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Chapel at GRACE » Chapel at GRACE

Chapel at GRACE

Chapel
One of our the highlights of our students' weeks are chapel. Both Lower and Upper Campus hold weekly chapel as a time to worship, learn and reflect on God and his Word. Each year, our Spiritual Life director determines a theme verse of the year, and often times weekly Chapel lessons are tied into the verse.
 
For 2022-2023, our GRACE theme is Abundantly More, which is pulled from Ephesians 3...
 

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Lower Campus Chapel: Weekly Updates

May 5, 2023
No chapel; early-release day.
 
April 28, 2023
This morning was our all-elementary chapel where we covered the Friendzy theme: “I Will Respond Instead of React.” The three Fielhauer sisters shared a great message from James 1:19-20 about being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” They shared a real-life story from when they were kids that helped illustrate the do’s and don’ts of responding and reacting. They also acted out a skit that was applicable to the students and taught us a song to help us remember the scripture: “Quick to Listen”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FvpJgUFwSM&t=9s.
We also had a special performance by the GRACE Notes who sang “Awesome God”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRQWO1aVZcc
Lastly, we recognized students who are “responsible” with our Salt and Light Awards.
 
April 21, 2023
This morning in chapel Dr. Morris and her husband, Coach D, shared on “Prayer” as we wrapped up our series on “The Armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18).  They reminded us that prayer is what “activates” the Armor of God.  Just like a lamp needs to be plugged in to make it work, prayer is the “plug” that activates the armor of God.  They encouraged us when we pray to be HUMBLE, make prayer a HABIT, and pray from the HEART.  Ask your student about the object lesson they used with shaving cream, water, and food coloring to show what happens when we take our worries to God in prayer.
GWT and Mr. Moreland led us in these songs of worship:
 
April 14, 2023
Mrs. Dominique Reid, Upper and Lower Campus LEAP Director, shared about the “Sword of the Spirit” in our chapels today (Ephesians 6:10-17).  She reminded us that the “Sword of the Spirit” is God’s Word which we can use to fight spiritual battles, just like Jesus did when he was led into the wilderness for 40 days.  She reminded us that God’s word is like a double-edged sword that is powerful and effective against the enemy (Hebrews 4:12).
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
April 7, 2023
No school; Easter break
 
March 31, 2023
Today was our Easter Chapel. Mr. Bradley shared that “God is good, all the time”, even when things get difficult and our circumstances don’t seem promising.  He walked us through Holy Week and pointed out how there were moments, like the Triumphal Entry, when it was easy to declare God’s goodness.  And then there were other moments, like Jesus was dying on the cross, when it was hard to trust that God was good and had a plan.  Thankfully, we know how the story ends.  We know that Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all and allows us to also experience this resurrection life.  So at the end of the day, no matter what we face in this life, those who have put their trust in Jesus can say with certainty that “God is good, all the time!”    
We also gave out our Salt and Light Awards recognizing students for their “Honesty”.  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
March 24, 2023
In today’s chapel, Mrs. Whelpley got to share the message about the “Helmet of Salvation” (Ephesians 6:17). The students learned that salvation through Jesus is our “helmet” and protection against the enemy. She used the analogy of a baseball player putting on a helmet to protect them before going up to bat.  Similarly, we need to put on salvation as our “helmet” and protection from the attacks that the enemy throws at us. Finally, the students were reminded that we are not able to put on this piece of armor on our own. It is only possible when we trust Jesus to be our Savior and then he covers us with his helmet of salvation. 
GWT led us in the following songs of worship:
 
March 17, 2023
No Chapel. Spring Break.
 
