12/1/10 Chapel -- Rev. Ashlee Alley

On December 1, 2010, Rev. Ashlee Alley spoke at chapel. Her message had a Christmas twist in order to celebrate the season in the last chapel of the semester! She spoke about the Magi in the Christmas story, and reminded students to think about what they really want for Christmas. With Advent in session, she reminded the students to look for true Peace, Love, Joy and Hope in the Christmas season. To listen, click here.

11/17/10 Chapel -- Rev. David Smith

On November 17, 2010, Rev. David Smith of Winfield FUMC spoke at chapel. He titled his message "Living a Life of Thrill" and reminded the SC community that faith in Jesus is thrilling! With that said, there is no room for apathy -- a good reminder in the midst of a busy semester. To listen, click here.

11/10/10 Chapel -- Rev. Kim Rea

On November 10, 2010, Rev. Kim Rea of Salina spoke at chapel. Kim reiterated the importance of community to our Southwestern audience and encouraged SC to continue building community with one another. To listen, click here.

Share Advent with a small group ONLINE

Want something NEW? I just signed up to be in an Advent Study all online. I usually participate at Church but I am traveling the first half of the Dec. Here is the scoop:

Small Group Advent Studies Online Forming Now. Does Christmas keep you so busy, you don’t have time for Advent? Sign up today for an online Advent study and walk through Advent in a small group for a few minutes each day at your commuter. The study will be The Uncluttered Heart by Beth Richardson. Go to www.BeADisciple.com to enroll.

10/27/10 Chapel -- Rev. Kirstie Garnes

On October 27, 2010, Rev. Kirstie Garnes spoke at chapel. She titled her message "Match.Complicated" and encouraged the SC students and audience to remember to let God guide their relationships. To listen, click here!

10/20/10 -- Mr. Mike Harper

On Wednesday, October 20, Mr. Mike Harper spoke at chapel. He spoke from the book of John and had us look at the question, "What is truth?" He reminded us to find revealed truth in Jesus by keeping our relationships with God and others in tact. To listen to his message, click here.

10/13/10 Chapel -- Dr. Dawn Pleas-Bailey

On October 13, 2010, Dr. Dawn Pleas-Bailey delivered a very personal and heart-felt message to the SC community. She challenged the students to really be there for one another, and she invited all to respond to God's call. When God calls, we must all respond with "I am listening!" To check out her message, click here!

10/6/10 Chapel -- Rev. Ashlee Alley

On October 6, 2010, Rev. Ashlee Alley spoke at chapel. She preached from Galatians 6 and challenged our SC community to try the spiritual discipline of "Examen." She also reminded us that we are constantly helping to move rocks, till soil, and plant spiritual seeds. To listen to her inspiring message, click here!

9/29/10 Chapel -- Bishop Scott Jones

On September 29, 2010, Bishop Scott Jones spoke at chapel. He preached from Isaiah 6 and challenged the SC community to think about the ways that God is calling them spiritually and vocationally. To listen to his message, click here!

9/22/10 Chapel -- Rev. Adam Barlow-Thompson

On September 22, 2010 we were pleased to have alumnus, Rev. Adam Barlow-Thompson join us in chapel! He gave us all a "whale of a commitment" -- he preached from the book of Jonah and reminded us to pay attention to those who we might look upon as "outsiders." At the very base of his message, he reminded us to constantly remember to love God and our neighbors...to listen to this sound wave, click here!

9/15/10 -- Rev. Stephen Sours

On September 15, 2010 Southwestern's very own visiting scholar, Rev. Stephen Sours, spoke at chapel. He encouraged the community to "minor" in Christianity and know the basics of the faith. He pushed us to not be flaccid Christians...if you are curious about the definition of our new, bolded vocabulary word (or if you you'd just like to check out his message), click here!

9/08/10 Chapel -- Rev. Creighton Alexander

On September 8, 2010, the Rev. Creighton Alexander spoke at chapel. He spoke about the "Four Pillars of Community." To hear his inspiring message about community and Christian life, click here.

9/01/10 Chapel -- Rev. Rodney Worsham

On September 1, 2010, SC's very own Rodney Worsham brought the community a great message at chapel. He encouraged all to be totally committed to Christ and to start the fall semester off focused. To check out his message, click here!

8/25/10 Chapel -- Rev. Ashlee Alley

On August 25, 2010 the chapel community came together for the first chapel of the fall 2010 semester. Our very own Rev. Ashlee Alley brought the Word and a great message! To check it out, click here!

April 28, 2010 -- Senior Chapel

Last Spring at SC, our senior chapel was the last event of the year. We had the opportunity to hear from some graduating seniors and we honored their hard work and dedication to Christ during the last four years. To listen to a very special senior chapel, click here!

