Presbyterian Chaplain

About the Presbyterian Church

People of many different cultural backgrounds and languages comprise over 1000 Presbyterian congregations across Canada. We all look to the Bible to guide us in faith and life, to shine light on our lives so we can be honest and truthful before God and neighbour, and to help us recognize our lives in its pages. The Bible is not only God’s story, but our story as well. We celebrate the sacraments of baptism and communion that are visual expressions of the gospel and remind us of God’s presence with us at all times and in all places.

Presbyterians share many beliefs with others in Christian denominations. Learn more about The Presbyterian Church in Canada on the denomination’s website.

St. Andrew's Hall at UBC

Life is precious and the road of life is often complicated and messy, with many voices vying for attention and many difficult choices to make. At St. Andrew’s Hall, the Presbyterian College on the UBC campus, we desire to create a safe space for you during your time at UBC. We support you in voicing your thoughts, testing out what you believe, growing in faith, strengthening friendships, practicing love of neighbour, and journeying together with those who seek to follow the way of Jesus in everyday life. Everyone, regardless of background, is invited to attend our events.

About Sumarme Goble

Presbytarian Chaplain, Sumarme Goble

Sumarme is Chaplain and Community Life Coordinator at St. Andrew’s Hall. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Theology from Seattle Pacific University, an English as a Second Language diploma from Seattle University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She worked in Ban Vinai refugee camp in Thailand with Food for the Hungry International. She also served in two congregations in Seattle, Washington.
 
When she attended university, her emphasis was on achieving, performing, and doing things just right. After facing failures of various kinds, she discovered her education also included learning resilience and how to begin again. Her best teachers, who she trusted, respected, and studied with, encouraged her through tough times and helped her imagine new ways forward.

Through her role as chaplain, Sumarme cares for students as whole people and encourages them to expand their notions of success. She believes that learning beyond academic studies involves learning how to face challenges, how to nurture a purposeful life, and how to make a difference in the world.
 
Sumarme helps young adults to deepen themselves and grow in their faith and spiritual practices. She encourages them to participate in communities of courageous and compassionate Christians who love God, remember the gospel, and know what brings peace, hope, and energy into their lives. She supports students in weaving their knowledge and skills into positive engagement and service with others from all backgrounds.

You can contact Sumarme by emailing sgoble@standrews.edu, or by calling her at 604 782 2228.

Services and events

Attend community worship at St. Andrew's Hall in the Community Center (view Google map) from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Tuesdays during the UBC Winter Session. For more information and a current listing of programs and events, email chaplains@standrews.edu.