CHAPEL PROGRAM FOR 2026-27

Theme Verse: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8–9, NIV) 

Chapel Emphasis 

Our chapel theme for the 2026–2027 academic year is Forward in Faith, based on our Scripture of the Year, Joshua 1:8–9.

Navigating college is not always easy. Whether you are a freshman beginning your college journey, a first-generation college student finding your place, or a senior wrestling with decisions about graduate school, career opportunities and what comes next, each season of college and life brings its own challenges. The complexities of these experiences can often produce anxiety, fear and questions about the future. In these moments, we can look to the example of Joshua, who also faced a defining moment in his life. Following the death of Moses, the great leader of God's people, Joshua stood at a crossroads with the enormous responsibility of leading Israel into the Promised Land.

God called Joshua to be strong and courageous, reminding him, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua's confidence was not rooted in his own abilities, experience, or strength. Instead, it was grounded in two unchanging realities: God's Word and God's presence. God commanded Joshua to remain rooted in His Word, meditating on it day and night and faithfully obeying it, while trusting in the promise of His continual presence.

This timeless truth from Joshua 1:8–9 continues to encourage and guide us today. Like Joshua, we often face crossroads in life where the pressures of the moment and the unknowns of what lies ahead tempt us to shrink back in fear. Yet God calls us to courage not because life is easy, but because He is faithful.

We would love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about chapel, want to learn more about opportunities to grow in faith, or simply want to connect with someone from our Spiritual Life team, please reach out to us using the contact information below.

Jose Carrillo
Campus Pastor
jose.carrillo@sterling.edu

Erin Stansbury
Director of Worship Arts
erin.stansbury@sterling.edu

Elsa Brooks
Women's Ministry Coordinator
elsa.brooks@sterling.edu

Chapel services are held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Culbertson Auditorium, and our men's and women's chapels meet on Fridays.

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