Summer Happenings in Campus Ministry

I've been busy this summer with some campus ministry things that are a little broader than the SC campus and I wanted to share. Here are two things that are happening in the upcoming weeks in the world of campus ministry. I hope that you'll be able to join in the ministry.

1. I've written several times about my involvement with a prayer campaign for campus ministry in the United Methodist Church. Well...we're counting down. Read this article from The United Methodist Reporter and then click on over to our website. It will launch on August 2 and the prayers will be available in time for our August 23 start date for prayer.


2. My former Asbury colleague, Dr. Guy Chmieleski, has organized an online conference blog--a-thon for next week, August 3-5, on his blog, Faith On Campus. He writes about his blog here. He's got an incredible lineup of campus ministry types from all over the country who are going to be writing and weighing in on other posts during the three days. If you can, check in (and chime in!) during between Tuesday and Thursday. I've even written a blog for one of the days.

So...between preparing for the new school year and getting a little bit of rest, there is much going on! I hope that you'll join.

PS The picture is one painted by a SC student in our campus prayer room. It has been my prayer this summer.

PPS This was posted by Ashlee

A Climate Neutral Congregation

On a personal level, I have been hearing Christ’s whispering voice for me to align my life is a way more respectful of the world he created. The idea that my life style is part of the problem has been working on me mentally, and has even caused a few changes in behavior.
At the same time, I am a “body of Christ” kind of guy and really believe in and depend on my Church and my Christian fellowship.
So the question that has be haunting me is:

Should my local churches facilities and programs contribute to the consumption of resources in an unsustainable way for future generations?
I think not.

In my prayer life, I hear Jesus saying; “you have made my house a house of non renewable consumption”.
Like many early walks with the Lord, I am walking blindly. This is a whole new agenda and concern. In my life thus far the understanding was: If it’s morally OK, and I can pay for it, then it’s fine.
At Church, we thought much the same. Turn up the AC and keep it cool, use stirafome plates and cups because it’s cheap, hand out paper because it’s handy. There was some suggestion to turn off the lights, although someone else might be coming by later, so don’t worry about it.
Now I am learning there is so much more. Not only could our Congregations be in support of creation, we could be a positive force for leading our communities toward a more sustainable and fulfilling life together.

This is why the Institute for Discipleship launched a web site at SC called:
Creation Care for Congregations:
http://www.sckans.edu/other/creation-care-for-churches/
I invite you to take a look. We also held our first Creation Care Day last April and have our next one scheduled for April, --, 2011.
At BeADisciple.com, we will be hosting online workshops designed to help both individuals and congregations and communities to live in harmony with creation.

I hope you will make the web site a favorite, and check it periodically, I hope you will come to CCD if you are in the area, and I hope you will take an online workshop to give you direction and collaboration.

Giving Thanks

I was given a lovely gift this past month: the opportunity to assist distributing the elements at Eucharist.

Having served as a student pastor (and as a pastor’s wife—an unofficial but clearly-defined position in many churches), I’ve had many opportunities to assist at Eucharist before. This time seemed especially precious.

“The body of Christ, given for you.” This is the traditional formula that the pastor or the communion server says as she offers the bread. In many churches I’ve attended, the pastor will add the name of the recipient, if she knows it. “The body of Christ, given for you, Sarah.” That moment encapsulates the cosmic and personal scope of salvation: Christ’s death was for the whole human race, for the restoration of God’s creation, and yet it was for me, Sarah. God’s grace is offered to humanity, it sustains the cosmos, it can be found in every corner of creation, no matter how apparently bereft of God’s presence. And yet it is especially offered there, in that tiny piece of store-bought white bread, on that very Sunday morning, in a church in Winfield, Kansas.

Most of the congregants of my church are still unknown to me by name. I couldn’t offer that gift along with the bread that morning—the gift of being reminded that God always calls us by name.

But some of my fellow worshipers offered me a little gift that morning. When I tore off the bread and placed it in their hands with the traditional “The body of Christ, given for you,” some of them responded to me with a very untraditional, whispered, slightly embarrassed, “Thank you.” Sometimes, it preceded the more traditional response (“Amen”); most of the time, the congregant knew he should say something, and “thank you” was what came out.

Part of me was amused—what Northerner would ever say such a thing? (We Yankees are splendidly, willfully ignorant of the common courtesies.) And only a congregation that didn’t do Eucharist very often would fail to have learned the basic steps to the dance, right?

But most of me was touched. How often are those who offer ministry—whether professional or volunteer, systematic or ad hoc, well-trained or last-minute-substitute—thanked for the small services they offer?

It was silly to thank me, of course. I wasn’t doing anything. I didn’t organize the worship service or plan the liturgy or decorate the altar. It wasn’t my table or even my bread, and it certainly wasn’t me doling out bits of God according to my standards.

