Since our founding, one of Providence’s most unique and popular programs has been the Weekends of Work and Worship in the World, which we have affectionately referred to as the “4-Ws”. As of the Fall 2010 semester, the 4-W program became the Avodah program (pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable).
Avodah is a Hebrew word with dual meanings of work and worship with service. It is our perspective that every aspect of life is subject to the sovereignty of God. Therefore earning a college education, serving the community, and interacting with other cultures are all acts of worship to the Lord. The Avodah program is directed by this understanding to engage students with the diverse and exciting culture of Southern California. Each Avodah is followed by a corporate discussion on how these cultural interactions can be harmonized with a Christian worldview.
Freshmen and sophomores participate in three of these worshipful service experiences each semester. Juniors and seniors will participate in one Avodah each semester, but will also be required to take part in an Avodah Immersion. These are the culmination of the individual service experiences. Immersed students will take a one to three week trip to a cross-cultural location for a deeper and more intense look at Christian service on a global-cultural scale. Together the Avodot (that’s the Hebrew plural of Avodah) and the Avodah Immersions provide students with real-world applications of their Christian education.
Check out these examples of some great Avodah Excursions students have participated in during the last few semesters:
The Screwtape Letters
C.S. Lewis’ brilliant novel, The Screwtape Letters, reveals spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. This funny, provocative and wickedly-witty theatrical adaptation will change the way you think about how demons influence your everyday life. Screwtape is played by Max McLean who has received rave reviews for his performance.
Los Angeles Opera: Il turco en Italia (The Turk in Italy)
This Italian, comedic opera was written by Gioachino Rossini in 1814. The story centers around a Turkish slave girl who moves to Italy after being rejected by her master. A variety of relationships/desires ensue with a comedy of errors in each of the relationships.
The opera exposed students to fabulous, talented vocalists as well as classical opera.
More information: Los Angeles Opera
Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band Concert
Labeled as one of the 100 greatest living lyricists by Paste magazine, Josh Ritter, an Idaho native and graduate of Oberlin College is known for his melodic. Part of the Indie Americana/rock and roll/folk movement (whatever that means), Ritter has played everything from small clubs in small towns to The Late Show with David Letterman. Ritter has recorded a variety of albums, the last being So Runs the World Away, which was released this past summer to very lofty reviews.
Nixon Library and Museum
Most famously known for his central role in the Watergate scandal during his presidency, this Avodah centered on helping you get to know Richard Milhous Nixon on a deeper level. This museum traces his life from first steps through his retirement and includes the house where he was born as well as the helicopter Nixon flew on during his presidency. The museum provides many insights into the 20th Century culture in which Nixon rose and fell.
More information: The Nixon Library and Museum
Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs. LA Kings Hockey game
Are you a hockey fan? Have you ever watched a game wondering what the rules are? We attended one of the “cross town” rivalry games of the National Hockey League at the Honda Center, home of the Mighty Ducks.
More information: The Mighty Ducks
Mexico Mission Trip
Many of us overlook in favor of the tourist traps we visit there. On this excursion, we focused on the work of missionaries in Tijuana, the growth of the local church there, as well as the broader culture found there.
Taste of Los Angeles
During this Avodah, students experienced the cultural diversity of Los Angeles?the melting pot of the world. Traveling to downtown via the metro train, students gained an understanding of the urban area: its people, its history, its food, its architecture. The group traveled several miles on a walking tour of the downtown area to see a variety of LA tourist attractions.
Tour of California’s Natural Beauty
This excursion was required of all students enrolled in Earth Science. Students traveled for four days throughout much of the state of California, taking in some of the greatest natural beauty known to humankind. Led by Dr. Larry McHargue, students saw a variety of landforms such as volcanoes, mountain ranges, lakes, earthquake fault lines, etc. which directly correlated to the content of the Earth Science course.
The Huntington Library and Gardens
Highlighted by a large art collection and beautiful botanical gardens, The Huntington is a world renown research library located directly south of campus in San Marino. Students walked among great art works – both man made and those made by God in creation. It was a relaxing day, with students leisurely absorbing this rich institution in the company of the Providence humanities faculty.
Serving on the Southside
Providence worked with an organization called Servant Partners on the south side of Los Angeles making an effort to understand urban ministry with the poor. Led by experts in the field of urban ministry, the organization spent time discussing the theoretical side of urban ministry while also taking students out into the community to get to know the local people. On Sunday, some students opted to attend a local church with the ministry staff to observe their relationships with the people and to hear stories of community transformation. This excursion was attended by students interested in ministry and missions.
Japanese Cultural Study
Have you ever been to Little Tokyo? Do you enjoy sushi (or you would at least like to try it)? What do you know about Japanese customs? This Avodah was for students interested in the Japanese culture. The group traveled through Little Tokyo, attending the Japanese American Museum, and eating Japanese food. Students interacted with Japanese people to discuss their customs and culture.
Westside Story in Hollywood
One of the classic Broadway musicals, this play is looked to as one of the defining musicals of our time. Set in the mid-20th Century, this musical contains a beautiful love story with an amazing musical score undergirding it.
LA Philharmonic (directed by John Williams) and the “Music of the Movies” at the Hollywood Bowl
This event brought together four unbelievable musical elements: the LA Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl, John Williams, and the great music of movies. This was perfect for our students who love orchestral music, but was also a great experience for everyone who recognized the impact of music on movies.
LA Exposition Park
One of the greatest historical locations in the LA area is Exposition Park, a park established in 1913. It has been home to many significant events including the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. Students were given the day to self-direct their tour of 160 acres of attractions, including the LA Science Center, an IMAX theatre, the Natural Histroy Museum, and an Air & Space Museum
Mt. Wilson Observatory: “A View of the Universe”
The Mt. Wilson Observatory, long recognized as a leader in astronomical research, has the world’s largest telescope open for public use. This evening astronomy session (from sunset to 1:00am) included a fascinating guided tour of the universe—up close!
Inner City Service Project at the Union Rescue Mission in LA
How should Christians respond to the homeless? What is our responsibility to helping the poor? In conjunction with discussions on these topics, this Avodah took students to the Union Rescue Mission located in downtown LA. Working with the URM in their Box Outreach Program, they distributed 3,000 hygiene boxes to needy and homeless people in an area known as Skid Row. Los Angeles has one of the largest homeless populations in America, and the URM is one of the largest rescue missions in the country as well. This Avodah shaped student perspectives on the issues of poverty and homelessness.
Jewish Awareness Weekend
Los Angeles has a vibrant and influential Jewish population, and this experience provides students with an up close view of this culture. They examine the religion, history, and food of the Jewish people. By looking at various aspects of Jewish culture, students have a great opportunity to see the distinctives of their life and faith. We know the history of the Jewish people found in the Bible, but what do they believe today? How is Judaism similar and different from Christianity? How should we communicate with members of the Jewish culture? This Avodah provides answers to these questions while building a strong foundation for a richer understanding of the Bible.
Law and Justice with Jared Haringsma, Deputy District Attorney, Riverside County
Students experienced the California court system first hand on this Avodah. After touring the courthouse (including the judge’s chambers), students conversed with lawyers about their vocation, cases they have worked on, and seeing the inner-workings of the judicial system.
The Getty Center/J. Paul Getty Museum
The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. With beautiful gardens and architecture, this serene setting is sure to please any person who loves art and will create, at minimum, an appreciation of art for those unfamiliar with this sort of experience.