We are filled with heartfelt and humble THANKS and PRAISE to all who supported our annual Praise Banquet. Nearly 180 people attended the event Sept. 9 in Gering. Summit Christian College students, faculty, alumni, and supporters enjoyed fellowship, welcomed newcomers, and together raised a little over $40,000 through table sponsorships, special gifts, and pledges. It is because of your prayers, generosity, and obedience to the Lord that Summit Christian College has been able to remain on track financially. We are so grateful for your support. Our Praise Banquet this year featured SCC students from around the region. A rousing welcome was presented by SCC junior Tristan Bridges, and SCC junior Domingo Torres lead us in prayer for the evening. Both of these young men spoke their thanks through genuine, unscripted personal gratitude and praise. The evening was centered on the theme, “The Journey,” which highlighted Jesus’ call to all of us to come follow Him. Mike Brown, a church planter who serves in Wray, Colorado, who is also a student through our Summit Bridge program, with his wife and two daughters, honored our guests by bringing the special music for the night. Mike shared his testimony about how Summit Christian College is helping him on his particular journey as he and his family work together to serve Christ. Our featured speaker, SCC senior Kyler Schmidt, shared with us how he is utilizing the Summit Bridge program to complete his Bachelor's degree while serving in a ministry in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kyler and his wife, Morgen, are each continuing their education through the online live video streaming provided through Summit Bridge. Kyler also explained how Summit's affordability and curriculum that is Biblically sound has been a "game changer" for him. "I will be able to graduate this semester debt-free and equipped with the word of God in order to serve the kingdom and affect eternity," he said. SCC Board Trustee Chuck Schmidt shared his perspective by explaining how our college professors and past graduates have had a profound influence on his life as their journeys intersected with his own. Schmidt, in his appeal, asked for us to recognize and understand the Kairos--the opportune time--that we are in to participate in the mission of the college: to educate leaders for Christian service. College President David Parrish pointed out that keeping Summit financially strong is now essential as the college continues its bid for accreditation through the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Parrish reported that the college was able to raise a little over $175,000 by the end of this last fiscal year thanks to all who responded to the college’s “Wide Horizons” capital campaign. The outcome of that campaign helped enable the college to end its 2016/17 fiscal year strong.

Plans are underway for our annual Fall Fling to be held the weekend of Nov. 10-12 in Gering. Our SCC student leader team has chosen the theme "Limitless" based on Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a]neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Wow! What a great promise to dive into for an entire weekend! We are looking forward to what our keynote speaker, Larry Andrews from Laramie, Wyo., will have to share with us. Our leaders are also planning lots of fun activities, ice-breakers and games, music, skits...their enthusiasm is LIMITLESS! Fall Fling is open to all students in grades 9-12 and their youth pastors/sponsors. Come as an individual or as a whole big, noisy youth group! Bunk down like summer camp, enjoy small group sessions at the college, worship at Central Church of Christ in Gering and play rowdy games in their gymnasium. Come meet your friends, new friends, our SCC students, tour the college and most of all, learn about and experience God's LIMITLESS love!!! Sign-up begins in October. Contact your Youth Group leader for more information or call Emilie Yates here at the college at (308) 632-6933 or email eyates@summitcc.net.

Fall classes at Summit Christian College will begin on Monday, Aug. 21. It is not too late to enroll in a full program of study or in just a class or two. See our full listing of classes here. SCC offers many classes and several degrees for those considering training in ministry, missions, or would just like to deepen their understanding of God's Word. Our degrees include Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies, Bachelor of Science in Ministry Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Associate of Arts in Bible, and a Certificate in Christian Foundations. Our classes and programs of study are open to traditional and non-traditional students and are available on-campus in Gering, Neb., or through our live-video streaming option, Summit Bridge, for those unable to attend on-campus classes. The Summit Bridge option is ideal for present church and parachurch leaders; teachers and small group leaders; high school graduates during a gap year or high school students; Christian School teachers needing Biblical higher education credits; former Bible college students who would like to complete an unfinished degree program; or regular SCC students during an internship or a semester spent away from campus. Our tuition rates are among the lowest in the nation for small private colleges. Our faculty has more than 50 years of direct cross-cultural experience and over 75 years of combined teaching experience. But above all of this, we are committed to teaching the Bible with the purpose of preparing leaders for Christian service. Contact us to get started!

