That's All, Folks!

     I graduated.  And with that, my contributions to this blog are finished.  I'll be stepping down as a student ambassador in a few days.  It's been really enjoyable writing about my experiences as a student over the past three years.  I've written about the interesting, difficult, and great times I've had with the amazing people who study and work here.  And as readers you've responded both through your comments on posts and through in-person conversations.  This blog has grown to receive over five thousand views a year.  This wouldn't be possible without you, and I offer my sincere thanks.
     It has been an honour to share my experience with all of you. For former CMU students, I hope this blog has helped you keep in touch with the community. For current students, I hope this blog has brightened your days a bit.  And for prospective students making tough choices about their futures, I hope this blog has helped with your decisions.
     I firmly believe that CMU offers an exceptional undergrad experience.  My time at CMU has influenced me hugely and allowed me to grow in some very positive ways.  It has grown my confidence, it has introduced me to some of my closest friends, and it has challenged me in ways that I would not have even imagined four years ago.  CMU offers more than just academics - it offers an opportunity to become deeply involved in a community that will grow your world and strengthen your character.

     Thank you for everything.  I wish you all the best.


-- David Klippenstein

The Culmination (Graduation Part 3)

  

     Immanuel Pentecostal Church is a magnificent place.  The church sanctuary is a huge open space with a large stage -- which was a good thing because on the stage were all of the current CMU professors, as well as professors from the founding colleges.  Like the Baccalaureate service in the morning, the graduation service was overtly religious in nature, a service of praise as graduates were sent out from the university.  CMU choirs sang, "Non Nobis Domine" (Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory.)

     Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, President of Conrad Grebel University-College in Ontario, was our speaker.  Her address was entitled, "(Pro)visions for the journey," and in it she spoke of how our education at CMU has helped teach us three important ways of looking at life that would be beneficial as we went out into the world.  These were hindsight, foresight, and insight.
     Hindsight, she said, echoing Sheila from the morning, is remembering where we came from, what we've learned, the experiences, problems, and solutions of the past.  CMU has given us many experiences and skills that we can draw on in the future.  
     Foresight, on the other hand, is important because it allows us to change.  We need to innovate and think ahead.  CMU has helped with the ability to think critically and communicate well.  These are extremely important skills in our information economy.  Foresight allows us to plan and achieve.  
     But hindsight and foresight aren't everything.  If we rely only on these two views, we will miss the big picture.  Insight is what allows us to focus on that big picture, to see what is under the surface.  We live immersed in God's world, and that should inform our lives.  Graduates of CMU are in a good position to realize that service, and love of God, others, and self are all vitally important in the business of life.  
     With that, Dr. Huxman stepped down from the podium.  Then, one at a time, each of us walked across the stage and received our parchments.
     I GRADUATED!

I forget what I was talking about, but it must have been important.

My Grandma and I sharing a post-Graduation moment.

Dr. Gordon Matties appreciates graduations.

Holding On and Letting Go (Graduation Part 2)

Gerald Gerbrandt opens the Baccalaureate Service

     Sunday, April 22.  A big day for me and some 87 other graduates. I must have been nervous, because I woke up at 7, which allowed two long hours for breakfast. There were still a significant number of people around because of choir involvements today. Finally it was time to head to north campus, where I put on my graduation gown in preparation for the Baccalaureate Service. 

     In a processional, we filed in taking our place at the center of the packed gym.  CMU president Gerald Gerbrandt opened the service by referring back to the chapel reflection he gave two weeks earlier.  "Even as we worship and praise God for all that He has helped us achieve," he said, "we are standing on holy ground."  After his words, the graduates were individually introduced to the multitudes of family and friends in the audience.  

Several choirs were involved in the worship service.

