ACS students and staff gathered on April 6 for an all-school Easter Chapel to celebrate the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world and rose victorious to bring salvation and eternal life to mankind. Various student musical groups performed songs that joyfully told the story of the hope of salvation in Christ.
Upper School Principal Meg McHale opened the Easter Chapel in prayer as some 700 students from preschool to high school and their teachers gathered in the gym for the chapel.
The PreK4 classes opened the chapel singing “One-Two-Three,” followed by the 8th Grade Band playing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” led by Music Director Tim Rosie.
McHale then talked about the upcoming missions trips to Coatesville, Pennsylvania and the Bahamas that middle school and high school students would be taking during Easter break and how they will be sharing the message of a risen Savior with the adults and children they will be serving. She then invited the students to come forward and faculty member Dan Vasquez gave a prayer of blessing and commission. Vasquez and his wife, Erin, would be serving as chaperones, along with staff member Carrie Jorgenson, for the team serving in Coatesville at the Bridge Academy.
Elementary Principal Gail Alford then introduced the 3rd grade classes who sang “The Power of the Cross,” followed by the 5th grade Worship Team singing “No One Greater,” and the combined 4th and 5th Grade Worship Teams getting everyone on their feet to sing and do choreography to “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”
Following the praise and worship time, a short video was shown celebrating the greatest gift of all — Christ’s victory over death when He rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb, and making the gift of eternal life available to all mankind.
Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen then introduced high school Bible teacher and Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz to present the chapel message. Delacruz outlined why Christ’s resurrection was needed, the events that led up to the resurrection, and the benefits of the resurrection. “The resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished many things for us as believers,” Delacruz said. “It was the ultimate victory over sin and death and it paved the way for our salvation and eternal life. Through the resurrection we have been given new life, a new identity, and a new purpose, and we can live with the assurance that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The High School Worship, under the direction of faculty member Julie Zimmer, then led everyone in two songs praising God for the gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chief School Administrator Oblen closed the chapel in prayer.
Jesus is Alive! — ACS students and staff gathered on April 14 for an all-school Easter Chapel to celebrate the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world and rose victorious to bring salvation and eternal life to mankind. Various student groups raised their voices in praise and worship with songs that joyfully told the story of the hope of salvation in Christ.
High school Bible teacher Urick Lewis presented a thoughtful message on the importance of having a humble heart of gratitude for the gift of salvation made by possible by Christ’s death and resurrection. “Christ took our place on the cross and we did not deserve it. He paid the ultimate price for us,” Lewis said. He taught from Luke 23:39-43 and contrasted the attitudes of the criminals who were crucified with Jesus — one who had a spirit of insult and entitlement, and the other who had a spirit of indebtedness. “Entitlement is the trap door to your destruction,” Lewis said, “but indebtedness is the open door to your destiny.”
