By: Brittney Johnson
Celebration Week has arrived at Gardner-Webb University and it is filled with music, reflection and fellowship. Celebration Week happens every year in the last week in January, and has taken place for more than 30 years.
Things are a little different this year, adding a Monday and Friday night service to the roster. In the past, each year was involved in three services, Tuesday and Thursday Dimensions and 24 hour prayer.
Gardner-Webb’s Celebration week occurs and 24 hour prayer sends the message that sometimes, everyone could use a little reflection; just a moment to take time, as a Christian, to thank God or ask for strength for the week ahead.
The idea of 24 hour prayer was initially started by students to encourage peers to pray for their campus. This included faculty, administration, staff and decisions that effect the campus. For people who have never spent an hour praying, there are prayer guides provided if anyone needs help.
Students are welcome to pray in the prayer room in Dover Chapel or in the prayer room in Tucker Student Center. Those who would rather do this privately could certainly do so someplace else. Who knows what a difference it could make? Associate Minister for Student Ministries, Neal Payne, said, “I’ve heard many students share that this was some of the most powerful and encouraging moments in their time at Gardner-Webb.”
On Monday, at 7:30 p.m. in Dover Chapel, the E. Jerome Scott Gospel Choir led the week of events with music and prayer. Tuesday’s Dimensions hosted John Isley, camp direction for Tekoa Camps in Hendersonville, N.C., as the speaker. Tuesday night, Pastor of Freedom Church in Lincolnton, N.C., Clint Darst, will be the speaker for The Gathering. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., there will be Student Testimonies in the Tucker Student Center. Also, there will be a Thursday Dimensions with the same speaker from Tuesday, and Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in Dover Chapel there will be Communion and a Candle Lighting service.