     Sheila Klassen-Wiebe was the speaker for the morning.  She talked about the verse the grads had chosen, Isaiah 43:18-19a: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"  She stressed that the verse is not as simple as it might appear.  Elsewhere in the Bible, like in the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are called to remember the past and hold onto it.  So while the graduates are moving on, the new things spring up from the old.  "You must always remember that you take CMU with you wherever you go."  She emphasized that the kind of people we have become in these years - the insights, values, and skills which have become a part of us - would stay with us forever.  Our stories at CMU need to be told and retold, because these stories are a part of who the graduating class is. What we have learned here will help us as we continue. And yet at the same time we have to let go.  We are moving on to even greater things, and we need courage as we take the next steps on our journey. 
     As we prayed and sang the closing songs, I sat there very thankful for this final worship service sending us off.  We prayed and then broke for lunch - our last meals as undergrad students.  

My sister was pretty excited.

Saying goodbye to two wonderful fellows from my floor.

Class of 2012

The Calm Before the Storm (Graduation Part 1)

Last few days in dorm!

     After four years at CMU, this ending feels far more momentous.  This year I'm not just writing those last essays, cramming for exams, cleaning out my dorm room and saying a quick goodbye to friends.  This year I'm actually graduating.
     Students began to thin out last week as exams ended. The past few days have felt like a long goodbye, as all of us in residence pack up to return to our respective homes and our summer jobs.  After my last exam, I was in no rush to leave.  There were a few days to rest up.  Although I guess you couldn't say it was restful, as it involved late nights with others, watching movies, and unwinding.  I was counting down to graduation weekend, which is much more than just the convocation service where we receive our degrees.  There are events all weekend for the graduates.  
     The Friday Grad Gala, for instance.  This is an internal celebration allowing everyone to say goodbye to those who are leaving.  The formal dinner was an enjoyable time where we joked about the past year and talked about our plans for the summer.  Deanna Zantingh, a third year student, gave a speech for the grads comparing the graduating class in all its diversity to keys on a keyboard, each person with their own talents, gifts, and journey.  "Just remember," she said as she wrapped up her speech, "that as you go out from here the control key is God's."
     There was no way I was going to bed at a respectable time that night.  I stayed up late enjoying the run of the campus with a few others.  Saturday featured two more events: the "In Gratitude" performances and the Spring Concert.
    This first event allowed grads to say "thank-you" to CMU and talk their academic experiences.  A common theme that I picked out from the speeches was that the professors' individual and genuine interest in students had helped them succeed in their studies.
    The Spring Concert in the evening included all the choirs, the jazz band, and the guitar ensemble.  There were Latin songs and worship music as well as some really wacky pieces.  The Chamber Choir's "wasps" piece was punctuated by the incessant swatting of imaginary wasps all around the performers.  It was an entertaining show.
     After the performance, I ambled back to South Campus.  Snack time was set to music on this, my last evening in residence.  Coffee was sipped, good conversations were had, and I couldn't help thinking about how much I will miss dormitory life.  

Exams!

     Hi everyone!  I haven't been posting in a while because it seems exams have been getting the better of me.  Classes ended about a week ago, and we are in the  middle of our exam season.  You probably have exams in your school, but as difficult as those can be, university exams are harder.  I spent three hours in an exam room writing for one class.  That's not really typical - most exams are two hours long.  Still, I know people who have to exams on the same day, which creates its own challenges.  
     For the most part, though, the atmosphere on campus is very positive.  A few days after class ended, Student Council put on Festival Extravaganza - a huge celebration on north campus.  It was one giant party - a party with fireworks at the end!  People have been taking time to go out and hang with their friends before we break for the summer.  
     People have also been working hard at selecting their courses for next year.  The staff at Student Life have been working overtime with students to make sure that everyone is on track in their programs.  And as for me?  I've been preparing for my graduation in a few days!  This is a major step, and it feels very surreal.  If you're in the area, the graduation is taking place at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, 955 Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg.  
     

