草莓影视

Tag: Christian

Student Blog: Outside My Comfort Zone, BTS in Italy 1

Over my spring break, I traveled with a group of students and professors to Italy.

This is a student blog post submitted by Melanie Lofgren, C’18. Melanie is a psychology major, with a biblical and theological studies minor. She spent her spring break in Italy with a group of 12 students and two professors. On the trip, students considered the continuity between the life of the earliest Christians in their cities and present-day Christians in the city of Chicago.

Over my spring break, I traveled with a group of 11 other students and two professors, all of us ranging in academic and professional disciplines . . . and in prior knowledge of Rome and Christian history. Despite being a Junior and a BTS minor, I actually haven鈥檛 taken many Bible or theology classes. I also never learned much of Roman history in junior high or high school, so this trip was going to be a whole new world and wealth of knowledge for me. Before the trip we read some books to brush up, or in my case learn about Christian and Roman history (it was a lot of information that did not care to remain in my brain during the trip).

As soon as we arrived, we were herded to our first three sights of the trip: The Pantheon, the Church of the Gesu, and the Ara Pacis. It鈥檚 important to note 鈥渉erding鈥� is a very appropriate term. We walked everywhere, led (or shall I say shepherded) by our two professors; we probably looked like a herd of unusual American tourists, and this is exactly what we were.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the greatest gifts God has given us and that we can give to God.

Professors Willitts and Veeneman know how to travel. If there鈥檚 one thing I took away, it was how to be a traveler. We had free audio guides (courtesy of Rick Steve), and guide books that had enough information to spark conversation while not overwhelming us. I loved all the walking, and I chose to walk when given the option, even going on a mini 鈥減ilgrimage.鈥� Walking is a great way to see the city. Walking through Rome made me take in more of the city, see the neighborhoods and their aesthetics change, experience the interactions between people, not look like a tourist (a huge plus for me), get great exercise (and not feel guilty about all the pizza and pasta I consumed!), and it helped me navigate and understand the city. Although taking a bus everywhere may have been less tiring, I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to grasp the immensity, extravagance, and culture nearly as well.

Let鈥檚 get back to what we did though. Every day we saw a few different places of significance to the Christian faith, to the Roman Empire, to western theology, and any combination of these. In this blog series, I鈥檒l talk about the places that I found to be the most intriguing, the knowledge and relationships I gained, and the topics that still lurk in my mind all while relating it to my life back in Chicago.

Before I wrap up this first post, I want to encourage anyone reading this to a) continue to read the rest of my series, b) study abroad or travel to other countries, and c) go on this trip! Traveling and experiencing a new culture is daunting and nerve-wracking. It is a humbling experience if you let it be (please let it!), and although the cons may seem to outweigh the pros in foresight, you will never regret the experience in hindsight, no matter how unplanned, disorganized, chaotic, and scary it may turn it out be.听You still learn things years afterward, and stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the greatest gifts God has given us and that we can give to God.

Interested in traveling with BTS next spring break?

ROME and POMPEII SPRING BREAK 2018 TOUR INFO MEETING

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Student Blog: Platforms for Change at Stateville Prison

鈥淵ou have an incredible opportunity to be a platform of change. That鈥檚 all I am. God is using me as His platform in here, but you can be a platform for the people on the outside.鈥�

This is a student blog post submitted by Thomas Cellilli, C’17. Thomas is a Biblical & Theological Studies major.

Thomas Cellilli

鈥淵ou have an incredible opportunity to be a platform of change. That鈥檚 all I am. God is using me as His platform in here, but you can be a platform for the people on the outside.鈥�

I shook his hand at least four times during our short conversation after the 草莓影视 Gospel Choir sang for and with the men of Stateville Correctional Center. He was sitting down, and I stood hunched over to hear his raspy voice through the roar of dialogues going on around us. He poured his heart out to me, and we laughed at our little connection鈥攈is middle name is the same as my first name, Thomas. We didn鈥檛 talk about why he was in prison, or how long he had previously waited on death-row. We simply looked each other in the eye as human being to human being鈥攏o walls or prison bars separating us鈥攁nd basked in the joy of connectedness we have in Jesus Christ our Lord who turns our Thomas-doubt into belief. He encouraged me with this: 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 matter where you start, even if its doubting. It only matters where you end up.鈥�

