April Highlights

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES and PASSION WEEK

Everyone welcome.

SERMON SERIES

APRIL 3: Songs of Victory: Psalm 60

APRIL 10: Palm Sunday: The Story of God’s Triumph Over Death for Life

“Triumph!” Mark 11:1-10 APRIL 17: Easter Sunday “Life” Mark 16:1-8 APRIL 24: STARS Ministry Sunday. STARS will participate in all three services.

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES

Everyone welcome.5 p.m. in Commons Hall

APRIL 3: Community Celebration in the Sanctuary, “How Can We Do Evangelism Today?” with Pastor Josh Moody, and a gathering in Commons Hall afterwards

APRIL 24: Titus 3:8-15, Pastor Baxter Helm

PASSION WEEK

APRIL 10: Palm Sunday: The Story of God’s Triumph Over Death for Life, 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

APRIL 14: Thursday Communion, 7:00 p.m. APRIL 15: Good Friday, Death, 6 and 8 p.m. APRIL 17: Easter Sunday, Life, 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

From Erik Dewar pastor of worship and music

“…The Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed took bread…” We hear these familiar words whenever the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at College Church, and this year as we relive the story of redemption during Holy Week, we have the opportunity to remember those events of the upper room on the very night they occurred —Thursday.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was the day the Passover Lamb was prepared for sacrifice. It was a moment shared with family to celebrate how God delivered his people from Egypt.

In Jesus’ day, the population of Jerusalem swelled to six times its normal size that week as many gathered from far and wide.

Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, kept the feast with his disciples in the upper room that evening as he prepared to be sacrificed for the sins of the world the next day. He was still serving, still teaching, still modeling. Precious words of hope were promised, and it was on that Thursday evening that he instituted the new covenant in his blood.

You’re invited to come to the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. on April 14 to share in the Lord’s Supper, to behold the One who came, not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many, to behold the One who knelt on the floor to wash the feet of those who would desert him later that night. Join us in worshiping this Jesus at our Thursday Communion service this year.

ADULT COMMUNITIES

All meet during the 9:30 hour.

ALL NATIONS in C101 Jim Tebbe looking at God’s mission—Book of Acts

Focus: Developing globally minded Christians through teaching, discussion and fellowship for the purpose of gospel impact.

FORUM 15 in CL01

David Fetzer is leading the community in a study of Proverbs: Gaining the Wisdom Needed for Living God’s Way. Bruce Main will begin a study on the Life of Christ this month.

GREEK CLASS in the Board Room

Jon Laansma (1 John) knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.

Focus: People of any age and background coming together to listen faithfully to God’s Word through discussion of the original Greek wording.

JOINT HEIRS in Commons Hall C104F Variety of topics— Special speakers

LIFE TOGETHER COMUNITY in Commons Gym Focus: a group for people desiring authentic biblical community. All adults, ages 25–40, are welcome, including those who are single, married, widowed or divorced. Join us for a time of fellowship, teaching, discussion and prayer.

LOGOS in Commons Hall C104E

Dan Haase and Dave Setran teaching Paul’s letter to the Philippians

Focus: Strengthening knowledge of and relationship with God through interactive teaching of the Bible. Strong emphasis on building fellowship through weekly share and prayer time, as well as periodic social events.

LIVING WORD in Commons Hall C104 A&C

Doug Moo and Josh Maurer teaching the Book of Hebrews

VERITAS in Commons Hall C104 B&D Neil Wright teaching the Book of Revelation

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

MONTHLY GATHERING

APRIL 9: In Commons Hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

MOM2MOM

APRIL 4: Large Group Gathering at 9:30 a.m. Meet in Commons Hall and enjoy a time together as moms and kids. Then, moms and mentors will enjoy a coffee break and discussion together while kids enjoy playing and snacks in Kids’ Harbor.

APRIL 18: Book Club at 7:30 p.m. This year we’re delighted to be reading First Ask Why by Shelly Wildman— this month we’re focusing on chapters 10-11, “Intentional Family Memories and Intentional Cultural Awareness.”

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Join us on Wednesdays for the morning sessions (9:30-11 a.m.) or the evening sessions (6:45–8:15 p.m.), as we study the Beatitudes together (Matthew 5:1-12). Our desire is for all women to be able to study the Bible. Please contact Mary at mdemoss@college-church.org or ext. 123 if you would like to join this Bible study. Stay tuned for summer Bible study plans.

