Delight, one of the women’s ministries on campus, hosted a Fall Kickoff on the Tucker Student Center patio last Wednesday, September 7th.
The ministry provided food and music, while those who attended mingled and welcomed each other. Delight also sold their study books at the kickoff for those who wanted to learn more. “The book is [a complication of] different stories [written by] girls from different universities,” explained Catherine White, one of the founders of Gardner-Webb’s chapter of Delight.
Leadership members were also introduced and cards were distributed among the crowd. Everyone was asked to write down the important things that were going on in their lives, including things they were struggling with. Afterward, the cards were collected and Delight leaders explained that they would mail the cards back to their respective owners at the end of the semester so each person could see how much they’ve grown.
Gardner-Webb’s chapter of Delight was officially organized last February by students Catherine White and Claire Cates. Some of their close friends that they had grown up with told them about the ministry and encouraged White and Cates to start their own chapter. “They kind of said, ‘hey, you guys should start [Delight] at Gardner-Webb,’ and were like, ‘sure, let’s do it,’” White remembered.
There are currently over 80 Delight ministries on university campuses nationwide, which all aim to provide a “Christ-centered community that fosters vulnerability and transforms stories,” according to their official website. Since it can be difficult for some students to adjust to college, White and Cates decided that Delight would be a perfect way to create a tighter community of women who could support each other.
“[Delight is about] opening up a community to all the women on campus, so they can come together, have support and love each other,” said Melissa Hemrick, the faculty leader of Gardner-Webb’s Delight ministry. Sarah Marconi, sophomore and Worship Coordinator for Delight, said that the name for the ministry comes from Psalm 37:4, “Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Delight holds weekly meetings every Wednesday at 8 p.m., in the clubhouse near the suites and apartments. All are invited to join at any point during the semester. For more information about how to get involved with Delight ministries, please contact Melissa Hemrick at [email protected].
