Lessons
In Middle School, students are introduced to more complex theological issues through faithful interpretation of Biblical texts from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Bible. Lessons follow the Revised Common Lectionary. From these readings, students explore a range spiritual and moral themes such as community, friendship, forgiveness, compassion, honesty, decision-making, identity, and service to others, just to name a few. Chapel lessons also follow the themes of the Anglican liturgical calendar.
In addition to lessons from the Bible, students learn about Christian holidays, and the lives of the saints. Special chapel services are held on St. Andrew's Day, Lessons and Carols, All Saints' Day, Ash Wednesday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Veteran's Day, and St. Francis Day. Students also get the opportunity to learn about other religious traditions, and regularly hear from guest speakers about a variety of relevant topics.
Prayer
Each day in chapel personal and community prayers are raised up during chapel time. As a result of this daily practice, students learn about the importance of prayer in response to the concerns and celebrations of life. Students may tell Ms. Brandon or their teachers if they have prayer requests.
Music
As an offering of praise to God, students learn age-appropriate liturgical music using the Hymnal 1982 and other supplementary resources. Chapel music is accompanied by piano on most days and guitar on Tuesdays. Students also get the opportunity throughout the year to hear chapel concerts from their peers and from guest performers.
Liturgy
The daily chapel service follows the Morning Prayer Rite 2 service from the Book of Common Prayer.
Student Participation
Student participation is an important part of chapel life. All students are expected to participate in chapel, though students of other faith backgrounds may choose to participate by sitting quietly during the service. For more information about chapel and religious diversity, please contact our chaplain, Ashley Brandon or our Director of Diversity, Philippa Strelitz.
Each student has the opportunity to acolyte and read the Bible lesson of the day. English and History teachers help each student hone their public reading skill so that students will feel confident reading from the Bible in front of the entire Middle School community.
Each student advisory has the opportunity to completely organize and lead one chapel service each year. These services usually fall on Fridays, and parents are encouraged to attend.
Middle School faculty members also contribute by sharing personal experiences with students in the form of chapel talks. The goal of the chapel talk time is to demonstrate the wisdom and insight gained through personal experience. The faculty share with the community during chapel on Wednesdays.
Students, parents, and faculty are supported in their spiritual development and pastoral concerns by Ashley Brandon, LS/MS Chaplain, and Lucy Nazro, Head of School. If you have prayer requests or are in need of other pastoral services, please contact Ashley Brandon.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Middle School daily worship service.
Monday at 11:53
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday at 11:13
Friday at 11:28
Prayer Requests
Please submit prayer requests to Ashley Brandon, Lower and Middle School Chaplain.
Community Service
Community Service at St. Andrew's is seen as a natural extension of the chapel program. As students hear the spiritual messages of compassion, service, and love, they are compelled to put these lessons into action through working to improve the world around them. Throughout the year students in grades 1-12 participate in a variety of in-school projects that are accompanied by intentional service learning and education about the social justice issues addressed.
In the Middle School, students are asked to complete at least 15 hours of service in both the seventh and eighth grades, for a total of 30 or more hours. Students can attend organized service trips through St. Andrew's (St. James Episcopal School, Trinity Streets Program for the Homeless), volunteer at school-wide events (Family Fair, Heritage Picnic) or they can volunteer on their own at area shelters, churches, or other non-profit organizations with prior approval from the Community Service Director. Those who complete 30 hours graduate from the eighth grade with distinction.
For more information about Community Service in the Middle School, please contact Ashley Brandon or Laura Milton.