Summit Christian College's Fall 2017 semester will officially get underway on Monday, August 21 with an all-school Welcome Back breakfast in the dining room. All new and returning students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Classes, including Composition and Grammar I, Homiletics, and Christian Leadership Principles, will also be held. All other classes, including Summit Bridge classes, will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The college faculty and staff are excited to welcome all new and returning students. Dorms will be open for new students to move in beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 15. New student orientation, which is required of all new SCC students, will be held Aug. 16-18. Two other events will also be held the first week of school to help new and returning students get acquainted and settle into the SCC family. Convocation will be held on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. in the SCC Chapel. This is a time of officially welcoming the freshman class and signing of the SCC Students' Book. Then on Friday, Aug. 25 everybody heads to the Wildcat Hills south of Gering for the college's annual Fall Advance, a time of hiking and exploring our beautiful western Nebraska scenery, music, fellowship, and devotions. Registration for the Fall Semester will remain open through the end of August. Students can enroll in a full program course of study or individual classes. Contact the SCC Admissions Office at (308) 632-6933 or admissions@summitcc.net for more information.

Students, alumni, parents, church ministers, missionaries, members, volunteers, and anyone interested in developing their leadership skills are invited to attend the Global Leadership Summit. The live HD telecast of the Summit will be held this year Aug. 10-11 at the Gering Civic Center. This two-day World-Class Leadership Training provides exclusive access to the LIVE HD telecast of the Summit at one of 600+ locations. Those attending will get a unique blend of vision, inspiration and practical skills by learning from Bill Hybels and the diverse 2017 GLS faculty. Join a community of like-minded Christians from 128 countries and 60 languages who attend the Summit around the world. Many local churches are sponsoring the Gering site and a group from Summit Christian College will be attending this valuable two-day training. If you or a group would like to attend, please go to willowcreek.com/summit for more information and to register, or for local information call (308)-672-5499. You can also visit with local leaders on Facebook at The Global Leadership Summit Scottsbluff.

It's that time again! Summit Christian College is taking orders for fresh, ripe, delicious Colorado peaches. Order an 18-pound box for your family and support Summit Christian College. Peaches are $30 per box. Please contact SCC at (308) 632-6933 by MONDAY, JULY 3 to place an order. We will contact you when they are ready for delivery.

Summit Christian College faculty, staff, and administration would like to congratulate the Spring 2017 students who have achieved Dean’s List and Honor Roll. Dean’s List (4.00 - 3.75 Semester GPA) Tristan Bridges Emily Brown Scarlet Houk Seth Leathermon Elayna Muller Hunter Rezanina Morgen Schmidt Honor Roll (3.74 - 3.50 Semester GPA) Daniel Leathermon Kyler Schmidt Shaylynn Splattstoesser Domingo-Rai Torres Part-Time Honor Roll (4.00 – 3.50 Semester GPA, less than 12 credit hours) Sarah Amack Michael Brown Tommy Clay Kay Grote Kellen Hood George Jensen Paul Marvel Warren Steele

Summit Christian College held its 2017 commencement on May 12 at Central Church of Christ in Gering, Neb. College President David Parrish conferred degrees to eight students. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ministry were (back row, left to right) Dustin Amack, Sarah Amack, Ryan Yates, KylieDean Gulley, and Abigail Torres. Sarah Amack graduated magna cum laude. Students graduating with an Associate of Arts degree (front row, left to right) were Daniel Leathermon, Houston Capellen, and Emily Brown. Mr. Zhenya Shved with Pioneer Bible Translators presented the commencement address. Summit Christian College choir, Althe’theia, under the direction of Deanna Goranson, performed special music.

