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Education Major Charissa Harwerth Sees God Working at the Calvary University Innovation Center

Education Major Charissa Harwerth Sees God Working at the Calvary University Innovation Center

by | Dec 20, 2019

CU student Charissa Harwerth, studies at Calvary’s Kansas City campus, but helped out at the Colorado site while home for the summer. (Her helpers were not identified.)

“People would come in on a weekly basis saying, ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’”

Charissa Harwerth, spent her summer working at Calvary University’s Innovation Center (CUIC) in Fort Morgan, Colorado. A junior in Calvary’s Elementary Education degree program, Harwerth spent part of her childhood in Fort Morgan, and she was excited to partner with Calvary to impact her home community. Harwerth worked in admissions, contacting hundreds of prospective students and recruiting at local events.

She commented on her joy “to see the excitement in the community, especially with the Academy coming in.” Harwerth said the response to Calvary University Academy (CUA) has been especially strong. “They are doing so much. They’re instilling biblical values into these students… and students who have struggled in the public school being a light are getting training in that.”

CUIC’s presence in Fort Morgan creates opportunity to help the community and start a dialogue with its residents. Harwerth said, “God is working, and it’s coming out into the community through [God] allowing a lot of curiosity. People would come in on a weekly basis saying, ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’” Harwerth was thrilled with how the CUIC team is striving for excellence. “They are actively seeking to enhance the Fort Morgan community and also actively seeking to [reach] the community with a biblical worldview.”

Looking towards CUIC’s growth and future, Harwerth says, “They’re sticking to the biblical worldview and encouraging the community because of it… I believe God has us there for a reason. And [CUIC] has a lot of potential to see the Colorado atmosphere change, especially in its view on Christianity and the Bible.”

Calvary donates to City Union Mission during 20 Days of Blessing

Calvary donates to City Union Mission during 20 Days of Blessing

by | Dec 20, 2019

Randy Grimm (left) and Cory Trowbridge (right) with City Union Mission’s Development Director, Dennis Chapman (center).

Nothing says “Christmas” like . . . toilet paper?!

Through the month of December, Calvary faculty and staff conducted the 20 Days of Blessing. Prompted by Chief Operations Officer Randy Grimm, the 20 Days of Blessing encourages the Calvary body to engage in serving the local community. After hearing a local businessman express frustration at the number of unmet needs in the community, Grimm brought the dilemma to Calvary’s faculty, staff, and student body, urging them to step up “and be a blessing to others.”

The Calvary community quickly rose to the challenge. Departments worked together to acquire and organize donations, partnering to bless six different ministries: KC Rescue, Global FC, KC Refuge, Heart in Hand, Stockings for Soldiers, and City Union Mission.

During the last week of class, Grimm and Dean of Students, Cory Trowbridge, delivered one of the blessings to City Union Mission: over 2000 rolls of toilet paper donated by faculty, staff and the student body. Dennis Chapman, City Union Mission’s Development Director, said the mission’s various sites go through at least 3,600 rolls of toilet paper per month.

Grimm said Calvary looks forward to making 20 Days of Blessing an annual campaign to bless others in our communities. 

Professional Directed Studies provides opportunities for student growth

Professional Directed Studies provides opportunities for student growth

by | Dec 17, 2019

Student uses collaborative degree program to grow academically and spiritually.

Rebekah Crawford is a senior at Calvary pursuing a double major through Professional Directed Studies (PDS). She said she chose an English degree, “because I had enjoyed both reading and writing my entire life and thought it would be fun to get a degree that would allow me to do what I loved.” She transferred credits from high school towards her second major in Graphic Design. “It was also a plus that I enjoy creating things both hands-on and digitally.”

Through PDS, Crawford fulfils the requirements for her Graphic Design major at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and takes courses for her interdisciplinary degree in English Literature and Creative Writing at Calvary. “Calvary has an articulation agreement with UCM and Calvary puts together a planner that fits the core needs for the degree, so a lot of the planner is based off of what UCM requires for that specific degree, but it isn’t an exact replica. My planner still reflects the general education and Biblical studies requirements that every student at Calvary has.”

