SOCIAL JUSTICE
Interview with Pastor Cecile Moody WISE THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
THE THE CHRONICLE CHRONICLE ISSUE 8 VOLUME 62
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
“YOU AND WHAT ARMY?” BY REBEKAH MAURICE
I am really excited for this issue of the paper. It’s huge! And it is packed! I mean there are 24 pages and it is full to the brim! I don’t know if you can comprehend just how excited this makes me. I am so proud and thankful that we had so many contributors this issue! THIS PAPER FOCUSES ON THE SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES ABROAD AND WITHIN CANADA. There are so many problems happening everyday that it can be overwhelming and it’s easy to give up without even trying but I want to encourage you to try. To pick up the righteous armour of God and rush into battle against those that seek to abuse, oppress and ostracize.
IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT OUR CHURCH IS 10 YEARS BEHIND ON EVERY SOCIAL ISSUE IN OUR WORLD. For me this is depressing AS CHRISTIANS WE SHOULD NEVER BE BEHIND, RATHER WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE FRONT LINES COMBATING THE INJUSTICES IN OUR WORLD. So it makes me depressed that we are still bick-
ering on who can lead and in what capacity. Feminism is an ongoing struggle but fighting for equal job opportunities seems to be becoming a thing of the past. It seems archaic that we are still going back and forth on issues that the world has passed by. WE’RE FIGHTING ABOUT DECISIONS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN
MADE BEFORE MY LIFETIME AND WE ARE LEFT BEHIND AS THE WORLD MOVES FORWARD TO CURRENT ISSUES. Jennifer Laan
speaks of cozy Christianity in her article on Prison Ministries. For me it seems that it is “cozy” for us to bicker about “grandma’s living room issues” rather than go out to the front lines but I understand that it is also daunting to face the current issues that plague our world. Bianca has written a beautiful piece that speaks from a place of helplessness in which many of us dwell. This is in part my response to that helplessness. It was recently expressed to me that “we aren’t personally going to change the world” to which my response was “well not with that attitude”.
CHANGING THE WORLD IS NOT A CATCH PHRASE, IT IS A MINDSET.
It is a frame of confidence in which obstacles become training blocks and haters become negative criticism which fuels growth. It is a confidence that comes when you know that you can’t loose. We as Seventh Day Adventists are behind but if we are not going to be the ones on the front line who do we expect to pick up the slack? As Christians if we are not the ones to do it then no one can, we have been promised support, we have back up. We have a calling and we have an army. It is never little you alone you literally have an army. An army of righteous warriors robed in white and yielding swords of fire. All obstacles in your path will be eliminated before you even realize you have opposition.
“WE AREN’T PERSONALLY GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD” “WELL NOT WITH THAT ATTITUDE!” I’m not saying it will be smooth sailing but if you go in with the mindset that you are flanked by angels, it will give you the confidence that you need. ALL IT TAKES TO DO ANYTHING IS CONFIDENCE. I dress however I like because confidence is the only accessory you need to pull off a great outfit. When I was in High School I would short cut through the cafeteria kitchen, I always got away with it because I walked with a strut that said “this is exactly where I am supposed to be”and dared anyone to say otherwise it is all about confidence. I know that this is highly idealistic and that’s kind of the point, you can not go into the mess of this world plagued by self doubt. You can not worry about everything that will get in your way, so just don’t. Believe that it has already been taken care of and strut on your merry way. Even if it is a false sense of confidence it is the fuel that you will need to get you through the day, and the next, and the next until one day you realize it was never false at all and you are standing on a foundation ten feet high. I hope that that helps in some small way hopefully in a huge way. Educate yourself today with the amazing articles in this issue and continue to educate yourself each and everyday. We must stay aware and attentive to the events in our world so that when a call arises we are ready for the challenge.
SPORTS JANUARY 15
JANUARY 26
The MEN’S AURORA SOCCER team TIED with a score of 2-2. The goal scorers for CUC were Kent Horsley and Jorge Torres.
The LADIES SOCCER TEAM played against the “Pumas” The ladies LOST for the first time in quite a while. The score was 2-1. The lone goal scorer for CUC was Gabby Edmund. Both BASKETBALL teams travelled to Olds College for their second league game of the new season. Our AURORA LADIES absolutely dominated the Olds team and WON by a score of 69-32. The MEN WON, the final score was 89- 71.
JANUARY 17
The CUC AURORA MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM played their last pre season game on Saturday night against the War Scouts. CUC WON by a score of 103-81.
JANUARY 18
The MEN’S SOCCER TEAM played a solid game last night and WON by a score of 3-2. Last night’s goal scorers for CUC were Eric Boateng, Etienne Harushimana, and Jose Sanchez.
JANUARY 19
The LADIES SOCCER TEAM continued their WINning ways last night by defeating “Quicksilver” by a score of 2-0. Andrea Leaist gave another strong performance in goal while Gabby Edmond and Krysty Dost each scored very fine goals to complete the victory. JANUARY 22 Both the MEN’S AND LADIES AURORA BASKETBALL TEAMS played Millar College in Sask last night as the ACAL season is officially underway. The LADIES LOST by 4 points and the MEN WON.
JANUARY 29
Aurora Basketball vs Ambrose University College Our LADIES LOST by a score of 52-42 and our MEN WON by a score of 87-65.
JANUARY 31
The BASKETBALL TEAMS traveled to Ambrose University College in Calgary on Saturday night for a rematch of last Thursday’s game. The LADIES LOST by a score of 57-51. The MEN played an exciting game as well and WON by a score of 107-98. The ladies and men play their next game against the Prairie Bible Institute Pilots this coming Thursday night in Three Hills and then against the Pilots here at the CUC PE Centre Saturday night, Feb 7.
The AURORA LADIES SOCCER team plays a dou ble header tonight at the Collicutt Centre. Their first game is at 7:00 against the Parkland Panthers (In 3rd place with 19 points) and then again at 10:00 pm against The RDC Rec Royals ( in 5th place with15 points). CUC is currently in first place with 27points. THE MEN’S next game is on Thursday at 10:00 pm. The HOCKEY TEAM had a successful tournament at Mundare this past weekend. They played three games and WON all three by scores of 12-1, 4-0, and 9-3.
CALENDAR SUN 1
Merchant of Venice
MON 2
TUES 3
WED 4
THURS 5
FRI 6
7:30- Vespers Black History
SAT 7
7pm Choir Fundraiser Basketball
CM Convention
8
6-8 Laser Tag 7 Sunday @7
15
9
10
11am Black History
11
12
13
14 Reading Break
16 Choir Tour
Reading Break
17
18
19
Term Midpoint
20
Choir Tour
21
Soup Kitchen 6pm Breathe in life 9pm Midnight Breakfast
WEEK IN PICTURES #CUCAURORA15
EVENTS
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE BY JOHN HENRI RORABECK
The lights were low, the curtains closed, the cast prepared, and the audience sat with baited breath waiting for the play to start. It was Thursday, January 29, and the first performance of The Merchant of Venice was about to start. This is the third year that The CUC Drama Society, a thespian organization dedicated to presenting dramatic fine arts, has been in existence. Just like the other years, much work was put in to make this performance phenomenal. The Merchant of Venice is a play written by William Shakespeare and follows the story of a businessman named Antonio (played by Clem Morton) who helps fund a friend’s travels by borrowing money from a Jew named Shylock (Christopher Villacorta). Antonio’s friend Bassanio (Sean Todd) is traveling to woo the hand of the beautiful Portia (Cheyanne Welch) and after asking her hand in marriage finds out that Antonio’s loan is past due, and that Shylock is out for blood. Bassanio rushes back to try to save his friends life and, in a strange twist of events, has to fight to save his marriage as well. The entire cast, which included students, alumni, and faculty from CUC and Red Deer College, worked hard for over four months to bring the production together. There were many wonderful memories made and lots
of fun had by the cast. Megan McConnell, the director of the play, said her favorite part “was the rehearsal towards the end of January in which I asked the cast to really sell their performance… They performed the court scene and I actually ended up teary-eyed at the end.” Jay Stubbs, who played Solania, a friend of Bassanio, loved the transformation between practices and opening night. “AS THE CAST
CAME OUT ON OPENING NIGHT YOU COULD TELL THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE AMAZING.”
