Recent Chapels
Fall 2008
Friday, November 21
University Chapel: Picturing Our World - International Student Organization (ISO)
Members of the ISO share reflections on celebrations from their cultures for International Education Week.
Wednesday, November 19
University Chapel: Summer 2008 Cross-cultural Reflections and Sharing
Students from the summer cross-cultural seminars share reflections on their experiences for International Education Week.
Friday, November 14
University Chapel: Mennonite Voters in the Great American Oligarchy - Peter Dula
Professor Peter Dula will confess that he voted, explain why he did so and why admitting it constitutes confession. This is the second of two chapels on "Faith & Politics."
Wednesday, November 12
University Chapel: Don't Miss this Opportunity! - Aura Espinosa
Aura Espinosa, Assistant Director of M ulticultural Services offers timely reflectionsl for Dialogue on Race Week.
Friday, November 7
University Chapel: Every 3 Children - Carol Ann Weaver & Rebecca Campbell
Carol Ann Weaver and Rebecca Campbell, musicians from Canada, bring a special chapel remembering African children with AIDS and five Amish girls.
Wednesday, November 5
University Chapel: Fruit Trees, Seeds Yeast and the Conspiracy of the Divine Reign - Rob Cahill
The text of Luke 13:6-21 seems to string together 3 unrelated stories, a parable, historical event and two sound-bite length kingdom similes. But these three seemingly unrelated pericopes give us a coherent description of the dynamics of the Kingdom and Reign of God. Rob Cahill served in Guatemala with Mennonite Central Committee. Visiting Pastor Michael Zehr helps to lead singing beginning at 9:50 a.m.
Friday, October 31
University Chapel: ... but He's Still Listening. - Ted Swartz
Recovery of laughter is the greatest sign of “work in progress,” but progress none the less . Ted Swartz illustrates through performance and sharing how God continues to surprise him, speaking sometimes through the very art which had become painful to perform.
Wednesday, October 29
University Chapel: Me and God aren't talking right now ... - Ted Swartz
Ted shares the journey of laughter and profound loss that is his experience as a writer, actor and friend. Reflected in his and Lee Eshleman’s performances is the irony of comedy and despair, and the search for a connection to a God that seems to be distant or missing altogether.
Friday, October 24
University Chapel: Faith & Politics - Theater Department
The theater department explores dramatizations of people pushed to the edge by injustice who respond by faithfully engaging in the democratic process.
Wednesday, October 22
University Chapel: Pornography and our Relationships - Brenda Martin Hurst
Brenda Martin Hurst, pastor of Frazer Mennonite Church, speaks on the impact pornography has on our relationships for the "Embodying Sexual Wholeness" chapel series.
Friday, October 17
University Chapel: The Ultimate Race - Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson, campus ministry intern & co-founder of DuRaG Ministries, speaks from the heart about his faith and "the ultimate race."
Wednesday, October 15
University Chapel: The Peace of Islam and the Peace of our Gospel - David W. Shenk
David W. Shenk, Global Missions Consultant with Eastern Mennonite Missions, shares from his expertise as part of a three day visit to EMU.
Friday, October 10
Symposium: Forgiveness in the Face of Tragedy: The Amish of Nickel Mines
Featured speakers are EMU Alumnus of the Year Donald Kraybill '67 and Distinguished Service honoree Herman Bontrager '72, both of whom spoke on behalf of the Nickel Mines Amish community following the tragic shootings in October 2006. A question and answer session will follow. This symposium is scheduled from 10-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, October 8
University Chapel: Learning to Love the World - Jeff Gundy
Jeff Gundy, a poet and professor of English at Bluffton University, shares reflections on cherishing the physical world. His newest release, a book of poems, is entitled Spoken among the Trees.
Friday, October 3
University Chapel: Spiritual Activism: Living Our Faith and Values in Dramatic Times - Carrie Newcomer
Singer, songwriter Carrie Newcomer, shares reflections and songs. She is performing a concert tonight in Martin Chapel at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1
University Chapel: "Shades of Our Cultures " - Marvin Lorenzana
Marvin Lorenzana speaks on "The Different Sshades of our Cultures" for Latino Heritage Month. Worship is led by a Latino student worship team.
