If you like seeing photos of EBC events, there will be one gigantic collaboration of all photos from throughout the year at the Spring Banquet. Many of the events, sports teams and other pictures will be included in this slide show. Come to the “Dessert and Activities” part of the evening, beginning at 7:30 PM on April 13, 2007. Tickets can be purchased until Wednesday in the campus centre for $5 / ticket.
A Note from the Editor
Welcome to the final issue of the Voice for the 2006-2007 year! We’re beginning to the see the light at the end of the tunnel of a semester of papers, assignments and exams. And so I must bid farewell as the Editor of the Voice. We have seen a lot of changes with the newspaper this year, as it now has a new home at its own website. Thank you to the wonderful committee with whom I was privileged to work this year: Trevor Creech, Wesley Hague, Katelyn Unger, Stefanie Parsons, Mike Salvatore, Dave King, Stephen Weber and Jordan Vetro. Without all your dedication and hard work, the Voice would not be what it is today.
Here I officially pass the torch to Jordan Vetro as the new Editor of the Voice, as after today I will be relieved of my responsibilities. I know you will do a good job Jordan; stick with it!
To the students, staff, faculty and Emmanuel community at large, may you have a wonderful summer! Enjoy the beauty God has created and continue serving beyond the community and into the world.
Upcoming Events / Announcements:
- Baccalaureate Service: 11:30AM in the chapel. This is a chance to hear a parting word from the teachers for the year and to honour those who have demonstrated excellence both scholastically and actively in the community.
- Spring Banquet / Sock Hop: April 13, 2007 at 6:00PM – dinner and 7:30PM – dessert and activities. Come out for a fun night and a farewell party before we part for the summer. Student Council has put a lot of work into this event, so come out and enjoy the festivities!
- Exams: Wednesday April 14 – Wednesday April 25
- Graduation at Bingeman’s: April 28, 2007
- Residence Closes: April 29, at 5:00PM
Included in this Issue:
In the Headlines
Year In Review – Rachel Neumeister
In Reflection - Jordan Vetro
Ode to Ruth Scott – Katelyn Unger
Mormonism – Katelyn Unger
Global Perspective: Summer Reading Ideas – Stefanie Parsons
Devotional: Status Quo – Stephen Paul Weber
Opinions and Editorials: Jesus’ Resurrection – Rachel Neumeister
Sad Mr. FastenPart – Terry Ibele
Complete – Robin Antoine and Tim Chester
How Do We Show Love Today? – Wesley Hague
Spotlight: Rachel Neumeister
Reviews: Coffee with the King
Voice on the Street: Year Highlights – Jordan Vetro
Community Outing
EBC Campus as of April 9, 2007
WAJIMA, Japan (AP) — Aftershocks shook central Japan’s coast on Monday, a day after a powerful earthquake killed at least one person and injured 193 others as it toppled buildings, triggered landslides and generated a small tsunami along the coast.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Tamil rebels launched their first airstrike in the nearly quarter-decade conflict with Sri Lanka’s government, using at least one small plane to bomb an air base outside the capital Monday and killing three airmen, officials said.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Iran on Sunday that the fate of 15 British sailors and marines seized off the Iraqi coast was a “fundamental” issue for his government, as Iran suggested the group may be put on trial for violating its waters.
Stephen Harper plans high-profile trip this summer in a bid to raise Canada’s profile and strengthen ties in Latin America and the Caribbean, sources say
For these and other top stories visit:
google.ca/news
thestar.com
globeandmail.com
http://slashdigg.com/
by: Rachel Neumeister
The following is the 2006-2007 year at EBC at a glance.
- The student council president, Miss Brittany Rice, was already at the school several weeks before the semester even began in September preparing the year’s events, while the rest of us were still enjoying every last minute of summer. (Coming from a completely unbiased perspective, Student Council, particularly the president does far more work than they / she gets credit for, and much of it goes unnoticed. Here’s to you Brittany – we do notice!)
- MEGA weekend saw the arrival of a new batch of first years, along with returning students. The female population became too much for the four walls which contained them, and the overflow moved across to the street to a rented apartment.
- The Amazing Race, Royal Cup game and banquet was the first example of many to come of Emmanuel students’ talent, skill and energy.
