Olivet University Hosts Local Churches for Palm Sunday Worship

April 01, 2026

Enlarge this Image (1/6)

Olivet University’s Riverside campus welcomed the Anza Valley community for a Palm Sunday “Prayer and Praise” gathering, offering an evening shaped by worship, music, and shared faith. Churches from across the region participated, while the university’s performers and production provided a unifying structure that carried the program from beginning to end.

Serving as both host and contributor, Olivet University played a central role in shaping the evening’s tone. Its stage became a platform not only for visiting worship teams, but for its own students, whose musical and artistic contributions added depth and cohesion to the gathering.

Local pastors Kevin Watson, Jon Runnfeldt, and Mark Neer guided the program, introducing worship teams and offering Scripture and reflections tied to Palm Sunday. Each transition between performances was framed with encouragement and teaching, helping connect the music to the broader message of praise and remembrance.

As the evening progressed, Olivet University’s presence took greater focus. Under the direction of student Doson Kim, a group of university performers led a contemporary worship set that blended global musical influences with familiar expressions of praise. The performance reflected the diversity of the student body and underscored a central theme of the night: that worship extends beyond cultural and geographic boundaries.

Adding to the program, the university’s Dance Team presented a choreographed piece to “Praise the Lord.” Through movement and visual storytelling, the performance offered another layer of expression, drawing the audience into a more immersive experience of worship and highlighting Olivet’s commitment to creative forms of ministry.

Earlier in the evening, Living Hope Christian Fellowship opened with an energetic set that included “Days of Elijah” and “Hosanna,” establishing a tone of celebration. Pastor Watson expressed gratitude for Olivet University’s hospitality, noting the importance of having a shared space where churches across the valley can gather as one community.

Pastor Runnfeldt later reflected on the meaning of Palm Sunday, speaking on themes of redemption and the significance of Christ’s journey toward Jerusalem. His message invited those present into both joyful praise and thoughtful reflection.

For many in attendance, the evening represented more than a program of music and messages. In a mountain community like Anza, where churches are often spread out, the opportunity to come together in shared faith carries special significance. Pastors, worshippers, students, staff, and faculty described the gathering as uplifting, pointing to a renewed sense of unity and encouragement that comes from worshiping together.

The event concluded with a final set of songs that brought all participants into a collective expression of praise. Attendees left with a sense of connection not only to their own congregations, but to the wider faith community.

Organizers expressed hope that the “Prayer and Praise” gathering will continue in the future, building on the partnership between local churches and Olivet University as a growing center for worship, outreach, and community life in the Anza Valley.

For more Olivet University News visit www.olivetnews.com