At a Jan. 12, 8:30 p.m., , Guyton鈥檚 topic will be 鈥淐ontentiously Mennonite: My Journeys in Anabaptism.鈥� At a on Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., Guyton will speak on attaining dreams by squarely facing old fears and putting hope in Christ, even when it seems risky, as King did.

Guyton also knows about taking risks. He started his adult life on a proven path to success by first earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree at the prestigious United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and then serving as a U.S. Air Force officer stationed in Norfolk, Va.

Somewhere in his journey, however, he began to feel that Jesus was calling him to be 鈥渟ubversive and radical鈥� in his witnessing of the Gospel and to question America鈥檚 glorification of power, wealth and violence.

Influenced by his future wife Cyndi, Guyton became deeply involved in a Mennonite church in Hampton, Va., Calvary Community Church. He became a conscientious objector and withdrew from the military in 1998. For 17 years Guyton held various ministry roles in Calvary, including youth pastor. By 2006, Calvary had the largest membership of any Mennonite church in the United States. Calvary is led and largely populated by African Americans.

In 2009, Guyton joined the staff of . He now works from San Antonio, Texas, as the church鈥檚 national director of constituent resources.

Part of Guyton鈥檚 responsibilities is giving leadership to anti-racism work within the Mennonite Church. 鈥淎s our church seeks to become anti-racist, the dominant group must have accountability to the racial/ethnic constituency in the decision making process,鈥� says Guyton.

A dynamic personality, Guyton has spoken to thousands of youth and adults in the United States, Jamaica, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ghana. He holds a master鈥檚 degree in education from Regent University. The Guytons are the parents of a 14-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

Tribute Weekend

In addition to Guyton, EMU will hold an ongoing multimedia presentation from Friday, Jan. 13 – Monday, Jan. 16., in front of the student life suite on the second floor of University Commons.

All events are open to the public.

At 草莓社区, this year’s Latino Heritage Month theme is “Diferentes pero unidos” (different yet united). Events for the month at EMU include dance lessons on Sept. 23 and 30, followed by the Latino Student Association (LSA) dance on Oct 7. A potluck聽on Oct. 13, featuring freshly prepared 聽dishes from several Latin American countries, will close out the month’s celebration.

“‘Diferentes pero unidos,’ invites the whole campus community to consider that in the midst of all our difference we still can come together in a peaceful and understanding way and learn from one another,”聽said Michelle Ramirez, president of LSA.

David won the Arpa/CORAL best instrumental album of the year in 2005 and 2009, according to his website. He has performed in countries across North, Central and South America, and in parts of Europe and Asia. This will be his third appearance in Harrisonburg.

“David presents a violin concert that reaches every audience鈥檚 heart, bringing the message of hope and encouragement to each person who listens to his music,” said Ramirez.

A suggested offering of $15 can be made at the door. Admission for EMU students is free with identification. All proceeds will to toward the Mennonite Hispanic Initiative.

David will hold a music clinic at EMHS on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration is $20. For more information call 540-560-2842.

For more information on the concert and other events during Latino Heritage Month, contact Lorenzana at 540-432-4458 or marvin.lorenzana@emu.edu.

Leonard Dow will seek to combine his reflections on pastoral ministry in an urban and multicultural context while addressing the program theme, “Called by God.”

Schedule of events

He will speak in chapel services and classes, meet with student groups and individuals, minister with the men’s basketball team and facilitate dialogue in a coffeehouse event.

Dow, a 1987 EMU alumnus, is pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, a multi-ethnic community in Philadelphia, a bishop of the Lancaster Conference Philadelphia District, board chair of Oxford Circle Christian Development Association and board member of Singing City, a non-profit music industry. He previously was involved in banking.

Dow was the all-time scoring leader for the EMU Royals men’s basketball team as a student with 2,192 points and 1,102 career rebounds. He was named to the EMU athletic hall of honor and was the first EMU athlete to have his jersey retired in 1987.

