Jessica Pacetti
Staff Writer
On Wednesday, February 18 Koten Chapel opened its doors to hold a service for those who wished to partake in Ash Wednesday.
The service began a few minutes after 12:15 p.m. and was attended by a small group of about 20 to 30 people. The group in attendance consisted of students and faculty from across the campus.
“The service is a way for us to come together as a community; it’s students, faculty and staff and we always like to be able to offer it to them,” said Chaplain Eric Doolittle.
The Ash Wednesday service was led by Chaplain Doolittle with two other speakers, Director of Ministry and Service Brian Rainville and Assistant Director of Ministry and Service Whitney Roberts.
In between each verse and prayer there were songs sung by two current NCC students, seniors Nicole Young and Matthew Wilke. The two sang duets together while Wilke performed on the guitar and led everyone at the service in song.
The Ash Wednesday service was very warm and welcoming to all that attended. The doors to Koten Chapel remained open throughout the service allowing anyone who passed by a chance to join in. Even when a student wandered in partway through the service, Chaplain Doolittle would pause and allow for that student to come in and find a seat before continuing on with the service.
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity for those who cannot go home for the service and have a chance to still a part of it,” said sophomore Linnea Griffin. “It’s also a chance to come with fellow Christians and receive ashes on the head together.”
Throughout the service the audience was very engaged. Each song that was performed could be heard with Young and Wilke’s voice leading while murmurs from the audience could be heard behind the two singers’ voices.
Chaplain Doolittle presented one piece during the service entitled “Dust: A Love Story.” This piece was about how God created the universe but it involved using the elements as well. Nitrogen, carbon and others were pulled together to create the Earth and all that live on it. Chaplain Doolittle delivered the piece in a moving way with his voice rising and lowering over each word and growing in volume or hushing at different points. It was well delivered.
The service lasted for about 45 minutes. Chaplain Doolittle ended the service with a blessing and thanking all for attending. Students, faculty, and staff then parted ways to continue on with the rest of their days.
“It’s a day for all to reconnect ourselves with our faith,” said Chaplain Doolittle.
Koten Chapel will hold two more services following the end of Lent on Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3 (Good Friday) both at 12:15 p.m.
