January 2022 Connections by College Church In Wheaton

JANUARY 2022

CONNECTIONS L O C A L & G L O BA L S TO R I E S, N E W S A N D E V E N T S O F C O L L E G E C H U RC H

“The youngest generation is truly one of God’s gifts to encourage us.” Read “Visiting” by Charles Welander on page 6.

SIDE BY SIDE

Visiting CHARLES WELANDER | 6 LIFE LESSONS

New Year’s Isn’t New WALLACE ALCORN | 8 GLOBAL VOICES

Following the Breadcrumbs DANIEL AND JULIE T. | 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS PA GE 02

PAG E 10

January Highlights

Good Morning Baby New Year VIRGINIA HUGHES

PA GE 04

PAG E 12

Prayer Gatherings

Thank You! From our partners and missionaries

PA GE 05 From the Editor

PAG E 14

WIL TRIGGS

Keep Looking Up! CAROLYN LITFIN

PA GE 06

PAG E 16

Visiting

Following the Breadcrumbs

CHARLES WELANDER

DANIEL AND JULIE T.

PA GE 08

PAG E 17

New Year’s Isn’t Necessarily New

Milestones

WALLACE ALCORN

PAG E 18 PA GE 09

Best Books of 2021– Part 2

Church Plant Update: Christ Church in Tyrone, Georgia

PAG E 21

ZACH FALLON

Looking Ahead: February Preview

332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the February issue: January 9 | For the March issue: February 9 | For the April issue: March 9

CONTRIBUTORS WALLACE ALCORN

CAROLYN LITFIN

taught New Testament on undergraduate and graduate levels for many years, and now focuses his thinking, research an writing on a theology of the Christian experience, which he terms teleological realism.

is the executive assistant at College Church. She is married to Bryan, and they have two adult children— and a chihuahua transplanted from Southern California who brings much joy to the family! She enjoys reading and blogging at praiseproclaimer.com, as well as getting to know the wonderful people of College Church.

JON DEMOSS is a senior at Wheaton College studying communications. He works as a furniture retoucher at Furniture Medics in Carol Stream. He loves the outdoors, photography and using Photoshop to create surreal imagery and concept art.

LIN FALLON Lin Fallon has served with the STARS ministry for many years. She is currently the disabilities superintendent at the 11 a.m. hour. Lin has also served with Kids Korner. After many years working as a special education and elementary art teacher, she now is a resident artist at ClaySpace in Lisle.

ZACH FALLON former high school pastor turned pastor of our most recent church plant, Christ Church, in Tyrone, GA, updates the progress of the church and its official gathering as a church family this month.

VIRGINIA HUGHES a regular contributor to Connections, gardens as much as possible—even if it’s only browsing catalogs this time of year. She assists her husband, Roger, in his software company, and they enjoy visits with their three daughters in Chicago, Brooklyn and Ann Arbor.

KATHRYN MCBRIDE is a graphic designer and photographer and is the creative communications coordinator for College Church. She is a Colson Center Fellow and has one adult daughter, Victoria. Kathryn was blessed with a rich heritage of Christian missionaries who modeled lives lived out in faith.

DANIEL & JULIE T. Daniel and Julie met at Wheaton College, lived in the Chicago area since 1999 and have been members at College Church for several years. Daniel has enjoyed serving in the children’s ministry and on the STAMP committee. Julie has been serving with the music team. They have two boys.

CHARLES WELANDER and wife, Lori, moved to Wheaton in 2017, after he retired from medical practice in Virginia. Three young grandchildren in this area made that decision easy! A natural sequel to years of patient support is now to volunteer to visit and encourage seniors at College Church, under the coordination of Pastor Bruce Main. We need each other!

COVER IMAGE: Kathryn McBride Reynisfjara black-sand beach, Iceland

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

ADULT COMMUNITIES

Everyone welcome.

Meet during the 9:30 hour, except for Credo, which meets at 11 a.m. NOTE: Classes begin January 9.

Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Masks and social distancing required for 8 a.m. Mask-optional services at 9:30 and 11 with no social distancing needed. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream JANUARY 2: Matthew 1:1-17 The Glory of Grace in the Genealogy of Jesus

NEW SERIES Authentic Christianity Mark 7:1-23

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” Hebrews 10:24-25 ALL NATIONS in C101 Dr. Jim Tebbe teaching the Book of Ruth Focus: Developing globally minded Christians through teaching, discussion and fellowship for the purpose of gospel impact. CREDO in the old gym (301) 11 a.m. Dan Godoy teaching the Heidelberg Catechism FORUM 15 in CL01 David Fetzer is leading Forum 15 in a “Study of Proverbs: Gaining the Wisdom Needed for Living God’s Way.” (December-February) GREEK CLASS in the Board Room

JANUARY 9: Pharisees Then and Now, Mark 7:1-4 JANUARY 16: Worship in Vain, Mark 7:5-7 JANUARY 23: Traditional Teaching or Biblical Teaching? Mark 7:8-13 JANUARY 30: The Way of Heart Transformation Mark 7:14-23

Focus: People of any age and background coming together to listen faithfully to Gods Word through discussion of the original Greek wording. JOINT HEIRS in Commons Gym Pastoral staff teaching the Sermon on the Mount

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES

LOGOS in Commons Hall

Everyone welcome.

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

JANUARY 9: What is expository preaching?

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.