Dow will open the program theme in university chapel 10 a.m. Wed., Feb. 16 in Lehman Auditorium, speak in seminary chapel 11 a.m Thur., Feb. 17 in Martin Chapel and again 10 a.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in Lehman Auditorium.

He will lead a session on “what does it mean to be alive in your faith” 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons. The EMU Gospel Choir will sing, and free refreshments will be served.

Additional events

Local singer-composer Jessica Crawford, a recent Eastern Mennonite Seminary student, will play at 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in Common Grounds Coffeehouse.

Interim Associate Campus Pastor Dawn Monger and Maria Zehr, undergraduate student, conclude the week by leading a “Called to Ministry” retreat 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, held at Park View Mennonite Church.

“I expect Leonard Dow to bring energetic and focused teaching on understanding how and to what God calls all of us as well as guidance for discerning our personal calling,” said EMU campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder. “This is a theme that touches everyone – students, faculty, staff and community members.”

For more information, visit the or call campus ministries at 540-432-4115.

Activities opened Friday, Feb. 4, with a university chapel presentation by Mark Metzler Sawin, associate professor of history at EMU and a former Fulbright scholar. Dr. Sawin shared powerful stories of local African-American groups and their faith, hope and struggles here the Valley of Virginia and at EMU.

Upcoming Black History Month events include:

• A historical presentation of the African American community in Harrisonburg led by Ruth Tolliver, followed by a tour to historical sites around the city, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 12, including a display in the Simms Building of African American inventions. Transportation and light snacks will be provided. Persons should meet in the University Commons rooms 211-212 before 10 a.m.
• Philadelphia pastor and EMU alumnus Leonard Dow will speak on “what does it mean to be alive in your faith? How can you LIVE fully in Jesus?” at 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons.聽 The EMU Gospel Choir opens this event, and refreshments are free compliments of campus ministries. Dow is leading spring spiritual life week, Feb. 16-19, at EMU.
• Local musician Jessica Crawford and the EMU Gospel Choir will be in concert 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse. Admission is free.
• A community worship service with the EMU Gospel Choir will take place 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.聽 Join EMU students and staff in a worshipful experience led by the Black Student Union.
• The annual Soul Food Caf茅 is back, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Come and enjoy a traditional African American dish while listening (and participating) in a surprise program. This annual event will be held in the Black Box Theater of the University Commons. General admission is $10 and $5 for students.

“The Soul Food Caf茅 is a favorite, usually the last event in our month-long celebration,” said Marvin Lorenzana, director of multicultural services at EMU. “Come join us for any of these activities for worship, music, food and meaningful conversation.”

For more information, contact Lorenzana at 540-432-4458.

¡Bienvenido a capilla! The Latino Student Association presented chapel on Oct. 7. Students clapped along with praise and worship songs in Spanish, including “Bueno Es” and “Te adoro a ti.” As everyone settled in, Camila Pandolfi spoke about the importance of knowing your goals. Pastor Byron Pellecer and Marvin Lorenzana then took the podium and began a unique sermon Pellecer planted and preaches at Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista based out of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Lorenzana, whom Pellecer calls his “brother from another mother,” is the director of Multicultural Services at EMU.

Trading rapid-fire phrases and sideways glances that sent giggles across the audience, they wove a thought-provoking story about a hypothetical windfall of “Can you imagine for a minute, that in your bank account, it will appear overnight the amount of $6,400” he said, setting up the imaginary scenario.

“But the catch is that you have to spend every single penny to the last cent. You cannot save it; you have to use it, whichever way you do it… because at the end of the day at midnight, it will be voided.”

Together they went through the options: paying college bills, buying a car, giving to the poor. “$6,400 is a lot of money. I cannot even think that in Spanish,” Pellecer quipped.

“We have that amount in our hands,” he revealed. “One single day has 6,400 seconds.” He challenged students as well as educators to think about how they use these precious seconds, and what they are adding up to in the end. “What would you do with that knowledge? Would you put it into practice, or hang it on a wall?”