Preparing for the play was full of twists and turns. With only weeks to go before opening night, the setting was changed from 17th century Venice, Italy to 21st century Venice Beach, California, USA. This altered how the cast acted onstage and how the stage manager, Cassandra Brosseuk, prepared. “The biggest challenge was probably having to change the time period, with only four weeks to go. I ran all over Red Deer to find what we needed, but it turned out amazing in the end.” The cast members also had difficulties during rehearsals. “The biggest challenge for me was finding time to get it all done,” Stubbs commented.
“PEOPLE NEVER TELL YOU HOW EFFORT DOING A PLAY IS OR HOW MUCH TIME YOU’LL PUT IN, BUT IN THE END I WOULDN’T CHANGE A SINGLE MINUTE.” All the hard work was well worth it
on the nights of the performance. Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights were open to the general public, while Friday afternoon included a special educational program exclusively
for high school and home school students. Each performance was well executed and was well received by the audience. Allison Gallant, first year International Health and Wellness student stated that “THE PLAY WAS AN ABSOLUTE
DELIGHT TO WATCH.”
Not only did the play provide entertainment and education, but it also helped people around the globe. During intermission refreshments were offered for donations which went to a Peruvian orphanage that had lost government funding and was without adequate food or water. After the weekend the donations were counted and the final sum raised was over $500. This amount will be sent to the orphanage and provide many months’ worth of food, clothing, and other necessities. The whole production was a grand success and blessed not only the audience but the cast and crew as well. “I love… the family that we create with the people involved,” McConnell recounted. “IT’S THE BONDS WE FORM
AND THE LOVE WE SHARE AND THE AFFECTION AND THE SUPPORT… IT MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT.”
#ICUCGOD
THERE IS SO MUCH OUT THERE I HAVEN’T SEEN, HE TRULY IS INDESCRIBABLE. - BOBBY “I CONNECT WITH GOD THROUGH ART” - JACQUI
YOUR AMAZING CRIES AND SO WILL I -IRHIS
I SEE GOD THROUGH WORSHIP AND POETRY - EMILY
WITH VISA & FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AT THE TIME THAT I TOOK THIS PICTURE, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD END UP IN AN ADVENTIST SCHOOL IN ANOTHER COUNTRY! I CAN FEEL THAT GOD IS WALKING WITH ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY WHEN HE SURPRISES ME WITH BLESSINGS LIKE THIS ONE. - ATALIA
I SEE GOD THROUGH MY SCHOOL! LAST NIGHT WAS THE BEST VESPERS I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO! I WAS DRAWN SO MUCH CLOSER TO GOD BECAUSE OF IT. I APPRECIATE MY SCHOOL SO MUCH. I TRULY PRAY THAT CUC BECOMES CLOSER AND GROWS IN CHRIST TOGETHER. TOGETHER. TOGETHER. TOGETHER. - SAMUELLE
I SEE GOD IN THE QUIET; IN THE STILLNESS. WHEN THE WORLD IS SLEEPING AND I’M STILL AWAKE. / WHEN THE WEIGHT OF MY INCAPABILITY MAKES ITSELF KNOWN, I SEE GOD IN THE DUST THAT SCREAMS ‘YOU’RE NOT HERE ALONE.’ / I SEE GOD IN EXTENDED HANDS; IN ‘GOOD MORNING’ TEXTS; IN MY OWN MISLAID PLANS. / WHEN ALL I CAN HEAR IS TEMPORAL NOISE, HE FINDS ME THROUGH A STILL SMALL VOICE. - JACQUI
CONNECTED
I don’t know about you guys, but every time WISE week comes around I get excited. Not only because of the adjusted class schedule and shorter classes, but because we’re provided with time during our stressful day to refocus our minds on what’s most important in life. Its easy to get caught up in the NOW and the stress of an upcoming exam or looming essay. This year’s student speakers for WISE did an amazing job in sharing their own personal journeys and how they connect with God. The first speaker, Benjamin Amoah began the week with an eye opening message about how we should strive to be connected with God in the same way we are constantly connected with our smartphones. He made a great point that WE SHOULD ALL BE
STRIVING TO CONNECT WITH JESUS THE WAY WE TRY TO CONNECT TO WIFI. That evening, Kelissa
Geffrard shared about her journey in following God’s plan and how He worked in her life to bring her to CUC. Her powerful testimony was filled with faith strengthening and encouraging Bible verses that can keep us connected to Jesus. She emphasized the importance of putting our faith in Christ and that AS LONG AS WE REMAIN
CONNECTED, WE HAVE “NO REASON TO FEAR, TO WORRY, OR TO DOUBT”. The second day of WISE
began with Rechelle Smith speaking about the importance of a God-centered life through the telling of her testimony. Ronald spoke that evening and shared how he connected with God in
different ways. He brought up some excellent points and suggestions about how we can strive to be continually connected with God. Wednesday morning, the student body was blessed with two speakers at once! Jeff and Josh Bradburn, aka “the twins” spoke about their journey with God and the importance of wrestling with Him. They formulated the idea that “WE AREN’T
CHRISTIANS TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME, BUT WE ARE CHRISTIANS TO PURSUE GOD”. Regardless of
struggles, our constant pursuit of a connection with God will bring us the ultimate reward. That evening Bailey Muller shared her powerful testimony about overcoming obstacles and her faith in God to take her where He wanted her to be. She shared how important it is to not be ashamed of our religion and our God and by expressing our love for Christ we can ultimately bring others to Jesus. Jordane Smith shared her story on Thursday morning, followed by Marc Andrade that evening. Both Thursday speakers emphasized the importance of making a connection with God a main priority in our lives. It may take some sacrifices, but it’s worth it. And that EVEN WHEN FRIENDS LET YOU DOWN GOD WILL HOLD YOU UP. Maison Leitch was the last of the weekday speakers and shared how he is able to connect with God through nature. God reveals himself in so many ways and we are so privileged to connect with him through ways that cater to our personalities and needs.
BY CODRINA BASTON The collective WISE week message and spiritual atmosphere reached a new height at the Friday night Vespers program. The ambiance was filled with a passion and desire for a deeper connection with Christ. The program may have been longer than normal, but I didn’t want it to end. The amazing special musics, song service and message by José Sanchez created a deep desire within my heart (and hopefully others as well) for an unyielding and enduring connection with Jesus. Sabbath morning came and the last two student speakers: Mark Ricalde and Ashia Lennon. Although I wasn’t able to attend first service, Ashia’s sermon entitled “connect” was the perfect, powerful message to end an amazing WISE week. Her heart wrenching testimony of helplessness ended with hope and encouragement. When we are at our weakest and we don’t understand God’s plan it is still important to remain rooted and have faith in Him.
