And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NRSV)

News

The Intercom will resume Jan. 9. Best wishes for a restful, joyous Christmas celebration!

On behalf of my extended family, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all the prayers, words of support and encouragement you gave to us all while my sister, Cheryl, gallantly battled cancer. Saturday morning she went to her eternal home in the arms of God. We will be celebrating her life on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church.
Laurie Owens, executive coordinator for the office of the president

I wish to thank everyone for their support with prayers, cards, flowers and gifts during my husband’s illness and recent passing. Your concerns and prayers for my husband, son and me were very uplifting. I’m so blessed to work where there are so many genuinely compassionate colleagues. With heartfelt gratitude.
Lisa Snyder, executive assistant to the vice president for operations

WCLR, a radio station in Louisville, Ky. is running a series of programs on “Catholicism and Science,” supervised by Christopher Graney, a Catholic astronomer. For the program broadcast on Dec. 11, Dr. Graney interviewed Ted Davis, professor of the history of science, about his work on Robert Boyle—even though Boyle and Davis are not Catholic. A podcast is available at here (click on Dec. 11 to listen).

Messiah 411

World Vision donations available at Employee Christmas Luncheon

The theme for this year’s Employee Christmas Luncheon is the “Global Christmas Village” and in that spirit we are offering the opportunity to give to World Vision initiatives. Please bring your donation box along with you to the luncheon on Friday.  When you arrive, choose how your contribution is distributed by depositing your change box in the corresponding collection bin – chickens, clean water or soccer balls! All donations are optional and no gift is too small. Please contact Heather Ryan, human resources, at hryan@messiah.edu or ext. 2289.

Reminder from campus events

In preparation for Christmas break, campus events will make rounds on Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24 to pick up trash from offices and common areas. Please make sure all trash items are placed in your trash cans and the cans are placed outside of your office door; once emptied they will be returned to your office.

Office of payroll important information

See attachment for payroll’s winter newsletter.

“Messiah Goes to the World Cup” phase three registration begins

More than 100 employees are regularly recording their activity in a program we’ve called “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” Since we began in Sept., we’ve accumulated over 16,000 miles and have symbolically sent three of our soccer players to Brazil for next summer’s World Cup (every 4,800 miles sends a player). Drew Frey, Jack Thompson and Brian Ramirez were the three players chosen so far by the participants. We hope to send several more before the academic year ends. If you would like to participate in the next six-week phase which begins on Jan. 5, click on the appropriate link below. The recording is done on the Café Well site which the link will take you to. If you are new to the program, you will also need to email the screen name that you choose to use when you record your exercise to HAPA_Wellness@cvty.com. More details on the program can be found at Messiah’s wellness website.

Links to register for phase three:

WALK III

RUN III

CYCLE III

SWIM III

EXERCISE III

January Wellness Workshop announced

January’s wellness workshop will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 12-12:45 p.m. The topic, “Stress and our Bodies…Hitting ABOVE the Belt” will be presented by Doug Miller. Doug is Messiah’s wellness director and a professor in the health and human performance department. Plan now to attend this important session and learn some of the ways that our mind and body links impact our health.

A few tips to keep in mind during snow removal operations on campus

• Snow equipment operates slowly. Begin slowing down when driving or walking away as soon as you see a snowplow and staff doing snow removal. The most common accidents during snow removal efforts can be motorists hitting the rear ends of snowplows or pedestrians walking out in front of snow equipment.
• Stay well behind the snowplow and other snow removing equipment when walking or driving. Because snow removing equipment is large and used when visibility is compromised, it can be difficult for our staff to see directly behind their trucks and other equipment when removing snow or spreading salt.
• Be extremely cautious when walking near snow equipment. It can be suddenly thrust sideways by drifts and hard snow-pack. It is also important to not walk out in front of or behind equipment.
• Only pass snow equipment when you can be sure the road ahead is clear of vehicles and pedestrians. Be patient and wait for the driver to see you. They may pull over so traffic can safely pass.
• Snowplows and traffic cause light snow to swirl. It can become difficult or impossible to see the plow and the roadway and also for the plow operator to see you when walking or driving near equipment.
• Whether walking or driving, never pass a plow or any snow removal equipment on the right. Make sure that the equipment operator can clearly see you before walking around or passing equipment on the left.
• Plows aren’t just removing snow. They may also be spreading sand or deicer on our roads, parking lots and sidewalks. Maintain a safe distance behind snow equipment to avoid being sprayed with deicing material.
• Be careful when approaching plows that may be spreading sand or deicer. The operator may not be able to shut the spreaders off when you approach. Reduce speed when meeting a plow and move as far right as you safely can to prevent windshield damage.
• Watch for snow equipment that may be turning around at street intersections and on sidewalks.
• Never walk out into the street in front of a moving snow plow. Because of the size of the equipment, it will take longer for that equipment to be able to stop.

Our staff do their very best to provide a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors. Please be extra cautious when walking or driving on campus during snow removal operations.

Christmas tree safety reminders

Christmas is a wonderful time of year—a time to celebrate our Lord’s birth. But it can also bring with it unique safety hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these tips on Christmas tree safety.

Picking the tree

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• If you have a live tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1- 2 in. from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

This NFPA/UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree versus a tree that has been watered regularly.

Flu season reminders

It’s that time of year: cold and snow; Christmas lights, carolers, holiday cheer and flu season. According to OSHA, the best way to reduce employee risk of exposure to the flu virus in the workplace is to use good hygiene precautions and to avoid close contact with ill people (in non-health care workplaces). Here are their recommendations:

• Get vaccinated.
• Speak with your doctor and find out if you are in a high risk category for seasonal flu. If so, it is especially important to consider a flu shot.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve(s). Throw tissues into a “no-touch” wastebasket.
• Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub as an interim measure until hand washing is possible. When using soap and water, rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds, rinse with water and dry completely.
• Keep frequently touched common surfaces (telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.
• Try to limit the use of a coworker’s phone, desk, office, computer or other work tools and equipment.
• Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill.
• Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise and relaxation.

Classifieds

Free:

28 in. Energy Star tube television — Contact Rhonda King at rking@messiah.edu or 717-503-3454.

For sale:

Dark tobacco computer desk — originally purchased at Target. $20; White flower girl dress — Size 7, worn once. $10; Red sheer curtains – Two 52 in. x 84 in. panels and four 52 in. x 63 in. panels. All for $5. Contact Rhonda King at rking@messiah.edu or 717-503-3454.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people”.
Luke 2:10 (NRSV)

News

Scott Kieffer, assistant professor of health and exercise science, has been named a fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine. This is an honor given to a handful of professionals each year after review by a national credentialing board. Congratulations to Scott for this prestigious honor.

Larry M. Lake, associate professor of writing, was interviewed Dec. 9 on SmartTalk on WITF-FM as part of a program on changing attitudes toward mental illness. It is archived on WITF’s website. On Nov. 20, HuffPost Live, an online news service, featured Lake and Valerie Lemmon, assistant professor of psychology, in a live webcast discussing the stigma of mental illness and the ways communities can encourage and sustain affected individuals and families. These media appearances are results of Larry’s essay “Comfort Food” which appeared on Slate.com in November.

Jenell Paris published “Bereavement and Religion Online: Stillbirth, Neonatal Loss, and Parental Religiosity” (co-authored with Janel Kragt-Bakker) in the “Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.” She also published “Experimenting with Sin” in “Good News Magazine” and “Teaching Faith Dimensions of Cultural Diversity” in Best Practices in the Integration of Faith and Learning for Adult and Online Learners (Cynthia Tweedell and Cheryl Fleming, eds.).

Matthew Roth, department of English, has poems appearing in the current issues of “Mt. Hope Magazine” and “Rock and Sling.” On Nov. 7, he gave the keynote lecture on Robinson Jeffers for Harrisburg’s “Big Read,” at the Midtown Scholar.

The Messiah College Student Wind Quintet performed two half-hour sets of festive holiday music on Dec. 10, the first in the Eisenhower Commons and then at Café Diem in Murray Library. The quintet includes Audrey Springer (flute), Leah Bergstrom (oboe), Mary Grace Friedell (horn), Kevin “Shagg” Nitz (bassoon) and Hayley Wilderotter (clarinet). They are coached by music faculty member Jill Marchione. If you would like Christmas music in a lobby of your building next year, contact mharcrow@messiah.edu for information.

Messiah 411

Aughinbaugh Art Gallery Faculty Exhibition on display through Jan. 29

The Aughinbaugh Gallery is proud to present the artwork of our full and part-time faculty. Please be sure to find time to experience the magic that is the “language of our feelings, our frame of mind; indeed, even of our devotion and our prayers.”

“Self Assigned: Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition” runs through Jan. 29. Artists’ talk and reception is Thursday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. in the Aughinbaugh Gallery.

25 percent off all Oakes Museum store items

Ready to do some holiday shopping? Our museum store is stocked with quality books, puppets and geological specimens for all ages. We will also have some unique items for a special purchase price. We will be open for shopping Thursday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take a study break and get your holiday shopping done! Contact oakesmusuem@messiah.edu or ext. 2431 with any questions.

Messiah College Guitar Ensemble to perform at Library Dec. 13

On Friday, Dec. 13 the Messiah College Guitar Ensemble will be playing Christmas music in Café Diem at the Library at 12:30 p.m. Come, grab a coffee and listen to this popular ensemble! And don’t forget that you can shop at the annual Friends of Murray Library Christmas book sale as well!

College Guitar Ensemble to present concert Dec. 14

The Messiah College Guitar Ensemble will present its annual December concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the High Foundation Recital Hall under the direction of Randall Zwally, director of guitar studies and senior lecturer in music. The ensemble will be joined by guest performers from the Mechanicsburg Middle School Guitar Ensemble directed by Elizabeth Preston. Messiah student, Chelsea Rosenberger, will perform a featured vocal solo in a piece that combines the two ensembles. The concert will include performances on electric, acoustic, classical and 12-string guitars and will have a Christmas theme. This is the seventh year that these two groups have collaborated in this way. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, contact the department of music office at ext. 3310.

Reminder to RSVP for Employee Christmas Luncheon

To ensure that we prepare adequately, please send your RSVP to the Employee Christmas Luncheon to human resources by Friday, Dec. 13. The RSVP card, located inside your invitation, is also your entry into the raffle drawing. Please note that you must be present to win. We’re looking forward to a time of fellowship, fine food and festive entertainment!

Note: Doors will open at 11:50 a.m. this year to ensure the program begins on time. Please contact Heather Ryan, human resources, at hryan@messiah.edu or ext. 2289 with questions.

Important information from the payroll office

With the closing of the college over Christmas break , the payroll office is notifying you of the modified payroll deadlines needed to assure proper and timely payments for all employees.  Please see the attached document for details.  It is important that we receive these forms by the due dates listed.

Reminders from accounts payable

The accounts payable office would like to remind you that there will be no check run the week of Dec. 23. Our last check run is Dec. 19; requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 13. The first check run of 2014 will be Jan. 3; requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 24.

