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, January 8 - The Legacy of Bishop William White
Students gathered for the first Chapel of the New Year to learn more about the legacy of EA's founder, Bishop William White, and his decision to remove King George III from the church register. "As the Head of the Anglican Church, King George was considered a member of each congregation throughout the world," explained Father Tim Gavin, Hon. "Bishop William White [at the time Reverend White] made the loudest statement of any Anglican priest in the colonies. He sided with the young Founding Fathers of our country and became a patriot to support the cause of freedom for the 13 colonies." Some considered Bishop William White's action "an act of treason. However, this simple strike of the pen was also an act of courage- courage enveloping truth and action." Father Tim told students as they begin the New Year and semester that he hopes learning more about Bishop White and his bold decision, "You may have a better understanding of why our teachers challenge you in Mind, Body, and Spirit and you have a better understanding of the school's mission to help you lead lives of purpose, faith, and integrity. He lived a life, not just in words and speech, but in truth and action."
Middle School Chapel
Monday, January 7 - The Feast of the Epiphany
On Monday, Reverend Bert Zug, Hon. spoke on the Feast of the Epiphany: the coming of the magi to pay homage to the baby Jesus. Rev. Zug explained that the epiphany (or revelation) that we can take from this major Christian feast is that God loves all people, even those that we might instinctively think of as "foreign." He then posed the question: How would this epiphany have changed the magi, and how should it affect us? Drawing from Paul's letter to the Galatians, Rev. Zug argued that those who have truly received an epiphany or revelation from God would be inspired to portray in their lives the fruits of this revelation - the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He then asked 18 students to come forward - students who the faculty had identified as people who exemplified these nine characteristics. One half of each pair read a short statement about each of these characteristics, and one lit a candle.
Wednesday, January 9 - Riley Thibodeau Faith Paper
On Wednesday, 8th grader Riley Thibodeau read her faith paper in Chapel. Riley is an agnostic who has seriously pursued the idea that God might exist, but she currently does not believe in God. After discussing the fact that she does not currently embrace any religious faith, Riley went on to present a few things that she firmly does believe in. "I do believe strongly in the power of kindness, and I believe it is important to treat others how I want to be treated. I apply this statement to both the words I speak, and my actions." shared Riley.
Friday, January 11 - Church of the Good Samaritan Youth Minister
On Friday, Jonathan Hobbs, a youth minister from the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, spoke about this year's Chapel theme. "Let us not love, not in words or speech, but in truth and action."