971 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a61655e05589b62254b4290cf91a4139.pdf eb44f0ff840ad0ab3855729b323c9f12 PDF Text Text A Spirit and a World To Love Baccalaureate Sunday Text: Isaiah 58:12; Acts 1:8 Richard A. Rhem Christ Community Church Spring Lake, Michigan June 5, 1994 Transcription of the spoken sermon In the prophecy of Isaiah 58:12 we have this wonderful image, this picture of those who would turn to their neighbor and love their neighbor, love their world on behalf of God, for those that have said, “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundation of many generations, you shall be called the repairer of the breech, the restorer of streets to live in.” And on this weekend we are mindful again and again of that which happened fifty years ago in our world. We remember the D-Day invasion and the invasion on the Normandy beaches and that dark hour in world history when we and the allied nations rose up on behalf of freedom and human dignity. We cannot help but think of that text in terms of that mission that was executed by those who love freedom—the democratic nations. It’s incredible to relive it again. I am amazed to think that I am about as young as one can be and still have some personal remembrance. I was just a little kid, but had a couple of brothers-in-law over in the thick of it and remembered adult conversations about it, and felt some of the anxiety and tension of those days. That was a noble hour. I think in my earlier experience I tended to compartmentalize my religious or spiritual experience from that which happened in the world. But I recognize more clearly now that the Spirit of God, the breathing of God, is not restricted to what happens in a setting like this, but also impacts what happens in the larger landscape of the world. I believe that that noble effort to maintain the best of Western Civilization and the freedom and the democracy of the world was a response to the Spirit of God. There is a sense to which we were loving the world in the power of the Spirit, in that we were engaged in an effort for human freedom. [It calls forth] the image of the prophet in Isaiah: “You will restore the ancient ruins and foundations, and you will be a repairer of the breech. You will create cities and streets to dwell in.” © Grand Valley State University   �A Spirit and a World to Love Richard A. Rhem Page 2   That image of the prophet is so characteristic of the Hebrew prophet who had images of shalom, of that messianic age when Messiah would come, when there would be harmony and peace in the world. As I was reflecting on that text in the context of this weekend, I came across this document written by Rabbi David Hartman who was in Muskegon a month or so ago. It’s about the present Israeli/Palestinian peace process. Rabbi Hartman is striking a blow here for openness, to let that process happen. But in the midst of this document, he says this, “No period in history is immune to the forces of regression.” Then he quotes in quotation marks, “It can never happen here. Here tolerance, pluralism and decency are firmly established and secured.” And to that he responds, “Against such expressions of naiveté and false complacency stands the classical statement of Biblical realism. Behold I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life.” As I was thinking about that, I thought I’ve heard veterans interviewed in the documentaries that are on television these days, some who have said there will never be another battle like it. There will never be another naval assault like it, etc. All of those statements are true in the sense that the world and technology that happened at that time has been so greatly overcome. You think about sending coded messages across the channel. You think about the surprise element that was able to be effected in that massive movement of armaments and men and women. You realize today that our spy satellites circle the globe and from outer space track the movement of armaments and armies so that there’s a sense in which Normandy could never happen again. Then I read David Hartman and I recognize how easy it could be to become complacent and to say that that was the world’s hour of darkness and it could never happen again. That is not true. Darkness and evil are lurking always in the wings of human experience. If our technology has made it impossible ever to duplicate the Normandy invasion, so our technology has enabled us in an instant to wipe our masses of population, more than all who have died in all the wars of human history. If North Korea has a bomb, and if it would loft it over the demilitarized zone, in an instant it could wipe out more persons than in all of World War II. So I read a little more from Rabbi Hartman who says those beautiful prophetic images are not images of what will be at the end, but rather they are possibilities of what needs yet to be realized within history. They are a statement of historical inevitability. They are a statement of present possibility. The call of God to God’s people is to join God’s Spirit in the creation of justice and righteousness and Shalom. Those wonderful images of the prophet, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain. The lion and the lamb shall dwell together. They shall beat their swords into plow shares and their spears into pruning hooks. They shall learn war no more.” Those images from the Hebrew prophet are images that are to call us up short, and to present us with an alternative reality, an alternative possibility. © Grand Valley State University �A Spirit and a World to Love Richard A. Rhem Page 3   We are called as the people of God, not to sit by and wait for history to run its course when Messiah will come and Shalom will cover the earth. We are called to be the instruments and the ages of Shalom, of justice, of peace, of righteousness right here and now. We are called to the power of the Spirit of God to love the world. The God, whose heart was revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, and whom the followers of Jesus experienced as still powerfully present with them, is the God who continues to move through the landscape of history, and is a part of the human scene and is calling us to join in the cause of justice and righteousness, leading to peace. The one true and eternal God, the God of Israel shown to us in Jesus, continues to breath through us, to empower us to be the instruments for peace and the channels of grace in our day. The people of Judah in exile had a complaint against God. They said, “Look, we’re religious, we worship, we fast, we go through sacrifice and ritual, but you don’t notice.” The answer through the prophet is: “That’s not a fast I choose. The fast I choose is to set the prisoner free, to take off the yoke of oppression, to feed the hungry, to take the homeless into your home. Then your life will break upon you. Then you will call and I will answer, and I will say, ‘Here I am.’ ” In other words, in this Old Testament understanding of things, the service of God is the service of humankind, and the worship of God is the care and the love of a neighbor. Jesus knew this passage. Someone has said that Matthew 25, the parable of the sheep and the goats, must have been written right out of Isaiah 58. They said to him to whom he had said, “Come into the kingdom.” They said, “When did we see you hungry? When did we visit you in prison? When did we clothe you?” Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you’ve done it to me.” There’s always a tendency to compartmentalize religion into one little part of life and then to get on with life in a kind of secular fashion as though God is divorced from that. Not so. God says, “Do whatever rituals you need. Do whatever worship you need. Go into the temple if you will, offer sacrifices if you will. Take bread and cup if you will. Do what you need in order to be conscious of my presence. But if you really, really want to know my presence and power, then take care of your neighbor—the poor, the oppressed, the homeless. Then miraculously, in your neighbor, you’ll find me. You cannot find me any other way.” If you don’t believe that Jesus knew this prophet, then turn a couple of pages to the 61st chapter of the same prophet, a couple of chapters later and you’ll find there, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me and has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners.” If you go to the 4th chapter of Luke, verse 18, you’ll find in the inaugural sermon of Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth the sermon that got his family and friends so upset with him. He cited those words. The agenda of Jesus was to set the prisoner free, to affect human dignity and human freedom. The mission of the Church, the calling of the people of God, is to love the world for God’s sake. If we would follow the way of Jesus, then we must take Jesus seriously. This is what Jesus was about. © Grand Valley State University �A Spirit and a World to Love Richard A. Rhem Page 4   I must admit to you at first I entitled this message “The Spirit and World Mission,” but I changed it because for me world mission spoke too much of my past understanding where I would send this graduating class out into the world to preach the Gospel in order to make the world Christian. But now I want to say to you graduates, if you want to know God in power, in fresh experience, love the world. Care. Be filled with compassion. Give your life away, and in giving your life away, find your life in the presence of God. That’s the paradox, isn’t it? Jesus said, “Go into all the world. Proclaim good news; the good news that Jesus proclaimed that God is near, that God is full of grace, that God is for human dignity, for human freedom, for the fullest realization of the human potential of all people.” It is the calling of the Church not to convert the world, but to love the world and let the consequences be in God’s hand and to allow the breath of God to flow through us empowering us in an outpouring of ourselves in love for a world so desperate for love and grace. I once thought that finally the world would become Christian and then Messiah would come. Now, now I don’t know so much about all of that, but this I understand clearly: Messiah has come and the Spirit is moving, and I am invited to follow in the Way of Jesus in loving the world and therein know the presence and the power of God. A Messianic age is not an historical inevitability. It is an ever present possibility if we dare to love the way Jesus loved. That’s why we’re in Romania. That’s why we’re in Wales. That’s why we’re in Africa. That’s why the world is our parish—to love the world for God’s sake. © Grand Valley State University � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/772fc780b1394b8e4f2c36776ade8d94.mp3 1963f8068cfb21c02358cffbac9264b5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Baccalaureate Sunday, Pentecost II Scripture Text Isaiah 58:12, Acts 1:8 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19940605 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1994-06-05 Title A name given to the resource The Spirit and a World to Love Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on June 5, 1994 entitled "The Spirit and a World to Love", on the occasion of Baccalaureate Sunday, Pentecost II, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Isaiah 58:12, Acts 1:8. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives Justice Peace Shalom Transforming the World Way of Jesus https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8f50073a6a57979122bbd3c8f29813f0.mp3 42271eb9fa054b4f3d9f034af4fb72b9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Eastertide III Series On Being an Easter People Scripture Text II Corinthians 3:18 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19900429 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990-04-29 Title A name given to the resource The Spirit and Freedom: Transformed Into the Likeness of Christ Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on April 29, 1990 entitled "The Spirit and Freedom: Transformed Into the Likeness of Christ", as part of the series "On Being an Easter People", on the occasion of Eastertide III, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: II Corinthians 3:18. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/50e62e5a72d6122d63d8fa25f5076143.mp3 0af56c96d016a43df281b18755e4efef Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Independence Day Celebration, Pentecost VI Series With Ken Medema Scripture Text Psalm 148, Acts 4:23-31 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19940703 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1994-07-03 Title A name given to the resource The Spirit and History - A New World Dawning Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on July 3, 1994 entitled "The Spirit and History - A New World Dawning", as part of the series "With Ken Medema", on the occasion of Independence Day Celebration, Pentecost VI, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Psalm 148, Acts 4:23-31. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/450520b2517c093633d03e40a2d8b51f.pdf 8c04def5fafd4b7f8d495d2306dfb205 PDF Text Text The Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Text: John 4:21-24; Acts 10:34-35 Richard A. Rhem Christ Community Church Spring Lake, Michigan Trinity Sunday, June 6, 1993 Transcription of the spoken sermon “The hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem….The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and Truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and Truth.” John 4:21-24 “…I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God.” Acts 10:34-35 We have traversed the Christian year once again. We have gone through the cycle. Last Sunday was Pentecost, and the Sunday after Pentecost in the calendar of the Church is Trinity Sunday, a time when we focus on the God for whom our hearts long. The one true and eternal God, creator of all, whose heart we have seen in the face of Jesus, and whose presence is with us in the Spirit. As we celebrate Trinity Sunday this year, let me suggest that it is time for us to begin to think about that Trinitarian formulation in terms of our present world, the state of that world, and the relationship of the religions in the world. The trinity was the formulation in the third and fourth and fifth centuries of the Christian Church, trying to make some sense out of the experience - the experience of the one true God who obviously was there revealed in Jesus and was present in a powerful way in Spirit, the Spirit that Jesus promised would be given to empower them and to send them out into the world, telling the good news that he had brought, the good news of God. The God who was near. The God who was gracious. The God who was inclusive of all, and who could be trusted. The God of all grace and mercy. The formulation of the doctrine of the trinity in subsequent centuries was an attempt to make some sense of that. Last week I suggested that maybe the whole development of the Christian Church was an unfortunate mistake, that maybe it was contrary even to the intention of Jesus himself. The formulation of the Christian Church that set up a competing religious institution over against Judaism – Jesus, I think, had no intention of © Grand Valley State University   �Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Richard A. Rhem Page 2   that. There is nothing in his ministry that would seem to indicate that what he was about was the founding of another religious institution. What he was about was mediating the presence of the only God, the one true God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, and promising that God was ready now to move broadly across the face of the earth in a spiritual presence and power. That’s the promise of Pentecost. Jesus was pushing out the walls. He was removing the barriers. They killed him for that. There’s something about us. We want to have the last word. We want to have the only truth, all of the truth, and nothing but the truth. We get an idea; then we build an institution; then we set it up as an idol and we worship it. We claim that somehow or other this is the truth, and it becomes a truth that divides. What Jesus was trying to say, I think, was that there is only one God who is the God of all humankind, a God who would gather