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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, September 25, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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.
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!
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?
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.
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."
"Simple living is joyful, enriching, and creative, but is not simple at all."
Monday, September 21, 2009
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!
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.
"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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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?
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?
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