Students at Ferris were introduced to local churches and faith-based Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on Sunday, Aug. 30, at a concert in the quad outside the University Center. The event was planned to connect students with great support organizations.
The event began as an idea last January. First Baptist Church thought about having a concert in the park, but through the brainstorm session, it was asked, “What if we had a concert in the Ferris quad?”
What brought Nancy Wencl to contact the faith-based organizations on campus to see if there was interest for such an event. Two student organizations responded that they wanted to help. Pharmacy student Tate Feeney, of the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship, and Andy Moorehouse, of the Newman Center, joined in the endeavor.
Planning included inviting local churches to participate. In addition to First Baptist Church, these local churches joined in: Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Trinity Fellowship Church, the Lost and Found Church, United Church of Big Rapids, St. Mary St. Paul Catholic Church, Salvation Army Church and Church of the Nazarene.
Several RSOs also joined in: Christian Pharmacists Fellowship, Newman Center, His House, Real Life, Wesley House, Standing in the Gap, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Students and Truth Discovery Project. About 300 students participated in the event, which featured local Christian group, the David Yonker Band. Churches and RSOs shared information about activities for students to plug into.
There were giant Connect Four games to play and a mixer game to help students meet the groups. Snacks served included ice pops, cotton candy and fresh-popped popcorn. Water was provided by Ice Mountain in Stanwood. Students received school supplies and a myriad of prizes were drawn for. First Baptist’s quilting group donated four puzzle quilts, along with gifts from Buffalo Wild Wings, Johnson’s Automotive and Earth, Wind and Fire. The RSOs are already anticipating next years event.