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March 5, 2021 Issue 3 Follow us online

Pastor Travis Else resigns from First Reformed Church

Zac Vander Ley– Staff Writer Another difficulty of being a pastor, Else graduate of Emmaus Bible College and current professor at Dordt University—most recently explained, is navigating the realities of a post- Rec Center pick-up basketball legend — in the spring of 2020. Kieser took one of those denominational church in the context of a found himself somewhat alone. Therefore, his classes. Although he wishes he would have withstanding ancient institution that resembles relationship with Pastor Else, a non-Dutch CRC taken the class more seriously, he remembers the traditional Hebrew church. member who also moved to Sioux Center in the Else learning the names of each and every “There was a time when the pastor was the most past, meant a lot. student while forming relationships with them educated, but in the last 50 years, people are all “When I leave church, I leave worshipping in class. educated and have instant access to people like Jesus,” Horan said. Back when Else began pastoring at First Tim Keller,” Else said. Horan also appreciates Else’s gospel- Reformed—around seven years and two months Else’s journey to the pastoral ministry was centered approach to preaching. This, coupled ago—there were few Dordt students regularly also filled with challenges and questions. At with Else’s humility, respectful challenges, attending the church. However, Else estimates first, after graduating as English major from and genuine interest in the people of his around 200-250 Dordt students currently call a family of English educators, Else attended congregation, has greatly impacted Horan’s First Reformed their place of worship. law school at the University of Iowa in hopes faith. “It’s all relationships,” Else said. “I delight of using his English degree differently than his This past Sunday, Feb. 28, marked Else’s in the maturity of the college students and family. After two years of classes and one year last sermon as a full-time pastor at First it is a gift to see them show up at church and of interning, Else left law with a deeper purpose Reformed church. Two Sundays prior, Else had worship.” . . . in mind. announced his resignation to the congregation. Through worship, Else found a way to engage “The world didn’t need another mediocre Contributed Photo “I was really surprised,” Lane Kieser, a with Dordt students. In fact, many alumni and lawyer,” Else said. junior, said. “It was a mixture of confusion and current students — alumnus Ray Badudu; God made it clear to Else, through scripture, On a Tuesday night, around a year ago, sadness.” juniors Zoe Hoekstra, Antonio Maldonado, small nudges, and prayer, that he should seek Stevie Horan remembers walking into the Kieser attends First Reformed regularly and Kira Waite; junior and freshman brothers the ministry. His study of English, nonetheless, Fruited Plain. In the wooden aesthetic of the with some other students from Dordt, but after Joe and James Kamstra; and sophomore Bryce still influences his pastoral work. cafe he met Travis Else: the then pastor of First Else’s departure, Kieser will begin searching for Enger; among many others—have served or “Words matter,” Else said. “We tell and read Reformed Church in Sioux Center. After Else a new church. He began attending the church currently serve by leading worship at First stories and then look to the greater story.” paid for Horan’s café miel with almond milk, as a freshman two years ago largely because of Reformed. Else does not know what the future holds— the two spent around an hour discussing the Else’s influence. However, worship has also become a if he and his family will move, or what his next question of covenant theology. Since 2017, Else has taught CORE-150 dividing issue in many churches around the job will be—but he believes that this whole After moving to Sioux Center, Horan — a courses (Biblical Foundations) as an adjunct globe. process has been an affirmation of his calling as “We should not be held hostage to genre,” a pastor and a reminder that God is in control. Else said. “So, I say yes to all of it.” “I will miss the opportunity to worship with Else has four specifications of worship and preach to the people I know,” said Else. in the church: it must be Scripture-saturated, “I’m going to miss adding to my list of Tales from Texas’ power hospitable and accessible, excellent, and Travis words,” Horan said. involve the participation of the entire church. In sermons, Else is known for dropping rather He explained worship can sometimes be like large words such as visceral or schadenfreude. crisis walking people through a foreign language. Gezellig is a word that reminds Else of home. Thus, it is integral that worship must move Sydney Brummel– Staff Writer beyond the subjectivity of preference. cont. pg. 8 When freshman Elizabeth Lipp (Laurel, NE) left for Texas with her family on Feb. 12, she looked forward to a vacation characterized by quality family time, the making of memories, Dordt hovers at zero cases and, of course, the renowned warm weather of the southern United States. While Lipp’s time Mikaela Wegner– Staff Writer in Texas may have involved the first two, the six weeks. Dordt will then follow the CDC’s warm temperatures, unfortunately, failed to Zero, zero, zero, zero … Dordt’s COVID-19 instructions on how to move forward. At the make an appearance. communication page reported no cases during beginning of the year Dordt promised the “The whole way down from Kansas and the first week of the spring semester. It’s now campus community that it as an institution will clear through Texas, it was 28 degrees,” Lipp March, week eight of the semester, and the follow the guidelines of local health experts. highest number of reported active cases has Every time Dordt has made a move to lighten said. Contributed Photo Lipp’s family tries to take a family vacation been four. This is an improvement from the safety protocols “We’ve heard very loudly, and annually. This year, the Lipp family planned to bridge was open, Lipp’s father booked a room same point of the semester last October, when very privately, from people who don’t want to travel through Fort Worth and San Antonio and, in a hotel—which was not open for overnight Dordt sat on the tail end of a spike with 35 see that happen.” Taylor said. among other activities, see the Alamo. However, stays—just so that his family could shower cases. The students of Dordt are divided about due to the unexpected forecast of freezing, icy before they returned to their Airbnb. The power Robert Taylor, vice president for student how to react to the virus and resulting safety weather, the family ended up driving straight to did not return to their house permanently until success and dean of students at Dordt protocols, which Taylor believes makes sense, Corpus Christi, a coastal city in southern Texas. Friday, Feb. 19—they day they left Texas. University, says people naturally are getting as it mirrors the rest of the U.S. The Lipp’s began their stay in an Airbnb on a “It makes for a good story,” Lipp said. excited that cases are down, hoping then to see As soon as the CDC begins lifting nearby island on Sunday, Feb. 14. The Lipp’s were a few of the many things change and go back to normal. restrictions, Taylor said Dordt will quickly “The lady [owner of the Airbnb home] individuals affected by the mid-February winter “We’re all sick of it,” Taylor said. follow. If future statistics show the new variants texted my mom, ‘You’re going to want to get storm in Texas. With the plunging temperatures Dordt has made various steps towards are not playing a role in the spread, there will groceries today because everything’s going to and icy conditions, millions lost access to protecting the campus community this likely be different guidelines than there are be shut down tomorrow,’” Lipp said. electricity, heat, and water. semester. One of which has been addressing a now. Sure enough, after Mrs. Lipp bought the Anna Blauw, a Dordt University graduate major point of infection: dining areas. Large, There is still currently the risk of another family groceries, they lost their power that from the class of 2020, is currently studying loud air purifiers are in all eating areas on wave occurring. If that happens, Taylor says Sunday night. On Monday night, the family’s at the University of Texas in Austin to get campus. According to Taylor, the machines will Dordt will have to “double down.” house lost access to water. her master’s degree in harp performance. Her “literally kill the virus if it’s in the air.” “And when I say that I don’t mean doing “We had no heat, so we’d drive around in classes are entirely online this year. Despite this progress, Taylor said he does even more,” Taylor said, “What more could we our car during the day to charge our phones and Blauw lives in an apartment in Hyde Park, a not know if anyone can explain why numbers do?” stay warm,” Lipp said. “Nothing was open… neighborhood situated about two miles north of are so low, both on Dordt’s campus and within In the end, Taylor said students have to so we went to the beach a couple times in our downtown Austin, where she and many others Sioux County. come back to the covenant they agreed to at the coats.” experienced the effects of 6 to 7 inches of snow “We’re not out of the woods yet,” said beginning of the school year. The bridge connecting the island to the and below-freezing temperatures in Texas. Taylor. “Even though we all want to be.” “We don’t want to live in fear,” Taylor said. mainland remained mostly closed for their Taylor hopes Dordt will know more about “But we want to respect the reality of what this entire vacation. During the limited time that the the new variant’s impact in the next four to is.” cont. pg. 8 page 2 News Feature page 3 Concert Choir and Chamber Are one-day breaks helping Career Development Center aims to equip students students’ mental health? Lexi Schnaser— Staff Writer Orchestra plan “Tiny Tour” Georgia Lodewyk—Staff Writer COVID-19’s impacts have permeated all executing events such as job fairs, meeting with center’s Canvas page. This page is available to come in early in your college career,” Mulder Jaclyn Vander Waal—Staff Writer students for mock interviews, and analytics. every student and has been around for about It’s an impromptu road trip to the West aspects of life. One of these effects extends said. “With the job market changing, it’s even As a sophomore nursing major, Alinda She also spends most of her time working with four years. Coast with some friends, or a long drive to to career development. In this pandemic era, more important for the underclassmen to start Brouwer has exams almost weekly this spring employers to clarify position descriptions and “I was finding students were making a lot of spend quality time at home with family. It’s many jobs and internships have moved to thinking of themselves as professionals earlier.” semester