Jade Ptacek

On Thursday, the Festival of Beginnings was held in the Beutow Auditorium.  This ceremony welcomed the new students along with student leaders and new staff.  The ceremony began with a song as the professors paraded in.  Dr. Carter led the prayer while Liz Bartels and Jordan Voges had the privilege of reading a short passage.  This passage led into the meaning behind this year's ceremony:  "Our Refuge and Strength."  As President Ries stood behind the podium, he discussed the deeper meaning of our refuge and strength.  He utilized different translations of the Bible to illustrate how other cultures view these words.  Every culture views refuge and strength to be dissimilar but they all still have a certain likeness.  The homily delve deeper into the meanings of these words and also exemplified the different ethnicities and beliefs we have on campus.  Concordia is very diverse and President Ries takes pride in this diversity.  After the President was finished with his brief speech, Jason Rahn, Mary Arnold, and Lonn Maly introduced the new students, leaders, and staff.  The ceremony then ended with a recessional hymn as the professors processed out of the auditorium.

The ceremony brought up a simple axiom from the Bible:  "Our Strength and Refuge."  This could be simply taken as God is everyone's refuge and strength or one could dive deeper into the meanings of these two words.  In the dictionary, refuge is a place of shelter from danger.  While strength has many more definitions including the quality and state of being strong, mental force, vigor, moral power, courage, and authority.  All of these definitions comply with the power of God and his love.  The homily was translatable to all audience members for this reason.  Not only is God every person's strength and refuge, he is also the authority, courage, and moral power for every person.  Overall, the ceremony and the meaning behind it brought everyone together to begin the year by expressing faithfulness and love towards God. 

I did not know what to expect coming into this ceremony.  Actually, I wasn't planning on going because I thought I had to work but a few of the people I work with decided to attend and so I tagged along.  I don't remember there being a Festival of Beginnings last year, but maybe I just didn't attend.  It's hard enough to keep track of everything now, let alone when I was a freshman.  I appreciate how President Ries utilized many translations to exemplify the various views of refuge and strength in different cultures.  It reminds us all that our English translation is not always perfect.  Also other cultures have words, phrases, and ideas that prove to be very diverse from the interpretation of the English language Bibles.  The Bible is a constant reminder that we're not alone in this world.  God is always with us being our refuge and strength.  I really valued the use of those two words.  Finally, the ceremony was also a very ritualistic way to introduce and welcome all of the new people and ideas at Concordia this school season. 

Finally finished with my summer, with working at StarMark, with Accounting class, with helping a 12u softball team.  Not to say that all these things are bad but I am ecstatic to go back to school.  Lastly, I'm finally finished with this book.  I thought that the book would be a pretty simple read but I was wrong.  It took me longer than I thought it would.  It was rather repetitive although I understand it needed sufficient evidence to back up the many points throughout the book.  It just wasn't a great read for me, maybe because I was still trying finish all of those projects that I wanted/needed to finish and reading a book was the last thing on my list.  Not to mention I was pretty busy.  Anyway the book provided good insights and I made many connections I just wish this book could have not been a summer reading.  I think it would have been more interesting to discuss each chapter or couple of chapters because now I feel like I can't remember what the early chapters were about except I remember the overall idea and theme of the book.  Sorry to be such a complainer.  There will be a more thorough blog soon where I will stop complaining so much and get down to more of the meaning of the book but for now I thought I would write a quick blog with my initial thoughts before I went back to school. 

One could smell the odor wafting from the knoll in the luminous morning on Wednesday, May 2^nd.  On this day, the convocation was held outside and the odor drifted from the horses.  Yes, there were two horses on the knoll.  One was named Bailey and the other's name was Ben.  They were Professor Pickel's horses.  She brought them in order to teach students how horses can be utilized in learning.  For this convocation, there were six student volunteers and six professor volunteers.  The students were a team and the professors were a team.  Both team's task was to gather designated objects.  These objects included cones, toy shovels, hula hoops, and buckets and they represented various ideas.  Some of the words were social life, study, sleep, and homework.  The object of the activity was for the teams to decide which items were most necessary and how much they wanted to carry.  Each team member had to carry all the items along with an egg on a spoon and they had to take a horse with them.  There were six cones set around the knoll where another teammate would be waiting to carry the items.  At the end, the winner did not matter.  It was the idea that mattered.