I was not able to hear every single speaker that week unfortunately, but I tried my best and I was blessed every time I heard a new way someone was able to connect with God. I’m so thankful that I am able to attend a university where we can learn from one another and strengthen each other’s walks with God. After this spiritual high I hope and pray that we all try to continue to strengthen and improve our connection with God. It’s difficult to do this on our own so I highly recommend we work on it “together” (haha yes). I strongly advise (if you haven’t already) you attend the new Together program that has begun on this campus. It is a great way to express your passion for God and to share what He is doing in your life and hear how he is working in the lives of others. As we continue to trudge through this semester I will leave you with this encouraging Bible verse. Remember not to stress too much, God’s got it under control. :)
“THEREFORE WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. THOUGH OUTWARDLY WE ARE WASTING AWAY, YET INWARDLY WE ARE BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY. FOR OUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE ACHIEVING FOR US AN ETERNAL GLORY THAT FAR OUTWEIGHS THEM ALL. SO WE FIX OUR EYES NOT ON WHAT IS SEEN, BUT ON WHAT IS UNSEEN, SINCE WHAT IS SEEN IS TEMPORARY, BUT WHAT IS UNSEEN IS ETERNAL.” -2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18
INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR CECILE MOODY BY JESSICA HALL
You’ll be caught by her beautiful dark brown eyes, her angelic smile, her bright energy, and her sincere care for everyone around her. She is passionate about life and ministry and she shines with Jesus’ love. She is easy to connect with and you can feel at ease in her presence. She is our new Associate Chaplain at Canadian University College.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PASTOR CECILE MOODY. It’s been over three weeks since that crisp sunny day that we drove up to the Edmonton airport to pick up Pastor Cecile. After grabbing a hot drink at Timmies, to initiate her back into Canada, I quickly learned that a gem had just entered our lives. Pastor Cecile has an extensive education background, with two bachelor degrees: psychology and social work, and two masters degrees: social work and divinity. She looks forward to getting settled here at CUC and then taking the occasional class to keep up with her craving for knowledge. Pastor Cecile’s work has included being a camp counselor, a social worker, and more recently a youth counselor at a homeless shelter. Pastor Cecile has always loved to keep active, as she grew up participating in many different sports and activities; she continues today by walking, going to spin class, and travelling. She also likes to relax by watching TLC and HDTV or by reading a good book.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY?
“I have many great memories of growing up in a suburb of Montreal. I remember the way my Grandmother smelled of line dried laundry, mixed with Chantilly, and spices while she pulled me down the street and around the block so that I could get the hang of wearing my royal blue Smurfette roller skates (yeah ….she was awesome). Or my father cheering me on (really…. really loudly) at sporting events! Or my mother teaching me how to tie my shoelaces and blow bubbles with Bazooka Joe pink bubble gum…. Ah, but my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE memory involves my sister and me as we would torment each other during seemingly long road trips!”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM PAST POSITIONS?
“I have been blessed with many great work experiences of which I have many wonderful memories. As the slide show passes through my memory, I find it hard to pinpoint a favourite. Rather, I remember brave and courageous people in various stages of life just doing the best they can, to survive and even thrive.”
HOW DID GOD CALL YOU TO THE MINISTRY?
“My call to ministry came soon after I joined the church, and was completely unexpected. And through the years I definitely ran in a manner akin to Jonah. But God’s voice (at times almost audible) became louder and harder to ignore. I found comfort and assurance through God’s word and the testimonies of others. Soon I could not deny that God was leading.”
IN YOUR YEARS OF MINISTRY, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT STANDS OUT AS BEING PARTICULARLY MEANINGFUL?
“Accepting the call to ministry for me wasn’t an easy one, I’m not so sure it’s simple for anyone, let alone for women. So some of my best memories have been God’s assurance along the way through kind people (usually unexpected individuals) and their unbelievable support and encouragement.”
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU HOPE TO SEE HAPPEN ON OUR CAMPUS UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP?
“What a profound idea that even after we have left, our footprints remain either leading others farther along the road or leading people astray. I pray that God allows me to help the CUC community to deepen its commitment to true exhibition of Christian love, unselfish service, and purposeful, intentional living.” I know that we will be tremendously blessed by having this godly woman on our hill top. Welcome, Pastor Cecile. We can’t wait to get to know you even better.
CREATIVE A SARCASTIC LOVE LETTER TO YOUNG ADULT FICTION
SUBMITTED BY JOSHUA BRADBURN WRITTEN BY NATALIA PAEZ
Dear Teen Romance Novels, Thank you. Thank you very much. You are the reason my boyfriend feels that I should never feel sad as long as I have him in my life. The reason why he believes his existence in my life should fulfill me and give me purpose. That his love for me is greater than the love I could ever have for myself and it is the love that matters most. You have given him a white knight complex. Now when I cry, he tells me he is sad, “that his presence doesn’t make me happy” And I thinkThis is not about you, you are not my whole reason to live, you are not my will to breathe, and that is okay. Romance Novels, you are the reason, he feels entitled to my time. that he shouldn’t have to fight for my attention, that I should want to spend all my time with him. He is not entitled to my time, my affection, my attention, my compassion, or love and adoration. He should know that its my choice. I choose to be with him. That is what makes our love special because we are learning the art of choosing one another. Dear teen romance novels, I feel the need to inform you that a “boyfriend” is not a drug and believe it or not, does not take the place of my Prozac. I do not take a dose of him in the morning to normalize the chemicals in my brain. So please do not feed into this idea because it results in him feeling incompetent because he can’t cure my depression with his deep blue eyes and cute little smile, and it leaves me feeling guilty and broken like if his love couldn’t save me, then whatever could? He does not understand he is like dessert to a main course or a chapter in a book, he may be my favorite part,
the part I reread, or the food I most enjoy, but he is not whole story. Not my whole story. Because you, he wants me to exist as a product of his love. He doesn’t even realize how he thinks or what he is doing, and it truly does offend him that I refuse to play into his delusions. It intrigues him too, because in all the stories, girls who challenge them, who play hard to get, are the most fun to tame. I am here to reject your ideas, I am here appealing to the writers to write new stories I am begging for new stories of girls who love themselves boys who have a healthy understanding of feminism and love derived out acceptance of one another instead of sculpting ideas to fall in love with. No more damsels in distress, or white knights no more writing medieval ideas into modern times disguising the dragons of the story as a cutting problem, or an eating disorder because I am part of generation who isn’t waiting around for a savior. We are not asking for a knight to come with his armor and sword to slay my dragons or conquer my demons, we are asking for swords of our own and asking for the men to step aside, as we look our dragons in the eye and say with pride, strength, humility and joy, “I got this.” Sincerely, Me.
A PRETTY GOOD PLACE TO START
BY JEFF BRADBURN
TOGETHER.
You might have heard that word sneaking around campus lately and although it sounds a lot like a dating website, I assure you that it is not. Together is in fact a new worship program at CUC which takes an interesting new perspective on worship, campus involvement, and tea. I say tea because the first together service kicked off Tuesday, January 27, serving tea as people filtered into the Lakeview Hall chapel for the launch of the Together program.
WHAT DOES TOGETHER MEAN?
IIt all started with an idea. An idea that was fed by books and fueled by coffee and when discussed with several other people, it grew into the opportunity to do something new on the CUC campus. The original idea is very simple: grace has connected all of us, but then what? We as college students, are a scattered people, as in we are only here for as long as our degree lasts (plus or minus a few years). Since we as students are only part of this CUC campus for a limited amount of time, an idea was thought up to take advantage of our short time on this snowy college hilltop, and cultivate the relationships we have here now, to be able to learn and be inspired from each other’s story.
AND THERE ARE A WEALTH OF STORIES HERE AT CUC.
With this focus on growing with one another (discipleship) and the application of what we learn from each other when we leave this college (being scattered), Together¬ wants to enable students with the tools for spiritual growth to use here and outside our campus. Together is not the solution to the curiosity for spirituality, but it’s a pretty good place to start.
SO WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?
The Together program is a worship service beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. It’s a little different from other worship services that our campus has seen. The first program was held on January 27th in the Lakeview hall auditorium, which was decorated with cozy Christmas lights. A happy number of people came out to the event in which there was a number of interviews with camp directors and students, as well as singing and laughs.
One of the leaders behind Together, Brenden Zapotichny , speculated about the future of Together here at CUC.
“TOGETHER OR NOT, THE FUTURE IS THAT WE HAVE STORIES TO TELL THAT CAN INSPIRE OTHERS TO LIVE THEIR LIVES AS DISCIPLES. THAT’S WHAT I WANT TO SEE IN THE FUTURE.” The future looks good for Together. I hope to see you next Tuesday.
