Thomas H. Graves was the Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion. The service begins with organ music (0:00-4:35). There is a call to worship from Isaiah 40:28-31 and Psalms 13 (4:36-6:25). There is a moment of prayer (6:26-7:27). A woman sings a song of worship (7:28-12:13). Graves reads a Psalm and discusses the trouble and hurt that runs through the pages (12:14-15:22). Graves shares how to approach the unpleasant aspects of the Christian life, which he calls “the winter of despair” (15:23-18:37). He speaks about the “summer,” being assured of God’s presence and finding joy by knowing that all of life is brought before God, (18:38-27:00). Graves closes the service with a moment of prayer (27:01-27:30).
Donald E. Cook was Professor of New Testament. The service begins with a word of prayer and a responsive reading (00:00-02:10). The choir sings a song of worship (02:11-04:59). Cook begins his sermon by highlighting the importance of seeing the divine through contemplation (05:00-12:17). Cook speaks about contemplating God by looking at nature, and he reads a poem called “Depression” (12:18-28:05). Cook ends the service with a benediction (28:06-28:31).
