Brittney Teasley and other SLC students at Fellowship House

Every mission or volunteer trip that I have attended has always been a great experience and has had me leaving with something so precious to my heart. The difference with this one mission trip that it was out of the state of Wisconsin and I really did not know what to expect when we all arrived there. Before we went on the trip we had a group meeting to receive the information that we needed and as well as to talk about the place we were going to be staying. So every day before the trip I took a little time out of my day to prayer about the journey ahead like I always do before any trip. The weird thing was that this time my prayer was much more focus on what we were going to do there and who we were going to meet. God laid on my heart for this trip to just simply keep my heart and mind open to all the group and I were going to see and experience.

When we arrived at the Brother David Darst Center I was like wow this is an awesome retreat center. It looked bigger on the inside then on the out. So right away I opened everything that I had and kept it opened until the day we left. Out group of people that attended were spilt into two different groups for most of the places we went. The group that I was in went to the men’s shelter first on the first night we were in Chicago. The other group went to the women’s shelter. The men’s shelter was amazing because all of the men there were so friendly and kind toward us. I thought that the men would not want to talk to us and just keep to themselves. The great thing was that they were not they were some of the happiest people you could meet. Theses men were more interested in what we were doing in our lives and in school then talking about what they wanted from life. The interesting thing was that some of them had a profound belief in God which was the greatest thing in the world. The next morning my group went to the Fellowship Center, which was a place for low middle class Hispanic families’ children to go. I met some awesome little boys and girls there that were also interested in what I was doing in school. They reminded me of me when I was about there age and growing up.

After lunch that day when went to Sarah’s Circle which was a women’s day shelter. This place was great as well because the women were friendly as well. While we were there they were playing BINGO. It was fun to watch and see how much they were having just playing a simple game. The last activity that we did was a walk around a neighborhood. We split into smaller groups for this as well. We were asked to think about some questions such as “Where would you go if you had nowhere to go?” “How would you live when you have nothing?” these questions really brought into reality what was going on in Chicago and all around the world. As we were walking I did not see anywhere to stay out of the cold or to just stay warm. We even found out that most of the gas stations in that neighborhood would not even they you in the store just to go to the bathroom without buying something. That is a sad fact when you really think about it. When we returned to the center and had some time to reflect one the people there told us that the neighborhood we were in was the highest neighborhood with the most teen homelessness. And at that moment it really hit me that there was nowhere for all of these people to go if the shelter’s are all filled up for the night.
This trip laid so much on my heart then I ever thought was possible. I met some of the most awesome people and they gave me so much to cherish for the rest of my life. I learned to never take what I have for granted and always pray to God and thank him for what he has given me and everyone in this would. I learned there are a lot of people who die from being homeless and it was because there is not enough places for them to go. The people who are homeless are just like any one else and they became homeless just by simple things like lost of a job, low income and illnesses things that can happen to anyone of us on earth. There is one question I want to leave everyone with “Where would you go if you had nowhere to go?” and “How would you live if you had noting to live on?” This experience has changed me forever and will remain with me forever.
                                                         – Posted by Brittney Teasley

Natalie Stumpner (left) and last month's presider Kristen Bilke

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 the SLC Campus Ministry group was once again host to the non-denominational C.P.R. service in the Quiet Study.  With approximately 35 students, faculty and staff in attendance, student Natalie Stumpner was our presider for the day.  She gave a wonderful sermon on ‘forgiveness’ and reminded us all on the importance of forgiveness in our daily lives.  After the service, student Rachel Gretzinger served “Happy Sandwiches” to all who were present.  If you’re wondering what a “Happy Sandwich” is, it’s peanut butter, bananas and chocolate chips on white or wheat bread.  The important thing to remember about a “Happy Sandwich” is the fact that one cannot make their own.  It must be made by someone else and given as a gift to make it truly ‘happy.’

The other great part of the C.P.R. was the music!  The Music Ministry team consisted of Mitch & Rae Ann Angel, Dan Connolly, Doug Resch, Damon Carlson, and Deacon Paul Gleichner.  With bass guitar, drums and piano the group rocked the room with contemporary Christian music.

Campus Ministry thanks all who participated in this prayerful and spirit-filled event!

In the Fall Semester of 2008, the Campus Ministry group at Silver Lake College initiated an Optimist Club on campus that is open to all students.  The purpose of having this club is to give students another option for doing community service.  Campus Ministry is well aware that not all of our students are comfortable with a faith-based campus organization. However, these students may still want to serve the wider community in some capacity.  The Optimist Club may be the perfect fit for those students.

