QUICK RECAP: Spring Convocation
Lee's 2017 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Dr. Alisa White led Tuesday morning's Convocation service. White is the president of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Photo by John David Clark
Last week, the spring semester's Convocation came to a close. Lee University students spent Sunday through Thursday worshiping and reflecting on the theme: “So Will I.”
“Convocation is an opportunity we have as an entire campus to come together to worship without lots of distractions to grow in our faith,” Vice President for Student Development Mike Hayes said. “It can be a transformative experience if we’ll open ourselves up to what God wants to do in our lives.”
Convocation is emphasized at Lee every semester.
“Convocation is a time where we come together as a student body and collectively celebrate worship, learn, grow,” said Campus Pastor Rob Fultz. “Especially towards the beginning of the semester, to bring some unity and some cohesion to the student body. I think it’s very important because it sets the tone for the rest of the semester.”
As tradition holds, Lee University President Paul Conn opened the first night of Convocation this semester with a focused message on the significance of the word “almost.”
According to Conn, “almost” can be used in two very different ways.
“In some situations, ‘almost’ means virtually the same as,” Conn said. “But ‘almost’ can also mean ‘no, nothing, not at all.’”
Conn referenced Acts 26, using the story of Paul’s attempt to convert King Agrippa to demonstrate how spiritual life can be a series of these “all or none” moments.
Photo by John David Clark
For Monday night’s service, President Emeritus of Beulah Heights University Dr. Sam Chand delivered his message with an attention-grabbing catchphrase.
“I have destiny. You have destiny. We have destiny. And nothing can stop us,” Chand said.
Chand used Jeremiah 29, reminding students that God will give believers an expected end.
In Tuesday morning's chapel, Austin Peay State University President Dr. Alisa White—who received Lee's 2017 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award—gave a message where she referenced Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves his flock of 99 sheep in order to find one that has gone astray.
White compared the biblical story of Jesus’ encounter with the shepherd with the Samaritan woman at the well.
On Tuesday night, Pastor of Canton Church Jeremy Isaacs presented a four-point message on self-control.
“God is faithful to walk with us through the things that we face,” Isaacs said. “[He] will not let you be tempted more than you can handle.”
Isaacs referenced the Book of Job as an example, saying that God gave Job limits and would not give him anything more than what he could handle.
On Wednesday, Vice President for Enrollment Phil Cook told the story of Jacob’s wrestling with God in Genesis 32, in a place Jacob called Peniel.
That night, LeeU Worship sang “So Will I” and began an altar call where attendees knelt down and prayed together.
On Thursday morning during chapel, Lee alumnus Jonathan Etienne led a worship service to close off Convocation week. Etienne has released his own albums of worship songs, titled “Welcome to the (RE)” and “Freedom Song (The Honesty Project).”
LeeU Worship joined Etienne, ending Convocation with Etienne’s own selection of music.
After the first night of Convocation, a mixer was put on by the Student Leadership Council. Snacks, pizza and sandwiches were served.
Photo by John David Clark
Those who missed a service or who want to see them again can view Convocation on Lee University's Livestream.
