Kindred Spirits

It was a simple email received on March 28.

Religious Life Council is preparing our annual seven last sayings service. This is a service in which we reflect upon the seven things Jesus said while on the cross. It will be on April 16 at 7 PM in Wesley Chapel. We are hoping to have your help with this.

Thank you,

Sarah Wilmoth

What happened on April 16th was pretty amazing. It was the participation of a community of diverse, talented, and thoughtful people. It was Wesleyan.

There were athletes, cheerleaders, musicians, faculty (past and present), pastors, a seminarian and a bishop. There were historians, theologians, chemists, psychologists, communication scholars and those who communicated through sign language.  Future teachers and those who may become preachers. There were alumni both in the service and many in the congregation that gathered.

There was participation from members of the Buckhannon Community, the College Community, and the West Virginia Annual Conference Community.

All came together to share their talents and their hearts.

It was student-organized and student-led.

Kindred Spirits With Those Who Came Before Them

Caitlyn Ware, second from the right in the photo above, has been in my WVWC History class this semester. While doing a research project in the area of Religious Life on Campus, she discovered a group of people who were active on campus from 1976-2003. A group called LoveShine. Here (with permission) is a portion of her paper about that group:

LoveShine (1976-2003)

LoveShine was a Christian drama group comprised of Wesleyan students who came together to “glorify God by using the talent and creativity bestowed upon [them].” They were a group of highly creative and fun personalities whose main mission was to let God’s love shine. Formed in September of 1976 with the help of alumnus Paul Brown, LoveShine composed much of its own material and through dance, drama, and music presented coffeehouses, workshops, church services, and full-length shows. They adapted their material to meet the specific needs of those they were ministering to. The group toured churches across the area and were funded solely on donations. An examination of rehearsal and meeting notes shows an emphasis on preparation for performances, “1) be ready to learn (relearn) other skit(s) for program. 2) know all 8pgs. of “Risk” and be ready for a run-through. 3) make masks for “Risk” -we need you, no imposters!!” Meetings were held twice a week, Sunday 9-10pm and Monday 8-10pm, depending on the year.

                             (Loveshine on tour in the 90s)

October of 1976 saw a growing group that performed their first complete original show for campus titled “God Loves Me, God Loves Me Not” including their theme song, “LoveShine,” written by member Leslie Flack. Shows were generally based on Bible themes or referenced specific scripture. One popular drama series, likely referencing the 1958 cult/science fiction film “The Blob” was their ongoing play of the same title featuring Darren Hornbeck, followed by “Return of the Blob,” and The Blob “Strikes” Again with “Hoss” Hartman. They often held events for and including children and even brought them to Wesleyan. The group could frequently be seen sporting LoveShine printed shirts with suspenders or bibs.

“The Blob” series performed by Loveshine next to the Lynch-Raine Administration building and in a local church

Student leadership.

Student creativity.

Groups with talent and hearts for connecting with others to share the message of the Gospels. Different times. Different ways. Same spirit.

LoveShine Shines On

As a 1978 graduate myself, I knew many of those original members of LoveShine – and have kept in touch with them.

Through the years those people, and those who followed them for nearly 30 years, have kept shining. They were (and are) a diverse group of talented people, leaders, creative people. They have become teachers, preachers, musicians, social workers, and more.

There is a rumor that they may be considering a LoveShine Reunion this summer! They would love to record their theme song in Wesley Chapel. Stand by for news of any developments on that front!!!

Meanwhile, click here to see the Lyrics of the LoveShine theme song, written by Leslie Flack Miller in 1976. Many thanks to Leslie, Jeff Haught, and Wendy Rodan Tuell for tracking them down!