This morning, our chapel leader team led the recitation of the pledges. However, everyone said the Lord’s Prayer and sang O Canada in French! After the Land Acknowledgement, one of the leaders read the passage from 1 Corinthians 3:19, which talks about how the wisdom of the world is foolish to God. Mr. Bailey used that passage to introduce the first worship song, “I Just Wanna Be A Sheep”. He explained that sheep are actually quite smart as they know the voice of their shepherd. He hoped that we would all be better followers of Jesus and not swayed by worldly values like that placed on money or possessions.
After the first song, another leader read our second Bible passage, which was taken from 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and emphasizes that everything we do – no matter how great – does not amount to anything without love. Mr. Bailey then prayed, asking God to help us to love well, before the singing of the second song, “Amazing Love – You are my King”. The entire gym filled with worship and praise.
Our guest speaker this morning was Pastor Jake Wilson, aka “Captain”, from Willow Springs Camp. His message focused on loving God with our “all”. Through personal stories and examples, Captain helped the students understand that we often see ourselves in separate “slices” or roles (e.g. athlete, musician, student, etc.). As well, people often define themselves based on a moment in time – circumstances, sins we may have committed or even good works that we have done. However, our identity lies in eternity and being children of God. God knows us intimately – even before anything was ever created. When we give our lives to Jesus, He shows us who we truly are. Each of us is a masterpiece in His eyes and He loves us. As he wrapped up his message, Captain encouraged the students to go home and make a pizza with their parents and to remember, when they are enjoying the slices, that God made their whole life and it is to be enjoyed as a whole, not in pieces. He concluded in prayer, thanking God for His love and asking Him to show us the “all” He has made so that we can love Him in return like that.
