Summit Christian College's choir group, Ale'theia, will begin their Spring Choir performance schedule in April. The group will be traveling throughout the midwest in the coming weeks sharing their harmonious worship music with audiences. Their tour kicks off Sunday, April 9 at Lyman Christian Church in Lyman, NE with a 10:30 a.m. performance. The group's other April performances are Friday, April 21, 7 p.m. at First Christian Church in Beaver, OK; Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m. at Yuma Christian Church, Yuma, CO; Sunday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. at North Christian Church in Cheyenne, WY; Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. at First Christian Church in Concordia, KS; Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. at First Christian Church in Holyoke, NE; and Sunday, April 30, 6 p.m. at Central Church of Christ in Gering, NE. This year's choir members are Sarah Amack, Shaylynn Splattstoesser, McKenna Rezanina, Elayna Muller, Hunter Rezanina, Tristan Bridges, Alex Fritzler, and Dustin Amack. Ale'theia Director is Deanna Goranson.

Three things about M&Ms: 1. M&Ms are marked with an "m". First of all, Christians are marked or sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." But we are also marked for a purpose and focus. We're marked for ministry! 2. M&Ms come in a variety of colors. God has created each of us unique in many ways. We are all called to ministry, we are each uniquely gifted, have different backgrounds, different personalities, etc. "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." 1Corinthians 12:4-6 Think about it, we vary in our colors too: Some are RED - they are red hot and bold, competitive. Some are BLUE – calm and dependable. Some are YELLOW - friendly, positive, creative, and encouraging. Some are GREEN - analytical, organized, practical, decisive. Some are ORANGE - assertive and outgoing. Some are BROWN - warm, inviting, trustworthy, and wholesome. God has His way of blending our background, personality, & spiritual gifts into unique, individual ministers for His Kingdom! 3) M&Ms are filled with chocolate - the best part! Christians are filled with God's love! Just as M&Ms are all different looking on the outside with their various colors, so God has created us each unique and different. Like an M&M, although we may all look different, we are all created to be filled. M&Ms are filled with chocolate - yum! We are made to be filled with God's love - even better! Without the chocolate an M&M is just a fragile shell with really no taste. Even so, we, without God's love, are fragile and empty too. 1 John 4:9-16 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." Also, because of how M&Ms are made, they are easily shared with others. God's love is made to be shared through sharing the Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Did you know that in America it has been estimated about 1500 people leave pastoral ministry every month because of burnout, conflict, or moral failure? The situations that lead these people to making this decision vary, however this statistic shows us an example of the intense pressure ministers find themselves under. And not only do ministers feel like this at times but so does the rest of the zealous Christians within the body. It’s hard to manage many responsibilities such as work, school, family life, etc. and aside from that we have such a strong desire to serve the Lord in any way we can. We want to be a part of all the bible studies, we want to be involved in all the activities going on within the church, we want to be out evangelizing to the community… There’s so much work that needs to be done! Some have been through burnout, stuck with it, and come out on the other side a stronger person, however; it wasn’t easy. Others have hit that point in their life where they don’t want to be involved in ministry any longer, and even don’t want anything to do with the church or their Christian friends anymore and they completely fall away. Some don’t have any experience with burnout and in fact don’t even think it could ever happen to them. Everyone here knows what it feels like to be zealous for the Lord; it’s why we are here! The Professors are here to help train more warriors for the battle, the students are here to learn more about God’s mission and how they can make the most impact, the staff is here because they want to see the kingdom furthered. Our zeal calls us to action! But if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall! This devotion was inspired by the book Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash. And in the book he proposes the question, “Why not burnout for Jesus? After all He did say that in order to follow Him we had to pick up our cross daily and that whoever saves their life will lose it but whoever loses their life for Christ’s sake will save it. So why not? If you think about it the phrase has an almost heroic or romantic ring to it. And I must admit that at times I feel like a warrior princess for the Lord and I want to go all out and nothing can stop me! That type of energy is great to have, however; I want to encourage you to stretch it out and make it last. I’ve seen people go through burnout, I’ve seen people fall away because of it, and I’ve had struggles of my own. I always used to say that I could never fall away from the Lord. After everything I know and have experienced, it’s simply impossible. I still feel that way because I can’t even imagine my life without Him. The more I think about those whom I know have tasted the true love of Christ and yet chosen another path… I bet they said the same thing at one point in their life too. I bet they had no idea they would find themselves in the position they are now. We are all human beings; we aren’t “the exception.” If Paul didn’t think it was an issue to worry about he wouldn’t have brought it up. It’s important to realize that we don’t sacrifice alone when we allow ourselves to get to the point of burnout. When we crash, not only does it affect us, it also affects those close to us: spouses, faithful friends, children, co-workers, etc. It’s ironic to think that this person started out with a yearn to show Christ’s light to the world but because they didn’t take care of themselves along the way they ended up doing everything but that very thing. It’s so sad. So, realize there is a difference between godly sacrifice and needless burnout. There is a difference between sacrifice and foolish heroism. Yes, Christ wants us to follow Him wholeheartedly, however, He wants us to do it strategically in a way that will allow for long-term service. So, to guard ourselves against needless burnout Christopher Ash has proposed four ideas that one needs to stay on top of throughout their journey in ministry: We Need Sleep We Need Sabbath-Rests We Need Friends We Need Inward Renual

