“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:1-6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Peter Kerry Powers (LLW-English; director of the Center for Public Humanities) organized and presented in a roundtable at the National Humanities Conference, Nov. 15, 2024, in Providence, Rhode Island. The title of the panel was “Religious Mission, Public Purpose: Humanities Centers and the Public at Religious Universities.” Pete’s roundtable remarks focused on the multiple publics served by the Center for Public Humanities at Messiah University and the ways in which our Christian framework provides enabling constraints for working with multiple publics with often conflicting interests and ideologies.
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Oksana Moroz, an assistant professor of English and director of writing, was recently interviewed at the Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship alumni conference in Turkey. Oksana discussed a project she has been involved in that is aimed at sharing the experiences of English language teachers and students during wartime in Ukraine. At the 2024 Muskie Alumni Conference, Oksana highlighted the remarkable resilience of Ukrainian educators who continue to teach and support their students, finding creative solutions amid the ongoing conflict. The video can be viewed here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DB1fGQZvIx6/
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Protestant Modernist Pamphlets: Science and Religion in the Scopes Era, a recently published book by Ted Davis, professor emeritus of the history of science, will be featured in a virtual book talk at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The host is Kyle B. Roberts, executive director of the Congregational Library and Archives in Boston. Participation is free, but advance registration is required at this link: https://www.congregationallibrary.org/events/protestant-modernist-pamphlets. There will also be a panel discussion of Ted’s book at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the annual meeting of the American Historical Association: https://aha.confex.com/aha/2025/webprogram/Session26035.html.
BID FAREWELL
After nearly 20 years of service to Messiah, Joanna Hadley-Evans, administrative assistant for campus ministries, is retiring to spend more time doing the things she loves outside of work, like traveling the world, solving jigsaw puzzles, and cheering for Messiah soccer. An alumna of Messiah College, Joanna began her professional career at the institution in the registrar’s office. Since then, she has also served within the Department of General Education, the former School of the Humanities, the Provost’s Office, and, finally, Campus Ministries, where she has spent the last 8 years. In each of these roles, Joanna has demonstrated a commitment to Messiah’s mission and identity, provided high-quality work, and formed meaningful relationships with both colleagues and students. Joanna’s last day will be Jan. 6. Please join us in acknowledging Joanna and her faithful service to Messiah at a drop-in reception in the campus ministries office suite in Hostetter Chapel on Tuesday, Dec. 10, anytime from 1 to 3 p.m.
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Please join us for a farewell reception to honor Jay McClymont, director of Alumni and Parent Relations on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Stop by the Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center Messiah Trustees Board Room (310) between 2 and 4 p.m. to wish him well in his next vocational endeavor.
For the past 16 years, Jay has been an advocate extraordinaire and champion for his alma mater. His ability to positively leverage his large network of alumni connections, his talent for sharing the Messiah story in compelling ways, and his commitment to sharing the love of Christ with those less fortunate will make his absence even more pronounced.
AROUND CAMPUS
Looking for a good books?
Murray Library has many recent bestsellers and award-winning books. New titles are added regularly. Search the library’s catalog, Primo, to search our Recreational Reading Collection. Don’t forget that Murray Library has thousands of ebooks, too. All staff are invited to check out these titles. Email library@messiah.edu with questions.
Traveling with the Collaboratory
The Collaboratory sends teams internationally every year, usually after May development week, and we are always looking for possible advisors to co-lead with an engineering professor. This year we are likely traveling to Cuba, Zambia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and Kenya. If you would be interested in co-advising a trip, please email bwatkins@messiah.edu. Trips are usually around 2 weeks long. Thanks!
CrafTea
Join Murray Library for CrafTea on Friday Dec. 6 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Café Diem area! Relax by creating crafts from recycled book pages and enjoying tea and snacks at this come and go event. We hope to see you there!
Christmas events at the Oakes Museum
Dec. 7 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) is the Holiday Open House at the Oakes Museum! Please join us for cookies, crafts, story time and door prizes! This is a family fun event and we hope to see you there!
