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This year the Journalism class had the amazing opportunity to attend Mount Hermon’s 41^st Christian Writers Conference. All the students took the same Major Morning Teen Track-“Writing a Novel; How to start and finish the race”. We all attended different writing workshops during the day that taught us things like how to create characters that live and breathe, marketing, and article writing. We all had the chance to submit manuscripts to be reviewed by professional writers; their critiques were helpful in enhancing our stories. All had our favorite memory:

Mt Hermon was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much about writing and just as much about life. It was really cool to hang out with a class as awesome as this one for five days straight. I can’t wait to go again next year!

–Aaron Bennett

I believe that Mt. Hermon was a very enriching part of my life and I have gained knowledge and memories that I will hold with me for the rest of my life. I learned so much about story development and how the Christian writing market differs from that of the secular market. My most lasting memory will probably be just chilling with all my classmates in our room after a long days work and having a blast.

–Nolan Kelley

At Mt. Hermon I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone and getting to know them, especially Jina and Angie. I also loved all the classes I went to; I learned a lot. And meeting with Ethel Herr was a great experience and she encouraged me to continue with my story.

– Heather McCuistion

Mt. Hermon really showed me all the little details in writing. One of the things I learned was how to show characters personalities without telling but by showing their reactions. My favorite part of Mt. Hermon was hanging out with my homies in the rooms and getting to know each of them better.

–Tevin Jones

Before going to Mount Hermon, I was apprehensive and wasn’t sure if it would really help my writing skills, let alone be fun. But, while there, I met many amazing people who aided me on my quest to become an amazing writer, and also bonded with my fellow journalism students (and Dakota). It was a time I will never forget, and will cherish always.

–Angelina Martin

I liked the environment. Everyone was really nice. I also enjoyed making new friends, Dakoters. It was really fun to learn how to be a better writer.

–Anthony Adams

My experience at Mount Hermon was simply amazing. Everything about it was fantastic. I did not really want to go at first, but now I am so glad I did. I learned so much about writing and I am excited to apply it in college! The best part was without a doubt bonding with everyone and becoming a little journalism family. I also enjoyed stealing Nolan’s room key. Angie and I attempted to play a prank on the boys but were caught by Mrs. Thompson. I am so glad that we had the chance to have this experience and I definitely want to go back.

–Jina Daniel

I believe this was my ninth visit to the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference, and each time, I leave inspired and refreshed. This year was no different. I took James Scott Bell’s Mentoring Track and learned some great fiction writing techniques. It was especially fun for me this year as I watched my journalism class catch the vision of the writing process. Another highlight was hiking with my students on the back tail of the Santa Cruz Hills that abuts the MH campus. My hope is that next year’s class will also have the opportunity to attend the conference.

— Mrs. Thompson

It’s not everyday that a former Presidential running mate visits the sleepy town of Turlock, California, so you would think the town would be jumping for joy…but not everyone is jumping.

On June 25, 2010, CSU, Stanislaus will celebrate their 50th Anniversary Gala on Friday with a black-tie fundraising event, hosted by the CSU Stanislaus Foundation. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a five-course dinner, and guest speaker former Governor and Presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, finishing up the evening with a dance.

So what’s the problem with that?  People think that the university is going to use public funds to put this event on. Matt Swanson, the president of the California State University Stanislaus Foundation Board of Directors reassures that, “While the gala fundraiser will benefit a public university, no public funds are being used on the gala. Ticket sales and sponsorships are paying for all costs, including Gov. Palin’s speaking fee. All net profits from the gala will benefit university programs and student services.”

Nevertheless, the reactions remain mixed. Some Turlock citizen’s remain disgruntled, believing that regular donor dollars have been wastefully allocated, or that scholarship monies have disappeared as a result of the event. Yet, others remain hopeful that a national personality will draw money to the area by way of commerce. A position that Swanson supports, “We engaged Governor Palin because she is a compelling public figure who will help raise money for the university at a time when fundraising is especially difficult.”

Regardless of what people think the event promises to be well attended.  According to Swanson, “The event is sold out and is on target to raise a considerable amount for the university.”

As far as the controversy is concerned, well that’s just politics!

You may be surprised to know that the phrase “under God” was not included in the original pledge of allegiance. In fact the first edition of the pledge, written by a Baptist minister by the name of Francis Bellamy, penned it without “Under God”. Over the years several changes and additions were made.