But I was enjoying my minuscule part in the celebration of God’s abundant grace. I love Holy Communion, more than any other part of our common worship. It gave me great joy to be the hands through which Christ’s body was distributed that morning. And it was a genuine pleasure for me that morning to receive those small expressions of slightly awkward courtesy in return.

Has that ever happened to you? Has a small act of courtesy ever made your ministry more enjoyable?

Is there someone who ministers to you that might appreciate hearing words of thanks?

Taking on the New!

Done with Seminary and ready to head back to Kansas. Lots of new stuff ahead. New jobs, new state, new home, and new look on the blog. Read about how the book of Acts is inspiring the transition! www.barlowthompson.net

4-14-10 Chapel: Rev. Angela DeFisher

On April 14, 2010, the Rev. Angela DeFisher spoke at chapel and challenged the SC community to be conscious of social justice and mercy. She also spoke about honoring the dreams of those around us by reaching out and acting as the body of Christ. To listen to her message, click here!

4-7-10 Chapel: Rodney Worsham

On April 7, 2010 Rodney Worsham spoke at chapel and reminded the SC community to not be an "Almost". Curious about this message? Check it out here!

3-31-10: Rev. Stephen Sours

On March 31, 2010, Rev. Stephen Sours spoke at chapel during Holy Week. The chapel community then celebrated communion together to commemorate the Last Supper. To listen, click here!

3-24-10 Chapel: Rev. Lance Carrithers

On March 24, 2010, Rev. Lance Carrithers spoke at chapel. He reminded the SC Community to use their "holy imaginations," and to dream big dreams! To listen to his inspiring message, click here.

3-10-10 Student Chapel, "Going Deeper"

Student Chapel was held on March 10, 2010 and was dubbed "Going Deeper" by the chapel team. Our community was blessed to hear from students Alicia Ong and Jeremiah Roberts. There was also special music by Tim Miller and a human video was performed by the first year Discipleship covenant group. To listen to our talented students, click here.

Students Minister at Student Chapel

We are all back from spring break now, but the week before the break, we were very blessed indeed by the annual student chapel. Even on a regular basis, the Ministry and Discipleship programs at SC work hard to give students responsibility and leadership in all activities, whether it is worship, fundraising, organization, service, etc. However, this chapel service was student-led from beginning to end, and it was a real blessing.

There were too many students involved to name everyone, but the whole service exemplified both a spirit of commitment and a heart for worship. What was particularly evident was the total lack of performance on the part of the students. They clearly wanted to do their best, and some with speaking roles expressed their nervousness, but not one exuded any sense of a "look at me" attitude. The service was filled with passion and humility--the focus was always on God, and never on themselves.

Both worship teams joined in leading heart-felt worship; the special music was beautiful; the prayer was wise and biblical; both speakers focused our attention on Christ and the salvation that he worked for us; the liturgical dance as very moving and very well done; and the set design artfully captured the theme of the week: "Going Deeper." In short, the team effort exemplified the different gifts of the Body of Christ that the Holy Spirit can use to give glory to God. I especially appreciated the seriousness and enthusiasm with which everyone participated.

I wish to commend all who were involved and to thank God for using them and blessing us.

Limits of Salvation

In my Christology class yesterday we discussed the how Jesus is perceived in a world that is saturated by a variety of cultures and religious beliefs. The question that really got me thinking was a simple one that does not have a simple answer. How do you achieve salvation and who is it for?

The problem is that salvation is a purely Christian concept. Because it doesn't translate easily to other paradigms and worldviews trying to force it onto people outside of Christianity creates a round hole, square peg reality. It is like ordering a cheese burger and getting a burrito. It is like trying to say the word go, but hearing your voice say stop. Its like all the non-ironic things in Alanis Morissette's song "Isn't it Ironic". I don't mind that salvation is uniquely Christian, but I do mind if outsiders inability to grasp it means they get damnation. Thus begins a very sticky situation....

To read the rest of this post go to www.barlowthompson.net

2/24/10 Chapel - Dr. Lester Ruth, Asbury Seminary

In accordance with Builders in Ministry Week, Dr. Lester Ruth from Asbury Seminary was SC Chapel's guest speaker this week! He preached about "Mega things from a Mega God." To listen, click here.

2/23/10 BIM Week - Dr. Lester Ruth, Tuesday Night Lecture

The BIM Conference has been blessed to have Dr. Lester Ruth from Asbury Seminary this week as their key speaker. In case you have missed out on BIM this year, or in case you just want to hear Dr. Ruth’s Tuesday night lecture over Passionate Worship and Theology again, we have it here. Do not miss out on this one! To listen, click here

BIM Week - Lights, Camera, Action!!!

