It’s autumn in Angwin, which means the vineyards are turning deep maroon-red, the blue sky is becoming crisp and cool, and the school year is kicking off with all sorts of events, festivities, and a few challenges.

The days just before school were marked by the second annual FUSION retreat for new students, green-shirted volunteers providing Porter Power to move tons of stuff up endless flights of dorm stairs, and shockingly bright leis at the Hawaiian-themed all-school get-acquainted party.

Then, just as students were beginning to get the hang of their new schedules, the revised schedule for Week of Prayer hit. The blessings seemed to outweigh the confusion, however; speaker Michael Knecht provided such solid, captivating messages that students flocked to the daily morning and evening meetings. Knecht, who pastors the CrossWalk Church in Redlands, spoke on “Mastering the Art of Living.”

A brand-new development this year is the PUC radio podcast, with weekly shows hosted by students Dustin Comm and Jaymes Cheney, and by new campus chaplain Roy Ice. So far, the podcasts have featured guests such as SA president Juliana Gisele Dalotto, Week of Prayer speaker Michael Knecht, and worship and outreach pastor Jessica Shine.

 Finally, there have been plenty of options for recreation and entertainment, with women’s volleyball and men’s soccer games, a Rasmussen Art Gallery opening reception for the “Brush to Paper” show, and a Saturday-night drive-in movie complete with free snacks and folks dressed up in ‘80s attire!