This was my second visit to Stateville Correctional Center with the Gospel Choir, and I have been infinitely blessed by the love and encouragement of the inmates to which we have ministered. 草莓影视鈥檚 Gospel Choir has visited the prison three times to sing for the inmates: once with the Touring Ensemble and twice with the larger choir. The Gospel Choir鈥檚 relationship with Stateville is largely indebted to the continued work of Dr. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom who has been teaching classes to undergrads, graduate students, and inmates inside of the prison. Her class, Peace, Justice, and Restoration, 鈥渆xplores the theological and ethical foundations of justice ministries鈥and] probes the grounds of the claim that 鈥榡ustice is central to biblical religion.鈥欌��

Thanks to the efforts of the 草莓影视 faculty, the Gospel Choir has been allowed to interact and sing with the inmates on multiple occasions. I am no singer, nor do I claim to be, but singing praises to our God with those who are in prison has been one of the most powerful experiences in my Christian walk to this day. Both last semester and this semester, I was moved to tears on several occasions as God鈥檚 Presence filled the theater at Stateville while we proclaimed the miracles and wonders of our One God.

I implore my brothers and sisters in Christ who had seen firsthand what powerful works God is doing behind bars and those who have been moved by this witness to continue praying for the men of Stateville. Hebrews 13:3 commands us, 鈥淩emember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body鈥� (ESV). Neither walls, nor bars, nor cells, fences, chains, nor isolation can divide the body of Christ. It is our job as brothers and sisters to use what platforms God has given us to speak out against injustice and pray for Heaven to come down to earth.

Related:

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Diversity and Dialogue in Biblical and Theological Studies: Hannah Hawkinson C’17

Hannah Hawkinson C’17, a biblical and theological studies major, shares about her experience at 草莓影视.

Hannah Hawkinson C’17, a biblical and theological studies major, shares about her experience at 草莓影视.

Meeting so many people who challenge the way I think, and who are open and anxious to dialogue with each other; there are people who think so differently, but are willing to talk with each other in and outside the classroom.

I feel at home here, at 草莓影视, seeing so many different people, and hearing so many different languages; I wanted to learn in an environment like that. Being around students who want to learn, are invested, and care about classes as much as I do is something that has been a positive surprise.

As I have refined my interest within theology, I鈥檝e noticed I鈥檓 passionate about narrative, about who is speaking this narrative, and searching for the biases that contribute to this narrative. Being able to read literature provides a different way of looking at things, but it has been very helpful.

If you鈥檙e considering majoring in BTS, take a class or two on top of the required, and try to take them from as many different professors within the department as you can. Also ask other BTS students about their experiences, I promise we鈥檙e a nice bunch. There is no pressure to continue to pastoral duties if you choose it as your major, there are so many other tracks you can take. Hopefully, you鈥檒l see that it鈥檚 a rigorous program, but I think that BTS is an important program, especially for this University.

What surprises me most at 草莓影视 is meeting so many people who challenge the way I think, and who are open and anxious to dialogue with each other; there are people who think so differently but are willing to talk with each other in and outside the classroom.

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鈥淗ope Has a Home Here鈥� at 草莓影视

Hate has no home here. Hope has a home here.

草莓影视 held a candlelight vigil on the steps of Old Main on February 20, 2017.

President Parkyn welcomed students, faculty, staff, and the public to a candlelight vigil on February 20, 2017, called 鈥淗ope Has a Home Here.鈥� 聽Held in response to the travel ban issued several weeks previously by President Trump, the vigil tapped into the movement 鈥淗ate Has No Home Here,鈥� created by a 草莓影视 alumnus.

Candles were lit starting from the center candle, and the light moved through the crowd, each person giving light to the next. A series of litanies were performed by students and faculty, led by Professor Boaz Johnson and Student Body President Steve Smrt, with an audience response of 鈥淗ate has no home here鈥� and 鈥淗ope has a home here.鈥�

鈥淲e remember,鈥� said Faith and Justice leader Jorie Dybcio, 鈥渙ur own immigrant origins, and the origin of 草莓影视 as a Christian institution that, from the beginning of its existence, has sought to empower and give voice to all.鈥�

鈥淗ope has a home here!鈥� the audience responded.

Dr. Helen Hudgens performed a rendition of 鈥淭his Little Light of Mine鈥� substituting some of the lyrics to reflect the current events, such as the DREAMers act, and calling out prominent political figures, letting them know that her light will continue to shine. This was followed by a multi-lingual reading鈥攊ncluding in English, Spanish, German, Korean, Afrikaans鈥攐f Micah 6:8: 鈥淗e has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God鈥� (NIV).

