Cairn University was excited to introduce the new academic year through Convocation Chapel on Monday, August 26, 2024. This year, the University took a moment to recognize new incoming students that came from Clarks Summit University. While the news of Christian higher education closures is a source of discouragement, Cairn is dedicated to keeping its doors open to these students, serving them with the same support Clarks Summit had consistently provided. Following the warm welcome, newly appointed Dean of Students, Andrew Gordon, prayed over the morning gathering.
As Dr. Williams continues to take a sabbatical, Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Adam Porcella took the podium to exhort students new and returning to meditate on his message, “Union with Christ.” He asked students to contemplate two questions: “What have I done in the last ten days that I really did not want to do, but did simply because of my love for Jesus?” and “What did I not do in the last ten days that I wanted to do but I didn’t, simply because of my love for Jesus?”
Dr. Porcella asked students to consider these two questions in order to connect them to the “One Scripture, One University” passage of this year, which is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Dr. Porcella unpacked the verse, considering the theology of justification in reference to how the students live their day to day. Following a brief explanation of the doctrine of justification, Dr. Porcella called the students to cling to the proper understanding of justification in order to shape their lives in three ways. The first was to realize our personal goals in life are no longer relevant in the same way, and that Jesus takes on the responsibility of sacredly steering us in the direction He has for us. The second was to embrace the spiritual effectiveness that a right understanding of justification brings, now that Christ lives in us. Our abilities and gifts will be most appreciated and successful when Christ makes us into a new creation. Finally, a right understanding of justification should bring us to the personal expression of love Christ has for each of us. Students should allow these reflections to serve as a gateway to true humility and encouragement in their walk of faith, whether they are first-time freshman, transfers, or returning students.
As the University closed in prayer and the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” students, faculty, and staff began the new year with new or renewed determination to strive after Christ in all their efforts because of what He has done for them.
Welcome, class of 2028!
