Caption: The STUCO-led chapel consisted of various presentations, worship, prayer, listening to God’s word, and playing games. [by Isabella Lobato]
by Rafael Meikle (Warrior Post Reporter / São Paulo, Brazil)
The PACA Student Council (STUCO) ran the first Tuesday high school chapel service of the school year on August 8, 2023. Under the leadership of school chaplain Lucas Ham Swisher, they provided an opportunity for students to have a personal encounter with God.
Swisher (also known as Mr Ham) started off by introducing the newest members of STUCO. Then, he handed off the microphone to STUCO president, senior Pedro Tartoni. The vice President Nicole also helped with organization and supervision of the meeting.
Juniors Arthur Silva and Victoria Nogueira, Spiritual Life leaders, helped to lead worship with the following songs “Maranata,” and “Build Your Kingdom Here.”
Juniors Nicholas Vergara and Vico Pavanelo led the chapel service icebreaker game, as they are the social life leaders of STUCO.
Senior Isabella Lobato made sure to get pictures and videos to share on social media as the Media coordinator for STUCO. Senior Laura Jeong, as the treasurer, did not have an active role in the chapel service. Sophomore Jun Yoshikawa, the secretary of STUCO 2023, was not able to help or participate as he was still in Korea at the time.
After the introduction of STUCO members, Nogueira shared a word with the students.Nogueira explained that she had a long journey to get where she is today. She studied at PACA from kindergarten until 6th grade when she left PACA for her middle school years. Eventually, she returned to PACA to attend high school.
While away from PACA, she said she had many amazing encounters with God. In 2018, Nogueira prayed and felt led to join STUCO as a Spiritual Life leader in order to spread God’s word to the students of this campus.
“I see STUCO having some failures throughout our time,” said Nogueira, “For the lack of good examples from past STUCO leaders. However, at the same time many good things will come out, everything will be brand new.”
Swisher described working with this year’s STUCO leaders as partnering with them toward the spiritual well-being of high school students.
“My focus is on spiritual life,” said Swisher. “I am in partnership with Victoria and Arthur, and also work with every class officer and spiritual life leaders.”
Swisher explained that in helping STUCO, STUCO can learn to help the whole student body. He compared them to birds learning to “spread their wings” in taking on the responsibility of student leadership at PACA. Part of that leadership is leading the first weekly chapel of the school year.
“For the chapel time, I would like it to be a time and place for the students to genuinely have an encounter with God,” said Swisher.
Overall, the STUCO chapel was a success. Through reading the Word of God, praying, worshiping, and having a Bible trivia game between 9th through 12th grade, everyone was involved. Students connected by laughing, screaming with joy and excitement and while others shook their heads in disbelief at some of their peer’s answers. Although the seniors won this first game, the other grades were confident they would have another chance to compete in future chapels led by STUCO.
The plan is for STUCO to lead chapels at least once a month. The next STUCO led chapel will take place on Tuesday, September 5.