First in 1924 when “Unite States” in the allegiance was amended to “United States of America,” and again in 1954 when President Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”

Another famous American document, the Declaration of Independence, references God three times. Both of these documents seem to indicate that Americans believe that there is a higher power then the state.

Faith and state are strongly fused in this country and have been from its beginning. Our national identity for over 200 years has referenced God. There are many examples of our nation’s religious heritage. For example we acknowledge God in court when we say “I do” after hearing “Do you promise to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?” Also our currency has the words “In God We Trust” printed on them.

These deistic references have lead many to question whether or not these professions of ‘faith’ in the political realm violate the notion of separation of church and state. The idea is that by having references of God in our governmental documents that its an obvious supporting of a theistic government, that our government supports one religion, which is of course a clear violation of the Constitution.

The truth is though that the ‘god’ in the pledge and other documents is not a violation, because this ‘god’ can be any deity in any number of religions. It’s not establishing a government supported religion because it’s to open to interpretation of who this deity is.

The rub comes when Christians and many other groups of people claim that this country is in fact a Christian nation, that the ‘god’ in these documents is the God of the Bible, the Christian God. This obviously means that the pledge and other such writings violate the Constitution and are thus illegal and must be removed.

We may very well be a Christian nation, but its only in name. Our laws were written by mostly Christian men, our Constitution was written with Christian principles in mind. We are Christian by virtue, not by name, or any governmental support. Our leaders may very well be Christian men, but that’s only because it’s dictated by the Bible to bring your faith into your work. These believers form a tradition of practices that are both culturally and judicially accepted, since no one is forced to become Christian in this country, nor any other religion for that matter, it’s Constitutionally acceptable. And while the judiciary has validated these practices and many others, they have not been elevated to constitutionally protected status.

Ours is a unique faith as far as political theology goes. We are a faith based government that separates the church from the state, but not the believer from the state. We are a Christian nation that does not have a Christian government, only Christian ethics and leaders. We are a religious nation that does not have a religious government, only religious leaders.

There are over 300 religions and denominations in the U.S. and all have the freedom to practice their faith, or not. We are multi-ethnic and multi-religious. America continues its tradition of separation and accommodation that forms the history of church-state relations in America.
To recite or not recite the words “under God” is a right established by the Constitution. The pledge of allegiance is patriotic, not religious.

“Sunday is the only day to worship!”

“It’s depressing to see Jesus hanging on a crucifix.”

“Foot washing is just plain gross.”

“Aren’t hymns for old people?”

In today’s world there are many Christian denominations, each with their own traditions about how to worship and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, many times I’ve witnessed one Christian group making insensitive comments or downright ostracizing another regarding the way they practice their faith. Should this be happening?

Ecumenism is broadly defined as interrelation between the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ecumenism within Christianity would be referring to interrelations between the many Christian denominations such as Orthodox, and various Protestant churches. It is in this realm of Christian ecumenism that I think believers need to work together and respect each other’s differences.

The vast majority of American Christians define themselves as Protestant, so it may not be as much of a culture shock to be around Adventists, Methodists, Evangelicals, or Baptists. However, do you feel a sense of unease when you realize that your close friend is Roman Catholic or some other brand of Christianity?

We all have to realize something; we are all united in our beliefs of a risen Savior, regardless of discrepancies in tradition. As long Christians exist we will have arguments in our ranks. And that’s unfortunate. As believers in Christ we are one body who need to work together for kingdom work. Besides, if there are differences that need to be addressed, I don’t think name-calling or disrespect promote positive discussion.

If we spend less time on majoring on the minors and more time delivering the message of Christ we would have a unified body. It would be a church less disjointed and working together to save a dying world; a body that bids the message of God, not the divisiveness of Satan.

The Creed

What do we all believe? In A.D. 381 a group of Christian theologians got together in Nicea within the Roman Empire to pen an article of faith that is core to every Christian denomination. Here it is:

THE NICENE CREED (381 A.D.)
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

* A person who belongs to the universal Christian church

It’s not everyday that a TC student wins a nationwide competition for having coolest cow, but for Senior Natalie Sanders it’s all part of her dream. Sanders recently attended the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, where her cow competed with 250 others for the title of 2009 Junior All American Summer Yearling.

