New student-led ministry team to make first debut
Group replaces CrossWise as creative arts team at Tabor College
With a new name, format and coordinator, Tabor College's student-led ministry team made its first debut Feb. 6 at Enid Mennonite Brethren Church, Enid, Okla.
The group, i268, is replacing the former student-led group, CrossWise, as the creative arts team at Tabor.
The group's name is based on Isaiah 26:8. According to Jason Mohn, director of church relations at Tabor and coordinator of i268, the verse spoke to the group for several reasons.
"First, the verse starts with a statement of faith: 'Yes, Lord,'" he said. "We were struck by the many journeys of faith that started with those simple words. These students agreed to participate in this team without a real clear picture of what God was calling them to, but yet they responded with willingness and enthusiasm. That's the kind of response that God loves and honors."
The verse also spoke to the group about the spiritual discipline of actively waiting on God and clarified the purpose and direction of the group.
"We are not working for our advancement, but for the advancement of God's kingdom," Mohn said.
The main difference between CrossWise and i268 will be a year-round ministry. CrossWise was primarily a summer ministry team, but i268 will function in three separate seasons: spring, summer, and fall. The group's primary focus will be on church ministry, but they will also perform periodically at summer camps, youth events, and other types of special events.
Mohn said the change is important because ministering year-round provides more chances for student involvement as well as more participation opportunities in churches.
Performances will include a mix of dramatic and musical components, plus personal testimony.
"The purpose of i268 is to serve churches by providing a high-quality experience of worship using both musical and dramatic arts" Mohn said. "We also hope to give people a glimpse of the Tabor experience by getting to know some of our current students."
Members of i268 were chosen by audition in December. The group consists of:Jillian Brown, Minneapolis, vocalist and creative artist; Sara Clark, Chapman, percussionist and drama director/writer; Laura Ediger, Enid, Okla., pianist and vocalist; Steve Lautt, Minot, S.D., guitarist and vocalist; Lucas Regier, Grant, Neb., bass guitarist; Benjamin Schmidt, Newton, electric guitarist and team theologian; Trenton Voth, Halstead, percussionist and vocalist; and Keith Warkentin, Corn, Okla., sound technician.
The group's first performance in Hillsboro will be at Tabor College Missions Conference, Sunday, Feb. 13.