and misses looking forward to a long set up opportunities for interactions between the same mistakes in their resumes, so I wanted putting love into action, leaving campus with a virtual formats and many employers are not in For students who have not yet met with break. employers and Dordt students. to create something where students could learn group of students to serve Christ in a brand-new the market to hire new workers in a time when Mulder and Westra to help develop their “It’s that time where you can find rest. Jake Thorsteinson, a junior biology major, is some of that basic stuff before they come see place and capacity. At Dordt University, spring budgets are tight. resumes and personal brand, Mulder and It’s hard to continue to want to keep being as thankful for his mock interview with Westra. me,” Mulder said. “And we wanted to give break is a different experience for everyone--, a The world of internships and jobs can be Westra say not to let the fear paralyze them. diligent when there’s no time for breaks, and the “When I was a freshman applying to be an them access to that at any time and anywhere.” week and a half blocked out that is often at the frightening for college students even during “Come on in and see us,” Mulder said. only thing in sight is the next exam,” she said. RA, I heard that they did interviews. I went Before quarantine, the page held resources forefront of students’ minds, something to look normal times. However, there is a place right on “We’ll help.” On February 15, Dordt students’ only long in and they had questions ready and gave me for only resumes and cover letters. Now, there forward to throughout the semester. This year, campus that can help Dordt University students “You just have to take one step today,” weekend ended, and the rest of the breaks this feedback on things I did well and some things are pages to help with interviews, graduate because of the COVID-19, it’s missing from the and alumni navigate the world of career Westra said. spring fall in the middle of the week. to work on,” Thorsteinson said. school, networking, and even what to wear. academic calendar. development. Kieser says taking the little bit of time it “Having one day off in the middle of the Mock interviews look very similar to a All students have access to the Canvas page “It’s certainly not something we ever want to Dordt University’s Career Development takes to get help now is worth it if it will benefit week does not serve the same purpose as a regular interview. Students will go and meet anywhere at any time. have to do again. We all need that chunk of time Center, staffed by Missy Mulder and Amy students later. spring break,” Dordt freshman Miranda Vander with Westra who will ask them a variety of One of the trends Mulder and Westra in March to get away. Just with the pandemic Westra, offers a variety of services to students, “Ask yourself if you know what a cover letter Berg said. “We are given assignments the day potential interview questions. Some questions have noticed increasing during the time of it doesn’t seem wise,” Robert Taylor, dean of before our day off that are due the day after our such as resume building, cover letter help, and is, and if you don’t, then you should probably mock interviews to help students negotiate job will be general, but others may be specific to the COVID-19 is personal branding. Personal go see career development,” Thorsteinson said. Contributed Photo students, said. day off.” offers. student’s career area or job they are interviewing branding is becoming especially important Mulder and Westra are more than happy Nearly a year has passed since Dordt This spring marks almost a year since Taylor said that this decision to put them in a bass in the choir, shared similar sentiments. “Our goal is to equip students with what for. After the questions are done, Westra will go because students are now competing for jobs to meet with students in person, and they are University’s Concert Choir was told to pack up the initial COVID-19 lockdown that caused the middle of the week was purposeful. They He is looking forward to spending a bit of time they need to land that first internship or job,” through student’s answers with them and give with people who have already been in the willing to meet virtually as well. Whether you and return home from New York in the middle Dordt to close its campus doors and move the wanted to guarantee students time outside of outside of class to get to know the new members Westra, who has been part of the center for just them advice, such as certain buzzwords, to workforce for years. Experienced people who are a sophomore looking for an internship or of their 2020 tour. remainder of the semester online. During this class to recharge, and also to discourage people of the choir better. In typical years, the choir over four years, said. improve their interview performance. lost their jobs to COVID-19 are now applying a senior applying to graduate school, stop into That has not stopped them from singing, pandemic the goal for Dordt faculty has been from traveling across states and countries. holds a weekend retreat where choir members “We operate from an empowerment model, “Having that experience really makes your for entry level jobs. student services to be met with the smiling however. They have continued to make to keep students here in person, and sometimes, “If we do over a weekend… we saw with spend time singing, playing bonding games, where we’re not going to do things for the nerves calm down when you get to the actual “It means you have to build that personal faces of Mulder and Westra. music—only now they are masked and socially Taylor explains, there are some things that the February break, a lot of people left. So then and eating. This year, COVID-19 prevented students, but we want to give you the tools interview,” Thorsteinson said. professionalism so much faster,” Westra said. distanced. cannot be the same in order to make this happen. there was concern: how far did they go, were that. and skills to teach you how to do things by When COVID-19 caused Dordt students to “It’s always been important for students to Originally, the ensemble planned to tour The solution created last semester was to they safe where they went, what did they bring As for COVID-19 guidelines, the choir yourself.” finish last year virtually, Westra and Mulder had Europe at the end of the 2020-21 school year. establish five “break days” throughout the back?” Taylor said. and orchestra will take as many precautions as Lane Kieser, a junior physical education to work virtually too. Although the trip was cancelled many months spring semester: designated days with no “It’s been very hard to feel that I don’t possible. They will wear masks while traveling major, is one such student. He was in the process “We didn’t have as much interaction with ago as a result of COVID-19, the Concert Choir scheduled classes in order to compensate for have time to invest in my family and myself on the bus and limit two people to each hotel of applying for student teaching and wanted to students because no one was around. Everybody and Chamber Orchestra recently scheduled a the elimination of spring break. Taylor said and my education I just feel like there’s a lot room. make sure his resume was up to date. was just in their own survival mode after the “Tiny Tour” for Thursday and Friday, March this decision was not an easy one, especially of imbalance… It’s hard to find that balance Yet, these safeguards do not faze Annabelle “There was a lot of things in my resume that announcement that we weren’t coming back,” 18-19. Their stops will include four regional when they were unaware of how the COVID-19 when the thing that’s being prioritized is your Hosmer, freshman social work major and a were outdated or not relevant. Missy explained Westra said. Christian high schools: Western Christian in pandemic would effect the world months later. education, when you should be prioritizing your cello player in the orchestra. really well why she was doing what she was The difficulties of virtual life gave Westra Hull, Iowa; Sioux Falls Christian in Sioux Falls, “You can’t have both, you can’t plan for mental health as well, but there’s no time for “I was very excited to see the email regarding doing,” Kieser said. and Mulder new opportunities to expand their S.D.; Mitchell Christian in Mitchell, S.D.; and both, so you gotta choose one now,” Taylor said. that,” Brouwer said. the ‘Tiny Tour,’” Hosmer said. “It showed a There is no such thing as a typical day for services. Southwest Minnesota Christian in Edgerton, “You can roll the dice and hope that everything During the pandemic, Dordt added student glimpse of normalcy for this year and a chance Mulder and Westra. Mulder primarily works “Our work changed from more helping Minn. works out for a long break in March, or you can support for both mental and spiritual wellness, to spend time with my orchestra group.” with students on their resumes, personal individual students to working more on that Selena Munson, senior business hedge and make sure that you do get five days with two new Pastoral Care Assistants, Gail Speh thinks this experience could have a statements, and cover letters. Her days consist equipping side,” Westra said. “What can we do administration major, an alto in the choir, was off for every student. And so, that’s what we Ashmore and Angela Perigo. Dordt hopes great impact on the students he will be singing of meeting with students to read through their to make sure the stuff that they need is available disappointed that last year’s trip ended when it elected to do.” students can make the most of their time on for. resumes and emailing back and forth with to students when they need it?” did. She compared it to a bad dream that she Even with these days set in place, some campus, even if they are not able to travel “Hopefully, we can show these schools how students about resume revisions. One of the ways Mulder and Westra hoped she would wake up from. Nevertheless, Dordt students have still felt the absence of elsewhere on break. we can still have a choir and be united even with Westra’s days focus on planning and expanded their services was in building up the she is optimistic this small-scale tour will six feet between us,” Speh said. spring break. provide opportunities to bond with the others in Hosmer hopes this experience will Contributed Photo the choir. encourage students to become involved with “My favorite aspect of touring is how well music and learn a bit more about orchestras. you get to know other members,” Munson “Knowing the difference between a viola A tail of two puppy raisers said. “Since you are spending all day everyday and a violin could be the winning trivia question with these people in very close proximity, it’s someday—you never know,” Hosmer said. Katie Ribbens—Staff Writer surprising how fast some friendships form.” Cody Speh, senior engineering major, and Puppies are cute. It is impossible not to love is