Andy Tran

University Seventh-day
Adventist Church

About UCHURCH

We are Seventh-day Adventist Christians who believe that the Spirit of God draws us together from all walks of life. It is our mission to invite others to share in the joyful experience of being reconciled to God and each other.

Senior Pastor

Pr. Jermaine Gayle

Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Jermaine Gayle, and I feel it an absolute privilege and honor to serve as Senior Pastor of the Uchurch. I traveled to the United States from the lovely Island of Jamaica in December of 2008. Since my initial trip, God has taken me many places, for which I am very grateful to this day. I have lived in areas such as; Philadelphia, Virginia, Indiana, and now finally settled in Bath Township, Michigan. My lovely wife Asenath (Allie) and I served our church community professionally since graduating college in 2015. Previous to my current assignment, I have served as Chaplain, Associate Pastor, and Assistant Director for the Center for Adventist Ministry to Public University Students (C.A.M.P.U.S).

One of the greatest joys in my daily routine is my lovely commute from Bath to this beloved City of East Lansing. My greatest passion is to see God work through our church to embrace our broader community with loving arms by sharing the good news that Christ provides. This passion has led to my participation in various aspects of community life, such as volunteer chaplain for the East Lansing Police Department as well as advising leaders serving in multiple capacities in our lovely city.

The things that I enjoy doing are; painting, biking, and reading as many books I can get my hands on. I am also currently doing a Master’s degree online at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Between ministry, school, and home-life, I enjoy meeting people and learning their stories. My reason for this is that I am often reminded of my own. I would love to share more in person. Please stop by my office and say hi!

We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.

— Ellen G. White 

2020

Pr. Jermaine Gayle preached at our first-ever drive-in church due to COVID-19.

It was through the providence of God that the University Church came into existence. In 1950, a group of Seventh-day Adventist students at Michigan State University decided to establish a church. One that would serve as an anchor of faith in the neighborhood of East Lansing. God granted great success and the University church grew from just a small branch Sabbath School into a large thriving church family. Since that time, we have continued to embrace this mission.

As your Pastor, it is my constant prayer and desire that you experience the life-changing impact of our church. May the love of Christ dwell in your heart abundantly.

— Pr. Jermaine Gayle

2000

Our church, over the last several years, has become an international family. Focused on reaching out to the community through student groups, fellowship gatherings, concerts, and more.

Unity in Diversity

1971

Our building on the corner of Ann and Division Street

On March 6, after much prayer and counsel, the church voted to buy the property in the corner of Ann Street and Division Street. This church building provided the much-needed space for the development of our church.

1965

The official name of “University Seventh-day Adventist Church” was adopted.

The signage in front of the church

1950–1956

Church reunion back in the day

Don Snyder, a member of Lansing Seventh-day Adventist church, initiated the idea to form a Spartan Club at Michigan State University. The club grew and decided to become a Sabbath School branch. On January 28, 1956, they were organized as a company in East Lansing with 58 charter members. Five new members were baptized on May 26.

This was the dawn of God’s purpose for the University Seventh-day Adventist Church.