Gerald Gerbrandt's Final Meditation

     At 11:30 in the morning this past Monday, we had chapel.  This particular chapel, however, was special, because it was the last chapel with Gerald Gerbrandt, our CMU president.  Gerald has served as the CMU president since this school first opened in 2000.  And on this day, he gave his final meditation.
    "We are standing on holy ground," Gerald said.  Chapel, he said, is a center of the community at our school.  Gerald reminisced about how it felt to walk into the chapel back in the days when he was a CMBC student.  "I walked in scared, unsure of what the future would look like."  Although the chapel is a very plain building, it is here where we gather together as a community to worship God, and that makes it a very special place.
     "If you are back here next September," said Gerald towards the end of his meditation, "may you remember throughout next year that you are standing on holy ground.  And if you are not coming back, either because you are graduating in a month or for some other reason, may you find holy ground somewhere else, where you live or where you work, because God is everywhere."
     Before we could file out after the service, there was last thing we had to do.  We had to put our shoes back on.  Gerald did, too.  He had asked us all to remove our footwear because we were, in fact, in a holy place.
     We will miss Gerald greatly.  He led CMU very successfully through its founding years, which are is the most challenging time for any institution.  Thank you for all you have done, all the event hosting and meditations and interviews and traveling.  Thank you for all your efforts to make this school better for us.  It is greatly appreciated.

Blaurock + Graduation Coming Up!

     Well, I haven't been posting in a while, which goes to show how busy everything has been over here!  For the past two weeks students have been working hard trying to finish a cornucopia of essays and assignments.  Hmmm...what can I tell you?

1.  Last Friday we had a cake auction to raise money for the Blaurock, our student-run coffee shop.  They also are unveiling a new advertising campaign which is pretty intense.  There was music and...lots of cakes!

The Blaurock's new advertising campaign!

2.  I am graduating this year!  So along with the rest of CMU's graduating class I recently  received the email confirming that I'm graduating, and telling me about graduation weekend.  I'll be posting more about that as the date comes closer.  


     I hope you have been enjoying your March!  

Jesus: the Peace that Matters (Peace it Together Day 3)

     

     It was Sunday morning.  The audience watched as Irma Fast Dueck took to the stage.  Some slouched in their seats - after all, this was Peace it Together, and many had not slept long.  Some had just woken up a few minutes before, sauntering across campus to the chapel.  They had spent the night playing cards, watching movies, and grilling CMU students about past stories.  Irma, as usual, was upbeat.  
     "Devil worship," she began.  There were confused faces in her audience.  Then she explained.  AC/DC.  Cards.  Dancing.  Many people in her community saw these things as Devil worship as she was growing up.  The Devil tempts Jesus a third time, promising him complete control over the nations if Jesus worships him.

     For the Devil, power is control.  Being at the top, not needing to vulnerable, unable to be hurt.  Control.

     Not so for Jesus.  Power for Jesus isn't about control because having control destroys relationships.  You can't have a relationship with someone you control.  The desire to manipulate hurts relationships.  Jesus is God with his control voluntarily stripped away.  Jesus can get angry without shaking the world.  Jesus can talk to anyone without their being scared of him.  Jesus strips away control so he can have relationships with people.

     The Devil was offering Jesus ultimate human power.  But taking that power would remove Jesus' ability to have relate to people as equals, which isn't why Jesus came.  


PIT is over!  Thanks to everyone who attended, as well as all the CMU students who helped out.  If what I saw was any indication, fun was definitely had!  Safe travels home and all the best!

Jesus: the Peace that Matters (Peace it Together Day 2)

     Waking up was more difficult the next day.  The worship session was at 9:30, and the first thing I noticed as I walked through the chapel door was this gigantic ladder in the back row.  Everyone sat down.  What did the ladder have to do with the topic of the session?

     We got into groups and selected some of our favourite stunt videos from YouTube, which they proceeded to show on the big screen.  Then Justin Neufeld, one of our philosophy professors, spoke about Jesus' second temptation in the desert, where he was tempted to jump down from a high point and let angels save him.  The temptation here was for Jesus to take the easy way out, to use his power for his own advantage.  Jesus said no, quoting from Scripture: "Do not test the Lord your God." 
     I understood the point of the session to be that we need to avoid taking the easy way out, that following Jesus often calls us to the more difficult way of living.  That makes sense as long as we realize that this is only in certain cases.  Often it is wise to avoid trouble, and taking the difficult path in every circumstance is not always advisable.  What do you think?
     Another highlight was a theatre event in the evening, a play called "Gadfly" by the acting troupe Theatre of the Beat.  It  is based on the story of Sam Steiner, a young confident man who dodged the draft in the United States by crossing over to Canada.  We see Sam struggling with his Mennonite heritage, trying to balance those beliefs with the state and what he personally believes is right.