ALL TAX REPORTABLE PAYMENTS such as rents, royalties, officials and referees, honorariums, prize and awards and performers for 2013 must be paid to the recipient by Dec. 19 to meet IRS calendar year-end 2013 tax reporting compliance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Campus Budget Forum Jan. 7

The annual Campus Budget Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 7 in Alexander Auditorium (Frey 110) from 2-4 p.m. There will be a presentation by David Walker, vice president for finance and planning, and a Q&A session. Following feedback from governance groups, College Council is scheduled to vote on the FY15 parameters on Jan. 23.

The forum is open to all employees and attendance is encouraged. It is especially important that members of the personnel committees and other governance groups that review and recommend budget parameters attend. The slideshow presentation will be posted on the finance website immediately following the forum and can be used to assist governance groups in their discussions.

One-on-one meetings with Health America representative offered

Due to the recent concerns raised about Health America, we have asked Strategic Account Manager Jean Enders from Health America to be available for one-on-one meetings so that employees/faculty can meet with her privately to discuss individual issues. The next opportunity to meet with Jean is Wednesday, Jan. 8.

If you are interested in meeting with Jean individually, please contact Su Deitch at sdeitch@messiah.edu or ext. 7085 to schedule your time as soon as possible. It is very important that you bring any documentation (such as Explanations of Benefits, provider bills, letters, or any other supporting documentation) to the meeting so that she is able to better assist you. Please contact Su Deitch if you have questions.

Change to the Retirement Matching Guidelines

As noted in the President’s Campus Update Oct. 3, the College’s enrollment challenges have made it necessary to reduce expenditures in FY14 by approximately 3.75 percent. As a result, the College has decided to exclude all supplemental income from the retirement plan. This means that starting on Jan.1, employees will not be able to contribute a portion of their overload/supplemental income to the retirement plan and the College will not be providing a retirement match on overload/supplemental compensation.

Supplemental income is any income outside of an employee’s regular base salary. Specific examples include overloads, overtime wages, stipends and additional income earned through hosting programs such as camps. The retirement plan, including the College’s matching contributions, remains the same for regular wages.

This change will be temporarily implemented Jan.–Dec. 2014. Review of any permanent changes to this benefit will be included in the College’s comprehensive benefits review schedule to begin this spring.

Please feel free to contact Amanda Coffey or Su Deitch with questions regarding this change.

United Way Pledge Drive exceeds goal

Thank you to all those who participated in this year’s United Way pledge drive. Employees committed a total of $36,702, once again surpassing our target. The United Way and its partner programs are grateful for the ongoing support of the Messiah College Community.

Corporate Partner Merit Scholarships available

Harrisburg Academy is excited to be partnering for a third year with Messiah College to offer merit scholarships to children of full-time Messiah College employees. These Merit Scholarships are annual, renewable tuition scholarships of $10,000 per student. Applicants must be new students applying to the Academy for enrollment in 5th through 11th grades. Please see attachment for the 2014-15 Corporate Partner Merit Scholarship application. All materials are due by Feb. 1, 2014. For more information, please contact Jessica Warren, director of admission and marketing, at warren.j@harrisburgacademy.org.

Campus Ministries connection

Advent

As we close the semester in the Advent season, we anticipate Christmas break. It is an illustration of waiting for the Lord. The Psalmist (27:14) challenges us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” So we read scriptures, pray, sing, retell the story, light candles and celebrate joyously all a part of actively waiting on the Lord. On a large scale the prayer of the Westminster Confession (33.2) rings true, “Keep me vigilant to work against evil and injustice, and yet hopeful for all people, trusting that your justice never fails and your mercy is fresh each day.” Advent is that tension of hope anticipated but not yet realized.

Classifieds

Job Opportunities:

Graphic Design/Prepress Technician. For additional information and to apply, please see https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2930; College Press Receptionist. For additional information and to apply, please see https://jobs.messiah.edu/hr/postings/2927. Job-related questions may be directed to Dwayne Magee, director of printing and mail services, at dmagee@messiah.edu.

Part-time Administrative Assistant, Diversity Affairs. For additional information and to apply, please see https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2911. Job-related questions may be directed to Bernardo Michael, Special Assistant to the President & Provost for Diversity Affairs at bmichael@messiah.edu or Joan Malick, Executive Assistant to the Provost at jmalick@messiah.edu.

Wanted:

Digital camera— I am looking to buy a used digital camera—one that is in good condition and easy to use. Contact Helena Cicero at ext. 2431 or hcicero@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Halex Fooseball table: 32 in. high × 24 in. wide table (33 in. wide with handles, width included.) $25. If interested, contact pseibert@messiah.edu for picture.

Apple iPad 3 —32GB, black, Verizon Wi-Fi and cellular, only slightly used. $500. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

Disney Cars 2 Geotrax® World Grand Prix race set ―Includes three remote control vehicles; the European track set, including the Big Ben action set and a track extender pack. All in excellent condition. Asking $50. For more details, including photos, contact cgross@messiah.edu.

VW Eurovan camper — Gas stove, refrigerator, heater, plus two beds and electric and water hook-ups. Asking $19,500. Contact rstevick@messiah.edu for more details.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NRSV)

News

Nance McCown, associate professor and chair of the department of communication, and senior public relations major Sarah Doucette presented a poster session at the International Public Relations Society of America’s Educators Academy in Oct. The poster and paper, titled “Does PR Education Make a Difference? Media Effects on Student Attitudes Toward Public Relations,” was the culmination of an on-campus film screening experiment/survey conducted last spring. Jennifer Fisler, associate professor of education/director of the Teacher Education Program/director of assessment, and Emily Mohler ’13 also co-authored the study.

We are very excited to announce that Neryamn Nieves will be serving as Messiah College’s new assistant director of the Martin and Amigo scholarship programs. Nieves has extensive teaching, mentoring and administrative experience both at Messiah College and Franklin and Marshall College. She has also served as a youth pastor in the First Spanish Assembly of God in her Lancaster community. Nieves’ new 20-hour-per-week role will be to enhance the recruitment and retention efforts of scholars in the Martin and Amigo scholarship programs while working collaboratively with the multicultural programs and admissions offices. She starts in this position on Jan. 2 and her office will be in the Larsen Student Union 204. She will also continue to teach in the modern languages department. Please be sure to stop by and welcome her!
Doug Wood, associate dean of students, and Scott Hwang, director of multicultural programs

On Nov. 24 the Messiah College Faculty Brass Quintet played their much-anticipated return performance at the Trinity Episcopal Church Concert Series in Pottsville, Pa. The program was an eclectic mix of music from Gabrieli to the Beatles, and it also included Mike Harcrow’s fantasia setting of “Immortal, Invisible.” Bill Stowman’s witty repartee kept the time between pieces lively and the audience was wonderfully enthusiastic. Other Messiah College faculty past participants in this series have included the Mendelssohn Trio with artists-in-residence Ya-Ting Chang, Peter Sirotin and Fiona Thompson, as well as voice professor Damian Savarino. The Messiah College Faculty Brass Quintet includes Mike Harcrow (horn), Drew Wolgemuth (outstanding Messiah College senior music major, trombone, substituting for Professor Michael Clayville who was performing in Germany at the time), Melanie Hess Miller (trumpet), Eric Henry (tuba) and Bill Stowman (trumpet and MC). For booking information, contact mharcrow@messiah.edu.

Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology, and Julie Guistwite ‘99 had their article, “The Elder Service Partner Program,” published in the “Journal of Intergenerational Relationships,” 2013, 11(4), 440-443. It is available here.

Assistant Professor of Music Damian Savarino received a favorable New York Times review for his latest performance with Teatro Grattacielo in New York City. Of his portrayal of the elder ascetic “Harita” Zachary Woolfe remarked, “Most heartening was the admirable complement of male singers in smaller parts, including the concrete-solid bass Damian Savarino. Even major companies struggle to appropriately cast such roles; it’s a sign of firm artistic leadership that the Teatro Grattacielo does it so well.”

William Stowman, department of music, wrote an article that appeared in the “International Trumpet Guild Journal.” The article, “The Benefits of Performing in Trumpet Ensemble,” highlighted pedagogical aspects and advantages for students who regularly perform in chamber music settings via trumpet ensemble. Bill is also a member of the board of directors for the International Trumpet Guild.

Congratulations to Brian Swartz, assistant professor of engineering, and his wife Tawnee on the birth of their newest daughter, Adelyn Mackenzie. Adelyn was born just in time for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 weighing 6 lb., 8 oz., and measuring 19.75 in. She was welcomed home by big brothers Avery and Eli and sister Caitlin. Blessings to the Swartz family!

Messiah 411

Oakes Museum to host Open House Dec. 7

The Oakes Museum of Natural History is having its fifth annual Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1-5 p.m. This event is our way of saying “thank you” to each of you in the community for supporting us throughout the year. Admission is free, so invite a friend. For more information, contact oakesmuseum@messiah.edu, ext. 2431 or see attachment.

December Graduate Reception set for Dec. 10

The 2013 December Graduate Reception will be held in Howe Atrium on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and time to mingle with the graduating students who have made their mark here at Messiah. Hope to see you there!

Mandatory meeting for all on-campus students

There will be a mandatory all floor/section meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 p.m. for all students who live on-campus. If possible, please do not schedule events during this hour. We understand that there are some conflicts that cannot be avoided, but if an event can be scheduled at another time we ask that you do so.

Farewell reception for professor Dec. 11

Please join us for a farewell reception honoring Anne Marie Stoner-Eby, associate professor of history and coordinator of the peace and conflict studies program, as she embarks on a new journey with Mennonite Central Committee in Rwanda and Burundi. Please stop by as you are able from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in the Private Dining Room.

Oakes Museum sale Dec. 11-13

Ready to do some holiday shopping? Visit The Oakes Museum of Natural History next week for some great sales. The museum store is stocked with quality books, puppets, t-shirts and geological specimens for all ages. We will be open for shopping on Wednesday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.–2p.m. All items will be 25 percent off for these special shopping days. We will also have some very unique items available at a special purchase price. Take a break and come visit us to get your holiday shopping done! For more information, contact oakesmuseum@messiah.edu, ext. 2431 or see attachment.

Important information from residence life

All campus residences will be closed from 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 through Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. If you are bringing students back for a college-related reason before Jan. 7, please send the students’ names, reason for return and date of return to housing@messiah.edu by Friday, Dec. 6. Requests received after that time will be charged a $10 late fee.

Reminders from accounts payable

The accounts payable office would like to remind you that there will be no check run the week of Dec. 23. Our last check run is Dec. 19, requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 13. The first check run of 2014 will be Jan. 3, requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 24.

ALL TAX REPORTABLE PAYMENTS such as rents, royalties, officials and referees, honorariums, prize and awards and performers for 2013 must be paid to the recipient by Dec. 19 to meet IRS calendar year end 2013 tax reporting compliance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Reminder to RSVP for Employee Christmas Luncheon

To ensure that we prepare adequately, please send your RSVP for the Employee Christmas Luncheon to human resources by Friday, Dec. 13. The RSVP card, located inside your invitation, is also your entry into the raffle drawing. Please note that you must be present to win. We’re looking forward to a time of fellowship, fine food and festive entertainment! Please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086 with questions.

A few good elves needed for Employee Christmas Luncheon

Each year, in the spirit of the season, employees volunteer to help with setup, serving and cleanup at the Employee Christmas Luncheon. This allows our colleagues in dining services and campus events to more fully participate in the event. If you haven’t participated before, or if you’ve had a great time volunteering in the past, we need you this year! Please consider volunteering for one of the following time slots on Friday, Dec. 20—set-up: 9-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; serving, two 45-minute shifts during lunch, meet at 11:40 a.m. for instructions; cleanup: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources administrative assistant, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086 by Wednesday, Dec. 11. Thank you!

