COMMUNITY: Sounds of singing, instruments, praying, crying and laughing emanated from Devilbiss room 123 on the night of Sep. 5th. Cru, an inter-denominational Christian organization on campus, hosts occasional Prayer & Worship nights that typically attract several students. 

At the last gathering, attendees were asked to share a recent life experience with a nearby peer. This was followed by two rounds of an activity called “four corners”, which entailed students scrambling to one of four corners, hoping their number was not called by a blindfolded player in the front of the room. 

Once the game ended and participants retreated to their seats in the room, the first prayer of the evening was given, sparking a transition into songs of worship, accompanied by singers and a band. Between the music, prayers were delivered, causing a range of emotional responses across the room. 

Leighton Dell, an SU sophomore majoring in Finance, is a Worship Leader responsible for organizing events on campus, communicating with the worship team about their singing responsibilities and being present for nights of worship. 

“I came into school last year not knowing anybody, and everybody was super friendly,” he said. “And of course you’re going to have the people who are friendly because it’s their job and they want to make sure people feel welcome, but then there are also the people [when] you get inside, and you meet them, and you’re like, ‘wow, everyone is really friendly.’”

Although Cru is a Christian organization centered upon promoting religious faith, the group is open to anybody interested in attending, regardless of their religious affiliation. 

“Even if you’re not a Christian, and you just need people to hang out with– friends, a community– this is still good for that,” Dell said.  “We’d like to invite as many people as we can here to hear what Christ is about, what He did for us, but even if you’re not willing to subscribe to that, we’re still gonna welcome anyone who comes.”

Jackie Tippett, an SU senior majoring in Psychology, has been involved with Cru since her freshman year of college and is now the president of the organization. 

“I was the Worship Leader the last two years, and so music really speaks to me, especially with my walk with the Lord, and I think that music can reach parts of your heart that words can’t,” she said. “I feel like all worship is very authentic and very beautiful, not only to the ear but also pleasing to the Lord, I pray, so it’s my favorite part.”

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By COLIN McEVERS

Editor in Chief