New Book By CCC Students

Creative Writing - an interterm class headed up by Professor David Grubbs - has recently produced a digital publication. The authors include Central students John Buterbaugh, Christopher Cochrun, A.J. Ellis, Audra Howell, Libby Regier, and Matthew Tuszynski.

The purpose of the class was to demystify the process of writing poetry and prose. Each student contributed their chosen pieces to create the collection they called “Refine Print.” All the proceeds go to Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.

Amazon description sneak peak:
Strange happenings, odd creatures, and everyday occurrences made significant. These subjects thread their way through this diverse selection of work. Each piece of prose and poetry came out of a Creative Writing course, which these authors used as an opportunity to refine their storytelling technique and prowess. The talented writers of Central Christian College of Kansas submitted their work to this anthology of fiction as a means of sharing the result of their efforts with an audience wider than those in their classroom or immediate social circle.

It’s only $2!
Here’s the link to buy the ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Refine-Print-John-Buterbaugh-ebook/dp/B00FLCW8ZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383182277&sr=8-1&keywords=Refine+Print

BY: Ariana Matty

New Fun Thing To Do On Halloween!!

Ephesians 5:7-12
Don't participate in the things the people of the world do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! Have nothing to do with the worthless deeds of darkness; rather, it’s your job to expose them.

You always go trick-or-treating. You always go to that fun little church get-together where the kids play all those games and collect candy like they’re storing up for the apocalypse. Why not do something different? Just this one time. Say, a prayer night in the Warehouse around 9pm?


Yeah, I know you may or may not be anticipating this conversation:

Your friend: “What did you do for Halloween?”

You: “Oh, you know, I went to a prayer meeting.”

Your friend: “...”

Look. As much as we like to pretend it is, Halloween isn’t just all fun and games. There’s a darker side that most people either neglect or celebrate in ignorance. All Saint’s Day (a.k.a. Halloween) used to be pretty cool (for reals, look it up). But like everything can get over time, look how much it’s been skewed. Death, demons, and fear are glorified and acceptable. This is the only day it’s okay for 8-year-olds dress up as witches, demons, pimps, prostitutes, and ax murders, and we can call it harmless. Christians are pretty ignorant about the witchcraft and demonic activity that runs rampant, much less on a day like October 31st. I don’t know about you, but I’m not giving Satan any more attention than he already gets.


I understand this is a pretty controversial topic, and don’t think for a second I’m even saying not to celebrate Halloween. If you got a plan to celebrate it in a way that glorifies God and not the things I listed earlier, go for it! Way to walk in the light as He is in the light. Way to be in the world, not of it.

All I’m saying is to remember that as Christ-followers, we do have an enemy, and as long as we live in this world, we will have to keep fighting him off. Good news is, even though we may have to fight battles at times, Jesus won the war for us already.



You. Warehouse. 9pm. Halloween.

Let’s kick those suckers back to hell.

BY: Ariana Matty

TLC for the TD

The Tiger’s Den is about to get a much needed upgrade.  New nets for the ping pong tables are ordered along with a new pool table.  And, our sad, ugly, abused…sorry, many adjectives come to mind, current pool table will be resurfaced.  A lot of new stuff, right?  How is this all possible?  Central’s very own Student Government Association is footing the bill! 

For the past two years, getting new equipment has been in constant discussion, and finally a decision has been made.  With Skittles, a game played on the pool table whose rules are still elusive to this writer, wreaking havoc with the current table, the hope is to have one just for that particular game and another for the much safer and sedate pool game.  As far as new ping pong table nets goes, well, it was kind of news to me when I heard, so apparently the ping-pongers have been getting a little rough, too.  So, as a little PSA:  try to be more careful everyone!  Remember that the TD is a relaxing place available to all students, not just the rowdy hooligans, you know who you are.  And, we want to keep it a fun place with usable equipment.  No one likes playing with broken down things; it’s just annoying.  Now, with that said, go have fun!  Enjoy your new “toys”!  Don’t break a pool stick!  Or a ping pong paddle!  Or anything else!  Exclamation points are fun, and apparently, I like bossing you guys around.  The end.

By: Stephanie Harper

Kevin the Platypus Learns About Persuasion

All things psychology have always been fascinating to me. Today’s topic is pretty basic. For science-y inclined people, the creative artistic minds, and those planning on taking over the world someday, persuasion may be something we should study up on.


A few things I’ve learned in my neophyte plight to understanding minds.
Cognitive dissonance (oooh, new big words) is the psychological discomfort you feel when battle royal is going down in your mind between conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes. We’ve all been in these kinds of situations before.

