OBU Day Celebrations Give Time to Say “Thanks”

January 14, 2000

Oklahoma Baptists will have the opportunity to celebrate their strong relationship with OBU during the annual OBU Day in the Churches events Feb. 20 and 27. The theme for the Year 2000 is "Knowledge. Faith. Wisdom." That statement is designed to convey the university's emphasis on academic excellence in a distinctively Christian setting.

On Feb. 20, 2000, the OBU Day emphasis will be for the eastern region of the state. On Feb. 27, the emphasis will be for the western region and the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. However, churches with scheduling conflicts can use either day or choose alternate dates for their convenience.

OBU Day allows the university's students, faculty and staff the chance to show their appreciation to churches for supporting OBU.

"I tell students that one of the most important reasons in going on an OBU Day is to say 'thank you' to the churches," said Dr. Dick Rader, OBU vice president for religious life and dean of the School of Christian Service. "It allows an important linkage between us and the churches. We cherish that relationship and want to build on that."

Students, faculty and staff are available to participate in worship services, youth meetings, or other church OBU Day activities. The representatives can share about OBU or Christian higher education in general. Bulletin inserts, OBU "Quick Facts" brochures and other materials are available for churches upon request. Speakers and materials should be requested as soon as possible through OBU's Religious Life Office, 405-878-2377.

More than 140 students and 40 faculty visited 200 churches from Idabel to the panhandle last year for 1999 OBU Day in the Churches events.

"We pretty much cover all four corners of the state," Rader said. "If any church sends a request, we do our best to meet it."