Opportunity to give to World Vision

The theme for this year’s Employee Christmas Luncheon is the “Global Christmas Village” and in that spirit we are offering the opportunity to give to World Vision initiatives. You will receive a change box which you are invited to fill and bring to the luncheon. When you arrive, choose how your contribution is distributed by depositing your change box in the corresponding collection bin – chickens, clean water or soccer balls! All donations are optional and no gift is too small. Haven’t received a change box? Contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086.

Important reminder from the payroll office

With the closing of the College over the Christmas break, the payroll office is notifying you of the modified payroll deadlines needed to assure proper and timely payments for all employees. Please see the attachment for details. It is important that we receive these forms by the due dates listed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Campus Budget Forum Jan. 7

The annual Campus Budget Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 7 in Alexander Auditorium (Frey 110) from 2-4 p.m. There will be a presentation by David Walker, vice president for finance and planning, and a Q&A session. Following feedback from governance groups, College Council is scheduled to vote on the FY15 parameters on Jan. 23.

The forum is open to all employees and attendance is encouraged. It is especially important that members of the personnel committees and other governance groups that review and recommend budget parameters attend. The slideshow presentation will be posted on the finance website immediately following the forum and can be used to assist governance groups in their discussions.

College Press earns Forest Stewardship Council Certification

College Press has recently received notification that they have passed their Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody audit. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. The entire College Press team worked extensively with Printers Green Resource LLC and the Rainforest Alliance to gain certified status. An on-site audit verified that College Press’ newly developed FSC chain-of-custody procedures were in full compliance with stringent FSC rules and regulations. Messiah’s very own in-plant print shop is now an official FSC certified printer able to offer FSC certified printing jobs to all customers. Congratulations to our colleagues at Messiah College Press!

“Messiah Goes to the World Cup” update

We currently have 111 Messiah employees participating in the physical activity program titled “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” In recognition of our outstanding soccer teams at Messiah and the upcoming World Cup in Brazil this summer, employees are accumulating exercise miles and minutes (which get converted to miles). For every 4,800 miles our collective efforts accumulate, we get to symbolically “send” a member of the men’s team to Brazil. So far we have accumulated 14,068 miles and have “sent” Drew Frey and Jack Thompson. We are over halfway through our second six-week phase. If you would like to participate, the third phase begins on Jan. 12. Look for details on how and when to sign up in the next few weeks.

Retirement plan overview and participant notice

Messiah College is required to distribute certain participant notices annually. The attached plan overview and participant notice includes a consolidated listing of the services provided by The Standard to the plan as well as charged fees.

You may also access the notice online by following these steps:

1. Log in to www.standard.com/retirement.

2. Continue to Personal Savings Center (My Retirement Account).

3. Click the link to view the important notice.

Please feel free to contact The Standard at 800-858-5420 if you have questions.

Campus Ministries connection

Advent

Our current chapel movement is around Advent, a time of stirring our souls in preparation to meet Christ anew. As we gathered in Parmer Hall for “Lessons and Carols,” an ancient rhythm of scripture text and carols, we began with a very ancient chant, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” and ended chapel with the call, “O Come All Ye Faithful” and a prayer of blessing. Music and text informs our Christian experience at many levels. They express a longing of the heart for Christ’s presence. As meaningful at those expressions are, they ring hollow if Christ is not born anew in our midst.

Classifieds

Job Opportunity:

Part-time Administrative Assistant, Diversity Affairs. For additional information and to apply, please see: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2911. Job-related questions may be directed to Bernardo Michael, special assistant to the president and provost for diversity affairs, at bmichael@messiah.edu or Joan Malick, executive assistant to the provost, at jmalick@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Christmas trees — 4-7 ft. white spruce. $25. Delivery possible. Contact Dale Fogelsanger at 717-623-0735.

VW Eurovan camper — Gas stove, refrigerator, heater, plus two beds and electric and water hook-ups. Asking $19,500. Contact rstevick@messiah.edu for more details.

Youth ski boots — Axis brand, approximately children’s shoe size 4-4.5. Good condition; worn 15 times over two seasons by 9-10 year old. Sole length is 262 mm. $30. Contact Angela at ahare@messiah.edu.

Outside organization announcement:

Amani Bead sale Dec. 3-5 — Visit our annual Amani Bead Christmas sale Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Thursday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Eisenhower Commons. You can help support the wonderful work of New Life Homes in Kenya through your purchase of our handcrafted Amani bead jewelry or Kenyan market items, all priced between $3 and $40. Amani jewelry, key chains and ornaments feature beads from Kazuri Beads of Nairobi, Kenya, a fair trade organization that employs more than 300 single mothers. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale will go back to Kenya to support the efforts of New Life Homes of Kenya—a network of homes caring for orphaned and abandoned infants – a beautiful circle of love and hope. Hope you will join us! We accept cash, checks, credit cards and Falcon dollars.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NRSV)

News

Messiah College is now ranked 12^th in the nation of bachelor’s institutions sending students abroad, according to the Open Doors Report, which is sponsored by the Institute of International Education. The report was released Nov. 11 and was based on participation of U.S. students during the 2011-12 academic year. Nationwide less than 10 percent of undergraduate students study abroad by the time they graduate. According to the survey, more than 61 percent of Messiah students earn credit studying internationally. For more information, see this link.

The human development and family science department had 15 students attend the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 6-9. Due to a family emergency which did not allow Robert Reyes, professor of human development and family science and Boyer Fellow, to attend, Lindsay Fye (HDFS ‘14) presented “Reminiscing on our Inclusion and Diversity History and Moving Forward With Our Future,” a PREZI presentation that she co-created with Reyes, for the Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion meeting. Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology, made three presentations: “Using a Continuous Process Improvement Model to Integrate Service-Learning into our Family Science Programs” with Debra Berke, Wilmington University, and Reyes; “Fellows Roundtable: Family Science as a Discipline” with Dr. Anisa Zvonkovic, VA Tech; and “Integrating Family Science into Multiple Levels of Community” with Suzanne Smith, Washington State University, Vancouver.

From Nov. 2-10, Larry M. Lake, director of writing across the curriculum, was a presenter at the International Christian Higher Education Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted by the Christian University Pelita Harapan (“Light and Hope”), and co-sponsored by Biola and Corban Universities. Larry’s presentation, “Teaching Faithful Observers: Ethnography, Journalism, and the Christian Writing Student,” examined the ways teachers can promote crosscultural awareness. More than 1,000 delegates attended the conference whose theme was “Faith, Learning, and the Media of Hope.” Presenters were from 11 different countries and included Time magazine journalist David Aikman and former Wheaton College president Duane Litfin. Following the convention, Larry spent a day as a consultant to IPEKA, a network of 12 Christian high schools in Indonesia for whom he will conduct future sessions on writing across the curriculum.

Thomas Soerens, associate professor of engineering, was recently certified as an associate ecological designer by the American Ecological Engineering Society. Individuals certified by AEES as ecological designers have demonstrated expertise in the integration of the science of ecology and practice of design.

On Dec. 6, Assistant Professors Niklas Hellgren and Abaz Kryemadhi, department of information and mathematical science, will host the fall meeting of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers. The theme of the meeting is the use of physics activities to teach engineering principles to high school and college students.

Messiah 411

Orchestra Family Concert set for Nov. 23

The Messiah College Symphony Orchestra will hold a Family Concert on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. in Parmer Hall of the High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. The orchestra will introduce the families of instruments and perform portions of the “Symphony No. 3” (organ symphony) of Camill Saint-Saens. People of all ages (even the very young and very old!) are invited to this free concert.

Fourth annual Nobel Prize Seminar set for Dec. 3

The departments of chemistry and biochemistry, biological sciences and information and mathematical sciences present the fourth annual Nobel Prize Seminar on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. in Frey 110 (Alexander Auditorium). Refreshments will be served at 4:45 p.m. See attachment for additional information.

December Wellness Workshop announced

The Wellness team is pleased to announce our upcoming wellness workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Sandy Bush, Messiah’s athletic training program director, will speak on the topic of “Personal Tips for Surviving and Thriving When You Get the Cancer Diagnosis.” The workshop will be held in Parmer Cinema from 12-12:45 p.m. We hope you will plan to attend.

Oakes Museum to host Open House Dec. 7

The Oakes Museum of Natural History is having our fifth annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1–5 p.m. This event is our way of saying “Thank You” to each of you in the community for supporting us throughout the year. Admission is free, so invite a friend. See flyer for additional information.

Mandatory meeting for all on-campus students

There will be a mandatory all floor/section meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 p.m. for all students who live on-campus. If possible, please do not schedule events during this hour. We understand that there are some conflicts that cannot be avoided, but if an event can be scheduled at another time we ask that you do so.

Important information from residence life

All campus residences will be closed from 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 through Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. If you are bringing students back for a college-related reason before Jan. 7, please send the students’ names, reason for return and date of return to housing@messiah.edu by Friday, Dec. 6. Requests received after that time will be charged a $10 late fee.

2013 College Senior Survey Longitudinal Results available

The office of institutional research administered the College Senior Survey during spring 2013. Please look at the institutional research webpage for an info-graphic aiming to provide an overall picture of the results organized by our broad general education outcome areas.

OSHA hazard communication training scheduled

All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies must be given training in the Hazard Communication Standard, the new GHS labeling system and the new Safety Data Sheet format. This training is required by law to be completed by Dec. 1. For individuals who could not attend one of the training sessions held during the weeks of Nov. 4 and 11, a make-up session is being offered in Parmer Cinema on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m.

Hazardous chemicals include but are not limited to cleaning products, paints and paint thinners, inks and dyes, oils and greases, lab chemicals, welding materials such as fluxes and welding rods, etc. Employees, such as office workers, who encounter hazardous chemicals only in non-routine, isolated instances do not need to be included in this training. Student workers may be included, depending on their job assignment. If you are uncertain if you need to attend, please contact Donna Fink (dfink@messiah.edu) for further clarification.

Note: employees in the School of Science, Engineering and Health received this required training in their School meeting on Oct. 23. They should not attend the session listed above.

Emergency Action Plan found in Safety Manual

Messiah College’s Emergency Action Plan is found in section 14 of the Safety Manual. It provides instructions on what to do if there is an active shooter, bomb threat, explosion, fire, gas leak, hostage crisis, suspicious package, weapon on campus, weather event and many other emergency situations. Take the time to read this plan and be familiar with its contents. Then, if an emergency occurs, you’ll know where to go for information on how to safely handle it.

The Messiah College Safety Manual can be found here.

If you have any questions regarding this Emergency Action Plan or other sections of the Safety Manual, please contact Donna Fink at dfink@messiah.edu.

Human resources seeking your Christmas traditions

We have enjoyed hearing Christmas traditions and stories from employees who are not necessarily born in other countries, but have lived internationally. We are expanding our Christmas tradition collection to encompass stories and traditions from these folks. If you have a Christmas tradition that you would like to share, please send it to Kathy Castonguay at kcastong@messiah.edu and Victoria Johnson at vjohnson@messiah.edu before the Thanksgiving holiday and then stop by the human resources office for a free cookie!

