The winners of Hastings College’s tenth-annual Student Sermon Contest have been announced. Senior media production/religion major Anna Mullen, Des Moines, Iowa, will preach her winning sermon “Doing Deeds” at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, in French Memorial Chapel. This event is free and open to the public.

Applicants were asked to write a sermon based on James 2:14-26 that would be suitable for one of the last sermons of the academic year and mindful of students’ goals and concerns for the summer and graduation. The sermons 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. Winners of the contest receive cash prizes; $300 for first-place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.

2011 Student Sermon Contest winners are listed below with the title of their winning sermon and followed by their hometown.

First Place – “Doing Deeds,” Anna Mullen, Des Moines, Iowa

Second Place – “And,” Jenny Sharrick, Hastings, Neb.

Third Place – “Faith Through Action,” Mark Hewitt, Omaha, Neb.
  “James: A Letter to Hastings College,” Emily Meyer, Grand Island, Neb.

Honorable Mention – “Acting with God,” Elyse Appelgate, Lakewood, Colo.
  “Faith and Works Together, Not Separate,” Kaitlin Wilson, Kimball, Neb.

The Student Sermon Contest is in conjunction with the College’s annual Academic Showcase Day, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, when students will showcase their original research and academic achievements for the HC community at four locations on campus, including Wilson Auditorium, Hazelrigg Student Union Room C, Fuhr Hall Instrumental Room and Perkins Auditorium. Visit www.hastings.edu/as for a full list of Academic Showcase events and presentations.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. David McCarthy at (402) 461-7397.