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!