CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� continued its long-standing tradition of honoring its historic covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) during a special worship service held Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Canton Christian Church.

For more than 172 years, 91ֱ�� has stood as a beacon of educational excellence and historical significance, weathering pivotal moments in American history while remaining steadfast in its commitment to service, social responsibility, and innovation. The annual covenant service reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the College and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), reinforcing shared values that continue to guide the institution today.

“Each year, we gather to reaffirm the meaningful partnership between 91ֱ�� and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of C-SC. “This relationship reflects our shared commitment to faith, service, and community, and it remains a vital part of our institutional identity.”

This year’s service featured alumna Jill Cameron Michel ’95, pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Coralville/Iowa City (Iowa), who delivered the worship message. The service also included special music performed by the 91ֱ�� Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Andrew Schroetter, assistant professor of music.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members attended the service as a visible demonstration of Culver-Stockton’s continued dedication to its heritage and the enduring covenant that has shaped the institution for generations.

“The annual visit to the Canton Christian Church serves as a significant reminder of the College’s deep-rooted ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),” stated Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president. “This tradition reaffirms the College’s unwavering commitment to its heritage and longstanding partnership with the Christian Church.”

This year’s service held special significance as 91ֱ�� welcomed esteemed alumnus Jim Cullumber ‘80, the newly appointed director of development/advancement for Higher Education & Leadership Ministries, who delivered the message during the worship. Additionally, the installation service of Campus Chaplain Rev. Dr. Mandy Tarpening ’99 was a memorable occasion for all in attendance.

Featured Image: L-R: Canton Christian Church Pastor Amanda Gosik, Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, and Campus Chaplain Mandy Tarpening during the covenant ceremony on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Rev. Dr. Mandy Tarpening gave the children’s message.

L-R: Rev. Ron Routledge, Mid-America regional minister, along with Dr. Lauren Schellenberger
and Rev. Dr. Many Tarpening, during the installation of Tarpening as C-SC Campus Chaplain.

C-SC Alumnus Jim Cullumber ’80, brought the Heritage Day message.

Tarpening, who earned her bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from C-SC, was the senior pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macon, Missouri, where she has served since 2022. She was previously the senior pastor at the church’s Brookfield, Missouri, location from 2015 to 2022. From 2010 to 2015, Tarpening was the pastor of Adult Ministries and Discipleship at the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville, Missouri.  She has also served congregations in Sedalia, Windsor, and Maywood, Missouri, as well as McPherson, Kansas.

She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010 and her Doctor of Ministry from South College in 2022. She received her clinical pastoral education from Carondelet Health from 2005-2006.

Her community service and memberships, both past and present, include Macon County Ministries, food bank distribution, P.E.O., Beta Sigma Phi, Macon Kiwanis Club, North Central Missouri YMCA board member, Brookfield R-III school board member, Ministries in Linn County chair, Brookfield Chamber of Commerce board member, Brookfield Country Club social committee member, Northeast Missouri Inclusion Project, and Sigma Kappa Sorority at Truman State University local advisor.

Kennebrew is a Reverend in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 2017 Dr. Kennebrew, along with other colleagues, developed “The Living Room Chrisitan Fellowship” in Clarkston, Georgia. The fellowship serves as a gathering for believers who join each other to seek, serve, and celebrate. The vision of the program is to serve as a place for believers to experience life, love, liberation, and laughter.

The relationship between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and 91ֱ�� is a rich part of the history of the college. In Dr. Kennebrew’s short time on campus, students were given the opportunity to witness Kennebrew’s energetic passion for ministry and learn how they can incorporate the principles of “Who is my Neighbor” into their everyday lives in this ever-changing world.

President Douglas B. Palmer has prioritized the recommitment of 91ֱ�� to create an environment for students of all religious backgrounds to live their faith. An integral part of President Palmer’s vision for the future of 91ֱ�� centers on the new Chaplain and the newfound guarantee that the position will last in perpetuity. As 91ֱ�� moves forward in its faith-based mission, the Office of the Chaplaincy has a new leader, Rev. Wesley Knight, who represents the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will be providing guidance in faith and inclusion to the College. Rev. Knight will coordinate religious services, provide pastoral care, organize service learning projects, collaborate with area churches, and engage with students preparing for a career in ministry.

91ֱ�� is committed to preparing students of promise for a dynamic world through distinctive experiential curriculum which takes place in a supportive learning community that is founded upon the best values of faith and the human spirit. As the College celebrates this funding milestone, C-SC looks forward to many opportunities to develop students for a life of service in an ever-changing world.