Theatre of the Beat after the show

     Finally, we have the variety show, which took place later that evening.  This talent competition was absolutely amazing!  Our Arts and Entertainment directors Claire and Coby were hosting as the bumbling couple Bernie and Buetta.  Between acts we were shown their love story.  It was honestly too hilarious to describe. 

Bernie and Buetta

     And of course the night went on.  I'll see you in the morning!

Jesus: the Peace that Matters (Peace it Together Day 1)

     Jesus: the Peace that Matters.

     This year's Peace it Together youth conference brings it all back to the centre of our faith.  What does Jesus' story tell us about peacemaking?  Over the course of the next three days, our speakers will be asking what topics like food, politics, and power have to do with how Jesus lived.

     We are hosting nearly a hundred youth from across Canada right here on campus for the weekend.  I say "we" because CMU students help in crucial ways.  Some of us help with the creation of the schedules, we help present PIT small group sessions, we run events, and we host students in our dorm rooms.  We are intensely involved.

  

     Our guests started arriving at 3 pm.  Many of them are related or friends with current students, giving the afternoon the feeling of a family reunion.  Care packages from home were brought by younger siblings.  The noise was loud at times as our guests arrived full of energy after travelling for hours.  We welcomed PIT students with music (and  dancing!)

Nothing welcomes students like a PIT version of "I need a Hero".  Nothing.

   

     After supper everyone went to Chapel for our first session.  The PIT series concerns the three temptations Jesus endured after he fasted for 40 days in the desert.  The first was for Jesus to turn stones into loaves of bread.  The second was for Jesus to jump off the temple and let his angels save him.  And in the third temptation, Satan offered Jesus control over all the nations of the world if Jesus would worship him.  

     The room was packed, and as we sang with the worship band it was incredibly loud.  Kenton Lobe, a current CMU professor, spoke on food issues.  Today, he said, we have almost a billion people in the world who experience hunger every day, and another billion people who struggle with chronic obesity.  We watched a video of struggle set to frantic piano music that symbolized many of our busy, frantic lives.  Why do we feel such a need to be busy all the time?  And finally, is there a connection between our busy lives and the way we eat our food?  Do we need to pay more heed to Jesus' response to this temptation, that people need the word of God as well as bread?

     In the evening, PIT students went on the walk-a-mile to meet each other, and then chilled out around campus until late into the night.  But not too late.  Tomorrow is going to be very busy!    

Tales from a Church Basement: Mennonite Disaster Service Trip

     Minot is a small city in North Dakota.  Last July, a huge amount of rain by the Souris River flowed south, causing over 11,000 people to be evacuated.  The ground was so saturated with water already that this additional rain proved devastating for the community, destroying thousands of homes.  
     Last week I went with Mennonite Disaster Service to Minot with a group of CMU students to help in the rebuilding process.  We were housed in the basement of a local church and worked in different groups helping rebuild homes.  
     The week was one big party.  We would wake up at 6:30am, go to work at 8am, get back at 5pm, and then eat supper and hang out until very late.  I got the chance to make friends with people I don't see often in school.  

Here's what stuck in my head about the week:

1.  Having only three showers in a single bathroom that had to therefore be designated as a men's or women's washroom at any particular time.  After working for 11 hours straight.  With a tiny hot water tank.  7 women.  4 men.  You get the picture.  Long waits and cold showers for most.  

2.  We were working on the home of a wonderful lady who brought us cookies and Sunny D and coffee every day at 3pm.  It was the highlight of our day.  Then, one afternoon, the members of another of our crews came over on a break.  Which was great.  Except they proceeded to be so happy and excited and make so much noise that the lady heard the noise and decided not to come that day.  Grrr...!

3.  We also had some really late nights.  2-3am when we had to be up at 6:30 in the morning.  What did we do with our time?  A Monopoly game (with one player who stated flatly that she did not want to play but then played anyways and refused to sell any of her properties to anyone), Criss Angel videos, and talking.  Lots of talking.  About the flood, about how the people were doing in Minot, and about why some of the long-term volunteers were here.  It was interesting being exposed to a very different perspective.  

