The Black Student Union (BSU) collaborated with the Inner-Faith Fellowship Ministries Church Feb. 4 to organize a soul-lifting, spirit-tingling, joy-spreading Sunday service.
“I think planning was pretty simple; we did it last year. It was a little bit different this year, but I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed planning it with the help of my pastor,” said Lacey Matthews, coordinator of residence life and programming and member of Inner-Faith ministries.
The event was filled with praise and worship and words of wisdom from the speakers.
College Chaplain Michael Little opened with the song “Glory” by Common featuring John Legend, followed by a prayer with deacon Zachery Swaine from the church. Coordinator of Student Engagement Melanie Rooks read her poem “Little Black Girl”
“I wrote the poem when I was a student here. As part of the Black Student Union, our president thought that it was important to work on developing ourselves physically, spiritually, mentally and academically, so we would have poetry writing sessions. I thought it was just special to be able to present it…everything came full circle, writing it as a student to presenting it to students,” said Rooks.
Pastor Angela Toney laid down words of wisdom about determination and how Black historical figures were determined in their pursuit of equality and spoke about discipline and discipleship connecting to Black heritage.
“The many Black historical figures that we are aware of, because of their determination, we have witnessed how their relentless capacities have paved the way for us to honor our culture. These are the many opportunities we get to enjoy today,” Toney continued. “What type of legacy are you determined to leave in this world?”
Airiana Beverley, junior, expressed her love for the service and how it makes it easier to attend church when it is brought closer to home.
“I love it. Loved it last year. Love it this year. It is nice to get a church to Ferrum because I don’t know a lot of churches around. It is nice to have it come to campus,” Beverley stated.
Other than the feel of church, Candela Pérez-Castellanos, sophomore, said that she loves the feel of community and seeing how events like this bring people together.
“I came because Melanie Rooks told me about it, and I didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed it. I think it is really important to see how people come together,” Pérez-Castellanos stated.
Though the student turnout was not big, members of the church were also in attendance. Matthews shared that she wished for more students to come, but regardless, she had a great time and knows that those who are in attendance enjoy the service.
“I wish the turnout would have been better, but I’m sure everyone that came had a good time” Matthews concluded.
