ANZA, Calif. — Olivet University's Riverside campus became a gathering place for worship, music, and community as it hosted a Palm Sunday "Prayer and Praise" evening, bringing together churches from across the Anza Valley. While the event reflected a shared effort among local congregations, the university's performers and production anchored the evening's atmosphere and flow.
From the outset, Olivet University positioned itself not only as a venue, but as a creative and spiritual contributor. Its stage welcomed multiple worship teams, yet it was the university's own students who helped shape the tone of the night through music and movement that reflected both technical preparation and heartfelt expression.
The program featured participation from several Anza-area churches, with pastors Kevin Watson, Jon Runnfeldt, and Mark Neer guiding the evening through Scripture and reflection. Each introduced their respective worship teams, framing the music with messages tied to Palm Sunday and the broader meaning of praise.
Midway through the evening, Olivet University's presence became more pronounced. Under the direction of student Doson Kim, a team of university performers delivered a contemporary worship set that blended international musical influences with familiar praise themes. Their performance emphasized the global nature of Christian worship, highlighting how faith transcends cultural and geographic boundaries.
The university's Dance Team added a visual dimension to the program. The group presented a choreographed performance to "Praise the Lord," using movement to interpret the themes of celebration and devotion. The piece drew strong engagement from the audience and underscored Olivet's role in cultivating diverse forms of artistic expression in worship.
Earlier in the evening, Living Hope Christian Fellowship opened with a high-energy set, including "Days of Elijah" and "Hosanna," setting a tone of celebration that carried throughout the program. Pastor Watson expressed appreciation for Olivet University's hospitality, noting the importance of having a central space where the broader faith community could gather.
Pastor Runnfeldt later reflected on the significance of Palm Sunday, pointing to themes of redemption and the emotional depth of Christ's journey toward Jerusalem. His message invited attendees into a posture of both celebration and contemplation.
Beyond the performances, the gathering carried a deeper purpose for the region. In a close-knit mountain community like Anza, opportunities to share faith across congregations are both meaningful and rare. Pastors, worshippers, students, staff, and faculty alike described the experience of coming together in united faith as deeply uplifting, reinforcing a shared sense of mission and belonging across generations and church backgrounds.
The evening concluded with a final worship set that brought participants together in a unified expression of praise. For many in attendance, the event highlighted not only the strength of Anza's church community, but also the growing role of Olivet University as a hub for collaboration, creativity, outreach, and shared faith.
Organizers indicated that similar gatherings may continue in the future, building on the partnership between local churches and the university's emerging contribution to the region's spiritual and cultural life.
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