2024-2025 Chapel Theme

One of the impeccably timed lessons taught in 1st grade towards the end of the school year is the lifecycle of a butterfly. For weeks, students observe metamorphosis. They watch as caterpillars spin themselves into a cocoon, remain inside for a few weeks, and emerge a completely new creation, a butterfly! As these students watch the caterpillars transform into butterflies, their parents and teachers watch them go from 1st graders to 2nd graders!

Transformation occurs daily at WCGS. Along with students’ evident growth in stature as they rise through grade levels, they also can go from never having played the trumpet to playing a lovely tune, from learning to sound out “D-O-G” to competing on the WCGS Spelling Bee team, or from simply knowing how to count to 100 to solving the equation “What does 50+50 equal?”. It is a wonderful celebration when 8th grade students walk across a stage to receive their diplomas, commemorating their academic transformation. However, it is our prayer, pursuit, and passion for these students to go from this place transformed by the work and power of their Savior. It is our conviction to raise up the next generation to be Christ-centered, critical thinkers, who build community for God’s glory and by His grace.

Transformation is the divine process through which God renews, redeems, refines, and reshapes. It is the process of change where the old makes way for the new. As believers seek to see the world through a biblical lens and walk as Jesus did during His life and ministry, their hearts, thoughts, and actions become more like the Father’s heart, thoughts, and actions. Our 2024-2025 chapel theme is “Transformation”, and our year verse is Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” A life touched by God is one of unparalleled transformation, and we are eager to meditate on what it means to be transformed by the Lord and walk in “His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The transformation of Saul to Paul, the author of the book of Romans, is a story of dramatic conversion. Prior to his conversion, Saul was a Roman citizen extremely well-versed in Jewish law. He was a devout Jew and a zealous Pharisee known for his fierce persecution of early Christians. As recorded in Acts 9 while Saul was journeying to Damascus with the intent to arrest more Christians, he was met with a sudden and blinding light from heaven and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

This divine encounter left Saul blind for three days, during which he neither ate nor drank. God sent Ananias, one of His followers, to restore Saul’s sight and instructed him saying, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” After his interaction with Anninias, God filled Saul with the Holy Spirit and Paul became a steadfast Apostle baffling the many who knew him as a persecutor of Christians. His ministry spanned several decades and was characterized by extensive missionary journeys, prolific writings, and relentless dedication to spreading the Gospel.

Understanding the dramatic conversion story of Paul provides valuable context to Paul’s charge in Romans 12:2. Paul’s mind was renewed as he embraced the truth of the Gospel, leading him to a transformed life dedicated to spreading the message of Christ rather than persecuting His followers. His testimony provides a living example of the transformative power of following the Lord and the freedom and fruit that comes from serving God faithfully.

Please join us in praying for transformation in the lives of students. We are expectant for the Lord to move through the chapel theme and year verse as He challenges the WCGS community to be vessels of God’s transforming love to a world in need.