Looking for a chance to experience online learning through our Summit Bridge program FREE of charge? Join Professor Aaron Prohs for an introductory study of the Psalms from the comfort of your own home or office through the Summit Bridge program. Beginning Wednesday, May 31 and continuing for four weeks, Professor Prohs will lead a journey through the book of Psalms, with a view to understanding their structure, theology and application for the church. There is no homework or tests to take. The purpose of these courses is to allow those who are interested in taking courses through our online learning option, Summit Bridge, to experience it without any commitment or costs. Plus, you will get to learn some valuable lessons from the Psalms! Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. May 31-June 21. Contact Aaron Prohs at calling him at (308) 641-3165 or email aprohs@summitcc.net

The end of the academic year is quickly approaching. Our senior class members are in the process of completing their year and their degrees, with Finals Week projects, tests and Senior Sermons. We have been so blessed by the dedication our seniors, and all of our students have shown during the past nine months. From insightful devotions and sermons to humorous pranks and joyful laughter and fellowship, our students truly are the heart of Summit Christian College! This week we all took a little breather before the coming rush of end-of-the-year events and responsibilities, gathering down at Oregon Trail Park in Gering for our annual Skip Day. Lively games of softball and Extreme Frisbee allowed all the students (and some professors) to blow off some steam, along with a cook-out, devotions and prayer. As they say, a day hemmed in prayer never comes unraveled. Students are now back to the classrooms, dedicating themselves to their projects and studies. The seniors have been presenting their Senior Sermons during our weekly Chapel hour on Wednesday and staff members are busy with preparations for the upcoming Graduation activities, our 9th annual Summit to Summit Run/Walk and Christian Services Expo on May 13 and our annual fundraising Golf Tournament on June 19. We are also making the final push for our Wide Horizons Capital Campaign before the end of our fiscal year in June. There is plenty to do in these final weeks. Our God has been faithful, guiding and going with us in every step. Please keep our students, staff, faculty, families, and college in your prayers for the coming days and weeks! Home Choir Concert, Sunday, April 30 - 6:00 p.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ Awards Banquet (all invited), May 4t - 6:00 p.m. No Cost. Final Exams are May 8-11. Bible Exit Exam (Seniors Only) Tuesday, May 9 - 9:30 a.m. Graduation Practice (all graduates, administration, and faculty participating in graduation) Tuesday, May 9 - 11:00 a.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ. Caps and gowns will be distributed at this time. Swag Bag packing: Andi and Jill will be packing the swag bags for Summit to Summit and will need as many volunteers as possible. May 9 - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the chapel. Senior Breakfast (all invited), May 12 - 8:00 a.m. No cost for students, additional guests are $6. Commencement (Graduation ceremony), May 12 - 7:00 p.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ. Reception in the gym to follow. Summit to Summit Run/Walk and Christian Services Expo, Saturday, May 13 - 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. Dorms Close, May 15 at noon. ALL students must be moved out by noon.

It's hard to believe, but graduation and the end of another academic year are right around the corner. We are sensing a celebratory mood from students and faculty here as 'the end' approaches because we know that this year has marked a year well-run. Students have run their races with self-discipline indicative of 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." They are now nearing that prize, whether its graduation, receiving of scholarships, internships, jobs, or just a little freedom over the summer. CONGRATULATIONS! Mark your calendar and join us in the coming weeks as we celebrate these milestones. Thursday, May 4 Awards Banquet, 6 p.m. at Summit Christian College. Please RSVP by May 1 Baccalaureate, 7 p.m. at Summit Christian College. Formal dress required for all degree and certificate recipients. Tuesday, May 9 Graduation Practice, 11 a.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ. Caps and gowns will be distributed at this time. Friday, May 12 Senior Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Summit Christian College. No cost for graduates and one guess. $6 for additional guests and non-students. Alumni Dinner, 5 p.m. at Summit Christian College. No cost for graduates and one guess. $12 for additional guests. RSVP by May 8th by calling (308) 632-6933. Graduation Pictures, 6:15 p.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ. Graduates, be dressed and ready in cap and gown by 6:15 p.m. Commencement, 7 p.m. at Gering Central Church of Christ. Reception to follow in the gymnasium. For more information or to RSVP, call us at (308) 632-6933.

A rainy day meditation: "God hates sin, but loves the sinner." SCC Old Testament Professor Aaron Prohs asks today, what does this mean? Does God love everyone no matter what we do? Because He loves us so much, we automatically get a pass when we sin? There are different levels of sin and I'm OK in my little sins? No. God is Holy. God hates sin. In our devotion to Him, we should pursue holiness, hate sin, and in His love, help others to do the same--to seek Him, to be devoted to Him, to turn away from sin, and to love obediently. "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless..." Hebrews 12:14-16.