HIGHLIGHT: SOCIAL JUSTICE
CHAINED OBLIGATIONS BY JENNIFER LAAN CM PRISON MINISTRIES COORDINATOR
15, 000. The amount of people placed in correctional facilities across Canada in 2013, according to Statistics Canada. Men and women, brothers and sisters, your neighbor. People just like us. Although an astonishing amount, this number to most people is a number representing justice served. We follow murder cases and fraud cases on the news for weeks but once sentencing is finalized we forget. We forget about that person, that case, because yes justice was served. We live in a society that is centered on rules, and as I take Ethics this semester I am constantly reminded of how our world’s foundations are structured upon law and justice for all. However it is a flawed system. Our prison system should be working to rehabilitate; by equipping and empowering its inhabitants to become better citizens. However this isn’t the case, MORE THAN HALF OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITHIN OUR CANADIAN PRISONS ARE ILLITERATE, and many are continually in and out of correctional services, because once released they have nowhere to go or the support that they need, so they turn to their old ways. Prisons are unjust, they are uncaring at times to inmates, and in some cases do not aid in helping to facilitate better individuals. Many people believe that these aren’t issues, because these individuals made choices and now its time for them to serve the time they were given. But this could have been any of us, and the inmates in the prions today are loved just the same as Christ loves you and me. To me these are important issues, and as Christ’s followers we have a calling to help.
PERCENTAGE OF CANADIAN INMATES WITH LESS THAN A GRADE 8 EDUCATION.
Prison is a field of opportunity to witness in many ways. It is a ministry where I can be uncomfortable for Christ. Where I can not only give a blessing, but as well receive one form the amazing individuals that I meet behind bars. AS CHRISTIANS WE LIKE TO SUGAR COAT MINISTRY. WE
LIKE TO TAKE TO THE COMFORTABLE ROAD WHERE WE CAN FEEL WARM AND FUZZY FOR JESUS. BUT JESUS WASN’T A WARM AND FUZZY PERSON. Jesus was
straight to the point, and he was knee deep in ministry, ministering to lepers, prostitutes, tax collects, and criminals. Don’t get me wrong; Jesus was a man of compassion, love, and tender care. But he didn’t sugar coat things, nor did he beat around the bush. This is why I think at CUC its time to stop beating around the bush, and get serious about hard to reach ministries. I think that so far CUC has done a great job of that. But we as brothers and sisters in Christ should be able to speak freely about these topics anytime, not just during a prison ministries training session, or WISE. It should be a constant ministry, like any other ministry. Now with this being said, prison ministries isn’t for everyone, and everyone
“WE CANNOT HIERARCHY MINISTRY INTO WHAT WE FEEL IS EASIEST TO DO” has their own comfort zone. But there are still other ways that CUC can help from the outside, for those that are uncomfortable about going inside. Something that I want to start running in the next few weeks is a care package program for the women at EIFW (Edmonton Institution for Women). Everyone can get involved at CUC, by donating some toiletry bags with approved materials, so that the women can have the products they need to help keep themselves clean and healthy. As well for the Men’s institution, Edmonton Maximum, many of the men that come in have only the shirts on their back as the clothes they own. The prison doesn’t provide them with any warm gear for the winter, if they didn’t come in with it. In this case we can donate used mens winter clothing to help the inmates there stay safe and warm. These are just some of the new ideas that I have come up with in helping our campus respond to a greater calling that Christ has placed upon my heart. God has commanded us to go unto all the world proclaiming his love, but we can do that still right in our own country and cities through prison ministries. In Matthew 25: 36- 38, he talks about clothing the unclothed, feeding the unfed, giving water to thirsty, and visiting those in prison. The disciples reply in that they had never seen Jesus in this way, but Jesus tells that
“TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.” I am constantly reminded through God’s word that he has called us to do many things, and we cannot hierarchy ministry into what we feel is easiest to do. Prisons are broken but they can be fixed through the love of Christ. Prison ministry is never easy and this year it has hit many roadblocks, but I know that through continual pray and immersion in Christ’s word that those categorized as the scum of our earth can become the pearls that Jesus made them as. I think its time for us to become uncomfortable for Christ and to be knee deep in this messy ministry.
HEED THE NEED BY RACHEL MAURICE
When I first decided to write for this issue of The Chronicle, I have to admit that I felt slightly overwhelmed. When it comes to social issues, there are just so many to be considered, that it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. Just at the mention of the phrase “social justice”, I immediately began thinking about all the things in the world I wish I could change. Accordingly, even though there are many causes that I feel passionate about, one in particular is the treatment of our Canadian veterans. Now most of us, if not all of us, have heard the stories of how once our Canadian troops return home they are no longer cared for like when they were abroad. AS A SOCIETY WE CARE MORE ABOUT OUR
TROOPS’ SACRIFICES OVERSEAS THAN THEIR LIVES BACK HOME, AND FOR MANY OF OUR SOLDIERS THE REAL FIGHT BEGINS WHEN THEY’RE BACK ON CANADIAN SOIL. Now I know that it is one thing to blindly make all of these accusations, and another to back them with proof. Consequently, from a factual standpoint, there here have been multiple cases this past year alone on the lessthan-cordial treatment of our troops. This year it was revealed that THE HARPER GOVERNMENT
SPENT $694,070.52 IN LEGAL FEES FIGHTING SEVEN VETERANS who are fighting a change in
the Veterans Charter that eliminates their lifetime disability payments and replaces it with lump-sums. In the government’s statement of defense IT WAS ARGUED “THAT OTTAWA HAS NO
SPECIAL OBLIGATION TO WOUNDED VETERANS”.
They literally fought men with no legs, spinal injuries and severe PTSD when that money should have gone to support veterans. Another terrifying fact, the Canadian Department of Defense revealed that over the last ten years, from 2004 to March 31, 2014, 160 MILITARY PERSONNEL HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE. There have been so many self-inflicted deaths by Canadian soldiers that THE NUMBER OF SUICIDES IS GREATER
THAN THE 138 SOLDIERS THAT DIED DURING ACTIVE COMBAT in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014.
Many of our soldiers when they return home are not the same people as when they left, and for many of our troops the terrors of war have left scars that can never be healed and injuries beyond mending. The injuries our soldiers receive overseas are only further enhanced by the
lack of care available to them once home, and without the proper treatment the strains of war are often too much to bear. Now I’m not trying to say that our Canadian government has completely neglected our troops, on the contrary I am aware that there are pensions and benefits that our soldiers receive. What I am saying is that there is a lot more that needs to be done, and that mistakes have been made, and are continuing to be made. Having said this, I know that as a university student it can seem impossible to make a difference in such a large-scale issue and I understand how it can seem easy for me to make all this noise and yet do nothing myself. Keeping this in mind I present to you the following ways in which college students can help make a difference for our troops. To me one of the most meaningful ways for people to give back to our troops is to honour their memory. Although I also want to make a difference in the lives of our soldiers that are still living at home or still fighting abroad, I also think that remembering those that have paid the ultimate price is one of the responsibilities we have to our troops. To this I suggest that one becomes committed to a charity for our troops. One charity that I have been researching about is the CANADIAN HERO FUND. The Canadian Hero Fund is a charitable organization that is dedicated to raising money to provide scholarships for the families of our fallen soldiers, with THEIR
MISSION BEING THAT ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO HONOUR THE LIVES OF THE FALLEN IS TO TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE THEY CARED FOR THE MOST.
