Rev. Howard Vanderwell blesses the Lord’s Supper at the last Chapel service of the semester. Photo by Willie Beattie.

The end of the semester is always a busy time, as students are writing papers and studying for exams as academic year comes to a close. Many students will tell you that in this busy period fellowship and community events become even more important to their well-being.  

In the first of several community events this May, Dr. John Patrick, Director for Public Policy and Ethics for the Christian Medical and Dental Society in Canada, came to Calvin Seminary for a lunchtime lecture titled “Every Patient Inhabits a Story: Narrative Ethics and Medicine.” Dr. Patrick lectures across the world to help audiences to understand the pivotal role played in all societies by faith and religion.

A couple weeks later, the Seminary celebrated the last chapel of the semester. This year, members of East Paris Christian Reformed Church participated in the service, which culminated in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The service always ends with attendees standing in a circle as they participate in the sacrament and a parting blessing.

Shortly after the last chapel service, everyone gathered in the student center for the end of year picnic and the ping pong tournament finals. Each spring, Student Senate organizes singles and doubles tournaments and the final rounds take place the last day of the semester. This year’s competition was tough, but Junmo Yang and Sooncheol Lee won the doubles tournament against Professor Lyle Bierma and Educational Technologist Nathan Bierma. In singles, Junmo beat his doubles partner, Sooncheol. The tournament is always a highlight: lots of oohs and ahhs, cheering, and some pretty high-level ping pong!

Edible Torah scrolls made by Kyle Kooyers

On the last day of class, many professors encourage students to celebrate by bringing snacks to their final session. This year MDiv student Kyle Kooyers brought edible Torah scrolls to his Prophetic Literature class. He made the scrolls out of wafer cookies dipped in chocolate, inspired by Ezekiel 3:3: “Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” 
What a wrap-up to a great academic year!