inappropriate. They don’t understand that a service dog. After suffering childhood trauma “The people who need working dogs need them. But for puppy raisers, it is their job to love toys are for biting and human hands are not. and a car accident that left her with debilitating them to be trained in all environments and so them only to give them up. It is a heartbreaking Who teaches them these things? The puppy migraines, a traumatic brain injury, and PTSD, we get all kinds of environments and exposure moment when they part with their puppy to be raisers. It is their job to take the puppy with them the doctors told Cronin she needed a service to all kinds of different people on a college Worship in a pandemic trained for service work, but it is one of many everywhere to expose them to anything they dog. The emotional support the dog supplied campus,” Helming said. “It’s a good way that facets the position entails. might encounter with their veteran someday. helped her get out of bed each morning. The college students can be helping other people out Tabetha Degroot—Staff Writer Dr. Luralyn Helming, a psychology Idling in front of the Dutch Mart in Orange tasks her dog is trained to do allows her to live with their time.” professor at Dordt University, is intimately City, Iowa is a red car. It is an ordinary enough her life again. The prospect of applying dog training Imagine, if you will, a typical week in 2019. attendees going online, according to a Pew people are participating in chapel than ever praise and worship is no exception from that. familiar with the puppy raising process. As an car: small, low to the ground, lightly dusted with On the day she has to give her puppies back principles to the psychology courses she teaches Unmasked faces greet you as you walk down Research Center survey conducted in July of before,” said Perigo. Parents and alumni are Nicholas Hembrough, who co-leads Thursday animal lover, Helming once planned to become Iowan soil—but there is one major difference: to Partners, Cronin drives extra slowly, drawing excites Helming. She expects that the dogs will the sidewalk. You high five a friend as you pass 2020. Those not completely online have had to able to tune in and experience chapel like they night praise and worship, noticed the effect of a vet—a dream dashed with the emergence of three wagging tails are silhouetted in the back out every last moment with her dog. But she also have a positive impact on the students them and maybe even stop for a conversion, implement COVID-19 restrictions. did as students. the pandemic on attendance. her cat allergies. window. Attached to these tails are expressive knows it’s for the greater good, that someone on campus. Animals are naturally therapeutic less than six feet apart from each other. It’s time Dordt University is among the many “I want us all to be in there, but now we are “At the beginning of the year, there was But she soon found a new outlet for her eyes and cold noses, plus one very important needs this dog more than her. For the special and relaxing, the perfect remedy for a stressed for chapel, and a huge crowd of people funnel institutions that have experienced change. Dr. able to lead within the big Dordt community some low attendance but… we kind of saw it passion for animals: after her freshman year of accessory: each puppy comes with a “Service ones that really burrow into her heart, she college student. into the BJ Haan. Students and faculty alike sit Jeremy Perigo, director of campus ministries too.” fluctuate up and down and with the infection high school, she took in a puppy for Guide Dogs Dog in Training” vest. It transforms them from knows she’ll shed extra tears for them. But she close together and sing freely. and worship arts, arrived this year at Dordt not Senior Damon Groen has been leading rate being low now there’s quite a few people for the Blind. Jamal, a labrador retriever and any other adorable puppy into a future lifesaver, tells herself that it just means that someone else Similarly, on a Monday night, students knowing anything different. In London, where worship, particularly in chapel, since his coming.” golden retriever cross, lived with Helming for a working medical device in training. will be getting a really amazing dog. cluster together in the choir room. The he had been teaching before, everything was freshman year. The atmosphere of praise and worship has a year. He even went to school with her, forever Fran Cronin is the brave individual taking on However, some people don’t see it that way. atmosphere is heavy yet refreshing as the soft even more locked down, so he was excited to “Wearing a mask doesn’t really bother me also changed due to its change in location from dubbing Helming as “the girl with the dog.” not one, not two, but three puppies for Partners “I was called heartless for giving them up,” strumming of a guitar wafts through the dimly be in an atmosphere where people were able to most of the time,” he said, “However, I know the Grille area to the BJ Haan, leading to a less Like Helming, puppy raisers for Partners for Patriots. It is a lot to take on and people tell Cronin said. “That really hurt me.” lit room. Students sit in groups, they form worship together. for some people it really bothers them, so I intimate setting. for Patriots, a nonprofit in Anthon, Iowa, that her she is crazy. But she believes that it can be Helming concurred with Cronin’s prayer circles, they rest their hands on a friend’s “I think the biggest challenge for me is could see how it might cause them to reconsider “From a leading standpoint, we’ve had to pairs service dogs with disabled veterans, helpful to have an older puppy and a younger experiences and recalled a very tearful goodbye shoulder. leading worship for people with masks on” he coming to chapel in person.” He also expressed be much more intentional about what we’re spend about a year with their puppies. During puppy at the same time. One of her puppies, with Jamal. A small part of her had hoped that On a Thursday night, they gather in the said, “I haven’t seen Dordt worship unmasked a similar sentiment to doing..so I don’t think its necessarily a bad this time, puppy raisers spend every waking a cream-colored labradoodle with a rose nose he would fail in his training so that she could Campus Center. Some stand close to the stage, yet and I long for that day…You’re not able Perigo when it comes to a lack of connection thing because we’re actively trying to make (and often sleeping) moment with their dog. named Bailey, is just under a year old. She take him back. almost face to face with the worship leaders. to see the expressions on people’s faces and between leaders and worshipers. it feel like more of a community event” said Puppy raisers see the potential of a life-saving shows the younger puppies the proper way to “It’s really hard because you really do feel They brush up against friends and strangers sometimes you’re not sure if they’re actually “From a worship leader’s perspective, it Hembrough. apparatus for a future veteran in the wriggling behave, especially in respect to potty training. like you’re giving up part of yourself when you and interact with them freely in the low-key singing.” is harder to gauge people’s engagement or As far as people getting out of the habit of bodies, wide eyes, and clumsy paws of their “Having three isn’t much different from give them back,” Helming said. atmosphere. The blue lights glow as they sing Even though it has been difficult to feel investment in a worship service, because half of regularly attending praise and worship, he said, charges. having one,” Cronin said. However, when she attended Jamal’s and pray for each other. as engaged as before, there have been some their face is obscured.” “I’d rather it be a conscious choice for people Puppy raisers typically receive their pups She would spend time training regardless graduation with his new handler, she likened But now it is 2021. A multitude of things unexpected blessings to come out of masked Groen also leads the Monday night worship than have it be a habit… I’d rather people when they are eight weeks old, although if she had one puppy or three. She makes sure the pride she felt unlike anything she had have changed, and that includes how we worship. Perigo explained that worship teams sessions, which continue to take place at 10pm. choose to go to praise and worship even if sometimes an older dog will be brought in for to spend one-on-one time with each puppy in experienced until she had children. The puppy worship. Masks, social distancing, and changing have tried implementing some acapella singing They meet in the BJ Haan now, but if the they’re not doing it as often.” training. The 8-week-old puppies come into addition to the group outings. It is also critical she spent one year raising–the puppy she locations have led to a new and different chapter just to get more of a sense of participation and it number of people is under twenty, they move Normality seems to be on the horizon as their lives as a blank canvas. This is a pro: there that Cronin introduce the puppies to sudden poured so much of herself into–beat the odds in the Worship Arts department. The closeness has worked out well. into the choir room like the old days. praise and worship plans to go back to the is nothing wrong that the puppy raiser has to noises or flying objects so that they won’t and became a service dog. we once experienced in worship is no longer, “I’ve had some goosebumps in those “I think worshipping with other people Campus Center and chapel attendance remains un-train. someday be surprised on the job. Dogs open doors that people cannot and the virtual has replaced the physical in moments… it’s been beautiful.” is incredibly important” he said, “We as a steady. Soon, the blue lights will greet us again However, there is a major con: the puppies “We’re dropping stuff all the time in (figuratively, not literally–although service many instances. Another upside to chapels being streamed people of God are the temple of the Holy Spirit in the air that still smells slightly of hamburgers know nothing. They don’t understand that my house,” Cronin said. Silverware, pans, dogs do that too). Helming said that service Across the nation, churches and Christian and broadcasted due to COVID-19 is that collectively, and we become that when we from the Grille. For now, we join our friends for they can’t potty in the house. They don’t basketballs–everything is fair game in Cronin’s dogs are underutilized, and she could see Dordt universities have altered the way they approach a wider range of people are being reached. gather together to worship God.” spiritual refreshment and praise as well as we understand that shoving noses in certain places household. students becoming a part of the training process Cronin knows firsthand the significance of to help these dogs succeed. worship, with 72 percent of regular worship “We’ve had to limit numbers, but actually more This has been a year of ups and