As Taylor students and faculty transition into a new school year, they are welcomed by a new theme for chapel during the fall semester — an urge to seek the kingdom first.
Greg Dyson serves as vice president for spiritual life & intercultural leadership and campus pastor. Each fall, he leads a retreat with the chapel coordinators to gain their perspective on possible upcoming chapel themes. When Dyson met with them last year, they all brought the same guiding verse of Matthew 6:33 to the conversation, which reads “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
“We got together with our chapel coordinators a year ago and said, ‘Hey, what are you hearing from the Lord?’ And then we did a half day retreat and began to talk about it,” Dyson said. “Everybody was like, ‘We are definitely hearing that we need to be secret first the kingdom of God.’ And so several people actually quoted that verse; it's kind of one of those, hair raising moments.”
The idea of seeking the kingdom is one that is urging believers to go back to the basics and turn their eyes to God. Along with the theme of chapel, Dyson purchased over one thousand books for students to read in conjunction with attending chapel. The book, “Seek First: How the Kingdom of God Changes Everything,” is also used in bible classes to redirect students’ spiritual focus.
Madeline Jarratt, a discipleship assistant on First East Olson, has the same vision for her wing for the year.
“...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:2 reads.
“What can we do every single day, to flee darkness, to live in light, to walk with Him?” Jarratt said. “It’s a good verse to focus on when you're trying to learn and almost remember the foundational basis of our faith.”
Outside of hosting guest speakers in chapel services, Dyson is also planning events throughout the semester to provide an opportunity for students to engage with scripture and learn more about vocation, missions and relationships.
Seated and Sent is an event hosted by Dyson and Heather Holleman regarding rooting our actions in Christ and learning what it looks like to live out that faith. The two-day event featured a worship event on Friday, Sept. 5 and a workshop the next morning, Sept. 6.
An upcoming event is called Rooted and Real. The event will focus on Christ-centered relationships including dating, marriage and intimacy. The several-day event will include speakers from campus and the surrounding community.
As the student population continues to grow, Dyson is continually looking for ways to include students. Outside of workshops and events, he is promoting the LaRita Boren Campus Center’s change from a study spot to a place of worship.
The chapel message will now be broadcast throughout the Stu during the chapel hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Light refreshments are also offered for those utilizing the Zurcher Commons space on the main level.
Presidential Fellow Lauren Kersten works in conjunction with Dyson, and is eager to see how the added space will influence chapel attendance.
“Chapel is such an important part of Taylor, and this new building will ensure everyone will have an opportunity to worship together,” Kersten said. “The additional space in Zurcher Commons provides an option in close proximity for students to participate and learn from chapel for the time being. The offering of refreshments acts as a thank you for students who choose to sit in that space which I think is a really special touch.”
