Dr. Anil Solanki of Eastern Mennonite Seminary noted that the peace pole phrase is translated “Let Peace Prevail in the Universe” in his native Hindi language. SPI director Sue Williams is at right. Photo by Lindsey Kolb

The 10-foot-high handcrafted pole with six flat sides proclaims the prayer, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in 18 language panels. Students in EMU’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute (SPI) and several faculty-staff persons read the words in the language of their respective countries before the panels were attached to the pole.

Languages displayed on the pole are Swahili, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, English, Hebrew, Korean, Navajo, French, Russian, Japanese, Indonesian, Hindi, Urdu, Amharic, Sesotho, Filipino and German.

A community effort

Summer Peacebuilding Institute participant Vera Giantari from Indonesia reads “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in her language before the panel is attached to the peace pole. Photo by Lindsey Kolb

The pole was erected in a specially-prepared space on the edge of Thomas Plaza in front of the EMU Campus Center.

David Moyer from Mount Solon, Va., a member of Valley Friends Meeting and 2010 graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, donated the milled locust post for the project. The wood was harvested from his personal property.

The idea to erect a peace pole at EMU originated with Sushil Koirala, a participant in an earlier SPI program from Nepal.

Visual reminder of need for peace

“Installing a peace pole on campus provides a visual reminder of the centrality of working toward peace in the mission of the university,” said EMU campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder, whose campus ministries department coordinated the project.

“A call to peace and peacebuilding are basic to the EMU mission statement, and the language panels on the pole represent the rich cultural diversity of our campus community and broader learning partnerships,” he added.

‘Peacebuilders wherever we are’

EMU President Loren Swartzendruber led a dedicatory prayer, noting that the peace pole will provide “a good reminder as we walk across campus and move out into the world to be peacebuilders wherever we are.”

Sue Williams, SPI director, led a Celtic blessing on attendees, reminding everyone that genuine peacebuilding includes establishing right relationships among people and with the earth.”

The ceremony opened with the singing of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and concluded with “This is my song (oh God of all the nations),” sung to the tune of “Finlandia.”

Funding partnership

Funding for the project came from partner clubs, organizations and EMU departments including:

• Young People’s Christian Association (YPCA)
• Peace Fellowship
• Eastern Mennonite Seminary
• Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP)
• Bible and religion
• Cross-cultural program
• EMU core curriculum
• peacebuilding and development
• Abraham’s Tent
• International Student Services
• Multicultural Services
• Intensive English Program (IEP)

2009 Advent scriptures include the following:

• Week One – Luke 1:26-28
• Week Two – Matthew 1:18-25
• Week Three – Luke 1:39-56
• Week Four – Luke 2:1-19

The series began with a reflection by Dorothy Jean Weaver, professor of New Testament at the seminary.

"Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Christian tradition, a beginning focused on the coming of Jesus into our world that calls for thoughtful preparation for this coming and for the second coming of Jesus," said Brian Martin Burkholder, EMU campus pastor. "In these weeks leading up to Christmas day, we invite everyone into this season of thoughtful and spiritual preparation by using the Advent reflections provided from the EMU and EMS campus community."

"Readers are invited this year to share their own personal reflections at the end of each day’s entry as well, building a sense of community among followers of Christ all over the world," Martin Burkholder added.

To automatically receive each devotional, go to emu.edu/blog/devotions/subscription.

Faculty, staff, students and alumni have written reflections based on the Lectionary scriptures for the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, Apr. 12.

“Many of us hardly know what true fasting and penitence looks like,” says Brian Martin Burkholder, EMU campus pastor, in an introductory Ash Wednesday message. “We’re pretty high on living into an Easter faith with almost daily Easter feasting! What would it mean to give ourselves to practicing a genuine Lenten journey?

Martin Burkholder notes that the scriptures selected for Lent 2009 “invite us to encounter significant God-initiated covenants and the journey of Jesus from being anointed by God through baptism to faithfully surrendering his life on the cross. How might we respond?

“I invite us to take the risk of moving toward a genuine Lenten journey this year. Let the sense of emptiness come and strive to not fill it with fluff,” Martin Burkholder states.

“Ponder the big questions of life and faith and even doubt. Embrace the depths of reflection that does not quickly resolve. We can be travel companions. Perhaps this guide will help.”

