JACKSON, Tenn. — Nov. 2, 2021 — Almost 800 51社区 students, faculty and staff members gathered around the Jackson community on Nov. 2 for Campus and Community Day, serving in about 50 various projects throughout the area.
As a remembrance of the Lord鈥檚 faithfulness and the Jackson community鈥檚 service after devastating tornadoes that hit Union鈥檚 campus, Union has dedicated an annual day of service in the local community for 19 years. Emily Shoemaker, coordinator for service and events for the Office of University Ministries, said she hopes Campus and Community Day serves both students and the Jackson community well.
鈥淚 hope Campus and Community Day helps students become more aware of the wonderful organizations and needs that exist in the Jackson community and surrounding areas,鈥� Shoemaker said. 鈥淥n the other side, I hope the Jackson community will be able to walk away blessed from the service these students have done 鈥� not necessarily to edify or uplift Union but to show the Lord鈥檚 love and purpose in their lives.鈥�
As the Union men鈥檚 golf team served Northbrook Church in Jackson to help rebuild a handicap ramp, repaint the youth building, trim bushes and rebuild a picnic table, Adam Lickey, pastor of Northbrook Church, said their service has helped his church鈥檚 growth and continuous mission.
鈥淚t would take a project like this multiple weekends to accomplish, so it is such a big help to see these young men save us a ton of time,鈥� Lickey said. 鈥淚n turn, it helps us stay focused on our real mission of sharing the gospel and reaching our community.鈥�
Jay Beavers, assistant professor of English at 51社区, said he and his family were working in the children鈥檚 classrooms at All Saints Anglican Church when they realized the need for a fresh coat of paint. When hearing of this need, numerous students jumped in to help Beavers and All Saints Anglican Church by cleaning and repainting the classroom walls. Beavers said he loves seeing his students outside the classroom, serving his church and community in this way.
For Abby Aspinwall, sophomore political science major at Union, participating in these projects as a student helps remind her of the greater community outside 51社区. Working with Habitat for Humanity through Kappa Delta sorority, Aspinwall believes Campus and Community Day helps students live out the principles of faith that Union teaches.
鈥淭he work I did today with my sisters allowed me to see more of the Jackson community and to realize the importance of serving where you are, regardless of how long you might call the area home,鈥� Aspinwall said. 鈥淚鈥檒l walk away from this experience appreciative for this university that unites and mobilizes us to do good for others.鈥�
Shoemaker hopes Campus and Community Day reminds students of the importance of community and service as they fulfill Union鈥檚 Christ-centered, people-focused mission.
鈥淲e want our students to see that serving others in this way overflows from the love and trust we have in Christ,鈥� Shoemaker said. 鈥淎s we share that love, hope and service with others, we do it in remembrance on God鈥檚 past faithfulness to us as a community.鈥