Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, Mercy Seat will host a 24-hour prayer, worship, and art event in the Campus Center called The Cry. The annual event, which will run until 7 p.m. on Sunday night, is a time for students to spend time with the Lord amidst a busy semester.
The Cry is held in the Campus Center because of its central location and high traffic, so that students can be involved even if they are just passing through. Students can join in the worship by sitting with the group, listening while doing homework, or making art at the tables set up by Mercy Seat. It is also possible to be involved by signing up for one of the hour-long slots to lead fellow students in worship, such as through song or prayer.
Event coordinator for Mercy Seat, Ellenore Tarr ‘18, is looking forward to the 24 hours of prayer and worship. She said, “During one of the busiest times in the semester, it’s so powerful to take some time to worship and rest in the presence of God and others.” As to why it is held in the Campus Center, she said, “We want to worship as we head up to the dining hall and while going to check mail and when studying with friends.” She added that bringing worship to such a high-traffic place on campus is a reminder to let one’s soul rest in God’s presence, no matter what you are doing.
“I’ve participated in The Cry since my first semester of college,” said Mandy Satre ‘19. “Each time has been different; God has shown himself in new ways.” Satre has been on the Mercy Seat cabinet since her first year at Houghton. According to Satre, The Cry is important because it helps students to separate themselves from the busyness of the semester and have time set apart for the Lord. In regards to the 24-hours of worship and prayer, she said, “It has been so refreshing to just spend that time in worship, even after I go to bed and come back in the morning to know that there are people lifting up His name in the campus center.”
Gabrielle Sheeley ‘19 explained The Cry as a reminder that “Every day that we live and everything that we do is an offering of worship to God, and it’s important to remember that even during the busiest time of the semester, we must do our best to make it a suitable offering.” She also commented that she loved The Cry, and said that it was the perfect way to recenter herself and her day when it is going on in the Campus Center.
To get involved with The Cry this year, students are encouraged to sign up for an hour time slot. Tarr said, “We encourage you to get together with your dorm floor, your sports team, your worship team, your roommates, etc. Sign up for an hour and lead us all.”
To join in, simply email Tarr. Students who aren’t inclined to lead an hour are always welcome to join in worship anytime from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday in the Campus Center.