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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

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer

Kathryn Mae is a senior English writing and political science major from New Jersey known for her love of scented candles, social justice and musical theatre. Although she is infamously terrible at spelling, she makes up for it in her enthusiasm for life in general. Worship is her favorite thing in this world. She also enjoys being a fierce feminist and making checklists. If you want to get on her good side, offer her pumpkin flavored anything (especially coffee) and avoid mentioning Taylor Swift’s newest album.

All content by Kathryn Mae Post
Photo courtesy Christian Rodriguez.

Walking the paths of presidents: A semester in D.C.

Kathryn Mae Post, Staff Writer
March 8, 2018

On any given Monday, most Calvin students find themselves sitting in classes, catching up in the Fish House or bonding over breadsticks in Commons. But a cohort of 20 Calvin students studying on the Henry...

Photo Courtesy calvin.edu

New committee started on diversity

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
December 8, 2017

Matt Seafield, student senate’s vice president of administration, started a student senate mandate committee on diversity of the faculty this semester. The committee — which consists of 14 students...

Calvin students and faculty conduct research as part of the 
vision for scholarship at Calvin. Photo courtesy Calvin.edu.

Vision 2029: Panel advocates research for unity and justice

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
November 17, 2017

A panel of three Calvin faculty members considered how Calvin’s research and scholarship goals fit the college’s mission and vision Monday afternoon. The event was the third of a four-part series...

Helen DeVos’ faith legacy celebrated at memorial service

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
November 3, 2017

Helen DeVos, Calvin alumna and generous supporter of Calvin College and the Grand Rapids community, died at age 90 on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, from health complications following a stroke. Her funeral...

On Sunday, Oct. 15, Alyssa Milano’s tweet sparked a social media movement, bringing awareness to stories of sexual harassment and assault. Tweet courtesy @Alyssa_Milano (screenshot).

Calvin faculty and students join #MeToo movement

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
October 27, 2017

The hashtag #MeToo is sweeping the social media pages of Calvin students and professors as they join the viral women’s movement against sexual harassment and assault. Since Sunday, Oct. 15, Chaplain...

A view of the Heartside Community in Downtown Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

Gentrification in the Heartside Community questioned

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
October 6, 2017

ArtPrize is one of many initiatives that have brought an influx of artists, tourists and businesspeople into downtown Grand Rapids over the past several years. This area — also known as Heartside Community...

Michigan’s state House of Representatives districts. Photo courtesy The Western Right.

Faculty and students promote anti-gerrymandering

Kathryn Mae Post, On-Call Writer
September 22, 2017

An anti-gerrymandering petition is available for students, faculty and staff to sign today, Sept. 22, in Johnny’s. The petition aims to amend Michigan’s constitution by creating an independent, citizen-based...

Calvin community participates in “DACA: Lament into Action.” Photo by Kayla McLean.

Calvin stands with students protected by DACA

Hannah Butler and Kathryn Mae Post
September 15, 2017

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be phased out in the next six months, President Trump announced last week. DACA — which, as President Michael Le Roy has confirmed, directly impacts...

Various panels spanned the three-day event for the Henry Institute. Photo courtesy Calvin.edu.

Political convention explores diverse views

Kathryn Mae Post
May 5, 2017

The Henry Institute’s Symposium on Religion and Public Life brought together scholars, students and practitioners from a range of disciplines to grapple with questions about religion and public life...

38 Calvin faculty sign post-election commitment and confession

Kathryn Mae Post
April 28, 2017

Thirty-eight Calvin faculty and staff members joined hundreds of Christian faculty from across the United States in signing a “Statement of Confession and Commitment” in response to the contentious...

LGBT+ Issues create tension in CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
April 21, 2017

A report from the Christian Reformed Church’s winter classis meetings, in which regionally grouped churches discuss ministry-related issues, indicates that LGBT+ issues are a source of tension among...

Frank Stella introduces the basics of Hinduism. Photo by Kathryn Mae Post.