Dec. 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., we are hosting for the first time, a holiday night at the museum! This event is for children kindergarten and up, is $25 per child and will include crafts, games and a holiday movie with snacks! To learn how to register, email ecornelius@messiah.edu.
Community Advent Chapel
All employees are invited to join students for a community Advent chapel on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9:30 a.m. in Parmer Hall. We hope you are able to join us as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Employee Sale: Dec. 5 and 6 ONLY!
In-store today and Friday ONLY, take 30% off your entire purchase. Store hours are 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. This is our biggest employee sale of the year, so don’t miss out! Some exclusions apply. See flyer for details.
Messiah University retirement plan disclosures
Dear Participant:
*Important information about your retirement plan is now available. Please review this information.*
Messiah University is providing the following documents, as required by law, to all participants and employees with balances in our Messiah University Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The reports for calendar year 2024 include:
-Fee Disclosure – The Standard
-Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) Notice – The Standard
-Fee Disclosure – TIAA
These documents are available by accessing the “Human Resources Benefits Documentation” card on FalconLink. These documents are not required to be available on the website for more than one year or, if later, after it is superseded by a newer version.
Employees may opt out of future electronic copies and may request a paper copy of this report by contacting Don Lerew, assistant director of Human Resources, at dlerew@messiah.edu.
Campus Closed and deliveries
Messiah University is unable to accept any deliveries when the campus is closed. The Procurement Office notifies W.B. Mason of Messiah University’s holiday closure schedule but does not notify other suppliers. Be sure to note holiday closures in “special instructions” on new requisitions. If you are expecting a delivery, contact the supplier directly to inform them when the campus will be closed (12/23 – 1/2/25).
December 2024 Library Newsletter
Read our December newsletter containing the latest news on library events, collections, resources, and more!
🎄 Christmas Cookie Break 🍪
All staff and faculty are invited to come enjoy some holiday cheer, delicious treats and great company! We’re hosting a Christmas Cookie Break on Friday, Dec. 13, from 2 – 3:30 p.m., and we’d love you to join us!
Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, Dec. 13
⏰ Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Hostetter Chapel
What to Expect:
• Sweet treats for all!
• Time for fellowship and holiday conversation
• A festive atmosphere with Christmas music, games and giveaways
This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, eat some sweet treats and spread holiday cheer. Bring your holiday spirit and your appetite, there will be plenty of cookies to go around! Stop by anytime from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Amelia Crouse at acrouse@messiah.edu.
Interested in hosting a student over Christmas break?
Christmas break is the one time of year our residential campus buildings are closed to students. Because of this, there will be students who are looking for a place to stay in the local area for the holidays. If you are interested in hosting a student anytime between Dec. 20, 2024 and Jan. 12, 2025 please complete the survey at the link below: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0qrGhZCvhYYSVGm
Human Resources and Compliance – Closing early Dec. 10
The Office of Human Resources and Compliance will be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, for our annual staff Christmas celebration. We will resume regular hours at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Tech Support – Did you know?
- Microsoft Office 2016 needs to be updated to Microsoft Office365. We will be pushing this software to end users after Christmas Break. If you would like to get this software updated before Christmas Break, and would like to make arrangements for a Tech Support person to work with you on this process, please make a Bookings appointment. You are welcome to install the software on your own. To install it, Open Software Center from your Desktop or Start Menu, Find Microsoft 365 64-bit, Click Install (plan on 10-15 minutes for this process). After installation is complete, navigate to Software Center again. Click Office 365 taskbar and start menu fix (this will remove those 2016 icons). Sign back into your account.
- We provide shredding. Please bring all paper for shredding directly to the Office of Information Security located in the basement of Old Main (High Center side) OM009 to be shredded. Someone will be available for drop-off from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. during the week. Special arrangements (e.g., shredding pick-up) can be made by calling Allen Snook, director of Information Security, at ext. 6790.
Any questions? – Email techsupport@messiah.edu, which will generate a support ticket. The ticket will be assigned to an available technician. This ensures your issue receives attention, even if someone is out of the office. Please note the email address is techsupport@messiah.edu
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/crew leader. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Graybill at mgraybill@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28255.