Volunteers needed for Employee Christmas Luncheon

Each year, in the spirit of the season, employees volunteer to help with setup, serving and cleanup at the Employee Christmas Luncheon. This allows our colleagues in dining services and campus events to more fully participate in the event. If you haven’t participated before, or if you’ve had a great time volunteering in the past, we need you this year! Please consider volunteering for one of the following time slots on Friday, Dec. 20—set-up: 9-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; serving, two 45-minute shifts during lunch, meet at 11:40 a.m. for instructions; cleanup: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources administrative assistant, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086 by Wednesday, Dec. 11. Thank you!

Campus Ministries connection

Waiting

How are you at waiting? Waiting is not easy, especially in our hurried culture. Yet we all must wait at times. Our Teaching Pastor, Brian Smith, led us into this movement of Belief/Advent by noting the promises of Malachi 3 and the resulting ability of the prophet, Anna (Luke 2) to wait for about 60 years in the Temple for the birth of Christ. Her waiting was not focused on the future, rather the daily practices that filled her life. Belief challenges us to wait. How we wait is as important as how long we are willing to wait. Today can be lost by obsessing about the future. Truthfully our future is revealed by how we act now. Belief calls us to be fully present in today while waiting on God.

Classifieds

Position available:

The Department of  Information Technology Systems currently has an opening for the following position: Help Desk Support Tier II. For additional information, please see http://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2892. Job-related questions may be directed to Susan Shannon, director of learning technology services, at sshannon@messiah.edu.

Free:

Two Lexmark 26 color print cartridges; Two Lexmark 16 black print cartridges. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

Wanted:

Exercise equipment — If you have any weight equipment or strength training equipment, low cost or free, I have a local family looking for this as a Christmas present for their teenage son. Contact dfolgelsa@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Xbox 360 games — Blazing Angels 2, $10; Civil War, $10; Forza Motorsport/Ultimate Alliance (two in one), $15; Guitar Hero III, $10; Halo 3, $10; Country Rock Band, $10; Xbox 360 Rock Band drum set, $25. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

York Barbell equipment — 1 in. bar 80 in. long, curling bar with spinlock, contour cast iron plates (four 50 lb. and six 25 lb.), Pro Series 205 incline bench, York FTS squat stand. Call Jeff at 717-259-7700.

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS sedan — 115K miles, $2,600; 17 in. LCD monitor — 1280 × 1024, $35. For pictures or additional information, contact owen@messiah.edu.

Christmas trees — 4-7 ft. white spruce. $25. Delivery possible. Contact Dale Fogelsanger at 717-623-0735.

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God.
II Corinthians 3:4-5 (NRSV)

News

Messiah College was recognized in the November issue of the Clery Center’s newsletter for its active shooter training. Provided by the department of campus safety and the office of human resources, the training has been provided to more than 90 percent of faculty and staff and a majority of students. The program provides options to consider if ever faced with an intruder or shooter on campus as well as information about the campus crisis team and what resources are available to those who are in need of reporting a situation. The Clery Center for Security on Campus is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing violence, substance abuse and other crimes on college and university campuses across the U.S. and to compassionately assist the victims of these crimes.

The payroll office welcomes Missy Huntington to the role of assistant payroll manager and finance assistant. In this new role, Huntington will be responsible to provide leadership and assistance in managing the payroll process and the associated tasks of tax research, tax filings and reporting to ensure compliance. This position will also assist the finance team with various reconciliations. Through Dec. 15 Missy will provide assistance to both the payroll office and the Falcon Exchange before moving full-time to her new assignment on Dec. 16.

Messiah 411

Student honors presentation set for Nov. 18

Senior PK-4/Special Education Major Kelly Stief will give her honors presentation on “Teaching Fractions to Students with Disabilities” on Monday, Nov. 18. In her presentation, Kelly will discuss the various challenges and opportunities inherent in teaching complex concepts to this unique population using current research based strategies and iPad apps. Kelly presented this information at PAC-TE to a welcoming audience of higher education professionals. The event will be held in Boyer 131, from 4-5 p.m. An assortment of refreshments will be served.

Finance office annual soup sale set for Nov. 20

Please join us for soups and sweets on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Follow the aroma of homemade soups to the payroll office lobby in Old Main where you can purchase soup ($3 per bowl) and sweet desserts ($2 each). These delicacies are donated by business office employees and all proceeds are used to provide a bountiful Christmas to a local needy family. Last year your generosity allowed the business office to provide an abundance of gifts, clothing and groceries to two families. This year we are also collecting non-perishable canned goods to benefit the Silence of Mary home in Harrisburg. Please come for a satisfying lunch and help us reach out to the community again this Christmas!

Mark the beginning of Advent with the annual Celebration of the Light

All students and employees are invited to attend and celebrate the traditional start to the Christmas season Tuesday, December 3 at 4:45 p.m. Carol-singing, prayer, scripture reading and the lighting of the campus Christmas tree will all be a part of this year’s advent celebration. Hot chocolate, cider, pumpkin cookies and other seasonal treats will be served. Supervisors are asked to provide release time as able to those non-essential employees who would like to attend.

Rain Date: Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:45 p.m. in the Eisenhower Campus Center Circle. In case of inclement weather on Dec. 5, the event will be held indoors in the Larsen Student Union.

Annual Authors’ Exhibit submissions accepted

All educators are asked to submit hard copies of their publications, exhibits, performance materials, etc. from Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2013 to Carol Hostetter in the Boyer Center, suite 3008. The annual Authors’ Exhibit is held in conjunction with the New Doctorate’s Tea on Dec. 12.

UPS CampusShip training available

From time to time, Messiah employees find the need to ship UPS packages, whether for themselves or for their department. Did you know that Messiah has a UPS shipping program employees can manage right from your computer? Why wait until you need to ship something to be trained? Please take this opportunity to let us show you how to ship packages and save money at the same time. Please send an email to Bill Althoff at balthoff@messiah.edu to be notified of the next training session. The sessions are only about 45 minutes long and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.

Important reminder to faculty

Learning Technology Services would like to remind the faculty that it’s not too early to begin planning ahead. The J-term and spring 2014 semester work submission deadlines have been set. Please coordinate your needs for your courses with the deadline dates listed on the attached document. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Diane Hunsinger, copyright and educational support specialist, at ext. 3895. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Reminders from accounts payable

The department of accounts payable would like to remind you there will not be a check run Thanksgiving week (week of Nov. 25) and Christmas week (week of Dec. 23). Please mark your calendars for planning purposes. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Workplace Safety Committee members announced

The Messiah College Workplace Safety Committee is concerned about the safety and well-being of our employees and students, our campus and the environment. We have representation from many different areas across campus. For more information and complete list of members, please see attachment.

Human resources seeking your Christmas traditions

Were you born in a country outside of the United States? We would love to hear about the Christmas traditions from your country of origin Please send your traditions to Victoria Johnson at vjohnson@messiah.edu or Kathy  Castonguay at kcastong@messiah.edu and then stop by the human resources office for a free cookie!

Human Resources and Compliance – did you know?

Meal breaks for staff and temporary hourly employees are only unpaid breaks if an employee is fully relieved of all work responsibilities and the employee does NOT perform any work function during the meal break period. Meal breaks are required when a staff or temporary employee works six or more consecutive hours in a work day. For minors aged 14 through 17, meal breaks are required when the employee works five or more consecutive hours in a work day. For more information, please review section 1.38.11 of the Messiah College online policy and procedure manual here.

Campus Ministries connection

Changing Shape of Community

The definition of community is being redefined. Few would have imagined a few decades ago that a Kenyan would be the CEO of a North American mission agency. Nelson Okanye is exactly that. He is also on the pastoral staff of a vibrant multicultural church in Washington, D.C. To understand mission in today’s world, we must, as Bernardo Michael stated, hear the voices from the margins and learn to relate to them with respect. This shift in vision is essential to experience community in the diversity of our world. Homogenous isolation will not serve us well nor will it provide adequate education for the future of students. Community requires us to hear and respect voices that may not have been a part of our past but are essential for the future. It is a spiritual tension to appreciate what has been while embracing what is the future of community.

Classifieds

Position available:

The department of Human Resources and Compliance currently has an opening for the following position: Human Resources Administrative Assistant. For additional information, please see: http://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2869. Job-related questions may be directed to Inger Blount, assistant director of human resources, at iblount@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Three-bedroom immaculately-maintained home — Nestled between farm and nursery gardens, this lovely almost 1.25 acre country hideaway offers Northern York Schools and is just minutes from Dillsburg. Sip coffee in the mornings from your 12 ft. × 20 ft. deck and watch the leaves change in your mountain view. Stay toasty this winter by the propane fireplace in the family room. Lots of storage in the oversized one-car garage and the generously-sized barn in the backyard. Asking $209,900. See more details about 1270 Old Mountain Road, Wellsville here. http://www.remax.com For questions or additional information, contact Aleisha Wildon at awildon@messiah.edu or Ann Wright at 717-649-0751 or at awrighter4@comcast.net.

But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 (NRSV)

News

From the office of the provost:

Congratulations to Carl A. Erikson, Jr., assistant professor of engineering, and Yvonne E. Martin, assistant professor of business administration, who have been awarded emeritus status.

Congratulations to the following faculty who have been approved for term tenure renewal for the five-year period, Aug. 1, 2014 to July 31, 2019:

Robin A. Collins, professor of philosophy

Jean Thompson Corey, associate professor of English

Crystal L. Downing, professor of English and film studies

Jeffrey S. Erikson, assistant professor of biology and environmental science

David J. Hagenbuch, associate professor of marketing

Michael A. Harcrow, associate professor of music

Charles D. Jantzi, associate professor of psychology

Erik D. Lindquist, professor of biology and environmental science

Donald A. Murk, professor of early childhood education

Retta K. Murray, assistant professor of health and human performance

Timothy W. Schoettle, associate professor of philosophy

Charles R. Seitz, associate professor of social work

David T. Vader, professor of engineering

Lamarr C. Widmer, professor of mathematics

Jenny Dose, professor of management, and David Hagenbuch, associate professor of marketing, presented papers at the national conference of the Christian Business Faculty Association, held in Bourbonnais, Ill. October 17-19. Jenny’s paper was titled “The Body of Christ and Social Capital: A Social Network Analysis of a Christian Organization.” David’s was titled “Escaping Overindulgence: How Marketers Might Avoid Encouraging Excessive Consumption.”

An interview with Todd Goranson, associate professor of music, was featured in Vandoren’s “Wave” publication (Vol. 2, Issue 41) in October. The interview includes Goranson’s insights into performing on two different musical instruments and on coping with anxiety in performance. The interview can be found here.