Students explore Hinduism on temple tour

Kathryn Mae Post
April 7, 2017

Students from Hope, Calvin, GVSU and GRCC joined together with members of a local Methodist Church and social workers from Bethany Christian Services to tour the West Michigan Hindu Temple last Sunday. After...

The congregation gathers in the church sanctuary. Photo courtesy Christ Church.

Looking at local churches: Christ Church

Kathryn Mae Post
April 7, 2017

Christ Church is an inclusive, intergenerational body of believers belonging to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Christ Church is committed to welcoming the 30 or more students from Calvin, Cornerstone,...

Calvin community members gather to express solidarity. Photo by Kathryn Mae Post.

Interfaith letter-writing emphasizes community and acceptance

Kathryn Mae Post
March 10, 2017

Students, faculty and staff members filled the Chapel Undercroft last Tuesday to write letters of solidarity in response to hate crimes against minority religious communities. Sharing a meal catered by...

Members of Campus Target build relationships with Chinese college students. Photo courtesy Mission Finder.

Campus Target brings students to Christ

Kathryn Mae Post
March 3, 2017

According to Campus Target representative Alex Seidler, God can use just one person — any one person — to demonstrate his radical love to those who need it most. Seidler spoke at “Just One,” a...

Pastor Reggie Smith begins his new position later this month. Photo courtesy Christian Reformed Church.

Rev. Smith appointed to new CRC position

Kathryn Mae Post
March 3, 2017

Reverend Reginald “Reggie” Smith is no stranger to Calvin’s campus; just this month, he spoke on Christ’s conception and birth at a Monday chapel. Last Friday, Smith was unanimously approved as...

This was the fourth installment of the weekly forum which seeks renewal in society and politics. Photo courtesy Calvin.edu.

Professors discuss Syrian crisis in Just Citizenship panel

Kathryn Mae Post
March 3, 2017

The Syrian refugee crisis has been in the minds and conversations of many across campus throughout the last several months. While many are aware of the crisis, understanding it is an entirely different...

The Remnant Bible study gathers in CFAC 263 each Friday. Photo by Megan Mann.

Reformed Bible study sticks to Scripture

Kathryn Mae Post
February 24, 2017

At 4:00 p.m. on Friday afternoons, most Calvin students are ready to dive head-first into the weekend. While students pour out of classrooms discussing evening plans, The Remnant, a Bible study centered...

Covenant CRC gathers outdoors to pray. Photo courtesy Covenant CRC.

Local churches: Covenant CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
February 24, 2017

“Blended worship” is a term used by many churches to describe their worship style. Although incorporating a balanced mix of music from different places, times and genres can be challenging, Covenant...

Students discuss the kingdom of God

Kathryn Mae Post
February 24, 2017

Here at Calvin, there are many conversations about what it means to be agents of renewal for the kingdom of God. Yet the kingdom of God is a complex and often elusive subject; what does it actually mean...

Executive director of CRC signs letter supporting refugees

Kathryn Mae Post
February 17, 2017

Steven Timmermans, executive director of the Christian Reformed Church and Calvin College alumnus, recently signed a letter addressed to President Trump and Vice President Pence regarding refugee resettlement....

Local churches: The Well

Kathryn Mae Post
February 17, 2017

The Well is a local, non-denominational church with the desire to heal, restore, train and send out members to influence and revive the world. Located about fifteen minutes from campus in Kentwood, The...

Local churches: Redemption City

Kathryn Mae Post
February 10, 2017

Redemption City Church is a welcoming, down-to-earth church community located at the heart of Eastown. A recent church plant, Redemption City meets at the arts and music center at Aquinas College, just...

Photo courtesy Calvin.edu

Giving reason for hope: Campus small-group study kicks off

Kathryn Mae Post
February 10, 2017

On dreary afternoons around mid-February in Grand Rapids, remembering to remain hopeful can prove especially challenging. Yet as a Christian community, Calvin College has particular reason to hope even...

The 2023 Symposium will be held in person after two years of being online.

Worship Symposium celebrates diversity

Kathryn Mae Post
February 3, 2017

The annual Worship Symposium united worshipers and worship leaders from across the globe for a time of seeking, fellowship, worship and learning at Calvin’s campus from January 26 to 28. The conference,...

