12-9-09: "With Many Hands, the Load is Light"

“Which 4th period class can raise the most money for Friends of Fort Liberte by December 18?” was the challenge given to Dock students by Ms. Johnston in today’s chapel.

“Friends of Fort Liberte” (FFL) projects are not funded by large donations from individuals, but from small amounts contributed by many people. The fundraiser at Dock is one such example. This manner of fundraising is perfectly described by the Haitian proverb, “with many hands the load is light,” said chapel presenter Annette Crislip. Annette is the co-founder of FFL and a friend of Ms. Johnston’s.

The creation of FFL began in 1973 when West Virginia architect J. D. King (Annette’s late husband) met Pastor Andre Jean of Haiti. Over the next few years, a Haitian child sponsorship program was begun, leading to the formation of the non-profit organization in 1993. Today FFL has constructed churches, a primary school, a secondary school, a clinic, and an orphanage in Haiti in addition to continuing the child sponsorship program. This trans-denominational organization’s mission is to “help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, relieve hunger and homelessness, encourage education and help individuals achieve their full potential.”

The funds raised by Dock students, faculty, and staff will be used to build an addition onto the orphanage, which is deteriorating. Students in the 4th period class that raises the most money will receive a free lunch.

For more information on FFL, please see the December issue of Newsline (page 9) and the Friends of Fort Liberte website.

The Uniqueness of Jesus

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
- John 3:16-17

God chose to come to Earth in the form of an apparently ordinary human being. But Jesus was not just an ordinary human being; He was amazingly unique, too. It was through His miracles that He showed this uniqueness to others, and finally through His death and Resurrection.

In our own time we are surrounded by many seemingly ordinary people who display their amazing and unique gifts to the world. One such person is amateur singer Susan Boyle, who appeared last spring on “Britain’s Got Talent” and became an overnight internet sensation. People feel they can relate to Susan Boyle because she appears so ordinary; she is an average person with an incredible gift. She made something amazing and unique happen on stage.

Watch the YouTube video of her audition on the show. Listen to the skepticism of Simon Cowell and the other judges as they interview Susan before she sings. Then watch their skepticism melt away to amazement when they hear her unique voice.

In this world, people focus on uniqueness. When you apply for a job, no one asks, “What makes you average?” People want to know about your unique gifts and talents. They want to know, “Why should I hire you instead of the 12 other candidates for this job? What is it that makes you special?”

We cannot perform miracles like Jesus, and perhaps not even sing as well as Susan Boyle, but each of us is unique. No matter how ordinary each of us may appear, we all have a God-given and wonderful uniqueness to share with the world.

Losers Who Said "Yes"

“What does it take to be a part of the genealogy of Christ?” As chapel presenters Nate Stuckey and Kenda Creasy Dean read through the genealogy, they decided that there are two things needed to make someone part of the genealogy of Christ: one, the person had to be a “loser,” and two, they had to say yes to God.

If God comes to the world through losers, then He can use losers like us to do His work. There are many “losers” in the genealogy of Christ: Jacob, for example, who deceived both his brother and father, or even Mary, a fourteen-year-old girl at the bottom of the social ladder.

There are lots of reasons to say “no” to God, but a simple “yes” can change everything. There were many reasons for those in Jesus’ genealogy to say “no,” but instead they chose to say yes and accomplished amazing things: Moses said “yes,” even though he did not speak well, and led the Israelites out of Egypt; Sarah said “yes” to God and had a son, Isaac, though she was much too old to have children; Mary said “yes” and it changed the world.

To connect Mary’s story to our own time, clips were shown of FOX’s new show Glee. These clips dealt with another young woman, Quinn, a high school cheerleader and glee club member who has gotten pregnant. In the final clip, the glee club members perform Bill Withers’ Lean on Me, a reminder that they will support Quinn during this difficult time. It is also a reminder that God will support us.

Advent is a time of waiting. We wait for miracles. We wait for someone to hold us and tell us everything is going to be all right. But maybe we are not the only ones waiting. Perhaps God is waiting, too – waiting for us to say “yes.” God sends us love letters, letters of affirmation and invitation. He affirms that all is well and invites us with hope and His plan for our future.