downs, and can through our masks. Contributed Photo page 4 Art & Entertainment Art & Entertainment page 5 I didn’t care Judas and the Black Messiah is a shot to The Diviners rehearses to hit Pieces of a Woman: a for I Care a the chest the black box reconstruction of one’s self Sam Landstra—Staff Writer Aleasha Hintz– Staff Writer In terms of screenwriting potential, this choice revolutionary, but you can’t murder revolution. Yage Wang—Staff Writer Lot It is not a spoiler to say that Judas and For the past several weeks, the Dordt had much to offer as the relationship between And you can murder a freedom fighter, but you the Black Messiah ends with the FBI-led University Theatre Arts Department has been Gretchen Lee– Staff Writer Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot (the archetypal can’t murder freedom!” “Resonance, every solid object has its own Elizabeth, also stands out in the story. At first, assassination of Fred Hampton, the former blocking scenes and memorizing lines in character dynamic that Judas and the Black These pieces of speeches that Kaluuya fires vibration, when the outer one matches the inner we might consider her as a controlling mother chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black preparation for their upcoming spring mainstage *SPOILER WARNING* Messiah draws from) is never explored in the off effectively build towards his death almost as one, you get the resonance. Sometimes, the who is never satisfied. After Martha loses her Panther Party. It is history. show: The Diviners. It’s a production process When I heard about Netflix’s original film, Bible. Neither is it in this film, unfortunately. if it were an altogether tragic inevitability. Not resonance can be so powerful to bring the whole baby, Elizabeth urges her to get compensation Still, it is a history not many Americans are that is unique for a couple of reasons: a larger I Care A Lot, I was excited. With an excellent For most of the 126-minute runtime, because Hampton needed to die for the sake of bridge down.” from their midwife—money, apology, or aware of. If you grew up in a mostly white, cast size, a student lighting designer, original cast and alluring storyline, I thought for sure O’Neal is held at a distance. His interactions his cause (like Jesus Christ), but that his cause Kornél Mundruczó, the Hungarian director lawsuit. Of course, Martha responds furiously conservative Christian community like I did, music scored by a student, and design elements this movie would be a slam-dunk classic thriller. with Hampton do not say anything about the was too revolutionary for the racist systems and of Pieces of a Woman, rolls out the core to her mother’s request. She thinks that her you probably never learned of the young that draw heavily from themes in the script. I was wrong. I Care A Lot falls incredibly relationship between the betrayer and the ideologies that plagued America in the 1960s message of the film by adopting the story of the mom only feels disgrace from her depression revolutionary in school, much less that the The Diviners takes place during the Great short of the potential it had by failing to evoke betrayed. To be sure, the reality of Hampton and still plague this country today. In essence, Tacoma bridge. The Tacoma was opened for use and home birth, which much likely collides United States government ended his life at the Depression in a rural town from Illinois . In this emotion from the audience and condensing all never realizing the rat in his ranks makes this Hampton died as the result of, but did not atone Contributed Photo in 1940 and dramatically fell down the same with what the audiences are thinking as well. age of twenty-one. Twenty-one. I sure did not, town of Zion, its inhabitants are mostly religious year in November. It is an artistic metaphor that the exciting moments into the last ten minutes study difficult, but nonetheless possible. For an for, racism towards black people in America, inform the actor’s movement and act as a canvas As it turns out, Elizabeth is just like Martha. at least. My only knowledge of Hampton prior and together form a tight-knit community. The Mundruczó uses to relate the character’s mental of the film. actor as talented as Stanfield, his character felt which makes his fate all the more devastating. for the lighting design, according to Koerner. She is just a mother who desires the best for to watching this film came from my interest in story centers around a 13-year-old boy named collapse to the historical event. Sometimes, Marla Grayson has been grifting the elderly underwritten. Judas and the Black Messiah and its In addition to the platform. the set design her daughter. In a highlighted lunch scene in rap music. Even with that, it was a knowledge Buddy who has a special ability for “divining” there is no reason to explain the causes of the most of her life. She convinces doctors to claim It is because of Stanfield, though, and even portrayal of the murdered Fred Hampton offer serves as a canvas for light in several other Elizabeth’s home, we can tell how much love clouded by ignorance. water. collapse but “resonance,” which is how Pieces that rich, older people are unable to care for more so because of Kaluuya, that Judas and the an antidote to the fearmongering stereotypes ways. For example, a large hanging piece of she puts into her mother-daughter relationship. In Judas and the Black Messiah, director This is a central theme in the play—water. It of a Woman tells a simple story of how we cope themselves and need a legal guardian. Marla Black Messiah has earned Oscar buzz. This past that linger around the Black Panther Party fabric can be portrayed as water or storm clouds, As we contemplate Elizabeth as a maternal Shaka King leaves no doubt. In just his second informs the design of the posters, set, lighting, with the loss of a child. then takes up guardianship of these people, week, in fact, Kaluuya took home the Golden in the twenty-first century. It is gritty when depending on how it is lit. figure, we also learn that she is a survivor of the feature-length film, he pulls no punches in costumes, and even the music. Pieces of a Woman is an R-rated movie selling their assets and keeping the money for Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a it needs to recognize systemic oppression “There is a juxtaposition between organic holocaust. She, instead of losing a child, almost retelling the killing that occurred during the Although the show focuses primarily on the streamed in theaters last fall but, due to the herself. However, her schemes take a southward Supporting Role in a Motion Picture. and prejudice and touching in the moments forms and really rigid, geometrical forms,” said lost her life in WWII. In the movie, Elizabeth civil rights movement of the 1960s and 70s. character of Buddy throughout, the larger cast pandemic’s impact, it did not catch much turn when she accidentally takes guardianship His performance is magnetic in a way that between. Dominique Fishback shines as Koerner, in reference to the show’s design. delivers a monologue about her experience as This grittier style of filmmaking comes as a size allows for the introduction of new students. attention until it was released on Netflix, of the mother of an incredibly powerful Russian is just as heroic and even more tenacious than Deborah Johnson, Hampton’ girlfriend. The intentionality behind the light, shadows, a mother to Martha, “After my father went into bracing—yet not unwelcome—shot to the Many new actors will take the stage in the 4th January 7. Martha, played by Vanessa Kirby, mobster. As the mobster chases her down, Marla Chadwick Boseman’s similar (yet fictitious) This film, The Trial of the Chicago Seven, and simple geometric shapes featured in the set the ghetto, my mother found a shack, an empty chest, especially considering other civil rights Avenue Theatre for the first time, along with our heroine for this film, loses her daughter in a must rely on her wits and conman abilities to Christ figure of Stormin’ Norman from Da Five Da Five Bloods, and One Night in Miami make and lighting design portray this tension well and shack, that she went into and gave birth to me, era films from this Oscar season that prefer a some more familiar faces. home birth. While the film focuses on Martha’s survive. Bloods. Kaluuya prowls as Hampton. And when a necessary quartet of civil rights era films from are hallmarks of the show’s design. without any help at all. She stashed me under more whitewashed version of history. (Here’s to The Diviners’ script leans on light in its maternal grief, it also exposes the tension As interesting as this plot sounds, the he speaks, his followers listen—just as they did this Oscar season that all seem to be coming out These factors make Dordt’s production of the floorboards when she has to go out and steal you, The Trial of the Chicago Seven). aesthetic design. In addition to its water theme, between Martha, her mother, Elizabeth, and her reality was sorely disappointing. The pacing with a hunger for revolution in the 1960s. at the right time. The Diviners worthy of an audience, but the food, so she could make milk enough to keep To illustrate how it is grounded in these the sky and earth are also prevalent elemental partner, Sean. was incredibly slow and not much actually From his real-life speeches from his time in Rating: 4.5/5 stars. script also carries some heavy themes. me alive, but just alive. Not enough to cry, or historical realities, Judas and the Black Messiah symbols in the script. But most often, the This is a spoiler alert if you have not watched happened in the movie. The parts of this movie the Black Panther Party it is evident Hampton Teresa Ter Haar, the director for The Diviners we’d be caught.” bookends its narrative with footage from the presence of water is portrayed through the use the movie yet. The film opens on a hopeful that actually mattered could have been fit into fought for and was part of a greater good that and theatre arts professor, said of the show, “It This explains her tough personality, 1990 PBS documentary Eyes on the Prize 2, a of light. note with Martha’s baby shower party and a 20-minute short film that would have been he believed could exist outside himself and his is a really powerful story about relationships— revealing the character as a woman dealing with series that examined the civil rights movement. In theatre, it is important for designers Sean finishing his day as a bridge construction more effective than this 2-hour edition. There leadership—something typically characteristic relationships between people, people and God, her own demons rather than just a grumpy old Here, the viewer meets the real-life Bill O’Neal, to communicate in order to stay on the same worker. Then, without any warning, the movie were moments of this movie that were clearly of Christ figures in film. This truth is followed between people and the environment.” lady. It is very interesting that the scriptwriter, the Judas