Messiah 411

Danielle Pianucci to deliver student honors presentation

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, senior PK-4/special education major, Danielle Pianucci will deliver her student honors presentation titled, “Study of Conditionally Admitted Students at Messiah College: Needs and Gains Over Time.” Pianucci will report on the findings of a research study of students that she began fall 2012 and recently concluded with a follow-up study of the same students in their sophomore year. Pianucci is the 2013 Ernest L. Boyer, Sr. Teacher Scholarship recipient. The honors presentation will be held in Boyer 131 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Finance office annual soup sale set for Nov. 20

Please join us for soups and sweets on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 pm! Follow the aroma of homemade soups to the payroll office lobby in Old Main where you can purchase soup ($3 per bowl) and sweet desserts ($2 each). These delicacies are donated by business office employees and all proceeds are used to provide a bountiful Christmas to a local needy family. Last year your generosity allowed the business office to provide an abundance of gifts, clothing and groceries to two families. This year we are also collecting non-perishable canned goods to benefit the Silence of Mary home in Harrisburg. Please come for a satisfying lunch and help us reach out to the community again this Christmas!

Aughinbaugh Art Gallery exhibits Laurel Lukaszewski’s ceramics open through Nov. 27

The M Louise Aughinbaugh Gallery located in the lower level of the Climenhaga Building announces a new exhibition of the ceramic work of Laurel Lukaszewski: Patterns of Place

Lukaszewski’s work, based on line, rhythm and form and playing with positive and negative space, is strongly rooted in her study of Japanese art and culture bridging the traditional dichotomies of the Eastern viewpoint and her own Western sensibilities. Laurel Lukaszewski is a Washington, D.C.-based artist. Well known regionally, she also has exhibited in venues across the country, including those in New York City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Miami, Santa Fe, Houston, and Seattle. Lukaszewski is a founding member of Flux Studios, in Mt. Rainier, Md., and has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Washington Sculptors Group, the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Washington Project for the Arts Artist Council.

Mark the beginning of Advent with the annual Celebration of the Light

All students and employees are invited to attend and celebrate the traditional start to the Christmas season Tuesday, December 3 at 4:45 p.m. Carol-singing, prayer, scripture reading and the lighting of the campus Christmas tree will all be a part of this year’s advent celebration. Hot chocolate, cider, pumpkin cookies and other seasonal treats will be served. Supervisors are asked to provide release time as able to those non-essential employees who would like to attend.

Rain Date: Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:45 p.m. in the Eisenhower Campus Center Circle. In case of inclement weather on Dec. 5, the event will be held indoors in the Larsen Student Union.

Student Professional Development Grant available

The Career Center and the Student Government Association (SGA) are pleased to once again announce the Student Professional Development Grant. This grant opportunity, funded by SGA, is for students interested in attending professional conferences or related activities. Grants will provide accepted students with half of their proposed funding needed for travel and registration costs, up to $300. Limited funding is available per semester, so interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications are available on Career Center’s website . Other components of the grant include a mandatory online training session and an educational “give back” activity in the form of a blog posting. For questions, please contact Abby Book at ext. 6016 or abook@messiah.edu.

Annual Authors’ Exhibit submissions accepted

All educators may submit hard copies of their publications, exhibits, performance materials, etc. from Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2013 to Carol Hostetter in the Boyer Center, suite 3008. The annual Authors’ Exhibit is held in conjunction with the New Doctorate’s Tea on Dec. 12.

2013 AICUP first-year student survey results available

The office of institutional research administered the AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania) first-year student survey during spring 2013. Please look at the institutional research webpage for an info-graphic aiming to provide an overall picture of the results organized by our four broad general education outcome areas.

Canvas updates from Learning Technology Services

Learning technology services continues to move forward with the transition to Canvas. Follow our website to keep up-to-date on Canvas Information. We will do our best to keep you informed if there is any change to the training schedule or implementation process. On the website you will also find an FAQ page where there is space for you to submit additional questions.

The November 2013 training calendar is available.

Important reminders

• Remember courses for J-term 2014 and the spring semester 2014 must be created in Canvas. No new courses will be created in Sakai.
• Training is available now and will be available in J-term; it’s not too early to get started.
• You will have access to your course materials in Sakai until December 2014.

If you have any questions regarding Canvas, please contact ext. 4444.

Important reminder to faculty

Learning Technology Services would like to remind the faculty that it’s not too early to begin planning ahead. The J-term and spring 2014 semester work submission deadlines have been set. Please coordinate your needs for your courses with the deadline dates listed on the attached document. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Diane Hunsinger, copyright and educational support specialist, at ext. 3895. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

United Way employee pledge drive in final week

We are in the final week of our annual Employee Pledge Drive. Pledge forms are due Friday, Nov. 8. The United Way of the Capital Region provides solutions for local issues by focusing on three areas:  health, education and basic needs. Each week during the drive we are sharing information on a program partner in one of these categories.

Today’s topic: Prosperity Centers. United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) understands that more and more families are living on the edge, and don’t know how to find a foothold. They want to become financially stable, but don’t know how. Our United Way has created a way to help people get back on track. Through our Prosperity Centers, trained volunteers help individuals and families learn to budget, plan for unexpected circumstances and manage their money. Read how the Prosperity Center at New Hope Ministries in Mechanicsburg helped Paul move beyond his crisis point to stability here. 

By donating to the United Way during the pledge drive, you can help realize solutions to problems in our community. One hundred percent of your contribution is directed to local programs and services. You can:

• Specify the non-profit recipient
• Select one of three focus areas (health, education or basic needs)

or

• Allow the United Way to apply your donation to the area of greatest need

Please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu with any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Access to (Material) Safety Data Sheets (M)SDS

Messiah College contracts with the 3E Company to maintain an electronic database of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals our employees may be exposed to in their workplace. To access this information, click on the “MSDS (3E Online)” link found on MCSquare under both Employee Quicklinks and Student Quicklinks. A link to this same database is also available here. Select” Environmental, Health and Safety” ribbon on the right, then select “Safety Data Sheets (M)SDS Online System” on the left.

If, for any reason, the online system is down or you do not have access to a computer, the safety data sheet can be obtained by dialing the phone number that you will find posted on campus phones (1-800-451-8346). The person who answers the phone can email, fax or read the contents of the SDS to you 24/7.

Campus Ministries connection

Knowing the Heart of Strangers

One hundred years ago, four Armenians escaped persecution of Christians in Turkey and found their way to Messiah College through friendship connections. It was appropriate and appreciated that one of our Malaysian students shared a prayerful song written by her godmother. Both served as a reminder that we have much to receive as well as to give.

Mission Awareness Day raises the tension of a call by Christ to an outward journey to “the world” but at the same time His call is to the inward journey of our “third world,” the inner self. Dr. Bernardo Michael pointed out that the journey starts at home according to Exodus 22:21 “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” He spoke of the importance of the interior journey before attempting to cross boundaries in the outer journey. To engage the interior journey through the doorway of silence and solitude is challenging. But, Michael asserted that the unreconciled life here cannot be reconciled there. We must know our inner self so that we can let go of the baggage that prevents us from being authentic and humble in friendship with strangers. This is a journey that begins on our campus without the need for a passport but it does require courage.

Classifieds

Positions available:

The Department of Management and Business and the International Business Institute currently have an opening for the following position: Administrative Assistant to the Department Co-Chairs, Management and Business; Director of the International Business Institute: http://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2689. Job-related questions may be directed to Jenny Dose, co-chair, department of management and business, at ext. 2320.

Free:

Drum set — Contact Rhonda King at ext. 7291 or rking@messiah.edu.

Sofa bed —Used, floral design. Contact dfogelsa@messiah.edu.

For sale:

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS Sedan — 115K miles, $3,200; 17 in. LCD Monitor — 1280 × 1024, $50. For pictures or additional information, contact owen@messiah.edu.

10 strands of white lights — used once, $25; 100 glass tea light holders — $10; 8 x 8 basket from Ten Thousand Villages — $3; Small microwave — $10; Window unit air conditioner for large area — $50; Window unit air conditioner for smaller area — $30. Contact Rhonda King at ext. 7291 or rking@messiah.edu.

I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2 (NRSV)

News

Senior chemistry student Julie Fenton spent twelve weeks last summer at the University of Strasbourg in France conducting research in inorganic chemistry funded by the National Science Foundation. She recently had her first paper from this research accepted into the “European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.”

Dave Foster, professor of biology and environmental science, recently served on a team that reviewed the earth and environmental science program in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at Taylor University.

Scott Kieffer, professor of health and exercise science, is executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. In this role, he organized the annual MARC-ACSM meeting in Harrisburg on Nov. 1-2. The MARC-ACSM meeting is an opportunity for students and professionals within the region (Pa., Del., Md., N.J., N.Y., W.Va., and Washington, D.C.) with an interest in health promotion, exercise science and sports medicine to come together to share, learn and network. Approximately 70 Messiah College health and human performance majors will attend.

Jenell Paris, department of sociology, anthropology and criminal justice, recently published “I am Miley Cyrus” in the “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,” “The Tortoise and the Hare in Bed,” at EngagedMarriage.com and “Should We Save Our Children From the Flames of Hell?” at Patheos.com.

Associate Professor of Education Anita Voelker’s research study titled “Tomorrow’s Teachers Engaging in Unprotected Text” was published in the fall 2013 edition of the “Journal of Children’s Literature.”

Messiah 411

Test of Safe Connect system scheduled for Oct. 31

Messiah announces new tool for communicating during an emergency. In partnership with ITS, the Crisis Management Team wants to make all Messiah students and employees aware of a new way that they might receive information and instructions during a campus emergency. Using Safe*Connect software, we are now able to interrupt nearly all of the computers on the College’s network with a pop-up screen that will alert the campus to an emergency situation and provide further instruction.

Safe*Connect is embedded in the access control software installed on your computer by ITS. All employee PCs and Macs are equipped with this software. (Not all student Macs have this software, but it can be requested by calling student computing services at ext. 3333.) Because the software refreshes every 10 minutes, not everyone will receive the message at the same time. (Your computer’s refresh schedule depends on when you booted up your machine.) However, within 10 minutes of sending a Safe*Connect alert, we anticipate that the message should be broadly communicated across campus. A test of this system will occur during the late afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 31.

Safe*Connect is just one of several ways the College will communicate during an emergency situation. We anticipate using text message alerts, social media, mass email, the College website and emergency blog as well. Text message alerts remain the most effective, fastest way of getting information and instructions to the entire campus, so if you haven’t signed up yet for text message alerts, we strongly encourage you to do so today. Instructions can be found here.

More about the College’s emergency response plans and methods of communication can be found here.

Announcement from facility services

On Sunday, Nov. 3 Frey Hall will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. No one will be allowed to enter the building due to the placement of cooling towers on the roof. Questions or concerns should be directed to Dan Smith, ext. 7151, or Brad Markley, ext. 3500.

