Judson Chapel gets under way in this month with familiar themes and music

The first day of classes for Judson University students will be Monday, Aug. 20. It also is the first official day for chapel. Chapel services are scheduled at 10 a.m. three days a week mostly in Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. Chapel events are free and open to the public.

Some chapel events center around a theme or guest, while others emphasize worship or another art form. August chapels will entail everything from the pomp and circumstance of the Convocation Chapel, which will include Judson faculty and administrators dressed in academic regalia, to the high-vibe sounds of the Vertical Worship Band.

"Come one, come all," says University Ministries Director Chris Lash. "The Chapel Ministry has prepared a fall calendar packed with stellar speakers, artists and experiences. All content is geared to help students connect with Jesus, with the community, and to better understand themselves. This is going to be a great year!"

Below is a listing of the upcoming chapels in August:

• Aug. 20 - Join this annual Convocation Chapel event that signifies the beginning of the school year. Faculty and administrators lead the Judson community in traditional songs and prayers.

• Aug. 22 - Join in the fun of the Kickoff Chapel. This lively session serves as a sampler of the many things to come. It will be led by University Ministries Director Chris Lash and a host of ministry students.

• Aug. 24 - By far one of the most popular chapels of the school year, the "Coffee with the Crumes Chapel" offers the Judson community a personal peek into the lives of Judson President Dr. Gene Crume and his wife Judson First Lady Cindy Crume.

• Aug. 27 - The "Gospel of Mark" themed chapel, led by University Ministries Director Chris Lash, will examine this gospel and offer insight into its relevance for today.

• Aug. 29 - Judson will welcome back Vertical Worship Band, a high-energy contemporary Christian worship band to Herrick to lead in singing a litany of worship songs.

• Aug. 31 - Chapel Mission and Values - Storyformed. First in a series, this chapel will explore the mission and values of Judson's chapel program. It will be led by University Ministries Director Chris Lash.