On Saturday, December 11, 2021, the Tyndale community gathered online to celebrate the birth of Jesus and give thanks for His many blessings.
The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Marjory Kerr, Tyndale's President and Vice Chancellor, who spoke about the unexpected benefit of hosting a concert online.
“Last year, people from across Canada and countries around the world signed in to participate in our Christmas in the Chapel,” she said. “More than 1,500 people joined the concert on the night it aired, and another 8,700 joined in the days that followed. “No matter where you are right now, near or far, our hope is that you will feel a sense of connection and community during this concert.”
Dr. Kerr acknowledged La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, the title sponsor of the event, who has supported Christmas in the Chapel every year since 2010. She also thanked Tyndale partners and donors for providing ongoing support to students through financial aid.
“In this year alone, 80 percent of Tyndale Undergraduate students and 48 percent of Seminary students needed the support of bursaries and scholarships,” she said. Donations made through the concert will boost student financial aid this year.
After a time of prayer, the Tyndale Singers, directed by Dr. Melissa Davis, Assistant Professor of Music and Worship Arts, sang “Christmas Carol Medley.”
Next, Kevin Kirk, Senior Vice President of External Relations, conducted a meaningful interview with two student leaders. Ffyona Zoe Campbell, Undergraduate Student Association President, and Zohrab Sarkisian, Seminary Student Association President, spoke about what their experience of studying and serving at Tyndale has meant to them. They also shared prayer requests and gratitude for the support the student body receives from the community at large throughout their studies.
"A genuine heartfelt 'thank you' for how you invest in us as students," said Zohrab. “Together we are advancing and building the Kingdom of God on Earth."
The 50-voice Tyndale Community Choir then sang a beautiful rendition of “Instruments of Your Peace.”
Next, Dr. Michael Krause, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, introduced the concert's special guest, who has a personal connection to Tyndale.
“I was having a conversation with one of my students, Darrick Tam, in August 2017 as he was wrapping up his MDiv internship course,” he said. “He told me about his passion for worship and his pastoral heart for worship leaders.
“Like pastors, worship leaders are ministering to people every week. They lead worship for others, but who is ministering to them?” In response to his concern for worship leaders, Darrick began an online space called “The Worship Project” in 2016, reaching out to others in ministry to pray, worship, share resources and compare stories.
More than 60 worship leaders and those involved in worship ministry began meeting every other month at Tyndale for the next few years to connect with and encourage each other.
“It has been Tyndale’s privilege to partner with Darrick to host The Worship Project’s Gatherings and city-wide worship nights, and we are especially pleased to welcome him to this year’s Christmas in the Chapel.”
Joining Darrick were worship leaders from five other churches: Adam Hoskins, Brooke Nicholls, Steve Lensink, Kevin Odorico and Luis Navarro. Their talented performances of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Away in a Manger,” “God With Us” and “O Holy Night” filled Tyndale’s chapel with sounds of exaltation and songs of praise.
It’s not too late to make a year-end gift to support Tyndale students.