Calvary holds articulation agreements with over twenty institutions worldwide, including four of the top colleges in the Kansas City area: Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Metropolitan Community College, and University of Central Missouri. Crawford spent her first semesters commuting for courses at UCM, but this semester, she is living close to UCM’s campus and becoming more involved in the school’s community. She commented on the way Calvary’s community prepared her for this new environment. “At Calvary, there was a curfew, room checks weekly along with devotions, and ample opportunities to be around believers that loved Christ just as much as I do. All of these things I feel have given me a sense of responsibility toward myself and others.”

Crawford spoke highly of PDS. “I think it’s a great way for Calvary to have more majors to choose from while also giving students the opportunity to use the biblical training they’ve been taught and put it to the test at a secular university in the sense of staying strong in their faith and not being afraid to share it with others.”

What’s in a Name?

What’s in a Name?

by | Dec 17, 2019

The names and titles for God found in the Bible are carefully brushed strokes on the canvas of God’s most awesome work: The revelation of Himself.

Shakespeare’s Juliet asked, “What’s in a name?” 

The irony of the question lies in the fact that her name was her biggest problem! The reason she could not be with her Romeo was precisely because her name was Capulet and his was Montague. Capulets didn’t love Montagues — they hated them. But Juliet protested:

“That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title.”

Juliet didn’t think his name mattered at all — what mattered was the person. And perhaps in that case, she was right. And perhaps in many cases, the name or title of something makes no difference whatsoever.

Ask for the whatchmacallit or the doohickey or the thingamajig and you’ll probably get what you want. Call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Saint Nick — it doesn’t matter. Name your son Austin, Peter or Max — it probably makes no difference. 

But not so with God. 

If Juliet was speaking of God and said, “What’s in a name? Call Him whatever you like,” she would be dead wrong. It’s true that this “Rose” — the true and living God — would “retain that dear perfection which He owes without (the Biblical) titles.” But, the names and titles of God found in the Bible were not given to us in a random and pointless way. They are not incidental. 

The names and titles for God found in the Bible are carefully brushed strokes on the canvas of God’s most awesome work: The revelation of Himself.

Each time we come across a name or title of God in the Bible, we learn another great truth about the God who created us. 

“YHWH” tells us He is eternal and personal. 

“Father” tells us He is the perfection of love and discipline.

“Shepherd” tells us He is our protector and provider and guide.

On and on it goes. The more we encounter these one-word revelations, the more we know Him, the more we appreciate Him, the more we — along with the psalm writers — see that “His name alone is exalted” (Psalm 148:13) and we want to “sing praises to His name for it is lovely” (Psalm 135:3). 

When we come to the stories of the birth of Jesus, we find them rich with names and titles for the newborn King. He is…

“The Messiah…son of David, son of Abraham…Jesus Christ…Immanuel…King of the Jews…a Ruler who will shepherd…son of Mary” in Matthew 1-2. 

“Jesus…great…Son of the Most High…the Holy Child…the Son of God…A Savior…Christ the Lord…her (Mary’s) firstborn son…a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” in Luke 1-2.

“The Word…light…life…the Only Begotten God (God the One and Only, NIV), who is in the bosom of the Father” in John 1.

“Jesus” is just one example of how each of these names is like a blast from God’s trumpet of revelation. The “angel of the Lord” told Joseph to give this name to the Boy because “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). “Jesus” is a Hebrew name that means “Jehovah is salvation.”

Notice the word “son” popping up several times: “Son of David…Abraham…the Most High God.” He is called Mary’s “firstborn son”. All the “Son” references add up to tell us that He alone was qualified to fulfill two of the greatest covenants God ever made with humans — the Davidic and Abrahamic covenants (see the very first verse of the New Testament). As Mary’s Son, He not only took on human flesh that He might bleed human blood for the sins of the world, but He also became Heir to the promises God made to David and Abraham. 

“Son of the Most High…God” tells us His life did not begin in Bethlehem — He has always existed in an eternal relationship with the Father. This explains what kind of King can have a kingdom that will last forever: the Eternal King, God’s only, unique Son.

