Students gathered Sunday evening in the Oakland Center’s Habitat for food, games, Bible study and fellowship during Every Nation Campus’ (ENC) Sunday Gathering.
The Sept. 13 event, which ran from 7 to 9 p.m., was free and open to OU students interested in learning more about the faith-based student organization and campus ministry.
The gathering began with a blessing before students shared a meal.
During the evening’s game, students moved to different sides of the room to show whether they agreed or disagreed with statements about topics including recreational marijuana use, worship songs, secret bank accounts, marriage after infidelity and being baptized again.
Members then moved into a Bible study led by Kaylyn Sackar, the organization’s campus minister.
Sackar said ENC is intended to give students a place to meet others while also providing an opportunity to learn about Christianity.
“I’m on campus five or six days throughout the week, and I’m just here to help, love on students, help them kind of talk about faith and to see even what they believe in if they’re curious at all to talk about what the Christian faith is about,” Sackar said.
The organization holds regular gatherings that include Bible studies, games, food and fellowship. Sackar said these activities are meant to help students build relationships and feel less alone while adjusting to college.
“We know it’s hard being a freshman on campus, and so having space to meet new friends and have a community is so important,” Sackar said.
Junior Hayley McLaughlin, a member of ENC, said the organization provides a welcoming environment for students.
“It’s real light. We want on-campus and commuters to have a safe space,” McLaughlin said.
The evening’s Bible study focused on the beginning of the Book of Acts and was titled “Jesus is still working … will we?” Students volunteered to read passages from Acts Chapter 1 before Sackar discussed the role of Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith.
Sackar also discussed the idea of boundaries, including understanding what is within a person’s control and what is not. She connected the topic to trust, responsibility and learning when to let go of things that are outside a person’s control.
Junior Diamond Greer, a member of ENC, said the organization has given her the opportunity to become more involved and connect with other students.
“I joined ENC last year and now I’m part of the service,” Greer said. “I also lead small groups and bible studies,”
Greer said her involvement has allowed her to take on a larger role within the organization while connecting with other students.
ENC at OU is a recognized student organization and campus ministry that provides a faith-based community for students to make friends, ask questions and grow in their character and Christian faith.
The organization welcomes students who are active in Christianity as well as those who may be curious about faith.
ENC aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming space for both students who live on campus and commuters, giving students from different backgrounds a chance to meet new people, build friendships and find a sense of community at OU.