CPA students gathered this Friday to observe and celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Students K-5 were led by Pastor of Discipleship and Cross-Cultural Mission Arneal Strain. Pastor Strain shared the story of Dr. King's life and his work for civil rights, a critical movement in our nation's history and a mission for which he ultimately gave his life. Assistant Director of Spiritual Life Beth Graham also shared Scriptural context in Matthew 7:12 as Jesus directs his followers: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." 

The message to young students centered around the gospel truth that each and every human is made in the image of God and is therefore inherently valued, loved, and part of God's great tapestry of creation (Genesis 1:26-28). Injustice and hatred has pervaded the world in which we live, making it all-the-more important that we carry kindness and faithfulness to God and His word everywhere we go. 

Students in middle and upper school had the pleasure of hearing worship and preaching from new Director of MS Choir John-Mark McGaha. McGaha comes to CPA from Trinity United Methodist Church in Nashville. With an extensive background in the arts, music, worship, and ministry, his presence on stage is powerful. Chapel began with performances from the MS choir and was followed by a message aligned with the gospel truth that as Christians we are to be leaders in compassion and justice. 

McGaha shared one of Dr. King's greatest quotes: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." Dr. King's words echo Scripture. The body of Christ stands as one united entity regardless of race, background, ability, etc., and a threat to any part of the body of Christ is a threat to the body as a whole. 

McGaha stated Peter's reality of God as an impartial God - a verse that directly defies racism and any other dividing force at work in the world: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:34-36). Following this, a call to kindness when meanness is trending in schools and in culture. We must lead with kindness and be quick to befriend those we perceive as different from us, bringing ourselves closer to God as we do so, for it is God who befriended us first.