The new Spring Semester is starting and that means NEW TEXTBOOKS and class supplies! You can help out the college by ordering your books and any other items from Amazon. Simply sign in to AmazonSmile as you would your regular Amazon account (or if you are a new user, just make a new user account) and then choose Summit Christian College as your designated charity. It's that easy! Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Summit Christian College whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. And it all adds up to help out our college. Tell your friends and family!

Summit Christian College in Gering, NE announces that the following students have been named to the Fall 2016 Dean’s List and Honor Rolls. Congratulations! Dean’s List (4.00-3.75 GPA) Scarlet Houk Hunter Rezanina Seth Leathermon Honor Roll (3.74-3.50 GPA) KylieDean Gulley Dustin Amack Sarah Amack Kyler Schmidt Brian Andrews Part-time Honor Roll (4.00-3.50 GPA) Tommy Clay Jadie McKean George Jensen Paul Marvel Kellen Hood Anna Faeh Michael Brown Summit Christian College, an institution of higher learning, educates leaders for Christian service by offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Arts degrees and Certificate in Christian Foundations. Courses are available on campus and online through Summit Bridge. Register now for the Spring 2017 semester, which begins Monday, January 16, 2017.

Do you want to broaden your Bible knowledge; be a better leader in your congregation; sharpen your Bible study or ministry skills; or pursue or finish a degree in ministry, missions or Bible? Summit Christian College is now taking registration for Spring 2017 classes. In addition to offering a full schedule of courses for on-campus students, SCC also offers a number of course through its online learning option, Summit Bridge. Summit Bridge is a great option for anyone who wants to brush up on or add to their knowledge of Old Testament, New Testament, Christian education, or biblical and ancient history but are unable to attend classes at our campus in Gering, Neb. Summit Bridge offers the flexibility of taking courses via live video streaming in the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Summit Bridge courses can be taken either for credit toward a Certificate, Associates or Bachelors degree or as a non-credit audit class. Spring 2017 courses offered via the Summit Bridge include: Greek 1B Family Life Education Educational Psychology Biblical Archaeology Missionary Principles and Methods Acts Life of Christ II History of the Ancient Near East Parables of Jesus History of Israel Contact us now and we will save a seat for you, even in the comfort of your own home. Hurry, Spring 2017 semester classes begin Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. Call Summit Christian College at 308-632-6933 or go to www.summitcc.net/summit-bridge for more information.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 As with each Christmas (and each day), our first and foremost wish is for people to to come to know and accept Salvation through faith in Christ...and trust in God's word. This Christmas season we celebrating the joy when "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" as told in John 1:14. We are also celebrating the joy of another year of love and support from our Summit Christian College family. Your faithful support and gifts help us ensure that God's word continues to be taught to and lived through our students here at Summit. Please take a moment to read our annual Christmas letter, which was mailed this week and is also available here, online. As is years past, we have also included our 'Wish List' featuring items that we have trimmed from our budget in our effort to continue to limit our expenses and keep the cost of attending SCC down. However, these items are still needed and we ask each year with full faith that God will provide our perfect provisional portion through generous and joyous gifts from supporters like you. If you see an item on the list that you currently have and would like to donate to Summit Christian College, or if you wish to make a monetary gift designated for a purchase or a general gift to help support the college in a broader way, please contact us or mail or drop off your contribution directly to our Business Office at 2025 21st Street, Gering, NE 69341. Merry Christmas with God's Blessings!

Our annual Mexico Missions Trip will be held March 10-18, 2017. NOW is the time to sign up as there are only FIVE SEATS LEFT and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Summit Christian College will be partnering with Bill and Rosa Baker in Zaragoza, Mexico for a construction work project a the local church in Zaragoza and assisting in an evangelistic outreach in the community. The trip is open to college-age students and high school juniors and seniors. Cost for the trip is $650. A down payment of $100 (non-refundable) is due with registration. The balance is due on February 1, 2017. All participating students must have a valid passport book or passport card prior to the trip. For more information contact Andi Grant (308) 632-6933 or email agrant@summitcc.net. Click here for Mexico Missions Trip registration form