Cybersecurity Education has an opening for a part-time cybersecurity administrative project coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Lynn Bigelow at lbigelow@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28212.
Campus Ministries has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant /chapel coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Emily Bingham ebingham@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28309.
The Intellectual Disabilities Certificate Program has an opening for a full-time assistant director of NEXT Steps. Job related questions may be directed to Amber Brisbane at abrisbane@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28169.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Brad Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/27989.
The School of Arts, Culture and Society has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant – undergraduate department of education, asst to the assistant Dean/Arts, Culture, and Society. Job related questions may be directed to Tina Keller at tkeller@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28226.
The Department of Safety has an opening for 3rd shift safety officer/dispatcher. Job related questions may be directed to Daniel (Brad) Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26686.
Campus and Building Services has a variety of full and part-time campus and building services worker openings. Job related questions can be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu.
The Department of Education has an opening for a full-time faculty in education. Job related questions may be directed to Beverly Pitcher-Johnson at bjohnson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/27681
The Department of Education has an opening for a part-time adjunct professor of education– EDUC 415 – Evidence-Based Practices in Early Childhood Education. Job related questions may be directed to Beverly Pitcher-Johnson at bjohnson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28037.
The Department of Mathematics has an opening for a full-time term-tenure track mathematics faculty position. Job related questions may be directed to Amanda Lohss alohss@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28067.
For sale
Personalized Christmas ornaments. I can decorate them with your words on them, names for children, grandparents, pastor, neighbors, schoolteachers, new baby, baby announcement, engagement, etc. This would be a special gift for that someone that has everything. I have red, green, blue, white/crystal, green and some mixed. If you have an idea let me know and I can probably do it. $6 ea. or 2/$10
I also have gnomes, they’re so cute. Refrigerator ones etc. Email me and I’ll send you pics. Email: Sportko@messiah.edu
Dooney and Bourke purse for sale. Purse is like new. Zipper closure with compartments inside. Asking $70 or best offer. If interested, contact tsheaffer@messiah.edu
Penn State sash and pin. Great Christmas gift for that Penn State fan. I have another picture if needed, email me at sportko@messiah.edu
Roommate wanted. My friend is looking for a roommate to share her 2-bedroom apartment on North Front Street in Wormleysburg. Rent is $600/month. Includes off street parking and a great view of the river. For more info contact cmarshall@messiah.edu
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Susquehanna Chorale to Present 2024 Candlelight Christmas Concerts
The Susquehanna Chorale will present its Candlelight Christmas concert series on Dec. 13, 14, and 15, under the direction of Linda L. Tedford.
The series begins on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Calvin and Janet High Center for Performing Arts, Messiah University; and Sunday, Dec. 15, at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, 4 p.m.
This year’s Candlelight Christmas concerts celebrate the season with holiday music, including settings of traditional carols. To honor the late choral legend, Alice Parker, the Chorale will feature several carol arrangements – O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella, The Friendly Beasts, and Angels We Have Heard on High. The program also includes stunning brass accompaniment to Jeffery Ames’, Gloria Fanfare, Glenn Rudolph’s The Dream Isaiah Saw, Richard Dirksen’s Welcome All Wonders and Dan Forrest’s sing-along favorite, Festival First Noel.
A pre-concert recital by Susquehanna Chorale accompanist, Daniel L. Dorty and guest artists, The Messiah University Brass and Percussion, will be presented 15 minutes prior to each performance.
Visit www.susquehannachorale.org/performances or call the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036, option 1, for tickets and information. In-person and Livestream ticket options are available.
Oakwood Hills upcoming Open House
If a new apartment is on your holiday wish list, stop by the Oakwood Hills Open House this Saturday, Dec. 7 between 9 a.m. and noon. Several apartments are available for immediate move-in and you can be in a new home before the end of the year. Want to find out more before you stop by on Saturday? Call or email Cindy at 717-590-8883 or ccrossley@rentpmi.com. Oakwood Hills is located at 2451 Oakwood Hills Drive in Mechanicsburg. Check out our website at www.rentoakwoodhills.com.
