FERRIN WOMEN GET EXPOSURE TO A BRAZILIAN CHURCH IN NYC: A LEADER'S REFLECTIONS by Bethany Stewart '08

Penial Church in Astoria, New York City welcomed ten women from the Gordon community with hugs around the necks and kisses on the cheeks from the evening we pulled up in one of the Gordon vans on March 15, until reluctantly saying goodbye on the morning of March 24. Spending Spring Break and Easter serving, as well as being served, by our Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ abundantly exceeded any expectations we had of the first U.S. Exposure trip in which any of us had participated.

The team was made up of nine women who live together on Ferrin 3East, and their advisor, Olga Barchuk, who works for Physical Plant and had developed a relationship with some of the team members through cleaning Ferrin last year. The team included freshmen Liz Macdavitt, Ellen Ash, Nicole Naude, Bethany Walton, sophomores Jackie Kiefer, Ashley Pitkin, Bryden McGhee, and senior co-leaders Alyssa Holladay, and Bethany Stewart.

Our connection to Penial Church traces back to a mission trip to Brazil that Alyssa had the opportunity to experience in high school. The pastor and family Alyssa came to know in Brazil took a step of obedience about one year ago and are now faithfully pastoring Penial Church in NYC. The small Portuguese-speaking church has been through multiple splits in the past year and is currently in great need of support from the rest of the Body of Christ: financially, emotionally, and spiritually. There are leaks in the ceiling but insufficient funds to patch them; there is a paralyzing lack of personal dignity as the members hold low-income jobs where discrimination for speaking broken English is a daily trial; and there is a subtle corruption of spirituality that is still in the process of being “cleaned out,” according to the pastor’s wife.

How can ten women from Gordon College even begin to dress these kinds of wounds? “Why are we really going there?” we asked ourselves the night before we left, packing duffel bags with the bare necessities for the unexpected. Less than 24 hours out of the exhaustion of finishing quad three, we entered this genuinely broken community feeling as though we had nothing good to offer. But in the midst of such apparent weakness in ourselves, we began to get a glimpse of the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. All we knew was that we were willing to go and be present. In that presence, both individually and communally, we began to gain a fuller understanding of this truth: Christ actually meets needs through us.

Our time at Penial was spent cleaning and organizing the church building, planning and participating in the week's many services, doing street evangelism, and spending as much time as possible with the youth group. Almost every woman on our team took the opportunity to proclaim the way God has manifested His truth in her personal life. Each boldly stood before the congregation and waited for her story to be translated into foreign Portuguese sentences. I doubt that any of us will ever forget the power we witnessed in simply being vulnerable about our struggles met by God’s comfort, specifically with the youth. The way God used those who were willing to be honest was just the beginning of the many truths we began to explore in Astoria and are continuing to unfold since our return to Wenham. Ten women signed up to give of their time and energy over Spring Break, but in that pursuit they were given so much more: exposure to the beauties of Brazilian culture, a deeper understanding of love and honesty in the community of the team, a powerful display of unity in the Body through our Brazilian brothers and sisters, and a stronger belief in the work of the Holy Spirit within those who believe.

PROFS & STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM GRANT By Joshua Vanada ‘08

We know them as our teachers, but that is not the only role that they play here at Gordon. Many of them have dedicated their lives to researching particular topics and making contributions to those fields. Two of these individuals are members of the Math Department’s faculty.

Doctors Jonathan Senning and Michael Veatch recently received a substantial grant to further their research project entitled: “Controlling Complex Networks.” Blending both mathematics and computer science, the partners are attempting to enhance the level at which complex computer networks operate by creating new, more efficient algorithms. In order to achieve their goal, Veatch and Senning are relying heavily on students to assist them.

Students are given responsibilities that include researching and reporting their findings in the form of scholarly publications. In fact, acquainting students with the ins and outs of scholarly research is the main purpose of this new grant. The $12,000 grant, which is in addition to an already substantial grant awarded to Veatch and Senning by the National Science Foundation, will allow five additional student researchers to be involved with the team’s project this summer.

The two sought additional funds after the four students who were involved last year responded so positively. Students found the summer research opportunity to be a practical way for them to put their classroom knowledge to work. The subject matter was not simply something that needed to be studied for an exam; it gave them a chance to use what they had learned to make a contribution to their field and to society. At a smaller school like Gordon, this is a unique opportunity for faculty members and students alike.

The research team comprised of Senning, Veatch, and the five new student researchers will continue the work on “Controlling Complex Networks” this summer, thanks to the National Science Foundation.

EDITORIAL By Margaret Terp ‘08

“I am graduating in May.” I can’t say how many times I have uttered this phrase, pondering the days leading up to May 17^th and those that will follow. That blessed and dreaded date looms.