Christians being persecuted

Kathryn Mae Post
February 3, 2017

Despite notable instances of religious intolerance, religious persecution rarely takes place in the United States. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that a significant number of the world’s population...

Debating religion in public schools

Kathryn Mae Post
January 13, 2017

Although officially associated with the Christian Reformed Church, Calvin College strives to develop awareness and understanding of religious diversity in many ways, but especially in religion courses...

Photo by Johan Lee

Local churches: Madison Square

Kathryn Mae Post
January 13, 2017

Madison Square Church is a vibrant, diverse body of believers that draws many Calvin students to its 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services. Located about fifteen minutes from campus, Madison is a large, inclusive...

Photo from woodlawncrc.org

Looking at local churches: Woodlawn CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
December 9, 2016

If there were a competition for being the most accessible church for Calvin students, Woodlawn CRC would have a distinct advantage. Woodlawn meets in the Calvin Chapel for its Sunday services at 9:30 a.m....

Photo courtesy CRC Office of Social Justice

Local churches discuss immigration

Kathryn Mae Post
December 9, 2016

In recent months, one of the most hotly debated topics has been immigration. This year’s election has grappled with what challenges and benefits immigrants contribute to American society, and what the...

Photo by Carrie Scott

Looking at local churches: Millbrook CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
December 2, 2016

Millbrook Christian Reformed Church is a Grand Rapids church characterized by fellowship, outreach and the desire for intentional diversity. The church has recently adopted a new mission statement: “Led...

Indigenous spirituality impacts DAPL protests

Kathryn Mae Post
December 2, 2016

Recent protests against the building of a 1200-mile pipeline in North Dakota have been largely connected to ecological concerns about potential water contamination. However, the Lakota tribe’s religious...

Photo by Kathryn Mae Post

Local churches: St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Kathryn Mae Post
November 18, 2016

St. Matthew Lutheran Church is a welcoming body of believers that emphasizes grace and nurtures faith life in a profoundly personal way. Worship takes place in a white brick building about fifteen minutes...

Muslim and former refugee wins Minnesota house race

Kathryn Mae Post
November 11, 2016

Many Americans were disappointed Tuesday night when Donald Trump, whose campaign has been accused of Islamophobia, xenophobia and anti-feminism, was elected president of the United States. Yet with 34-year-old...

Looking at local churches: LaGrave CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
November 11, 2016

When trying to juggle academics, part-time jobs, clubs and a social life, sometimes a formal liturgical worship service is a much-needed respite from life’s chaos. For Calvin junior Jenna Dyksen, LaGrave...

Israel rejects UNESCO resolution concerning Jerusalem

Kathryn Mae Post
November 5, 2016

On Wednesday, Oct. 26 UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee approved a controversial resolution concerning conservation of Old Jerusalem. The resolution has ignited furious claims from both those in favor...

Photo from pexels.com

Grasping God’s hands: new ministry emphasizes different types of prayer

Kathryn Mae Post
October 28, 2016

“We all assume that we pray because Christians pray, but honestly? How much are we praying? And what does that look like?” These are some of the questions that motivated Hannah Biggs, a senior at Calvin,...

Photo courtesy Andrew Twining

Looking at local churches: Thornapple Covenant Church

Kathryn Mae Post
October 28, 2016

One consistent characteristic of Thornapple Covenant Church is intentional, skillfully-led worship. Located about ten minutes from Calvin in Cascade Township, this community of believers draws 30 to 40...

Photo by Mimi Mutesa

Local churches: Encounter

Kathryn Mae Post
October 22, 2016

Haven’t been to church in a while? Encounter Church might be the perfect fit. Located just 10 minutes away from Calvin’s campus on Kalamazoo St., Encounter is intentional about making everyone, especially...

Photo by Robyn Stegink

Local churches: Shawnee Park CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
October 16, 2016

Each year during Cokes and Clubs, Shawnee Park CRC continues its tradition of giving out quality toilet paper. This simple gesture is one of many ways the Shawnee community goes out of its way to serve...