all humankind into one world community. Now we are at the point, Jesus was saying, where that Spirit of God will move us out into the world. “Go tell the whole world. Start in Jerusalem. Go to Judea and to Samaria, and the ends of the earth and tell them about the God of grace whose presence I have mediated.” It didn’t take very long, however, and that Christian movement, and the power of the Holy Spirit began to be constituted into a competing religious institution. Now down through the centuries we’ve had Judaism and Christianity claiming to serve and worship the same God, and yet claiming to be the way of truth to that God over against the other. On this Trinity Sunday, 1993, let me suggest a modest proposal. That is that Christ Community become a catalyst for the undoing of the absoluteness of the Christian Church, advocating the undoing of the absoluteness of all of the competing religions, taking down the wall, breaking down the barriers in order that we might realize the intention of Jesus and the promise of Pentecost, that the Spirit of God would be poured out on all flesh. It seems to me that this is what Jesus was about. The reason I am concerned about it more and more, is because religion is such a potent, powerful force. It is the most powerful force in the world. The force of religion in our world in the various divided camps has placed our world in peril. It is time for us to stand up and confess that we have absolutized our own partial vision over against other partial visions, and thus denied the very thing for which Jesus lived, and for which he died, which was for us to see the universal calling of all the children of God into that one world community. Hans Küng, the Catholic theologian, has said that without peace among the religions there will be no peace in the world. He’s right! And then he goes on to say that without peace among the churches there will be no peace among the religions. So there’s a sense in which talking about a dialogue among the religions is already a step removed from where we are. But over twenty years ago, right about this time of year, this congregation changed its name from The First © Grand Valley State University �Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Richard A. Rhem Page 3   Reformed Church of Spring Lake to Christ Community Church. That was done intentionally in order to create a new image, in order to establish the fact that here we would have an ecumenical community that reflected the whole spectrum of the body of Christ. Here we would honor all of the faith traditions. Here we would blend the traditions into a new mix and a new mold that would be reflective of the breadth of the Christian church. And it has happened. You are a broad spectrum of Christian traditions in your various backgrounds. If this community were a dog it might be considered a healthy mongrel. Nothing pure about this place. It is all mixed up and that’s healthy. But it’s not enough! We have got to take the next step. Somebody has to stand up and say, “For God’s sake, for peace in the world the respective human religions are human constructions that need to be transcended in order to realize the Spirit of Pentecost, because the Spirit of God is beyond any of the particular concretizations of the respective human religions.” It seems to me that this is what Jesus was about. But too soon after the day of Pentecost, as the Christian movement began to sweep across the face of the earth, things went awry. A Christian Church was born. I am not saying that we have to undo two thousand years of history. Nor am I so naive as to believe that the Spirit of God does not work through all of the stuff of history, even through our blindness and our obstinacy; even through our absolutizing of our partial views, the Spirit of God works. Paradoxically, the God of Israel was brought to the nations by the God of the Christian Church. But I am suggesting to you today that the respective absolutizing of human religious institutions must come to an end. It is time for someone to speak for God and for the Spirit of God, and for the promise of Pentecost, bringing all of those who would serve and worship and adore and hunger after the one true God into one community of faith no matter how many faces it might have. It seems to me that the Trinitarian formulations of the Church, which came four hundred, five hundred years after Jesus in their final form, are a block to the dialogue among the religions. It is very interesting that in the year 312 A.D. the Emperor Constantine, the Roman emperor, established the Christian Church. What a tremendous victory that was. What a triumph. From a ragtag bunch of nondescript people with a vision and a passion, a persecuted people, in less than 312 years, the Christian Church becomes the established religion of the empire. Is it a coincidence that the same emperor called a church council nine years later, the Council of Nicea in 321 A.D., the council that formulated the exalted Christology of our creeds and our liturgies, our prayers and our hymns? On page 12 of your hymn book there is the Nicean Creed. The exalted Christology that exalted the conception of Jesus, which is stated there in Greek philosophical concepts, is a far cry from the Gospels. “God of God, Light of Lights. Begotten and not made . . . before all worlds.” And the formulation that © Grand Valley State University �Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Richard A. Rhem Page 4   came out of that? The Trinitarian God. One God, but three in one, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal, blessed forever. A far cry from the Gospels. As a matter of fact, practically meaningless to us in our everyday experience. We don’t talk that way. That conceptuality is something that we only brush against in church, in a traditional way, without it really penetrating to the depths of our being. The God for whom we long is a far cry from the formulations of Trinitarian Christian doctrine. The God we really long for is a God who embraces all . . . the God heralded by Jesus. Take the story of Jesus in which Jesus has a very engaging conversation with a woman at the well. And the very fact that Jesus was there, in Samaria, is a sign of what he would later call the disciples to do – to go to all nations. The Jews and the Samaritans had nothing to do with each other. They hated each other. Why, they hated each other almost as much as the Reformed Church and the Christian Reformed Church. (Laughter) The closer you are, you see, the greater the rivalry. Jews and Samaritans were cousins, but they couldn’t stand each other. Jesus goes through Samaria because he doesn’t happen to think that the Samaritans are a godless, off scouring of the earth. He talks to a woman. To a woman! Unbelievable! Incredible! No man, no decent man would do that. There he is engaging her in conversation. Then he gets personal and she wants to change the conversation, so she moves to theology. (You can talk a lot of theology without ever getting personal.) She said, “Ah, I see you are a prophet. Now tell me,” (Mount Gerizim looming up before them) We worship here.” (A temple is there.) “You a Jew, you say we must worship in Jerusalem. Who is right?” Jesus, this Jew from Jerusalem, says to this woman from Samaria, “I’ll tell you what, the hour is coming and now is when neither here nor there, neither in the concretization of religious devotion as it came to expression in Samaria, nor the concretization of religious expression as it came to full flower in Jerusalem – neither here nor there, but in Spirit, God’s Spirit, the Spirit of the one true God who was creator in Spirit and in Truth. For such God desires you to worship.” Those who will worship will worship in Spirit and in Truth. Jesus is breaking down barriers against Samaritans. Breaking down the barriers against women. Breaking down the division between Samaritan worship and Jerusalem worship. It seems to me he was trying to say that all of that particularization of religion that came through Israel in which God was involved, dealing with a few in order to reach the many, concentrating on Israel because he loved the world, all of that particularization now needs to