Friday, September 26
University Chapel: All Progress is Precarious - Pastor Leonard Dow
"All progress is precarious and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem." (Martin Luther King) Therefore, like Solomon, we need the wisdom of God to direct our paths in the coming year and in our world.
Wednesday, September 24
University Chapel: My Faith: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs - Vi Dutcher
Campus ministries continues the chapel series, "My Faith through Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs" with reflections from Vi Dutcher, Professor and Chair of the Language and Literature Department.
Friday, September 19
University Chapel: Shades of Our Cultures - Natalie Bonilla
Natalie Bonilla, senior and president of Latino Student Alliance, speaks on "The Different Shades of Our Cultures" to open Latino Heritage Month.
Wednesday, September 17
University Chapel: "Who am I in this place?" - Ervin Stutzman
Ervin Stutzman, preacher, professor, author, Vice President and Dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, reflects on "who am I in this place?"
Friday, September 12
University Chapel: Voices from the Wilderness
Lester Zook, and students who took part in the May '08 Wilderness Seminar, offer reflections and insights from their experiences.
Wednesday, September 10
University Chapel: Rooted in Christ - Campus Ministries Team
Campus Ministry Pastoral Assistants (PAs) lead worship and reflections based on Ephesians 3:14-21.
Friday, September 5
University Chapel: Out of Inferiority - Ken L. Nafziger
Dr. Ken L. Nafziger, Psychologist and Vice President for Student Life, speaks on the dynamics of inferiority complex in relation to our faith communities and heritage.
Wednesday, September 3
University Chapel: My Faith: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs - Brian Martin Burkholder
Campus ministries introduces the chapel series, "My Faith through Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs" with reflections from campus pastor Brian Martin Burkholder.
Friday, August 29
University Chapel: Grace and Courage for the Journey - Dean Marie Morris
Dr. Marie Morris serves as Vice President and Undergraduate Academic Dean. Chapel will end with a time of sending for the members of the Spain & Morocco cross-cultural group.
Wednesday, April 23
Cross-cultural Chapel ~ Middle East
Students share reflections from their cross-cultural experiences in the Middle East.
Monday, April 21
Cross-cultural Chapel ~ Latin America
Students share reflections from their cross-cultural experiences in Latin America.
Friday, April 18
Student Recognition Chapel ~ Lana Miller
Students will be recognized by various departments for honors and achievement in spring semester 2008.
Wednesday, April 16
A Farewell from Pastoral Assistants ~ Campus Ministries
Pastoral Assistants, student leaders on the campus ministries team, lead worship as a farewell to the campus community.
Friday, April 11
Creation Care as Peacebuilding ~ Lisa Schirch
The Sustainability Chapel Series concludes with Lisa Schirch, Associate Professor for the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP), speaking on Creation care as a central practice of peacebuilding.
Wednesday, April 9
Called to True Pacifism ~ Anna Engle
First-year student, Anna Engle, offers her winning speech from the EMU C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.
Friday, April 4
Sex, Salvation and Shalom ~ Shelly Thomas
The Sustainability Chapel Series continues with Shelly Thomas, assistant professor in the Biology Department, speaking on what dragonfly sex has to do with world peace.
An "Everyone Welcome" Chorale opens with musical selections.
Wednesday, April 2
This I Believe ~ Roman Miller
Campus ministries continues the This I Believe chapel series with Roman Miller, professor of biology, reflecting on the core values and beliefs that guide her daily life.
Friday, March 28
Nuggets of Peace
The C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest contestants offer nuggets from their speeches to be given in full tonight at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26
Sustainability God's Way: Earth Care, People Care ~ Shane Claiborne
The Sustainability Chapel Series continues with Shane Claiborne, of The Simple Way in Philadelphia, PA, speaking on "Sustainability God's Way: Earth Care, People Care."
Wednesday, March 19
Holy Week Chapel ~ Nails of the Cross
Campus Pastor Lana Miller and several students lead a meditative service that will help to set the mood for Easter. Throughout the service, there will be scripture reading, responsive reading, silence and music. The combination of the readings with the reflective times set our thoughts and actions before us as we are challenged to think about how we daily live. This can be a sombering and reflective service that helps us put the celebration of Easter into perspective.