Working for God and with God is not about the self. While working with God, the miracle comes to the forefront, and the self is pushed into the background. Thus, the “loser” becomes transformed. The sign for loser is created by folding down all your fingers and then extending the thumb and index finger to make an “L.” But if you then extend your pinkie finger also, you make the American Sign Language sign for love. This is a simple yet powerful reminder that God has the ability to transform “losers” by the power of His love, if only we will say “yes” to His call.

As a sweet reminder, Hershey kisses were given out at the end of chapel to remind us to say “yes,” even when we feel unqualified.

Flying Krimpets and the Amazing Catch

On Monday, November 2, something strange and wonderful happened in chapel.

It rained Butterscotch Krimpets.

No only that--Peppermint Lifesavers and Hershey's Chocolate also fell from the sky. Can there be a better way to start a Monday?

Probably not, but these goodies also helped Dock students grasp an important spiritual lesson--that God expects instant obedience.

Stretch Dean, youth pastor at Immanuel Church of the Nazarene in Lansdale, began his memorable chapel presentation by saying he had always been told how important it was to start the day with a good breakfast, yet he never seemed to be able to get up early enough to make one for himself. Instead, he relied on his version of an "instant breakfast"--Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets. And down from the balcony came a shower of Krimpets, and lucky Dock students like Katelyn Kratz (see photo, above) caught themselves a mid-morning snack.

Stretch went on to say that many people spend lots of time, energy and money seeking instant happiness. This time, fistfuls of Hershey Bars cascaded from the balcony--making many students instantly happy.

There are other times when we want (or need) instant fresh breath, Stretch said, and his personal favorite in those times is Pep-O-Mint Lifesavers. Moments later (you guessed it), dozens of Dock students had instantly fresh breath.

Instant breakfasts are great, Stretch said, and instant happiness is awesome. Instant fresh breath--well, it's an absolute necessity sometimes. In the same way, he said, instant obedience to God's will is a requirement for living a Christ-like life.

Stretch pointed to the example in Luke 5 when Jesus first called Simon (Peter), James and John to be his disciples. Jesus instructed Simon to cast his net, and Peter complained that he and his partners had fished all night long and hadn't caught a thing. They were probably tired and frustrated and hungry. But Peter said, "Because you say so, I will let down the nets." Before they knew it, they had caught so many fish that the nets began to break and they could barely haul in all the fish with two boats.

Instant breakfasts are great--especially when they consist of Butterscotch Krimpets. Instant happiness is good, too. But these are temporary delights. The blessings we experience when we are instantly obedient to the will of God are better by far.

10/07/09: Stories of Courage

On Wednesday's chapel, a few students and a teacher shared stories of courage. Eleah Weber (C'11) talked about one of her favorite Bible stories, the story of Esther. Mrs. Adams shared the story of two of her friends, a married couple who battled cancer and never lost their faith through all their trials and tribulations. Then, Luke Boguslaw (C'10) shared some of his favorite Bible verses:
Psalm 27:1-The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 41:10-So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ben Richter, Laura Keppley, and Maddie Ruth closed chapel by singing a hymn which included the words, "Do not be afraid, I am with you." And it's true. God is with us through all of life's trials and tribulations, so let us not be afraid.

Worship With a Camera III

Dock senior Josh Kulp also decided to worship through the lens of his camera during Spiritual Life Emphasis Week. Check out Josh's amazing photos!

Worship With a Camera II

Some additional faculty photos taken as an act of worship during Spiritual Life Emphasis Week. These were submitted by Mr. Hackman.

9/30/09: Service is Worship

Sometimes we make excuses for not praying, like for example, "I don't know what to say", but Mr. King reminded us today in chapel that Jesus was the one who taught us how to pray. After he announced the birthdays, we all participated in reciting the Lord's Prayer, something I believe we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

Mrs. Kathy Kennel showed us pictures of her family's time in Honduras. Extended service trips can be great experiences that involve both both positive and negative points. Mrs. Kennel told us of the fear for her family and herself. She made many sacrifices including her own independence. Her family didn't have a car, there were many cultural differences that were hard to adjust to, and she became homesick a few times. Though there were many difficulties, the reward was greater. She served God by teaching children in Honduras, an experience I'm sure she'll never forget. She also realized how special the student-teacher relationships are here at Christoper Dock. Service trips definitely have many benefits and are worth considering.

