A Christian bible study organization on campus known as RENEW! held their fourth annual “The Worship Experience” at 6 p.m. on April 11 in Chapman auditorium.
The service was filled with a variety of worship presentations from dance ministries to worship through song.
Freddie Ratcliff, senior management major is the president of RENEW!. He opened the program with a welcome to the audience. Next, senior mass communication major and Vice President of RENEW!, Armand Broady gave a prayer and encouraged everyone to move “as the spirit led them.”
Jasper Dewitt II, senior mass communication major and pianist, Lawrence Nivens, junior management major and member of RENEW!, Kristy Taylor, senior elementary education major and second vice president of RENEW!, and Tyler Waters, senior management major and treasurer of RENEW! were all involved in The Worship Experience.
Water Falls Dance Ministry, a division of Rivers of Living Water church based in Florence, SC danced to a number of selections including “Jesus You’re Beautiful“ where 11 year old Madison White took the lead.
Divine Dance Ministry traveled from Charleston, SC to share their dance. They performed several dance numbers to songs, one being “To Worship You I Live.”
The two dance ministries combined with members of RENEW! and presented a dance together.
Amanda Graham, a graduating senior, English major and mother of four from Bennettsville, SC sang a few selections including “What Held You On the Cross.”
Another FMU student, Brittany McKever, a senior psychology major shared with the audience a testimonial story of how she came to have a relationship with Christ.
McIver spoke candidly about her freshman year in college at another institution when she had some “bad habits.” McIver said that when she came to FMU and joined RENEW!, things changed in her life.
“I had never experienced God until I went to RENEW!,” McIver said.
According to McIver, it was then that she let go of her bad habits and completely gave her life to Christ.
“I know I can’t do it on my own,” McIver said. “I’m just glad to be here today.”
Adviser for Renew!, Pastor Elaine Baldwin and part-time instructor of speech communication quoted Psalm 149:3 to explain to the audience why it is important to worship with dance.
Following Baldwin, 11 year old Saviah Miller took the stage and sang two songs. Baldwin introduced Miller as a talented young lady who has performed at venues all across the country and recently had callbacks for the Broadway play Annie.
The Worship Experience brought over 20 community members and students to worship together. RENEW! has been active on campus since spring 2010. To become a member of RENEW!, contact either the president or vice president to learn more.