By Jessica Daniel
Horizon Reporter
The Campus Christian Fellowship club, which is divided into cores or smaller bible study groups, offers Whatcom students a peaceful outlet from schoolwork and an understanding of who they are. Theresa Studley, a core facilitator who leads the group, said the Christian Fellowship club is open to people from all types of backgrounds and beliefs. Anyone can come.
“We would love to meet you, and get to know you,” Studley said.
Sitting in a circle, the girls’ core is at ease with one another and very comfortable talking about Jesus. The club members took turns choosing a food that described their life situation and relationship with Jesus. Rosie Farris chose pizza, because of the variety of different toppings.
“It will all come together, the cheeses and sauce help to balance everything out,” she said, comparing the food to how Jesus helps her.
Club member, Elizabeth Thomas, chose M&M’s. “God is the shell,” she said. “He helps me find the silver lining.”
The club broke into smaller groups and spoke about the account of Peter, and what they thought his relationship was with Jesus. They seemed open to opinions and conveyed no hints of judging.
Studley said the Christian Fellowship club is about spending time getting to know each other and building relationships with the community. “We are a small group,” she said. “Open to anybody who is interested in exploring Jesus and the Bible.”
Sarah Deasy, a core facilitator, spoke of the club as a great place to find community and to get plugged in.
Bible study and worship meetings are held at Western’s campus every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. in Arntzen Hall 100. They are comprised of students from Whatcom, Western, and Skagit colleges, adding up to about 400 people.
The club also offers classes held on Western’s campus such as “Gospel of John,” and “Sex in the city of God,” which is about exploring sexuality from a biblical perspective.
Outside events, such as work parties, is when the club does various services for the community, such as volunteering for the Lighthouse Mission for a weekend.
The Christian Fellowship club members said they strengthen the community ties by helping those in need, providing satisfaction and completeness within themselves.
“When we look at Jesus Christ’s life and how he reached out and met the needs of others around him, we want to do the same,” Studley said.
The Christian Fellowship club wants everyone to feel appreciated. One way they do this is by making cookies and passing them out to Whatcom instructors just to thank them. They also participate during Whatcom’s activities fair, by making pancakes for whoever is hungry.
The Christian Fellowship club also host dinners every Friday at 5p.m. at 1210 High St. These are gatherings of friends and members who come together to have a wholesome environment of social interaction with those seeking Jesus or with those who have already found Him.
The girls’ core session ended with a with a group prayer. They prayed for each other with folded hands, heads down, and eyes closed for peace, good health and asked to be filled with the spirit of joy.
“Sometimes people think they have to clean up their life before they can come to God or check out a Christian community, but Jesus says, ‘Come as you are,’” Studley said.
Side Bar:
The Campus Christian Fellowship club meets by the fountain for the first 10 minutes to pray first, then heads to Pavilion 102.
Girls Core meets Tuesday, 10a.m. to 11:30a.m., and Wednesday, 1p.m to 2:30p.m.
Guys Core meets Tuesday, 12:30p.m. to 2p.m., and Wednesday, 9:30a.m to 11a.m.