Friday, March 14
Donut Day!
See Matthew Pearson expound upon the virtues of donuts holes. Hear retired educators and EMU alumni Bob and Eloise Hostetler share about their calling to support EMU. Find out how worship and giving fit together and how prayer benefits EMU. After chapel, have a donut and celebrate a donor!
Wednesday, March 12
Spring Break Y-Trip Reflections ~ YPCA Y-Trip groups
YPCA Y-Trip groups share photos and stories from their spring break service experiences.
Friday, Feb. 29
The Power of Enough ~ Lynn Miller
What is enough? What if we were all satisfied with having enough? Lynn Miller, Mennonite Mutual Aid Corporate Theologian, speaks on The Power of Enough. There is also a sending for YPCA spring break trips.
Wednesday, Feb. 27
This I Believe ~ Melody Pannell
Campus ministries continues the This I Believe chapel series with Melody Pannell, Director of Multicultural Services, reflecting on the core values and beliefs that guide her daily life.
Friday, Feb. 22
From the Past to a Brighter Future ~ Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler
The Washington Community Scholars Center brings Rev. Graylan Hagler to speak on "From the Past to a Brighter Future" - a message of hope for social change. There is an after chapel conversation in Common Grounds beginning at 10:40 a.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 20
Jesus and the Other ~ MJ Sharp
MJ Sharp shares stories from experiences working with US service members, transformed by war, in the model of how Jesus intereacted with the "other"
Friday, Feb. 15
God's Call on My Life ~ Denis Lamourex
Denis Lamourex, philospher at the Univeristy of Alberta, speaks on "God's Call on My Life" for this "Faithful Followers" Spiritual Life Week chapel.
The complete schedule for Spiritual Life Week is found at www.emu.edu/spirituallifeweek
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Stories of the Faithful ~ Al Staggs
Al Staggs introduces himself with comedic impersonations and introduces three model Christians who were "Faithful Followers:" Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Oscar Romero and Clarence Jordan -for this Spiritual Life Week chapel.
The complete schedule for Spiritual Life Week is found at www.emu.edu/spirituallifeweek
Friday, Feb. 8
My Soul Looks Back in Wonder – Black Student Union
Black Student Union leaders reflect on the role of BSU and worship is led by the Gospel Choir and Alpha Omega Dancers for Christ. Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Paine speaks on "My Soul Looks Back in Wonder."
Wednesday, Feb. 6
Camp Day Chapel – Luke Gascho
Students lead worship around the "campfire" and Luke Gascho, EMU alumni and Director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, speaks on "The Power of Place."
Friday, Feb. 1
My Soul Looks Back in Wonder – Pastor Basil Marin
The Multicultural Services Praise Team opens African American History Month with worship and Pastor Basil Marin speaks on "My Soul Looks Back in Wonder."
Wednesday, Jan. 30
This I Believe: Exploring Your Beliefs and Core Values – Lana Miller and Lisa King
Lana and Lisa lead a prayerful process of reflection on what beliefs and core values we each hold dear.
Friday, Jan. 25
Dorm Brothel: The Death of Dating – Vigen Guroian
Vigen Guroian, Professor of Theology at Loyala College, reflects on theology and ethics related to sexuality and sexual expression.
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Ministry Inquiry Program – Heidi Miller Yoder
Student participants in the Ministry Inquiry Program reflect on their experiences serving in Christian ministry over the summer of 2007.
Friday, Jan. 18
Martin Luther King Jr. – Pastor Leonard Dow
Leonard Dow, EMU alumni and Pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, speaks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Wednesday, Jan. 16
This I Believe – Peter Dula
The This I Believe chapel series continues with Peter Dula, Assistant Professor of Bible & Religion, reflecting on core values and beliefs that guide his daily life.
Friday, Jan. 11
President Loren Swartzendruber reflects on "This I Believe"
EMU President Loren Swartzendruber offers his voice to the ongoing This I Believe chapel series. There will also be a time of sending for the Middle East cross-cultural group.