                The idea of carrying all of these items was to represent the burdens that everyone carries and the choices they have to make especially at this time of the year.  The students carried more stuff.  They chose items that represented priorities, homework, study, social life, sleep, meals, and spiritual life.  While the professors chose words such as spouse, work, spiritual life, and exercise.  The whole activity was an immense metaphor for the choices everyone faces during this time of year.  At the end, people talked about what they viewed the egg and the horse to be and they explained why they chose the words they did.  Some believed the horse represented the unexpected things in life because no one knew what the horse was going to do.  Everyone viewed the egg differently.  Some viewed it as their faith.  Others viewed it as their life and health.   It all came down to people's opinions and personal experiences.            

                This was by far my favorite convocation... except for the horses.   I feel heartless saying this but I don't like horses.  I find them to be really odorous.  Anyway I loved the idea of the giant metaphor.  These burdens and choices are something that everyone can relate to.  At the end of the year, life becomes slightly more stressful and one has to decide what is most important.  These choices have been especially difficult for me because I always to hang out with the people on my floor but sometimes, I have to do homework.  The convocation also brought up great points like the use of teamwork and communication.  These things become very important in life.  Also, I loved to hear everyone's thoughts on how they viewed the metaphor and how they related it to their own life experience.  There were simply too many views to put down in writing.  Overall, I enjoyed this convocation in the lovely sunshine and I hope to see more like it.  

Dorothy Sayers lived from 1893 to 1957.  While at Oxford, she studied medieval literature and she was one of the first women to receive a degree from Oxford.  In this piece of writing called Vocation in Work, Sayers describes how a person's calling or vocation relates to ones work.  She goes on to compare the life of an artist and his work to the life of a union worker.  She acknowledged artists as people who enjoy their work.  Additionally, she related artists to God in the first chapter of Genesis; God created man which is similar to an artist creating works of art. She stated, "Man is a maker, who makes things because he wants to, because he cannot fulfill his true nature if he is prevented from making things for the love of his job." Dorothy Sayers was against communism.  She viewed communism as a concept that defines humans as economic beings.  Sayers viewed work or a vocation as a way to make money in order to live to work.  There should be no separation between work and life.  One's work should be one's passion. 

                Sayers had a different view of what work should be than other readings from Callings.  Her views emphasize the value of having passion for one's work and not viewing it as work.  Also with this idea, one can relate their views and beliefs with their calling.  The title of the reading is Vocation in Work elaborating on the fact that one can have passion for one's work or vocation and one can incorporate his or her faith within this vocation. 

                I enjoyed the reading because it talked about having passion for one's work.  That has always been my goal.  I do not care what type of job I have some day or where college will lead me because I just want to be happy.  I want to have a passion for something whether it is business, sports, art, music or whatever else and I want to grow with that passion.  I want to find something someday that I enjoy doing; hopefully a job that challenges me to work hard but leaves enough time to have a happy and healthy family life.  I want to be able to do so much with my life.  I just hope I find that passion.  Now, I'm reminded of Pippen who was searching for his purpose and passion.  Anyway, I hope to find my own happiness and that through the good and the bad times, I can always come back to contentment.  I think that  is why I liked the reading so much is because it reminded me of what I want out of life and how hard I'm working to achieve that. 

On Tuesday, April 24^th, the 11^th annual Poehler lecture was held in the Buetow Auditorium.  This year, the keynote speakers were brothers Drs. Dale and Thomas Trapp.  The presentation began with Lonn Maly who said a prayer and then introduced Dale and Thomas Trapp to the stage. Dr. Dale was the first to speak, and he showed various pictures of their life while Thomas interjected with funny and lighthearted comments.  This progressed into short lectures by both the professors. Dr. Dale is the older brother and he is a science professor at Concordia University.  He teaches astronomy, meteorology, geology, and physics. Thomas Trapp teaches theology classes and Hebrew.  At the end, President Ries came up to the stages to honor the two amazing professors that have taught for a combined 60 years at Concordia. 