International Education Week events planned

Join the campus community in celebrating International Education Week (IEW) starting next week: Monday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Nov. 8. The purpose of IEW is to celebrate and promote the benefits of global, intercultural exchange within higher education through meaningful community events, which include lectures, chapels, presentations, exhibits, films, recitals and concerts. Highlights include:

Monday, Nov. 4

• German Cultural Celebration • 3–5 p.m., Howe Atrium
• Alternate chapel featuring alumnus A.J. Nolte presenting “Caught in the Crosshairs: The Christian Community in Syria” • 7–8 p.m., Boyer 131

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Mission Awareness Day

• Mission Awareness Day chapel: Dr. Bernardo Michael • 9:30–10:15 a.m., Brubaker Auditorium
• French Cultural Celebration • 4–5:30 p.m., Howe Atrium

Wednesday, Nov. 6

• International Education Week student recital • 11–11:50 a.m., High Foundation Recital Hall
• Spanish Cultural Celebration • 3–5 p.m., Howe Atrium
• Alternate chapel featuring Dr. Richard Slimbach presenting “From Doorstep to Planet: Putting the Local into Global Learning” • 7–8 p.m., Boyer 131

Thursday, Nov. 7

• Salt and Light chapel featuring Dr. Richard Slimbach: “Turning Strangers into Neighbors” • 9:30–10:15 a.m., Hostetter Chapel
• Alternate chapel featuring Dr. Ray Motsi, “Why Are We/Why Am I Doing This?! Reflections of a Theological College President in Africa” • 4–5 p.m., Boyer 131
• Alternate chapel documentary film: “Rising from the Ashes” • 6:30–8 p.m., Parmer Cinema

Friday, Nov. 8

• Chinese Cultural Celebration • 3:30–5 p.m., Howe Atrium
• International Festival: a celebration featuring music by Messiah College’s United Voices of Praise and from Wisaal (www.wisaalmusic.com), an acclaimed Mediterranean fusion group, as well as ethnic food and international craft vendors.

For a complete and detailed schedule of IEW events, please visit www.messiah.edu/IEW/ and utilize the tabs on the right to view each day’s activities.

Recognition and appreciation of sponsors: international programs, the office of the special assistant to the president and provost for diversity affairs; World Christian Fellowship; the office of the provost; the office of the president; the office of the associate dean of students; faculty development; The Collaboratory; the office of sustainability; the department of biological sciences; college ministries; peace and conflict studies; the department of politics; and the office of student involvement and leadership programs.

Student PR Club Hosts Caitlin’s Smiles Fundraiser

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Messiah College Chapter of PRSSA will host Miles for Smiles, a 5K/one-mile walk to benefit Caitlin’s Smiles. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate. Held on the campus of West Shore Evangelical Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, Miles for Smiles will feature a fall festival for children as well as snacks and prizes for race participants. Preregistration is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/201075860072852/. Walk-in registration begins at 9 a.m., with the race beginning at 10 a.m. Caitlin’s Smiles provides arts and crafts kits to hospitalized children facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses. See attachment for more details.

Canvas updates from Learning Technology Services

Learning technology services continues to move forward with the transition to Canvas. Follow our website to keep up-to-date on Canvas Information. We will do our best to keep you informed if there is any change to the training schedule or implementation process. On the website you will also find an FAQ page where there is space for you to submit additional questions.

The November 2013 training calendar is available. We anticipate that spring 2014 courses will be made available on Nov. 1.

Important reminders

• Remember courses for J-term 2014 and the spring semester 2014 must be created in Canvas. No new courses will be created in Sakai.
• Training is available now and will be available in J-term; it’s not too early to get started.
• You will have access to your course materials in Sakai until December 2014.

If you have any questions regarding Canvas, please contact ext. 4444.

Don’t get left out…send in your spring public events

The office of marketing and communications is again producing a Highlights brochure to promote the public events occurring on campus during the spring semester. In an effort to bring more people to campus, we will mail the brochure to more than 5,000 homes in the community in early Jan. To ensure your public event is included, i.e. a concert, recital, play, lecture, conference, performance or any other event at which you would welcome the general public, please send the event, date, time, place, contact name, admission charge (if any) and contact phone number to Kim Christen at kchriste@messiah.edu no later than Friday, Nov. 8.

The Highlights brochures have been very well received in the past and demand for them has been high, both on and off campus. If you would like to order a quantity for your own department’s use, please call Kim Christen at ext. 7326. There will be a charge of $12 per 100 brochures (12 cents per copy) to cover the additional printing costs.

Register now for “Messiah Goes to the World Cup”

If you are currently exercising or wanting to begin, consider joining the wellness program titled “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” It’s a way to for us to collectively record our miles and/or minutes of exercise. For every 4,800 miles we accumulate, we figuratively “send” one of soccer players to Brazil for next summer’s World Cup. To allow employees to join throughout the year, each six-week begins a brand new phase. Registration is simple. Just click on the link below and it will take you to the registration page. Once you register you also need to email your Café Well screen name to HAPA_wellness@cvty.com so the wellness director can identify you and so your workouts count towards our mileage. This will also qualify you for random award drawings. All Café Well screen names are confidential. To complete the program and collect your 30 wellness points, you just need to submit workouts for at least five of the six weeks and have met the minimum standards on at least five of the six weeks (five miles of walking/week, or six miles of running/week, or 12 miles of cycling/week, or two miles of swimming/week, or 60 minutes of other forms of exercise/week).

Here are the links to click on to register for Phase II:

WALK

RUN

CYCLE

SWIM

EXERCISE

Important reminder to faculty

Learning Technology Services would like to remind the faculty that it’s not too early to begin planning ahead. The J-term and spring 2014 semester work submission deadlines have been set. Please coordinate your needs for your courses with the deadline dates listed on the attached document. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Diane Hunsinger, copyright and educational support specialist, at ext. 3895. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Limited event dates outlined by conference and event services

This policy has been approved and endorsed by the President’s Cabinet. The conference and event services office along with campus events works hard to meet all the requests of the campus community.  Over the past several years there has been an increase in requests for events during dates and times that either conflict with other institutional events, or because of the size or needs of the event, they cannot be supported. In an effort to provide the best level of service possible, events and services (requiring the assistance of conference and events services) will be limited on the dates listed below and under the following circumstances.

These dates/events include:

1.            Community Day – only events that do not require set up or tech support will be approved until the completion of Community Day activities.

2.            Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of fall Welcome Week (FWW) – All activities related to COE day and FWW are supported. Any other requests cannot be supported if they need set up or tech support.

3.            Friday and Saturday of Messiah College Christmas (except for wrestling tournament). Any other requests cannot be supported if they need set up or tech support.

4.            Service Day – no activities permitted to be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., evening activities only if no set up and tech support is required.

5.            Reading Day and Employee Recognition Service – No activities permitted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. except Employee Recognition Service.

6.            Friday and Saturday of Commencement – Activities need to be related to Board of Trustee meetings, nursing pinning, baccalaureate and commencement only.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to manage staffing and resources. As always, it is best to plan early for all your events on campus.

Weather delay and closings information

In the event classes are delayed or canceled, those students and/or employees who have signed up for text alerts will receive a text regarding such delay or closure. A delay or closure notification will also be placed on the College’s website, as well as available by calling the emergency information line at 691-6084. A recording will provide you with a date and time of the most recent message. You can also check out the Messiah College homepage. Morning announcements are made no later than 6:30 a.m.

Please note, any notice of a delay and/or cancellation of an event at the College will only be available on the emergency line and not through the text alert system.

Employees involved in snow removal, facilities, campus events and dining should follow the instructions given by their respective supervisory staff.

Kathie Shafer, vice president for operations

United Way employee pledge drive underway

We are in the second week of our annual Employee Pledge Drive. The United Way of the Capital Region provides solutions for local issues by focusing on three areas: health, education and basic needs. Each week during the drive we are sharing information on a program partner in one of these categories.

Today’s topic: Visiting Nurse Association of Central Pennsylvania (VNA). VNA’s Maternal Child Health Program provides at-home care for low-income mothers and their infants. For a mother who might not be able to afford follow-up visits after her baby is born, this service is crucial. Nearly 20 percent of the clients in this program don’t have reliable transportation. VNA is able to overcome this hurdle by going straight to the home. Read how Baby Wesley and his mom were helped by the VNA here.

By donating to the United Way during the pledge drive, you can help realize solutions to problems in our community. 100 percent of your contribution is directed to local programs and services. You can:

• Specify the non-profit recipient
• Select one of three focus areas (health, education or basic needs)

or

• Allow the United Way to apply your donation to the area of greatest need

Please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu with any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Campus Ministries connection

The Search

Can the tension of polarities in our lives lift us from despair to engage something of higher value? Can the grays of life between black and white actually produce lives that are imaginative and motivated by a desire to follow Christ’s way? This week in the movement around “Polarities of Community” we engage the multiple messages of our culture and how as Christians that tension provides opportunity for embracing something beyond the messages of our culture while still living within our culture. Walker Percy in The Moviegoer says, “The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life…. To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be onto something. Not to be onto something is to be in despair.” Chapel speaker and author of Hipster Christianity: When Church & Cool Collide (Baker, 2010), Brent McCracken says in his blog, “The Search exists for any and every one of us who—in seeking truth, dialogue, epiphany, and connection—feels the spiritual pull toward that state of ‘being on to something’ bigger and brighter than ourselves.” That seems to ring true with our definition of spiritual formation as articulated by Robert Mulholland, “The process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” “Process” indicates a living search or a “still seeking” that can lead to something of greater value.

Classifieds

Positions available:

The department of finance currently has openings for the following positions:
Assistant Bursar: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2805; Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Finance and Planning: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2808.
Job-related questions may be directed to Wendy Starner, controller, at ext. 6920.

For sale:

Geotrax system — Multiple trains, tracks, accessories $75; First Act electric guitar with amp — $25. Contact merikson@messiah.edu.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NRSV)

News

Lois Beck, associate professor of French and communication, had a review of Carl Alderhold’s book, “Fermeture éclair” published in the current edition of “The French Review.”

Gene Chase, professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science, published an essay in the online, peer-reviewed “Journal of the ACMS.” The essay critiques a book of essays on phenomenology, mathematics and theology.

Ted Davis, professor of the history of science, recently spoke at St. Michael’s College (Vt.) and Gordon College. Next month, the Louisville (Ky.) Public Library will sponsor an exhibit about Robert Boyle and Johannes Kepler. The Boyle posters were designed by Ted and Christopher Graney, an astronomer with ties to the library.

David Hagenbuch, associate professor of marketing, is this year’s recipient of the annual teaching award presented by the Christian Business Faculty Association. The teaching award recognizes Christian business faculty members who emulate the character, engagement and calling of Christ to the work and ministry of transformational education.

On Sept. 23, Thomas Soerens, associate professor of engineering, presented the paper “Treatment of Ground Water with High Humic Acids for Low Cost Drinking Water Supply” at the Water Technologies for Emerging Regions Conference in Norman, Okla. University of Arkansas student Micah Wyssman was a co-presenter.

Associate Professor Anita Voelker, senior education major Danielle Morabito and junior education major Emily Deines presented a paper at the 46th Annual Conference of the Keystone State Reading Association. Their presentation outlined the research and development of book trailers as a literacy strategy. As a grand finale, participants joined in creating a book trailer using iPads and iMovie. Future research on this topic is scheduled for the spring with fourth graders from a local elementary school.

Messiah 411

Aerial video capture scheduled for Oct. 25

The office of marketing and communications is working again with a videographer taking aerial footage of campus on Friday, Oct. 25 during the timeframe of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The photographer will be accompanied by a Messiah staff person at all times. He will be using drone technology (which looks like a small remote-controlled helicopter with a camera attached) to capture aerial shots of the fall foliage on campus that day for use in campus communications. Please contact marketing and communications at ext. 6027 with any questions.

United Way employee pledge drive launched

The annual Employee Pledge Drive launched this week and will run through Friday, Nov. 8. The United Way of the Capital Region provides solutions for local issues by focusing on three areas: health, education and basic needs. Each week during the drive we will share information on a program partner in one of these categories.

