Daily chapel is almost synonymous with North Central University. Students may admit there are times they don\u2019t want to attend, but most alumni will say that attending chapel at North Central University provided some of the most meaningful spiritual experiences in their formative years.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, chapel music is high-energy and filled with praise and the speaker energetically proclaims God\u2019s Word. Other times, the music may be more subdued and the speaker challenges students to go deep in their faith. And sometimes, the format shifts more dramatically, and the NCU community is simply invited to come to The Table.<\/p>\n
According to Associate Professor of Worship Arts Vinnie Zarletti, D.W.S., The Table provides an opportunity for the North Central University community to come together for communion and worship in a traditional liturgical format that helps bring worshipers back to the roots of the early church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way we most often do chapel,\u201d Zarletti explained, \u201cis 18 minutes of music, a short time of announcements and prayer, and a speaker who speaks twenty-five to thirty minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor The Table services, the sermon is usually ten minutes and we incorporate additional liturgical elements, other aspects of worship we are focusing on, such as corporate confession, creedal recitation, singing the Word of God, and liturgical prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zarletti said the format for The Table is purposeful in not being modeled after any denominational styles of doing communion, and the goal is to help introduce students to the historic fourfold order of worship, which includes:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first mention of corporate worship in Acts 2 talks about them fellowshipping with word and table,\u201d Zarletti said. \u201cThese are the building blocks of Christian worship. Gathering and sending became the fullness of the fourfold order.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zarletti said that The Table as a name suggests a sense of community. \u201cWhen we think about the table beyond Christian worship,\u201d he explained, \u201cit brings about a certain type of imagery. For example, if you eat by yourself, you don\u2019t usually set the table. If you set a table, it\u2019s because you expect more than one person.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Table is a place that invites unity among brothers and sisters, as well. Zarletti noted that in many settings, \u201ccommunion\u201d has become more associated with personal introspection and repentance, rather than a community act. \u201cThe table is a great equalizer,\u201d he reflected. \u201cIt is all about equality at the table\u2014rich people, poor people, men, women, race, class\u2014there is not a distinction or hierarchy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Denominational unity is important, too, according to Zarletti. North Central University is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, but less than 50 percent of the student body has come from the AG tradition. \u201cWe are unique in being an educational institution and also a worshiping community,\u201d Zarletti said. \u201cThere is a desire from the students to have rhythms of worship that are regular [and which often reflect NCU\u2019s Pentecostal heritage] but they also like variety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zarletti said it\u2019s important to note that the fourfold order of worship represents a model, not a style. \u201cIt\u2019s a tried and true model of worship dating back to the early church,\u201d he noted. There is room for many forms of expression in that model and he has enjoyed using choral, gospel music, a full band and worship team, or a low-lit piano as part of The Table worship experience.<\/p>\n
In the Christian tradition of Holy Week, one of the things remembered is Jesus\u2019 Last Supper with His disciples\u2014the first \u201ccommunion\u201d ever celebrated. In traditions that have emerged since that time, some believers call it \u201cthe Eucharist,\u201d some may call it \u201ccommunion,\u201d \u201cthe Lord\u2019s Supper,\u201d or \u201cbreaking of bread.\u201d<\/p>\n
The reference of \u201cThe Table\u201d at North Central is designed to create community, not only within the university but with believers everywhere. Zarletti said, \u201cI love these services as a way to show that we have a lot in common with a lot of other believers.\u201d<\/p>\n
In John 1:29, John the Baptist declares, \u201cBehold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.\u201d This verse is the basis for the liturgical prayer called the Agnus Dei (Latin for \u201cLamb of God\u201d). Traditionally at The Table, this is the prayer that is prayed as the consecrated bread is broken. At NCU, Zarletti often leads his own musical setting of the Agnus Dei as the students are leaving their seats and coming to The Table to receive the elements. The words of this prayerful song simply say, \u201cLamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, we pray. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace, we pray.\u201d This timeless prayer echoes John the Baptist\u2019s declaration in John 1:29, and humbly asks Christ for mercy and peace.<\/p>\n
In this video, Vinnie Zarletti leads worship through the singing of the Agnus Dei. We pray this may help ready your heart for worship during Holy Week\u2014and any time\u2014as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.<\/p>\n