Persons may subscribe to automatically receive each devotional or may visit the blog at any time.

Mark Thiessen Nation

The book is available in the university bookstore and will be for sale at the close of the program.

Ted Grimsrud and Mark Thiessen Nation, EMU and EMS theologians and professors, respectively, have taken on an issue that continues to vex and divide the Christian church – homosexuality.

They will draw from their book, Reasoning Together: A Conversation on Homosexuality (Herald Press, November, 2008) in discussing and debating all sides of the issue in an open forum 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in Strite Conference Room 105 on first floor of EMU’s Campus Center. See campus map.

Dr. Grimsrud and Dr. Thiessen Nation “will engage in respectful yet passionate give-and-take over the differences between them as well as areas of agreement and consensus and field audience questions,” said Brian Martin Burkholder, EMU campus pastor.

“This event, part of a year-long campus emphasis on ‘Embodying Sexual Wholeness in a Broken World,’ is designed for people who want to hear more than one angle on this challenging issue,” Martin Burkholder stated.

Grimsrud’s and Thiessen’s book is available in the university bookstore and will be for sale at the close of the program. The authors will be available for book signings.

The event is sponsored by EMU campus ministries. For more information, contact Martin Burkholder at 540-432-4115.

Many students may not have noticed the absence of the Unity Bell on the bell structure between Hartzler Library and Lehman Auditorium. Campus Ministries removed the cracked bell and hopes to fill its vacancy with a replacement soon.

Brian Martin Burkholder, EMU campus pastor

“EMU needs a new bell that can be actively used for tolling” said Brian Martin Burkholder, director of campus ministries and campus pastor. “Each year I receive requests for the use of the bell related to various kinds of programming, and I have to tell the group that the bell really shouldn’t be tolled for fear of further damage.”

EMU currently does not have funds designated to replace the bell. “I’ve been hoping that a senior class would pick up the vision of providing a new bell, and perhaps enhancing the current bell structure, as a class gift, but it hasn’t happened,” Burkholder said. “My hunch is that most people did not realize that the unity bell was damaged beyond active use [and] therefore did not know of the need for a new bell. An empty bell structure communicates this need much more clearly.”

The Unity Bell has a long and influential history, playing an instrumental role in a 1969 fundraising effort for the construction of the Hartzler Library. EMU had some difficulty raising funds for the construction, so they decided to have an auction. The physics department auctioned an old dinner bell, ringing it every time they received a significant contribution. At the end of the auction, with only the bell to auction off, EMU determined they only needed to receive $800 more in funds, and quickly received the required $800 to applause.

Because of the bell’s history, Burkholder said that it has not been used recently because of its poor condition. “We have not been using it to toll for memorial services, to call the campus community to chapel, or in recognition of significant events,” he said. “There was concern that the bell might be further damaged if it was in active use.”

However, campus ministries hopes to exhibit the bell in Hartzler Library in time for 2009’s Homecoming, along with a display that will retell the bell’s history.

Burkholder said, “The bell structure will remain patient, waiting for another bell to keep it company.”

“Maybe someone has a large bell with a clear tone at home and could bring it back to campus after Thanksgiving? Perhaps someone will step forward to donate toward the purchase of another bell?” Burkholder said. “I’ll keep hoping for a replacement sooner rather than later.”

Full details about the Unity Bell can be found online at: www.emu.edu/crossroads/90years/library/

Read more of The Weather Vane online here:

When we allow ourselves to laugh, the possibility opens up to experience and accept God’s grace.

Local actor-playwright Theodore K. (Ted) Swartz will build on this precept through “comedic exegesis” as resource person for fall spiritual life week.

Swartz will introduce the theme for the week, “Laughter and Lament,” with a presentation 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.

See the complete schedule for Spiritual Life Week…

Personal Story of Laughter and Loss

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Lehman Auditorium, Swartz will share his personal journey of laughter and profound loss that included the death of his performing partner, Lee Eshleman, in May 2007.

He will present a collection of sketches, monologues and stories that reflect his life as a performing artist for the last 20 years 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Martin Chapel. Admission is free for students and by donation for community members.

The series will conclude 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Lehman Auditorium, with Swartz illustrating through performance and sharing how God continues to surprise him, sometimes speaking through the very art which had become painful to perform. Informal conversation will follow in the Campus Center Greeting Hall.

