Looking back over the past year of slow and steady rebuilding, I’m thankful for the Spirit-empowered work of our music staff and volunteers. Though many of our roles have looked a little different this year, these individuals graciously serve, often behind the scenes. Elaine Meyer, Ruth Gregornik and Delena Ollila support our weekly worship in a variety of ways; H.E. Singley faithfully serves as organist, while Robin Wiper and Josh Maurer help with a variety of focused projects. Our children’s choir ministry is led by Jennifer Wheatley, who after more than thirty fruitful years of directing, will be moving to North Carolina. Thank you, Jennifer, for investing in the children at College Church. You will be greatly missed. I’ve also been incredibly thankful for our audio and video staff this past year, whose partnership has made so many elements of our worship services possible. A few memories from the year: • Last Easter‘s Hallelujah Chorus video that blessed millions all over the world. • Our summer outdoor worship services • Livestreamed Christmas projects (“Lessons & Carols,” “Corelli Christmas Concerto” and “Glory in the Lowest”) • Adult choir and children’s choir anthems prerecorded for morning services • Continued investment in multigenerational volunteer leadership in our weekly music • And most recently, our time of worship together on Good Friday and Easter I’m looking forward to how God will continue to show his faithfulness to us in the season ahead! May God give us, as worshipers at College Church, an unrivaled pursuit of the glory of Christ as the deepest joy of our souls.
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Zach Fallon Senior High Pastor We thank God and give him all glory for another year of passing on the saving message of the gospel to our beloved students. Even as every ministry faced COVID challenges, it has been encouraging to see students engaging with God’s Word and worshiping Jesus as they have grown in their grasp of the height, depth and width of the love of Christ. We’ve had various ways in which students could grow in their faith this year. Last summer we introduced a summer cohort ministry where students gathered in backyards and at parks for fellowship and study of the Book of Galatians. We saw how the Apostle Paul taught that we are “set free by Christ alone.” We had about 20 adult leaders who sacrificially served in leading eight cohorts (grade and gender specific). As we moved into the fall, we began our fourth year of our Bridge Fellowship ministry. Over the years this ministry has been such a joy to me personally. Bridge is the capstone opportunity that HYACKs offers to our high school students. It is intended to help upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) cross into Christian adulthood. This year we have 24 wonderful, mature, fun and growing students. I couldn’t be prouder of them for staying engaged this year and growing in Christ together. If you are interested in learning more about Bridge Fellowship, you can do so here (issuu.com/hyacks/docs/bridge_fellowship_2021-2022) Many thanks especially to our leaders who serve in this ministry: Katie Nussbaum, Kolby and Bethany Atchison, Nick Girgis, Lindsey Befus and the wonderful Christine Fallon.
