Together in Worship: A Student-Led All-School Night of Praise 

A person in a dimly lit setting raises their hand while others stand nearby, all facing the same direction.

Written by Louisa Henker, PCA Senior & Spiritual Prefect
Photos Captured by Emma Eisner, PCA Senior & Unity Prefect

On Friday, April 11th, students, families, and faculty gathered in the gym for a powerful night of worship. What started as just an idea a few months ago turned into a full evening of praise, prayer, and community – something that felt special, fresh, and Spirit-led.  

As Spiritual Life Prefects in the Prefect Cohort of ‘25, Gideon and I (Louisa) had the opportunity to lead and plan the event. We knew from the beginning that we wanted this night to be more than just music – it was about creating space for our community to focus on Christ and worship together as a school! 

A group of young musicians perform on stage in front of a large screen displaying the event title "Night of Worship" and the date April 11th.
A group of young people sit on stools on a stage, each with a microphone and sheet music, appearing to sing or read aloud.

This was the first time PCA has ever hosted a school-wide worship night. While the high school has held its own events in past years, this was the first time students across all grades, along with their families and teachers, came together in one space. Since it was something new, there was a lot to figure out – scheduling, communication, and making sure the night flowed well. Gideon and I spent time planning the set list, coordinating the schedule, and rehearsing early with the worship team to make sure everything felt intentional and meaningful. Of course, not everything went exactly as planned – small hiccups here and there – but what stood out was how those things didn’t take away from the heart of the night! Psalm 98:4 reminds us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” And that’s exactly what we did! Even in imperfection, our praise was real – and that is deeply pleasing to the Lord.  

Several musicians sit on stools facing microphones and music stands on a dimly lit stage, performing or rehearsing together.
Three people sit on stage; one plays a cajón drum while the others appear to be singing into microphones. Stage lighting highlights them against a dark background.

One of the most meaningful moments for me came during the final song of the night – “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe. If you’re familiar with it, the bridge includes these lyrics: 

May His favor be upon you 

And a thousand generations 

And your family and your children 

And their children and their children… 

…In the morning, in the evening 

In your coming and your going 

In your weeping and rejoicing 

He is for you. He is for you. 

Three people sit on stage; one plays a cajón drum while the others appear to be singing into microphones. Stage lighting highlights them against a dark background.
Two people on stage face an audience, both raising their arms above their heads to form a triangle shape with their hands; more people do the same in the background.

As a senior who has been at PCA since preschool, that moment hit especially deep. In many ways, PCA has raised me, shaping my faith, friendships, and sense of purpose, all rooted in my identity as a child of God. Being a part of the worship team and getting to sing those words over this school – over some students who are just beginning their journey here – was something I’ll never forget. Standing on that stage, I had the privilege of blessing the community that has poured so much into me. 

That moment wasn’t just personal – it captured the heart of what the night was about. Worshiping side by side, across generations, united in faith and hope. As we sang, He is for you, it was a powerful reminder that God’s presence goes with every family in our community. In every season – in joy and in hardship – He is with us and for us. Our hope is that this night sparks a lasting rhythm of worship at PCA, with Christ at the center. 

Silhouetted people stand and raise hands in front of a large screen displaying partially visible text in a dimly lit room.
A group of young people sit on stools on a stage, each with a microphone and sheet music, appearing to sing or read aloud.

Special THANK YOU to our talented and hardworking students:

Reporting by Louisa Henker, PCA Senior and Spiritual Prefect
Photography by Emma Eisner, PCA Senior and Unity Prefect

Their work offers a meaningful glimpse into a day of prayer, reflection, and community across our campus.

Portrait of a person with long blond hair, smiling, against a neutral gray background.
A young person with straight, long brown hair and fair skin looks at the camera with a slight smile against a gray background.