Sanders’ heifer named, Select Minister Elodie “ET”, placed first in its class, claiming the title. The competition was held in Louisville, Kentucky, at the North. The cow show Natalie attended was called the All American Junior Jersey Show, the largest Jersey cattle show in the world. In addition her cow, WF Axel Rosita placed 4th in the aged cow class.

Sanders was ecstatic about the win, “I was very excited and overjoyed! It took weeks and months, all of my free time practically to prepare.”

Sanders isn’t new to cow shows, raised on a dairy, she’s been competing since she was four. Her career goal is to someday work in the Dairy Industry.

For now, Natalie is currently making preparation to attend again this year. “This year the shows will start again in March and I will be getting the cows and heifers ready. The cows have to be clipped, or given a haircut, and eat special food so they will be in top condition. They are pampered and treated like royalty as they prepare for the show.” Sanders is hopeful but realistic when it comes to competitions, “I feel that the next competition will hopefully go well, but it all depends on what the judge likes on that particular day.”

But Natalie, why the strange names? “I did not name Rosita or Elodie, the people that first owned or bred them did. Usually cows are named based on who bred them, their mothers name and their father’s name.”

Tis’ the season to send sweets to your friends and help those in need at the same time. Candy cane sells begin December 7-11 during lunch. You can buy as many as you want for .50 cents each, and include a saying or jingle on the card provided to send to the person of your choice. These “sweet grams” will then be delivered by senior volunteers. This 20-year tradition has allowed TC faculty and students to donate funds to help the needy in our community.

“One year we gave the money to a man who had a brain tumor and it was a real blessing for the family because the gift was unexpected,” said Tony Campos, fundraiser co-leader. Mrs. Piper, advisor for the fundraiser, reminisced of a similar story. “Years ago, the seniors blessed a single mom. She was so surprised and delighted, that she shared a portion with another single mother.”

This year the group hopes to raise $150 to impact the lives of those in need.

Mission trips in general are great to go on. Geoffrey Retemyer says, “They put you out of your comfort zone so God can use you to serve others.”

This past summer a team of Turlock Christian students traveled with Students International serving for two weeks the people of the Dominican Republic.

For Kristin Tillotson, who worked with preschoolers on the trip, this was her first time serving with Students International. She was amazed by the disparity of behaviors between U.S. children and those of the DR, “They weren’t afraid of a thunder storms, but once we closed the windows they got cabin fever,” she said.

Mrs. Piper, who attended last year, also worked with the preschoolers and helped out in the hospital. She says, “I have always been fascinated by medicine, so being in the hospital, operating room was very comfortable for me. If I ever decide to leave teaching, I think I’d like to be a mid-wife.”

One student found that sometimes serving means tapping into your existing skills for God’s use. Retemeyer, who played third base for the TC Baseball team was able to use his talent on the mission field. “The most memorable thing that happened to me was having the opportunity to play baseball with the Dominican kids everyday and just hanging out with them for two weeks.”

Sometimes though the students found themselves being stretched beyond their abilities for instance Tillotson thought that she would not be able to eat anything, and have a hard time communicating, even though she has had three years of Spanish. But after awhile she adjusted, enjoying the food and the language.

Morgan Andre who went on the DR trip and helped out in the art site painting murals. “The trip humbled me and showed me how selfish I was and helped me to be thankful for things like school and not to complain much,” says Andre.

Mrs. Piper, who at first worried about things like sleeping on the floor and bugs, found her cultural biases were challenged. “I didn’t realize how much not speaking Spanish would trouble me. I mean, knowing laves los manos, doesn’t cut it! I had always resented hearing Spanish in Turlock, waiting to dial 1 for English, and on things like documents. After going to the DR, I now hear Spanish as God’s language of love. It is a beautiful language and the people of the DR are dearly loved by God.”

Students who attended DR Trip:

Morgan Andre, Zach Bailie, Megan Brown, Laurie Ford, Oliver Greenbarg, Jeannie Hamilton, Kyle Horjus, Anders Jerner, Kurt Lemos, Kyron Loving, Emily MacLaren, Jason Mast, Haley Meyer, Alana Navarro, Geoffrey Retemeyer, Hiliary Sharp, Corey Souza, Kristen Tillotson, Jacob Williams, Daniel Wright, Garret Yagi.