in the title and the FBI informant page. This reality is even more apparent in pivots to a nearly 20-minute documentary-like constructed to be points of high-intensity and in the writing of his character. His dialogue also The show challenges the perspectives others Kata Wéber, subtly touches on the holocaust whose betrayal of Hampton ultimately led to The Diviners. Laurel Koerner, set designer scene of Martha giving birth to her daughter. tension, but the characters in this movie were does not shy away from the Marxist-Leninist may hold of some people. memories. It is an honorable move to call his death. and associate professor of theatre arts, needed It is hard labor that the audience might feel generally so unlikeable that, without any ideologies that Hampton ascribed to. “I think it brings some questions to any small people, especially people in the United States, Through this first introduction, it is clear to collaborate extensively with Daria Griffis, uncomfortable watching, leaving them feeling desire to root for any one party, I struggled to “Anywhere there’s people, there’s power.” community, and especially a Christian one,” to remember the holocaust’s deep wound on the film takes not Hampton (played by Daniel the senior student lighting designer. in order to her pain. emotionally connect to these scenes. The best Hampton said. “You can murder a liberator, but Koerner said. humanity. Kaluuya), but O’Neal (played by Lakeith create unified imaging. Sean, Martha’s boyfriend, is a complicated moments of the movie were right at the end, you can’t murder liberation. You can murder a This show is available to anyone who would Other than the delicate character designs, when Marla got the upper hand on the Russian Stanfield) to be the main character of the story. The set itself remains simple. The literal character. While watching the movie, people Mundruczó also employs some gimmicks to Contributed Photo like to see it, so long as they purchase a ticket biggest aspect of the set design is the slanting might constantly change their attitudes toward mobster and ended up teaming up with him to on dordttickers.com. Performances will be make the film more artistic. When Martha just platform that takes up the center and upstage this guy. He is funny, caring, with a few prideful start ripping off the elderly nationwide. At the held between March 17 through 20, with two loses her kid, she wears a bright red coat to parts of the theatre. This structure is not traits. After Martha and Sean lose their baby very end of the film, Marla is shot and killed productions held on the March 20 date. work. On the opposite of mourning for her loss by the son of one of the women she stole from, intricate, but still purposeful. It is meant to girl, Sean’s temperament changes and he reacts with pitch black, she decides to cover it up with which was, while sad and horrifying, a very 4th Ave Jazz: spring comes alive violently in his grief. He picks up his old habits a more vibrant shade, which contrasts with her satisfying ending to this film. The fact that I had of drinking and using drugs. sorrow. Also, there are eight time slots across to sit through two hours of nothing to get to this Yage Wang—Staff Writer Though the film focuses on Martha’s Martha’s mental healing process. Each of the moment, however, was ridiculous. Nomadland Review brokenness and exposes many faults of the timepieces starts with a view of the bridge that While this film had some relatively “I hear your voice out in the darkness/ is a lot of fun because it’s a smaller group. And bunch of weird noises.” would-be father, I really do not consider this Sean is building, from fall to next year’s spring. Somewhere across the fresh-cut lawn/We’re it’s a little bit more advanced since we move During the latter half of the vocal cinematic moments with decent use of Anna De Oliveira – Staff Writer film as a feminist advocation. Martha and Sean It forms an interesting relation to Martha’s lighting and framing, it was difficult to enjoy running barefoot through the wet grass/ through music a lot faster. And then having a performance, seniors Damon Groen and Selena to feel as though they are in the passenger seat both lost a child. There is no reason to debate reconstruction of her personal life. At the end Nowhere to be until the dawn/Up overhead the smaller group just means that you know each Munson brought forward a characteristic solo the camerawork as it was paired with one of Nomadland is a film that tells the story of with Fern. It is an interesting narrative that is on who feels more pain, so the film instead of the story, when she confronts the midwife in stars are burning.” other and it’s more intimate. That adds a lot to in “Ain’t That A Kick in The Head”. Then, the worst soundtracks I have ever heard. An Fern, a woman in her sixties who is mourning told beautifully by the actors and the director confronts coping with loss. Mundruczó zooms the court, it is also a sign of Maratha regathering On, February 26, the 4th Avenue Jazz band it.” the 4th Avenue Band led the rest of the jazzy overuse of dissonance and screeching chords the loss of her once seemingly normal life. Chloe Zhao. Not only did it make me miss in on the relationship between Martha and Sean, the last piece of herself and starts moving cast off the shadowy sentiments of winter with The 4th Avenue Band under went subtle evening. Notably, the brass instruments formed felt like an assault on the ears and did not It takes place in 2008 during the Great travelling, but it confronted me with the reality showing the conflicts in their relationship. It is forward. When you recognize the pain, when its first song—Green Lights by Sarah Jarosz. changes every year due to the songs and coherent classical jazz, which was filled with have an enhancing effect on the movie. Scenes Recession and Fern (played by Frances that our generation gives little thought to how not a movie about gender equality. It is about you admit the pain, it is the sign that things will As always, the jazz band sprinkled some spice techniques they decided to use. This year, smokey, romantic sentiments. without sound did not impress in terms of other McDormand) has just lost everything because many people die without fulfilling their dreams. communication, mutual respect, and not get better. As another message from Mundruczó into the mid-semester show for the benefit of COVID-19 became one of the factors that While many audiences love the concert, forms of sound design. of it. Nomadland picks up in the middle of her Another is the reality of being human is shifting our anger on other people when we are and Wéber, to all the people overcoming students exhausted from schoolwork. Especially affected the performance. there are some suggestive voices. Overall, this movie feels like a dusty attempt story and as we continue, we learn more about our inability to let go of things in our past. dealing with devastating losses. brokenness, Pieces of a Woman rings true. this year, the concert served as a playful and “I guess COVID-19 makes things different “The concert is pretty good overall.” Siena to be edgy and exciting. An excellent plot falls Fern and the life she has lived. Instead of allowing ourselves to grow, we end In the movie, another maternal character, cheerful melody to ease the overcast of the but musical-wise, it ends up balancing out Rose, a sophomore with a vocal scholarship flat on its face by failing to provide the audience In the title cards that open the narrative, we up tying ourselves down. We have forgotten the pandemic. because we have a little bit movement of said. “I really enjoy the instrumental part and with emotional payoff and forcing them to sit learn she once called the small industrial town importance of grieving properly and this movie The jazz concert has been a free, semesterly people.” Rohne said. “Something that has been the latter half of the 4th Avenue singers. But the through bland storytelling in order to see a of Empire, Nevada home. Here, she worked at serves as a reminder of the importance of such event at Dordt University, providing a small- significantly different this year than last year - first one, it’s more like a folk song. A folk song decent ending. a gypsum plant and was married. Because of processes. sized vocal and instrumental feast for students at least for Nick and me - it has been something you turn into a jazzy folk song.” I Care A Lot had such a potential to tell a economic fallout, however, the plant shut down Nomadland is an excellent movie. It was and locals alike. Of the 4th Avenue singers, called ‘scat.’ And that is basically [where] you funny, compelling story of a couple of villains and the town fell clear off the map. It doesn’t made with a lot of love and patience. However, sixteen individuals comprise the Ryan Smit- have a certain number of measures to make a DORDT UNIVERSITY trying to out-villain each other. I’ve seen even have a zip code anymore. In the middle I would issue out a warning that it is a film is not directed choir while Kevin Linder, tutorial many movies where villains, while carrying of all this mayhem, we also learn that Fern’s for the faint of heart. It deals with harsh topics adjunct for the music department, directs the out inexcusable actions, were still compelling husband (Bo) died of cancer. With nothing else and conjures up deep questions about life and band. and likable in some way. Neither the Russian left to show for, Fran decided to buy a van and its purpose. It was not filmed with a “fairytale” SPECIALS Many participants in the jazz band shared mobster nor Marla were interesting or likeable. hit the road in search of work and a new place lens, but I would still recommend it if you are their appreciation for this community. They didn’t have any of the flair of other classic to call home. someone who enjoys watching films that make “I joined my sophomore year first semester movie villains. Worst of all, this movie was This movie is littered with incredible you think. COLLEGE BUFFET and this will be my fourth semester of being labeled as “satire,” which it is clearly not. It cinematography. With Fran spending most of in the jazz band. And I plan to continue next ONLY $9 doesn’t even come close to touching satire. her time driving across the continental US, year until I graduate,” said Carolyn Rayhons, a STUDENT ID REQUIRED Perhaps the real con of this movie wasn’t we can see several shots of all the beauty the junior. CODE: 54012 Marla’s theft from her clients, but the fact that American landscape has to offer. For Rayhons, the jazz band is not only a this movie was advertised as exciting. Also, since Fern no longer holds long-term place where she can continue her personal job, she now works on a seasonal basis. Her first musical pursuits after high school, but also an job is at Amazon where she becomes friends FREE DELIVERY opportunity to share quality time with her peers. with another nomad. They begin to travel and “I think just the way we all get along and we work