But don’t take my word for it. Just ask Kevin. He’s a platypus with a problem. He has a hard time making decisions, much like you and I do at times. Except that you and I are definitely not amphibious mammals. As far as I know.

One day, Kevin was letting his friend - a little girl whose name escapes me at the moment - use him as a playground. They were having a grand old time, when a random thought army crawled into his mind, causing him to implore what would happen if he decided to eat the little girl. He then proceeded through the six methods of maintaining consistency.

1. Denial: “This little girl probably won’t mind if I eat her. We are friends, after all.”

2. Bolstering: “Sooner or later, someone else will probably come along and eat her anyway.”

3. Differentiation: “It’s not like I’m eating an endangered species. There are plenty of little girls out there in the wild, running around free, like squirrels.”

4. Transcendence: “No one is perfect. We all give in to temptation at one point or another.”

5. Modifying one or both attitudes: “I should be more considerate. This little girl probably wasn’t planning on being eaten today.”

6. Communicating: “I’ll just have to convince everyone I’m not a psycho killer platypus when they find out.”

Despite the internal battle, Kevin finally determined that eating the little girl would not really be in anyone’s best interest, and he and the little girl remained friends for a long time.


Good choice, Kevin.


BY: Ariana Matty

Source used:
Gass, Robert H, and John S Seiter. Persuation: Social Influence and Compliance Gaining. 4 ed. Pearson, 2011. Print.

Basketball Theme Nights

This year at Central Christian College (CCC), specific basketball games will have different themes assigned to them. Student Activities Council (SAC) and the CCC cheerleaders are working together to make these nights possible. The first basketball games of the season will be on Tuesday the 29^th and it’s also the first theme night. The women’s game is at five and the men’s game is at seven. The whole evening is called “Fright Night” but the theme for the basketball games will be “Go, Fight, Win”. The crowd is supposed to wear their Halloween costume to the game. Throughout the evening, judges will be on the lookout for the best costume. At halftime of the men’s game, the winner will be announced and they will be given a prize that will be announced at a later date. The rest of the semester only has two other theme nights. The first will be on November 1^st and the theme is “Rock the Stands”. For this game, the first 100+ people will receive a pair of CCC sunglasses. The last theme night of the fall semester will be on December 7^th and the theme is “Silent Night”. The crowd is supposed to go this game and be absolutely silent until Central scores the tenth point. Then everyone is supposed to cheer like they’re madmen. Make sure to make it to all the games and show your support.
By: Laura Smith

CCC to Host Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

 

Central Christian College will be playing host to several members of the McPherson community in the first ever Ultimate Challenge. The Ultimate Challenge tournament is based off one the more popular sports in McPherson, Ultimate Frisbee. The tournament begins Saturday November 2^nd at 9am and will continue throughout most of the day. The tournament will be played at Central Christian College's athletic fields. The teams may have both male and female competitors and teams must have a minimum of 7 players and a maximum of 11 players. Players must be at least 16 years or older to compete. Players under the age of 18 must fill out a consent form which may be found on the website below.

The cost per team is $70. Registration ends on October 31^st at midnight. Teams wishing to register after October 31^st may do so, but they will be charged $80 to enter. Teams are guaranteed 3 games and the winning team will be awarded a prize. All proceeds are going to the Central Christian College Sports Science and Health Department.
Teams may register and pay online at www.sportssignup.com/Central-Christian-College-Online-Registration.start. Teams may also bring cash or check to Central Christian College's business office in Science Hall,  1200 S. Main, or to Professor Kyle Moody in room 205 of the Ed Pyle Sports Complex.
 If you have any questions you can reach Kyle Moody at kyle.moody@centralchristian.edu, or by phone at (940) 867-0756. Go gather you friends and come have a great time!
Article by Mark Gayer

Beautification Nation

You may have noticed some of the new art work popping up around campus lately. This project has been spearheaded by Shane Dawson (not to be confused with the YouTube celebrity) and Naomi Ullum.

  Their most recent project can now be seen hanging in the cafeteria. They put up four individual pieces each being a part of the fit four themes. The pieces were designed to have the same color scheme as the cafeteria, and each piece has two pictures-one a Central Christian historic picture and one a recent picture-that represent one of the four themes.  Shane Dawson explained that the cloud of words on each piece was an idea he had for incorporating the Bloom’s taxonomy.

  There are several new projects being discussed for the next few years. One such project is possibly moving the wooden Toby statue indoors.  Be looking out for a lot of new artwork and updates popping up around campuses over the next few months and years.

By Caleb Voyles

Home Court Practice!

Midterm has come and gone and as we push towards Christmas break, many of the fall sports are coming to a close. Many of the spring sports that to the untrained eye may have appeared to be in a dormant state through the fall have actually been much more active than we might have first guessed.