There are also amazing charities helping soldiers who have returned home, WOUNDED WARRIORS CANADA has great services for veterans, including a service dog program for veterans suffering from PTSD, scholarships, transitioning programs and even couples PTSD therapy. You can donate or buy some of their cool merch. Now I know that as a university student there seems to be a constant list of expenses that we’re responsible for and I get that there is only so much money to go around, so if you don’t have the monetary funds to fuel such an endeavor I encourage you to fundraise or get involved with a charity where you can give your time rather than your hard-earned cash. On another note, one way that is often overlooked and that can help our soldiers at home and overseas is to keep them in our prayers. It might seem like an insignificant thing to suggest but I suggest it seriously. As a Seventh-day Adventist campus we know that God has promised that He hears us when we call and responds to our needs. As such I THINK IT IS ONLY FITTING THAT AS A COMMU-
NITY WE PRAY FOR OUR SOLDIERS ABOARD AND AT HOME AND ASK GOD TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE COMFORT THAT HE HAS SO GRACIOUSLY PROMISED TO GIVE. Finally, another way that we can honour our troops is to carry on their legacy. Our Canadian soldiers have committed their lives to
the service and protection of our country and have pledged to do everything in their power to help safeguard the freedoms of our nation. Accordingly, IN THEIR HONOUR WE TOO SHOULD DO
WHATEVER IS IN OUR POWER TO HELP MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. So pick a cause, they’re
not hard to find if you look, and get involved. It doesn’t matter if it’s going overseas as a missionary, joining the Peace Corps, helping out at a local soup kitchen or helping your families at home. I encourage everyone to help carry on the work of our Canadian soldiers and do their part to help make the world a better place.
“AS A SOCIETY WE CARE MORE ABOUT OUR TROOPS’ SACRIFICES OVERSEAS THAN THEIR LIVES BACK HOME, AND FOR MANY OF OUR SOLDIERS THE REAL FIGHT BEGINS WHEN THEY’RE BACK ON CANADIAN SOIL.”
THE ART OF COMPROMISE BY ERIC ANDERSON
“IF IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO, THEN IT ONLY TAKES ONE PERSON TO RUIN A GREAT PARTY.” - ANONYMOUS COMPROMISE; when you hear this word, read
this word, think about this word, what precisely is your reaction? There’s no context or background information- only the word. Do you get a sense of positive feelings, of different individuals or groups coming to a beneficial reconciliation, discovering a useful and meaningful path to work out their differences? Or perhaps do you think of a diluting of convictions, a letting go of something that should not have been let go of? Maybe you thought of something in between the two. It could be easily said that the first word picture is a positive one and the second is a negative one, however there is something on a more intricate level that needs to be examined. The first meaning or perception of compromise is a mutual journey, it exists in a more or less concrete reality; it may not be always written down as a contract, but there is a bond of trust and acceptance made between two or more parties. The second offering on compromise is a personal decision, there may be binding and/or forceful factors that are pressuring for this decision to be made, yet, that final decision must be made by one’s self. Though the act of compromising a conviction or belief is very real and can be extremely stressful, it is still in the mind; it is not a living, breathing reality between persons or groups. This is more than a semantic understanding, it’s a view of two distinct perceptions of one word, and it is key to a highly volatile and sensitive concern facing this campus. The concern for a Seventh-day Adventist university is that the campus community be a safe place for students and staff of all religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, and cultures; as long as none of these groups pose an emotional or physical threat to anyone else on campus. WHICH QUICKLY LEADS TO
TWO IMPORTANT POINTS; ONE IS THE MYTH THAT “CUC IS IN THEORY SAFE FOR ALL PEOPLE, BUT IN PRACTICE IS NOT”. This myth is perpetuated
because the Seventh-Day Adventist church as a whole is officially disapproving of LGBT “lifestyle”, though they try to sound accommodating to the LGBTQI community. While the school is not ashamed to be SDA and upholds the standards of the church, there is an understanding on campus by faculty, staff, and administration
that this is a university setting and thereby an open and academic place. Anyone is welcome to be a student of the university, as long as they abide by the codes of behaviour clearly outlined in the student handbook. That means that a gay couple is free to be in a relationship on campus, as long as they are willing to follow the same guidelines as everyone else in terms of sexual contact, public displays of affection, etc. In this way CUC is a safe place already in policy.
HOWEVER IF CUC IS IN POLICY A SAFE PLACE, WHAT MAKES IT AN UNSAFE PLACE IS US, THE STUDENTS. THIS IS THE SECOND POINT, one
of the main reasons a student at CUC would be so afraid of expressing their own personal orientation and/or identity that they become suicidal is fear of other students. Teachers may have personal views for or against LGBT students, but at least they are held more firmly under the Albertan human rights code. (Do note that if you have a faculty or staff member that you feel has discriminated against you based on your orientation or gender identity, you can approach the AB Human rights commission. However be sure that you are able to determine whether this was the bias of one employee or the university as a whole.) Certainly there are a myriad of factors that affect a person’s decision in this regard- family concerns, personal struggle, confusion, guilt, etc. I have never been in that position, so I cannot speak for others, however from my perspective, it seems unlikely that physical harm would be a major concern for an out LGBTQI student. Yet I would not say that it’s impossible. What is absolutely possible and even likely is emotional harm. How does this reality change? There may be people at CUC that don’t even intentionally mean to harm someone emotionally but they do, how are they to know? WHEN WE DISCUSS CUC AS A SAFE PLACE
FOR EVERYONE, IT REALLY DOES NEED TO BE A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERYONE. If you are not at a
point in your life where you feel comfortable accepting or supporting a person in their homosexual or trans identity, you should not feel threatened emotionally or physically because of that belief. Both the out and proud gay person and the conservative Christian have an important question to answer- what is a threat to me personally? This is where compromise must be in full and vital bloom in order to truly have a safe campus. To the person that believes that homosexuality, along with other differing sexual and gender identities, is a sin that shouldn’t be indulged in, you need to recognize that this is a personal belief. I know that it’s contradictory to the very nature of belief. No one believes something because they think no else should believe the same way, yet at the same time beliefs cannot be forced on anyone else. And to the LGBTQI individual, though it’s harder to reconcile, a person that does not believe you
should be who you are, as long that person is not harassing you in anyway, is not a threat to you. Compromise to the first group in this case clearly means giving up a held onto conviction, simply allowing a gay or lesbian person to live their life as they see fit, within the handbook guidelines on campus, is perceived as a threat to their very being. And in the same way the other group, the LGBTQI community, sees the existence of such contradictory opinions to their own identities, as a threat to their very existence. It’s easier to understand the LGBTQI point of view in this case, however both considerations should be held in valued esteem.
“ANY RELIGION OF THE WORLD THAT FORGETS THE REALITY THAT WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER AND WE ARE ALL IN THIS WALK OF LIFE TOGETHER HAS LOST IT’S PURPOSE.” Due to the reality that nothing changes overnight, the concrete application of compromise must reign supreme in order for the campus to be a safe place for all views. In this context of campus life, it means agreeing to disagree. We need everyone to be honest and kind with each other. Unless someone is in your face harassing you, leave it be. Compromise does not mean keeping quiet, but it does mean going through the proper channels (student association, student services, administration) if there is an issue, and not posting it all over Facebook. Neither does compromise mean that no one should have a platform to discuss or share their personal view point, as long as it is done respectfully and with an non-persuasive intent. To conclude, AT THE HEART OF ANY POINT
OF TENSION ON CAMPUS AND OFF ARE PEOPLE. This cannot be compromised, ANY RELIGION OF THE WORLD THAT FORGETS THE REALITY THAT WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER AND WE ARE ALL IN THIS WALK OF LIFE TOGETHER HAS LOST IT’S PURPOSE.
Whatever challenges or difficulties arise as our campus and the SDA denomination in general grows in its understanding and acceptance of all identities, LET US NOT FORGET THAT PEOPLE
ARE NOT ISSUES, WE ARE ALL HUMANS SEARCHING FOR THE SAME THINGS.
FEMINISM: NO STIGMAS ATTACHED BY TALIA SMITH
Tumblr is one of my favourite social platforms for being informed on feminist issues. Opinions are voiced freely, support and hate are given equally, and everything is brutally raw. You get an education that doesn’t fluff everything up— what you see is what you get— and this paves the way for expressing opinions in diverse ways. For example, the other day I came across this hand drawn cartoon promoting the sort of feminism I was speaking of, above. This is one of the many ways that awareness is raised for feminism. It characterizes the a priori positions of what most feminists belief.
