Chapel is one of the things at NW that brings all students together, no matter what activities they are in or what they are studying. To finish off the semester, students are able to experience chapel in a different way while getting to know each of the campus dorms better. For the next few weeks, chapel will be hosted by the different residential areas on campus.
This series started with Christy Suites who hosted their chapel service on Friday, Apr. 10. Hospers Hall followed Christy on Tuesday, Apr. 1, and the others are coming up in the following order: Heemstra on Friday, Apr. 17, Stegenga on Tuesday, Apr. 21, Smith on Friday, Apr. 24 and Bolks Apartments and Plexes on Tuesday, Apr 28. These services will lead us to the end of the year and offer a great opportunity to hear from all the RDs and RAs around campus.
As Christy launched the series, Resident Director Abby Noonan started the message by sharing the song “Walking Each Other Home” by Emma Nissan.
“You go your way and I’ll go mine. I’ve heard it a million times. But if the destination is to be a host in heaven, then we’re all just walking each other home.” Nissan sings “We’re all just trying to find out where we belong, so be a light in the dark on your way home. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, there’s room, and if we both have hopes for heaven, then who am I to step in but take your hand and walk with you.”
This song set a tone for the series, givne the message that though everyone is walking different paths, all people need the help of those around them to get where they are going. The service then continued with a prayer by Kennedy Cole followed by stories from sophomore Kalley Vitek, senior Emma Farmer, senior Nathania Smith, junior Kamea Van Kalsbeek, senior Julia Anderson and freshman Rachel Grubbs. The women sat on couches and chairs resembling a living room, keeping a cozy feel and the simpleness of hear each other’s stories. The group consisted of a wide variety of majors and years, but they were all able to share a bit about how God has worked in their life during their time at NW.
“I greatly appreciated hearing from the women of Christy.” said sophomore Abby Bram “It was cool to see a group of girls that I only kind of knew boldly open up about a piece of their journey at NW.”
The service ended with Abbie Jo Segerstrom and Hope Wallace performing the song that Noonan highlighted, and it gave students a chance to reflect on the stories shared and the song sung.
“While I kind of wanted to hear stories from Abbie Jo and Hope, I also really appreciated that they chose to just lift up the stories of their neighbors through worship.” Bram said “The song and their ability to work so well together in leading worship just reflects how strong and beautiful bonds can grow in a dorm building or apartment.”
The second chapel service in the series was hosted by Hospers Hall, who took a slightly different path in sharing their stories. The service consisted of a mix of messages and worship. Senior Evan Fiske, sophomore Will Goemaat, sophomore Carter Stuzman and junior Brock Almond each shared about the four pillars of Hospers – Humility, Hospitality, Respect and Belonging.
“Hospers chapel was an outward reflection of the beliefs of the dorm.” said senior Thomas Vance “The ideals tend to ring true not just for Hospers men, but for Christians as a whole”
In between all the speakers, students of Hospers led worship including Mitchell Ackerman of the NEXT Program, senior Ken Dreher, senior Drew Fleury, junior Mackenna Thurman, senior Isaac Zwiers, junior Landon Greve, freshman Brady Lentz and sophomore Braxton Moss. The chapel service ended with all of the men of Hospers coming on stage together to sing the Doxology, reflecting not only the closeness of the dorm but also the unity found in the body of Christ.
