Vespers is a student led worship service that meets on Sunday nights at 8:30 in Lower Seeger. It’s open for anyone to come and enjoy time with God. Generally, it starts off with song and then has a speaker, typically Milligan seniors or professors. Each sermon series has a theme, and this year’s is on the gospel of Matthew.
Michaela Williams, the senior who heads the group, explained that Matthew was picked because it focuses on how Christ fulfilled the old law. For example, in the very first chapter of Matthew, the genealogy of Jesus is recorded to prove that Jesus is descended from the house of David, fulfilling God’s promise to David that the Messiah would come through his line.
Matthew also describes how Christ fills us internally, not through physical satisfaction. It provides a great guide for what the Christian lifestyle should look like in a way that is pertinent for both new and old Christians alike.
On Sept. 16, Vespers went up to Beauty Spot instead of Lower Seeger for the third year of Mountaintop Worship.
There’s a reason why Jesus when out on a mountain to pray, because it’s a great way to break away from routine, slow down and gain new perspective. The Beatitudes were read between powerful worship songs as the sun set and the stars came out, and, as Michaela put it, “There is something beautiful in praising our Creator in his creation.”
The next Mountaintop service is scheduled for the 2018 spring semester, because it will be too cold and too wet for the instruments as fall and winter come and go.
For those interested in helping with Vespers, on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. in Lower Seeger there will be a worship gathering where students can share their gifts and talents. All students are welcome to come. Vespers is student led, not just by one person in particular, so input and involvement are always appreciated.
As a heads up, on Oct. 1 senior Mitchell Hancock will be teaching on Matthew 11, focusing on rest for the weary: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The following Sunday, Dr. Heather Hoover, associate professor of English and composition, will be speaking about the woman at the well.