MEN’S MINISTRIES

BIBLE STUDY

Join us Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. in the Commons (C002A-B) as we dive into our study of 1 Peter each week.

Can’t make it in person? Join discussion group on Zoom:

https://college-church-org.zoom.us/j/83242907599?pwd= dG8rWUJSTnhBN0JhSUZsbTVYUDQ4dz09

Meeting ID: 832 4290 7599 Passcode: 530315

Men’s Gathering breakfast, worship, testimonials, devotion on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 a.m. in the Commons. Then stay for the spring clean-up around the church. Bring a pair of gloves—tools and lunch provided at 12 p.m. Please register at college-church.org/events

MEN’S GATHERING & GROUNDS DAY OPPORTUNITY

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Grounds Day—Saturday, April 9 (Rain date: April 16, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) Meet in the Commons for refreshments and assignments for the spring clean-up around the church grounds.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)

SUNDAYS

Nursery (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Bible School (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m. Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service Children’s Church (preschool) at 11 a.m. Preschool at 5 p.m. God’s Children Sing and Children’s Choirs at 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

Wednesday club programs at 6:45 p.m. (End April 20)

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KMS)

SUNDAY FOUNDATIONS: Meeting at 9:30 p.m. in the KMS room at 9:30 a.m. (4/3, 4/10, 4/24). No Foundations on April 17. Happy Easter!

KMS WEDNESDAY: 6:45 p.m. in the KMs room(4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27)

HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS)

SUNDAY RHYTHMS: Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Crossings. No Sunday Rhythms on April 17. Happy Easter!

LARGE GROUP SUNDAY SLAM: April 10 at 6:45 p.m. meet in the gym.

SLAM GROUPS: April 3 and April 24, 6:45 p.m. at homes

COLLEGE GROUP

COLLEGE CONNECT: May 1 in the Commons at 10:45 a.m.

SUNDAY MORNING: 10:45 a.m. in the Commons. No College Group on April 17. Happy Easter!

HOME GROUPS: Monday-Wednesday at 7 p.m. in homes

COINS FOR CARING NETWORK

Watch for baby bottles! Caring Network will be distributing baby bottles on April 24 and May 1 in the Narthex, Kids Harbor, Commons and College Group. Kids’ coin collection is on May 1 and May 8.

Caring Network is a College Church ministry partner which offers Christ-centered counsel and resources to women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and may consider abortion. College Church is distributing baby bottles for you to take home with you, fill with coins, cash and checks and return by Mother’s Day, May 8. Your donations help this ministry assist women and rescue babies. Pick up your baby bottle at church on April 24 and remember to return it by Mother’s Day.

STARS

SUNDAYS

INCLUSION CLASSES at 9:30 and 11 a.m. TEEN STARS at 9:30 a.m. No in-person class on April 17.

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT/MULTI-GENERATIONAL at 9:30 a.m. No in-person class on April 17.

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT at 11 a.m. No in-person class on April 17 and April 24.

STARS CHOIR, 5-6:15 p.m. No choir on April 17 and April 24.

DURING THE WEEK

PRAISE IN ACTION: Wednesdays, 6:45-8:15 p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT FUN: Friday, April 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. BUDDY BREAK: Friday, April 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. COMING UP: RUN FOR THE STARS: Saturday, June 11, 8 a.m.

MEMBERSHIP

Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about College Church’s history, core beliefs, ministries and what it means for you to be a member. This one-day only membership opportunity will be Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to noon; registration is requested. For more info, contact Christy at membership@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext. 175.

VISITORS LUNCH

Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, April 24, at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us!

KEENAGERS

Join the Keenagers as they meet on Friday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. for punch and fellowship, followed by a delicious meal at 6 p.m. After dinner, hear from Dr. Jerry Root. Evening cost is $10 per person. Please make reservations (or cancel) no later than Tuesday, April 26, by emailing Keenagers@ college-church.org or calling (630) 668-0878.

Dr. Jerry Root is the recently retired (2021) professor of evangelism and the director of Wheaton Evangelism Initiative at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. Well known for his scholarship on C. S. Lewis and his Jerry has a strong connection with College Church, as he was pastor of the college ministry here from 1980 to 1990. He is a popular speaker, whose talks are always current, challenging, thought provoking and entertaining.