together, building a strong friendship. TO CAMPUS can joke with each other. That’s one of my best Together, they both become part of a bigger memories,” Rayhons said. group of ‘modern’ nomads who allow her to In addition to Rayhons, Isaac Rohne, a begin her grieving process. sophomore and another active member within it Nomadland is quite unique in that a majority shared his engaging experience within the jazz of the people in the film are not actors, so the band. Rohne is a jazz lover, and, like Rayhons, JOIN OUR TEAM! stories they tell are real. There is one other he also enjoys the small musical community. SIOUX CENTER Apply at actor, David Strathairn, who plays the character pizzaranch.com/carreers “This is my fourth semester in the jazz 251 N MAIN #100 of Dave and becomes Ferns’ love interest. band.” Rohne said. “The jazz band specifically 712-722-3988 Contributed Photo The film flows freely, which allows viewers KK7700 - 1918 Contributed Photo Contributed Photo page 6 Opinion Sports page 7 A Christian critique of The In defense of The Bachelor Dordt women’s Mikaela Van Soelen —Staff Writer Dordt hosts GPAC track Bachelor that leads to a secluded space with a random Zac VanderLey—Staff Writer basketball concludes 2020- I have been a longtime fan of The Bachelor; band singing for us. This would be weird for a championships relationships with people who are different than some might say a seasoned expert. With an older normal person, but to watch other people do it The hometowns episode of The Bachelor— Isabel Pheifer—Staff Writer you. If Christians are to watch it religiously, then sister and a mom who are especially into reality is priceless. filled with fall leaves, ornate couches, anda 21 season the show should seek to reveal the difficulties of TV, I have been on The Bachelor grind for at This love-sick television show has also myriad of dates—effectively illustrated the Dordt University hosted the GPAC Track Luke Bousema grabbed fifth place in pole vault. matrimonial unity rather than stage marriage as least ten years. Is 100% of me totally proud of provided reasons for people around the world to Ella de Jong — Staff Writer more wholesome appeal of the show. It also Championships on February 19 and 20. The These performances helped the Dordt men to a theatrical joke. that? Probably not. Have I daydreamed about come together—no matter their age or gender— raked in 5.4 million views two Mondays ago, Defenders had incredible performances on both clinch the conference championship for the first goals, personalities, and work ethics, the girls Maybe you think I’m taking this show too what it would be like to be on The Bachelor? and talk about something we can all relate to. The Dordt Women’s Basketball team the second most for this season. the men’s and women’s teams, as both finished time in school history. love spending time with each other and pushing seriously; you think that your fantasy league or 100 percent yes. Now it is time for me to put on Everyone shares the same inward desires for ended their season with a 54-67 loss to Briar Everybody wants to rest, sit back, and laugh within the top three in the team standings and Senior Jacob Vander Plaats was also an each other to be the best they can be. They can communal-watching party of the show is just my boxing gloves and defend fake reality and connection, and this show allows us to watch Cliff on February 24, 2021 in their first at the mistakes of others. It’s quite natural the former made school history. This was not integral part of securing the championship for count on each other on and off the court for fun and games. I would ask you to think about over-rated television drama for the show that connection happen right before our eyes. GPAC quarterfinal game. Their defeat cost and entertaining, which is why sitcoms and just another meet, as only the top 18 declared the men, as he performed exceptionally well. encouragement how the entertainment business works. many of us know and love. Bachelor nights encourage us to invite friends them a chance to play in the NAIA National reality TV shows have become king in the competitors in the conference for each event He snagged first place in the mile, third in the “They’re also goofy, energetic, and always The shows that receive the most eyeballs are There is not a right or wrong reason as to over, make some popcorn, and unplug for those Tournament. For seniors, Mari Smitsdorff, entertainment business. Even shows or movies were pitted against each other. With this and a 1,000 and second in the 3,000. Vander Plaats down for a dance party in the locker room,” copied. So even if you aren’t really engaging why someone watches The Bachelor. We can forty-five minutes. Baylee Tetzlaff, Erika Feenstra, and Siennah that are neither reality nor sitcom-based include conference championship in mind, the tensions said he was most proud of his mile race, Nielson said. with the show, by watching it, you are telling agree the show is tacky and overly dramatic. Yet Thanks to moments like “champagne gate” Stamness, it was the final collegiate basketball aspects of the shows to maintain viewers. But were high and the stakes were raised. “It was a season best for me, and it was the These emotions of gratitude at the end Hollywood to make more shows like The many of us spend season after season watching from Pilot Pete’s season, or Queen Victoria game of their careers. for a Christian, resting cannot coincide with the The Dordt women grabbed third place in the race I won. I also managed to negative split in of the season to stem from the culture of the Bachelor, with Bachelor morals. the same plot, listening to Chris Harrison say, from this bachelor season, we can laugh and “There were lots of tears and hugs shared neglection of morals. team standings. Junior sprinter Emma Bakker that race, running a 2:13 in the first half and team. Veerbeek notes this squad’s chemistry as There are, in fact, shows that are on par with “this is the final rose of the night” and ending find silly ways to bond through The Bachelor in the locker room as we thanked the seniors No, I do not believe I have to spend that was part of the great success of the women’s 2:05 in the second half.” different from any other team she has been on. the repulsiveness of The Bachelor; and some disappointed that our top picks got sent home. franchise. And whether or not you are a fan of for everything they have done for us and Dordt much time convincing people that The Bachelor team, taking second in the 200 meters, second Grabbing three top-three places earned This developed from the loving environment shows even surpass it (I think of the return of Why do people continue to watch it, and is it the show or not, it is always something that Women’s Basketball” said Ashtyn Veerbeek, a is trashy. The episode after hometowns will in the 400 meters, and seventh in the 55 meters. Vander Plaats 24 points for his team. This each teammate provides for the team. They can Temptation Island and Too Hot to Handle). It is okay to be a fan of the show? can be fun to discuss with our peers. Even if forward junior transfer. give you all you need; or just start thinking Bakker was also a part of the 4x400 meter relay impressive feat earned him the title of confide in each other and lean on each other for safe to say that the portrayal of explicit sexual Although The Bachelor franchise is listed the show does not serve a direct benefit, it can The loss was more than a disappointment— of your significant other dating other people, team that captured first place. Outstanding Male Athlete. support. references has increased in shows since the as a reality TV show, I would like to argue that be nice to sit back, relax, and watch two girls it was a shock. The Defenders, who were making out with them, and pretending to be Along with success in the sprint events “It felt pretty good to win the outstanding “So far Dordt basketball has taught me how beginning of The Bachelor (2002). it falls fall into more of a fantasy/reality mix. scream at each other over being on reality TV nationally ranked at the time, had previously in love with multiple people. All the gossip, was a powerful performance by the women’s athlete honor.” He said, “I was a bit surprised, to be a member of a team that feels more like a While I understand the appeal of laughing Watching The Bachelor provides a break from for the “wrong reasons”. The Bachelor might beaten Briar Cliff by 33 points the week prior. overt objectification of both men and women, distance runners. In the 3000 meters, junior since I scored fewer points than I did last year at family,” Nielson said. with your friends at the insanity of others (even reality and enters us into a world that none of depict an inaccurate way to find love, but it does “We went into that game after playing some and scripted business-interview dates prove Eden Winslow took first place, sophomore the conference meet and my times were slightly This basketball team, most importantly, though those people are also image-bearers us are familiar with. We watch it in fascination not take away from the pure entertainment and of our best basketball of the season,” said my point. The problem exists in Christians, Taylor Anema took second, and freshman Anika slower.” leans on God. They have learned to put God of Christ), it saddens me to watch my fellow because nobody does this outside of the show. high-quality commentary that goes on in a dorm Macey Nielson, a freshman guard. “We were specifically Bible Belt, contemporary-focused Homan took fourth. Despite his surprise, it represents how the at the center of their lives and understand students, friends, and acquaintances continually There is no such thing as 25 women falling room or apartment. excited to keep that high level of play rolling.” Christians who are not only members of the “During the race, I felt really strong. I think Dordt Defender track and field team is both their faith is far more important than losing support such an anti-Christian show. We talk for you, and I am truly sorry for anybody who Therefore, it is okay to not have a conviction Veerbeek and Nielson both felt disappointed audience, but the members of the audience , I was very well prepared for this meet both dedicated and humble. a basketball game to Briar Cliff. Through the about redeeming culture almost every day, yet, believed that before reading this. But now you toward why we watch The Bachelor. The at the conclusion of the game. These emotions according to an article by Bustle. physically and mentally. I went into it hoping “It’s sweet that I was able to be on the first wins and losses, Nielson has found that God is during the nights, we sit back and consume have accepted that fact, you may watch The importance is for people to understand The soon merged into gratitude, though. They are Matt James, the bachelor, began the season I would win, and am glad I was able to do so,” Dordt team to win a conference track meet.” still there. filth that completely opposes our