Optimist Clubs are serious about “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” and do their part through community service programs.  Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their community in any way they see fit.  Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it.

At the time of this writing, our SLC Optimist Club has about 11 students who are interested in serving.  To become a fully chartered Optimist Club it is necessary to have 25 members.  The Optimists will have regular informational meetings on campus in the Spring semester of 2009 and beyond until we have enough members to charter.  All students are welcome to attend these meetings which are held in the Quiet Study over the lunch period.  Lunch will be provided by the Optimist Club.

If you’d like to serve the youth of Manitowoc County and build your resume in the process, we invite you to become an Optimist.  It’s fun and you’ll be making a positive impact on the life of a child.  We hope to see you there!  Watch for emails and posters announcing the next meeting.  If you have any questions, call Deacon Paul at 686-6163 or email him at pgleichner@silver.sl.edu.

Thank you to everyone who came to What Would Jesus Drink (WWJD) on Nov 20th! Over all, it went very well. For those of you who did not attend, I strongly encourage you to come on December 11th to the next WWJD.

On November 20th we were fortunate to have Father Daniel Schuster join us from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc. Keeping with the Christmas Spirit (along with consuming ice cold alcoholic beverages!), we discussed gift giving, what a true gift is, and how gift giving is related to the graces God gives to us. We also touched upon the liturgical calendar and the entrance into a new liturgical year here at Advent.

On Dec 11th we will have Mr. Gunther F. Skaletz come and talk about “Life on Both Sides of the Wall,” his autobiography of life in Poland during and after World War II, his experience in the culinary arts and five star entertainment, and his eventual journey to make his home here in the United States.

Please join us at Kathy’s Stage Door Pub, 701 Franklin Street, Manitowoc, all are welcome! Gathering begins at 7:30pm with discussion from 8:00 – 9:00.

Thanks and God Bless,

Joseph Bolle

SLC Students at "Fright Fest"

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, SLC Campus Ministry and SLC Residence Life helped sponsor a trip for students to “Fright Fest” at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.  The students arrived at Six Flags at about 10:30 a.m. that morning and they were ready for some fun!

The trip was a good opportunity for people who don’t regularly hang out with each other to get to know one another better and bring a better sense of unity to the student body.  It was raining at first, but when we arrived at Six Flags it began to clear up.  It was about 50 degrees and there wasn’t a ghoul in sight.  Students bundled up and were ready to go on the roller coaster terror ride of their choice.

Because Six Flags is so big, students went off into their own separate groups and didn’t even see other groups until supper time.  In the beginning, there weren’t a lot of people at the park so the wait for rides was short and sweet.  We went on almost every ride that was there including the ‘little kid’ rides.  The lines began growing longer and longer as the day went on.

We had a blast during the day, but the real fun began after we took our group photo (seen above) and the darkness began to take over.  The sun faded and the ghouls and goblins began to linger throughout the park scaring innocent bystanders waiting in line to go on already scary rides.  In the darkness the fun continued as the haunted house doors began to open.  The haunted houses were a good attraction to go to!  It may have cost us a little extra, but it was well worth the money.

The night wasn’t a cold night.  It actually stayed pretty warm…at least warm enough so that we could stand to be out on rides!  When the ghouls and goblins came out, we saw everything from a troll to a vampire, to a dead bride.  They were scary characters and having a lot of fun!

All in all we had a blast and we are going to go again next year at some time in October.  We invite you to join the fun and come to Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America next year!!!  You’ll be glad you did!!

Submitted by Brent Anderson – SLC Student Organizer for Fright Fest

Hey everybody!On October 25, 2008, a small group of students including Brittney Teasley, Dan Connolly, Emmie Kent, Rachel Gretzinger, and myself took the time to help at Two Rivers Ecumenical Food Pantry. Why did we do this you may ask? Well for “Make a Difference Day” of course.

Make a Difference Day is the nation’s largest single day of volunteerism. Make a Difference Day was initiated in 1990. This day was set aside to help others by doing volunteer work within the community. On this day millions of Americans participate is cleaning up, fixing up, painting, and repairing in poor neighborhoods or other place that are less fortunate. It does not matter what you do, what matters is that you participate and pass on the love of God to all.

Over the course of our time some of us sorted out, what seemed to a never-ending amount, food while others transferred the food to the stock area. Some may have a question pop into their minds: How boring was that to sort food all day? I say it was fun. I mean who would not want sing the famous song “Lunch Lady” by Adam Sandler every time a can of Manwich slid passed you. The day was a day to remember. Helping the food pantry help others was the most rewarding thing beyond imagination. Knowing that I was doing works by the grace of God was enlightening.