They continued to speak in fluctuating Spanish/English about how education is a means of transforming oneself, and using it to be of service to people in the world. “In my own opinion, education is a way of opening our hearts,” Pellecer said.

“Use it wisely. Use it to better your life, and the lives of the people that will always be next to you. Free others. Teach them the goodness of God, teach them the foundation of God, teach them the beauty of life. Because all these elements, you guys are getting right here.”

Violinist Hector David

In movies and theatre productions, violin music usually signals a melancholy scenes where deaths occur, or the leading lady and her lover are torn aapart. Through overuse of sad chords and the single violin accompanying particularly emotional deaths, violins have earned a reputation as strict, somber and sorrowful.

Hector David wishes to change that stereotype.

Hailing from Honduras, David joined 草莓社区 as he led last chapel on Friday, Sept. 25. “He blew me away from the very beginning to the very last note,” says first-year Molly Boese.

Starting at the piano and using accompanying prerecorded music, David began his performance by singing a song with both English and Spanish lyrics. One of the lines he sang in English included, “With our hearts full of compassion, may we do what we must do.”

After the applause died down, David addressed the congregation of students and faculty, making clear his faith in Christ but emotionally saying, “we are in a fight every day

LSA open mic night, part of Latino Heritage Month at EMU

Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Honduras, Uruguay, Canada, Italy; these are only some of the countries represented at an open mic discussion that took place in Common Grounds on Tuesday night.

As a part of Latino Heritage Month, the Latino Student Alliance (LSA) at EMU hosted the event which was attended by approximately 25 people. The topic for the conversation that night was the same as the topic for the entire month, which was “

Hector David, violinist extraordinaire from Honduras, will be in concert 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.

David is considered by many to be among the best violinists in his home country and throughout Latin America. One critic said of the artist’s performance, “A violin concert that reaches every audience’s heart, bringing the message of hope and encouragement to each person who listens to his music.”

David was born in the city of San Pedro Sula and raised in a Christian home. He developed his musical interests under the tutelage of his father and went on to study at the Music Academy “Victoriano Lopez,” where he received numerous awards for his virtuosity on the violin.

He was nominated for a Gospel Music Association Dove Award in 2006 for “best instrumental album” for his recording, “Adonay.” The artist has played venues across North America, Europe and the Near East and is currently touring with his wife, Christine, to promote his latest release, “Semper Fi” ().

The program is co-sponsored by the Latino Student Association, EMU campus ministries and the Community Activities Council at EMU. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children at the door.

Read more…

By Elizabeth Rome, Rocktown Weekly

How much fun can you fit into six hours on a Saturday? Ask the organizers of Harrisonburg’s 11th annual International Festival and they’ll tell you – a lot.

From noon until 6 p.m. on Sept. 27, the festival at Hillandale Park will feature performances by six international dance troupes, more than 30 vendors selling food and goods from around the world, tons of craft projects, a space for teens and a Green Village where guests can learn about the environment.

"I feel like we’re one of Harrisonburg’s best-kept secrets," said Vaunda Brown, festival co-chair.

Gone Green

A new addition to the festival, the Green Village will showcase Earth-friendly art projects and provide information on environmental efforts ranging from recycling to composting, said Brown.

"The great need to inform ourselves about how to live to … take care of ourselves," as well as educate new residents on the environmental programs in Harrisonburg, led to the creation of the village, she said.

Both art projects taking place in the village, "Earth Space" and "Have a Heart," are interactive pieces that will build throughout the day. "They’re both really cool," said Brown.

Using local clay found in Harrisonburg, artist Nathan Horst will help volunteers create a large structure for "Earth Space." After the festival, organizers plan to fire the structure and turn it into a play space for children, said Brown.

"Have a Heart" will use everyday non-recyclable trash to create a sculpture somewhat like a pinata, she said. When visitors created a similar piece of art at a previous festival "it probably was one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever seen in my life," said Brown.