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Opening Convocation: Celebrate the Vision: Story Shaping Story - Provost Beryl Brubaker
Opening convocation for spring semester features Provost Beryl Brubaker speaking on "Celebrate the Vision: Story Shaping Story" as part of EMU's 90th anniversary celebration. There will also be a time of sending for the US-Mexico border/Guatemala cross-cultural group.
Monday, Jan. 7
New Year Hymn Sing, 11 - 11:45 a.m. in the Discipleship Center
Gather in the Discipleship Center at 11 a.m. for a hymn sing, with scripture reading and prayers, led by Matthew Garber and other students.
Fall 2007
Monday, Dec. 10
Christmas Hymn Sing
Gather in Martin Chapel for a celebrative Christmas hymn sing with short, dramatic presentations on the lighter side.
Friday, Dec. 7
Student Recognition Chapel
Let's "build one another up" by recognizing the many accomplishments of students in the fall semester.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Christmas Music
Matthew Hunsberger and the University Chorale, along with John Fast, assistant professor of music, and a string ensemble, lead readings and songs in the spirit of Advent and Christmas.
Friday, Nov. 30
Jason Hildebrand on Blue Like Jazz
Jason Hildebrand, actor and creator of Blue Like Jazz // Live, reflects on the reasons and story behind why he created the Blue Like Jazz // Live production. Read more about this multimedia play...
Wednesday, Nov. 28
This I Believe – Cindy Voth
The This I Believe chapel series continues with Cindy Voth, Resident Director of Elmwood, reflecting on core values and beliefs that guide her daily life.
Wednesday, Nov. 21
Give Thanks – Julie Haushalter
Gather for a service of worship, confession, Holy Communion, prayers of thanksgiving and passing the peace with Campus Pastor Julie Haushalter and pastoral assistants. Holy Communion will be served at three stations and kneeling stations will be available for prayers after receiving communion.
Friday, Nov. 16
Celebrate Your Stories – International Student Organization
Students from the International Student Organization (ISO) share journal reflections and letters to home in this International Education Week "Celebrate Your Stories" chapel.
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Celebrate the Vision – Twenty-five Years of Cross-Cultural
Stories and reflections of cross-cultural learning will be featured in this International Education Week "Celebrate the Vision" chapel hosted by professor Vernon Jantzi.
Friday, Nov. 9
"Some Like it Hot, but Lot's More Don't" – Dr. David Orr
Dr. David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College and a James Marsh Professor at the University of Vermont, is a featured presenter in the Sustainability Chapel Series.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Resist - Relate - Renew! – A Response to the Tunnel of Oppression
Hear selected EMU students, faculty and staff members share their responses to experiencing the Tunnel of Oppression. The EMU Gospel Choir (Community of Praise) will lead us in a spirit of worship as we join together as a community and RENEW our commitment to RESIST oppression and RELATE to our diverse world. A candlelight response will be offered.
Friday, Nov. 2
Hymn Sing – Matthew Hunsberger
Need we say more?
Wednesday, Oct. 31
Take Back the Night – Nicole Braddock Bromley
Take Back the Night features "Our Little Secret" by author/speaker Nicole Braddock Bromley of OneVOICE enterprises - Victory Over Impossible CircumstancEs. Braddock Bromley is the author of "Hush: from Silence to Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse." Click here to read more about Nicole's visit to EMU ...
Friday, Oct. 26
Washington Community Scholars Center (WCSC)
Students studying at the Washington Community Scholars Center (WCSC), an offering of EMU's cross-cultural program, share reflections from their experiences in the nation's capital city.
Wednesday, Oct. 24
"This I Believe" – Dan Wessner;
The "This I Believe" chapel series continues with Dan Wessner, associate professor of international and political studies, reflecting on core values and beliefs that guide his daily life.
Cluster Bomb Survivor visit
Cluster bomb survivors from Lebanon and Laos will also visit chapel today and talk about the reality and tragic effects of cluster bombs on families, communities and countries. Their visit to campus is co-sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee and EMU's Peace Fellowship. Read more in this news article...