March 10, 2023
We got to hear Mr. Moreland share about the shield of faith in chapel this morning (Ephesians 6:16). He reminded us that the shield of faith extinguishes the fiery arrows of the enemy and defends us from his attacks. It can be used both offensively and defensively in a spiritual sense. He shared a couple of personal testimonies of how the shield of faith has protected him over the years. At the end of our time, he had a surprise dance performance prepared for us which the students LOVED!
Mr. Moreland led us in this song of worship: 
“Be Alright” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKs8aJwf2U
 
March 3, 2023
In this morning’s chapel, we got to hear from one of the founders of 7 Billion Reasons, which is the organization we are partnering with for March Missions Month. Mr. Mark Kanode shared about 7BR’s ministry in Uganda and the Global School of Leadership that they started. It was a great opportunity for our students to see pictures and hear about how children live in another part of the world. After that, we had one of our Upper Campus Bible and Spanish teachers, Mrs. Welch, continue our Armor of God series. She shared about the “Sandals of Peace” and we learned what it looks like to carry the gospel of peace with us wherever we go (Ephesians 3:10-19). Mrs. Welch was a former missionary in Panama for 20 years so she also shared about the importance of people being able to hear the gospel in their native language.  
GWT led us in the following songs of worship:
 
February 24, 2023

We continued our series on the armor of God in today’s chapel. Mr. Hickman shared about the “breastplate of righteousness” from Ephesians 6:10-18. He reminded us that Jesus covers us with his righteousness when we trust him as our savior and that he is our greatest protection. He also encouraged the students to “guard [their] heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Lastly, we recognized students who are “joyful” with our Salt and Light Awards.
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
“Salt & Light Song”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yxs5wFpnGg
“Joy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-r7ogDaaEQ

February 3, 2023
Today we began our series on “The Armor of God” from Ephesians 6:10-19.  Mrs. Williams shared what it means to have the “belt of truth” buckled around your waist.  She pointed out that a belt helps to hold everything together and protects our spiritual core.  The belt of truth is God’s word that contains truth and promises to help protect our lives.  She specifically shared that often the enemy tries to attack our heart (Eph. 4:32), identity ( Psalm 139:14), confidence (2 Timothy 1:7), calling (Jer. 29:11), and relationships (Proverbs 17:17).  She demonstrated how to use the truth of God’s word to fight against these attacks. 
GWT led us in the following songs of worship:
 
January 27, 2023
I had the privilege of sharing this week’s message on “Obedience.” I specifically shared on obeying and honoring your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).  The students were reminded that parents, teachers, and ultimately God put rules in place out of love.  We get to love our parents and bring glory to the Lord by obeying our parents with our actions and honoring them with our attitudes.  The students saw a practical demonstration of what it looks like to navigate life’s obstacles with the Lord leading you and having an obedient heart versus doing things your own way.
We also gave out “Salt and Light Awards” recognizing students who are extra “Caring”.
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
January 20, 2023
This morning we had a special guest speaker, Lauren McDowell, come share about living as “Children of the Light” from Ephesians 5:8-11.  Lauren is the Education Services Manager at PBS NC. She has a passion for developing teachers, inspiring learners, and most importantly for sharing the light of Jesus with all those she encounters.  She reminded us that Jesus rescues us from darkness and shines his light into our hearts when we trust him as our Savior.  Now we get to live as “children of light” and share that light with others.  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
“Light Shine Bright” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmaQeXybres
 
January 13, 2023
We are continuing to work our way through the book of Ephesians in our chapels.  I shared today’s message on “Unity in the Body of Christ” from Ephesians 4:1-6.  This portion of scripture gives 4 practical ways to live in unity with one another (see photo).  The students were reminded that one of the enemy’s greatest tactics is to bring division, so we need to be on guard against his schemes (1 Peter 5:8).  They saw a practical demonstration where the teachers made a web with yarn to illustrate how our words and actions impact others and can either help foster unity or bring division. 
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
January 6, 2023
This morning we got to hear from Mr. Hickman who shared from Ephesians 3:1-11. He spoke about the “mystery of Christ,” which is that God brings things together that would naturally be apart if not for Him. We, who are sinners and were “enemies” of God, are brought near to Him through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 5:10). We are now called “friends of God” (James 2:23).  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
December 16, 2022
Today was our all-school Christmas chapel. I had the privilege of sharing a message about trusting and treasuring Jesus this Christmas.  The students learned that Jesus gives us hope that doesn’t disappoint us. The key scriptures were Romans 5:5 and Romans 15:13.
We also gave out “Salt and Light Awards” recognizing students who demonstrate extraordinary “Courage”.
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
My prayer for each of your families this Christmas break is that “the God of hope [would] fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)  Merry Christmas!
 