- Taryn Wiley and Sarah Graham dutifully planned a weekend near Niagara Falls at Sherkston Shores where students had the opportunity to enjoy the last glimpse of summer before winter set in. Although it rained and poured and many tents were flooded, fun and fellowship was had by all despite the weather.
- Chapels were well underway by the end of September, with the four chapel leaders Tabitha Rozeluk, Paul Andre Jean Pierre (Polo), Tim Clayton and John Matthew Goodwin using their musical gifts for the benefit of the community of believers.
- The over-abundantly musically blessed Tabitha Rozeluk poured many hours into the organization of the Coffee House, which was a classier event than in years past, giving those with unexpressed musical talent a place to display their gifts.
- The Wildcat’s four sports teams, Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Basketball and Men’s Hockey played hard throughout the year, learning and teaching us that winning isn’t everything and that Emmanuel students can in fact stay in shape without a gym on campus! Congratulations to the Men’s Volleyball team who took home the bronze metal!
- Mr. Tim Grace also planned a “sports” event open to anyone with any level degree of sports experience and physical fitness. The Curling Bonspiel took place both semesters, and were both very well attended.
- Once again, Tabitha Rozeluk sacrificed her time and energy to plan yet another musical event alongside Marjorie Hopkins. Gifts for the King was a wonderful conglomeration of Scripture reading, acting, choral music, instrumentation and advent, celebrating the arrival of Jesus Christ on earth thousands of years ago.
- The Christmas Banquet (Masquerade) demonstrated that sweatpants and running shoes are not the only items in an EBC student’s wardrobe; in fact, they can clean up quite nicely!
- As usual, the semester flew by and December final exams and the Christmas break came quickly. The break was greatly needed and deserved for the students and staff alike.
- The 2nd annual “welcome back” event, organized by Student Council was well attended once again. Aloha saw some Hawaiian food being devoured before you could say “no” and lose your clothespin, some funny skits, and some killing of beta fish in a daiquiri mix. Good times were had by all (except perhaps the fish).
- The Gong Show was a chance for those with a funny bone to get their dosage of humour, as students competed for the most ridiculous act, in hopes they would not get gonged off the stage before they were finished.
- While the rest of us were devotedly reading and writing papers during reading week (and by that I mean catching up on lost sleep and enjoying almost-guilt-free-procrastination for at least a few days), a few students chose to give up this week and minister to those in Toronto, specifically the homeless. It was a truly eye-opening experience for the students, and a blessing to those who were recipients of their aid.
- And we must not forget the beginning of the new building. After years and years of dedicated planning and fundraising, both students, staff and the community at large are excited to see something happening and progress being made to the new addition to our campus. A photo documentation of the progress is available on the EBC website. Check it out; it’s quite interesting.
- The weather played tricks on us throughout both semesters, as all year we have not really been quite sure what season it is. Here’s hoping for spring weather soon!
- I must not fail to recognize the learning that took place in the classroom, the professors who so dutifully taught us week after week and who administered grace to those who fell prey to procrastination.
- The Spring Banquet is shaping up to be a fun year end event on April 13th. Plan to attend in your best 50’s garb!
- And thus brings us to today, the last issue of the Voice for 2006-2007. Good luck to all students on their exams, and have a safe and wonderful summer everyone!
by: Jordan Vetro
To my fellow EBC students, whom I have come to hold dear this past year. I want to thank all of you for your presence at this college, and for the aspects which you have brought to this community and the college as a whole. As our year is brought to a close, there are things that I would leave you with.
Paul pleads in Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph. 4:1). I believe in many ways we have misinterpreted the importance and significance of our calling.
Know always what you are called for. As Peter writes in his second book, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). I think many of us are waiting for Paul’s experience. We expect a light to come down from heaven and God to speak personally to us. Many through history have been mislead by a misinterpretation of the words of God. I urge you to seek affirmation. For there is great danger in someone who goes into ministry because they cannot think of anything else that they would do. Do not allow this to be you. For it is written in James, “Know always what you are called for. Seek affirmation. As Peter writes in his second book ‘Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment’” (James 3:1). Always remember this, for we are all held accountable for our actions, and teachers and leaders are also held accountable for the actions of those under them.
I urge each of you to act upon the council of the Spirit. Modern theology has very much been watered down to a way of personal gain – a theology that serves the person. We must all remain constantly held accountable to Scripture. We must not seek to justify our own acts, but rather we must not be ashamed of the Gospel, for as Paul writes to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Know what is true.