be universalized. We have got to break out of Gerizim. We have got to break out of Jerusalem. And ultimately, of course, such talk resulted in his death. So maybe what I would propose sounds radical, but there’s nothing new in it. It is what God has had to do throughout history. Smash the idols. Break down the forms. Smash our structures. Loosen our heads. Open our hearts. Peter, who © Grand Valley State University �Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Richard A. Rhem Page 5   always suffered from ‘foot in mouth disease,’ hardheaded Peter has a vision on a housetop about noon time and he sees this sheep coming down with a grand smorgasbord and he hears the voice, “Rise and eat.” “Not so Lord. I’ve never touched most of that stuff. Pure kosher diet for me.” Then there comes a voice from heaven, “Peter, don’t call common and unclean what I call clean and pure and right.” Then there was a knock on the door and someone from Cornelius’ house – Cornelius, the Roman officer, a god-eater, a non-Jew, a Gentile – stands there asking Peter to accompany him. Peter was compelled by the Spirit to go, but goes apologizing all the way for walking over the threshold of a Gentile’s house, which flew in the face of everything he had ever been taught. Cornelius says, “I’ve had this vision, tell me about Jesus.” Peter says, “Well, okay. I’ll tell you the story about Jesus.” And as he is telling the story about Jesus, low and behold the Spirit of God came down (Whoosh) and these people break out into ecstatic worship. The circumcised with Peter, that is the good Jewish people who accompanied Peter, were amazed, because it happened to these Gentiles like it happened to them on the day of Pentecost. Peter says, “Oh my goodness, this thing is a lot bigger than I ever thought. Maybe God doesn’t show partiality. Who could withhold water for baptizing these who have received the Spirit just as we did?” This experience scrambled his whole theology, shot to pieces all of the religious prejudices and biases. Shot all of the things that he operated on as the basis of his life. Tough stuff, the Spirit of God! Dis-comforter. “Nudging discomforter,” that will never allow us simply to sit in our comfortable ruts absolutizing our partial views, absolutizing our very human flawed institutions. When will someone stand to say, “Enough?” When will we hear Jesus saying, “Not through Judaism, not through Islam, not through Christianity, not through Catholicism, or Orthodoxy or Protestantism, but those who would worship God must worship in Spirit and in Truth. The Spirit that transcends is the Spirit that is beyond all human religions. There is a wonderful parable that was loved by Carl Jüng, the psychiatrist. It went something like this: The water of life, wishing to making itself known on the face of the earth, bubbled up in an artesian well and flowed without effort or limit. People came to drink of the magic water and were nourished by it since it was so clean and pure and invigorating. But humankind was not content to leave things in this endemic state. Gradually they began to fence the well. Charge admission. Claim ownership of the property around it. Make elaborate laws about who could come to the well. Put locks on the gates. Soon the well was the property of the powerful and the elite. © Grand Valley State University �Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Richard A. Rhem Page 6   The water was angry and offended. It stopped flowing and began to bubble up in another place. The people who owned the property around the first well were so engrossed in their power systems and ownership that they did not notice that the water had vanished. They continued selling the nonexistent water and the people noticed that the true power was gone, but some dissatisfied people searched with great courage and found the new artesian well. Soon that well was under the control of the property owners and the same fate overtook it. The spring took itself to yet another place. This has been going on since recorded history. On Trinity Sunday 1993, let me suggest that, way back there a couple of thousand years ago, there was one who came as a finger, pointing to God, inviting people to see through him to the one true God. The people got obsessed with the one who was calling them to look beyond him. I think I saw this reality happen last night! I was watching television. Did you ever see those wonderful ads where they have beautiful dogs, full-faced on the screen? Well, we have a dog. I don’t mention her as much as I used to mention Midnight. Midnight was emotionally dysfunctional and gave me a lot of sermon material. (Laughter) Hersey is more normal. I saw this heavy-jowled, droopyeared old basset hound come on the screen. I wanted Hersey to see that dog. So I said, “Hersey, look, look, look. Look!” Dumb dog didn’t look. (Laughter) He licked my finger. (Laughter) He missed the picture because he fastened on the pointer. My point is this. I don’t believe Jesus came to start a Christian church, a church established in the Roman Empire, so the empire could identify with this King of kings and Lord of lords and find its power and identification with this exalted one. Jesus came and said, “For God’s sake. Not here. Not there, but in Spirit and Truth.” God is waiting for the religions to give up in order that God may bless the earth and bring Shalom. At least that’s how it seems to me. I told Nancy when I was leaving what I was going to preach this morning. She said, “Oh, no!” I said, “It’s true!” She said, “It may be true, but you don’t have to say it.” (Laughter) But I just did. © Grand Valley State University � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/229dad42613f9e848325572bcb18b787.mp3 743dc091edc2b9fb67eadde3695637b9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Trinity Sunday Scripture Text John 4: 21-24, Acts 10:34-35 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19930606 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1993-06-06 Title A name given to the resource The Spirit Beyond All Human Religion Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on June 6, 1993 entitled "The Spirit Beyond All Human Religion", on the occasion of Trinity Sunday, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: John 4: 21-24, Acts 10:34-35. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives Community of Faith Global Community God of Grace Trinity https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/755e703d4901e796e7c9d6e95671674d.jpg 479ef6c5edf900006e0ab8e53b6c55c6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PS3511.L8 S66 1903. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0338 Title A name given to the resource The Spoilsmen Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Nosworthy, Florence Pearl (Designer) Description An account of the resource Binding of The Spoilsmen, by Elliott Flower, published by L.C. Page & Company, 1903. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1903 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b7a724db8350502883fd8fd3e7dcf9e6.jpg d9cf755a43a500c4ad278de8809f6385 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PT9767 .G613 1898 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0034 Title A name given to the resource The Story of Gosta Berling Description An account of the resource Binding of The Story of Gosta Berling, translated from the Swedish of Selma Lagerlof by Pauline Bancroft Flach, publishing by Little, Brown and Company, 1904. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1904 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/16ed4505ca786038507ad4c04c259e9c.jpg 63eb17a5a59eb94f56697ca1f34ff9dc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Regional Historical Collection. PS1272 .S7 1901 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0152 Title A name given to the resource The Story of Tonty Description An account of the resource Binding of The Story of Tonty, by Mary Hartwell Catherwood, published by A.C. McClurg and Co., 1901. