Leonard Dow will seek to combine his reflections on pastoral ministry in an urban and multicultural context while addressing the program theme, “Called by God.”

Schedule of events

He will speak in chapel services and classes, meet with student groups and individuals, minister with the men’s basketball team and facilitate dialogue in a coffeehouse event.

Dow, a 1987 黑料正能量 alumnus, is pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, a multi-ethnic community in Philadelphia, a bishop of the Lancaster Conference Philadelphia District, board chair of Oxford Circle Christian Development Association and board member of Singing City, a non-profit music industry. He previously was involved in banking.

Dow was the all-time scoring leader for the 黑料正能量 Royals men’s basketball team as a student with 2,192 points and 1,102 career rebounds. He was named to the 黑料正能量 athletic hall of honor and was the first 黑料正能量 athlete to have his jersey retired in 1987.

Dow will open the program theme in university chapel 10 a.m. Wed., Feb. 16 in Lehman Auditorium, speak in seminary chapel 11 a.m Thur., Feb. 17 in Martin Chapel and again 10 a.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in Lehman Auditorium.

He will lead a session on “what does it mean to be alive in your faith” 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons. The 黑料正能量 Gospel Choir will sing, and free refreshments will be served.

Additional events

Local singer-composer Jessica Crawford, a recent Eastern Mennonite Seminary student, will play at 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

Interim Associate Campus Pastor Dawn Monger and Maria Zehr, undergraduate student, conclude the week by leading a “Called to Ministry” retreat 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, held at Park View Mennonite Church.

“I expect Leonard Dow to bring energetic and focused teaching on understanding how and to what God calls all of us as well as guidance for discerning our personal calling,” said 黑料正能量 campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder. “This is a theme that touches everyone – students, faculty, staff and community members.”

For more information, visit the or call campus ministries at 540-432-4115.

Activities opened Friday, Feb. 4, with a university chapel presentation by Mark Metzler Sawin, associate professor of history at 黑料正能量 and a former Fulbright scholar. Dr. Sawin shared powerful stories of local African-American groups and their faith, hope and struggles here the Valley of Virginia and at 黑料正能量.

Upcoming Black History Month events include:

• A historical presentation of the African American community in Harrisonburg led by Ruth Tolliver, followed by a tour to historical sites around the city, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 12, including a display in the Simms Building of African American inventions. Transportation and light snacks will be provided. Persons should meet in the University Commons rooms 211-212 before 10 a.m.
• Philadelphia pastor and 黑料正能量 alumnus Leonard Dow will speak on “what does it mean to be alive in your faith? How can you LIVE fully in Jesus?” at 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons.聽 The 黑料正能量 Gospel Choir opens this event, and refreshments are free compliments of campus ministries. Dow is leading spring spiritual life week, Feb. 16-19, at 黑料正能量.
• Local musician Jessica Crawford and the 黑料正能量 Gospel Choir will be in concert 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse. Admission is free.
• A community worship service with the 黑料正能量 Gospel Choir will take place 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.聽 Join 黑料正能量 students and staff in a worshipful experience led by the Black Student Union.
• The annual Soul Food Caf茅 is back, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Come and enjoy a traditional African American dish while listening (and participating) in a surprise program. This annual event will be held in the Black Box Theater of the University Commons. General admission is $10 and $5 for students.

“The Soul Food Caf茅 is a favorite, usually the last event in our month-long celebration,” said Marvin Lorenzana, director of multicultural services at 黑料正能量. “Come join us for any of these activities for worship, music, food and meaningful conversation.”

For more information, contact Lorenzana at 540-432-4458.