, administrative assistant for student life

 

 

 

 

Prayer In Numbers

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College is all about students learning and growing both personally and professionally. However, here at PUC, we care about your spiritual growth as well. One of the beautiful things about getting your education at our beloved College on the Mountain is the MANY different ways people worship. 

There are a variety of options on campus which is great since everyone is at a different place in their spiritual walk. If the typical Church service doesn’t sound appealing to you, try attending Friday night vespers, dorm worship, or the student-led Church called The Twelve. Not interested in staying inside? Take to the trails and worship God in nature. 

Still not sure these are for you? Start something new! Students are encouraged to take an active role in their spiritual journey. It’s always inspiring to watch young people develop their relationship with God but it’s even better to see students from different backgrounds and religions come together to support each other as they grow closer in Christ. 

Last year, Isaac Peterson, Dylan Gray, Jesse Zachawerus, Noah Ofisa, and Drew Biswas organically started their own prayer group. During their weekly study session, one of the five decided they should go around and convey what was in their hearts. After stories were shared, they decided to pray for each other and at that moment, what began as a small study group helping each other conquer the Greek language, turned into a weekly prayer group dubbed the ‘brotherhood of prayer’. As the group got closer they began to invite more people and the little prayer group expanded to accommodate an average of 50 people (yes, women are welcome in the brotherhood)!

This group consists of people from different upbringings and faiths who focus on genuinely connecting with, not preaching at, people. They strive to love, care, accept, and support each member as they share their journey. “I needed this. I didn’t go to an Adventist school growing up,” says Drew Biswas. “Knowing I have this community is everything to me. It’s not a group that’s just praying for each other, but a family of nonjudgmental people. It’s permanently changed me”.

If you’re interested in learning more about spiritual life on campus visit the Missions & Chaplain Services page on our website! 

 

 

 

#FacultyFriday: Meet Ross Winkle

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It’s time for another #FacultyFriday! Meet Dr. Ross Winkle, professor of new testament and chair of the department of theology who has taught at PUC since 2005. He has a professional focus on the New Testament and has received several PUC Faculty Development Research and Honors awards, as well as two Herber Faculty Development Awards. He has also served as a student missionary in Tokyo, Japan, and as a pastor for 13 years in three successive church districts in Oregon. He is an ordained minister and occasionally leads adult Sabbath School discussions on campus and preaches in surrounding churches. Dr. Winkle has also had several pieces published in various publications and given a significant number of presentations at professional conferences around the world, including Edinburgh, Scotland; Izmir, Turkey; and Vienna, Austria.

Name: Dr. Ross Winkle
Title: Professor of new testament and chair, department of theology
Email: rwinkle@puc.edu
Faculty since: Fall 2005

Classes taught: Discovering Jesus (Honors), Encountering Jesus, Parables of Jesus, Book of John, Studies in Daniel, Studies in Revelation, Advanced Studies in Apocalyptic, Biblical Greek I, II, III, Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs, Theology of the Sanctuary, Last Day Events

Education: Bachelor’s degrees in theology and biblical language, from Walla Walla College, 1983; M.Div., from Andrews University, 1987; Ph.D. in religion, from Andrews University, 1987

Professional activities:

Editor’s note: Since Dr. Winkle’s professional activities are extensive, we have listed only a few of his most recent accomplishments.

Scholarly Publications

1 Peter. Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary (co-written [1 Peter 3-5] with Tom Shepard, Ph.D.). Nampa, ID: Pacific Press, forthcoming.

“Navigating the Aqueous and Fluvial Imagery of the Liquid Temple.” In Sacred Space, Sacred Thread. Wipf & Stock, forthcoming, 2018.

“Resistance Is Not Futile: Restraint as Cultic Action in 2 Thessalonians 2.” In Jewish Cult Identity: Constituents and Critique, eds. Henrietta Wiley and Christian Eberhart. Resources for Bible Study series. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2017.

“‘You Are What You Wear’: The Dress and Identity of Jesus as High Priest in John’s Apocalypse.” In Jewish Cult Identity: Constituents and Critique, eds. Henrietta Wiley and Christian Eberhart. Resources for Bible Study series. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2017.

“A River Flows From It: The ‘Sanctuary Doctrine’ and the Hydrological Ecclesiology of the Temple.” Spectrum 43/2 (2015): 8-15.

Selected Scholarly Presentations

“‘Clothes Make the (One Like a Son of) Man’: Dress Imagery in Revelation 1 as an Indicator of High Priestly Status.” Daniel and Revelation Symposium, Chico, CA. May 28, 2017.

“(The) Speaking of the Altar: Animate Architecture in the Heavenly Temple in Rev 16:7.” Daniel and Revelation Symposium, Chico, CA. May 27, 2017.

“Crystal Clear—The River Flowing from the Throne of God and of the Lamb as a Symbol of the Spirit.” Annual Meeting of the Adventist Theological Society on “The Triune God.” San Antonio, TX. November 19, 2016.

“Navigating the Aqueous and Fluvial Imagery of the Liquid Temple.” “Sacred Space, Sacred Thread” Global Conference. University of Southern California. Los Angeles, CA. November 4, 2016.

“Fluvial Fantasies? The Liquid Temple and the Spirit.” Plenary Session Presentation. North American Division Asian/Pacific Pastors Convention. Sacramento, CA. February 23, 2016.

What made you decide to be a teacher?
I first decided I wanted to teach Bible classes while I was in academy. I personally liked one of my Bible teachers there, but I felt the Bible class for the students was a disaster, and I thought I could do better. When I got to college, though, I decided I’d rather teach at the college level than at the academy level. My year as a student missionary in Tokyo while in college, teaching conversational English to Japanese students, helped solidify that desire.

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, genealogical research, piano/keyboard, strategy games, hiking

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I like making freezer jams with interesting, fruity flavors (e.g., elephant heart plum, blackberry rhubarb, blackberry orange, blueberry peach raspberry, etc.).

What’s your favorite thing about PUC?
I like the fact that it is “in nature” and surrounded by lots of hiking trails.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
The water fountain in front of Paulin Hall—although I don’t spend a lot of time there!

What’s your favorite song?
There’s too many to pick from! And they are “favorites” for different times of the year, different emotions, different experiences one is going through. But since you’re forcing me, I’ll pick one: Currently, one of my favorite religious songs is “Somewhere in Your Silent Night” by Casting Crowns.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Try several “different” courses to see whether you might like that direction for a career; manage your time well; and read your email!

Interested in learning more about PUC’s religion and theology programs? Visit puc.edu/admissions!