250,000 Served and Smiling

Swartz, a 1989 EMU graduate, experimented with the intersection of humor and faith while enrolled at Eastern Mennonite Seminary – when he thought his search would lead to a pastorate. Instead, his journey led him to creating and performing dramatic plays that engage the biblical story for more than one quarter million people across the U.S. and into Canada, Kenya and Japan.

The first 20 years of this work included the creation of Ted & Lee TheaterWorks with Lee Eshleman and development of plays such as “Armadillo Shorts,” “Fish-Eyes,” “Creation Chronicles,” “Live at Jacob’s Ladder” and “DoveTale” (with Ingrid De Sanctis).

“Our student leaders in campus ministries are excited about the way Ted will hold laughter and lament together before us,” said Brian Martin Burkholder, EMU campus pastor. “We’re anticipating an invitation to be real with one another about the joys and challenges of faithful living as followers of Jesus,” he added.

All activities of spiritual life week are open to the public. For more information, contact Martin Burkholder at 540-432-4115; email brian.burkholder@emu.edu.

EMU Counseling Services in the student life division is available to support EMU students and staff touched by this and similar events. Located in the Wellness Suite of the University Commons, counselors are available throughout the school week. Call 540-432-4317 for more information or to make an appointment.

Campus pastors are also available for care and support. On Friday, campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder e-mailed EMU students, writing “Let’s be in prayer and offer support in various ways for the students, faculty and staff of NIU. In light of this tragedy, if you … are in need of support, please be in touch with campus pastors or the counseling center staff.”

Also on Friday EMU President Loren Swartzendruber sent a letter of condolence to NIU President John Peters, writing:

“The thoughts and prayers of the faculty, staff and students of EMU have been with you and your campus since learning of the tragic shooting that took place on your campus on Thursday. Please know that I am personally praying for you as you provide leadership during this very important and difficult time. You have modeled grace under enormous pressure for all of us as institutional presidents. May God continue to grant you much strength for the days and weeks ahead!”

Check the for more information.

“Blue Like Jazz//Live,” a solo theatrical multimedia performance based on celebrated author Donald Miller’s book, will be presented 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Lehman Auditorium.

Professional actor Jason Hildebrand incorporates video, projected motion graphic and an original jazz soundscape in presenting a personal, raw and humorous reflection on spirituality, God, and community.

Hildebrand, also a dramatist and performance coach, has performed in theater, film and television and tours the globe with his critically-acclaimed solo performances.

He also works with organizations, theater and film companies and educational institutions in various capacities across North America and in Europe.

“Blue Like Jazz//Live, besides being an amazing theatrical experience, seeks to provide a catalyst for drawing people into a deeper exploration of the soul and to foster community,” EMU campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder said.

The event is sponsored by the Student Government Association, Campus Ministries, Young People’s Christian Association and Campus Activities Council.

General admission is $5 at the door; free with EMU I.D.

The service closed with candlelighting and opportunity for the campus community to pray individually and in small groups, remembering the Virginia Tech community’s tremendous loss in the wake of the Monday morning shootings on their campus, just three hours distance from EMU.

Campus ministries staff and pastoral assistants were available to minister to persons as needed.

Opportunities for Prayer and Support

• Watch the WHSV News Video Coverage of the Prayer Ceremony

  
  EMU will join other schools and organizations in observing a moment of silence at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Apr. 23, marking the one-week anniversary of the Virginia Tech campus shootings and loss of 32 lives.

• Candlelight Prayer Vigil:
  A prayer vigil scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, as a response to the showing of Invisible Children (Uganda) will now include prayers for the greater Virginia Tech community. Please meet on the front lawn at 9:30 p.m.

• Hokie Hope Day:
  Friday is Hokie Hope Day across the nation. Wear maroon and orange all day in solidarity with the VA Tech students, faculty, staff, families and alum.

• Talk with the Pastor:
  Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder will host the campus community on Wednesday, April 18, in the Northlawn residence hall from 4-5 p.m. for prayer and support for the Virginia Tech community, as well as any EMU community members who may have direct connections to people affected by the tragedy.

• Sign a Banner:
  Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign a banner for VT that will be hand-delivered to Tech’s campus. The banner will be on display for at least the first hour of Springfest on the front lawn. The greater campus communities of JMU, Bridgewater, and Blue Ridge Community College are also participating.