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1901 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/378760bd2055e401f2b7f8493e07e8f1.jpg e9e47e2efce45c2260fb9b46f3f732ce Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PS3515.I465 S7 1909 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0112 Title A name given to the resource The Story the Crocus Told Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource [Little, R.W.] (Designer) Description An account of the resource Binding of The Story the Crocus Told, by Everett Merrill Hill, published by Lakeside Press, 1909. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/158534be80edd0d5822e4d94297c9e51.pdf 84d29df8024bce9b08611c8f21cd27a0 PDF Text Text The Story Without End From the series: Christian Faith: Interpretations of Experience Text: Acts 2:16; Ezekiel 37:14; John 25:12-13 Richard A. Rhem Christ Community Church Spring Lake, Michigan June 7, 1998 Transcription of the spoken sermon This is one week late for a Pentecost message, but Pentecost is too critical to the life of the church to miss it, and so we celebrate it today in all of its wonder and all of its joy, and I want to say today that Pentecost is nothing rather than the experience of the risen Christ whose presence defines for us the eternal God. I conclude the Eastertide series purposely on Pentecost in order to make the connection. If you read from Luke in his Gospel, and then the Book of Acts, you would have a narrative form of these events - Easter, 40 days later Ascension, 10 days later Pentecost. But, two weeks ago as we gathered here, we read from John’s Gospel that on Easter eve Jesus came into the midst of the disciples, breathed on them, said "Peace be with you and receive the Holy Spirit." For John, Pentecost happened on Easter, because, as a matter of fact, Easter and Pentecost cannot be separated from one another. We have looked at these experiences of the risen Christ, the crucified one still present and alive in the lives of Peter and Paul and Mary Magdalene and the disciples. We noted two weeks ago that with the Gospel of John there is a shift, not even a subtle shift. It is not as though there is an imminent expectation now of the inbreaking of that risen, ascended Lord as we have it in Luke. In the fourth Gospel, we begin to see the recognition of a process. Of course it was some sixty years later. This was the last Gospel to be written. Jesus had not appeared. The Messiah had not come from heaven. Now there must have been some reinterpretation, trying to figure out what in the world was going on. And so, I read those passages from the fourth Gospel. "I have more things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. I’ll pray for the Spirit, the advocate. When he comes, he’ll lead you into all truths,..." And therefore, the sense that there was an ongoing process. Ewert Cousins, in a very fine book entitled Christ of the Twentieth-first Century, says "How are we to approach religion today? Certainly we must approach it in terms of its process, that dynamic movement through history. It is not a static moment, but it is rather a fluid, dynamic movement that goes on." And so, this © Grand Valley State University   �The Story Without End Richard A. Rhem Page 2   morning on Pentecost, one week late, I want to suggest to you that we have to set our religious faith in a context, and that context is a context that is 15 billion years old. I want us to understand our present Christian experience, our present religious experience in terms of that broad cosmic reality that embraces us, and that broad cosmic reality is the large context in which we have interpreted our experience of God. It is a process of billions of years, the emerging out of that initial chaos, this universe, this cosmos, with its order, with all of the wonder that simply boggles the mind the more one begins to see its mysteries and its depths. And then within that billions of years process there developed life, there developed biological life, there developed animal life, and that animal life over billions of years eventuated in that which in the evolutionary process has emerged as the human being, that moment when that whole process became selfconscious, aware of its hands, and aware, indeed, of another. And out of that awareness, that self-consciousness, which we define as the human, developed tribes, societies, culture, civilizations, until our present moment in history. Here we are in the ongoing movement of a process that goes back billions of years that has within it all of the story of the cosmic reality, the story of life, the story of human life, and with human life came the religious consciousness, the awareness of the mystery, the awareness of the frailty and fragility of life and the searching for that ultimate and that absolute, that place to stand and to be. And all religions, as we have been saying these weeks, are the human construction, the human imagination in response to the encounter with that mystery. And within that human man religious reality is our story, the Christian story, 2000 years old now and still alive and young and ongoing. That’s my message this Pentecost. Our story, the Christian story, embedded in the religious story of humankind, embedded in the totality of humankind’s experience, embedded in the totality of cosmic experience - our story is a story without end. It is the story of Pentecost, because the story of Pentecost is nothing other than the experience of the God defined in Jesus Christ. For us, that’s our story. We see the human face of God in Jesus who was experienced by those first followers as alive and present and still powerfully transforming. Rooted in history, but not mired in history. For John the same fourth Gospel tells the story of Thomas. Thomas was that doubter, like all of us. He said, "I’d like to poke my finger in the hand, you know?" And so, Jesus appears without coming through the door. Nonetheless, at the end of that story, what is the blessing given? "Thomas, you wanted to touch and feel. Blessed are those who, having not seen, believe." Because if the story was to go on, it would have to go on by those who could encounter the living Lord without the living Lord tangibly there. No more word in flesh, but rather the spirit of Christ or the Spirit of God, or God breathing, encountering us, convincing us of that ultimate mystery that is so far beyond us, but nonetheless, graciously embraces us. That’s our context, and at this moment in our history the Pentecost message is that it’s a story without end. We are still writing it. We are still engaged in the story, chapters yet to follow, presently writing the story of Pentecost and of Easter. © Grand Valley State University �The Story Without End Richard A. Rhem Page 3   I had a marvelous insert for you which somehow or other got blown away in the storm, and it’s actually two pages, but I won’t read it, so relax. Just this statement which comes from an Orthodox theologian, George Florovsky about the nature of tradition. What I want you to see is that Christian tradition, like any religious tradition properly understood, is the presence of the dynamic spirit of God in the church: Tradition is the witness of the Spirit; the Spirit’s unceasing revelation and preaching of good tidings ... To accept and understand Tradition we must live within the Church, we must be conscious of the grace-giving presence of the Lord in it; we must feel the breath of the Holy Ghost in it ... Tradition is not only a protective, conservative principle; it is, primarily, the principle of growth and regeneration ... Tradition is the constant abiding of the Spirit and not only the memory of words. Remember that. Tradition is the constant abiding of the Spirit in the body of Christ, here and now. You see, the story is a story without end. It is an ongoing story. We are in process. There is always that arrogant assumption on the part of every generation that somehow or other God’s purposes have culminated in them! Every age and every culture would arrogantly assume that they are the acme of what God is doing in the world, and it just is not true. What happened in the 19th century particularly, which some have called the century of history, is that we became aware of other civilizations and other cultures and other world religions, and what developed in the wake of that is a historical