Additionally, 草莓社区 students will bring bicycles to ride while collecting recyclable trash around the facility, and parking at Hillandale will be reserved for cars carrying four or more people to encourage carpooling, said Brown. Read more about ‘being green’ at EMU

There will be additional unrestricted parking available at Thomas Harrison Middle School and Westover Park with free shuttle service to Hillandale.

Keeping It Local

The festival will feature performances on two different stages throughout the day. The main stage will host dancers performing Aztec, Eastern European, West African, Indian, Mexican and Kurdish dances. On the interactive stage, storytellers will share world folk tales, the Stuart Hall Music club will perform and there will be an international fashion show.

In keeping with the green theme, "we tried to focus more on local and regional [performers]," said co-chair Tina Owens.

With the exception of the Indian dancers, all of the performers are from the Shenandoah Valley. "It’s amazing how much talent there is just in this area and the diversity of it," said Owens.

In addition to about 20 people working year-round on the festival’s planning committee, it takes approximately 300 volunteers to help run the day of the event, said Brown. Many of the volunteers are students from the local colleges and high schools, she said.

"It’s just amazing to me that so many groups and organizations get involved," said Brown, who has been a part of the non-profit organization since the festival began in 1997.

For A Cause

Many vendors in the World Bazaar marketplace will be selling items to raise money for a particular cause. One group plans to help put a roof on a library in Zambia, while another will sell cards to support an orphanage in Liberia, said Brown. "There will be a lot of opportunities to learn about different agencies and support these agencies," she said.

All attendees are encouraged to bring canned food items or cash to donate to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

While food vendors and items from the bazaar cost money, all other activities at the festival are free, including a "celebrations from around the world" activity where visitors can create environmentally-friendly crafts celebrating international holidays, said Brown. The TeenSpace@fest will offer activities such as tai chi, drumming and karate.

In addition, a screening tent will show the films "Latino Underground" and festival-produced "Laughter, the Universal Language."

"We try to be multi-lingual," said Brown, adding that announcements and printed materials will be given in different languages.

Plans To Grow

In future years, Brown sees the International Festival expanding from one day to the entire weekend, with Friday evening events and a World Cup soccer match on Sunday. "It’s the perfect place to celebrate with the community," she said.

After a few months off, planning for next year’s festival will begin in January. "We plan to expand," said Brown. "We welcome people who want to join."

For more information on the festival, visit .

A prominent pastor and community activist in Washington, D.C., will speak at EMU as part of African-American History Month observances.

Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, senior minister of Plymouth Congregational Church in the nation’s capitol, will speak 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in EMU’s Lehman Auditorium. His message, entitled “From the Past toward a Brighter Future,” will focus on the current treatment of immigrants in the state of Virginia and the U.S. in general in the context of the history of struggles for racial justice.

Hagler attended public schools in Baltimore, Md., and earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1976. Three years later he graduated from The Chicago Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he founded a congregation in Boston, Mass., in 1980, worked at community issues in his racially-divided neighborhood and ran for mayor of that city in 1991. He moved to Washington, D.C., in 1992.

Hagler is development director of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), the largest neighborhood stabilization organization in the United States, which helps working-class people become homeowners. He is chaplain to Local 25, Washington, D.C. of the Hotel Employees, Restaurant Employees/UNITE.

He is currently national president of Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice, a national clergy organization within the UCC. He is also recognized with full standing in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Hagler’s presentation is sponsored by EMU’s Washington Community Scholars’ Center, campus ministries and the office of multicultural services.

The service is open to everyone free of charge.

But this was no ordinary feast.

The main course at EMU’s Multicultural Services’ Soul Food Cafe was cultural diversity, says Melody Pannell, director of the program. Contemporary gospel music, fellowship and a celebration of the kickoff of black history month also were on the menu.

Pannell credited a Manhattan restaurant for inspiring the annual event, now in its third year. The restaurant served soul food, she said, and treated customers to live music.

"It was very popular," she said.

‘Celebration Of Faith’

The EMU event appears to be picking up steam. About 60 people purchased tickets for the dinner and concert this year. Volunteers began preparing for the feast on Thursday, said John Grinfin, 23.