Photo by Kathryn Mae Post

Philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff gives Christian perspective on human rights

Kathryn Mae Post
October 16, 2016

Where do human rights come from? And how do we think about human rights in the context of justice? Nicholas Wolterstorff, a distinguished philosopher, author and former professor of philosophy at Calvin...

American Evangelicals take stand against Donald Trump

Kathryn Mae Post
October 16, 2016

On Thursday, Oct. 6, 94 prominent American evangelicals issued an open letter against Donald Trump as a petition on Change.org. This petition identifies the diverse voices of the Evangelical church, condemns...

Photo courtesy Joella Ranaivoson

Joella Ranaivoson ordained by CRC

Kathryn Mae Post
October 7, 2016

Joella Ranaivoson, associate chaplain of upperclass students at Calvin, was ordained as a minister of the word and sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church of North America on Sunday, Oct. 2 at Madison...

CRC breaks silence on racism

Kathryn Mae Post
October 7, 2016

On Sept. 23, the Christian Reformed Church issued a “Statement on Racism” in response to the shootings of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma and First Nation member Colton Boushie in Biggar, Saskatchewan:...

Photo by Rachel House

Looking at local churches: Grace Episcopal Church

Kathryn Mae Post
October 7, 2016

Nestled on the corner between Plymouth and Hall streets lies Grace Episcopal Church, a body of Christian believers Calvin junior Rachel House values for its “quiet and its community.” House, who recently...

From Edwin Kpodzro

Local churches series: Vineyard Church North

Kathryn Mae Post
October 2, 2016

After arriving in Grand Rapids, it does not take long to recognize that the area is uniquely populated with an incredible number of churches. Yet with only so many Sundays in a year, it can be difficult...

From Calvin.edu

Religious responses to human trafficking in Ghana

Kathryn Mae Post
October 2, 2016

On Thursday, Sept. 22, Stephanie Sandberg, associate professor of theater at Washington and Lee University, presented on religious attitudes toward anti-human trafficking in Ghana. The lecture, which was...

Photo by Claire Niemeier

What’s a “WA?”

Kathryn Mae Post
September 29, 2016

Each year, Calvin worship is planned, organized and led by a group of 6–8 students as part of the Worship Apprentice (WA) program. WAs grow in their leadership skills, worship experience and faith life...

Calvin hosts conference on prayer

Kathryn Mae Post
September 23, 2016

From Thursday, Sept. 22, to Saturday, Sept. 24, Calvin is hosting a free conference called the Power of Prayer in the Chapel Undercroft. This conference is part of the Dunamis Project, which was founded...

The CRC on immigration

Kathryn Mae Post
September 16, 2016

Immigration has been one of several hotbed topics throughout this unprecedented political season. Political rhetoric in the media often contradicts the fundamental Christian assumption that all people...

Photo by Christina Van Eck

Joing the jubilee: overview of Jubilee Fellows

Kathryn Mae Post
September 16, 2016

One of several ministry opportunities available to Calvin students each year is the Jubilee Fellows program. Each fall, twelve juniors of a wide variety of majors are accepted into the program, which is...

Photo courtesy Calvin College Campus Ministries

New campus wide Bible study will cover Revelation

Kathryn Mae Post
September 8, 2016

This semester, campus ministries introduces a campus-wide Bible study on the book of Revelation. This marks the seventh annual campus-wide Bible study at Calvin, and the study of Revelation will go from...

Mother Teresa officially canonized by the Catholic Church

Kathryn Mae Post
September 8, 2016

Although long considered a saint by many, it was not until last Sunday, Sept. 4, that Mother Teresa was officially recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. The Canonization Mass was held by Pope Francis...

Welcomes and well-wishes: Q&A with new associate chaplain for upperclass students Joella Ranaivoson

Welcomes and well-wishes: Q&A with new associate chaplain for upperclass students Joella Ranaivoson

Kathryn Mae Post
September 8, 2016

This week, Chimes sat down with Joella Ranaivoson, the new associate chaplain for upperclass students, to learn about her transition into the new job and to introduce her to students. Chimes: Why did...

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