Religion is emphasis of week’s activities

Special to the Flash

Some Jackson State University students will probably agree with USA Today contributor Tom Krattenmaker’s assertion in a recent article that students have become more comfortable discussing their faith and religious views and combining spirituality with their studies.

Next week, various religious groups will “practice” their faith and present services and programs as part of Religious Emphasis Week, April 17-20.  The week, usually recognized prior to Easter break, is sponsored by the JSU Religious Council, which is made up of students from numerous denominations and faith.

Brian Wilks, a sophomore political science major from Prentiss, Miss., is the Religious Council Senator, and the Rev. Edward McGowan is the Campus Ministry director. Both said the week is about unity and an opportunity to give each ministry organization that has a presence on campus an avenue to let others know who they are and what they are about.

“The week is about raising support, equal opportunity, and the opportunity to minister to and serve our entire university campus,” McGowan said. Wilks agreed; “We have a variety of religious groups on campus; Religious Emphasis Week is a tradition, the week leading up to Easter.”

Most campus religious organizations have weekly study or meetings, in an effort to be fair, if they did not have some sort of campus-wide program or service during the fall semester, then next week is their time to shine.

Next week’s services range from traditional to unique. Beginning Sunday, the Wesley Foundation, a United Methodist Church affiliate, will hold a church service in the Student Center Theatre at 6 p.m. Cordell Sims, a JSU student and church pastor in Grenada, Miss., will be the preacher.

On Monday, April 18, the Baptist Student Union will hold a “Testimonial Night” where students and others can share their stories and thoughts in why it is important to speak about their faith.

Tuesday’s night 6:30 p.m. program is sure to attract with the title, “Pimps and Hoes,” sponsored by Revolution on Campus; ROC is affiliated with the Rev. Vince Thomas and Word of Faith ministry.

Everyone is invited to a Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, April 20 at 8 a.m. in Student Center Room 3213.

McGowan said the breakfast is an open opportunity of prayer for students and for the campus. In his capacity as Campus Minister,

McGowan also leads a Thursday night service and weekly bible study, as well as counseling students on a daily basis.  His office is located on the 2nd Floor in the JSU Student Center.