Although the night was windy, and multiple candles were blown out, there was always someone nearby to share their light. It characterized the attitude of those who attended: they were there to help re-light the candle that had been snuffed out in others鈥� lives.

鈥淭he Hope Candlelight Vigil was an attempt for us to follow the teaching and example of Christ, to love our neighbor鈥攖he widow, the orphan, the stranger, the Samaritan. . . . My hope and prayer is that we鈥檒l continue to be a community which keeps doing this. In doing so, we will be more like Jesus, and truly a Christian community,鈥� said Dr. Boaz Johnson.

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I Chose 草莓影视: “Christian university with a personal touch,” Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C’16

Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C鈥�16, conflict transformation studies alumna, shares why she chose 草莓影视.

Carmen Velazquez-Alvarez C鈥�16, conflict transformation studies alumna, shares why she chose 草莓影视.

I was looking for a Christian university with a personal touch. I attended a Covenant church in California’s Central Valley, and a member of my church鈥攚ho was also my chemistry teacher and my mentor鈥攗rged me to apply to 草莓影视.

I have a heart for the underserved and now serve California Central Valley鈥檚 large immigrant community. I plan to earn a Master鈥檚 in Social Work (MSW) and leverage my experience in the Valley to start a nonprofit organization.

It was as a student at 草莓影视 that I discovered my passion for service and realized I have the power to make a difference in others鈥� lives. I served as the president of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and cofounded a mentorship group for Latina students. I also served in campus ministry and interned at the YWCA.

At every step along my journey 草莓影视, I was encouraged. I鈥檓 incredibly appreciative of the support I received and relationships I developed.

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I Chose 草莓影视: “I enjoyed the relationships most,” Michelle Dodson C’03

Michelle Dodson C鈥�03, biblical and theological studies alumna, shares why she chose 草莓影视.

Michelle Dodson C’03, biblical and theological studies alumna, shares why she chose 草莓影视.

Michelle鈥檚 experience as a biblical and theological studies major helped prepare her professionally for the work she does in ministry today. Serving in campus ministry and engaging with college diversity 鈥渉elped me develop a theology of racial reconciliation. It also gave me opportunities to learn how to communicate that theology.鈥� Michelle serves as associate pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, a neighborhood on Chicago鈥檚 South Side. She describes New Community as 鈥渁n intentionally multiracial congregation that actively pursues racial reconciliation and social justice.鈥� She鈥檚 currently working toward a PhD in sociology with a focus on multiracial congregations.

As a high school student, Michelle chose to come to 草莓影视 because she was looking for a Christian liberal arts university that was small enough for her to get to know people. 鈥淚 was attending a Covenant church in California at the time,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd my pastor suggested I apply to 草莓影视.鈥�

As it turned out, 草莓影视 was a great fit for Michelle. 鈥淭he relationships that I built at 草莓影视 are what I enjoyed the most,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of doing life and ministry with many of those people to this day.鈥�

What鈥檚 more, she says, Michelle鈥檚 experience inside and outside of the classroom as a biblical and theological studies major helped prepare her professionally for the work she does in ministry today. 鈥湶葺笆� was a great training ground for what I do,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was as a student there that I got my first experiences leading in the areas of racial righteousness.鈥� Serving in campus ministry and engaging with college diversity 鈥渉elped me develop a theology of racial reconciliation. It also gave me opportunities to learn how to communicate that theology.鈥�

Michelle serves as associate pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, a neighborhood on Chicago鈥檚 South Side. She describes New Community as 鈥渁n intentionally multiracial congregation that actively pursues racial reconciliation and social justice.鈥� She鈥檚 currently working toward a PhD in sociology with a focus on multiracial congregations.

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草莓影视 Receives Eighteenth-Century Eastern European Torah Scroll from Ken and Barbara Larson

The authentic Jewish Torah scroll was generously gifted to the University on February 9 during a dedication and celebration event in Anderson Chapel.

The authentic Jewish Torah was generously gifted during a February 9 dedication and celebration.

