Howdy from the U! - UCM Update from Steph
September 2023 - Month-In-Review
Hello friends, family, and wonderful people!
It is so nice to connect with all of you, and I thank you for your willingness to join me in prayer on this journey with University Campus Ministries. It has been a great first month, filled with meeting lots of new faces and getting to know our student body on the UofC and MRU campuses (UCM also has staff at SAIT as well!). Working alongside Kelly, Art, Bob, Daniel, and Logan has been an honour, and I have been learning so much from them.
I began my internship on September 1st after an adventure-filled summer.
From June to August, I was involved in Theatre Calgary’s Shakespeare on the Go. It was such fun to see so many families, kids, and young people getting outside and connecting with the story! The experience ignited a passion in me to find ways to show God’s love through the performing arts, and to see more light shine in the theatre-world. It was great coming back to campus this fall and re-connect with some drama students who came to the show— we’ve had some great conversations, and God is definitely up to something in the Arts community. I can’t wait to see what happens on campus!
In August, I had the privilege of co-leading a two-week character-building program for 14 and 15-year-olds at my home-away-from-home, Circle Square Ranch. You get to ride horses and learn about Jesus? Sign me up! This place holds such a special spot in my heart, as it was so foundational in my own faith journey— I’ve been going there since I was twelve! It was so exciting to witness these young people show such an interest in developing a relationship with God and learning what it means to be a disciple. Let me tell you, this next generation is one to watch out for.
After a summer full of adventure, it has been such a joy to join the UCM Team. I myself was greatly blessed as a student by this ministry, so it certainly feels like a full-circle moment to now be a part of something so special for other students as well. We have had a lovely first month (and a bit!) filled with events and student connection.
Some highlights have been our Weekly Worship Sessions, Daily Morning Prayers, and a monthly community meal for all students called The Table, hosted by Journey Church. I’ve attended several in the past, which normally have around 40-50 attendees, but for our first Table this academic year, we had a turn-out of 85 students! We had some great discussions, and it was lovely to meet so many international students as well who were looking to find friends and community here in Canada. A few weeks later, we were able to hold a UCM social event at my family’s home, where we threw a “birthday party for everyone.” A few Iranian students we met at The Table arrived, and told us that in Iran, a birthday party wouldn’t be complete without dancing! They taught us some very fun traditional folk dances, and then asked if there are any dances cultural to Canada or Alberta. This is how we ended up spending the evening line dancing to Cadillac Ranch with twenty students in my backyard :)
Especially after Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am for God using UCM to build a wonderful sense of community among students across our Calgary campuses. Bob Osbourne, our Spiritual Director, mentioned in one of our staff meetings that he likes to refer to UCM as a ‘Network,’ which can help students find and build connection. It has been a privilege to take part in this connecting, and I look forward to more friendships, conversations, and prayers shared with our student body.
I thank you again for your prayers! As I continue settling into this role, I would love prayer for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction, and learning how to manage my time with wisdom to allow for the Lord’s divine appointments. If you would like prayer for anything, please feel free to shoot me an email. I would love to connect with you.
Have a blessed rest of your Autumn!
-Stephanie
If you feel lead to partner with me financially, there are multiples ways to do so, which I have included below.
Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, please know that it is greatly appreciated by myself and our team. If you have questions, I would love to chat with you! Send me an email, and I’ll get the coffee :)
E-transfer to donateucmcalgary@gmail.com
Pre-Authorized Debit (the best option for monthly donations directly from your bank account) - Email the completed form to donateucmcalgary@gmail.com
Canada Helps - (3.5% of your donation will be taken by Canada Helps as an administration fee). To donate to a specific team member, select a fund from the dropdown menu.