This morning, Chapel Team 2 opened our elementary chapel service with the national anthem, the Lord’s Prayer and the Land Acknowledgement. They started musical worship with a song called “Who Am I?”, a beautiful ballad that reflects God’s grace, our human frailty and God’s majesty.
Before leading the students in an energetic upbeat song called “One Way”, the Chapel Leaders reviewed the six pieces of the Armour of God.
This was followed by the Grade 1’s Care & Share announcement for Wellspring Cancer Support. Wellspring is a Canada-wide network of community-based charities, offering programs and services at no charge and without referral, to anyone, with any type of cancer, at any stage in their journey. It is an organization that is 100% donor funded. On Wednesday, May 27th, we will be collecting cash donations to support this organization.
Next, Mrs. V, dressed as “Sir Learns-a-lot”, galloped to the front of the gym and led a review on the lessons from the Armour Up with Salvation sub-theme. It included a quiz about the Bible story (Paul & Silas in Prision), the science experiment (Dye & Bleach Oxidization Experiment), as well as the lessons and practical application associated with the sub-theme.
After the review, the Chapel Leaders continued with musical worship and the song “Good Good Father”. This song explores the unconditional, perfect love of God as our Heavenly Father.
Our guest speaker today was Pastor Jeremiah. His message centred around the story of Paul and Silas who were imprisoned for their faith. While they were in the dark jail cell with their feet chained and locked together, they sang songs praising God. Pastor Jeremiah piped up a few lines from “Good, Good, Father” and “One Way” to demonstrate. This brought a few smiles to the children’s faces. Pastor Jeremiah emphasized that they were able to do this, despite their circumstances, because they knew they were saved through Jesus and no one can take away the gift of Salvation once it has been accepted. When an earthquake opened up the doors of the jail and freed the prisoners, Paul and Silas remained in place so that the guard would not be found responsible for their escape. This act of integrity and their overall attitude greatly impressed upon the guard to the point where he wanted to learn more about Jesus. The guard’s entire family also decided to follow Jesus! Pastor Jeremiah also spent some time emphasizing why it is important to have and wear the Helmet of Salvation. The helmet keeps our minds clear and protected with truth when thoughts such as the following creep in:
- I’m not good enough -> Truth – I am saved by grace, not by being perfect.
- No one loves me -> Truth – God loves me enough to send His Son to die in our place!
- I’ve done too many bad things -> Truth – Jesus has already paid for all our sins.
- I won’t amount to anything -> Truth – Jesus holds my future.
As Pastor Jeremiah wrapped up his message, he reminded the students that Paul and Silas’s jailor asked what he must do to be saved. The answer is “believe in the Lord Jesus”. When we believe, we can then put on the Armour of God. However, Pastor Jeremiah wanted to make another point. If we do not PRAY and have a meaningful relationship with God through prayer, our actions are worthless. God is not a genie. He is our Creator and deserves the worship and reverence that comes with that. Pastor Jeremiah ended by inviting those who wanted to give their lives to Jesus to echo his prayer. Many joined him. After the prayer, he emphasized that God is asking you for your heart; He does not want perfection. The audience clapped to acknowledge this truth.
The Chapel Leaders then ended the service by asking everyone to read the benediction before the academic school day started.