December 9, 2022
Today was our Friendzy Chapel on the theme: “I Can Do It With God’s Strength." The 6th grade drama class performed a skit with the theme of developing a growth mindset. Next, Ms. Sarah Rochelle shared about what it looks like to trust God to give us the strength to do what he has called us to do. She used the story of Moses to illustrate this truth and shared some helpful scriptures (Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28). Lastly, she encouraged us to renew our minds with God’s word, to help us get rid of our “stinking thinking” and develop a growth mindset (Romans 12:2).  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
December 2, 2022
Mr. Hickman shared in today’s chapel about being “One in Christ” from Ephesians 2:11-22. He reminded us that the gospel not only saves us but also unites us with others and we become the family of God. The gospel allows believers to become “One in Christ.”  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
November 25, 2022
Thanksgiving Break
 
November 18, 2022
Today was our annual Operation Christmas Child chapel. The 6th-Grade leadership class led our time together. They shared about the impact these boxes will make and then we spent some time praying over the boxes and the children who will receive them. Both campuses collected over 600 boxes, which is quite incredible! We are trusting God to use these boxes to do “Abundantly More” in over 600 young lives. Thank you for your support and participation in this ministry. We also passed out our monthly “Salt and Light Awards” and recognized a couple of “trustworthy” students in each grade.
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
“With Every Act of Love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Ak6FdbQGE
 
November 11, 2022
Veteran's Day
 
November 4, 2022
In today’s chapel we got to hear from Caroline Vick (GRACE alumni and teacher’s assistant) and Jesse Hembree (youth pastor and seminary student at Southeastern).  They shared from Ephesians 2:1-10 on “Who We Were, and Now Who We Are in Christ”.  
GWT led us in the following songs of worship:
 
October 28, 2022
Grandparents' Day
 
October 21, 2022
We had a busy chapel this morning! Here are some of the highlights:
-Mr. Dewey (upper campus Bible and History teacher) shared an encouraging message from Ephesians 1:15-23 about the hope, inheritance, and power we have through Christ.  
-We kicked off Operation Christmas Child with a video made by the 6th-grade leadership class. Each student received a box to fill. Our hope is that every box will come back filled with gifts for a child in need. There was an informational label included. You can also check out packing guidelines on this website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/
The boxes are due back by Friday, November 18th.
-Salt and Light Awards- This month we honored students who go above and beyond to show “respect”.
-GWT and Mr. Moreland led us in these songs of worship:
 
October 14, 2022
Fall Break
 
October 7, 2022
Mr. Bradley shared in this morning’s all-school chapel.  He talked about our “Identity in Christ” based on Ephesians 1:1-14. He reminded us that we are God’s work of art, his children, and we are known, valued, and loved by him.  When we know this truth of who we are, we are able to live confidently and securely in our true identities in Christ.  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
 
September 30, 2022
Today was our once-a-month All-School Chapel. Here were some highlights from our time together:
-Mr. Isaiah Whelpley, who was the former Christian Life Director at GRACE, shared on our Friendzy theme, “Better Together.” He reminded us that we were created for relationships and are stronger and better together.  The scripture references were Ecclesiastes 4:9 and Proverbs 27:17.  
-Each teacher received their own “Better Together” puzzle for their classroom (created by Mrs. Boyd and Ms. Gill).  The students from each class will write their names on a puzzle piece and put the puzzle together as a class so they can see that they are an important piece of the puzzle. This will be hung in every classroom to remind the students throughout the school year that we are “Better Together”.
-Finally, the 6th-grade drama class did an awesome job performing a skit to go along with our “Better Together” theme.
-Salt and Light Awards- The character trait recognized this month was “Classroom Citizenship” for dependable students who demonstrate outstanding character in the classroom.
-GWT led us in these songs of worship:
1) “Joy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-r7ogDaaEQ
2) “Me Without You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qGa5rIOB28
 
September 16, 2022
In today’s chapel, Mrs. Whelpley shared about God doing “Abundantly More Than We Can Think.” Ask your child about the red balloon that did something different than what the students thought would happen. We also heard from Mrs. Messick and Mrs. Jarvis who shared personal testimonies of God doing abundantly more than they thought possible. The action step for the students is to start each morning surrendering their day to the Lord, saying, “Lord, I give this day to you.  I trust you to do abundantly more than I could ask or think.”
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
“Abundantly More” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTNhU_J5Rv8
“Trust in You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-SXz_exKE
 
