Our chapel leaders opened the service with the singing of O Canada and the presentation of the Land Acknowledgement. The first worship song was “Forever” by Chris Tomlin.
Next, the leaders introduced this week’s theme – compassion. This was supported by an object lesson video put together by the Grade 8 class, who were absent today as they were away on their grad trip to Muskoka Wooods. Through a creative demonstration, the senior students explained that compassion, love and forgiveness comes from God. When God forgives us, we are cleansed. As a result, we need to show others compassion and forgiveness too. We also need to point them to God. They concluded by reading Ephesians 4:32.
After the object lesson, Grade 3B went to the front and did a mini skit, sang and recited their Bible verse, taken from 1 John 3:18. The main focus of their presentation was on showing love with actions.
This theme was further supported through the second worship song, “This is My Commandment”.
Our guest speaker today was Pastor Jeremiah from Olive Branch Community Church. He began by making a reference to Ephesians 4:32 as read by the Grade 8 students in their object lesson video. Next, he defined compassion by explaining that it is a deep concern and sympathy for others, as well as a desire to help them through their pain. Pastor Jeremiah shared that Jesus did this many times. For example, Jesus healed many people and fed thousands who were hungry. Jesus acted and showed kindness, patience, love and compassion. Pastor Jeremiah also referenced Psalm 145:8 which states, “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” In addition to his message to show others compassion, Pastor Jeremiah also emphasized that we need to show compassion to ourselves. He asked us to remember that God sees us and values each of us, even if we are not perfect. Pastor Jeremiah also highlighted that when we show compassion to others and to ourselves, we are like a bright light in a dark world. People notice when we are kind, patient, and forgiving. When people notice, we have an opportunity to tell others about Christ. Pastor Jeremiah concluded in prayer, thanking God for loving us – even when we make mistakes – and asking Him to fill our hearts with love so that we can show compassion to others.
Our chapel leaders then led the singing of our third worship song, “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”, before leading everyone in reading the aspirational passage to end the service.