One of the leading controversial topics of today is FEMINISM. Most are terrified of the word because it carries such a negative stigma; that stigma is that women who are feminists are all man-haters. I can assure you, though, that the sort of feminism you will find most women supporting and siding with, is nothing like that. You might also find it surprising that
FEMINISM IS NOT JUST FOR WOMEN, BUT FOR EVERYONE WHO IS DEPRIVED OF EQUALITY. What does this mean? This means that we, as students of
Canadian University College (soon to be Burman) are able to take advantage of this opportunity we’ve been given: to annihilate the negative connotations associated with feminism, making it a normality on campus and everyday life.
The term “FEMINISM” has been acknowledged since the late 19th century, but the concept of it has been around since the conception of humanity. We see that in Genesis that God created man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:27). God gave them the same responsibility: to take care of the earth, the animals in it, and to have kids to populate it and carry on with governing the earth with love. Throughout the Bible, mythology, and novels, we see themes of feminism popping out. For example, Penelope in The Odyssey, proved an equal to that of Odysseus regarding wisdom and wit, not to mention her keeping the many suitors at bay with her brilliance. THE POINT IS FEMINISM HAS BEEN APPEARING THROUGHOUT
HISTORY (JOAN OF ARC ANYONE?), AND IT HAS TAKEN US UNTIL THE 19TH CENTURY TO START RAISING AWARENESS ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT MATTER THAT AFFECTS US ALL.
As I said before, feminism is not just for women, as is typically assumed. Feminism is for everyone, especially those who find themselves in a group that is experiencing discrimination in any way. FEMINISM IS, AC-
CORDING TO THE HE FOR SHE CAMPAIGN, “BRING[ING] TOGETHER ONE HALF OF HUMANITY IN SUPPORT OF THE OTHER HALF OF HUMANITY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL”. When women’s rights are equal to that of men, we will see
equality bursting forth for every minority group subject to adversity. This is to say that if you are a muslim, homeless, gay or lesbian, or a man who wants to be a stay-at-home dad, or anything related to that, they will be able to do so, without feeling judgement from society.
FEMINISM IS, “BRING[ING] TOGETHER ONE HALF OF HUMANITY IN SUPPORT OF THE OTHER HALF OF HUMANITY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL”.
Now, it’s good to know these things, but what’s most important is what you do with the information after. How are you going to bring awareness to this issue? How are you going to take action in your life? Well, I have a few solutions for you: 1. NEVER STOP EDUCATING YOURSELF. By being educated, you are empowering yourself to educate others, and help them to see the beauty, strength, and importance in feminism. 2. TAKE A STAND. Emma Roberts (better known for her famous role as Hermione), is one of the leading advocates for gender equality. She has helped launched a campaign called He For She that “intends to mobilize one billion men and boys as advocates and agents of change in ending the persisting inequalities faced by women and girls globally”. This is something you can be a part of, too; just search up He For She campaign in google, go to the website, and sign your name. By signing your name, you are helping promote gender equality. 3. RESPECT OTHERS. Be it a man or a woman, give them respect. Don’t expect them to cave to societies expectations just because you do. We were created as equals in the beginning, and we were created uniquely, with different personalities and gifts (1 Corinthians 7:7). If we expect everyone to fit into the social norm, or to be exactly like us, we are depriving them of an enriching experience. 4. MOBILIZE A
GROUP ON CAMPUS OR IN YOUR COMMUNITY THAT ENCOURAGES FEMINISM.
Getting involved is the biggest step towards achieving equality.
Feminism is about respecting women and men, their choices, and ultimately their desires to breach the confines that society has set for them. I implore each and everyone of you to continue educating yourselves on this subject and to support this movement. IF WE’RE NOT FIGHTING FOR
UNIVERSAL EQUALITY, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY MAKE FOR A GREATER GOOD, THEN WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?
LAST WEDNESDAY WAS BELL’S LETS TALK DAY, HOPING TO RAISE AWARENESS AND END THE STIGMA AGAINST MENTAL ILLNESS. HERE IS SOME INFORMATION THEY’VE PUT FORWARD. WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Good mental health is the willingness to think about and deal with everyday challenges. These could involve: . making choices and decisions . adapting to and coping with difficult situations . talking about one’s needs and desires . maintaining meaningful relationships . Remember that everyone has good and bad days, with or without a mental illness • Just as our lives and circumstances continually change, so do our moods and thoughts, and our sense of well-being • We all feel sad, worried, scared or suspicious sometimes. But these kinds of feelings may become a problem if they get in the way of our daily lives over a long period • When there are changes in a person’s thinking, mood or behaviour, and these changes cause a lot of distress and make it difficult to do daily tasks, that person may have a mental illness
WHO HAS MENTAL ILLNESS?
Mental illness affects people of any age, social class, race and culture, including famous people, such as Clara Hughes, Buzz Aldrin, Abraham Lincoln, Beethoven and the other celebrities on this list • Most of all, the person who wears the label of mental illness is someone’s mother, father, daughter or son, someone with strengths, talents and wisdom
WHAT IS A STIGMA?
Stigma is the attitude and discrimination is the result • Stigma means thinking less of a person because of his or her condition • Stigma can make people feel unwanted and ashamed for something that is not their
choice or fault What does stigma mean in the context of mental illness and why must it be addressed? Many people living with a mental illness report that negative stereotypes about mental illness, and the resulting potential for discrimination, causes them more suffering than the illness itself. As a result, two thirds of those suffering from mental illness are too afraid to seek the help that they need. Mental illness affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. It can take many forms, including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Most individuals find ways to live with their illnesses but how they are treated by others often proves to be more of a challenge than the illness itself. Stigma is a key barrier that stops people from seeking help.
WHAT CAN A REDUCTION IN THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ACHIEVE?
Stigma surrounded many diseases in the past, but concerted efforts to confront these attitudes resulted in change for the better, including better treatment, more funding for research, and greater understanding from family, friends and colleagues. The goal is to achieve the same level of acceptance and understanding regarding mental illness.
ON JANUARY 28 THERE WERE A TOTAL OF ...
Here are what some family members of people with mental health and substance use problems have said about stigma:
“WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN I THINK OF STIGMA? MY IMMEDIATE THOUGHT IS FEAR OF EXPOSURE. YOU KNOW, FEAR OF PEOPLE’S REACTIONS. I MEAN, YOU’RE VERY FEARFUL OF A CHANGE IN PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TOWARD YOU OR TOWARD YOUR FAMILY MEMBER WHO’S ILL— AND WHATEVER AFFECTS THE CONSUMER, AFFECTS THE FAMILY.” “I GUESS THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH STIGMA—THAT YOU CLOSE OUT PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD HAVE COUNTED ON—PEOPLE THAT YOU REALLY NEED. AND YOU END UP CLOSING THEM OUT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA—NOT BECAUSE YOU DON’T TRUST THEM OR ANYTHING, IT’S JUST THE STIGMA. AND THE RISK IS HUGE, SO YOU’RE CLOSING ALL THE DOORS. YOU CLOSE THE DOORS TO ANY SUPPORT LINK.”
AND A TOTAL OF...
$6,107,538.60 WAS RAISED!
USELESS
BY BIANCA BASTON
I AM A PERSON WHO IS SCARED TO VOICE MY OPINIONS. WHAT’S EVEN SCARIER IS THAT SOMETIMES, I DON’T HAVE ONE AT ALL. Writing for this issue
is kind of terrifying for me because I build up my life to please everyone around me. I am extremely politically-correct (not that there is anything wrong with that!). I see most things in shades of gray. When people adamantly state their opinion as one side or the other, I get very uncomfortable. I just know that someone, somewhere, might be offended by their views. I am not going to go into depth and give you an analysis of my personality, but I want to ask some questions, voice some concerns, and hopefully connect with someone who can offer an insight or relate with me. After reading this article, if you have a response or an idea, reply with another article or find an opportunity to speak out and educate others who might be in a similar situation as me. THIS WORLD IS IN A STATE OF EXTREME VOLATILITY. It may sound redundant, but it seems like tensions on the political scene have never been higher. People are being murdered and war is being waged and we don’t even hear about most of it. And I am scared. But on top of the obvious trampling of rights overseas is the sudden revelation of the corruption and racism happening in the United States. I know it is not necessarily a sudden revelation to most people but as a privileged white person, I am sad to say I was not aware off all the issues until they came up on the internet. I
DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK. SO, I KIND OF IGNORE IT.
