Students throughout the Pacific Union are preparing to start the new academic year. Many will head for Adventist academies and colleges. However, based on recent statistics, 50 percent or more of college age Adventist students will be enrolling in public and private colleges and universities with the majority of these young people moving to distant cities.
Reasons for choosing a public college or university are varied. For some, the desire to disconnect from the Adventist Church may play a role in their choice. Most students experience the loss of church family and are eager to find a substitute while away from home. The challenge of local congregations is not only to provide a warm and welcoming environment for students who come to a new church, but also to help Adventist students find a church and become a participating member of the church family.
The Berkeley church, located just a few blocks from the University of California, Berkeley, is focusing on this challenge with their Campus Ministry program. Welcoming students into the church family, organizing campus activities with Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) and providing a Christian living environment are all part of their ministry to students in their community.
Each Sabbath, church members serve lunch for students and guests at the church or in their homes. Refreshments are available between Sabbath school and church to provide breakfast and an opportunity for members to meet and talk with students and friends. A college lounge provides a comfortable setting for vespers, Sabbath school class, social activities and a quiet place to study during the week. A game room will be added this year.
Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) is recognized by the University as an organized student group and is also an integral part of the fellowship component of the Berkeley church program. Ron Pickell, pastor of the Berkeley church, is happy for the student participation.
“We have between 20 and 30 students who are either actively involved in church or the ACF outreach,” said Pickell. “University students are a vital part of our entire church ministry.”
Student leaders of ACF, including Sandra Somali, Joshua Jeong, Lyn Leung, Holly Zamora, Octaviana Asamsama and Kristel Quinta, are busy making plans for the coming year to carry out the purpose of ACF — to provide an open fellowship where students can grow in their faith.
Activities will include weekly Friday night vespers, weekly spiritual formation and leadership meetings, regular participation in church services, social activities, including a welcome barbecue for students and their friends, ongoing campus outreach via an ACF information table, as well as social and community service projects. Pickell and Dr. Lynn Savedra, faculty advisor and church fellowship coordinator, give ongoing support to the group.
Another new dimension of the Campus Ministry program is Covenant House, a 47-bed, converted sorority house directed by Pickell and his wife, Carolyn. This beautiful Julia Morgan building provides housing opportunities for Adventist students in a Christian environment.
While activities, food, space and financial support are vital parts of the Campus Ministry program, according to Savedra, “Most important is warm acceptance of each student and the effort we all make at the Berkeley church to know each student individually.”