relativism that said everything in its place and its time is proper and legitimate. There was an easy tolerance of all of this. It was a great threat to the exclusive claims of the Christian faith that said this is the last word and the absolute truth. But, who could deny it? There were world religions. There were other civilizations. There was a diversity of cultures. Who would say one is better than another? Who would say one has the truth and the other are all in darkness? Not many who thought about it seriously could do that. And so, there was a kind of unraveling of that confidence of the traditional Christian proclamation. Something is happening in our day which is fascinating. It is the recognition that we cannot rest easily with diverse cultures and other civilizations and world religions all in their separate existence, because what we are experiencing in our day, our moment in history, is a convergence of civilizations, a growing together of cultures, a tying together of the globe. Ewert Cousins says that the symbol for our age, an age of global consciousness, is that earth, that planet earth hanging out in space, the picture taken by the astronauts from deep space. And there, as he points out, national boundaries, ethnic divisions, religious separations - all of that is superficial and artificial because we are a whole, interrelated, interfacing with one another. If one stops to think about our world today, one finds that we are economically interdependent. I have often felt that Marx was closer to right than he knew, for © Grand Valley State University �The Story Without End Richard A. Rhem Page 4   he spoke of economic determinism. Finally it is economics that will determine. And, of course, he was severely criticized. But, it just may be that multinational corporations and international banking will bind this world together in a real fashion greater than any religious proclamation. We are buoying up the ruble in Russia now. We are trying to avoid the chaos of Southeast Asia. We are a world that cannot live in separate identities anymore, in a kind of isolation, sovereignties with their own weapons. In a day of nuclear threat, India and Pakistan testing nuclear weapons - this world is too small! The human race is one! It is too dangerous to live that way. And on Pentecost 1998 what we in the Christian church ought to be doing is to say we missed it too, but we are coming around, because the Spirit is the Spirit who creates new insights, who enables us in every historical moment to re-interpret our faith in light of the moment and understand the moment in light of our faith. And so, the world growing together in the convergence of civilizations and cultures and religions symbolized if not by Ewert Cousins’ globe out in space, then the golden arches of McDonald’s. It is one world; you can get a hamburger anyplace today! In such a world, what the world needs to hear from us, and we could lead the pack, leading out of strength as Christians – we have to say we can no longer look at the whole world through our Christian eyes. As Americans we have to say we cannot simply think "our country, right or wrong," "USA Number One." As citizens of western civilization, we can no longer hold arrogantly to the superiority of the west. We must value the treasure we have in our Christian tradition. We can savor the freedoms and the wonders of this nation. We can treasure the cultural values of the west, and we should share them, and be ready to pass them along, but we must recognize that we also will be recipients from the east. We’ll gain insights from others. In this world which is becoming a one world global civilization, we can no longer afford to live in the arrogance of our exclusivities with a superiority over against all others, whether it be political or religious or cultural. We who have the insight of the Holy Spirit are the ones that ought to be opening ourselves and modeling out that kind of openness to others that can create the possibility for humanization and ultimately for shalom, for peace, for human beings to live fruitfully, creatively, productively, in love. There is that possibility, because we believe in God. It is the Spirit of God breathing through all that is, coaxing toward that unity in diversity, creating a community of communities where there is mutual value, mutual enhancing, common sharing, living out the ideal of the kingdom of God. This time of year church assemblies and synods and bodies are meeting and, in reading the press, one could about despair as much as the captives in Babylon in the 6th century before Christ. One could well throw up one’s hands at the anguish of the institutional forms of religion. Institutional forms of religion are altogether necessary, but they become sealed against the ongoing revealing of the Spirit. The moment we can get our hands around it, make it manageable and neat, we have sealed ourselves off against the Spirit’s ongoing, unceasing revelation. But, it is the Spirit of God that breaks down barriers. It is the Spirit of God that rips open © Grand Valley State University �The Story Without End Richard A. Rhem Page 5   our hearts and opens our minds, that breathes fresh air when we would live in the safety and security, reinventing yesterday. Dear God, can these bones live? I will breathe in them. I will put my Spirit in them." And by God, they will live, because we’re part of a story without end. © Grand Valley State University � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3ddc78eb54a08cda6481b526b1a555cf.mp3 728bbfaba5aa1b6792eced8bbda7cd3f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Pentecost celebration Series Christian Faith: Interpreting an Experience Scripture Text Acts 2:16, Ezekiel 37:14, John 25:12-13 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19980607 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1998-06-07 Title A name given to the resource The Story Without End Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on June 7, 1998 entitled "The Story Without End", as part of the series "Christian Faith: Interpreting an Experience", on the occasion of Pentecost celebration, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Acts 2:16, Ezekiel 37:14, John 25:12-13. Emergence Global Community Non-exclusive Spirit https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/fd6aa919cdc1809cdc3bb53daa491fee.jpg ea08ce3360be038f1e01b3f185431339 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Lincoln and the Civil War. PS1556 .S87 1900 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0220 Title A name given to the resource The Strength of Gideon Description An account of the resource Binding of The Strength of Gideon, by Paul Laurence Dunbar, published by Dodd, Mead and Company, 1900. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1900 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/aeed2d00943d3a454a37a4c05b51127a.pdf 30886130ca3cac721b0cefc740f1abc1 PDF Text Text The Strength of Surrender From the series: Faces Around the Cross Text: Luke 23:42-43 Richard A. Rhem Christ Community Church Spring Lake, Michigan March 2, 1997 Transcription of the spoken sermon Luke paints a portrait for us of the crucifixion scene with the three crosses crowning the hill and the conversation between the crosses. Last week we considered the one criminal who died, still cursing, pouring derision on Jesus. I treated that particular person rather unconventionally for the Christian Church, and I did it intentionally because I believe it's so important for us to bring some imagination to the biblical text, to see if there are nuances, if there are deeper shadows that we've not glimpsed before, lest we be so familiar with the story that we come to church and we know how the sermon should end before we hear it. But, more than that, I said a good word for that dying criminal in order to address that which troubles me so often - the smugness of the Church. How easy it is for us to write off, to damn those who seem so alienated, so other than we are. And I even said a positive word about the fact that there is a certain integrity in saying "No," part of human dignity, God taking us that seriously that if our "Yes" is