An accounting senior from Frederick, Md., Grinfin is one of eight assistants in Pannell’s office.

The event does more than take note of African-American culture during February, he said.

"It’s a celebration of faith, as well," Grinfin said.

He and EMU junior Bill Seidle, 21, of Madison, were among the early arrivals to help create the right atmosphere for the cafe.

Seidle, a social work major, was attending his second Soul Food Cafe. After going last year, he decided to join Multicultural Services as an assistant.

"It is very important to promote diversity among students," Seidle said.

Crossing Bridges

The aroma of the freshly cooked food wafted into the room as Pannell ran down the list of dishes on the evening’s menu.

Along with collard greens and baked macaroni and cheese, the menu included cabbage, candied yams, cornbread and sweet potato pie.

Asked to define soul food, Pannell said it is "food that makes you feel alive and good in your spirit, and is cooked with love."

Pannell said she hopes people attend events this month celebrating black history and multiculturalism, and try something new.

"When they cross cultural bridges and backgrounds and open themselves up to new experiences," she said, "they receive something back."

P.R.O.O.F artists Ben Brickhouse (Brick) (r.) and Aijne Williams will perform at the Holy Hip-Hop Concert Feb. 2 at EMU.

“Unconditional” contemporary gospel group from New York City

African-American History Month observances at 草莓社区 will open with two high energy concerts and a “soul food” buffet the weekend of Feb. 1-2.

Events will get under way with the eighth annual “Gospel Extravaganza” 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 in Lehman Auditorium at EMU.

Performing groups will include the JMU Contemporary Gospel Singers, the “Unconditional” contemporary gospel band from New York City, the Family Moats Singers from Staunton, the EMU Community of Praise Gospel Choir, dancer Lisa Henderson, soloist Frances White and others.

Admission to the program is free; a love-offering will be taken.

Lehman Auditorium at EMU will come alive 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, with the annual “Holy Hip-Hop Jam.”

Featured artists for the concert include a popular rap duo, P.R.O.O.F. from the multi-ethnic Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va., the largest Mennonite congregation in the US with nearly 2,000 members.

P.R.O.O.F members Ben Brickhouse (Brick) and Aijne Williams began performing together the fall of 2004. Their stated purpose is “to show people whoat a life full of faith in and dependence on God can produce.” The duo has recorded an album, “The Great Awakening.”

The program headliner is Queens, N.Y., native Sean Slaughter, who gives over 100 concerts a year.

Slaughter uses hip-hop music to “speak life and to convey the timeless message of Jesus Christ.” His song, “Die Daily,” has received a Grammy nomination while another, “Narrow,” from the album, “The World is Not Enough,” is considered a hip-hop classic.

Concert tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and are available by calling the EMU box office, 540-432-4582 and will also be on sale at the door. Tickets can also be ordered on line.

Prior to the concert, the annual Soul Food Cafe, a full-course African American meal with special music by the gospel group “Unconditional” will be held starting at 5 p.m. in Martin Chapel of the seminary building. Cost is $15; tickets are available by calling the EMU box office, 540-432-4582.

A Showcase Vendor Event featuring African-American art, clothing, jewelry, literature and other items will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Campus Center Greeting Hall. Vendors are coming from New York City, Maryland, Richmond, Staunton, Hampton and Harrisonburg.

“Glory” (rated R), will be shown 10 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Suter Science Center Auditorium. The film stars Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington and takes place during the Civil War. Admission to the film is free; no one under 17 will be admitted without an accompanying parent or guardian.

“Our theme for African-American History Month is ‘My Soul Looks Back in Wonder,’ from a book on the civil rights movement by NAACP Chairman Julian Bond,” said Melody Pannell, director of multicultural services at EMU. “Our goal is to reach out and unify the African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and international community of EMU students, alumni and the broader community, to celebrate our diversity, provide networking opportunities and strengthen one another through positive social and spiritual interaction,” she added.

For more information on the weekend activities, contact the multicultural services office at 540-432-4458.