The Optimist Print Edition: 08.31.11

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Man in Black: Bible’s Randy Harris takes mission seriously

vol. 100, no. 1

wednesday, AUGUST 31, 2010

Features page 5

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

daniel gomez Staff Photographer

Associate director of bands, Jason Missal, closes his eyes as he conducts the Big Purple band in playing “March Grandioso” at the ACU 2011 Opening Assembly.

Opening Notes

Opening Chapel ceremony begins 106th school year daniel gomez Staff Photographer

marissa Ferguson managing editor As he began the university’s 106th year, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, urged students and others who packed Moody Coliseum Monday for Opening Chapel to find ways to outlive their lives. “As we begin this 106th year of Abilene Christian University together, students, I ask you to do this: keep your Christ-centered

focus – or get one; find a mentor – or be one; find a worthy cause that you can support – or create one; and find a church that you can plug into – or start one.” Schubert also began his opening address by welcoming the more than 800 members of the freshman class. “This year’s freshman class represents a new wave of students who share our vision here at ACU,” Schubert said. “They want to live Christ-centered lives and be the global leaders of

tomorrow, starting today.” Making references to his last year’s inaugural address, the President even challenged students’ lives by providing inspiring words. “Determine that today is the day that you’ll begin to outlive your life or improve on the way you do it. Thank the people who made it possible for you to attend ACU and make them proud of you. Decide to have a great school year.” The ceremony included several traditions – many

of which date to the foundation of the university in 1906, including the Parade of Flags. This year’s parade represented 62 countries and 50 U.S. states and territories. And continuing with tradition, Dr. Odies Wright, associate professor of exercise science and health, led the singing of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Dr. Rusty Towell, chair of the Department of Physics and chair of the Faculty Senate, read the scripture of Paul’s Sermon on Mars

The state flag of Texas is waved with pride at the Parade of Flags at the 2011 Opening Assembly as part of the 106th session in Moody Coliseum on Monday, Aug. 29. Hill. Both of these traditions have been part of every Opening Chapel since the beginning of ACU. Also, the Grand Chorus as well as the Big Purple Band together performed “The Old Hundredth Tune.” Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, led the call to order and reminded those in attendance of the university’s mission. “Today we begin our

106th year of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world,” Varner said. “Today and every day we call our students, faculty, staff and alumni to change the world in large ways and small.”

contact ferguson at optimist@acu.edu

CHAPEL

“Spirit vs. Flesh” to be chapel theme take what they learn from this and use it now in their everyday life, and in future situations after they’ve left college.” The “Spirit vs. Flesh” series will be taught every Monday, beginning the third week of the semester. This week’s schedule see theme page 4

said Mark Lewis, the selftitled “Chapel Guy.” “The text really lays it out very clearly,” he said. “We’ll go through different aspects of this constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit, and relate that to students’ lives.” The theme expands on the verses found in Romans

8:8-9, which states, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.” “We’re going to talk about both tackling this issue in the moment and in the future,” Lewis said. “We want students to be able to

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Mark smith managing editor

With the beginning of a new semester comes the beginning of a new chapel series. The fall 2011 Chapel theme, “Life in the Spirit vs. Life in the Flesh,” will tackle the idea of giving

in to one’s own will versus following God’s will for one’s life. Centered on a passage from the book of Romans chapter 8, among other selections from the New Testament, this fall series “helps to face the challenge of ‘How do I deal with this? God’s way or my way?’”

We’ll go through different aspects of this constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit, and relate that to students’ lives.”

Mark lewis Asst. dean for spiritual life and chapel programs in student life

inside

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Abilene Christian University

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