CHICAGO (February 22, 2017) 鈥� Ken and Barbara Larson are a warm couple who have been married for 52 years, having spent the past two in ministry gifting scrolls to Christian institutions. The Larson鈥檚 story centers around 鈥渟aying yes to God.鈥�

Mr. Larson, who is the founder of Slumberland Furniture, says that the couple had been told during a prayer meeting years earlier that they鈥檇 do ministry together. When they were invited by Josh McDowell鈥攖he Christian apologist鈥攖o Tajikistan to help with a program, they said “yes” to God, thinking that this could be their ministry together. Though that trip was canceled, they continued to say “yes” to God, landing them in South Korea with the apologist. There, McDowell shared about how he had recently purchased a Torah scroll and how it was the most impactful tool he鈥檇 experienced in more than 50 years of ministry. Not long after the trip to South Korea, the Larsons traveled to Israel with their family鈥�35 members including children and grandchildren. When they returned to the States, they visited a seminary with Dr. Scott Carroll, an expert manuscript researcher.

There, Mr. Larson asked the Hebrew professors if they鈥檇 ever read from a Torah scroll. They all said that they鈥檇 never had the opportunity.

This was the turning point. Ken and Barbara looked at each other and knew that this was going to be their ministry together. As they had done so many times before, they said 鈥測es鈥� to God. They bought a collection of Torah scrolls and, since March of 2014, have given 32 to institutions around the world.

草莓影视 is the 32nd recipient.

Barb Larson was happy to give the scroll to 草莓影视 because she鈥檚 a Chicagoan herself. 鈥淲e feel right at home here.鈥� She reminisced about her childhood, growing up living in an apartment on Montrose and Broadway. She attended Senn High School, which was, at the time, primarily Jewish. It was there that her love for Jewish people began. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so thrilling to be back here and feel the energy that Chicagoland has.鈥� Barb and Ken are most interested, though, in giving scrolls to institutions that have a respect for the word of God.

草莓影视鈥攂eing Chicago-centered, intercultural, and rooted in faith鈥攚as a perfect match.

The Larsons have another special connection to 草莓影视. 鈥淲e love the Covenant church,鈥� Barbara聽mentioned,聽because Ken attended Minnehaha Academy, a ministry affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Larson鈥檚 five children went to Minnehaha and now they have grandchildren there. One grandson even attended 草莓影视. 鈥淪o, we feel a deep connection to the Covenant church.鈥�

草莓影视鈥檚 Office of Advancement and the Seminary expressed gratitude for the gift with an elaborate and inspiring ceremony, featuring a traditional Jewish Torah Service liturgy, including readings and cantillations.

Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson, professor of biblical and theological studies, and Skokie-based Rabbi Jeffrey Weill led the liturgy. Dr. Johnson sang the聽Shema聽before he and Rabbi Weill processed the scroll through the chapel. Dr. Johnson coached participants to, as the Torah passed them, touch their program to it and then kiss the program. This, he said, was an act of gratitude to God for his word.

Rabbi Weill聽lained聽the Torah text, the Song of the Sea.听Laining聽is melodious chanting of the scripture portion. The rabbi commented upon the exceptional beauty of the ornate scroll. Dr. James Bruckner, professor of biblical interpretation, presented the聽顿鈥檙补蝉丑, an exposition of the text, in which he considered how the bones of Joseph were carried with the Israelites as a remembrance representing the story of God.

This, of course, is also true of the 草莓影视-Larson scroll, a relic stewarded by God鈥檚 people as a remembrance of the story of God.

Seminary Dean Rev. Dr. David Kersten remarked that 草莓影视 has a heritage of gathering around the text. Receiving the scroll, he emphasized, is a reminder of 草莓影视鈥檚 鈥渙ngoing call to read the sacred text and to repair our own lives and to repair the world through the reading of the text.鈥�

Dr. Kristine Strand, chair of the Board of Trustees, explained in a letter to the Larsons that 草莓影视 is 鈥渁n educational institution of deep Christian identity鈥� and that it鈥檚 devoted to giving students opportunities to enrich their understanding of the Bible. The trustees are grateful that the 草莓影视-Larson scroll will offer these opportunities for enrichment.

The scroll itself is decommissioned鈥攏o longer used in Jewish liturgical settings鈥攁nd can now be used for exhibit, display, and teaching.听It鈥檚 from the late 18th century with聽Ashkenazi origins, most likely from Poland. It has unusually beautiful orthography and unique decorative features adorning its letters. Dr. Carrol聽concluded that the scroll was a great labor of love for the scribe who produced it, and it was likely a point of pride for its original congregation.