Today’s topic: The Joshua Group. The Joshua Group is an at-risk youth mentoring organization located and working with youth living primarily in the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg — a neighborhood with the highest poverty, unemployment, violent crime and drop-out rates in the city. Read how the Joshua Group is helping launch Jania Green on a lifetime of learning.

By donating to the United Way during the pledge drive, you can help realize solutions to problems in our community.  One-hundred percent of your contribution is directed to local programs and services. You can

• Specify the non-profit recipient
• Select one of three focus areas (health, education or basic needs)

or

• Allow the United Way to apply your donation to the area of greatest need

Please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, with any questions at kcastong@messiah.edu. Thank you for your consideration.

Career Center offers networking opportunities

The Expo may be over, but the Career Center is still going strong with its fall programming! See below for some exciting opportunities for students and educators to interact with employers.

Pizza with Professionals

Don’t miss these upcoming chats with the following organizations:

Mennonite Central Committee – Oct. 30, Hostetter Chapel Fellowship Hall

International Justice Mission – Nov. 6, Kline 120
* All sessions will be held from 12–1 p.m. Free pizza is provided! PLEASE CLICK ON DATE BESIDE EACH SESSION TO REGISTER

Coffee and Conversation with Hovde Foundation

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2-2:45 p.m., Eisenhower Board Room

Jeff Boyd ’97, executive director of the Hovde Foundation, will be available to chat with students and answer questions during this informal session. Drop by when you can and stay for as long as you want. Coffee and pastries will be provided.

INTO THE CITY – Mini to Four Seasons Produce, Ephrata PA

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Connect with the many Messiah College alumni who work at Four Seasons during this informative site visit. Networking dinner also included. Vans depart Eisenhower Circle at 2 p.m. and will return at approximately 8 p.m.

To register, please click here. Register by Nov. 2; space is limited.

Reminders from accounts payable

The department of accounts payable would like to remind you there will not be a check run Thanksgiving week (week of Nov. 25) and Christmas week (week of Dec. 23). Please mark your calendars for planning purposes. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Don’t get left out…send in your spring public events

The office of marketing and communications is again producing a Highlights brochure to promote the public events occurring on campus during the spring semester. In an effort to bring more people to campus, we will mail the brochure to more than 5,000 homes in the community in early Jan. To ensure your public event is included, i.e. a concert, recital, play, lecture, conference, performance or any other event at which you would welcome the general public, please send the event, date, time, place, contact name, admission charge (if any) and contact phone number to Kim Christen at kchriste@messiah.edu no later than Friday, Nov. 8.

The Highlights brochures have been very well received in the past and demand for them has been high, both on and off campus. If you would like to order a quantity for your own department’s use, please call Kim Christen at ext. 7326. There will be a charge of $12 per 100 brochures (12 cents per copy) to cover the additional printing costs.

Important reminder to faculty

Learning Technology Services would like to remind faculty that it’s not too early to begin planning ahead. The J-term and spring 2014 semester work submission deadlines have been set. Please coordinate your needs for your courses with the deadline dates listed on the attached document. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Diane Hunsinger, copyright and educational support specialist, at ext. 3895. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

OSHA hazard communication training

All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies must be given training in the Hazard Communication Standard, the new GHS labeling system and the new Safety Data Sheet format. Hazardous chemicals include but are not limited to cleaning products, paints and paint thinners, inks and dyes, oils and greases, lab chemicals, welding materials such as fluxes and welding rods, etc. This training is required by law to be completed by Dec. 1. Employees such as office workers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in non-routine, isolated instances do not need to be included in this training. Student workers may be included, depending on their job assignment. If you are uncertain if you need to attend, please contact Donna Fink at dfink@messiah.edu for further clarification.

Rather than assign departments to specific training sessions, we are asking that large groups from the same department not attend the same session but spread attendance out over several sessions. This will help to ensure that attendance at these meetings is evenly distributed.

The following training sessions are being offered in Parmer Cinema on the dates and times shown:

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2-3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8, 8-9 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11, 8-9 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2-3 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2-3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 15, 8-9 a.m.

For Campus Events second and third-shifts, a special session is scheduled in Boyer 131 on

Tuesday, Nov.11, 10-11 p.m.

NOTE: Employees in the School of Science, Engineering and Health received this required training in their School meeting on Oct. 23. They should not attend the sessions listed above.

Campus Ministries connection

Loving the Other

Henri Nouwen declares that, “Through the discipline of community we discover a place for God in our life together.” In an age of increasing international connectedness, do we as Christians dare isolate ourselves from our neighbors? The indwelling presence of God in our lives can never be separated from connection with our neighbors. This week, Teaching Pastor Brian Smith offered insights into the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Sharing from Old Testament texts, he helped us understand the concept of “Other” both locally and globally and the challenge of appropriate interactions with what we perceive as “Other.” On Thursday, Dr. Smith visited a familiar New Testament text of one who dared to ask for clarification of the word “neighbor.” It is apparent that rather than fearing the “Other,” we are being called to love through very real actions our “Other.” How we view “Others” will often determine our response. But, the consistent message of Christ is a call to love the “Other.”

Classifieds

Free:

Print cartridges — Two Lexmark 26 color print cartridges; Two Lexmark 16 black print cartridges. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Small corner TV stand — Two glass shelves, dark wood accents. TV bracket on back to hang flatscreen TV. Asking $25. Call Ted at ext. 7155.

Men’s black snowboard boots — Size 10, $20; Xbox 360 games — Blazing Angels 2, $10; Civil War, $10; Forza Motorsport/Ultimate Alliance (two in one), $15; Guitar Hero III, $10; Halo 3, $10; Country Rock Band, $10; Xbox 360 Rock Band drum set, $25. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

Outside organization announcement:

JamFest at the Grantham BIC Church, Saturday, Oct. 26 2-5 p.m. — Come and enjoy a mix of jazz, Latin and folk music, with special guests The Kirk Reese Quartet and Time Out, along with dessert, fun and games. This is a free event to all and will be held outside (weather permitting) so bring your lawn chairs! This event is part of The Arts Hub which you can find at www.facebook.com/TheArtsHub. See attachment for details.

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 14:19 (NRSV)

News

Congratulations to Heidi Lutz, associate professor of nursing, on recently passing her certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Vaughn Miller of ITS, has accepted a position at Lafayette College. Vaughn has been an integral part of ITS for 15 years. His last day will be Oct. 22. There will be a farewell reception for him Oct. 21 from 4-5 p.m. in the Innovation Zone, Hoffman 106. Please stop by and join us as we wish him well.

Messiah 411

Join us for Homecoming Weekend 2013!

The office of alumni and parent relations would like to invite the Messiah community to join us for Homecoming Weekend 2013 Oct. 18 and 19. We would love to see you there! For a full list of activities and frequently asked questions, visit www.messiah.edu/homecoming. Please email homecoming@messiah.edu with additional questions or concerns.

Aerial video capture scheduled for Homecoming

The offices of alumni and parent relations and marketing and communications have hired a firm to take aerial footage of campus on Saturday, Oct. 19 during various Homecoming festivities. The photographer will be using drone technology to capture aerial shots of the activities on campus that day, so don’t be alarmed if you see a small helicopter flying around with a camera attached.

Digital humanities lecture to feature William Pannapacker

Join us for an exciting opportunity to hear more about the development of the digital humanities and their impact on education in various majors. William Pannapacker, professor of English and director of the Mellon Scholars Program in Arts and Humanities at Hope College, will be visiting campus to deliver a lecture titled “The Digital Humanities and the Future of the Liberal Arts.” The lecture will be held Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in Frey 150.  See attachment for more information.

Pannapacker is an American professor of English literature, an academic administrator and a higher education journalist. He is the author of “Revised Lives: Walt Whitman and Nineteenth-Century Authorship” and numerous articles on American literature and culture, higher education and the digital humanities. He has been a columnist for The Chronicle of Higher Education since 1998, and he is a contributor to The New York Times and Slate Magazine. He is the founding director of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholars Program in the Arts and Humanities at Hope College in Holland, Mich. According to Harvard University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, “In the world of education journalism, there are few opinion voices as potent as that of William Pannapacker.”

Passport processing on campus Oct. 31

Representatives from the Cumberland County Court House will be on campus Thursday, Oct. 31 to process passport applications. Applicants need to bring their photos, documents: birth certificate, driver’s license PLUS A PHOTOCOPY OF THE DRIVER’S LICENSE (non-PA residents also need to bring their Messiah ID along with a photocopy of their ID), completed application and fees to the Eisenhower Commons between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Applications can be downloaded here. Please contact intercultural@messiah.edu if you have questions.

November wellness workshop announced

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 12 p.m. in Parmer Cinema for our next wellness workshop. Amy Porto, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, will be our presenter. Her topic, “Packaging puzzled? Deciphering Food Labels” will help you become a smarter, healthier consumer next time you visit the grocery store. And don’t forget, employees attending wellness workshops receive 15 wellness points.

The 2012-13 President’s Report available online

The 2012-13 President’s Report—“Courage and Conviction for Challenging Times”—details the academic year in review. The publication includes a timeline of College events; a financial report; campus milestones; student scholarship; athletic highlights; profiles of students, alumni and educators; and so much more. For stewardship of College resources, rather than receiving an individual printed copy of the President’s Report, all employees are invited to view the report online in its entirety at http://www.messiah.edu/offices/president/communications/report.html. The online version of the report includes direct links to embedded videos and tools to share the report with others via email and social media. Thank you to everyone in the campus community who contributed to this year’s issue.

Feedback to messiah.edu wanted

The office of marketing and communications invites you to take a quick, 10-minute survey about the Messiah College website. Go to messiah.edu and click on the tab on the far left that says “We would like your help.” Select the audience that best describes you and begin the survey. (If you are both an alum and an employee, take the survey that best represents how you use the website most often.) Five people who complete the survey will win $50 Falcon gift cards! Thank you in advance for taking the time to help us improve the College’s website!

Physical Activity Program symbolically “sends” first athlete to Brazil

After only three weeks, the 108 employees participating in the “Messiah Goes to the World Cup” exercise program have collectively topped the 4,800 miles necessary to “symbolically send” a male soccer player to Brazil for next summer’s Men’s World Cup. Senior defender, Drew Frey, a business administration major, was selected as the player being sent. Keep up the great work everyone! If you did not get signed up in time to participate in this six-week phase of the program, the second phase starts on Nov. 10. Be sure to register before then. If you are willing to record your weekly walking, running, cycling or swimming miles or your minutes of any other type of exercise for six weeks, this is a great way to pick up 30 wellness points. Details for registering have been posted in previous Intercoms and can also be found at the wellness program website.

Harrisburg Academy opportunity for Messiah College families

For the third year, Harrisburg Academy is proud to partner with Messiah College in offering a $10,000 renewable merit scholarship for a child of a full-time Messiah employee. Details about the merit scholarship are available online. Families interested in learning more about Harrisburg Academy – the area’s only preschool through 12^th grade independent school – are encouraged to attend the next open house. During the open house, future families have the opportunity to hear about the Academy’s academic and co-curricular programs, tour the school, as well as meet current parents, students, faculty, the head of school and key administrators. The open house is a great way to learn why Harrisburg Academy is so proud of its school community and why current families are so passionate about Harrisburg Academy! Visit the Academy online to RSVP for the Nov. 3 open house here.
Note: There is also a special reception at 1:30 p.m. to learn more about the merit scholarships available to Messiah College employees as well as other corporate partners. For more information, contact admission@harrisburgacademy.org or 717-763-7811. See attachment for more information.