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Read your Bible. Read your Bible. We’ve all head this, right? You’re a Christian so you have to read your Bible. We hear this so many times that sometimes it loses its significance. So why do we need to read our Bibles? This is an issue that I’ve been struggling with. I was raised in a Christian home where the importance of the Bible was heavily emphasized. We read the Bible in the morning, we had to read on our own and at some point during the day and take notes, and then give those notes when we got together as a family at night and read. I’ve always known that reading the Bible was important that it had information, that I needed to know, but I didn’t understand how it related to my Christian walk. Not until I went to youth group. At youth group I learned that the Bible showed how to have a personal relationship with God. Being a Christian wasn’t just following a ton of rules; it wasn’t just a religion for the mind. Being a Christian was a lifestyle that encompasses mind and heart. When I understood that I began studying the Bible, not because I had to but because I wanted to. And then I came to Bible College. The professors will tell you that the Bible can become just another textbook, and let me tell you, they aren’t joking. I struggled, especially spring semester last year to read the Bible. I felt like it had again become something that I had to do, not something I wanted to do. I kept telling myself that I would start reading again, that I wouldn’t let other things get in the way again. To be honest, all my efforts fell flat. However, once summer came I firmly resolved to read, because I knew with going on Camp Teams that I couldn’t tell those kids to read the Bible if I wasn’t. I couldn’t help them if I wasn’t walking with God and obeying him. Last summer was probably one of the times that I was most close with God. I read the Bible, prayed, and journaled about all I was experiencing. Not to say there weren’t tough times; there were plenty of those. But I knew who was with me and I clung to Him during those times. And then something happened. I’m not going to go into full detail, but I broke up with my boyfriend and I lost sight of God. I let that come in between God and me. I began letting other things get more important than reading the Bible. Coming back to the here and now, I’ve been struggling with reading the Bible this whole semester. I know I should and I’ve seen the negative effect it has on my life as I let other things become more important. Going back two weekends ago, the choir went on a trip to give concerts in Cozad and Bayard. For both concerts, Aaron’s (Professor Aaron Prohs) message was on the importance of the Word. Aaron, your words cut to my heart. Reading the Bible is more than just gaining knowledge. Reading the Bible is about gaining a better understanding of the God who made us and sacrificed for us and how to relate to Him. Reading the Bible gives us a new focus in our lives and points us in the way of the life eternal. Does knowing that always make it easier to read the Bible? No. But that’s where our brothers and sisters in Christ come in. We are to build each other up and encourage each other and part of that is keeping each other accountable. We can encourage each other to read the Bible and study it together. As the body of Christ, we can be there for each other. So I encourage you, read the Bible. Seek God’s promises and His will in your life. I promise you, your life will be the better because of it. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Current and new students are encouraged to begin planning for the Spring 2017 semester by meeting with your advisors, professors, and registering for classes. The Spring 2017 Semester Schedule is available here. For more information contact Registrar Andi Grant at agrant@summitcc.net or call (308) 632-6933.

A big part of the campus culture here at Summit Christian College is encouraging students, faculty and staff to build a strong and sustaining relationship with Jesus Christ. Each morning throughout the week we meet for devotions, a time to share what God has been putting on our hearts through the reading of his Word. In a country and culture that has become crippled in its pursuit of self-sufficiency, we are blessed to know that God's Word is alive and applicable here. We witness each day people becoming stronger, healthier, and more free when they obediently pursue God's will, rather than their own. Today, with permission, we share Devotions from student Shaylynn Splattstoesser: How many times have we fallen into evil things thinking they were going to be good? So many people think they can "save" someone by going with them to a party but in the end, they end up falling into that evil temptation just because they though they could keep someone else from falling into that evil temptation. The reality of it is that we can’t save everyone. I know I struggle with this a lot. Thinking that if I just stay friends with that person or hang out with them all the time that I can save them, eventually. That hasn't been the case. I don't like seeing my friends fall into all the evil temptations this world has brought to our attention. All of the evil things of this world are difficult to avoid when we live in this world constantly, never having a break from the evil temptations of Satan and life. Over the past few years I have lost many friends thinking I could save them but in the end finding out that I can’t save them. It's a hard reality to face, especially when your best friend is one of those people who you can’t save. You always thought you would have them with you but this life is so hard to overcome if you don’t lean on God for guidance in your every day life. I don't like thinking this way but we can’t save everyone. All we can really do is pray from them and mention Christ to them often. But we still can't save everyone. We can, however, ask God to help guide their life that maybe one day they will see his light shine through. It's a hard road and many won't make it. Don’t ever give up on trying to bring people to Christ but also don’t put yourself in the temptations of this world thinking you will be able to save everyone. 1 Corinthians 3:1- "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ." Luke 13:23-24- "Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.'"

In grateful memory of Frank C. Bush who serve with distinction as the President of Platte Valley Bible College from 1970 to 1979. Those of us how have had the honor of attending the college during the term of his service will remember Mr. Bush as an excellent example of a strong and compassionate Christian leader. His straightforward and highly intelligent approach to presenting the Gospel message has left an indelible impression on a great many of us who have had the great pleasure to study under his oversight. May God's grace and comfort rest on the hearts of his family and friends knowing that He has now entered into his great reward. https://www.allenmortuary.com/obituaries/frank-c-bush-jr/