Worship and Devotion

You will find that our Academy provides numerous opportunities that will aid you in your search for the eternal realities of Omnipotence. You may well feel the presence of the Almighty here on this campus in a host of meaningful ways. Whether in daily devotions, or the outstanding services on the weekend, or through the inspiring weeks of prayer, you will quickly sense a different atmosphere that pervades this Campus in contrast to that found on others.

Personal Devotions

A truly successful Christian experience can only be gained through spending time each day alone with Jesus. Students are encouraged to establish a schedule, at the beginning of the year that will allow them to spend at least one half hour each day in personal Bible study and prayer.

Daily Group Worship

Worship is conducted every morning and evening. Attendance is required. Please enter the worship room quietly, reverently and correctly dressed. Talking, gum chewing, improper posture, jesting, improper attire, etc., are considered irreverent behavior and should be avoided. Exercise discipline, regard for others, reverence for the sanctuary, and reverence for God.

Sabbath Preparation& Enjoyment

When a student chooses to attend Pine Forge Academy, it is assumed that he/she has chosen to give proper respect for and adherence to all the religious beliefs of the school. All students are expected to prepare for the Sabbath and to respect the Sabbath by refraining from all ordinary labor and activities and should attend Friday evening vespers, Sabbath School, Divine Worship, and A.Y. Attendance is taken at all services.

This practice is encouraged because our beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God's unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and redemptive acts (Exodus 20:8-11). Students are to guard the sacred edges of the Sabbath by having his or her room cleaned and Sabbath attire prepared before sunset on Friday evening so as to enjoy the promises found in Isaiah 58:13, 14:

"If you keep the Sabbath Day holy, not having your own fun and business on that day, but enjoying the Sabbath and speaking of it with delight as the Lord's day and honoring the Lord in what you do, not following your own desires and pleasures, not talking idly - then the Lord will be your delight."

Proper Attire for Worship

Appropriate Christian dress should be reserved for the Sabbath services. A student should choose the proper attire for such services thus showing respect for God, himself/herself, and others on those special occasions. The Academy reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of attire as it relates to fashion, fads, and trends.

Reverence in Religious Services

Being reverent in the sanctuary and in all religious services is vitally necessary for one's own spiritual blessing as well as for those seated around him. Students should enter quietly, maintain correct sitting posture; refrain from slumping down in the pews, covering themselves with coats, eating or chewing of gum, private conversation, and unnecessary movement. We encourage students to take care of their personal needs before entering the sanctuary so everyone experiences maximum enjoyment while communicating with God.

Weeks of Prayer

There are occasions on the campus that will be found to be especially meaningful in regards to spiritual emphasis. They have to do with special weeks of prayer, often involving invited guests as speakers. There are three regularly scheduled inspirational weeks of prayer during the school year:

• The Autumn Week of Prayer
• The Student Week of Prayer
• The Spring Week of Prayer