It is now a point of pride for 草莓影视, which is honored to be a part of this scroll鈥檚 rich history, a history that includes surviving the Holocaust.

The scroll will be housed in either the Brandel Library or the Seminary, kept within its handcrafted聽ark. The design of the ark鈥攃rafted by Dr. Johnson鈥檚 friend, Chris Olofson鈥攚as intended to be rugged to reflect the age of the scroll. It鈥檚 made of solid cypress, a wood indigenous to the Holy Land, and the vertical planking is intended to reflect the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Ark is supported by a maple plywood laminate base in the favored style of modern Swedish furniture. This reflects the support of the Swedish community鈥攆rom which 草莓影视 was founded鈥攆or the Jewish community.

Dr. David Parkyn, president of 草莓影视, expressed gratitude to the Larsons and closed the ceremony with a prayer noting that the study of the holy scriptures has been central to 草莓影视 since its founding 125 years ago. The gift, he said, marks the school鈥檚 new level of commitment to the scriptures.

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A Message from the Board of Trustees

A Message from Board Chair Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter.

A Message from Board Chair Dr. Kristine Strand and ECC President Gary Walter

Dr. David Parkyn, president of 草莓影视 since 2006, has announced his retirement to follow the completion of this 2016鈥�17 academic year. 草莓影视 is the university of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC).

鈥淲ith gratitude and respect, the Board of Trustees congratulates Dr. Parkyn on the success of 草莓影视 during his 11 years as President. The Board wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for his service and leadership to 草莓影视,鈥� commented Kristine Strand, chair of the Board of Trustees for the University.

President David L. ParkynDuring President Parkyn鈥檚 tenure, 草莓影视 saw advances on many fronts. Dr. Parkyn presided over Campaign 草莓影视, the largest fundraising effort in the university鈥檚 history raising over $63 million in financial commitments which resulted in the completion of the state of the art G. Timothy and Nancy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. Under his direction, 草莓影视 has been recognized for its leadership in 鈥渇irst family member to college鈥� student enrollment and retention, as well as the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the student body. Further, nineteen students have received Fulbright awards, making 草莓影视 鈥渁 top producer鈥� of Fulbright recipients.

鈥淭he Board of Trustees also expresses deep appreciation to Dr. Linda Parkyn, Professor of Spanish, who capably led 草莓影视鈥檚 Honors Congress,鈥� Dr. Strand continued. 鈥淗er leadership of the program was instrumental in the development of Fulbright award winners to date.鈥�

In a letter to the campus community, President Parkyn wrote, 鈥淭he past 11 years at 草莓影视 have been personally and professionally fulfilling for both Linda and me. We have come to deeply love this institution as well as its students, faculty, and staff. Together we have made good (perhaps on occasion even great!) strides toward important objectives. Now is a good time for someone else to step into leadership and guide the school into the coming years.鈥�

The 草莓影视 Board of Trustees will announce interim leadership for the university following its meetings, February 17鈥�18. Also, the Board looks forward to leading the process to identify a nominee for the next university president who will guide the 草莓影视 community in its aspiration to be the nation鈥檚 leading city-centered Christian university. The candidate will be called formally to the position by the Covenant Annual Meeting anticipated in June 2018.

Plans will be announced for an appreciation event for the Parkyns later this spring.

Gary Walter, President of the ECC, stated that 鈥淧resident Parkyn鈥檚 ethos is for the flourishing of each student. It has been his driving hope that at 草莓影视 students would know that each of their lives makes a difference. 草莓影视鈥檚 mission as an intentionally Christian university, is to prepare students for lives of significance and service. Dr. Parkyn has given himself unreservedly to that aim.鈥�

鈥淲e wish President and Dr. Linda Parkyn the very best in their retirement as they look forward to more time with family and other pursuits,鈥� said Dr. Strand.

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Lilly Endowment Awards $750,000 Grant to 草莓影视

Pastors receive financial management and leadership training through School of Business and Nonprofit Management, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, and the Seminary.

Pastors receive financial management and leadership training through School of Business and Nonprofit Management, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, and the Seminary.