• EMU’s Counseling Center continues to be available to students, faculty and staff in need of support. Call (540) 432-4317 for more information.

Campus Responds

“We are deeply saddened by the events unfolding on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Va.,” wrote 草莓社区 provost Dr. Beryl Brubaker in a campus communiqu

People gather at EMU

]]> /now/news/2007/diversity-in-worship-readily-available-at-emu/ Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1377

Want to worship to the tune of hip-hop music? Celebrate Jesus’ love through dance? Silently pray while focused on candle light? Have a traditional hymn sing?

All this and more takes place regularly at 草莓社区.

Worship expression at EMU is as varied as the student body, where 22 percent of the population is "diverse," counting African-American, Hispanic, international and multi-ethnic students.

To meet their needs, the campus ministry team makes a point of collaborating with students to develop and lead worship in a variety of ways.

"North American Mennonites are known for their hymns sung in a cappella four-part harmony," says campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder. "But as the church has grown around the world, Mennonites have incorporated other worship styles. We recognize that there are many ways of tuning into the Holy Spirit."

‘Vibrant Worship’

University chapel services Wednesday and Friday mornings in Lehman Auditorium "lay the foundation for vibrant worship," says Martin Burkholder. Eastern Mennonite Seminary also holds weekly chapels that incorporate diverse worship styles and themes.

From there, the options fan out – including a series of Wednesday night gatherings ranging from traditional hymn singing to high-energy gospel to meditative, all student-planned and led.

EMU senior Kristen Swartley helps lead a Taize service held the third Wednesday each month, in which she often plays the flute.

"Taize services offer something different – a more restful, reflective service that requires persons to be quiet and to listen for God’s voice," said Swartley, a junior music major from Cedar Falls, Iowa. "I think something like this is needed in a busy college atmosphere."

‘Gospel 808’ and prayer meetings

Another monthly Wednesday night offering is "Gospel 808" that junior Joseph Macon helps organize. Macon, a business administration major from Philadelphia, helps line up persons to lead the service that may vary in style from contemporary gospel to more "choir-type" gospel music. Macon often accompanies singers on drum set.

Other alternatives include a Thursday evening gathering for worship led by EMU sophomore William (Billy) Seidel and prayer meetings in Northlawn residence hall.

On Sunday mornings, students fan out into churches in the surrounding community for worship. Many students attend more traditional congregations and others find meaning at churches like The Table, Resurrection Fellowship, a house church that meets on campus and Aletheia, a local church plant geared towards college students.

‘Celebration’ and Bible studies

"Celebration" is a student-led song, prayer and praise worship service held 9 p.m. each Sunday in Martin Chapel of the seminary building and open to everyone.

Student-led Bible study groups keep springing up. This spring semester, senior Timothy Shenk and senior Cheryl Heatwole are facilitating weekly inductive Bible studies on the Gospel of Mark. Shenk notes that it "requires the efforts of every participant to make the scriptures come alive."

Shenk, a senior liberal arts major from Harrisonburg, said students gather early Thursday morning in his Parkwood Apartment for a light breakfast, followed by what he termed a "communal discovery of the biblical text."

"This method was used at the Urbana missions convention that I attended last December," Shenk said. "The emphasis is on observation – reading a portion of text – usually individually, then often discussed with one other person, then returning to the larger group for interpretation and application. It’s exciting."

Shenk and Heatwole are nudging their study group through a half chapter a week, and since it’s unlikely they’ll finish the entire book by semester’s end, "We hope this opportunity will continue beyond that," he said.

Purposeful Prayer

Last fall, Shenk helped initiate a response to the fighting between Israel and Lebanon they called "Prayerfully Sleeping on the Hill." Students camped out on the hill overlooking campus, prayed about and discussed the conflict and ended up writing letters to refugee children.

The group moved to the nearby Discipleship Center when the weather turned colder and continued the observance until the semester ended.

So what’s next? Martin Burkholder would like to "help students reflect theologically on the lyrics of songs they use.

"Do the songs we sing reflect our theology or do we simply like how they sound?" he asks. "We give students a lot of freedom in what is used in worship, and I don’t want to quench the spirit in any way, but reflecting seriously on what we sing will help bring greater authenticity and integrity to all our worship."