September 9, 2022
This morning in chapel, Mr. Hickman shared about what it looks like for God to do abundantly more than all we can ask. He used 3 visuals to help us understand the different ways we tend to approach God. 
1) Coffee filter (leaky bucket)- We ask God for something but don’t really believe he will do it. 
2) Jar with a lid- We ask God only for the things we think he will answer, but add our own limitations and end up putting a lid on what God wants to do.  
3) Big bucket- These are big, persistent prayers that are filled with faith, knowing that God will do abundantly more than all we ask. 
He had the students hold out their hands and open them wide, which is how we are to approach prayer. We come open-handed, surrendering our requests to him, trusting that he is a good Father who is trustworthy with our lives. This is when our prayers start to align with the Father’s heart and we are able to say, “Lord, these are my prayers, but I want Your will to be done.” As we do this, God will do “far more abundantly than all that we ask…” (Ephesians 3:20).  
GWT led us in these songs of worship:
“Abundantly More” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTNhU_J5Rv8
“Speak Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rK6O0YtBRY
 
September 2, 2022
We had our first chapel of the year this morning.  GWT (Grace Worship Team) led us in 2 songs of worship.
“Abundantly More” was the first song, which is our school theme verse for the year put to music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTNhU_J5Rv8
We also sang “Great Big God”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgFT6beutEI
For today’s message, I introduced our school theme: “Abundantly More”, along with our theme passage found in Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  
The students learned that this verse is referring to having “abundantly more” of Jesus in our lives.  They got to see an object lesson with rocks and sand that demonstrated what it looks like to fill our lives with abundantly more of Jesus, by making the things that are important to God of first priority in our lives (Matthew 6:33).  
We look forward to God doing “Abundantly More” in and through our chapel times this school year. Have a great long weekend!
 

Upper Campus Chapel: Weekly Updates

March 7, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Perspective
Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24
Summary: Today we concluded our talks on the upside down reality of the kingdom by looking at what happens when our hearts and minds are hardened by sin and the cares of the world as opposed to letting the Spirit keep our hearts sensitive to being convicted of sin and being moved to live for Jesus.

February 28, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Perspective
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
Summary: We continued building on the concept of living as Kingdom Citizens by looking at the idea of the upside down reality of kingdom living, e.g. living distinctly different than the world would think or expect. We discussed how new life in Christ should change all of our life including our thinking.

February 21, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Perspective
Scripture: Luke 6:27-31
Summary: We took a week off from Ephesians to set up the remainder of chapter 4. We discussed what it means to live as Kingdom Citizens, living here on earth but as citizens of heaven. We discussed how as believers we are called to pity what the world prizes and to prize what the world pities.

February 14, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Unity
Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-10
Summary: Mr. Bradley shared with the students the importance of believers living in unity with one another. He stressed the point that our unity comes through Christ and our unity becomes reality when we act in love towards one another.

February 7, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Worship
Scripture: Ephesians 4:4-6
Summary: Today we discussed how worship is so much more than singing songs. All of life is worship. The students were challenged at the beginning with the question of who/what are they worshipping? We concluded our time by watching a worship video of the song The Earth is Yours by Gungor.

January 31, 2023
For Chapel this week student’s spent time in their Community Building groups getting posters and signs ready for the Play4Kay basketball games.

January 24, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Grace
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3
Summary: We picked back up in our study in Ephesians by looking at verses 1-3 of chapter 4. We discussed justice, mercy and grace and the students were challenged to evaluate how they are walking in their pursuit of Jesus.

January 17, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Hope
Scripture: Romans 5:2-5
Summary: We discussed the concept of hope and how it is a reality and available to all believers in Christ. We watched a video snippet of a man named Daniel Ritchie and looked at a quote from CS Lewis on having hope in the worst of circumstances if you are in Christ.

January 10, 2023
Theme: Abundantly More…Joy 
Scripture: Philippians 4:4; 2 Peter 1:3-4
Summary: We discussed the biblical command to rejoice in all things. We looked at the examples of Jonathan Edwards and George Müller and their resolve to be committed to finding joy and hope in Jesus through their commitment to studying God’s Word.