On Tuesday, September 24, the office of university ministries hosted Songs and Stories, an event in Barefoots Joe to kick off Global Focus Month at Union University.
This was the third year that the event has taken place, and each year it has looked a little different. This year, students shared the gospel story from Creation to the Second Coming through original works of art including photography, stories, poems and songs. Barefoots was packed with people, and those who could not find chairs stood up in the back.
“Hopefully, this event is an example of how all that God has given us (our gifts, creativity, opportunities, desires, etc.) can be used to make Him known,” said Julie Bradfield, the senior director for university ministries and director for student mobilization.
Anna Slabetska, junior TESOL major, and Michael Chapman, senior journalism major, were the hosts for the evening. They emphasized the communal aspect of the event.
“We get to be in a room together to hear the gospel,” said Slabetska. “There are people here from different places, cities, states and even countries.”
Slabetska encouraged the audience to feel awe and wonder in the fact that the gospel had brought them all together. As the first act started, the chatter in the room hushed almost immediately as everyone turned their full attention to listening to the story of Creation.
Students shared their art, taking the audience through creation; the fall of man; the promise of the Messiah and the wait for him; his birth, death and resurrection; his commission to all his followers and the promise of his second coming. During intermission, there was barely room to move around as people viewed the photos set up in the back.
“Stories are meant to be shared, and as followers of Christ, we have been given a great story to tell – the greatest story of all,” said Bradfield. “Songs and Stories seeks to communicate that story through the creativity of the Union University community.”
Students from all across campus came to enjoy this event and hear the gospel message.
“My favorite part was that each piece was an original work,” said Natalie Stookey, sophomore ministry and missions major. “I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s perception of the stories and what stands out to them.”
The office of university ministries will have more global focus events throughout the semester, including chapels and Missions Underground, which will take place on September 30 at 8 p.m. in the small gym.
Photos courtesy of Neil Cole
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