Our elementary chapel service was a little smaller and more intimate this morning, as the Senior Band (Grade 6-8) was attending a band festival at TD Christian High School. Our chapel leaders led the singing of O Canada and the Land Acknowledgement before launching into our first worship song, “Who Am I?” by Mark Hall.
Then, they introduced today’s theme – compassion – by reading a statement about compassionate leaders. This was a great segue to a new chapel feature – “Teacher Interviews”. This morning, Miss Phillips and Mrs. Iun were asked to share their perspectives about compassion. Each were asked to talk about when they have experienced kindness, practical ways to show empathy and care, how they have resolved conflict in a compassionate way, and why compassion is an important trait of a Christian. Both teachers shared great tips and insight including the following:
- Kindness does not have to be a big gesture. Small things and a listening ear are just as important.
- Have an open mind, be observant so you can see who is in need.
- Give people the benefit of the doubt and put yourself in their shoes.
- Compassion is essential as it is what Jesus demonstrated when He touched the ill and ate with society’s outcast.
Next, the students had a moment to discuss with their elbow partners how they can show compassion to those around them in a practical way.
The Chapel Team then led the second worship song, “Jesus Loves Me”.
Our guest speaker today was Pastor Jeremiah, from the Olive Branch Community Church. His message was about compassion and he read from Romans 12:18 which asks us to live in peace with everyone. Pastor Jeremiah put emphasis on the word “everyone”, not just the people we like. He explained that God did not make everyone the same but when put together, we are like puzzle pieces that connect perfectly. Pastor Jeremiah also shared the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. His kindness and compassion toward her changed her life to the point where she told everyone about it, and thus, changed the lives of others as well. Pastor Jeremiah explained that if we want to be a Christian leader with compassion, we must do three things:
- Look (with love) – don’t be mad right away
- Listen (with care) – learn about the situation
- Love (like a leader) – find peace and not drama, find solutions together
Pastor Jeremiah emphasized that the greatest leaders are not the loudest and busiest but the ones who can bring people together while demonstrating a servant heart. He then called two volunteers to the front to work out a playground scenario. Together, the students were able to solve the problem in a cooperative and peaceful manner. Before Pastor Jeremiah ended in prayer, he encouraged the students to remember to be a compassionate leader not just at school but outside of Wesley as well so that lives can be changed in a positive way, just like Jesus did.
Our Chapel Team ended the service by leading the audience in reciting our inspirational passage.