Campus Ministries connection

Polarities in Community

This week we began a new movement in chapel titled, “Polarities in Community.” Henri Nouwen in his book “Making All Things New” articulates the tension this way, “Through the discipline of solitude we discover space for God in our innermost being. Through the discipline of community, we discover a place for God in our life together. Both disciplines belong together precisely because the space within us and the space among us are the same place.”

Lisa Sharon Harper of Sojourners and our own alum and graduate of Fuller Seminary, Jeanelle Austin, addressed the joys and tensions we may experience in community. Lisa addressed the brokenness of relationship with a creation God calls “good” in Genesis resulting from the fall. That evening Lisa addressed how issues of justice and poverty within the community tears at the fabric of God’s design for relationships. Jeanelle addressed the tension between pursuit and waiting identified in Luke 15:11-24 in a message addressing the long way home.

While community is a core value of Messiah College, it can quickly become stereotyped, politicized and polarized. Both speakers affirmed that a biblically based community has tools for us to use as we face questions around God’s purpose and the call to community. It is challenging to engage issues for the common good when a variety of opinions exist on how they should be addressed. This is a challenge that we all need to prayerfully, thoughtfully and biblically approach in solitude and in community. This week the call was clear to partner with each other as “gracious Christians” to make a difference in a very broken world. How we address issues will depend on our ability to balance the tensions of an embracing evangelical community to faithfully serve Christ together. It can be a long way home, but the journey is worthwhile.

Both of these chapel talks are available at MC Square under “Campus Life,” “College Ministries.”

Classifieds

Free:

Sony TC-205 standard cassette recorder; Sanyo TRC-6400 microcassette dictating/transcribing system; Two Sanyo handheld microcassette recording systems; Two Lexmark 26 color print cartridges; Two Lexmark 16 black print cartridges. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Men’s black snowboard boots — Size 10, $20; Xbox 360 games — Blazing Angels 2, $10; Civil War, $10; Forza Motorsport/Ultimate Alliance (two in one), $15; Guitar Hero III, $10; Halo 3, $10; Country Rock Band, $10; Xbox 360 Rock Band drum set, $25. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

Dining table, six chairs and hutch — Table top is a medium colored wood top with blue legs, a leaf and a custom made pad. Chairs have a cushioned seat, two  with arms and four armless. Asking $500 or best offer. Pictures available upon request. Contact Bill or Sandra Strausbaugh, strausba@messiah.edu or sanstraus59@gmail.com.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 (NRSV)

News

Seven Messiah College students and three human development and family science( HDFS) professors attended the Mid-Atlantic Council on Family Relations Conference at Penn State Harrisburg Campus on Oct. 3. Megan Dubbs (FACS ‘14) presented a roundtable titled “Connecting the Dots to a Successful Affiliate.” Katie Bull (HDFS ‘15) presented a roundtable titled “What is Family Science?” Robert Reyes, professor of human development and family science, presented a roundtable called “Domains for Family Practice: Model for Differentiating Involvement in Family Related Fields.” Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology, presented a roundtable called “What is a Certified Family Life Educator and What Can You Do with the CFLE Designation?”

Messiah 411 

Campus Store to adjust hours for fall break

The Campus Store will operate under summer/break hours during fall break. The Campus Store will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11.

Division of finance and planning to adjust hours Oct. 16

The division of finance and planning will be closed on Oct. 16 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for a departmental meeting. This includes the following offices: purchasing, accounts payable, P-card, Falcon Exchange, student financial services, payroll, accounting and institutional research. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

New paradigms for Sarah and Hagar in graphic design and theatre presentation Oct. 16 

In conjunction with the Aughinbaugh Gallery exhibition of of Luba Lukova’s “Women of the Bible,” students will give new voices to the stories of Sarah and Hagar on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 4:15 p.m. in the High Foundation Recital Hall, High Center. Suggested for mature audiences only. Join us for an interdisciplinary exploration of text, image and performance. Brian Smith will provide biblical context and lead a post-performance discussion. The event is sponsored by the departments of biblical and religious studies and theatre and dance as well as the Aughinbaugh Gallery. There will be a reception immediately following the performance and discussion in the Aughinbaugh Gallery. Lukova’s “Women of the Bible” is on view in the lower hallway of the Climenhaga Building, and Lukova’s Graphic Guts is on view in the Aughinbaugh Gallery. For more information, contac Sherron Biddle at sbiddle@messiah.edu.

8th annual Career and Graduate School Expo Oct. 21

The Career Center is sponsoring the 8th annual Career and Graduate School Expo on Monday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More than 140 employers and graduate-level programs will be in Brubaker Auditorium to recruit for internships, part-time and full-time employment, volunteer opportunities and graduate programs. This event is an opportunity for ALL majors and ALL class levels. Please encourage your students (and alumni) to attend.  

Members of the Messiah College community are invited to attend the Expo and interact with employer and graduate school representatives. Your interaction with recruiters assists us as we develop these relationships for our students. 

This year’s Expo boasts several exciting features:

• LinkedIn photo booth – from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. students and faculty/staff are able to get a professional head shot taken for free. The portrait will then be emailed to them for use as their LinkedIn profile picture!

• Grad School Admission Fee Waivers – several graduate schools are offering these waivers to students who stop by their booth. See our website for complete details.

For a complete list of registered organizations and graduate schools, please visit our website. 

Digital humanities lecture to feature William Pannapacker 

Join us for an exciting opportunity to hear more about the development of the digital humanities and their impact on education in various majors. William Pannapacker, professor of English and director of the Mellon Scholars Program in Arts and Humanities at Hope College, will be visiting campus to deliver a lecture titled “The Digital Humanities and the Future of the Liberal Arts.” The lecture will be held Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in Frey 150.  See attachment for more information.

Pannapacker is an American professor of English literature, an academic administrator and a higher education journalist. He is the author of “Revised Lives: Walt Whitman and Nineteenth-Century Authorship,” and numerous articles on American literature and culture, higher education and the digital humanities. He has been a columnist for The Chronicle of Higher Education since 1998, and he is a contributor to The New York Times and Slate Magazine. He is the founding director of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholars Program in the Arts and Humanities at Hope College in Holland, Mich. According to Harvard University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, “In the world of education journalism, there are few opinion voices as potent as that of William Pannapacker.”

Passport processing on campus Oct. 31

Representatives from the Cumberland County Court House will be on campus Thursday, Oct. 31 to process passport applications. Applicants need to bring their photos, documents: birth certificate, driver’s license PLUS A PHOTOCOPY OF THE DRIVER’S LICENSE (non-PA residents also need to bring their Messiah ID along with a photocopy of their ID), completed application and fees to the Eisenhower Commons between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Applications can be downloaded here. Please contact intercultural@messiah.edu if you have questions.

Wellness workshop set for Nov. 6

Plan now to attend our wellness workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 12-12:45 p.m. in Parmer Cinema. Amy Porto, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics, will be presenting the workshop. This is a great chance to receive sound nutritional advice and receive 15 wellness points in the process.  More details to follow in next week’s Intercom. 

Opportunity still available to participate in “Messiah Goes to the World Cup”

Many Messiah employees and spouses are busy recording their exercise miles and minutes in the wellness program titled “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” After just two weeks, our 108 participants have already collectively accumulated 3,358 miles! For every 4,800 miles, we get to virtually ‘send’ a member of the men’s soccer team to Brazil for next summer’s World Cup. Our goal is to see how many we can get there by the end of the school year in May. If you did not get to register for this first six-week phase, don’t worry, you can still participate in the program. There will be four consecutive six-week phases. Employees get 30 wellness points for participating in a six-week phase and a maximum of 60 points for participating in two or more phases. Registration and participation guidelines can be found at the wellness website.

Important information from conference services

If you have not already planned your event on the following dates, conference services will not be able to support it and therefore will not approve your request for Oct. 18, 23, 24 or 25; and Dec. 5, 6 and 7.

Facts about Messiah 

The office of institutional research has provided access to a wide array of up-to-date college statistics. You can view the latest Fact Book, enrollment summaries and other college-wide statistics on the institutional research website. Click on “Check out our Fact Book” or look under “Research” for enrollment summaries, etc.
Laura Miller, assistant director of institutional research and analysis

Hazard Communication Program: Chemical Safety Manual available 

Did you know Messiah College has a written Hazard Communication Program: Chemical Safety Manual? This manual contains our policies and procedures for compliance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200. It discusses how Messiah College will maintain the safety of employees who work with or are exposed to chemicals. 

Included in the information found in this manual is how to read a (Material) Safety Data Sheet (M)SDS and how to access them, labeling requirements for chemical containers, definitions of terms often found on (M)SDSs and labels, what types of physical and health hazards may be present with chemical exposures and how you can protect yourself from those hazards, general safety practices to be followed when working with chemicals and what to do if there is a chemical spill. This manual, along with other environmental, health and safety (EHS) documents, can be easily accessed on the College’s website. Go to human resources and compliance, select the “Environmental, Health and Safety” ribbon on the right  and then select the document you want to view from the list on the left. 

If you work with or around chemicals, take some time to become familiar with the contents of this manual. If you have any questions about our chemical compliance program or any EHS issue, please contact Donna Fink at ext. 5038 or dfink@messiah.edu.

Employee Christmas luncheon scheduled for Dec. 20

Please plan on joining us for the annual Employee Christmas luncheon on Friday, Dec. 20 from 12 – 2:30 p.m.  As is our tradition, it will be a time of fellowship, fine food and festive entertainment.  Save the date!

Campus Ministries connection

Identity of a Loser

Scott Evans, an Irish author and blogger of “Falling From the Front and Other Lessons From the Life of a Loser,” spoke in chapel on how our perceived identity intersects with our identity from God’s perspective. He noted that much of our struggle is about control at that intersection. He pointed to the effort of one son to separate himself to something foreign from the father and the effort of the other son to busy himself with the field. At the end of Scott’s talk, he challenged us to discover that God will not allow our history and self-definition to define us. Because, at the feet of the father we are lifted up and welcomed home. There we are celebrated as his children no matter where we have been. Scott left us with this quote from Julian or Norwich, “In our eyes we are always falling, in God’s eyes we are always standing. Both are true. But God has the greater insight.” To listen to Scott’s message in chapel go to McSquare, “Campus Life” tab and click on “Chapel Archives.”

Classifieds

Position available:

The department of college ministries under the division of student affairs has an opening for the position of college pastor. For additional information and to apply, please see: http://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2753. Job-related questions may be directed to Kris Hansen-Kieffer, vice provost/dean of students, at ext. 5234.

Needed:

Temporary housing —The department of theatre and dance is looking for temporary housing for a guest director from mid-February through mid-April.  He will be directing the College’s Spring Main Stage production this year and will need a place to stay during this time. Compensation will be provided. If you know of any short-term housing opportunities, please contact Kevin Hodes at khodes@messiah.edu, ext. 5045 or 717-796-5045.

Wanted:

Used minus-five (31/26 or 32/27) big-barrel baseball bat — In good condition. Contact Dave at ext. 7379 or dzercher@messiah.edu.