            The tennis team is one group of athletes that has been prepping for the upcoming season since the last one ended. Some of the players did some practicing on their own, as suggested by their head Coach Jeremy Nelson. Now, in the fall, practices have begun in earnest. Because of the nice weather, the team has been able to have regular practices out on the courts. They also do general things to stay in shape on their own such as running, stretching to prevent injury and P90X. As the winter sets in the team will spend more of their time indoors, particularly in the weight room.

            This year the school is excited to have former player, Kristen Reith as part of the coaching staff for the 19 people that make up the two teams. Kristen will primarily help with the women's team which is the smaller of the two. To add to the excitement, Central has welcomed several new students to the tennis team making for an almost entirely new team. This will create a new dynamic that will be interesting to watch come spring.

By Andrea Ruiz

The Education Club makes some Waves

The Education Department has repurposed and launched a new ship in their fleet.  The Education Club has begun to sail forward to make a difference in the culture and landscape of education at CCC and in McPherson, KS.  They have spent the last couple of months checking the rigging and making sure the Club is ship shape and ready to weather any storm that could threaten the health and stability of their fine vessel.  They have found a true wind and begun the trek towards adventure.  The members have found their sea legs and are working towards the greater good and success of the voyage.  Matthew Fuksa said, “Something is stirring up here, and I feel like I am a part of it.”  Treg Fawl echoed his statement and compared his experience at previous large institution and said, “Here I do not feel like just another number.”

There was a sense of camaraderie amongst the shipmates, and an eagerness to increase their ranks.  The October 16^th meeting set their course for a discussion about new members, advertising, and a new and exciting program set to launch soon.  The helm was controlled by Captain Joe Hirsch, who navigated the discussion and kept them from running aground.  Admiral Melinda Reese reminded the group of important opportunities and provided an inspiring message.  These bright eyed swabbers will gain experience as they keep their eyes set on the horizon and will no doubt soon become a well-oiled group of sea dogs.

Any new members eager to sign on and take to the rigging and watch skyline for exciting new possibilities are encouraged to attend future meetings.  The Education Club is not strictly for Education majors, but for any interested in learn and self-betterment.  They are an ambitious group of seafarers looking for adventures that will leave hope and the Love of Jesus in their wake.  So, join in, set your course, batten your hatches, and be ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

By: Chris Gates

Central Christian College of Kansas offers support for U.S. military students during the federal government shut down.

Central Christian College of Kansas offers support for U.S. military students during the federal government shut down.

In honor of the important relationships Central Christian College of Kansas has developed with members of the U.S. military and their families, the College has announced it will grant financial support consideration to assist qualified active duty personnel, National Guard and Reservists who are adversely affected by the recent U.S. federal government shut down. The federal government’s current inability to pay for military members’  tuition assistance funds and possibly other earned educational benefits may significantly impact many military members, however Central Christian College is committed to support all military personnel during this time of uncertainty.

“Central Christian is honored to do our part to help serve these outstanding members of the Central Christian family who have sacrificed so much for their country,” Central Christian President Hal Hoxie said. “As a retired Air Force officer, I know all too well the many sacrifices our active and reserve component military members and their families make every day to keep us free. We are very fortunate to have so many of these students in our classrooms. We will help these great men and women through these challenging times. It is simply the right thing to do.  Central Christian is absolutely committed to mitigating these hardships.”

Central Christian College assures its military students that the College will partner with and help each military member navigate through their various funding options during the federal government's shut down. Military students who are unable to fulfill their educational financial needs are respectfully requested  to contact Rose Epp, Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Official Rose.epps@centralchristian.edu or  Michele August, Operation Manager, Michele.august@centralchristian.edu and can be reached at 620.241.0723.

“El Tigre Guapo”

Every year, Central Christian College does an event called “El Tigre Guapo” which means handsome tiger. This is an event for men and it’s, in simple terms, a beauty pageant. The winner this year was Micah Church. The first runner up was Trevor Dahl and the second runner up was Scott Brooks. In this pageant, the men had to prepare a showing of school spirit, a talent, and bring fancy attire. While they were wearing their fancy attire they had to answer a random question that had to do with personality or who they are. Micah Church says, “It’s always fun competing in El Tigre. This was my second year competing, and a great way to end my last El Tigre. I definitely couldn’t have done it without the many people that made my performance possible. I had a great time putting everything together with them and appreciate such great support!” The other contestants this year were Blake Williams, and Calvin Lockerby. Everyone did a great job this year and our hosts, Joe Hirsch and AJ Ellis, really added to the humor of the show. The judges of the show were Micah and Maggie Metz, Tony Romero, Missy Mayse, and, the reigning El Tigre Guapo, Taizo Nakamura. Overall this was a well-attended and well received event.
By Laura Smith