Published by PR Newswire

CHICAGO (February 14, 2017) 鈥� Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders awarded 草莓影视 with a $750,000 grant to provide specialized curriculum and programming geared for pastors and church leaders. To lead financially strong congregations, pastoral leaders need to be well versed in accounting, finance, human resources, and operations. As such, the seasoned educators from 草莓影视’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) and the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management (Axelson Center) will work with 草莓影视 Theological Seminary (NPTS) to readily offer pastors financial management and leadership training.

草莓影视 joins other higher education grant recipients Northwestern, Villanova, and Seton Hall universities, as well as magazine and online publication Christianity Today. Rev. Dr. David Kersten, dean of 草莓影视 Theological Seminary and vice president of church relations remarks, “I hope this national effort will form a closer relationship between business schools and seminaries.”

With 草莓影视’s existing dual master degree program in seminary and business, the University is well-positioned to provide immediate instruction to pastoral leaders. In courses from both the business and nonprofit management school and seminary, students acquire the business skills they need to run financially strong congregations, in conjunction with their calling to serve the church.

Coursework includes language and content unique to churches, pastors, and church leadership. Several flexible learning options featuring the dual focus in business and church leadership, include:

  • Master’s degree in church administration
  • Doctoral degree in Church leadership
  • Joint MDiv and MBA or MNA programs (dual degree program in seminary and business/nonprofit management)
  • School of Business and Nonprofit Management five-course certificate program in
    • Church administration
    • Human resource management
    • Nonprofit financial management
    • Nonprofit marketing analysis and consumer behavior
    • Principles of church administration
    • Nonprofit board governance and volunteer management

Non-credit options include:

  • Custom-designed workshops for specific organizations and/or groups
  • Annual conference
  • BootCamp and workshops

“We encourage pastors and lay leaders to consider our offerings as they are further developed over the coming three-year period. We will offer a continuum of educational opportunities, both credit and non-credit, to strengthen financial and leadership capacity,” says Wesley E. Lindahl, 草莓影视’s Dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.

Resources at 草莓影视:聽School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), 草莓影视 Theological Seminary (NPTS), and the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management (Axelson Center)

Another resource within SBNM is the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management (Axelson Center). Founded in 1999, the Axelson Center offers expertise in teaching a wide range of management and leadership topics on a non-credit basis. That expertise has often been directed towards faith-based nonprofit organizations and will be joined with that of SBNM and NPTS to ensure the provision of a wide range of opportunities for faith leaders through this new initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment.

Scholarships Available

In concert with 草莓影视’s philosophy of offering access to quality higher education, participants are eligible to receive 50 percent scholarships towards certificates and custom workshops.

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GRAMMY-Nominated Gospel Singer and Chicago-Based Artists to Perform at 草莓影视

草莓影视 celebrates Black History Month with series of concerts, poetry readings, lectures, and art exhibits

草莓影视 celebrates Black History Month with series of concerts, poetry readings, lectures, and art exhibits

Published in PR Newswire

CHICAGO (February 2, 2017) 鈥� 草莓影视, Chicago’s urban, intercultural, Christian university, is hosting events centered around the ultimate question of the human experience. Surrounding the campus theme, What is Beauty?, are聽a variety of聽events聽which are open to the public and run February 3 through April 5 on 草莓影视’s campus in Chicago.

草莓影视 invites the community to experience these expressions of words, songs, and art, while recognizing Black History Month with performances by GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer聽Jonathan McReynolds and poet Jackie Perry.

Featured Events

Beauty, Identity, and Social Change
Friday, February 10, 10:30 am
Isaacsson Chapel

Dr. Reggie Williams, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics, McCormick Seminary speaking on how the revolution in conventions of beauty were integral to the social changes that occurred in the Harlem Renaissance.

Free admission.

Beauty in Diversity Concert
Saturday, February 11, 7:30 pm
Anderson Chapel

Performance by GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer聽Jonathan McReynolds聽headlines this concert sponsored by the Office of Diversity. Poet聽Jackie Perry聽will also perform along with other artists and musicians from across Chicago.

Tickets are $20 (discounted for 草莓影视 students and faculty).
All proceeds go to 草莓影视’s Office of Diversity.
Purchase tickets online.

 

Beauties Sacred and Secular: Aretha Franklin and Gospel Music
Wednesday, April 5, 3:30 pm
Anderson Chapel

Aaron Cohen, author of Amazing Grace, explores the making of Aretha Franklin’s double platinum 1972 gospel album Amazing Grace. This event includes a Gospel Choir concert.

Free admission.

CAMPUS THEME EVENTS

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