The Sword, December 2015
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THE SWORD Student Newspaper Since 1966 Dec. 2015 Vol. 52 Issue 4 Concordia Divided By Katrina Bell According to its Promise Statement, Concordia University is ublicity, beginning with an online petition that calls to “stop a place where “Christ is honored and all are welcome.” A recent institutionalized discrimination against people’s innate humantraits. event on campus has sparked a debate amongst students as to This needs to be carefully considered at Concordia-Saint Paul, through what this truly means, specifically in regards to student sexuality. open communication and changes in the [student-handbook].” Concordia student Nikki Hagan, former message coordinator of Information about the #IStandwithNikki Project can be found at 908 (a student-led chapel service), recently came out as bisexual in cspstudent.wix.com/istandwithnikki. October 2015. After Nikki’s announcement of a relationship with another Stickers and T-shirts with the collective trending hashtags have woman in November 2015, the President of 908 decided to consult gone around the university and beyond, a gofundme account has University Pastor Tom Gundermann and Shelly Schwalm, Concordia’s raised more than $600 in support of the movement, and conversations Director of Church relations and Ministry Associate, regarding his feel- and panels have been hosted to talk about the issue with some ings and concerns with a homosexual woman holding a leadership of the student body. A rally/march was held on Friday December position on a worship-focused organization. As a future pastor, this 4th on the outskirts of campus where around 50 students marched student turned to Pastor Tom and Shelly Schwalm seeking guidance and protested. The movement has also gained local attention, landing on whether or not he could support Hagan to continue in her role. stories in the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune. Gundermann stated that during the meeting they came to Other students disagree with this movement’s requests, encouraging an agreement on the Biblical understanding and parameters of the university to retain the traditional Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod sexuality. And while there was an agreement that Hagan should (LCMS) teachings and values that the university was built upon. These step down from her position, he also divulged, “Were we on the students have been holding on campus prayer sessions at various days and same page as far as a process or timeline, or end result? No.” times in an effort to talk, pray, and support one another in their beliefs. Gundermann agreed with The president of 908’s actions, President Tom Ries addressed the issue in a campus- but he regrets not making it, “more of a process and involving wide message stating that, “First, [Concordia] love[s] all of our more people.” According to Gundermann, “A proper process could students…Second, [Concordia] affirm[s] the biblical teaching that have taken a few months.” The president of 908 has no God’s creative intent is for sexuality to be expressed between one comments about how the meeting ended. But following the meeting, man and one woman in a marriage relationship…I see opportunities he spoke to Hagan alone, specifically asking her to resign her position. for us to review student handbook policies and craft a student support group that is respectful of the needs of all our students.” Hagan stated, “I really had no choice. Even if I had said no, I Concordia is governed by a board of regents. The LCMS is the parent would have had to resign.” Gundermann has since apologized publicly organization of Concordia that owns the University. The Lutheran Church and privately to Hagan and others about how the situation was handled. Missouri-Synod, the second largest Lutheran church body in North America, Many Concordia students are speaking out about the situation, holds onto traditional values all within the context of the Christian Gospel. asking for change on campus through a movement entitled the #IStandwithNikki Project. The movement has been gaining increased CONTINUED ON PG. 9 FEATURED ARTICLES #ISTANDWITH CSP BASKETBALL FOOD REVIEW: NIKKI 4 UPDATE 12 MANNY’S 20 THEStudent NewspaperSWORD Since 1966 TABLE OF CONTENTS Vol. 52 Issue 4 FRONT: Concordia Divided 15. Stir Book Review 3: 4th Annual Reformation Heritage Lecture Beyond the Lights Movie Review Concordia’s Elite Neighbors: James J. Hill House 16. Food Review: Manny’s 4: Heidi’s Holst Housing Tip #2: Ready for the Holidays Food Review: Everest on Grand Psychology Club Spoglight 17. Art Spotlight: Anyia Bender 5: Professor Spotlight: Jan Puffer 18. A Gallery Worthy Crime: In the War of Paint Cans and Paint Mother Daughter Day 2015: Lights! Camera! Action! Rollers, Who will Win? 6: Bethel’s program for Disabled Adults 19. Theatre Spotlight: Tim Payton Convocation: Dr. Mennicke’s Sabbatical Music Spotlight: Beth Jobst 7. Women’s Empowerment: Concordia’s Educating Students 20. Dance Spotlight: Alexander Johnson on