York College Chapel Talks

Glen Hawley reminds us that we can hold the power to choose what we do in life. Reflect on each of those decisions—who are you making them for?

Nate French, a sophomore from Omaha, Nebraska, share the impact of surrounding yourself with people who will pack their bags for you.

Matt Fike visits campus to ask to us reflect on how we want ourselves to be perceived and the truth that comes with who we place our value in. "Our fear of what other people think can be to our detriment."

Dr. Greg Stevenson brings a message about what makes Spider-Man a unique superhero—what it means to embrace suffering and weakness. "With great power comes great responsibility."

A Christian song, a Shakespeare poem, and Rocky Balboa walk into chapel... Jared Stark shares three of his favorite pieces of media to help us understand our personal worth and knowing where to place our worth in this world. "I know who I am because I know who you are."

Our campus minister, Leon Lewis, shares a story about a formidable situation that he experienced with his family. "Difficulties can either make you or break you—the results at the end of every difficult time depends on your response in the moment."

Dr. Jared Pack spends time in Jeremiah 29 and expands on the importance and impact that comes from being where you are. "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you...for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

Dr. Anessa Westbrook invites us to reflect on what we're making space for in our lives and what a prioritize in our daily schedule. "When you make space for God, you're making space for God to direct you."

"There is no such thing as a dumb question." Yes or no? Dr. Darrel Sears speaks on those who were sick and longed to be healed in John 5.

With an opening statement and closing prayer by our campus minister, Leon Lewis, President Timothy Westbrook kicks off the fall semester as the first chapel speaker of the year as he encourages us to root ourselves into the YU community to grow deeper in faith together with each other every day.

Joe Davis challenges everyone's knowledge of animals and dives into the symbolism of two key birds in the story of Noah's Ark.

President Tim Westbrook closes out this semester's series with our final spiritual discipline, celebration. Reminding us to celebrate the fact that God's love is bigger than all the distractions in this world.

Jared Stark calls attention to the every day habits and words that we speak to one another, reminding us that there's power and meaning in everything that we say and do.

Andrew Wright travels all the way from the land down under to remind us of Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train while sharing the antidote for dealing with your own personal crazy trains.

Dr. Jared Pack expands on this semester's chapel theme, Distracted to Devoted, by sharing a story about the time he ate seven ice cream sandwiches.

Ali Rand opens up about the loss of her father and other hard news that she has dealt these past few months.

Josh Clark shares his poem "Where Do You Look" and leaves everyone with the challenge to reflect on the world around you and to be present where you are.

Dr. Mason Lee speaks on theological education and how he learned how to find the distinction between your vocation and your calling.

Dr. Darrel Sears introduces our next spiritual discipline, worship. We are all people who have been created to worship something. Do you know what you're singing?

Todd Sheldon shares his own personal journey in life with God that led him and his family to where they are today.

Blake Mingle references Psalms 39 as he reminds us to be ready for God's "Red Flag Day".

Dr. Greg Stevenson introduces our next spiritual discipline, service. Philippians 2:4-8 In humility, value others above yourselves. Not looking to your own interests but the interests of others.

Sidney Richie shares all of her life lessons that she's learned during her time at York University and how she's learned to follow God's plan.

Dr. Steven Hardy breaks down Christina Rossetti's poem, "Good Friday"—providing writing for us to reflect on during Holy Week.

Dr. Anessa Westbrook introduces this week's spiritual discipline, submission. Psalm 139:1-5 "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me."

Dylan Straatmann shares his testimony and how he has grown during his time at YU.

Deb Cleveland provides insight to what it's like being a part of "the ancient" group—how to recognize what the important things in life should be.

Dr. Roush introduces our next spiritual discipline, meditation. "For God to increase, I must decrease." John 3:30

Dr. Jared Pack gives campus a history lesson on how YU came to be in honor of York University Day.

Landen Baum shares his testimony, opening up about his relationship with God.

Dr. Nathan Guy discusses the sacred and undeniable truths that Christians should live by as we are all made in the image of God.

Students from Dr. Best's bible class, Communicating the Gospel, share their 2 minute testimony and leave us with a question to reflect on.

Scott Lambart emboldens us to step up to the challenge—how are you serving your generation?

Dan Walter continues our Distracted to Devoted series by diving deeper into the story of the woman at the well in John 4.

Dr. Best introduces this week's spiritual discipline, confession of sin. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9

Lance Loven dives into Mark 5. Where are you at spiritually? Distracted, in darkness, or devoted?

Dr. Stevenson introduces this week's spiritual discipline, studying. What is your attitude when reading God's word? How should you approach your time that you spend in the Bible?

President Westbrook reminds us that we're all image bearers of God—called to represent God's love to everyone here on earth.

Domineece Silvels shares how she navigates her mental health struggles by turning to God—reminding us that God listens, cares and never leaves us.

Mike Sander encourages us to be quick to surrender to Jesus. Don't let the distractions lead you to guilt, regret, and unchecked emotions.

Dr. Michael Case dives into the practice of listening to God. He has been listening to you, he knows and care about you. Find your quiet place and listen to God today.

Dr. Anessa Westbrook introduces this week's discipline, simplicity. We're exactly where Satan and the world wants us—divided, discontent, & distracted. Every yes is a no to something else.

Jai Dotson gives us a look into her life through pictures and videos from the past couple years of her "kids" as they grow in their mentor-mentee relationship.

Matt Fike speaks on the value of growth and personal evolution. To root your faith in God, devotion without distractions. "If you learn something and it's worth taking away, it ought to change you."

Dr. Best and Jay Twedt present our next spiritual discipline, mentoring. What kind of person do you want to be in the future? Who do you know in your life that is an example of who you want to be?

Steddon Sikes shares his family tree, their roots that they have at York University, and the legacy of his mother, Erma Louise "Robbie" Sikes.

Eliza Rohda challenges us to always look for God's reflection in everyone that he puts in our lives. She also reminds us to be aware of how we're reflecting God's image through our own personal words and actions.

Dr. Darrel Sears introduces this week's spiritual discipline, prayer. Sharing how you can being intentional when you spend time with God in prayer by using the Lord's prayer and practicing your prayer posture.

Mike Moser, lead pastor at Connection Christian Church, speaks on the importance of fixing your eyes on Jesus in a world full of distractions.