            Although Dale and Thomas Trapp are in opposite fields, they can always connect faith with science.  Connecting faith with learning is the root of each Poehler lecture and something that Concordia University prides itself on.  Within Concordia, the Honors Program is also built on the idea of combining faith with learning.  In everything they teach whether it is Hebrew or the universe, the Drs. Trapps teach it by incorporating God into their lessons each and every day. In the honors program's title there is the emphasis of combining faith and learning.  This idea is the foundation of the Poehler lecture, the Honors program, and Concordia University.

            The Poehler lecture was interesting and it was wonderful to hear how teachers still combine their faith within what they do on a day to day basis.  In science, when Professor Dale Trapp teaches, he emphasizes that humans have little understanding of everything around us. In science, humans don't understand absolutely everything.   The world is full of theories but little known truths.  This is the same with theology.  We don't always know God's meaning or intentions but there is still so much to learn.  Additionally, there is still much more to learn and comprehend in science.  The only thing I didn't necessarily like or completely understand was the short lecture that each professor was giving.  The lectures seemed rushed in a way and I didn't comprehend as to what idea they were trying to accomplish with the short lectures about the various topics they teach.  Was there a deeper purpose that I didn't understand?  My mind probably wandered at the wrong moment causing me to miss a main idea.  It does that sometimes... or often.  

On Thursday April 19^th, the Jubilate Easter Vespers Service was held in the Graebner Memorial Chapel.  In their red robes, the Jubilate Choir sang many Christian songs to celebrate the day that Christ was risen from the dead.  The choir began by singing out in the meeting area of the chapel.  Then, they processed in surrounding the audience.  Throughout the concert many verses were read aloud by members of the choir.  Some of these verses were recognizable from songs sung at mass.  The audience also participated within this concert by singing with the choir during some of their songs.  Many families were in attendance along with various honors students.  The organ played loudly while the audience sang with the choir but most of the choir songs were a cappella.  The concert came full circle when the choir sang out in the meeting space again to finish the concert. 

The concert related to Being Human and Christian in an Interconnected World.  In the Honors Program, the students are connecting faith with learning while the choir is connecting their music with their faith.  Also, music connects to much of people lives not just their faith.  Music can also relate to people's emotions.  Largo or grave songs which are very slow can relate to sorrowful emotions while vivace and prestissimo songs are very fast moving and lively, therefore, they usually are associated with happier times.  Music can relate to everything and it can create emotions.  That's what makes it so interesting and exciting. 

At first I was unwilling to go to the concert even though I knew it was necessary for my music blog.  (My team had something going on). The concert was a new type of concert for me.  I grew up being in numerous choir concerts but I went to a public school so all of our concerts had to be at least half secular music.  This concert was entirely sacred music.  The Vespers Concert incorporated music into their faith just like we do every time we go to church.  Between the songs there were Bible verses but the songs emphasized the meanings of these verses.  My favorite part of the concert was Earth Song because my high school choir sang that during my sophomore year.   Amazingly enough I still remember most of the alto part.  I love the variety of the dynamics in that song and the way these dynamics tell a story.  I also appreciate the dissonance within the beginning of the piece.  The way the notes "fight" against each other adds another depth to the already amazing piece.  I could go on and on because its pieces like Earth Song that reminds me why it is that I love singing so much and how much I miss it now.  

                Feodor Dostoevsky lived from 1821 to 1881.  He was a Russian novelist. Placher writes in his last novel which he finished a year before his death, he portrayed many of the issues that disturbed him during his lifetime.  He utilized the contrast of two brothers:  Alexy, the young monk and Ivan, the skeptic who believes "if God is dead, everything is permitted."  This excerpt exhibits the thoughts of Alexy's mentor:  Father Zossima.  He explained the dangers of Western ideas, the characteristic Russian virtues, and his view of the meaning of freedom.  Father Zossima began by asking the question, "What is the monk?"  After that, he explained how people are against monks because they view them as beggars and the bottom of society. The author said the meek and humble monks in society go unnoticed.  Also, the author viewed the monks as pure people who keep the image of Christ "fair and undefiled."  He believed others who have put themselves above Christ have distorted the image of God.  Furthermore, Father Zossima explained how the modern view of the world is to satisfy all of one's desires.  He believed the monastic life: "Obedience, fasting, and prayer are laughed at yet, only through them lies the way to real, true freedom."  Later on, he explicated how the monks need to "take care of people and guard their hearts."

