University holds service for volunteers ministering during spring break

^{Carson-Newman senior Rachel Gillespie of Maryville speaks to students, faculty and staff, during the spring SPOTS Commissioning Service. Gillespie is one of 170 Carson-Newman volunteers who will serve in outreach projects during spring break.}

(March 12, 2014)– On Tuesday, March 11, Carson-Newman University held a commissioning service for those embarking on outreach ministry trips during spring break, which takes place the week of March 16. Carson-Newman volunteers will serve in locations ranging from Knoxville and Chattanooga to Philadelphia, Pa., and Panama City, Fla. Teams will also be traveling internationally to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

The University hosted Dr. Suzii Paynter, executive coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, as the event’s featured speaker. Paynter both challenged and encouraged the volunteers.

Known within the C-N campus community as SPOTS trips, the week of outreach seeks to enhance students’ faith development and as a catalyst to students looking for ways to help others regardless of their career path.