Or what about “Word”. What is a “word” for? Communication! What did this “Word” do, according to John? He wasn’t just another self-proclaimed guru speculating about things he didn’t understand. His perspective is like no other: “No one has ever seen God. But the one and only Son is himself God and is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us” (John 1:18, NLT).

With all this in mind, read the Birth Narratives as part of your Christmas celebration. And when you do, let God’s Self-revelation — through His names and titles — renew your mind as you celebrate Christmas. Stop and enjoy every name. Underline every title. Each one is a delicate brush stroke deserving of close examination. But when seen together, they are a jaw-dropping revelation that should result in nothing less than what the Magi did when they saw the Child in His mother’s arms: “They fell to the ground and worshipped Him (Matthew 2:11).”

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Shaun LePage is the Ministry Studies Department Chair and Assistant Professor in Ministry Studies and Bible and Theology. He also serves as Associate Vice President of the CU Marketing and Communications Department. 

 

Defense Propels Calvary over Panhandle State University

Defense Propels Calvary over Panhandle State University

by | Dec 14, 2019

All five starters scored in double figures Friday night as the team defeated Panhandle State University 88-78 in the Pyramid. It was a statement win for the program as the team defeated their first NAIA DI program in 24 years to move to 7-5 on the season.  
 
“We are really starting to see the offense pick up and we are playing good team basketball,” Warrior Head Coach Matt Sanders said. “God is truly being glorified through this.  We want Him to be lifted high and to be seen when we play!”


The Warriors balanced offense presented problems for Panhandle State all night as the team shot 43% from the field.  The Warriors faced a tough full-court press from buzzer to buzzer as well and yielded only 19 turnovers.    
 

“This was an enormous win for our program,” stated Sanders.  “We were able to hold OPSU to 20 percent shooting in the first half.  Our focus during the last month has been getting better at defensive principles like keeping the ball out of the lane, contesting shots, and keeping the ball off the baseline.  It is great to see the improvement.”

“The team continues to make things easier,” said guard AJ Bordallo.  “We have started playing for each other.”


“We got incredible contributions from our bench tonight as well,” stated Sanders.  “Tobias Welling came in at the five spot and gave us great productivity with nine points and six rebounds.  Cameron Bender gave us an unbelievable lift offensively when he came in and stroked it like that. Tim Marchbanks was about as solid as you could be for us defensively tonight.  Drake and AJ gave us important minutes as well.”

Next up, the Warriors will battle Union College on December 14 in Lincoln, NE. 

Warriors Fall to NAIA Cottey College

Warriors Fall to NAIA Cottey College

by | Dec 12, 2019

Calvary was unable to avenge the season’s earlier loss to the Comets losing 73-65 in Nevada, MO. 

The game was tight throughout the first quarter as both teams tried to establish themselves. Each squad struggled from the field in the opening quarter only making five field goals apiece. After one quarter, Cottey led 14-11.

In the second, both teams began to get into an offensive rhythm keeping the game competitive. The Warriors were able to tie the game twice and even grab a lead midway through the quarter. However, some turnovers at the end of the half proved costly, and CU headed to the locker room trailing 36-27.

Calvary had some trouble restarting the offense after the break and allowed the Comets to extend their lead to as many as 15. However, the Warriors didn’t let the game get away from them and were down 57-47 at the end of the third. 

In the fourth, the teams traded baskets before Cottey again tried to pull away, but again were unable to get their lead past 15. The Warrior’s comeback efforts, in the end, came up short. With just under a minute to play Calvary cut the lead to six, but was unable to get any closer falling 73-65, a score nearly identical to the 71-65 loss earlier in the season to the Comets. 

After the game head coach Tressa Shoemaker said that despite the loss she likes the direction that the team is headed.

Anna Holloway led the scoring for the Warriors with 15, followed closely by Taylor Hunter with 14. Shalom Sutcliffe added 13 and led the team with 7 rebounds. 

Kelsey Acton scored a game-high 23 for the Comets. 

With the loss Calvary moves to 5-6 on the season. Next, the Warriors head to Lincoln, NE on Saturday, to play Union College in their final game of 2019.