On February 8, Christian leaders and Calvary students gathered for a one-day conference focused on creation. Dr. Baurain taught the first session, and Dr. Cone spoke on how to use the truth about creation in evangelism and discipleship. Dr. Gromacki’s lesson on why believing in a literal Adam matters doubled as Chapel for the students. After lunch, Dr. Dodds addressed the theological significance of creation. Dr. Boyd taught the final session of the day. It is our prayer that all of the attendees came away with an understanding of the importance of the literal, six-day creation.
Last Thursday almost 200 people joined us for the annual President’s Dinner. The theme for the evening was “Celebrating God’s Blessing!” After dinner the program began with two songs by the Chorale.
The Calvary Chorale sang Kum Ba Yah.
Then we presented Hand in Hand Awards to Bill and Debi Keeney and Graham Union Church for their tremendous support of Calvary.
Bill Keeney (left) accepts the Hand in Hand Award from Randy Grimm.
Representatives of Graham Union Church
Dr. Cone announced two recent, huge blessings. First, we have 401 students enrolled in classes right now! Second, Calvary has been approved to offer a PhD in Bible and Theology launching in January 2019. Following Dr. Cone we heard testimonies from three students as well as reports about God’s blessings in the Athletic Department, Colorado Innovation Center, and Kansas City campus buildings.
Student Tori Stahr gave a testimony.
The evening concluded with the first performance of Calvary’s new music group, lux voces. We are thankful for each person who came to celebrate with us and for the students who served in various capacities throughout the event.
As faculty lined the aisle, new students made their way to the front of Liberty Chapel for our annual Convocation on Wednesday. Dr. Bitner welcomed them and explained the history and purpose of a Convocation.
Dr. Bitner explained the purpose of a Convocation.
Arianna Erixson, Student Senate President, gave a charge to the entire student body in regard to being a family and supporting each other. Dr. An provided special music, and the new students were introduced to the school song for the first time. Dr. Cone shared a message and gave some humorous answers to frequently asked questions.
Dr. Cone shared a message.
We are excited to welcome both new and returning students for another year of training and service.
On Thursday, Calvary hosted a luncheon meeting of the Cass County Coalition of Chambers. It was held in our Student Life Center (new dining hall), and we received many compliments on the facility. Our own Joe Dapra prepared the delicious meal, and Dr. Cone was the main speaker at the event. He shared “Seven Tools to Enhance Your Industry” which included engagement opportunities between Calvary and our surrounding communities. 75 people attended the meeting representing businesses in Belton, Raymore, Peculiar, Pleasant Hill, Harrisonville, and other parts of Cass County.
Fifty-five students have participated in this week’s J-Term classes. That is the highest J-Term enrollment in many years. While many of the students came back to campus to attend these classes, some viewed the sessions online. J-Term is beneficial for students looking to lighten their course load in the future by taking one class this week before all the others start. The flexibility of online participation is an added bonus! The courses offered this week were Bible Study Methods/Hermeneutics, Counseling Cross-Culturally, American Military History, Music Technology, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, and Conflict Resolution.
Dr. Gromacki taught Bible Study Methods/Hermeneutics.
Ken Tibberts taught Counseling Cross-Culturally.
Dr. Bitner taught American Military History.
Dr. Cone taught Ethics.
Dr. Hessel taught Conflict Resolution.
Joel Williamson taught Introduction to Philosophy.