We've started off the 4th annual BIM Week with a bang! Martin Rude & Friends just held the first half of the Early Bird Workshop with wonderful discussion about creating passionate worship music!
Watch for posts from BIM Week participants soon!

2/17/10 Chapel -- Mrs. Sarah Sours

On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, Visiting Scholar, Mrs. Sarah Sours spoke at chapel. To go along with the beginning Lenten Season, Mrs. Sours reminded the SC community to use their bodies for God's glory. She also reminded the community to use their time wisely for God, and realize that it is from ashes that they've come and to ashes that they will one day return. To listen, click here

BIM Week - Space is filling up!!!

We already have more people registered for BIM Week than we had in attendance last year!!! Way to go!!! We can't wait to see each and every one of you!

If you haven't registered yet, please do so.

If you've already registered, please encourage someone from your church to come with you.

Go to www.sckans.edu/bim-week to register online. Register today - pay upon arrival.

2/10/10 Chapel -- Dr. Dawn Pleas-Bailey

This past Wednesday, Dr. Dawn Pleas-Bailey spoke at chapel and reminded the SC community to remember what God has done in the past, and look forward to what He is going to do in the future, even when things in the present seem grim. In the words of Dr. Dawn PB..."C'mon Man!" check out the audio file here!

Lizard Brain could keep you from your dreams!

I finally figured out why I contradict myself so often. It is my lizard brain! The lizard brain is the prehistoric part in the back of your brain that is responsible for rage, fear, and other primal urges…even that one. This is the part of the brain that told me to stay in bed because I am not as fit or athletic as the other people at the YMCA where we work out. It is the part of the brain that tells me to second guess my vision for my sermon, my Sunday school class, my pastoral vision. It is the part of the brain that assures me that no matter how much I read I will never be as smart as others, which means I usually just don’t read. Seth Godin talks about the lizard brain as the “resistance.” The lizard brain’s main concern is survival and continuing the species so it doesn’t want to take risk. It is the force that keeps us from achieving our dreams. But the first step to quieting it is recognizing it is there.

Read the rest of this blog at www.barlowthompson.net

2/3/10 Chapel -- Dr. David Gardner

Last Wednesday Dr. David Gardner spoke at chapel and reminded the SC community how important and accurate God's word is. To listen up, click here.

What is Worship Anyways?

A post from my wife, a dynamite Christian educator.

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to serve the children and youth of my congregation as they became acolytes. Acolytes are those kids in white robes who bring in the candles and light the ones on the altar just before worship begins. All of the children and youth I served already knew how to acolyte. They knew where the candle-lighter stick was. They knew when to walk forward during the service. This training, however, was an opportunity to figure out why we have acolytes. But before we could do that, we had to figure out why we need acolytes in worship… and indeed, what worship was to begin with.......

Read the rest of this post at www.barlowthompson.net.

Last day for $10 off BIM Week Registration!

Today is the last day to register for BIM Week and get your $10 off registration!!

If you are a student, you get to come for FREE, but we would still like for you to register.

If you're an alumni, register today, save the $10 and pay when you get here. We'd love to see you again!!

Go to www.sckans.edu/bim-week for the online registration form. If you have any questions, give me a call at 620-229-6141.

Happy Monday!

1/27/10 Chapel -- Rev. Scott Schaefer

On January 27, 2010, Scott Schaefer, pastor at Evangelical Free, spoke at chapel. He reminded the SC community about the importance of "bearing fruit," and going "bananas" for Jesus in the process! To listen, click here!

Chapel 1/20/10 -- Christopher Ames

At SC's chapel on January 20, 2010, guest Christopher Ames shared his gifts of worship with the SC community! Using his creative music style, he led the community in worship and also preached the Word using scripture from the book of Matthew. To check out his style, click here!

Chapel 1/13/01 -- Rev. Ashlee Alley

On January 13, 2010, Rev. Ashlee Alley brought the Word in Chapel and preached from the book of Acts! To check it out, listen here

BIM Week - Save your seat NOW!!

The registrations are coming in! Don't be left without a seat!

So far we have grads from 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 registered.

To register online go to www.sckans.edu/bim-week and remember - if you register before Feb. 1, you save!!

New Young Adult Bible Study... Tell me your input!

Last night we had a young adult gathering for my church. Our group is not huge, but they are loyal and are growing close through our meetings. The group has only been in existence since November and although most were around as youth and children they are re-entering the congregation as adults for the first time in several years. We have had several social events in the evening, but in February are taking the group to the next level. We will start a young adult Sunday school with two objectives. First, is to gain basic tools and understandings about faith as adults. Second, is to build relationships with the larger congregation so this group can be sustainable with out my leadership. I have developed a variety of ways to do this, but want to hear your ideas and feedback… Read more at my blog www.barlowthompson.net