Mormon Student Association open to foster the growth of all faiths on The Bluff
By Gao Na Yang
In the fall of 2007, a bold student took the initiative to give Mormon students at UP opportunities to gather on campus for fellowship. It was through 2009 graduate John Guptill's efforts that Mormon students on campus can share in their own faith tradition for a third year through the Latter-day Saints Student Association.
As stated in the University's mission statement, UP is rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, but Campus Ministry "continues to respect and seek to nurture the faith development of Catholics, other Christians and all who seek God with a sincere heart."
When Guptill approached Assistant Director of Faith and Formation Stacey Noem, she was thrilled. Campus Ministry eagerly supported Guptill and the association.
"We very intentionally live our commitment to nurture the spiritual development of every member of the UP community regardless of faith, tradition or background," Noem said.
Junior Robyn Gentry is now the co-chair of LDSSA and strives to continue the mission that Guptill started. She hopes that LDSSA can provide a place that fosters Mormon faith and allows for personal growth among other Mormon students.
"Our group here on campus is like a family," Gentry said. "It's a place where students and those who want to learn more of our faith can get together and learn and grow by studying the scriptures and discussing our faith."
Pursuing an education allows students to learn and progress mentally, but spiritual growth is just as important, Gentry said. Therefore, having a place to foster their faith is important.
Junior member Samantha Layco agreed. She enjoys the time to reflect on her faith with friends, especially considering her hectic schedule.
"It's nice to have a break from all of the chaos whenever I am stressed from school and other extra-curricular activities," Layco said.
This year, LDSSA consists of 10 members from UP whose friends tag along for various activities and events as well. LDSSA also branches out to other neighboring Mormons. Missionaries serving in the area are also invited to join dinners and Family Home Evenings.
Family Home Evening is time for families to get together for a lesson on a spiritual topic, an activity and a treat, Gentry explained. FHE is held every Monday night at 7 p.m. at Gentry's home or Hailee DeYoung's home.
Furthermore, members of LDSSA attend the St. John's ward, a congregation in this area, on Sundays. They also attend institute class at the local church, a course based on the scriptures, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Here, they study one of the standard books of scriptures in the Mormon tradition: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Sacrament meetings take place on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Three trips to the local temple are also scheduled for this semester.
Two weeks ago, LDSSA visited the Westlake Ward, a Young Single-adult ward, in Lake Oswego.
Gentry feels that spirituality is something very personal, but it can be fostered when you are around people who are genuinely pursuing truth and strengthening their faith.
"We always have a really good time," Gentry said. "We can feel the spiritual growth each time we get together."
According to Noem, Campus Ministry understands and promotes the notion that God is a Triune God dwelling in perpetual community: Creator, Son and Holy Spirit.
"Any community at its best should reflect that constant exchange of outpouring and indwelling love," Noem said.
Noem and Layco are in agreement that building a community is fun regardless of religious affiliation or choice of faith, because everyone is called to join in fellowship with one another.
Having a place for Mormons at UP to relate and reflect on faith is important, especially to Layco.
"I have made very close friendships," Layco said. "Like any other spiritual group on campus, I like sharing my thoughts with others."
According to Campus Ministry, a well-rounded student body is important.
Not only can the student body of UP benefit from a diverse campus, society also benefits from well-informed and well-integrated individuals, Noem explained.
"By having the LDSSA on campus, UP is able to support the ongoing spiritual growth of a segment of our student population in their own faith tradition," Noem said. "Hopefully this allows them to better integrate their studies and their spiritual life while they are on The Bluff."
Exploring personal spirituality is valuable to both Campus Ministry and LDSSA.
"I think that it is crucial that people learn as much as they can about spirituality," Gentry said. "Right now, we are forming the faith that is a foundation for the future."