Homecoming

Last year's king and queen

Homecoming weekend. The alumni. The music. The games. The nostalgia. Tons of families will be running around campus. It should be a grand old time.
Central is kicking it off tomorrow morning in chapel when we recognize and award a singular former Central graduate yet to be revealed. Fine arts exhibits and performances will be going on all weekend. On Friday, the Fine Arts students are spotlighting in Greer at 7pm. Late night basketball is at 9pm in the South Gym. Also, don't miss the midnight bowling at Starlight Lanes.
On Saturday we'll have:
- aesthetically outstanding student art displaying in Greer starting at 2pm
- future chart-topping bands performing in the plaza starting at 4pm
- talented songwriters presenting their original pieces in the Warehouse at 10pm
- the crowning of the Homecoming Court (we're getting a new king and queen, ladies and gentlemen)
- tennis, soccer, volleyball, and more soccer games will be played sporadically throughout the day

Here is everything I just told you, except in a simple and boring (not as many fun descriptive phrases like mine) yet easy-to-read and quite colorful list form: http://centralchristian.edu/pdf/Homecoming%20schedule.pdf

Have fun!!!

Let there be Light... and it was GOOD!

The New Lights

The Old Look

 

 New lights have been a dream and journey of ours for many years.  We have diligently and literally battled the forces of darkness to illuminate our space in a pleasing way.  This week has brought us one of our first major victories in this process.  We received a glorious shipment of 30 new instruments for our lighting needs.  The shipment contained 10 new Source Four Ellipsoidal instruments and 20 Source Four Fresnel instruments.   We quickly assembled the pieces in a factory line like process with students and faculty working side by side.  Then we took to the stage to give flight to these brilliant new harbingers of light.  Now, we do admit this is just a beginning and we will have to raise money for a new breaker box and light board, but having taken this first dramatic step is a reason to rejoice.

                Homecoming will feel the true power of these new beasts in the air and allow the attendees of the Fine Arts Spotlight to see and better appreciate not only the many wonderful performances, but also the new vibrant curtains hung by our very own Shane Dawson last May.  So, to the many wonderful Alumni, who donated over the last two years to fund the lights and the curtains we say, “God bless you and everyone you Hug!”

The New Look

 

Discipleship: Not As Scary As You Think

    Discipleship.

    What’s that, you ask?

    A lost necessity in much of the American church.

    Of all the organizations that require teamwork and mentoring, you’d think church would be the perfect example. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case all too often.

    Most churches are terrible at discipleship. Too many people either don’t see the need to directly mentor (they do the work to bring them to church then leave it up to the pastor to “save” them) or neglect the need because they’re too afraid to step out of their comfort zones. As a result, there is a surplus of Christians who fall by the wayside because they're trying to do it all on their own. Additionally, there is a lack of community. Church-goers have slowly begun to attend church expecting a more passive entertainment experience. In reality, church should look more like a family gathering, worshiping with each other and growing together in their individual relationships with God.

    Small groups in church function beautifully (when it’s done at all and done right) because even the gathering itself reflects the core purpose: intimate relationship and discipleship.

    Mentoring at Central Christian College comes pretty naturally, because of how small the community is. Many a time have I personally been encouraged by faculty and staff members. And not just a, “Gee, I hope you have a good day.” The compassion is very authentic and specific, because you’re more than just another project to manage or paper to grade to them. It’s easier to open up to someone when they genuinely care about you.

    When the Body of Christ starts looking more like a family and less like a nice little weekly divertissement, discipleship will flow automatically, because the love for others that God stirs in us when we completely surrender to Him and His will is hard to ignore.

    I send daily text devotionals to a girl I know who has just begun a relationship with God. It’s not much, but it’s a start. Discipleship doesn’t have to be so complex or foreboding. It’s an intentional effort to encourage your brothers and sisters to remain in Christ. And getting our hands dirty in each others’ struggles is definitely something we shouldn’t be so prissy about.


    Granted, there are seasons. There are times in your walk with God you will need more encouragement than you have to give out. It’s up to you and God to help you discern what season you’re in, what you’re capable of practically, etc. Overall, however, Jesus’ call to discipleship means that if you have the opportunity to mentor someone, get on it.

    Discipleship takes work. Relationships take work. It’s a commitment. The world is afraid of commitment. The Church being afraid of the same things the world is afraid of is unacceptable. Let God change you and love compel you, and you will find discipleship a lot less scary than you think.

BY: Ariana Matty