The Praise Fest and Volunteer Fair will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight in the South Quad to usher students into the realms of spirit and service.

Praise Fest, sponsored by Chi Alpha Ministries, will spotlight two praise bands from the area, said Claude Magee, adviser of Chi Alpha.

The Praise Assembly of God youth praise team and the Charleston Community Church praise team will lead worship, and six soloists will perform, he said.

Magee said around the middle of the event the bands will pause, so representatives from various campus ministries and area churches may be introduced.

“The purpose of the event is to allow college students to meet these representatives face to face and to find out about the ministries’ and churches’ services,” he said.

The ministries represented will be InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Wesley Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, Christian Campus House, Emmanuel Lutheran, East Harrison Church of God, Charleston Community Church, Chi Alpha Ministries, Praise Assembly of God, Faith Builders, and the Newman Catholic Center, he said.

“We want everyone to come – students, staff, community,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to fellowship with other campus ministries, community churches and Christians,” Magee said.

The Volunteer Fair, held in conjunction with Praise Fest this year, is scheduled for students to see what kind of volunteer opportunities are available for them and for volunteer agencies and organizations to recruit volunteers, said Holly Walters, campus minister/volunteer coordinator for the Newman Catholic Center/Student Volunteer Center.

The groups represented at the fair will include Alternative Spring Break, Haiti Connection, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service, Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Homeless Shelter, Crisis Pregnancy Center, Peace Meal, area nursing homes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities and others, she said.

Walters said they like to hold the fair early in the year, so students can find their niche before they get too involved with other organizations.

“I think students need to find a way to give back to their community while living out their faith,” she said.