Worship with a camera?

Mr. Hertzler took these two photos during the worship chapel last Thursday. If you took photos as part of your worship experience, post them here!

Worship on the Soccer Field?

A couple of weeks ago, Ryan Seiz hit a shot off the opening tap against Souderton. The shot caught the keeper off guard and out of position. He raced back and leaped high in the air, but the ball just eluded him and sailed into the back of the net. We will be talking about that goal for years to come. It was the most amazing soccer moment I have witnessed (so far).

I wonder if Ryan, or anyone else on the team, considered that goal an act of worship? I believe it was. One of the things Jim Ostlund said during chapel last week that really stood out to me is that worship is life--and that life is worship. God gave each of us gifts to use for his glory. Ryan Seiz can kick a soccer ball 60 yards with amazing accuracy. Brandi Brubaker can write an incredible song and play it on the piano in chapel. Almost every day I'm here I see new ways that students use their gifts. Every time they do, it is an act of worship.

Worship is life--and life is worship. It doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings, in a church. It happens every moment of every day when we acknowledge God's presence in our lives and use the gifts we have been given.

SLEW Day 5: The Meaning of Worship

Today was the last day of Spiritual Life Emphasis Week with our speaker, Jim Ostlund. Over the course of this week, we have been challenged to ponder the meaning of worship, and how it reflects in our lives. After Maddie Ruth '10 and Mike Cunningham '10 lead us in music today, Jim offered the opportunity for an open-mic time of reflection.

So, what do you think about SLEW this year? SLEW is held twice every year, and chapel committee is always open to suggestions! Post a comment below!

SLEW Day 4: Worship Stations

Today, we broke out of our regular chapel cycle to try something different: chapel stations! Our student body separated for today's chapel to participate in service work with Mr. Gehman, group prayer with Mr. Bush, worship time with Kevin Derstine, hymn sing with Mrs. Tann and Mr. Derstine, and a prayer labyrinth with Mr. Yoder, just to name a few. Tomorrow, we will regroup for our last day of Sprititual Life Emphasis Week.

SLEW Day 3: Worship that Connects

This morning, Mr. Derstine opened in prayer and led us in "Longing for Light" and "Hallelujah, the Great Storm is Over" with Alyssa Aldefer '11, Landon Heavener '10, Mike Cunningham '10, Ben Richter '10, Maddie Ruth '10, Vince Pupillo '10, Katie Martin '11, and Laura Keppley '10. It was also Pastor's Day, so many of our pastors joined us for our morning classes, chapel, and lunch. Our speaker, Jim Ostlund, reminded us of our own diversity as a student body, and asked us to consider a worship service that can incorporate and connect with everyone.

Hopefully, we will give ourselves a chance to think about this tomorrow as we separate for one day. Tomorrow, we will have the option to go either to a worship service in the auditorium, write letters to Dock Woods residents, journal by the pond, take photographs around campus, join a group prayer in the prayer room, or join a hymn sing in the theatre.

SLEW Day 2: A Different Chapel

Some of us may have noticed slight differences in chapel this morning...it's not every day when we are greeted by the dark, closed curtains, candles, burning incense, and an unusual silence. Mr. Derstine, Kaitlyn Hoover '10, Rachel Speigle '10, and Ben Richter '10 led us in a hymn, after which Jim Ostlund led us in worship with Kaitlyn Hoover '10, Morgan Kratz '10, Leah Moore '10, and Landon Heavener '10. Jim spoke upon the many different styles of worship, and how they may connect with each of us. Finally, Mr. Derstine led in a hymn, accompanied by Laura Keppley '10 and Andy Kwon '10.

Also, Prayer at the Pole is tomorrow at 7:00AM! Donuts and orange juice will be provided. Everyone is more than welcome to attend!

SLEW Day 1: What is Worship?

As Mr. Hackman opened in prayer, he introduced our Spiritual Life Emphasis Week (SLEW) speaker, Jim Ostlund. Jim is currently a pastor at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, and will speaking on the topic of worship over the next five days.

What is worship?
Why do we need it?
When do you experience it?
Who is it for?
Where is it happening?
How do you worship?
How does it bring us closer to God?
How do we understand God?
Can we find joy in the joy of others?
What does our reflection look like?