discussions in Bachelor peacefully knowing that it is, in fact, Bachelor is not a true form of reality. As strange both thankful for the opportunity to play the by praying, asking the Lord to deliver him a said Winslow. For the 5000 meters, four women Vander Plaats said, “I am hopeful we can The culture of the basketball team will look class. not a reality TV show. It is its own genre that as it seems, this show brings people together game of basketball amidst a pandemic while wife through the show, and I think he genuinely placed within the top eight. Anema, junior Mary continue our success at the national meet and as no different in the coming season. Veerbeek and The Bachelor is just one show in a culture provides entertainment for normal people, like and gives us a reason to just be. For me, it is just other teams across the country have barely had believes the show’s formula can coincide with Kate Postma, freshman Margaret Myskowski, we move towards the outdoor season.” Nielson will both be returning for the 2021-2022 that has lost sight of its values. No, I’m not us, who will never experience a one-on-one date enough to keep me hooked. a season. Their gratitude also lies in love for and junior Brenna Tolkamp placed 1st, 4th, 6th, While safety precautions didn’t allow basketball season and are excited to come back Christian values. This is where the show is talking about popular culture. It’s expected their teammates. and 7th, respectively. spectators, the teams acted as their own support even better. The rest of off-season, they will be quite dangerous. Sometimes, when we are at that the world engages with secular values, but “I know that each one of them has my back,” The success of the Defenders continued system. This ended up being really uplifting to training and improving their skills together as a our most fatigued and oblivious, we encounter Christians are supposed to be the ones entering Veerbeek said. with the men’s scores placing them in first. witness, as each team showed their team spirit team. the most danger. A seemingly inoffensive show the world but refraining from becoming the There is no lack of friendship within the Freshman Payton Mauldin ran himself to first and sportsmanship by cheering participants on can portray a glaringly distinct problem in the world. And no, I don’t believe the Hallmark-bow- Dordt Women’s Basketball team. With shared place in the 600 meters, second place in the during the various events. The excitement of culture of the world and Christianity. wrapped-supposed-Christian entertainment is Crunchyroll Anime Awards 800 meters, and was a part of the winning the day kept on building all the way until the The Bachelor and The Bachelorette promote Christian either. Exposing the brokenness of an idealized form of love—the type of love that 4x400 meter relay team. Junior Davis Tebben very last second of the last race in anticipation humanity—and thus truth—requires shows Elise Wennberg - Staff Writer literally a “cinnamon roll.” is concerned with physical attraction, dramatic was able to garner two long distance places, of the championship trophies being awarded to about sex, divorce, and many other complex The winner of “Best Drama” went to season Men’s basketball season opposition, and pride. This type of love states one being first place in the 5000 meters and the deserving teams. ideas. But those ideas should never be presented Despite the drawbacks of COVID-19, the two of Fruits Basket, a remake of the original that “I should be seeking my well-being in a the other being third place in the 3000 meters. The Defenders Track and Field team the way The Bachelor presents them. year 2020 was huge for the anime community. released in 2001. This renewed one of the partner who meets all my needs” while failing On the field side, sophomore Grant Brouwer will send qualified athletes to the National Admittedly, I could be wrong. It’s possible The number of shows released during this time, classic romantic comedies of the anime world comes to a close at GPAC to think critically about the other person in the soared to second place in high jump, and junior Championships at Mount Marty University on Jesus doesn’t care what we are watching as long including new seasons and new anime, have to a newer generation with an updated art style relationship. March 3-6. as it is within community. But I feel a moral stolen the hearts of many. Unfortunately, some and smoother animation. Christians should not support a show that tournament calling to abstain from ever again watching The of the anime release dates had to be delayed, but For the “Best Animation” award, Keep portrays conflict within relationships as a Bachelor—I feel a moral calling to speak out they still managed to be released within 2020. Your Hands Off Eizouken! won for its unique melodramatic form of entertainment. against a show that is passively accepted by the This year marks the fifth year Crunchyroll animation style and realistic depiction of the The Bachelor should be a deeply serious show Caleb Pollema - Staff Writer new wave of contemporary Christianity. has held the Anime Awards, where judges and work that goes into creating an anime. It takes chronicling the difficulties of forming strong fans vote once per day on a variety of categories More unusual stadiums, a stab at the unfair conditions entry-level and the best players in the conference,” said Dordt such as Anime of the Year, Best Score, Best For athletes everywhere, there is nothing quite mid-level animators go through just to make senior forward, Garrett Franken. Animation, Best Boy, Best Girl, and more to like the feeling of making it to postseason play. a living, often working 230 hours in a month please Headed into the matchup, the Defenders celebrate the hard work that goes into creating It is a goal that every team begins the year with while still barely making any money. Eizouken! and only a few teams turn into a reality. knew that it would be a tough task trying to stop a show. Voting started on January 15 and fans Connor Van Hulzen— Staff Writer New chocolate muffins also won the “Best Director” award based on Walters and the Jimmies’ offense. could vote once per day until January 22. Fans The Dordt men’s basketball team was one Masaaki Yuasa’s hard work and dedication to of those few. Following a hotly contested 86- “We need to at least break even in the Daniel Ketchelos—Staff Writer the scale of the large muffins you can purchase eagerly voted for their favorites and anxiously The NHL just concluded two games set on NCAA has chosen to consolidate the tournament the craft. 84 road win against the Briar Cliff Chargers physicality battle,” Coach Van Haaften said at Perkins, whereas the old muffins were more waited for the announcement of the eighteen the shores of the majestic Lake Tahoe. While into the state due to the ongoing pandemic, but However, out of the countless anime in Sioux City on February 20, the Defenders prior to the game, “[We] need to win 50/50 balls The sweet, savory taste of a chocolate-chip of a standard muffin size, similar to what you categories on February 19. Each category has there were logistical issues—mainly the sun these gyms will unfortunately not be among produced this year, only one can claim the clinched the sixth seed in the GPAC Conference and rebound really well.” muffin is a part of my morning that I always would expect your grandmother to bake. six nominees selected by plethora of judges being so hot the ice melted during the day, the venues used for games. The sight of a game title of “Anime of the Year” and what better Tournament. look forward to. When I saw that Dordt’s Edibility is another factor worth mentioning. who are experts in the field, and come from a requiring the scheduled games to be pushed taking place in the historic Hickory, Indiana one then the biggest action blockbuster of the With the sixth seed in the tournament, the “We have a lot of fun on these trips,” Gesink F.L.A.M.E organization would no longer be When I purchased the original chocolate-chip variety of backgrounds, cultures, and careers, to later at night—the views included on the gymnasium where the inspiration for the movie year—Jujutsu Kaisen, which also won “Best Defenders hit the road for a midweek matchup said. “We get to hang out on the bus, watch serving this delicious morning treat, I was muffins, I knew that it would not be hardto allowing for diverse perspectives. broadcast and the novelty of playing on an Hoosiers took place would be outstanding. Ending Sequence” (“Lost in Paradise” by ALI against the third seed, the Jamestown Jimmies, some movies, and just be with friends for a disappointed. Within a few days of the news, eat while in class. But, with the new muffin, Some of the winners for certain awards outdoor rink in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Continuing in that same vein, it would be feat. AKLO) and “Best Antagonist,” making it in Jamestown, North Dakota, for the opening couple days and play a game we love.” F.L.A.M.E announced that a new distributor I am less confidant. The combination of the were to be expected, however, the competition is something that I think needs to be expanded great to see games between non-traditional the anime with the most awards this year. round of postseason conference play. After their week of preparation, the would be providing chocolate-chip muffins to new size and mini chocolate-chips creates the increased this year due to the ever-changing upon greatly in the future. opponents in unusual venues. This season Some anime, while not taking home any “It’s playoff basketball,” said Dordt senior Defenders took to the court to begin their Dordt University. perfect storm in messy eating. The size factor ways to explore different animation styles and This concept of playing games at venues Nebraska’s men’s basketball team played GPAC awards, received honorable mentions: Great guard, Ben Gesink. “This is always the most postseason run. As an avid muffin enjoyer, I have gone to requires the muffin be torn apart before eating, play with colors, light, and new effects to make which neither team call ‘home’ is not new. The opponent Doane. Renewing a rivalry that had Pretender, BEASTARS, DECA-DENSE, fun time of the season as it is either win or go The first half went back and forth with both great lengths to get a delicious muffin. My otherwise, you will smear chocolate all over the magical even more apparent. NHL routinely plays Winter Classic games been dormant since the year 1900, Nebraska Dorohedoro, BNA: Brand New Animal, home.” teams finding success on the offensive end of worst experience in muffin-tasting was from your face. The mini chocolate chips also are Crunchyroll also included three categories in massive outdoor football stadiums. The expectedly thrashed Doane 110-64. The results Somali and the Forest Spirit, My Next Life as a The Defenders split two games with the the floor. Freshman center Jacob Vis led the a gas station in Nashville. Do not buy muffins prone to extreme melting