UCM takes worship and Bible study online
Due to the actions UFV has taken to combat the spread of COVID-19, many of UFV’s clubs and associations have had to adapt to online meetings. One such association is UFV’s University Christian Ministries (UCM), a student-led group that encourages the student body in their relationship with God. They strive to spread Christian principles on campus and in the wider community and help students build lasting friendships. The Cascade corresponded via email with the UCM secretary, Michelle Wiebe to learn more about how their club has adapted to COVID-19 regulations.
“As a club we aim to provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, discipleship, prayer, and outreach,” said Wiebe.
UCM was established as an official student club in 2008 by Jayme Dohan and went digital at the end of the Winter 2020 semester, along with the UFV community at large.
“We’ve really focused on how to make the most of the online format, finding creative ways to let people know about events and how to run events differently. Technology has been useful in overcoming some of the challenges,” said Wiebe.
One of the club’s main goals is to provide a space for students to make connections with each other. This goal feels both topical and amplified in the time of COVID-19, when meaningful connections outside of pre-established relationships feel impossible to find and to cultivate.
“In current circumstances, it’s easy for people to feel isolated,” Wiebe said. “We really wanted to create a space where people can find connections and be encouraged, despite the limitations of an online format.”
UCM currently meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. over Zoom for worship and Bible study. A typical meeting includes the singing of worship songs, the studying of a given Bible passage, and further discussion in smaller break-out groups. In addition, UCM also offers smaller Bible study groups that meet throughout the week and a number of special events and guest speakers that take place over the semester.
Information and Zoom links for online events can be found on their Facebook page or through their weekly e-mail, which interested parties can sign up for on the club’s website. They can also be contacted through this site for further information. The club additionally has an Instagram page where information about meetings and events can be found.
For those who are hesitant but interested, Wiebe had this to say: “We’re a really welcoming community, and we’re always happy to have new faces. There’s always room for new people to get involved and build connections. I only started coming last year, and I found I didn’t feel too out of place coming as someone new.”
On Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., UCM is welcoming registered clinical counsellor Tyler Milley as a guest speaker, who will be giving a talk on anxiety with a Q&A to follow. The club would like to extend an invitation for anyone interested in this topic to attend the event.
