Canterbury
A call to worship
November 10, 2010
Where 9:05, Journey and Refuge gatherings give students a chance for in-depth bible studies, Canterbury offers a comfortable environment for students to partake in open worship.
“Historically, students have had an open worship experience,” said Dean of Spiritual Life Dale Griffin.
He said it is important for the students of Oklahoma Baptist University to have times for devotion and bible study, as well as community celebration.
It was when students desired a time outside of community study to “release heart cries to the Lord through worship and creative mediums,” as said by Griffin, that Canterbury was birthed.
This is why Canterbury does not have as high a commitment level to it as say Wednesday chapel services, or even the 9:05 studies; rather it is essential to being on a journey that ties into academic life.
It began as Worship Nights and students met in Stubblefield Chapel, but as it grew more popular a larger meeting place became necessary.
A student proposed the name “Canterbury” to give it more of a laid back atmosphere to connect with God than the original name of Worship Nights provided.
The organization is much like Chaucher’s “Canterbury Tales” in that it provides a time for students and community-members from all walk of life to come together and share in one another’s stories.
It is a student led worship service currently under the leadership of upper classmen co-chairs Aaron Diacon and Leslie Fort.
Students now meet two Thursdays a month at The Corner in downtown Shawnee on Pennsylvania and Ninth Street across the way from the Salvation Army and First Baptist Church.
The next meeting night will be Thursday, Nov. 11. All students are welcome to come and participate in Canterbury activities.
