Pastor's Roundtable

Monday morning bright and early found several members of the MBBS community joining with people from Fresno to chat with Dr. Gordon Nickel during the monthly roundtable. On the first Monday of every month MB Biblical Seminary invites pastors and other interested people to join us for breakfast, conversation and lunch on a variety of topics.
Monday's topic was "Authentic Engagement: The Challenge of Muslim/Christian Relations."
If any SEMBITS readers are interested in upcoming topics, you can find information about the Pastor's Roundtable at www.mbseminary.edu/events.

"Hottest Recruit Ever" to Visit MB Biblical Seminary Campus

The buzz around campus hums at an audible level as MB Biblical Seminary faculty, staff and students learn of the impending arrival of a very special campus guest.
"Andy, have you heard the news?" asked one staff member (named Jason) in breathless excitement. "We have a very special guest coming to campus. I bet you can't guess who it is!"
(I guessed it on the first try, since I have sources deep within the confines of MBBS.)
Another student reportedly dashed to the T-shirt print shop to make a special shirt welcoming the visitor. When this reporter confirms the message on said shirt it will surely be reported in this tablet of truth known as Sembits.
While some rumors had a famous actor known for saving the world in 24 hours sprints once per year, this reporter must stand on the facts. Said actor is not the special visitor.
Rather, we at MB Biblical Seminary prepare and plan for the arrival of Justin Hiebert from Hillsboro, Kansas.
"Yes, it's true, I'll be on campus for a short time around Thanksgiving," said Hiebert in a Sembits exclusive interview. "My schedule is pretty booked, so I might not have time to meet either the press or the president while in Fresno.
"But I'll make sure to be available for signing a few autographs and posing for a few photos for the paparazzi."
Eagerly waiting for a message from Hiebert, this reporter wondered aloud, "How should I break such a big story? What do I tell my loyal readers about this visit?"
Fortunately, Hiebert answered my question with frank humility.
"Just be sure to include 'hottest recruit in MBBS history...'"
The End.

Board Meetings!

MB Biblical Seminary welcomed the Board of Directors onto our Fresno campus during the past weekend for meetings.
The board meets once per semester t0 give guidance to the faculty, staff and administration of the seminary.

Chapel and Common Meal

With dimmed lights setting the mood, the MB Biblical Seminary celebrated an All Saints chapel on Wednesday. Led by Dr. Delores Friesen the seminary community took the opportunity to honor individuals who have impacted our lives. Upon the table sat several votive candles. People in the community were invited to come and light a votive candle in honor of others. As the table grew brighter, we sang a hymn in response.
Following the candle ceremony the community heard an encouraging word from former pastor and current student Carl Heppner.

Following chapel the MB Biblical Seminary community traditionally enjoys a meal together that we call "Common meal." In this photo professor Tim Geddert and a friend of his visiting from Germany prepare their plates.

Global Community Dinner

Friday night found MBBS'ers partying in style as the seminary community dressed up in cultural garb and enjoyed an evening of feasting and learning about various cultures represented by students, faculty and staff.
The event, previously known as the International Student Dinner, happens twice a year -- which gives everybody a few months to recover from the feast!

Back from Kansas

I took this picture through the windshield of a rental car while doing 75 on my way to some major Kansas metropolis. (Actually, for those of you who don't know me or are new to reading this blog, most of the "facts" reported have been stretched thinner than salt water taffy on that pulling and stretching machine. But, man, do they ever taste good!)
After seven days in Kansas talking with current and future MBBS'ers, I am happy to be back in my sweet old office.
While I do miss the wide open spaces of Kansas and the brilliant pink and purple sunsets, I'm happy to be back home in California.

Conference on the Water!

This roving reporter has been sent on a grueling assignment for the rest of this week. I'll be joining several youth pastors from the Pacific District of MB Churches for their "Conference on the Water." We'll be staying on a houseboat on Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, for three nights. I'm sure it'll be pretty rough.