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Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Jonathan Boer

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter

Jonathan Boer is a senior from the little Chicago suburb of Lansing, Illinois (not Michigan). He writes for several sections and studies Mechanical Engineering. With his free time he loves to build guitars, to sing, to watch Netflix and to occasionally walk in the moonlight.

All content by Jonathan Boer
Ken Heffner, Student Activities Director, discusses his unique perspective on Christian faith.

Ken Heffner’s faith influenced by unique Calvin College theology

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
May 3, 2019

Ken Heffner, the man behind the introductions to SAO concerts and movies, holds a transformative faith that seeks to witness within all facets of society. You may have seen him in his button-up shirts...

Dr. John M. Perkins, winner of the Kuyper Prize

Dr. John M. Perkins receives Kuyper Prize at Calvin’s Kuyper Conference

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
April 26, 2019

“Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness like an overflowing flood,” quoted Dr. John M. Perkins from Amos 24. Dr. Perkins, recipient of the 2019 Kuyper Award said these words in his video...

WCSG Jeep

Local Christian radio stations find new ways to share Christ’s love

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
April 25, 2019

If you’re a Calvin student, you may find yourself tuning in to Christian radio as you jam in your car Sunday morning on the ride to church or throughout the week. Chimes interviewed local radio stations...

Student bands pour their emotions into performances dedicated to SAO

Save SAO concert showcases student artists born from SAO

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2019

“This is what we do better than any other college in the country!” John “Moose” Williamson yelled as he introduced the Save SAO show on Tuesday night. On April 17, the Calvin Tech Crew organized...

Carry the Love Campaign hosts night of worship and reflection.

Carry The Love pleads for students to meet Jesus

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
April 4, 2019

“Jesus is the only way to salvation, life and fulfillment!” worship team member Michael Pierce shouted as he held up his rugged, weathered Bible. The impassioned drummer preached his message as...

Photo courtesy of UMC.com

Grand Rapids United Methodist churches uncertain after divided LGBT standpoints

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2019

“I’m a lesbian. At First Grand Rapids UMC, I am super welcomed.” Junior Grace Swanson said about how she fits within the United Methodist Church where her father is a conservative pastor. The UMC...

Community members join Beer & Hymns event at Last Chance Tavern.

Beer & Hymns unites generations by mixing spiritual songs with sudsy stouts

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
March 1, 2019

When you think of singing hymns, you probably do not think about drinking beer. Yet, for the fully packed Last Chance Tavern, these two go hand in hand every fourth Tuesday of each month. Beer & Hymns...

Photo by Jonathan Boer

Name change to Calvin University requires new merchandise and renovations

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2019

Calvin University merchandise will be added to the campus store in stages, while still selling some Calvin College apparel for nostalgic people, even after Calvin’s switch from College to University...

Dr. Dog and The Nude Party fill prescription and satisfy crowds

Dr. Dog and The Nude Party fill prescription and satisfy crowds

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
February 21, 2019

“Ladies and Gentlemen, The Nude Party,” Ken Heffner said as he introduced the best-selling concert of the season on Saturday the 16th. The opener for the headliner Dr. Dog, drew many to the show. A...

Photo by Andy Calvert.

Hip hop artist Shad delivers hopeful rhymes amid chaotic climate

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
February 14, 2019

Shadrach Kabango embraced the Recital Hall stage Tuesday Feb. 12, night to proclaim an encouraging perspective for living in a world of warring peoples and ideas. He laid down feeling grooves with catchy...

Students giving blood at the emergency blood drive.

Heavy snow perpetuates blood shortages across Michigan

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
February 7, 2019

Following last week’s intense winter storms, Michigan Blood declared a state of emergency with eighty blood drives being cancelled and three thousand units lost. The snow and dangerous conditions prevented...

Low Lumens draws in audience with soundscapes

Low Lumens draws in audience with soundscapes

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
December 10, 2018

Low Lumens provides a live performance unlike anything of its kind. Danny Bracken, the one-man-band behind Low Lumens, uses visual projection and live music to offer audiences a multi-sensory experience. Bracken...

Local church receives racist death threat

Local church receives racist death threat

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
December 5, 2018

A young white man threatened to kill the first black person he saw at Brown Hutcherson Ministries or the funeral home across the street. He threatened the church through phone calls. The suspect, Todd...

Photo courtesy of therapidian.org

Dégagé Ministries transforming lives through practical service

Jonathan Boer, Guest Writer
October 26, 2018

Every day, nearly 500 people walk into Dégagé Ministries to receive shelter from the cold, a warm meal, a shower, as well as many other services provided by volunteers and staff. It’s located off of...

Expanding worldwide Church changes future of Christianity

Jonathan Boer, Staff Reporter
October 15, 2018

The former General Secretary of the RCA presented 10 factors that are changing how Christians practice faith in the contemporary world. The speaker, Wes Granberg-Michaelson, instructed and challenged people...

The inside of LaGrave Ave CRC.

Credit: Jonathan Boer

Weekly church spotlight: LaGrave Avenue CRC

Jonathan Boer
September 27, 2018

Location: 107 LaGrave Ave SE, Grand Rapids Denomination: Christian Reformed Church (CRC) Lagrave Avenue CRC, in the middle of downtown Grand Rapids and only a 20 minute drive from campus, focuses...

Professor David Herbert gives his speech at the forum.

Aquinas forum discusses notion of progress in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’

Jonathan Boer, Guest Writer
September 19, 2018

Aquinas College professors, consisting of a theologian, a historian and an economist, examined the implications of Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ in an interactive panel on September 17. Laudato si’,...

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