Announcements

Important update about our gathering today: As many of you know, Dale Dobias cannot be with us today, and it is his energy and humor that truly make our DIY Nativity come to life. We simply can’t imagine pulling it off without him, so we are canceling the DIY Nativity play and in its place will be still be gathering for coffee, cider, hot cocoa, cookies, and desserts while we sing carols together. We felt this would be a beautiful way to come together in community and song during this season. We also ask that you keep Dale and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. We look forward to seeing you all later this morning . . . Wednesday, December 17 at 11 a.m. in the chapel lobby and OCC dining areas. Everyone is invited—students, staff, and faculty—as we gather for cocoa, cider, coffee, and treats and a community lunch from Andiamo Italian. Join us for fellowship and snacks, sing carols and a community meal, and celebrate coworkers who have reached various milestones.

In this devotion, Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership, shares how we might think and pray about suffering that has no answer we can come up with, suffering in need of salvation. Read today’s God Pause.

Check out this week’s blog post from Dean of the Chapel Steve Thomason—Christmas Break and Advent 4.

In light of recent, tragic news, here are library books (over 500), articles, and other resources that address the topic.

In this devotion, Cody Sanders, associate professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership, prays that we might rejoice in the signs of God’s loving presence. Read today’s God Pause.

Residential and commuter students, you are warmly invited to join us for a Men’s Cookout in the Bockman Hall basement kitchen as we prepare a special dinner-style meal for our Residential Life Holiday Feast on December 15. Cooking begins at 1:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. This gathering is not only a time of cooking and community but also a moment of cultural learning for some and a significant shift in experience for many. We invite you to come with openness as we share traditions, learn from one another, and build deeper connections. Come and be in community together as we prepare good food from the oven, pray, share testimonies, and celebrate this season. You are welcome to bring a gift for someone of your choosing as we spread joy and fellowship. We are also delighted to share that Shamani Shikwambi, our Interim Dean of Students, will be joining us partly during the cooking and all through the dinner time. All residential and commuter students who are able are encouraged to attend.