134Academics Several different department-specific chapels were held for students on campus. One of these was the English Department, which hosted a chapel every Thursday morning as a substitute for chapel in the Benson Auditorium. The service was designed to foster connection and authenticity in worship amongst English majors and faculty. The group sang hymns, related literature to scripture, meditate, and prayed for one another. Chair of the English Department, Dr. Jon Singleton, explained the unique method of prayer and the role it played for the chapel. “Everyone prays for someone else around the circle,” Singleton said. “What’s really special about that is half our chapel time is just visiting with each other. The way it gives a chance for us as teachers to pray for a student, or the student to pray for a teacher, is really special.” Students were often given the opportunity to present the lesson. Junior Ada Lawrence spoke about the experience of leading in a smaller group. “It is so amazing to share what I’m learning [about God] with people,” Lawrence said. “Especially as a woman at Harding, it means so much to me that I get to do that. It doesn’t feel like I’m rebelling. I’m just teaching.” Another focused chapel service held was the Bible Department’s breakout chapel, which they called “Tabernacle.” Dr. Anessa Westbrook, a professor of Family Ministries, was in charge of Tabernacle, also offered experiences for interdepartmental bonding. “Being able to get to know your major’s professors and to give them a space where they can share more about their faith,” Westbrook said. “And when you provide a space where they, or other students, can have a dedicated time where they can focus on that and worship together, I think that’s a real positive thing.” The Communication Department also hosted a service in place of regular chapel. The film majors and faculty discussed movies with a christologogical mindset. “Film chapel personally means a lot to me because it allows us to take a christian perspective on a field that is becoming progressivly less so,” junior Lucas Mirante said. “It has, without a doubt, shaped my view of the kind of things that I can do with my craft and my degree.” All of these department-specific chapel services provided a break in the monotony of regular chapel encouraged relationships between students and faculty. Written by Maggie Samples Cinema & Community | A vibrant group of students gathered in fellowship for film chapel, coming together to explore the profound impact of movies through a Christological lens. The gathering was meant to fosters connection and encourage dialogue among film majors. Photo By Lauren Simmons “What’s really special about that is half our chapel time is just visiting with each other. The way it gives a chance for us as teachers to pray for a student, or the student to pray for a teacher, is really special.” - Dr. Jon Singleton Chapels MINI MAJOR Various departments offer smaller scale chapel experiences for students.
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