Coffee's On, We're Back in Business

The Costco-style black coffee burns on the slow heat downstairs in the break room at MB Biblical Seminary as members of the staff and administration brave the California winter in order to crank up for another year at good old MBBS.
With the forecast predicting a barrage of nasty winter storms for central California poised to drop almost 2 inches of rain, the storm windows are locked and loaded. Fortunately for everyone, the work ethic around here says, "Rain? Winter? We don't need no stinking winter! Put on another pot of the good old black sludge and let's get to work!"
Dedicated to bringing the best in theological, pastoral and therapeutic training, MB Biblical Seminary -- an evangelical anabaptist seminary -- unlocked the doors, welcomed in 2008, and said, "Let's learn."
"Oh yes, we're excited about the new year," said Nancy Williams, secret operative for the Black Sludge Coffee Drinkers of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary club. "In fact, just this morning I made a pot of coffee designed to keep all of the staff awake, alert and smiling as they provide the utmost in customer service. Don't tell anyone, but I put in two extra scoops of grounds into that first pot..."
So as 2008 begins, the staff and others at MB Biblical Seminary dedicates itself to drinking a lot of coffee and making sure that MBBS continues to offer top notch, high quality training and equipping of people for ministry in the church and in the world. Good coffee always helps as we seek to explain our evangelical and anabaptist theology.
(Take that, Google word search software: seminary; evangelical; anabaptist; mennonite; theology; biblical; church; ministry; coffee etc.)

Philly on my Mind

With a trip to beautiful Philadelphia starting tomorrow morning -- in the middle of the night actually in order to catch the early shuttle to Salt Lake City and then what I hope is a bigger plane to Philly -- SEMBITS will take a backseat and allow professional development to drive this ride.
I'll be attending a conference on seminary recruiting put on by a company that goes by the letters GAPSEMC. Don't ask me what they stand for, I'm clueless -- in many ways, but particularly regarding those letters.
Below you'll notice what I'm sure will be the view from my hotel room in Philadelphia.

I found this picture of my hotel. I think it's the building behind the church, but I'm not sure.

Holiday Brass

The sounds of Christmas piped into the MBBS Big House while a steady rain fell in Fresno Friday morning. The FPU Brass Ensemble braved the Fresno storm in order to bring a little holiday cheer into the hallowed halls of MBBS. Pictured above are faculty members Tim Geddert and Valerie Rempel, leaning against the door frame appreciating the tunes.

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.