Thursday afternoon was our annual Academic Convocation service, hemming in our new undergrad and Masters students with a special time of commitment to His standards and His service.
It was also a reverent time for our staff and returning students to recommit to the studying and learning and living of His word with Emmaus' Latin expression, "ardenti in cordibus vestris"...with His fire burning in our hearts.
Years ago we would bringing in choirs or singing groups for such thing, but I love how our worship teams now take turns leading worship at main services.
We have a large large first year class, almost doubling in size this semester. Every single bunk bed in the women's dorm is full, with two mattresses on the floor.
Simeon hung up some extra tarps for shade. Which worked out ok, but made the photographer a little irritated :)
The marching band marched in mid service...having some trouble catching a bus with the current fuel crisis, but they made up for it with an extra little concert at the end :)
Philip Richardson, one of our visiting professors and a member of the Theological Education team for OMS, was the speaker of the day, and spoke about the parable of the landowner paying fair wages throughout the day...it was GOOD.
Somebody's always doing some translating...won't it be amazing in heaven when we are all in understanding of each other's heart languages.
These are the new master's students...quite a large class as well.
My favorite speaker of the day always does a good job lightening up all the liturgy in exchange for the genuine Gospel. Matt spoke for a bit about that which is sweet in God's kingdom.
All the students read through their commitments to uphold a Christ-honoring, iron-sharpens-iron community, to live according to His holiness with His help, to be faithful to He who calls us, faithful as is He who calls.
I know I always take too many hand pictures. They mesmerize me, holy hands lifted high, reverent hands hemming in prayer, hands of friendship. Something about using our hands in lifting Him high, in serving Him with love, touches me.
I'm thankful for these moments that we slow down and remember what it's all about, remember who it's all for, and remember that we are not in it alone.
not by a long shot
“The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him.” -O. Chambers
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