High Point University

Board of Stewards prepares for a new year of service at HPU and in the High Point community

By Whitney Yount, Organizations Editor //

Since 1990, the members of the High Point University Board of Stewards have played an integral role in planning the weekly worship services in the Hayworth Chapel. Established by Dr. Hal Warlick, former minister to the university and dean of Hayworth Chapel until 2012, the group is comprised of students from a variety of backgrounds and religious affiliations.

Every Monday, the Board of Stewards meets with Rev. Preston Davis, the minister to the university, and Shannon LeFever, the manager of chapel programs and the advisor of the Board.

During these meetings, the students plan for upcoming chapel services and talk about the message that Rev. Davis plans to preach about that week. In addition, they write prayers and discuss ideas for giving back to the High Point community through service.

The Stewards also ensure that each Wednesday chapel service runs smoothly by serving as greeters and ushers, as well as by collecting the offerings every week. The money collected during the offerings is then used by the members of the Board of Stewards to help High Point residents, particularly women and children, who are in need of assistance.

All of the collection money donated at chapel services during the fall semester goes toward the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program as part of a tradition that has been held by the Board of Stewards since 1996. “This is one of the best things about being on the Board,” sophomore Steward Holly Gambrell said. “Before we leave for winter break, we go out and buy toys for children in the High Point Community.”

The toys are sent to the SalvationArmy, which delivers the presents to families in need just in time for Christmas morning.

During the spring semester, the offerings are donated to West End ministries, which is a local organization through the Boys and Girls Club that acts as a women’s shelter,  thrift shop and a children’s center called the Kids’ Cafe, which provides food to local children during the week.

In addition to these two events, Stewards work with the Boys and Girls Club throughout the year with events including “Trunk or Treat” at Halloween, a Valentines Day Party and Easter Egg Hunt.

Students are eligible to join the Board of Stewards during their freshman year for a four-year commitment. If interested, incoming freshmen should attend the Student Activities Fair on August 25 and the Religious Life Expo on August 27 for more information. Applicants will be individually interviewed by a group of current Board members during the fall semester.

For more information on religious life at HPU, visit http://www.highpoint.edu/religiouslife.