Fin--- to Abundance of local churches, both small and large, provides students with many opportunities to worship A group of students pack Shores Hall lobby for a Wednesday night devotional. Students met each week to sing, pray and encourage one another. (Photo by Renee Lewis) Lifting his hands in praise, junior Tim Davis leads a prayer at the AU-School Retreat Aug. 23. The retreat began the semester with a spiritual focus. (Photo by Russ Phillips) a Church HOlDe Despite the close proximity of many Searcy churches, senior Matt Wilson didn't mind the 20-minute drive to Pineview Church of Christ near Pangburn, Ark. Wilson attended the rural church after visiting with his roommate. Wilson said his first experience at Pineview proved to be a positive one. "A couple at the church invited us to lunch at their house the second time we visited and we've been over there a few times since then," Wilson said. "When people ask how I am doing, it's not just small talk. They genu– inely care about what's going on in my life. They notice when I miss a Sunday and they even sent me a birthday card. It gives me more of a sense of belonging instead of being just a number." Besides close fellowship w ith church members, the chance for in– volvement was another incentive for attending a smaller congregation. When senior Dannie Rio, Bible and missions major, was introduced to the Des Arc Church of Christ, the churchdidn't have a regular preacher. Rio's interest in the congregation led toa preachingopportllnity in Des Arc, 25 miles east of Searcy. Prior to working with the church, which regularly had less than 20 people in attendance on Sunday morning, Rio said he had never at– tended such a small congregation. "Each individual member has more of a chance to serve and no one is left out since it's so close and per– sonal," Rio said. Those who preferred larger con– gregations felt the same sense of be– longing. At least three area churches averaged 1,000 attendees on a typi– cal Sunday morning. Although he sometimes felt lost in the crowd at such a large congregation, senior Doug Wood decided to make the College Church of Christ his church home because of the qual– ity of leadership. "College [Church] has a sound eldership as well as great teachers," Wood said."I thinkitwas mainly the teachers that influenced my decision to attend there." Junior Amber Smith attended the Downtown Church of Christ beca use of its similarity to her church at home. "Being around so many people is encouraging," Smith said. "There are ways for just about anyone and every– one to get involved .And the singing is absolutely amazing, with so many peoplewho have come together inone room to worship." No matter what size congregation an individual sought, Searcy and the surrounding areas offered a number of unique congregations to call home. -Christy Cmlady spiritual life 13 1111111 .
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