                 Dostoevsky illustrated his strong views through the characters in his novel.   Dostoevsky had similar views to Father Zossima.  His views illustrated the wrongs of society.  Too many people are putting themselves above God and putting others down such as monks.  This also relates to Luther's Temporal Authority.  Luther made a strong point of saying that God is above everything and is the ultimate authority so when people place themselves above God, they are acting unchristian. 

                I found Feodor Dostoevsky's story to be interesting and an easy read.  It is also very relatable.  Even in today's society there are people constantly judging others.  Similar to the story where people viewed the monks wrongly, people today are viewing others wrongly. Not just religious people, but everyone.  Maybe instead of judging people by what we notice on the outside or what stereotypes there are, we should get to know someone and then decide whether or not to like them. 

    On Saturday March 31st, Concordia University's softball team went up against the wolves from Northern Statue University. During the first game, Ashley Kluever pitched.  Early on in the first game, the wolves took the lead by one because of a couple of walks, passed balls, and an error.   In the next half inning, CU tied the game. In the fourth inning, NSU picked up another run due to an error but Concordia fought back in the bottom of the sixth inning by getting two more runs. The Golden Bears held the Wolves in the seventh inning to win the game. The final score was 3 to 2.    

Sports are a part of so many people's lives.  Many people love to watch and play sports.  It has become a part of everyday life for many people especially in America.  Playing sports gives people a chance to have a goal:  a goal to be better, faster, and stronger.  Also being in a team sports gives many people a sense of belonging.  Watching sports gives people a chance celebrate together.  It brings people together so that they can cheer on their team to hopefully, a victory.  Sometimes, people forget just how much sports affect people's lives.  One can feel the sense of achievement after a win and the sense of failure after a loss.  It might not mean as much in life but most people know that feeling and can relate to others because of it. 

Being a student athlete is not new for me but in college it's been a very different experience.  Although I do not get to play much this year, I truly enjoy being on the softball team.  During this game, I was put in to pinch run for Missie Feuerbach and I scored the third run!  I have played softball since I was 7 years old and I have gained a lot of knowledge not just about softball, but about life.  In softball, the mental game is everything.  If a person does not walk up to the plate with the right mentality, then usually the person doesn't get on base.  There's so much that I have already learned this year and much that I have improved on.   Concordia has a great program and a great team.  I have never been on a more supportive and enthusiastic team.   I hope to see many more wins come from our team coming into April and throughout the rest of the season!

George Fox lived from 1624 to 1691.  Growing up, he found many churches to be insufficient.  By the time he was a teenager, he concluded that "only the Inner Light of the living Christ provides a reliable guide to religious truth."  He also stated how that light was within everyone.  Fox did not believe in churches and he was arrested many times because of this belief and others.  Later on in life, he founded the Society of Friends which was called the "Quakers."  In this passage, he wrote about how church leaders could not just come from Oxford or Cambridge because schooling was not enough to make a man a minister of Christ.  Fox also asked "Did not the apostle say to believers, that 'they needed no man to teach them, but as the anointing teacheth them'?"  He goes on to state more dislikes about the church.  "At another time it was opened in me that God, who made the world, did not dwell in temples made with hands."  Fox goes on to explain of more reasons why he was against the idea of a church and he discusses his life after prison. 

                George Fox believed that God was speaking to him and through him.  He utilized this knowledge to fight against the church and was persecuted for it.  He firmly stood up for his beliefs, which is what he believed God wanted him to do.  Also, in a way, he was like Luther.  He had a completely different idea on how people should worship.  People should be able to worship almost anywhere and still be a congregation without the physical church.   Also, he started his own group of people called the Society of Friends" in order to expand on what God had told him.  Fox always fought for what he believed and revolutionized a new way of thinking about the idea of church. 