(I feel terrible but it’s the truth). The media, of course, is rarely to be trusted. The internet is a better, but still dubious, source of information. For those that have a Tumblr, a Twitter, Instagram etc., it is difficult to go one day without seeing posts popping up and heated arguments and hate, hate, hate. I am not confused about where I stand. Justice is justice. Some things ARE black and white. Slavery is WRONG. The abuse of women is WRONG. The abuse of any human who lives and
breathes is WRONG. BUT WHAT DO WE DO? God said to love your neighbor as yourself, but how do you start? It is very unrealistic for everyone to drop everything and go on marches and protests and dedicate our lives to charities and to fight. But when you think about it, isn’t that what Jesus did? And isn’t He our example? Where do we draw the line between being God’s children, helping those who suffer and trying to carve a life out for ourselves? There may be those that argue that this world is not our home and we should not be trying to make ourselves comfortable as we are just passing through. While there is plenty of truth in that statement, what do we do? We’re in college, investing in our FUTURE. THERE ARE MILLIONS,
THIS ISSUE HAS FOCUSED ON THE PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITHIN CANADA AND HAS ENCOURAGED WORKING WITHIN THIS COUNTRY. TRYING TO END STIGMAS IN DAILY LIFE, BUT IF YOU ARE FEELING A CALL TO GO OUT OF THIS COUNTRY AND OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE WE THINK THIS IS A GREAT OPORTUNITY YOU SHOULD EXPLORE.
NAY, BILLIONS ON EARTH AT THIS VERY MOMENT WHO WILL NEVER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES WE DO. SO, WHAT DO WE DO? Leave behind all material posses-
sions and become an advocate for the suffering? Sit on our computers and like a picture with #BlackLivesMatter? Where is the happy medium? Is there one? For those waiting for me to give some answers to all these questions, you will be disappointed. But that’s why I wanted to put them out there. So someone can help me and others who might be struggling with the same issues. I do have a small idea or insight that might help. Thinking back on Jesus’ time on Earth, I recall Him having many followers and friends and believers that were not necessarily following him around 24/7 and giving up their lives to preach His Word. The New Testament is full of stories of believers that helped the Gospel spread by opening up their doors and helping those around them that were in need. AS WE SCROLL DOWN OUR SOCIAL
MEDIA DASHBOARDS AND PASS ANOTHER POST THAT TOUCHES US BUT MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE IN OUR USELESSNESS, MAYBE SENDING UP A PRAYER MIGHT BE JUST AS HELPFUL AS THAT LIKE, RETWEET, OR SHARE. God will
call some of us to drop everything for Him and be a missionary, an activist etc. But for those that aren’t, we must still find a way to make this world a brighter place for as long as we are here. That’s all I have for now. WHAT-
EVER YOUR POLITICAL INCLINATIONS OR BELIEFS ON SOCIAL ISSUES ARE PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE AIM TO BE AS LOVING AS POSSIBLE.
BACKPACKING WITH A PURPOSE
STEP OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM AND INTO THE REAL WORLD FOR A TRULY IMMERSIVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE.
Operation Groundswell is a non-profit organization that runs international volunteering programs. We are looking for globally conscious and socially active students who want to spend their summer exploring some of the most complex and beautiful countries in the world! If you’re into cultural exchange, fulfilling community service, and off-the-beaten path adventure, apply by our early bird deadline on February 26th! *OUR BURSARY FUND IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS ON SIXWEEK PROGRAMS. SIMPLY ASK US FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Check out where we go: WWW.OPERATIONGROUNDSWELL.COM Six-week summer placements are open in the following countries and regions:
GHANA – Global Health EAST AFRICA – Youth Empowerment or Development MIDDLE EAST – Human Rights SOUTHEAST ASIA – Conservation or Youth Empowerment INDIA – Education or Gender Rights GUATEMALA – Fair Trade Justice or Peace & Conflict PERU – Health & Wellness or Environment
Can’t travel in the summer? Join us for our alternative breaks in the spring!
LIFE DEVOTIONAL BY ASHIA LENNON
The moments I am most acutely aware of my mortality are usually when immersed in a large body of water. I can’t swim very well, who am I kidding I can’t even float. I find there is something deeply mysterious about oceans and seas and lakes. There is a deep sense of helplessness. This had me think about anyone else that feels and understand the helplessness. I considered the many social issues going on in our world and I contemplated how again I felt helpless. But then I considered the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“IF A MAN HASN’T DISCOVERED SOMETHING THAT HE WILL DIE FOR, HE ISN’T FIT TO LIVE...”
These words are strong, powerful, and true. It calls for a sharp revaluation of perspective as to the motivations for my life. At the heart of which is Christ, I note that at times the hope and reality of the gospel sometimes eludes even me. And the challenge came, how can I use change in my world through my love of Christ? The answer came as we drove along the highway on the radio it spoke of this young boy who was once bullied made a change by opening doors for his classmates. He started out with the simple act of opening a door thus by inspiring a whole country. Acts like these, as small as they are can make a change in someone else’s life. Are we not also the hands and feet of God? Are we not called out of being spectators into participants? We are a part of a world that has the capabilities of instant awareness. We cannot sit by and let opportunities to serve pass us by. This is how we keep from feeling completely helpless. We have the power to grasp knowledge of all corners of the world instantaneously. We have the unique platform of proclaiming the coming of Jesus. How much more so that to live out our lives in the knowledge of what we believe. The only way the gospel will get to the four corners of this great big world is by my actions! There is someone on this planet whose life you will touch, whose existence you will influence through our convictions. Our belief in God is not stagnant, He but calls us to be dynamic and relevant. To pick up our cross and follow Him, for us to proclaim, I chose not only to die for Christ, but to live for him. In Romans 5:5 it reads,
“AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US, BECAUSE GOD HAS POURED OUT HIS LOVE INTO OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM HE HAS GIVEN US.”
We have the indestructible hope not only to proclaim the second coming but for us to pour out ourselves in service to each other to be each other’s keeper and to speak out against injustice. Our world history is painted with revolutionaries who take their faith and conviction and lived it practically. We must act upon it. Through small acts of kindness or through radical outreach we can ease the burdens of another. And maybe we might not feel so helpless anymore. Maybe the oceans and seas that separate us might not be so mysterious and scary after all.
IF YOU WERE AT TOGETHER THIS WEEK THEN YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER THE AMAZING VEGAN COOKIES THAT TALIA SMITH MADE. THEY HAD US IN AWE OF HER ACHIEVEMENT AND SHE WAS GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO SHARE THE RECIPE. IT MAY BE A TAD MORE DIFFICULT THAN OUR USUAL RECIPES BUT IT’S SURE TO BE WELL WORTH IT!
