Winners of the seventh annual Hastings College sermon contest were announced in April. Those selected participated in chapel services at French Memorial Chapel, Wednesday, April 30. The service was part of the college’s Academic Showcase Day activities.

Winners, sermon title, class year, parents and hometowns were:

1st place – Emily Spearman, “I’ve Received a Call…But I Don’t Have Good Reception!,” sophomore, Steven/Donna Spearman, Superior, Colo.

2nd place – Nathan Tramp, “Humble Elis and Fearful Samuels: The Potential for Creativity,” junior, Kelly/Linda Tramp, Norfolk, Neb.

3rd place – Cindy Eschliman, “God is Calling,” freshman, Keith/Heidi Eschliman, Hutchinson, Kan.

Honorable Mention – Cameron Murphy, “The Road You Choose,” senior, Eric/Cindy Murphy, Grand Forks, N.D.

All Hastings College students were eligible to enter the contest, and had to prepare a sermon based on 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Finalists preached to a panel of judges in mid-April. The panel included students, faculty, and local clergy.

Sermons had to last from five to seven minutes, and were judged on their faithfulness to the biblical text and its historical context, their suitability for the occasion, their clarity of thought, and their style.

The first place winner received $300, second place received $200, and third place received $100.
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