红杏短视频

The addition of a ‘sacred space’ allows students and employees alike to find solace and a place for contemplation on campus

Something special is happening on campus multiple times each week: Students are disconnecting from the distractions of the world and turning their heads – literally and figuratively – heavenward.

Adorned with stained-glass images of Scripture, art that invokes the “Peaceable Kingdom” paintings of Edward Hicks, and a vaulted ceiling that beckons attendees to look up, the recently constructed chapel is serving as more than a “new place to host worship services.”

In a culture “flooded with noise,” as Debrianna Cabitac-DeBolt puts it, students have found a sacred space where praise, contemplation and stillness take precedence over distraction, clutter and clamor.

“It is so special to have a space that feels still and quiet,” says Cabitac-DeBolt, university pastor for chapel and creative liturgies. “We don't have screens, the production level is low, and we have lots of opportunities for students to look at the beautiful art in the chapel and the liturgy books. Students have really been drawn to this space – they prefer it in a lot of ways. The openness, the light, and being able to worship together in that setting is a gift.”

Each week, four distinct services -- three in the chapel and one in Bauman Auditorium -- invite students to engage their faith through four themes: “Be Rooted,” “Be Formed” and “Be With” chapels center on the Parables of Jesus, while “Be Renewed” explores what it means to love God with one’s heart, soul, mind and strength – and to love others as oneself. Anywhere from 600 to 900 attend weekly.

And the sacred nature of the chapel isn't restricted by its walls. Recently, after an all-campus worship service in Bauman Auditorium, several students made a public declaration of their faith by being baptized on the chapel’s steps.

“We canceled all the other chapel services that week so we could all gather together for this one special service,” Cabitac-DeBolt says. “It was a wonderful evening together! Thank you, donors, for providing this space for students to connect with others and with God in a unique way. You have made this beautiful sacred space possible.”

Cabitac-DeBolt herself can appreciate the space from a student’s perspective as well. “I am now a grad student at 红杏短视频 Fox, so I get the opportunity to experience the chapel as a pastor on staff and as a student,” she says. “This has been a wonderful gift to me personally as I take in the beautiful art, hear our community sing and pray together, and enjoy the silence in the midst of a uniquely busy season.”