I found George Fox to be sort of relatable.  I have had issues with my church in the past and it became a lot easier for me to worship God on my own rather than in a church or cathedral.  Also, worshiping within a church especially my church growing up, has a lot of "rules" to follow such as no food before mass and one has to go to confession.  Sometimes I just go through the motions with realizing the meaning.  On another note, when Fox gave the example of the woman who was not allowed to speak in the church, I felt angry just like he felt.  Why shouldn't someone be allowed to ask a question in church? Furthermore, Fox might have been slightly crazy because he did have other voices inside his head speaking to him, but he claimed that it was God and most believed him.  I'm behind his beliefs whether or not they came from God. 

Arcadia was set in two different time periods:  1890 and the present.  This intertwining of the past and present illustrates the comparable relationship between the quests for knowledge over time.  Arcadia begins with a scene from 1890.  Septimus Hodge, played by a fellow zeta, Jordan Voges, was tutoring young Thomasina Coverly who was played by Sarah Carpenter.  Thomasina is very bright for her young age and Septimus is intrigued by her but doesn't allude to it.  The scene plays on to introduce a couple more characters such as Ezra Chater, played by Alex Wright, and the gardener, Mr. Noakes, played by Alan Holasek.  The audience begins to understand that Septimus is a womanizer who's had relations with Mrs. Chater and Lady Croom.  Lady Croom (played by Natalie Pieper) is Thomasina's mother.  Very prevalent in the first scene was the thirst for knowledge.  Every character, especially Thomasina was filled with curiosity for mathematical and sexual knowledge.  The aspiration for historical knowledge becomes more prominent in the next scene. This scene includes Hannah Jarvis, played by Danessa Snustad, and four other characters who contribute to the story. The present day characters are working assiduously to discover what really occurred during 1890 at the home of Thomasina.  These present day characters begin to discover information about the past while their own story unfolds.  Bernard Nightingale, played by Scott Tolzmann, is searching for information on Ezra Chater.  Chloe (played by Erika Bjornstad) is searching for "love."  Hannah is searching for information on Septimus.  As more scenes play out, there is a struggle between emotion and intelligence.  Hannah Jarvis and Valentine Coverly represent intellect while Thomasina and Septimus exemplify emotion.  The audience also begins to see more of the passion for both knowledge and love.  In the last scene, the two time periods truly do become intertwined.  Most of the characters are on stage.  There is much more chaos.  Valentine and Hannah discovered the genius of Thomasina and how her theorem would have made her famous had she not died before age seventeen.  The scene constantly switches between past and present but the two stories begin to connect more and more.  In one scene Thomasina is asking Septimus to teach her how to waltz.  In the other scene, Gus who is a mute boy but fond of Hannah, and Hannah begin to dance.  Septimus realizes his love for Thomasina right before her untimely death.  Both couples Waltz as the final scene comes to a conclusion. 

    This play had much deep meaning and many interpretations.  Some say that the original writer of Arcadia, Tom Stoppard was a genius.  There is much passion exhibited in the play:  passion for knowledge and passion for sex.  These passions are constantly seen in today's society especially the latter.  Marketing and advertising exploit such passions.  Stoppard builds on these passions to give the play a deeper meaning and to relate it to today's society.  Furthermore, he juxtaposed the lives of similar people from the 19th century and from the present time.  This helped to illustrate how intellect has not changed; only the technology has.  Also passion is unchanged from the past to the present.  Finally, Arcadia brought together these two opposite time periods to bring about a deeper meaning by relating the 19th century to today's society. 

    I found this play to be rather difficult to follow.  There were so many different events occurring and so much intellectual talk that I felt it was over my head.  Even though the play exhibited both love and intellect, I thought that the intellect was overshadowing the passion.  It was ultimately difficult to decipher who loved whom.    Because I'm such a sap for romantic comedies, I was begging for a little more love and a little less of the mathematical equations.  Also, the themes were very challenging to figure out.  I had to do a lot of research on my own to fully appreciate the play.  All in all, I thought the play was difficult to follow, but I have more appreciation for it now because of the deeper meanings within it.