Carrying bunk beds into a church.

I know it looks like an MDS promotional picture, but he actually is having this much fun.

     CMU school trips like the MDS one are like the "icing on the cake" in our university experience.  It's cool to be able to help others, and to go representing our school.  

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Theologies of Power

     What do you think of when you hear the word power?   Do you get a postive or negative image?  How do you see power dynamics at school or at home?  
     These were some of the questions in my head when I signed up for the upper-level Biblical studies course Theologies of Power.  It's taught by Irma Fast Dueck, who teaches Practical Theology.  The readings for this course were so interesting that I wanted to share some insights:

1.  Generally in arguments or conflict situations, each person firmly believes that the other has more power.  Fear of how the other person will use their power is one of the main motivations for inappropriate behaviour. 

2.  The Myth of Redemptive Violence.  Redemptive violence is the belief that violence brings peace.  According to theologian Walter Wink, this is the most widespread "religion" in the world.  It can be seen in children's shows where the hero destroys the "bad" person, and they disappear.  Violence brings peace.  In reality, violence tends to continue until someone refuses to return evil for evil, and thus stops the violent cycle of "getting even". 

3.  Although the term "power" carries a negative meaning for many people, the term can be seen as neutral.  Power is an energy that exists in relationship with others that can be put to good or bad use. 

     This course is pushing me in many ways.  I'm hoping that it will improve my leadership skills and provide a more positve view of power generally.


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Have Faith

     The room was packed.  Residence students and commuters as well as over forty prospective students lined the room as pastor Doug Klassen took the stage.  Doug had been living at CMU all week while he ministered to students, listened to their problems, prayed with them, and gave several talks at chapel and Wednesday Night Worship.  Now he was giving his final chapel talk before leaving for his home in Calgary.  
     Some time ago, Doug had received a hospital call.  As he hung up the phone his heart sank, because he had just been called to the delivery ward.  He walked in the door to see a young woman in tears.  Her baby was more than a month premature and she was about to go into labour.  Doug sat down and asked her what she wanted him to do.  
     "Pray for me and ask God to stop the delivery," she said.
     Doug put his hands together, and started to pray.  "God.."
     The woman clasped his hand.  "Look at me," she hissed.  "Look me in the eye.  Do you actually believe that God can do this?"
     "W..well yes."
     "No, no no.  Do you actually believe that God can stop this delivery?"
     Doug found his resolve.  "Yes.  Yes I do."
     And Doug started to pray.  "God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I beg you to stop this delivery.  Please assert your power over this situation and save this child..."
     He prayed for several minutes.  The trembling didn't stop.  Then he took a Bible and began reading through Psalms.
     Doug walked out of the room an hour later.  The woman was asleep.  Later he found out that she had been discharged without incident from the hospital.
     There are, of course, many possible explanations for this story.  Perhaps Doug calmed the woman down, saving the child.  Or maybe she wasn't actually about to go into labour.  But this story isn't new.  Doug has seen miraculous things like this enough times that he cannot but believe that God has real and undeniable power.
      But do we actually believe that?  Do we as Christians actually believe that God has power over situations, so much so that God can cause positive healing in people's lives that we might not have ever thought possible?  Because until we do, Doug says, any sort of change that we attempt in our churches in order to draw people in and to be truly relevant to them -- all of that will be of limited helpfulness.
     What will help?  Doug's answer is simple.
     Faith.


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Pastor in Residence

     We have had Pastor Doug Klassen with us all week as our Pastor in Residence.  CMU brings in a pastor for one week every year.  It's an opportunity for students to learn about pastoral leadership first-hand, while also being able to take in some talks and maybe ask for some wisdom.  
     Doug is from Foothills Mennonite Church in Calgary.  He talks about the various nudges God has given him along the way towards becoming a pastor, and also the unique challenges that leadership brings.  Speaking to the CMU student leaders, Doug focused on how one lives with the tension of being a leader on campus - being a Residence Assistant, or Commuter Assistant, or a member of Student Council.  He advocated direct communication, humility, and avoiding an overbearing style of leadership.  
     Doug spent some time in the Blaurock this week, which is the student run coffee shop on campus.  I managed to catch the tail-end of his time yesterday, and over Tim Hortons doughnuts we talked for half an hour, even though he said he only had about ten minutes.  It's good to have him on campus, and I look forward to hearing him speak in chapel today!