Seek out mentors. This is key to our spiritual growth. So that our interpretations are challenged regularly and we are always seeking truth. We cannot be allowed to let our ideas fester and grow into an interpretation of the gospel that looks nothing like the true and written Word. And again, we must always be seeking the counsel of the Spirit, that we may be led down the right path, as those who will be accountable for many souls.
Seek to bless others. One of the greatest detriments to those in ministry is that they might feel superior to others, or be inconsiderate. And as students of the Word, we are watched so closely by the world, waiting to grab hold of any bit of hypocrisy within us. Always be keeping others in mind, and never considering ourselves, so that each of us may be an example of Christ and of the church. It is in Ephesians. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” ( Eph.4: 1-2). Servanthood is the key to leadership, and humility is the key to honor. Follow here, the example that Christ was.
I write not to discourage any of you, but to encourage you. For the work of God is a high honor, and to be in a profession that allows you to devote more time to His work is a blessing. But be aware of these things always so that, as leaders of God’s church, you may one day stand before God and know that you as a leader remained confident in truth, so that God will find you a humble and blessed servant.
by: Katelyn Unger
What better way to say a little about Ruth Scott,
Than with a poem that says a lot.
Ruth is an amazing person.
Her goal in life is to have fun.
Ruth’s laughter can be heard down the hall,
But through her years at EBC, she has given her all.
From day one,
Ruth had shown that she cares about every mother’s daughter and every father’s son.
Each student that has passed through her doors has felt her glowing spirit,
been shown to a comfy chair and told to sit.
We will miss her smile at every turn,
We have all treasured the lessons she helped us learn
Ruth has always enjoyed a visit
and if she has work to do, well you are much more important than it.
She has given so much to the EBC community
thus the reason for this little ditty.
Ruth, we thank you
from all the students and the staff too.
We hope that on campus, we will still see
you walking around, or eating your lunch at the picnic table under the tree.
God Bless your years after Emmanuel
Enjoy retirement and the take some time to chill.
Follow God’s path, let yourself explore
Ruth, your journey has just begun, take flight on new wings and soar.
Ruth, thank you for all the wonderful years that you have worked at EBC. We will miss you around here, but we wish you the best for your years of retirement that are still to come. God bless you as you set out on your next adventure.
by: Katelyn Unger
One month ago, on Tuesday March 6th 2007, two young men, who followed Mormonism came to EBC. In New Religions we had to do an interview with someone of a different religion. Melanie Vaillancourt was a great help; she ordered a Christmas DVD from the Mormons. Their way of getting the DVD to us was by a personal delivery. So, at 12:30 pm, we sat down with Elder Heywood and Elder Schreyer. The best way to tell you about the interview is to give you an example of the conversation that took place. So here it is: (some of the wording in the interview has been changed to make it more understandable!)
What is some background of Mormonism?
Lehi (Jeremiah’s time) commanded prophets to leave Jerusalem and build a boat to cross the seas to North and South America. There they taught the natives about Jesus. (These stories make up the Book of Mormon). The whole book is like another testament of Jesus Christ.
People became wicked again and God’s people were being killed off (those living in the Americas). That is why they needed the Book of Mormon.
Monori (an ancient American after the time of Lehi) buried the Book of Mormon to preserve it until Joseph Smith was able to translate it. When Joseph was alive, Moroni came back as an angel and told Joseph where to find the book.
What are your main beliefs?
Joseph Smith started Mormonism. God and Jesus Christ are separate; He is the son of god, but part of the godhead. Some of the truths are lost from the Bible that is why we have the book of Mormon.
Family is very important.
What are some of your practices/traditions?
You can be no younger than eight to be baptised. It is by immersion. You receive the spirit by laying on of hands. Joseph Smith asked God when people should get baptised, He said wait until eight. All other holidays are the same as us.
There is a Sacramental service every Sunday (a.k.a. communion but with water and bread). Only baptised people can have Sacrament. There are hymns and reading of the scripture. We have some of the same hymns as you do. You can go to the temple as often as you want (there are churches and temples. The temples are bigger and are spread farther apart; they are open 24/7).
How is the church organized (leaders)?
They are called by God. He bestowed priesthood authority. You have to be nineteen to be elder. Everyone in the church works by volunteer, no one is paid. There is an option when you’re 19-25 to be a missionary for 2 years.
