Fair brings faith, fellowship

Last Friday’s Faith Fair gave students the opportunity to learn more about faith-related options in the area through flyers, brochures and the chance to speak directly with church members and pastors.

“I believe that faith is the only thing that will overcome any obstacle in life,” said Dessa Pletcher, junior health promotions major. “I know people are busy, but if God has time for you, then you can find time for him.”

Visitors from different houses of worship passed out literature that included information about subjects ranging from praying to fellowship dinners that will be available in the coming year.

One of the new services that the First Christian Church will be holding is a Church Mouse Coffee House. The Coffee House is a new and free program where students can come to the church during the times it is open and find a quiet corner to sit and study.

“We thought of the coffee house because we are located so close to ESU and we thought we might be able to get students that might be passing through on their way home,” said Robert Chatham, member of the First Christian Church. “College students should attend church in college because they are away from home and are trying to meet more people. They also may have had a church home in the past before they moved here and attaining one in college helps students stay grounded.”

Some of the other special services that churches offer are free dinners, contemporary worship services, bible study and prayer groups that are directed toward youth.

“We know that most students are very busy people and that they may only have one or two hours a week to devote to worship,” said Kurt Cooper, youth pastor at First United Methodist Church. “We try and schedule events at different times throughout the week…By having all of these different times, we hope to reach every student’s schedule.”

Students also had the opportunity to talk to pastors and members of the churches that were working the tables and could ask questions about faith or upcoming events.

At the Didde Catholic Campus Church table, participants were advertising their upcoming Awakening Retreat where students can sign up for a weekend of fellowship, meals and housing.

The Faith Fair is an annual event that is meant to make students aware of their options in terms of faith and fellowship.

“We try to represent a service to students so that they are able to view their options,” said Ed Franks, assistant director of Conferences and Operations. “Especially since it’s the beginning of school and new students may not know what churches and different faiths are offered in the community.”