Preparing for Spiritual Life Emphasis Week

Today, Monica Roth '12 introduced our next week's Spiritual Life Emphasis Week speaker, Jim Ostlund. He is currently a pastor at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, home to many of our students, and I look forward to hearing from him next week!

Esther Frustino opened in prayer, and Mr. Derstine led us in worship with Jackie Landis '11, Evan Kratz '10, and Chris Parks '10. Mrs. Tann also led in worship with Maddie Ruth '10, Laura Keppley '10, Matt Wimmer '12, and Jared Detwiler '12. Brandi Brubaker '11 also shared one of her original songs.

09/16/09: The Discipline of Simplicity

Today's chapel was centered around the spiritual discipline of simplicity. As Mr. Kabakjian opened in prayer, he reminded us of our "constant bombardment with activities, things, and people." Maddie Ruth '10 also asked us if we add unneeded things to our lives. Mr. Yoder and Senor Franks also shared their own experiences with simplicity. Our lives are often filled with wonderful things, but they can be overwhelming and distracting from what matters most. We need a fresh perspective.

"Simple living is joyful, enriching, and creative, but is not simple at all."

09/13/09: Why do we Pray?

Continuing from last chapel, we were challenged with the question, "If God gave us free will, and so cannot interfere, why do we pray?" Why, also, should we take time for Bible study? As Mrs. Clemmer opened in prayer, she encouraged us to consider these questions.

Drew Kratz '13, Rachael Martin '10, and Mrs. Moyer also shared their personal reasons for Bible Study.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (New International Version)
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Chad Clemens and Katie Martin are leading separate girls/guys Bible studies, starting on October 2nd, every Friday morning at 7:00. Everyone is more than welcome to attend! Donuts will be provided!

09/11/09: Approaching God in Prayer

September 11th is a date we all recognize, and it is a time to remember the victims, their families, and those who died protecting them during the Twin Towers bombing. As Natalia Derstine '11 opened in prayer today, she reminded us of today's importance, and also the powerful meaning of prayer.

"Lord, listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying.
Send us love, send us power, send us grace."

"The promise of prayer is a heart that matches His."

Leah Moore '10 spoke on our purpose in prayer, and how we should approach God. I believe that God appreciates our honesty more than anything else, and that we should "tell God how it is." Finally, after a time of guided prayer, the Lord's Prayer was read together as a school.

09/09/09: Spiritual Disciplines

This month's chapel theme is "Spiritual Disciplines." Though Seniors taking Mr. Wien's Faith Walk class will recognize these, the three separations of spiritual disciplines are Inward, Outward, and Corporate. Inward disciplines are represented by meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. Outward disciplines can be divided into simplicity, solitude, submission, and service. Finally, corporate, or communal, disciplines are confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. Now you know!

Today in chapel, Esther Frustino '11, Derek Godshall '11, Kaitlyn Hoover '10, Nathanial Freed '10, and Caila Paquin '12 led in a short skit talking about various spiritual disciplines. Mrs. Rauch also shared her personal experiences with inward spiritual disciplines.

As Mrs. Anderson opened our chapel in prayer, she encouraged us to fully abide in Christ, and to center ourselves before transitioning into this new school year. Henry Newman valued the important of "trusting that tomorrow is not worth worrying about." Each day is new, and despite our embarrassing moments, social faux pas, and past mistakes, we have generously been given more time to correct our wrongs and create meaningful relationships.

What will we make of our time together?

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Welcome to the first chapel of this new year! In a series of many "firsts" for our incoming freshmen and new students, chapels will become your first glimpse into Dock's spiritual life. As Mr. King led us in an opening prayer, Morgan Kratz and Ben Richter welcomed the 2010-2014 classes, Mr. Derstine led us in worship, and Dr. Swartzentruber took his place as our new principal, each challenged us with these questions:

What is this place?

What has brought us here?

And, what will we make of our time together?

Chapels are our time to reflect within ourselves, to find fulfillment and comfort in words and song. They can be times to honor the accomplishments of fellow students and teachers, or start class discussion the next period. They can be strange. They can be boring. They can be amazing.

If you have the energy to sit up and keep your eyes open, take the time to look around and wonder...what will you leave behind?