real, our "No" is possible. There is a certain integrity in that one who would not break. But, I hope I was clear that this was no ordinary criminal. I suspect that this was one of those insurrectionists who rose up at the injustice, the inhumanity, the brutal and cruel world of which he was a part, who saw in that unjust society a foreign oppressor and a domestic aristocracy that collaborated for their own advantage. He saw people driven off their land, into abject poverty. There was so much that was wrong with his world and he rose up and sought to do something about it. He was no ordinary criminal; Romans didn't crucify ordinary types. But, the hills outside of Jerusalem were set with crosses, thick with those who would dare question the coercive, violent life to which that people were subjected. And so, this one was one whose soul was so seared, who had been so crushed, finally rather than breaking before the threat to life, died, cursing the darkness. And I even suggested that such bitter cynicism and hatred that can grip the human soul could be broken only with an encounter with an unimaginable mercy and a love divine. That, I think, we can leave with the mercy of God, for I don't mean to say that it doesn't matter how we live. I don't think that anybody gets away with © Grand Valley State University   �The Strength of Surrender Richard A. Rhem Page 2   anything. But, it is the deepest confession of my life that there is a mercy and a love in God, the God Whom Paul says was in Christ, absorbing the pain of the world. There is a mercy and a love in God that is able even to absorb the venom of a human spirit which has been hardened, embittered, and dies cursing the darkness. That encounter, then, at death, would be the moment of truth for such a one. For, what is the encounter with God at death? Isn't it the moment when perhaps for the first time we see truly, when we can see through? Is it not that moment when we see our lives in God's light? Is it not, then, for the first time that we can see the designs of mercy and the configurations of grace and the abyss of love unfiltered by all of the static of the human situation? Can one still resist that light and love? C. S. Lewis, in his allegory, The Great Divorce – and it's only by way of allegory in myth and symbol that we can begin even to speak of these things – suggests that possibly one on the other side might linger in those gray, drab flatlands, refusing, resisting that bus ride into the center of light. Who knows? We ought not to know too much when it's beyond the limits of human knowing. I don't know. But this, again, I believe and this is at the center of my passion - if there is a final, absolute "No," it will not be God's "No." It will be a "No" that we utter in the full light of amazing grace and unconditional love, and to say "No" in the face of such love and grace - that I cannot imagine. Having said that, let me go on to say that to die cursing the darkness is a very great tragedy. To die with one's soul shriveled, encrusted is a human tragedy. There are those who move into that kind of experience and then, through time, move out and heal, thank God. There are some who live long in that embittered state. God be merciful to them. And there are some that have been so damaged and so hurt by Church or by society or by state or whatever, that, like the one on the cross, they die cursing the darkness. And that's a great tragedy, for such a person dies before they live, and as Luke portrays that crucifixion scene, as he paints his picture, he tells us that there is another possibility and it is the possibility that we see in the one on the other side of Jesus. What happened to him? How do things like that happen? What kind of a breakthrough was it that in his last hour transformed his life, enabling him to live before he died? Was it watching the one in the center and the one on the other side? Was it watching his partner in crime cursing the darkness to his last breath in contrast to the one on the center cross praying for those who were crucifying him? Did the prayer, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do," somehow or other break through his defenses? Did he see in his brother, dying full of hate, the stark contrast with Jesus, dying full of grace? And did he see it all in a moment? What happens to one in such a moment? Well, we ought again not to try to do an anatomy, but I must say this - confronted with that cataclysmic contrast in spirit and attitude and ways of being and living and dying, this one on the other side was at a point of decision, for then it was for him to decide whether to stay the © Grand Valley State University �The Strength of Surrender Richard A. Rhem Page 3   course in the darkness or to surrender to the light that had broken upon him. If I would be faithful to this text and to my own human experience, I must say that if I affirm the belligerent one for the integrity of his "No," I must affirm the other for the strength of his surrender, for it takes courage to persist in the darkness and even more courage and strength to yield to the light, once it has been glimpsed, once it has dawned upon one. That is the critical moment which will determine whether one dies before one lives, or whether one lives before one dies. There is strength in surrender, and it takes courage and strength to face one's whole life project and to say, "I am wrong. My motivation was right, my concern was right, but my method was wrong, my spirit was wrong, my heart was wrong, my soul is dying within me! God be merciful to me! Jesus, remember me." There is an integrity in the "No" of the belligerent one. There is strength in the surrender of the yielding one, and don't fail to see it. It is a difference between heaven and hell. It is hell to die before one ever lives, lives in the wonder of the gift of life. It is hell to be imprisoned in the black hole of one's own bitterness, cynicism and hatred, even though God be merciful to such. I wish I sensed more compassion in the Church for those who have been so damaged that they cannot turn to the light. Oh, I see concern sometimes for the salvation of their soul, but what we ought really to be concerned about is the restoration of their humanity. God will take care of the rest. It is those two possibilities that Luke sets before us. There is a certain strength in surrender, and to surrender to grace is to begin to live before we die. © Grand Valley State University � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8e54c74e8ba5b45e5a18a7c3e88164ac.mp3 fcdab445cea78e1b551df9a8346f6183 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Lent III Series Faces Around the Cross Scripture Text Luke 23:42-43 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19970302 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1997-03-02 Title A name given to the resource The Strength of Surrender Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on March 2, 1997 entitled "The Strength of Surrender", as part of the series "Faces Around the Cross", on the occasion of Lent III, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Luke 23:42-43. Forgiveness Inclusive Grace Lent Unconditional Love https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d9e80b414bc09e7d781e403d4c70c617.mp3 352d45dc0e0252f79aabdcef50f8518b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Independence Day Weekend, Pentecost VI Scripture Text Philippians 2:5, Revelation 15:3 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19960707 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1996-07-07 Title A name given to the resource The Struggle for Interdependence Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on July 7, 1996 entitled "The Struggle for Interdependence", on the occasion of Independence Day Weekend, Pentecost VI, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Philippians 2:5, Revelation 15:3. https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f6df3f8ca17634b5742973db959b7bca.mp3 a1f8604b50179033e0248e2efa5a4fea Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Lent II Series The Will of God in Human Action Scripture Text Luke 4:12 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19960303 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1996-03-03 Title A name given to the resource The Struggle to Discern the Will of God Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on March 3, 1996 entitled "The Struggle to Discern the Will of God", as part of the series "The Will of God in Human Action", on the occasion of Lent II, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Luke 4:12. https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/dbb0263f7a24fc5089d07511aff95d0c.jpg f1e2f5a73eed2a1ccadde439fdbe3089 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Summers in Saugatuck-Douglas Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Kutsche Office of Local History Description An account of the resource Collection contains images and documents digitized and collected through the project "Stories of Summer," supported by a National Endowment for the Humanities Common Heritage Grant. The collection aims to document the twin lakeshore communities of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan, as they transformed through the state's bustling tourism industry and acceptance of minorities. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1910s-2010s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Various Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/">Copyright Undetermined</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Douglas (Mich.) Michigan, Lake Allegan County (Mich.) Beaches Sand dunes Outdoor recreation Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Saugatuck-Douglas History Center Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Text Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-07_SD-Oxbow-18-36 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency Title A name given to the resource The Studio Buildings at Ox-Bow Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of a man walking toward wooden buildings that appear to be the studios of Ox-Bow "Summer School of Painting" in Saugatuck, Michigan. The buildings are partially obscured by several large windswept trees and the water of the Kalamazoo River can be seen in the background. Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Allegan County (Mich.) Kalamazoo River (Mich.) Art school Buildings Trees Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digital file contributed by Mike Van Ark for the Stories of Summer Project. Relation A related resource Stories of Summer (project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/">Copyright Undetermined</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b62e1f7fc5cd28d1dd01941fda6bd281.jpg 709100187eb469f56c4b41042d38a1da Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PS3503 09355 S87 1913 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0468 Title A name given to the resource The Supplanter Description An account of the resource Binding of The Supplanter, by Grace Duffie Boylan, published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1913. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b2c4220d323b96a9543a4f7d2a249d96.jpg a7a160d47cb8087c3065768b145cbf4a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Seidman Rare Books. PS3159.W12 T45 1901 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0301 Title A name given to the resource The Teller Description An account of the resource Binding of The Teller, by Edward Noyes Westcott, published by D. Appleton and Co., 1901. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1901 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2da7d2c36809d83430e2712d7b568c79.jpg 0b7e797f2c7dbc3a15dee57bff74ac59 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_228 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image three silver clad woman sit on the stage and offer clusters of grapes to a man, who holds out his hand towards them. Behind him several figures are watching, including one in a wheelchair. Besides the three silver women, all are dressed in early 20th century costumes. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/68e6c18a4d6e557e3096428305f1bef9.jpg d9aef6fa7eb6eb643bf498b8f52575bb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_306 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image a man in sorcerer's robes holds a large staff and reads from a long piece of white fabric with writing on it. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/635232b2d482be1f9bbd935f88b27584.jpg daee939af61e142c26db12509d18b8dd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_307 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." This is an image of the full cast, in costume, and the crew posing together for a group portrait on stage. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b97a27d732eb8d7855d991cf3cdee815.jpg 1ac7d73001ff5dc08a226ac9bddc4d2e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_319 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image a couple dressed in early 20th century costumes sit on the ground and watch as a group of fantastical creatures, directed by a sorcerer standing on the right, give a performance. A man in a white and gold toga stands with arms raised in the center of the stage. To his left and right, two performers hang off of two ladders, their long white dresses flowing down to the ground. In the background the rest of the fantastic creatures sit in a circle and watch. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/03de844a11862a743d02e62fd1738e06.jpg 7bd6e51b41fa372729c93c8db2e426a5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_324 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image a sorcerer sits and consults with a fantastic creature who kneels beside him. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/69bce1db47521095d2a29b44650f2ee7.jpg 3d12fdc2d2879765b8123563833c3208 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_354 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image a man in ragged clothing squats and spreads out his cloak. Behind him two men in more modern clothing crouch down. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/656b308f7f632e36f7f77b28209e7a2c.jpg 0b051dced17a550ce8c94bcfed5dfed0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_365 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." In this image a old man in a wheel chair gestures with his cigar at a young man standing beside him. The young man, who is dressed as a soldier with a sword tucked into his belt, appears confused. The set behind them features benches and a stepladder. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e10ece9366cd1f96542a41194d4ceccd.jpg e2a892e183599130e45684396f7a31eb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Theatre Photos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Description An account of the resource Photographs of Grand Valley theater productions from the 1980s to the 2010s. Photos include shots of performances, backstage, casts and crewmembers. Included in the collection are Shakespeare Festival productions and small acts such as Bard to Go and the Greenshow. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Grand Valley State University Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982-2017 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01) Subject The topic of the resource Theater Performances Plays Musicals College Students Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives. Allendale, MI 49401 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV058-01_2001F-The-Tempest_419 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Theatre Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2001 Title A name given to the resource The Tempest (theater production), 2001 Description An account of the resource Color photograph of Grand Valley's 2001 production of "The Tempest." This image is of the fantastic creatures of the island. Their costumes follow a soft white neutral color scheme and many are wearing skull-like makeup. Subject The topic of the resource Theater College students Plays Performances Acting Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/754">Theatre Department photographs (GV058-01)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 2001s