when heated up, for the best anime of its genre; the winner of NCAA has seen basketball teams play on an of the game were not a surprise, but the novelty Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Appare- Jimmies over the course of the regular season. Defenders with 11 points and 4 rebounds in the from a gas station at midnight. Fortunately, which causes your fingers to become dowsed “Best Fantasy” went to the second season of aircraft carrier at port. The NFL has played of the game itself is what interests me. Ranman!, and Tonikawa: Over the Moon for In their first game of the season, the Defenders first half of action. Dordt headed into the locker the new chocolate chip muffins are leaps and with sticky milk chocolate. These factors make Re:ZERO - Starting Life in Another World. The regular season games in Mexico and the UK. What if Dordt scheduled a game in the You. fell by a final of 74-91 at Jamestown. However, room down 38-41. bounds better than gas-station baked goods. the new chocolate muffin impossible to eat first season came out in 2016 and the second has The MLB recently hosted some Yankees vs. DeWitt against the University of Iowa? Call Like all awards, many people have vocalized the Defenders returned the favor when the The second half was a different story as The original chocolate chip muffin without many napkins handy. been one of the most anticipated of the decade. Red Sox games in London. The NBA seems to me crazy, but I’m pretty sure the DeWitt would their complaints on the anime who won the Jimmies came to visit the DeWitt with an 87-68 Walters took over offensively for the Jimmies tasted great, but while the new muffin is still While the new chocolate-chip muffin is The winner of “Best Comedy” went to the play around the globe in exhibitions and regular be filled to the brim. Dordt would not inany first-place prize, saying certain anime were lopsided victory of their own. scoring 18 points in the second half. He would chocolate-chip flavored, there are some major not a perfect replacement for the old muffin, I second season of Kaguya-sama: Love is War?. season games. universe be expected to win, but simply the idea “robbed” or that some shows were overlooked “We are looking forward to the trip to finish the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds. differences between the two. The original am thankful to have the option of a chocolate- The first season drew anime fans from all I would personally love to see this idea of a matchup against a powerhouse like Iowa is due to the mass audience favor towards certain Jamestown,” Dordt’s head coach, Brian Van Jamestown ran away with the victory by a final chocolate-chip muffins featured larger chunks chip muffin still available on campus. The genres in with its loving, humorous characters, expanded on a much greater scale. interesting enough to pursue. types of shows. Overall, 2020 produced some Haaften, said. “We like playing there, and we of 68-89. of milk-chocolate chips that provided a delicate increased size of the muffin improves the ratio who more often than not, “lost” in the game Who would not love to see the Minnesota Whether in a cornfield in Iowa, on a docked of the most groundbreaking anime in recent have great appreciation for what Jamestown With the loss, the Defenders’ season comes balance between the bitter flavor of cocoa and between Defender Dollars to muffin, which of love. The main female protagonist, Kaguya Wild play professional hockey on an outdoor aircraft carrier, or in the DeWitt Gymnasium, years, despite the many setbacks and hardships brings to the table. They have great post play, to a close. For six seniors, it was the final time the sweet flavor of sugar. While the original makes purchasing it feel like a better deal. Shinomiya, also won the “Best Girl” award, rink in the northern Minnesotan hamlet of the concept of playing high-level sports in people faced through COVID-19. Many of the excellent shooters, and are well coached.” that they will suit up in a Dordt uniform. muffin tasted stale after sitting for a few hours, The bitterness also helps to compliment a cup further displaying the anime community’s love Warroad, population 1,781? What is Warroad’s unusual locations is something that, while categories had tough competition which could One of those excellent shooters is sophomore Despite the loss, the Defenders have a lot to if it were consumed within an hour of being of coffee. I found in the past that the immense for the show. claim to fame? For a town that has never expanded upon recently, remains elusive on a have easily swayed in the favor of another forward Mason Walters. Walters leads the be proud of over the past season. They finished warmed up it tasted great. In contrast, the new sweetness of the original muffin mixed with a One of the most sure-called anime awards is exceeded 2,000 people, it has produced almost large scale. Hopefully, as the light at the end of anime. However, the anime that won awards conference in points per game and rebounds per the season with an 18-8 record overall and a muffin has smaller chocolate chips and is more Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino would be too the “Best Boy” award, which had considerable 80 NCAA Division I hockey players and boasts the tunnel better known as COVID-19 grows clearly show how they transcend others in game with an average of 21.5 points per game 13-7 conference record. on the bitter side than the original. While it does much in the morning. candidates, but none that could top the love for that every U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team nearer and nearer, teams can return to playing these categories; winning the hearts of tens of and 12.1 rebounds per game. He presents a not taste bad, it lags behind in terms of flavor While I do miss the original chocolate-chip Haikyuu!!’s Shoyou Hinata, who has captured to win a gold medal has featured at least one their games in interesting and different venues. thousands to win a Crunchyroll Anime Award. challenge for the Defenders. compared to the original. muffin, I am very thankful that I can still get my the hearts of almost everyone who watches the Warroad citizen. “The thing I’m looking forward to the most The new chocolate-chip muffins have also weekly chocolate-chip muffin fix, even if it is show with his shining personality and earnest Why can’t March Madness be held in high is getting the opportunity to play against one of increased in size. They resemble something to more cumbersome to eat. disposition. Some even say that he is quite school gyms across the state of Indiana? The page 8 The Back Page Else cont. Texas cont. cont. from pg. 1 cont. from pg. 1 supply. . . . It’s a Dutch word meaning coziness. Else “The Bible is the story of God; not of me, . . .“I was driving to church on Sunday “They [Texas municipalities] don’t insulate relishes in the gezellig moments of eating his for we are not the protagonists,” Else said. morning, and it was kind of slick and icy… their pipes the way they do in other places,” wife’s beef burgundy with his family of six. “Will you be shaped and become people of this maybe 40 degrees,” Blauw said. “For this area, Blauw said. “So a lot of people were struggling Even with a change, he will find peace and book?” it’s a little bit shocking.” with burst pipes…there was damage in people’s rest in time spent watching concerts, attending Only about forty individuals made it to the homes and also damage to city water veins.” musicals, and viewing sports—all done with church services that Sunday, as most people For several days, Blauw had to boil all members of his family. chose to not venture out in the snow and cold. her water—regardless of whether it was for As the Bible Project video from the After all, winter weather to this extent had not drinking or face-washing—per the city’s notice. latest sermon series comes to a close at First occurred in Texas in decades. Due to the lack of power, the water filtration Reformed, Else walks up the row of stairs to At around 2 a.m. on the following Monday systems were not guaranteeably safe to ingest. preach from the pulpit one last time. He opens morning, Blauw’s apartment lost power and Since the power outages, Texas has his Bible and checks his microphone before heat. more or less returned to its typically warmer leading the congregation in prayer. His message “I woke up and I was like ‘It’s cold in my weather, and power has, for the most part, been focuses, fittingly, on the importance of reading apartment,’” Blauw said. “Then I realized the restored. In fact, just last week Blauw enjoyed scripture. Else claims he is a bibliophile—one heater wasn’t running, and my light wouldn’t temperatures in the low 80s. who constantly reads books—and guides the turn on.” As the state of Texas reels from its sudden listener through the creation, fall, redemption, First determined to “stick it out,” Blauw wintry blast, the people have sought answers as and restoration framework of God’s story. At spent her first powerless and heatless morning to what or whom is at fault for such immense the end of his message, the congregation fills in her apartment with extra layers and a blanket. damage. According to the Texas Tribune, some the room with an emotional applause. By the afternoon, though, her apartment had blame the state’s power grid operator while reached about 50 degrees. She and about ten others blame Electrical Reliability Council of other individuals ended up staying at the home Texas. Regardless, investigations are being of some friends from her church. carried out to ensure that the state is prepared “We all hunkered down there and tried to in the future and that a disaster like this does stay warm together,” Blauw said. not occur again, whether it be through new Blauw’s apartment went without power for legislation or improved communication and about two and a half days. The power outage, alert systems. as was the case for most Texans, could have “Clearly we weren’t prepared this time, so resulted from a rolling blackout in order to how can we learn from that and then do better conserve power, from powerline damage, or going forward?” Blauw said. “That’s one of from the power grid simply being unable to the biggest things that is affecting the state as a keep up with the electricity demand. Although whole.” most homes have had their power restored, many still face serious issues with their water

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Diamond Staff 2020-2021

Chief Editors: Staff Writers: Isabel Pheifer Yee Lim Shin Emma Stoltzfus Aleasha Hintz Jaclyn Vander Waal Zac VanderLey Sam Landstra Anna De Oliveira Katie Ribbens Caleb Pollema Lexi Schnaser Columnists: Copy Editors: Connor Van Hulzen Mikaela Van Soelen Caleb Schreurs Tess Hemmila Daniel Ketchelos Mikaela Wegner Lauren Hoekstra Gretchen Lee Elise Wennberg Rochelle vanderHelm Ella De Jong Sydney Brummel Faculty Advisor: Layout Designer: Eoghan Holdahl Tabetha Degroot Lee Pitts Anneka Bakker Georgia Lodewyk Yage Wang