Cutout PREP TIME 45 MINS
COOK TIME 12 MINS
TOTAL TIME 57 MINS
INGREDIENTS COOKIES
1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened 1/2 cup organic cane sugar + more for topping 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 1/2 cups + 1 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk
FROSTING (OPTIONAL)
1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened 1 1/2 Tbsp pumpkin butter (optional) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional) 2 1/2 - 3 cups powdered sugar 1/4 tsp each ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice Splash non-dairy milk
INSTRUCTIONS
Add softened butter to a large mixing bowl and cream with a mixer for 1 minute. Add sugar, brown sugar and vanilla and beat for 1 more minute. Add pumpkin and mix once more. Add dry ingredients. Use a spoon to briefly stir, then sift over butter and sugar ingredients, to combine. Mix until until incorporated, being careful not to over mix. Then add almond milk and mix until a soft dough is formed. Freeze dough for 15 minutes, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Scoop out heaping 1 Tbsp amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place on a clean baking sheet 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Dip a glass into cane sugar and then gently smash the cookie ball down into a disc (see photo). Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes, or very slightly golden brown. FOR FROSTING: Wipe/rinse your mixing bowl clean and add softened butter. Beat until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla, spices, pumpkin butter (optional) and mix once more. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and continue mixing until thick and creamy. Once cooled, frost cookies and top with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
MEDIA MUSIC RECOMMENDATION : WALK OFF THE EARTH
LACOMBE CINEMA NOW PLAYING
BY REBEKAH MAURICE
I never thought to recommend WALK OFF THE EARTH because I assumed everyone already knows who they are. But I’ve learned that this isn’t necessarily the case. I first heard of them when they did their 5-people-playing-one-guitar rendition of Gotye’s “Somebody I Used to Know” which is on their album. But the whole album is full of get-happy tunes most notably Gang of Rhythm whose music video has been featured on CBC. I would recommend listening to them while doing something you otherwise wouldn’t enjoy doing, like vacuuming or dishes they’ll have you smiling and singing along.
BIO
Walk Off The Earth is an unconventional, multi-talented five-piece musical phenomena that is currently taking the world by storm. Based in Burlington, Ontario (just outside of Toronto), their brilliant 5-people-playing-one-guitar interpretation of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” recently exploded on Youtube garnering well over 35 million views in under 2 weeks. The massive fan response quickly drew attention to their collection of innovative songs and videos spanning their last 5 years and generated an unprecedented flood of media interest. New fans from around the world immediately fell in love with the band’s organic, independent, sincere and honest original songwriting, cover interpretations and beautifully filmed videos. For the past 5 years, the band has built a massive following of dedicated fans from around the world through their unique and heartwarming approach to songwriting, filming and constant, open interaction with everyone their music touches. The chemistry between the members of Walk Off The Earth is undeniable. Marshall, Sarah and Gianni’s individual vocal stylings mesh seamlessly with Taylor’s haunting harmonies and keys all the while soaring over epic melodic arrangements held together by Joel Cassady’s driving and prolific percussion work. Their independent spirit, unstoppable work ethic and awe-inspiring creativity has catapulted Walk Off The Earth into new and uncharted waters with only bigger and better things on the horizon.
COMING SOON
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UPCOMING BREATHE IN LIFE: BENEFIT CONCERT THE BREATHE IN: LIFE FUNDRAISING CONCERT is to raise funds for the Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre in Trinidad. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST 2015 COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHURCH LACOMBE, AB 6:00PM BACK STORY:
Candice Jones is a student at Canadian University College. She did her practicum at the Mamatoto Birthing centre in the summer of 2014. She has seen the dedication of the people that work at the centre and wanted to help out more in any way she could before she graduates from Canadian University College this coming April 2015. A concert is the best way she knows how! Candice Jones and Enoch Attey have been working diligently to make this concert a success and they hope that people from all walks of life will come support this amazing cause and bring friends and family. Both of them also hope for people to see how musicians can worship God with their instruments.
CAUSE:
Our funded programs are provided for women from poverty-stricken local families whose only option when they seek care is the public health care system where they are quite often not satisfied with the care they receive and are not routinely allowed to have anyone with them for support during labour. OUR SPONSOR A BIRTH PROGRAM includes childbirth education; prenatal visits; a natural birth with family, midwives and doula support; breastfeeding assistance and postnatal care for low-income/no income families. Mamatoto plays a vital role, demonstrating consistently good perinatal care and zero maternal and infant mortality - the benchmark pregnant women are seeking.
SUNDAY AT SEVEN VIOLIN-CELLO-PIANO: KANG-MERCER-PARK TRIO SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015
United by a shared love of the great classical and romantic chamber music repertoire, Judy, Rachel and Angela, three of Canada’s exciting artists, combine their broad-ranging individual knowledge and worldwide concert experience to offer dynamic and compelling performances as the Kang-Mercer-Park Trio.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
REBEKAH MAURICE
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EMILY CORTEZ
SPONSOR
JR FERRER
EVENT STAFF
BIANCA BASTON CODRINA BASTON JOHN HENRI RORABECK TALIA SMITH KAITLYNNE WINSOR
ADVERTISMENTS: COME JOIN CUC’S NEWEST SMALL GROUP GATHERING! This is a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally in a journey with other fellow students and friends. We will traveling through the book “THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE HABITS” BY STEPHEN COVEY. We won’t be rushing, so don’t worry about too much reading, we will look at about one habit for two sessions together. Bring a book if you have one or 5$, as some copies will be available! OUR
MEETING PLACE IS SOCIAL EYEZ EVERY TUESDAY AT 8-9PM. Hope to see you there this coming
Tuesday, February 10! From Eric Anderson.
DROP-IN TUESDAYS:
Discover “Test-Taking Strategies”, “Your Learning Style”, “How to Relate to your Textbook” and other practical study skills AT THE STUDENT SUC-
CESS CENTRE IN NORTH HALL ON TUESDAYS, FROM 3:00 - 5:00 P.M., beginning January 27. Drop-in
with your “Assignment Questions”, your “Writing Resources” and RECEIVE THE ASSISTANCE YOU
NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE YOUR CLASSES.
BOLT
BOLT Transit is a regional public transit service connecting the communities of Lacombe, Blackfalds and Red Deer. The system is conveniently routed directly to our campus, providing an important quality of life benefit for our student population. What are we being asked to consider? The service has a great framework but currently does not operate in the evenings and Sundays. These two schedule additions have been identified as priorities for the CUC student population, in order for the service to deliver an appealing and usable system that students will use more frequently. BOLT Transit would like students to consider making a commitment to a UPass style system, where the cost of transit is added to your tuition fees. Similar programs operate in larger centres such as Edmonton and Calgary. CUC student support of this program would then be used to ask BOLT Transit partner municipalities to consider adding evening and Sunday service to the existing transit schedule. The addition of these new service times would be a requirement for the formal UPass Program to move forward. By using our collective population, CUC students would receive transit access at a significantly reduced rate. BOLT’s current student rate is $45/month. They would offer access to the regional system for $20/month per student. How will the bus benefit me specifically? The bus might not benefit you today but the UPass program could be seen as an investment in the future: • New students will no longer require vehicles to navigate the City of Lacombe and beyond. • A viable transit system provides students with a cost effective mode of transportation. This enables students the ability to pursue part-time employment, leisure activities, volunteer opportunities and greater connectivity with the wider community. • CUC students would be setting a great example by making a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. • CUC students will be playing an important role in advancing this community building initiative. What do I need to do? It is simple and easy to make your voice heard! Please indicate whether you are in support of the UPass program for the upcoming 2015-16 school year. We’ll tabulate the results and let everyone know if we will be moving the program forward.
SIGN TO INDICATE YOUR SUPPORT AT STUDENT SERVICES. THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE PAPER WILL BE THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH PAPER.
WE ENCOURAGE SUBMISSIONS OF ART, POETRY AND PROSE. DO SOME RESEARCH AND WRITE ABOUT AN INFLUENCIAL BLACK MAN OR WOMAN IN CANADA’S HISTORY. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: SACHRONCICLES@CAUC.CA
MAKE UP TO $35 PER ARTICLE. The content of this newspaper represents the views, opinions and interests of the students on the Aurora Chronicles (The Inquirer) Editorial Team. Readers should not assume that what they find in this newspaper is automatically endorsed or supported by the CUC Student Association, Canadian University College, its Administration or its employees. What you find here may very well be one student writer’s opinion. While we, the Editorial Team, do our best to ensure that the information provided is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the material. If you do notice any mistakes or you disagree with the appropriateness of any of the content please contact the editorial team directly at sachronicles@gmail.com