What type of training do you go through?
There is training with MTC for three weeks, there we read from scriptures. The Bishop has no training. Whoever God calls is who He qualifies. We use the King James Version of the Bible.
What do you think the difference between Mormonism and Christianity is?
We are a Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the centre stone, the modern day prophet to lead the church.
How did you personally come to believe in Mormonism?
We both grew up in the Mormon Church. It teaches children about Jesus Christ. We learn young and it helps throughout life. As we get older we must realize our commitment.
What convinced you of this truth?
I prayed about it and found that the Book of Mormon is the word of God like the Bible is.
What is the value of a religious faith?
Faith without works is dead.
What do you believe in the afterlife?
There are two levels: spirit paradise and spirit prison. The paradise spirits help the people in prison to be better.
There is baptism for the dead. We care about the people who have come before us. Baptism services for the dead are held at the temple. The spirit in heaven can choose whether to accept the baptism, if they do accept; it will help them get to the next level of heaven.
There are three heavens: the Celestial, Tellestial and Terrestrial. There is a hell, but it is hard to go there.
Approximately two hours later we finished with our interview. Throughout it, we ranged from four to ten people. It was a fascinating discussion and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. These two guys had very strong beliefs in their faith. Of course I did not agree with many things they said, but this made the conversation even more interesting.
by: Rachel Neumeister
On Easter Sunday morning in our college and careers group, there was a student leader instead of the usual man who is a vessel of wisdom. Because of the lack of knowledge, the discussion took a different turn. The topic in question was that of Jesus’ need for resurrection. “Wasn’t it enough that he just died on the cross? We would still have our salvation and our sins would still be paid for.” I don’t think any one of us actually believed this to be a valid belief system, but it was a question one of the individuals had come across (and admittedly, so have I).
The point was made that none of the animals in the Old Testament offered as sacrifices rose from the dead, so why did Jesus need to? Wouldn’t the payment still be made in his death?
If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the sins that he bore on the cross would have victory over him, and therefore, so would Satan. What a terrifying thought to think of a world dominated by Satan, with no hope of a resurrected Saviour who has already conquered all the forces of evil.
What’s more, Paul speaks of the worthlessness of our faith if Christ did not rise from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15: 14, 18-19. He says, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” I say, what have we got to lose? If he did not rise from the dead, yes we ought to be pitied and our faith is worthless. But if he did rise from the dead and we choose not to believe, the consequences are far more disastrous, as a Godless eternity of pain and torture awaits us.
My contribution to the said conversation was the explanation of how EBC has been a target for the forces of evil in years past because of the strong Christian community. How reassuring it is to know that no force of evil can have any authority around us or over us, because the one who has already defeated Satan and all his army is dwelling within us. This is the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Corinthians 15:54-57).
by: Stephen Weber
“‘You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and
its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m
telling you to love your enemies’” (Matthew 5:43, MSG).
“For I have come to turn
‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law…” (Matthew 10:35, NIV)
Did Jesus come to keep things the way they were? Did He come just to
please the popular ideas of his day? No. Jesus divides and turns the
tables on tradition. He openly rebuked the status-quo-keepers of His
day, the Pharisees.
We do not say that Jesus was a rebel, but He was certainly a radical!
What did Paul, a former tradition-keeper, say about Jesus and what He
means for traditional ways?
“I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to
circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment
Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. I repeat my warning:
The person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades all the
advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave
life of the law.” (Galatians 5:2-3, MSG)
In spite of all this, what do we find in the church? Settling.
Status quo. The church is a body of people who seem to have become
largely the same. Looking, acting, and believing the exact same way,
the same way as their parents and as those around them. Few are
willing to challenge the accepted ideas of the majority. Why? What
has become of us that we are unwilling to stand up against ourselves?
The church is divided over music and minor points of doctrine, but
they stand together on cultural issues.
We as the church need to follow Jesus, finding the true teachings of
God and pursuing those, regardless of the cultural baggage others
attach to it. We are ambassadors of Christ to the world, but
ambassadors of unique thought to the church. To accept blindly a
belief that is not grounded in Scripture is almost as dangerous as not
knowing Scripture at all. To challenge other believers to think about
where they stand is a useful and even necessary skill these days.
“Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and
teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a
ditch.” (Matthew 15:14, Amplified)
“Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow
a gnat, but you swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:24, NLT)
