Referring to the most recent churchwide survey, Jerry references that one-third of our congregation is uncomfortable participating at in-person events right now. “To that one-third, what does service and engagement look like when you are completely virtual?” Jerry wonders. From his perspective, Jerry encourages people to join an adult community or the men’s or women’s Bible studies. “They all offer virtual options and are a fine way to remain connected during these times. Or pick up the phone and call someone you know in the church and catch up with the person. As you talk, see if the person or family need any help.” This past August, the SEC introduced informal Fellowship Meals that were a huge success and is looking forward to planning its next event to encourage the church family to stay connected, keep serving and Jan and Jerry and the rest of the SEC are devoted to consistent prayer for church ministries and ministry leaders. “The SEC has divided up the ministry leadership team and is praying for them,” Jerry says. “I will tell you that I definitely am
more engaged with those three people I am praying for and communicating with, and I trust the prayers are serving them. “Be in prayer for specific individuals at church, be it in the body or the leadership. Then follow-up with those individuals on a monthly basis or so to touch base with them. Either a phone call or an e-mail,” encourages Jerry. As the new year begins, the SEC already has plans for events such as the successful Fellowship Meals last August as the committee and the church family work together to serve, to connect and to pray for each other in times of a pandemic or not. Just as Pfizer and others are starting mass shipments of the C19 vaccine, we should be planning and preparing to returning to full operation at College Church. Ministries will need many helpful people when operations resume, and what better way to see your church friends than by serving with them? Don’t be surprised if you get a call or an email from a member of the SEC checking in to see how he or she may help you reconnect after the COVID interruption. Serving is a grand adventure!
Spring 2021 Perspectives Class Tuesdays January 19–May 11 | 6:30–9 p.m. Highpoint Church, 1805 High Point Dr. Naperville, IL 60563 Register for the First Night Free at perspectives.org/wheatonperspectives Contact: Melissa Warner at wheatonperspectives@gmail.com COVID-19 Safety: The class plans to be in person and socially distanced with masks as able. Class will likely begin online and transition to in-person when safe to do so. Perspectives is a 15-week class that will change the way you view the world around you. In it, you will have your eyes opened to the heart and purpose of God and how you can take part in his work all over the world, from the urban streets of America to the rainforest and deserts of distant lands. A fantastic array of pastors, theologians, international missiologists and mobilizers will challenge and inspire you to see just how big God is, and how much he desires that all might come to know him. Whether you are single, married, a student, a homemaker, a professional or retired, Perspectives will bless and challenge your life and direction.
