Christian Union: The Magazine Winter 2017 | Page 50

the spiritual climate on campus
P E N N | On Campus

“ Let Go and Let God ”

NEW SPIRIT OF PENN GOSPEL CHOIR MINISTERS IN SONG By James Supplee , Penn ’ 17

In light of the turmoil caused by the creation of a racist group chat , New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir provided a place of rest and some powerful reminders on Saturday , November 19 . The Harold Prince Theatre in the Annenberg Center was filled with

In her opening prayer and reflection , NSP Chaplain Quincy Larson ’ 18 highlighted the treasured nature of this promise offered by Jesus to the crowds of people who followed Him . Specifically , Larson addressed the creation of a GroupMe message by a
This segued perfectly into the hymn “ I Surrender All ,” which was followed by a plethora of songs highlighting our burdens , the sufficiency of God , and our desperate need for Him .
After a brief intermission and songs that continued to emphasize these
The New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir ministered to the assembled audience through their performance of worship songs and dance , centered around Matthew 11 .: 28 .
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students , parents , alumni , and other members of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities who came for an afternoon of worship and dance and left refreshed and encouraged by the ministry of the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir ( NSP ).
The performance , entitled “ Let Go and Let God ,” centered around Matthew 11:28 : “ Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest .”
student from the University of Oklahoma ( who was accepted into Penn ) and a few others . These students added African-American freshmen to the group , then used many racial slurs and created events threatening the safety and well-being of the Penn students .
Larson highlighted the distressing nature of these events and called students to lay down their burdens as they joined NSP for a time of worship .
themes , Larson discussed 16 of the burdens that she and other Penn students often bear . Previously , she had written down these burdens ( such as insecurity , monetary gain , and others ) and taped them under the seats in the front row for audience members to read aloud . After one was read aloud , Larson would discuss her struggle with the said burden . Larson concluded by quoting Scripture to declare the unchanging nature of the one true God