Women’s Rights Concordia Christmas Concert: “The Work of Christmas Begins” Capital Punishment in the United States is Unjust 21. “Relax Your Mind and Body with Plates” 8. Interview with Nikki Hagen “Twas the Night Before Finals” Interview with Pastor Gunderman 22. “Quoted” 10. Concordia Football Update “A Gift Bequeathed” Volleyball Update 23. Comics 11. Male Athlete of the Month: Shea Mandli 24. Comics Female Athlete of the Month: Kionda Nicks Finals Schedule 12. The Resurgent Season: Golden Bear Soccer Update Men’s Basketball Update 13. The Voice of CU Sports: PA Announcer Warren Falls 14. Saying Goodbye to Minnesota Legends: Flip Saunders & Jerry Kill SPECIAL THANKS TO TOPPER’S PIZZA, AND A HOST OF OTHER SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING OUR PAPER. THIS STUDENT-RUN PUBLICATION IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH OFFICIAL CONCORDIA PUBLICATIONS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THAT OF THE UNIVERSITY, BUT OF THE WRITERS AND STAFF INVOLVED IN THE PUBLICATION. THE SWORD STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF PRODUCTION MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/ Amanda Och Andrew Toelle PHOTOGRAPHERS Reeve Currie, HD Downs, NEWS EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Heidi Goettl, Cyrus Farivar, Katrina Bell Maria Cruz Rev. Tom Gunderman, Nikki Hagan, Brianna Holtmeir, SPORTS EDITOR EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Tony Kohanek, Jake Kounkel, Michael Limmel Madeline Austin Dina Her Mainha Moua, Dana Murphy, Emily Kong Andrew Toelle ARTS AND VARIETY EDITOR Bee Xiong Paxton Huberty, Karina Schlect, Maria Markman Cassandra Shaw, Broke Steigauf, FACULTY ADVISOR Adam Svien, Cydi Yang COPY EDITOR Eric Dregni Jenny Everett THE SWORD Dec. 2015 NEWS 3 4th Annual Reformation Heritage Lecture Dr. Mary Jane Haeming By Katrina Bell On November 12, the 4th annual Reformation Heritage Lecture was Dr. Haemig added that Luther taught about the nature of prayer itself, given by Dr. Mary Jane Haemig. Concordia first began the Reformation which is given and free to everyone. People should pray all the time, Heritage Lecture in 2012 to highlight the upcoming 500th anniversary both in times of need and when everything is fine. Prayer should be of the Lutheran Reformation in 2017. The purpose of the annual lecture persistently done, but it should not be repetitious. is to inform the CSP community and general public about the life, Dr. Haemig also touched on the subject of “What kind of God is thought, and influence of Martin Luther. Dr. Haemig, professor of Church this?” Answering that question, Dr. Haemig went on to lecture on how History at Luther Seminary and a specialist in Reformation, spoke on God answers prayer, and that fact that prayer is heard and answered, Luther’s thoughts and opinions on prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. proves that God is generous and defines the very nature of God. The Beginning with historical context on the beginning of the reformation, fact that humans suffer in their lives gives them a closer relationship Dr. Haemig spoke about what aspects of medieval prayer needed reforming. with God because it allows them opportunity to pray. Prayer makes a Medieval Christians were encouraged to pray to the Virgin Mary and the difference, and some prayers are answered, and some are not. Despite saints. They were taught that God would hear them only if they were worthy anything, we know that God cares and that God always will care. to be heard. They considered prayer a good work and therefore repetition The 4th annual Reformation Heritage Lecture taught the audience was helpful in building up this good work and they thought prayer primarily the importance of prayer and how Martin Luther changed the way people a work for clerics. Dr. Haemig continued on to highlight Psalm 118:5, a view their roles in the church. Luther’s teachings live on and remain here verse that Martin Luther loved to emphasize when talking about prayer. at Concordia. From the years 1535-1545, Luther lectured on Genesis, how God is the beginning of all, how humans pray for both spiritual and bodily needs, and how the language of prayer should be honest and forthright. Concordia’s Elite Neighbor James J. Hill House By Brianna Holtmeir Step back into the wealthy world the Great Northern Railway, mining, of James J. Hill by walking through the shipping, banking, and agriculture. massive carved door at his mansion. Less James J. Hill met his wife, Mary than three miles away from Concordia lies a Theresa Mehegan, while she was a magnificent mansion that once belonged to waitress at one of his favorite restaurants. the Minnesota monopoly man. It took three They fell in love and remained lovebirds years, 300 workers, and one million dollars for their entire 49 years of married life. ($26 million in today’s currency) to complete The couple had ten children, nine this lavish structure in 1891. At its completion, survived infancy; eight which resided in the house was the largest and most the Summit house.