Make the commitment to help others for one day. Your chance to do it is October 25th of next year, or make any other day as your day to make a difference

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

God Bless,
Ashly Langnes

October 27, 2008 – Fr. Jeremiah J. Cullinane, DMIN, College Chaplain

Religion is usually a group of people gathering together to worship God and to explore their need to understand life’s tragedies, mysteries, and injustices through belief in a transcendent person. There is a process through which people often travel to arrive at a complete and full acceptance of God as this transcendent person: needs become wants, wants become interests, interests become realities. At the end of this process the love of a transcendent God becomes the only reality that makes sense of human life and of all creation. It is at this point that we become capable of loving God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and our neighbor as ourselves.

On behalf of the Center for Action and Contemplation I invite you to join us as our guests on November 8 for a very important and exciting webcast by Fr. Richard Rohr entitled:  What is The Emerging Church?

 

I hope you have felt the excitement that something fresh and dynamic is emerging in the Christian community.  Seemingly independently, there is new energy among Roman Catholics, Mainline Protestants, Evangelicals and other Christians for what we’re starting to call the “emerging church.”  Now, the Center for Action and Contemplation is hosting this webcast in November as well as the first large gathering of Christian denominations in March 2009, so that we can explore this emergence and convergence together. 

During the November 8 webcast, international author and spiritual teacher, Richard Rohr, OFM, will offer his evaluation, his own questions, and his hopes for this movement of the Holy Spirit that is taking place in both Europe and North America.  Fr. Richard’s talk will be followed by a question and answer session where he will respond to e-mailed questions from webcast viewers around the world.

This is an exciting new step in the development in the Emerging Church movement and we invite you, your friends and colleagues to join us free of charge on November 8.

To register for the webcast please see the attached HTML invitation.  To receive your free log on password, please contact me at  cdowling@cacradicalgrace.org or alternatively you can phone me at ++1 505 242 9588 extension 120.

The webcast will be followed in March 2009 by a major international conference entitled

The Emerging Church:  Conversations, Convergence and Action.  Please visit: www.cacradicalgrace.org for more information on the conference.

I hope that you will be able to join us on November 8 and I look forward to assisting you with this.

Peace,

 

Catherine Dowling

 

CAC Programs Work Intern

cdowling@cacradicalgrace.org

505 242 9588 ext. 120

Members of the SLC faculty and staff listen intently to Dr. Gilboa

Hi, y’all!

 

On Wednesday, October 15th, I had the good fortune and pleasure to attend the October session of the Faculty Colloquial Series.  It’s held once per month in the quiet study lounge and, though not quite as cool as CPR (shameless plug: CPR next Tuesday, Oct. 21 11:45 AM ***FREE FOOD!***), was addressed to a wide audience and provides the entire community a chance to come together to discuss a topic of general interest.

The topic yesterday was “St. Thomas Aquinas and Capital Punishment,” and was very ably presented by our own Dr. David Gilboa, Assistant Professor of Philosophy.  He took us all the way back to the beginnings of Christian community, and how people of faith have viewed the idea of capital punishment, or the death penalty, over the years.  Particularly influential in the theology of the Roman Catholic Church, the good doctor St. Thomas Aquinas argued that, while we as individuals “shalt not kill,” the state is not likewise hindered in administering God’s justice to supremely sinful persons who show no sign of repentance.

It was quite a lively discussion, with students, faculty and Sisters jumping in on all sides.  Should *you* be interested in the Church’s official teachings today, you may find them under Canon 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, online at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.shtml

In November, Sandy Stevens from the Music Department will be talking about “The Celtic Tradition and Beyond.”  This will be a discussion of music, not basketball.  Sorry, guys.    To see the full lineup for this discussion series in the 2008-09 academic year, check out http://www.sl.edu/News/Calendar/Events/colloquium.asp

It’s free.  It’s fellowship.  It’s for all.  Check it out. 

In His Service, and with great affection,

Dan Connolly
danielfconnolly@hotmail.com

Religious piety is defined by Fr. Richard McBrien as “a virtue that calls for faithfulness in relationships with others, e.g. family, kin, country.”

The gift of piety comes to us through the Holy Spirit moving our hearts to worship God and to fulfill our Christian responsibilities.

 

          Religious piety is also used to describe devotional practices. In this case, piety becomes a way in which the Christian expresses openness to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Religious piety always remains linked to the other gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge. and fear of the Lord. Together these gifts form a balanced approach to the two commandments of love of God and love of neighbor.

 

                   Father Jeremiah