The Wednesday, Apr. 16, chapel service led by student pastoral assistants focused on the theme, “Alive in Christ,” explored through scripture readings and songs of worship and praise.
The service closed with candlelighting and opportunity for the campus community to pray individually and in small groups, remembering the Virginia Tech community’s tremendous loss in the wake of the Monday morning shootings on their campus, just three hours distance from EMU.
Campus ministries staff and pastoral assistants were available to minister to persons as needed.
Opportunities for Prayer and Support
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Monday Moment of Silence
EMU will join other schools and organizations in observing a moment of silence at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Apr. 23, marking the one-week anniversary of the Virginia Tech campus shootings and loss of 32 lives. -
Candlelight Prayer Vigil:
A prayer vigil scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, as a response to the showing of Invisible Children (Uganda) will now include prayers for the greater Virginia Tech community. Please meet on the front lawn at 9:30 p.m. -
Hokie Hope Day:
Friday is Hokie Hope Day across the nation. Wear maroon and orange all day in solidarity with the VA Tech students, faculty, staff, families and alum. -
Talk with the Pastor:
Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder will host the campus community on Wednesday, April 18, in the Northlawn residence hall from 4-5 p.m. for prayer and support for the Virginia Tech community, as well as any EMU community members who may have direct connections to people affected by the tragedy. -
Sign a Banner:
Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign a banner for VT that will be hand-delivered to Tech’s campus. The banner will be on display for at least the first hour of Springfest on the front lawn. The greater campus communities of JMU, Bridgewater, and Blue Ridge Community College are also participating. -
EMU’s Counseling Center continues to be available to students, faculty and staff in need of support. Call (540) 432-4317 for more information.
Campus Responds
“We are deeply saddened by the events unfolding on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Va.,” wrote Eastern Mennonite University provost Dr. Beryl Brubaker in a campus communiqu