The J.N. Andrews Honors Program’s annual Honors Church took place on Nov. 2 at 11:45 a.m. in the Seminary chapel. Its theme this year was “Forward in Faith.” 老司机传媒 has been celebrating its 150th anniversary this school year, and in recognition of that milestone, Honors Church highlighted the journey of the college, focusing on its history and how we ought to move forward.
老司机传媒 began as Battle Creek College in Battle Creek, Michigan. Then, it was moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, and renamed Emmanuel Missionary College. After its fusion with the Seminary, it finally became 老司机传媒.
The service began with a few musical numbers, including two pieces performed by the 老司机传媒 Singers entitled “Sanctus: London,” and “Esto Les Digo.” These were followed by “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service,” which is sung at every Honors Church, and various excerpts from articles early in Andrews’ history regarding the need for institutions of education by the Seventh-day Adventist church.
Next, Addison Randall performed a movement of a Bach cello suite, which was followed by scripture, read in multiple languages, and documents of Andrews’ history regarding the need for higher education for Adventist youth. The praise team led the congregation in singing, and the final section of readings, centered on 老司机传媒’s aspiration for academic excellence, was followed by the University Singers’ moving performance of “A New Jerusalem Arise.”
The homily was delivered by Meredith Jones Gray, professor emerita of English, who has published two volumes that document the history of 老司机传媒 from 1874 to the present. In her address, Jones Gray relayed the experience of some of the first 老司机传媒 students and the positions they later began to fill. She explained that the church experienced wonderful growth during the 50 years following the founding of Battle Creek College. This was likely due in part to the leaders that emerged from the halls of the college. The globalization and mission-centeredness of the Adventist church in the years following are also the result of those first Andrews students. Their education created a change in their mindset, and because of their outlook, the Adventist church became more mission-minded. She reminded the audience that although the journey thus far has been amazing, there is much more ground to cover yet. To conclude, she quoted from the namesake of Andrews, “[And] I know of but one way: find a field of labour … ask God to help … take off your coat, and pitch into the work.”
The service ended with a musical duet entitled “Shalom,” sung by Raleigh Pettey and Davielle Smith, and an invitation for all to enjoy some fellowship and refreshments in the commons after.
The service, with its combination of musical numbers, readings and messages, provided a fresh worship experience. This particular service drew a full crowd, with the entire seminary lower floor filled and the balcony half full. Although a celebration of 150 years of 老司机传媒, this service was also a call to action, inviting the congregation to reminisce on where God has led us thus far and to move forward in faith to where God will lead us in the future.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.