2018-2019 Chapel Theme- "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth or action."
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Upper School Chapel
Tuesday, December 11 - Celebrating Hanukkah
Upper School science teacher Matt Shapiro shared his family's Hanukkah traditions during Hanukkah Chapel on Tuesday. Growing up Jewish in a Catholic neighborhood in Boston, Mr. Shapiro once felt ostracized for his faith. Later, he would grow to value his Jewish identity - especially when he had kids.
Despite the fact that he does not consider himself to be very religious, Mr. Shapiro now holds Hanukkah close. "Hanukkah connects me to my Jewish cultural identity and the family traditions I want to pass down to my children." His two young kids love lighting the candles on the menorah, eating latkes, and learning the nightly prayers.
After Mr. Shapiro's funny and inspiring address, Mr. Kelly announced that Kat Harrar '21 will be this year's Lilley Fellow. Kat will undertake a project called "EA Farm to Feed," which will look to develop a sustainable farm-to-table program at EA.
Wednesday, December 12- Inter-Faith Chapel
Students and faculty shared a brief summary of their faith system and beliefs during Inter-Faith Chapel on Wednesday. Speakers included: Pia Singh '19 (raised Sikh), Phoebe Barr '19 (raised Protestant), Mr. Chris McCreary (Secular Humanism), Krissie Essilfie '21 (raised Episcopalian), Ms. Cheryl Gray Mitchell (raised in the Jewish faith), Jack Franklin '19 (raised Roman Catholic), and Nikhil Kakarla '20 (raised Hindu).
Middle School Chapel
Monday, December 10 - Learning about Hanukkah
7th grader Lily Morgan spoke about Hanukkah and explained to fellow students its historical roots and how it is celebrated today. Lilly explained, "This story is actually not mentioned in the Torah because the events that inspired the holiday occurred after it was written. It is however, mentioned in the New Testament, in which Jesus attends a 'Feast of Dedication.' The story originally took place around 200 B.C." Lilly concluded with Hanukkah trivia- asking "How many letters does a dreidel have on it? What is the middle candle that lights all of the other candles?"
Lower School Chapel
Friday, December 14 - "You Can Do It!"
Mrs. Lesher's 4th grade class and Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Alfano's Kindergarten classes worked together and presented a lesson about faith on Friday. Kindergarteners shared that, "Faith is being loving. Faith is a gift. And faith is like a friend." Fifth grade students then took turns reading the book You Can Do It! by Tony Dungy. Lower School Chaplain Michelle Bullock explained, "God gives different people different gifts and skills. It is important to use those gifts to show love and to chase those dreams." Chaplain Bullock told students she first dreamed of becoming a priest when she was six years old. "I had a lot of help chasing my dreams and learning what I am good at doing."
On Saturday, December 15, Chaplain Bullock will be ordained into the priesthood by The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez, at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Chaplain Tim Gavin offered a special blessing for Chaplain Bullock. Her daughter Blythe and classmate Kyle Harrison presented Chaplain Bullock with a special Willow Angel for the top of her Christmas tree and a bouquet of flowers. The angel "radiates warmth and love."
