Holston groups welcome college students with lots of style

Church might be the last thing on many college students’ minds, but there sure are a lot of church groups thinking about college students.

At the University of Virginia College at Wise, for instance, the Wesley Foundation recently sponsored a “Steppin’ Up and Steppin’ Out” event for freshmen. The Aug. 20 agenda included makeovers, safety training, and a fashion show presented by Belks.

“We want girls to feel confident when they come to school, because it can be intimidating,” said the Rev. Ginger Howe, Wesley Foundation director. “We also want them to know we’re here for them.”

On “moving-in day” at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Church Street UMC volunteers were on hand to offer cookies and information to students. Church Street spokesperson Teresa Williams reported that numerous students stopped by, and the college-age Sunday School class recorded 23 in attendance the following day, Aug. 19. The downtown church is so interested in reaching UT students, they recently enlisted a college intern, Chris Brown.

“This is the first college intern we’ve ever had,” said Williams. “We just wanted a better way to connect with the college students who come to Church Street.”

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