As I looked ahead to my last semester of college, I prayed, “How, Lord, am I to contribute to my campus during these last months of college?” On a recent visit to my home state of Indiana I was reminded of a gift the Lord desires to give us all. On the eve of Easter I was en-route to a friend’s house on a typical country road outside the city limits of the semi-bustling “metropolis” of Indianapolis. Trees still stripped of their foliage by the long winter and the setting sun were reflected by the farm fields flooded by recent rains. The sight, though simple, was beautiful. I was reminded of a prior drive across the same road. A full, harvest moon illuminated the stalks of corn towering above my car as I shot along in the dark. On Easter’s eve I knew those flooded fields would soon again be the walls of corn I remembered. The wintry dusk would be replaced with spring and later a typical, humid Indiana summer. For the Midwestern girl that I am those fields were a comfort and a reminder of God’s provision to the heartland – and to all of us – year after year. The greatest reminder of this provision, however, was in the empty cross we celebrated the following morning. That moment driving along the roads in the place where I have lived my whole life was a reminder of who our God is. He is a God of hope. Because He is faithful in keeping His promise, we have hope.

Hope was one of my motivations as we birthed this first issue of The Vox Populi. I believe the creation of this publication to be one of the unexpected answers to my prayers. It was conceived late one night, locked away in a room in Fulton with my roommate, Abigail, and within a week we were amazed by the number of people eager to contribute. We love Gordon – with all its strengths and failings – and we desire to create a place where all the issues, thoughts and activities that happen on this campus can be discussed - with a healthy dose of hope. I pray that the Vox would be a place where we as a community can give thanks for the things we love and can discuss our complaints, frustrations and angst in a constructive manner. We look forward to your submissions.

BLESSED By Michael Ingram '08

It’s too bad for the poor in spirit,
for they’ll be ignored most of the time.

It’s too bad for those who mourn,
for they should just get over it and move on.

It’s too bad for the meek,
for they’ll never get ahead in life.

It’s too bad for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they’ll eventually starve to death.

It’s too bad for the merciful,
for they’ll be taken advantage of.

It’s too bad for the pure in heart,
for they’ll miss out on a lot of life’s pleasures.

It’s too bad for the peacemakers,
for they’ll be the first to get hacked down by men bent on war.

It’s too bad for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for they’ll eventually sell out and cave in.

-------

Sometimes I like to take a familiar passage of scripture and shake it up like a snow globe. I have found that I can learn a great deal by turning the well-worn words and phrases inside out or upside down, looking at them from behind, pulling them apart. It helps me to catch some of the hidden intricacies and ironies of the text. The funny thing is that if you were to stop a random fellow on the street and read these backwards beatitudes side by side with the real Beatitudes from Matthew 5, he would probably say that the first ones make a lot more sense. “That’s just life,” he might remark. “Meek people don’t get the promotion. Merciful people do get taken advantage of. And if you’re trying to find a pub that serves righteousness during happy hour—huh, good luck.”

In Jesus’ world—Matthew calls it the kingdom of heaven—things are so wonderfully different from said fellow’s world. From the very first blessing of His inaugural sermon, it is clear that Christ’s eye is on the least of this world. He is crowning them the kings and queens of his world. He is drying the tears of those who have been jackknifed by tragedy. He is pouring oil on the panhandler’s head. He is promising a feast to the famished and an heirloom to the wallflower. To all those who cannot take care of themselves, He lifts His hand in blessing, and to the poor—those who may be seen as deserving nothing, having nothing, being nothing—He offers everything. Now see if you can read these words with fresh eyes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

- Matthew 5:3–10 (NKJV)

THE SOUND OF THE EUCHARIST By Lauren Kemp '08

The churches I grew up in always had music playing while the congregation came forward to receive communion. Even in the Episcopal parish I attend now, there is typically a hymn or worship song that accompanies the pilgrims to the altar. But on this particular Sunday there is no music to bring the congregants forward. It is eerily quiet, with nothing but the sound of humans echoing around the sanctuary. Muffled voices of priests’ blessings over the bread and the wine are heard as the Eucharist is given, followed by more scuffling feet as the baptized make their way back to their seats.

This silence bothers me. Where is the organ to drown out the sounds of people walking across the room? Where is the hymn to hide the coughs and sneezes brought on by this cold January day? I don’t like the sounds of people, it ruins the aura of a high holy place.

I sit in my pew waiting for the signal that our row can approach the altar. I keep listening to the sounds of movement, sounds typically masked by a guitar or choral singer. I watch a young father bring his three children to the front, hushing his baby who makes small whimpers while they wait for the priest. I watch a couple holding hands and whispering in one another’s ear. I see my friend, who is struggling to decide if he is truly a Christian, walk down the aisle, his feet trudging with a heavier sound than those around him. I listen to the priests giving “this bread and this wine” to the open hands, knowing by heart what they are saying.

