news-category: Christian Service

GWU Campus Ministries Plans Day of Service During Celebration Week, March 9-11

a photo of five male students holding cleaning supplies ready to participate in a day of service
In September 2020, students participated in a campus clean up sponsored by ServeU. Photos by Robin Jackson / GWU Student Photo Team

Event Has Different Format This Year Because of COVID-19

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—This year, Gardner-Webb University’s Celebration Week, March 9-11, features a day of service. The Office of Christian Life and Service hosts Celebration Week each spring to offer additional worship opportunities for undergraduate students.

“The general theme every year is to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness, to come and worship together, and give him thanks,” noted Neal Payne, associate minister for Student Ministries.

Wednesday, March 10, has been designated as a service event in which all students, faculty and staff are invited to gather at 6 p.m. at the Lake Hollifield Bell Tower to pray, and then head out around campus to clean and pick up trash. Supplies will be provided.

Students gathered together to clean campus

Because of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the evening services on Tuesday and Thursday are for undergraduate students only. One service will feature testimonies from students and another one will include communion served in sealed individual packets.

Payne observed that these events provide a time for the body of Christ to encourage one another. “My hope is in Christ Jesus, and no matter what is going on in the world or our lives, God is constant, and I know he loves me and that gives me peace and comfort,” Payne affirmed. “Seeing the faith of these students I work with also gives me hope. We need that encouragement every day, and seeing their genuine love for God helps my faith as well. We can worship together, hear God’s word together, spur one another on in truth to do good works, and most importantly, be the light of Christ to those here who have never experienced a relationship with Jesus.”

In addition to Celebration Week, Campus Ministries also hosts special events throughout the semester, such as Midterm Munchies, Day of Prayer, Day of Scripture, etc. Various small groups meet weekly for Bible study and prayer. For more information about women’s Bible study groups, email Arianna Guy ([email protected]). The contact for the men’s Bible study groups is Noah Blanton ([email protected]). More information is also available on Instagram @gwucampusministries, @gwumensministry and @gwuwomensministry.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.

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