This article was written by Public Relations Intern John Thompson.
Bluefield University will host its 34th annual Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week, September 22-26, full of opportunities for students to engage with God’s word and Christian community through additional campus ministry events.
Since 1992, Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week has encouraged students, staff, and community members to focus on their faith, thanks to the generosity of Drs. Gene and Jane Duremdes of Princeton, West Virginia. Sensing a special calling to “share with the students of Bluefield University some of the blessings they have received from the Lord,” the Duremdes created the event with BU leaders to allow students and the public at-large to “examine their spiritual lives” and to “seek answers to life-impacting questions.”
This year’s Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week will also be known as “Bold Week,” emphasizing Bluefield University’s “Bold” theme for the 2025-2026 academic year. The theme is based on 2 Corinthians 3:12: “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (NIV). Campus Pastor Mason West, the BU Student Ministries leadership team, and worship arts students will lead the campus community in exploring the hope of Jesus Christ that emboldens us to live like Him.
Bluefield University will kick off Bold Week on Monday, September 22, with Home, a weekly, student-led worship service. Typically held in Harman Chapel, this week’s service will be held in the university’s Quad and conclude with fellowship, yard games, and laser tag.
Chapel services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings with guest speaker Markus McFolling, founder of Reach1.
On Wednesday night, students are invited to wear neon and come to Bold Night at 7:30 p.m. in J.P. Jardine Plaza between the Science Center and Lansdell Hall on the BU campus.
Bold Worship Night will be held at 7 p.m. in Harman Chapel, led by the Home worship team. Members of the campus community who have made professions of faith may contact [email protected] about being baptized at this event.
On Friday, students are encouraged to participate in Bold Outreach Challenges, including a Prayer Drive-Through at 11:45 a.m. and a Prayer Walk at 3 p.m. The Student Ministries team will share additional challenges on Instagram later this week.