Shoes scrape along the floor. Babies coo. A woman sneezes. A college student speaks “amen.” An elderly gentleman plops his pew kneeler on the floor in front of him. His knees crack when he bends in prayer. A married woman’s ring scrapes the wood of the pew in front of me as she walks by. And I am now signaled to approach the altar.

The rubber of my boots squeaks along the floor that is now wet from the snow we have all tracked in. I am surrounded by the sounds of people moving toward and away from the place of Holy Communion. As I listen to the sounds of real people, this altar I am approaching becomes the threshold of humanity and deity – as if this were the Bethlehem where God meets flesh. I bring my sounds with me, and add to the echo of others while the bread breaks in my mouth and my teeth clink against the cup.

After receiving the body and blood of Christ, I go back to my pew and hear the rest of the congregation walk towards their Eucharist, pulling all the weight of their personhood behind them. Here come your people, Lord, I think to myself. Here come your people. Hear us scraping along, this ragamuffin group of people, with nothing more than physical bodies to bring before you. There is no harmonious symphony to be heard out of our movements, but yet we come, and yet you bid us to come.

I have become partial to this silence. I have found comfort in the sounds of humans approaching the altar of God. We walk together, vulnerable in our personal noise, hopeful as we come to Christ. It is the sound of transformation. It is the sound of the Eucharist.

CONSTANTINE By Laura Carlson '08, Taken From Summary By Luke Suttmeier '08

Who was Constantine? Senior Luke Suttmeier strove to answer that question in his February 28th honors thesis presentation. Entitled 'The Reluctant Theocrat: Perspectives on Constantine, the Troubled Father and the Cautious Friend,' Suttmeier's project investigated those who influenced Constantine as well as the experiences that impacted him most profoundly. Suttmeier's research also dealt with Constantine's 'Christianization' of the Roman Empire, examining his motivations and the degree to which he impacted the development of Christianity. The thesis presentation focused on what Constantine attempted to achieve throughout his life and how he dealt with 'legacy issues' towards the end of it. Suttmeier concluded that Constantine's primary objective early in his reign was to gain power and seize control of as much territory as possible. Because he was, according to Suttmeier, a 'micromanager' enthralled with ultimate authority, he strove for unity, but unity only through his own control. Suttmeier also examined Constantine's Christian transformation, as the emperor gradually understood and accepted more about Christianity as he grew older. Being a Christian theocrat, Suttmeier suggested, was the ultimate solution for his control and unity 'issues' as he hoped to unify Christian thought and pacify the Empire. Suttmeier pointed out that Constantine also became frustrated regarding his legacy at the end of his life. The unity that he strove for eluded him as the Christianization of the Empire fused church politics with state politics and as the Arian controversy drove a wedge through the Church leadership. In the latter half of his life in particular, Constantine played up the role of 'theocrat,' and his church building campaign during these years was his way of demonstrating his power as well as his deep concern about the Christian Church. Then and now, Constantine has been designated as a Christian conqueror and an exalted theocrat. Constantine himself accepted this perception because it allowed him to wield the authority to unite and control. As a result of this popular exaltation, Suttmeier concluded, Constantine continues to be regarded as the great prototype of a 'Christian Emperor.'

JACK LAWRENCE: THE MAN BEHIND YOUR MEALS By Abigail Geer ‘08

Where did you eat your last meal? For many, the answer would be Lane. Frustration with the mundane and habitual nature of eating seems at times unavoidable in life, regardless of one's location; Gordon being no exception. In order to understand this issue more fully, The Vox went straight to the source: Jack Lawrence, the man behind your meal.
Lawrence has worked at Gordon since 1983. In the 25 years that Lawrence has worked here, a lot has changed in dining services. One of the major changes was the switch from being run by an outside contractor to being a self-operated program, a change which Lawrence oversaw himself. He states that the change made two things possible: better benefits for the hourly workers employed in dining services, and more flexibility to respond to ideas from the community. Ideas that may otherwise be vetoed in the process of corporate approval are the very things that Lawrence delights in giving an opportunity; he relishes the flexibility a self-operated program allows. One example of this is the GCSA extended and in-dorm breakfasts that take place on GCSA weekends.
During his conversation with The Vox, Lawrence continually returned to one thing: students. When asked what he enjoys about his job, one of the things he lists is the students, whom he says are "a cut above." He states simply that "the students are the most important people on campus," and goes on to say that they "deserve the best we can give them."
So what should you do next time you're frustrated by your Lane experience? Lawrence advises two courses of action: writing a comment card, and stopping by to chat with him. Lawrence, his Assistant Director, Steve Hager, and the chefs read the comment cards on a daily basis and can often order missing food items within a day. (Comment cards are located near the recycle bins in Easton Dining Hall). Additionally, Lawrence's office is located behind the mail room, next to auxiliary services, and he welcomes drop-in visitors. Oh, and one more thing: it is a myth that $80 is added onto the meal plan to compensate for theft.

