Community gathered for worship

April 9–11, 2026

AU WORSHIP WEEKEND

Rooted in Worship

A catalyst weekend for worship communities on campus and beyond—built for unity without conformity, formation for leaders, and sustainable rhythms for ministry teams.

Why this weekend

UNITY WITHOUT CONFORMITY

Across campus, worship shows up in many voices and spaces—from large gatherings to intimate nights of prayer. That diversity is a gift. It can also make it harder to share vision, build relationships across teams, and make space for everyone to grow together.

AU Worship Weekend is a response: a concentrated few days to worship freely together, encourage one another, and invest in leaders who are carrying ministry week after week—including students who are stretched thin across multiple roles.

We’re inviting friends from other schools and alumni back into the story—so encouragement flows both ways and what happens here can bless communities far beyond one weekend.

Programs don’t transform people—people do. Still, intentional connection, mentorship, and worship create room for God to shape what comes next.

Aims for the weekend

GOALS

01

Community in diversity

Strengthen relationships across worship spaces—without asking anyone to shrink their voice.

02

Disciples who lead

Equip students who want to stand for Christ and serve with clarity and humility.

03

Leaders who last

Encourage and mentor those who need support to step into leadership in healthy ways.

04

A lasting rhythm

Anchor weekends like this in the AU experience so formation in worship ministry stays central for years to come.

Together

PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

Campus ministries, visiting schools, and alumni communities help shape the weekend—some details are still being coordinated and may be updated as plans firm up.

Proximity Vespers

Impact Vespers

Kinetic Vespers

Details being finalized

One Place Fellowship

Details being finalized

Branch Ministries

Details being finalized

Oakwood University

Testify and Revelation

Arc Vintage

Andrews alumni communities

Including Bolingbrook and Praise Fellowship

At a glance

SCHEDULE

Times and venues reflect current planning; items marked as flexible may shift slightly as the weekend approaches.

Thursday · April 9

Times are approximate

7:30 p.m.

Kinetic Vespers

University Towers

Planned as listed; timing may shift slightly if guest schedules require it.

  • Welcome and consecration of the weekend
  • Special music from guests and AU students
  • The Word — Pastor Thorly James
  • Closing remarks

Friday · April 10

Times are approximate

11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Arc Vintage popup

AU Clock Tower

Afternoon

Pre-service preparation

  • Worship night teams — setup and soundcheck (cameras, mics, and stage)
  • Main program (Impact) praise team soundcheck
  • Pre-program huddle and consecration

5:45 p.m.

SILA popup

7:30 p.m.

Proximity Vespers

Pioneer Memorial Church

  • Hosted in collaboration with Impact
  • Welcome · creative moment · praise and worship
  • The Word — Pastor Thorly James
  • Closing · announcements for fellowships, Sabbath, and weekend happenings

After service · ~8:45 p.m.

Afterglow

Youth Chapel

  • Opening words and special music
  • Three worship sets with specials and spoken word
  • Closing prayer

Saturday · April 11

Times are approximate

10:00 a.m.

Anchor Group creative Sabbath School

Campus Center

11:45 a.m.

One Place Fellowship collaboration

1:30 p.m.

Belong Ministries potluck

Architecture Library

3:30–4:30 p.m.

Discipleship breakout sessions

Sabbath afternoon — choose two breakouts (sign up below). Room assignments shared closer to the weekend.

6:00–7:30 p.m.

A242 / AUSA collaboration

Howard Performing Arts Center

Details may be updated as plans are finalized.

8:00 p.m.

Watchmen Reimagined / Branch Worship Collective

Howard Performing Arts Center

Community Collective opening — details forthcoming

Saturday sessions

DISCIPLESHIP BREAKOUTS

All breakouts take place from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on Sabbath afternoon. Please choose two sessions to attend — use the form below to sign up.

Rooted in Worship — big picture: worship is lifestyle (with the AU Discipleship Center).

Sign up for your two breakouts (Google Form)

01

What is Worship

Kenric Rimoni

02

Building a Church Culture

Eliot Jeremiah & Chrissy Ellis

03

Youth in Ministry

Darius Bridges

04

Band Dynamics

Philip Wekesa & Nigel Emilaire

05

Set Organization

Guimel Gonzalez & Jacob Elanko

06

Media Ministry

Jhoana Mortera & Christian Barrera

Form hosted by Andrews University: Rooted in Worship Weekend — breakout selection