Time to Get Practical: Redekop School of Business

     A few days ago, Canadian Mennonite University announced something really exciting.  They are opening up the Redekop School of Business as the business section of the university.  This will be a full business program offering a Bachelor of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts with a Business major.  The school is being supported financially by the Redekop family of Fraser Valley, BC.
     Through this school, CMU hopes to combine a biblical perspective and emphasis on global peace and justice with top-notch business instruction.  This is what gives the school its distinct edge.  We need more highly motivated people with a strong drive for innovation and entrepreneurship who care deeply about the people around them, are honest, and stand up for what is right.  Our university could be one of the key institutions training these types of people.
    I've always believed that business is one of the main ways we can influence the world around us.  In one sense, a successful business is usually doing something important to a lot of people.  Non-profit organizations also need to apply business skills to a huge extent to be able to use their resources as efficiently as possible.  CMU does an excellent job of giving people the environment they need to become responsible, ethical, Christian people who genuinely want to make a positive difference in God's world.  This is, however, not always enough.  We must be smart in how we work.  We must know how our economic and social systems work.  In short, we must apply our heart to the world in an effective way.
     I think the business school will be able to provide more of this practical side in a way that is complementary and fits perfectly with the good work that CMU is already doing.  And that is really exciting.


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Making Intentional Time for God

     Feeling spiritually empty?  Like you're not feeling God in your life?  It's something that a lot of people struggle with.  One of the things I appreciate about CMU is how we create an environment that helps keep us close to God.  One recent example of this is a small group that has been formulated with the intent of spending intentional time with God.  Every week day, for an hour, this group gets together to spend time in silent reflection with God.  We read through the Psalms, one a day, and then spend some time in silence, making space for God.  The practice is called Lectio Divina, or spiritual reading, and it is a practice that Christians have used for thousands of years to help facilitate connections with God.

     Spiritual disciplines are a bit of a paradox.  They don't create intimacy with God, but when practised regularly they can create good conditions for God to move in our lives.  These disciplines include prayer, fasting, spiritual reading, and many others.  They can be very important in opening us up to intimacy with God.

    One class that has helped me a great deal in this regard is Exploring Christian Spirituality.  This intensive class pushed me to articulate my understanding of Christian spirituality and to practice spiritual disciplines.  My idea of Christianity greatly changed through the experiences I had that semester.  I learned that the impetus was at least partially on me as an individual to cultivate opportunities for God to enter my life.  

     If you're interested in spiritual disciplines, a great place to start is Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson.  It's an easy read, and a good introduction to spiritual disciplines and practices.

    What I especially appreciate about this group is the community aspect.  I feel so much more comfortable spending time with God if it is with others as well.  Going on the journey together provides us with a support network, as well as ongoing opportunities to help others.  
     If you are on campus and want to join, swing by Lee's apartment in Katherine Friesen Apartments at 10:30 in the morning Monday to Friday.  If you don't live here, maybe you want to experiment with some spiritual disciplines, either with others or by yourself.  The spiritual growth can be amazing!

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An Exceptional Weekend

      I had an excellent week.  A bunch of people left us last weekend for soccer tournaments in Edmonton, leaving the campus rather empty for the weekend.  The Fall Festival was taking place, and I managed to catch a lecture on Friday evening about human rights and their connection to the Bible.  At snack on Friday, a bunch of us decided that something had to be done.  We decided to throw a dance party in basement floor Poettker residence.  And by that I mean a three hour dance party with a massive boom box.

It's a good day.

     On Saturday we decided to go to the Forks and have a picnic.  Turns out there was a celebration and fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation going on at the same time, so we were able to get our pictures taken next to some mascots.  The Forks is a large tourism spot you should visit at the centre of Winnipeg, two intersecting rivers which have been a meeting place for thousands of years and is a major tourist attraction.
     Sunday I got to go to my home church, River East Mennonite Brethren.  CMU is providing transportation this year, which is very exciting, because I will be able to get to my home church all year.  Sunday afternoon was also the Marilyn Peter-Kliewer Folk Fest.  This took place in the "back 40", a clearing and wooded area next to the campus.  We had various student bands playing, as well as snacks and an amazingly hot afternoon! 

  

     Enjoy your fall!

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