Ministry Quest

     What is your calling?  Where do you see yourself going in life?  What's next?
     If you're about to graduate from high school, these are probably questions that you are wrestling with.  These are the questions that I took with me as I embarked on CMU's Ministry Quest program this weekend.  Ministry Quest is a two day retreat which explores the vocational call of ministry.  It was a group of about twenty people, and the weekend included many sessions with pastors and professors exploring the idea of calling.  Present also was Dan Unrau, our pastor in residence from last year, and someone whom I really respect.  
     He shared his story of call.  It's interesting because his story is one of deliberate calling as he was asked again and again to join the church where he is now a pastor.  Dan's philosophy puts a lot of weight on the praying people in his community to discern where he should be going.  Dan also pays attention to when he feels restless in a place, asking himself whether this feeling is a bad attitude or God's call.  
    Another presenter, John, talked about three important puzzle pieces in discerning calling.  Firstly, look at your outside influences.  What are people saying about you?  Is the community you are a part of pushing you towards something?  This might tell you something about what you are good at, and where you would fit well.
     Secondly, look inside yourself.  Trust your intuition.  Our bodies don't lie, and whether you can't sleep at night or are feeling calm and focused, you should be paying attention to what your body is telling you.  Your natural areas of passion are probably very closely related to your vocation.  
     Thirdly, pay attention to areas where you have experienced loss.  These parts of your life are tremendously helpful because they can teach you a great deal.  Loss is an opportunity for growth, and this growth can help determine calling.
     I'm finding all of this talk about vocation exciting.  The most important thing I realized this weekend was that vocation can be a long journey.  The stories I heard from current pastors emphasized the unexpected bumps along the way and the uncertainly that often accompanies the journey, especially the beginning and at key points of change.  This common experience of uncertainty is, I think, one of the most important lessons of Ministry Quest.

Dance Competition!

Doesn't it look like it's taken straight out of a scene from West Side Story?

     Last Saturday, the International Student Committee went out to a break dance competition.  Sean, a CMU student from Saudi Arabia, was competing.  The competition took place in a large warehouse which looked straight out of one of those Hollywood movies.  You know the ones where a few young people decide they want to dance, work super hard at it for a long time and then make it big?  Yeah.  Those ones.  The competition was set up as a tournament, in groups of two dancers each.  The groups went up against one another in one minute dance breaks.  It looked very competitive and the dancers did a really good job.  

     The ISC works hard to create activities for the international students as well as anyone who wants to join their group.  It is a part of CMU's student council, which operates many committees including the Doxa (student newspaper), Peace and Social Awareness Committee and Social Activities.  Student Council also owns and operates the well-used coffee shop on campus, which is run by student volunteers.  

     We're about to start a new week of classes over here, and personally I'm looking forward to Ministry Quest, which is an event CMU is putting on next weekend.  More on that later!

New Semester!

     We have now been back for about 10 days.  Christmas was very packed for me this year with events almost every day.  I really enjoyed spending time with Niverville friends and spending some time doing absolutely nothing.  

     I am SUPER excited about this semester.  I am taking two Biblical & Theological Studies courses, both taught by Irma Fast Dueck, who is amazing.  The courses are "Marriage and Family in a Christian Perspective" and "Theologies of Power".  And I get to take Theories of Communication and Media, which is a course essentially about how communication works.  I can't think of more interesting courses.  On top of that, I'm looking forward to even more time spent with friends, and, I'm sure, even more growth.

     I've made New Year's resolutions of course, and I'm looking forward to doing things a little better than I did last year.  I'm very happy to say that 2011 was the best year I have ever had so far.  I led a more balanced life, invested energy in my friends, and became more confident in many ways.  If 2012 is just a little bit better than 2011, I will be ecstatic!

     I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family, and ALL THE BEST IN 2012!!!!