SPRING BRINGS A SPLASH By Hannah Coker ‘10

The spring semester for many at Gordon means pushing through the remaining weeks of cold weather, awaiting the warmth that is to come with great anticipation. For other students, however, the spring semester means something entirely different: water polo season.

This year the season is six weeks long, February 18 through April 2. While other schools may have water polo, most schools don't make the players sit in inner tubes as they play; this is the unique twist put on the sport by Rec-IM here at Gordon. Teams may have six people in the water including a goalie during play. Each team must have a minimum of three girls in the water at all times. Points are scored by shooting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. When a boy scores, one point is earned, whereas a girl scoring earns two. While some people have taken offense to this, many feel it allows for teams to include all players and provides opportunity to strategize.

Many players take the sport very seriously. "We are playing to win, I want that shirt!" said Alden Sorenson, captain of the undefeated A-league team named "The Gauntlet," says of the prize: Rec-IM championship t-shirts. The B league is showing their colors as well. The "Oxy Morons" from Bromley have used teamwork and an understanding of the game to pull out their undefeated record as of print time. Water Polo has become a popular REC-IM sport at Gordon. Some feel feels its popularity has led to an undue level of intensity during play, with many players yelling at referees in disagreement over calls. Leagues Coordinator, Dave Kelly, says "It’s been much better this year than in recent years. I honestly attribute it to the fact that the REC-IM staff strives to build relationships with people, and we are known around campus as people rather than just the refs." Rules have gotten much stricter this year in hopes of allowing people to play and have fun with fewer controversies. Emails were sent to captains and players at the start and midpoint of the season in order to curb potential mid-game disputes.

All Saints Day By Anna Tschetter ‘08

We are surrounded by a cloud

of witnesses, you say. A great

cloud of lead and gold that

holds the hammered halos

of saints and martyrs. You told us:

They will press you on toward me.

I can see them: eyes too wide,

too large for their two-dimensional

faces; two fingers and thumb held

in blessing. Holding her eyes

on a platter, St. Lucy stares

at me. St. Francis of the birds

reaches his palms out

to me, wet with wine-blood

pierced by no one but you.

They are always with me, pressing

my marrowless collarbones in their

mass of righteousness, pushing in

my chest. You are suffocating

but I gulp breaths of the pungent

incense that wafts up through me.

AS SMALL AS A SPIDER by Alysa Obert ‘11

Every time I walk around this old, loved house I can’t help but think of her. Memories of her childhood flood into my mind: her pink ballerina dress and her little Sunday shoes. Oftentimes, she would run into my arms crying because of a spider in her room or in the closet, and I can remember what mischievous fun it was to chase her around the house with them. I laugh because killing spiders and scaring away monsters fulfilled my purpose in her life. But now, he will be the one killing her spiders.

I don’t mean to seem resentful or unhappy; this is what we have hoped for, prayed for. Since birth we have prayed for her and her husband. And yet…there it is again: jealousy creeping up inside of me. I knew this would happen. All fathers know that one day their daughters’ gazes will turn from them, to their princes in shining armor.

When he comes over to the house, I see little differences that start to annoy me — like the way he eats his food or throws back his head when he laughs. It is so hard to stop myself from belittling him. I can remember how highly I thought of them when they started dating. He is a good man; I don’t want to dislike him. But my mind starts trailing off when we are with them, and I think about the first play she was in, and her charismatic bow at the end. He doesn’t know what made her laugh as a baby or cry in kindergarten. Does he really understand how precious she is? He didn’t see her, he can’t possibly know. And yet, he told me he loved her. He was sincere when he said it, his eyes even lit up.

I start to miss all of her past boyfriends, not because I want them for her but because their presence meant I had more time. But, I have prayed for this man. Yes, this man. Maybe that’s why this is so hard. Because he is clearly a man, and so she can no longer be my little girl. Why is he making me realize she is growing up when I have known that for years? It's funny, all of the things you think you know and then something happens which makes you end up feeling lost.

I have come to realize that I am a spectator watching a life that I was once so a part of. She will no longer cry on my shoulder, nor will she look to me for protection, no. And this is how it should be. She is not excluding me out of spite or anger, in fact, she probably doesn’t even know this is hard for me. No, I must watch because it is an intimacy that I was not created to share. Killing spiders, chasing away monsters in her closet, am I insane to be jealous?