NEW SERIES

LIVING WORD in Commons Hall

5 p.m. in Commons Hall JANUARY 2: no service (holiday weekend)

What Accords with Sound Doctrine? Titus 1:1-4 JANUARY 16: Titus 1:5-9 JANUARY 23: Titus 1:10-16 JANUARY 30: What are the signs of a healthy church? (not part of Titus)

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

Doug Moo/Josh Maurer teaching the Book of Hebrews Young parents welcome! VERITAS in Commons Hall Neil Wright teaching the Book of Revelation

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

MEN’S MINISTRIES

MONTHLY GATHERING

BIBLE STUDY

JANUARY 8: in Commons Hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Join us Wednesday at 6 : 4 5 p. m. in the Commons (C002A-B) as we dive into our study each week. On January 26 we will turn our attention to 1 Peter 3:13-17.

MOM2MOM JANUARY 10: 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 snaking in Kids’ Harbor. JANUARY 24: Book Club at 7 p.m. This year we’re delighted to be reading First Ask Why by Shelly Wildman we hope youll join us in January as we discuss chapters 5-6 on intentional worship and truthfulness.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Can’t make it in person? Join for a Zoom discussion group here: https://college-church-org.zoom.us/j/83242907599? pwd=dG8 rWUJSTnhBN0 JhSUZsbTVYUDQ4 dz0 9 Meeting ID: 832 4290 7599 Passcode: 530315

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR) JANUARY 2: Family Worship Sunday ( nursery only at 9:30 and 11)

JANUARY 9: All Kids’ Harbor Sunday programs resume Join us on Wednesdays this spring beginning January 26, for the morning sessions (9:30-11 a.m.) or the SUNDAYS evening sessions (6:45–8:15 p.m.), as we study the Nursery (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Beatitudes together (Matthew 5:1-12). Register today Bible School (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m. on our website to reserve your spot in one of our small groups. If you would like to enroll your child(ren) in Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) during Kids Korner in the morning session (birth–five years), second half of 11 a.m. service, returns Jan. 9 follow the registration link in the email you will be sent Children’s Church (preschool) at 11 a.m. confirming your WBS registration. Registration fee is $20 for morning sessions and $15 for the evening sessions; materials provided at the first session. Our desire is for all women to be able to study the Bible, and we do not want finances to be a barrier to participation. To explore financial assistance options, please contact Mary at mdemoss@college-church.org or (630) 668-0878 x123 before completing registration.

WOMEN’S RETREAT Registration is open! Early bird pricing available through January 2. Regular pricing begins January 3.

Preschool at 5 pm. God’s Children Sing and Children’s Choirs at 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesday club programs at 6:45 p.m. resume January 26.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KMS) JANUARY 5: First KMs Wednesday night of 2 0 2 in the KMs room at 6:45 p.m. JANUARY 9: Sunday Foundations starts back up in the KMS room FEBRUARY 4-6: KMs Winter Retreat at Phantom Ranch

HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS) SUNDAYS At the Crossings for Rhythms on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. JANUARY 9: Sunday Rhythms starts back up for 2022 in Crossings JANUARY 9: Sunday SLAM at 6:45 p.m. meet in Gym JANUARY 12: First Bridge Meeting of 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

COLLEGE GROUP

DURING THE WEEK

JANUARY 4: Winter Break Bible Study 7 : 3 0 p. m. at the Clarks

Praise in Action—Teens and adults with special needs enhance their musical abilities and praise God through drums and hand chimes on Wednesdays, 6 : 4 5 8 : 1 5 p. m. Not meeting Jan. 5 or 12. Returns January 19.

JANUARY 16: College Connect JANUARY 10-12: Home Group Meal Week JANUARY 24: College Group (starts normal rhythm for 2022)

Friday Night Fun—An evening of fun, friendship, recreation and worship for teens and adults with special needs on Friday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

EVANGELISM AND CULTURAL IMPACT

Buddy Break—For young STARS and their siblings under 15 on Friday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED CLASSES

PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON

SATURDAYS STARTING JANUARY 22: 10-11:30 a.m. in C005 (led by Emmanuel Tahear) SUNDAYS STARTING JANUARY 23: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Board Room in the Commons (led by Mike Hernberg)

Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer 8:15-8:40 a.m. in C101 Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. Board Room

SUNDAYS STARTING JANUARY 23: 8 to 9 p.m. at 302 Wheaton ( led by Eric Schlickman)

Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m. Led by the Missions Office

MARCH FOR LIFE

JANUARY 5: two workers in an at-risk country

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8: meet at the church at 11 a.m., return at 5 p.m. https://bit.ly/3FHAbgZ

JANUARY 12: Thad and Joy McAuley JANUARY 19: Brian and Warrie Blackburn JANUARY 26: Repeat Boutique Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Board Room) 1 2 - 1 p. m. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: https: / bit. ly/ 2 ZkqQLA

HANNAH PRAYER FELLOWSHIP looks forward to meeting in January.

DORCAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

STARS SUNDAYS Teen Stars at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Not meeting Jan. 2. Young Adult/Adult Stars at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Recorded session (not meeting in person) on Jan. 2. Young Adult/Adult Stars at 11 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Recorded session (not meeting in person) on Jan. 2. Inclusion Classes at 9:30 & 11 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Not meeting Jan. 2. Stars Choir at 5-6:15 p.m. Jan. 16, 23, 30. Not meeting Jan. 2 or 9.

anticipates hearing from Julie T. concerning the work she and her husband hope to do in Asia. They are new to our global worker roster. Men and women are welcome at the meeting, which is slated for Wednesday, January 19, at 1:30 p.m. in The Upper Deck at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. ( Enter from the North Avenue side and wear a mask. )

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP will meet on Thursday, January 27, at 7 p.m. at the home of Marr and Mary Miller, 1607 Stoddard Avenue in Wheaton (630-668-8828). Please join us! Our Prayer Pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking “Enews signup” on our website. If you already receive other emails from College Church, click “manage my preferences” at the bottom of any email and select Prayer Pulse to add yourself.

FROM THE EDITOR

OF LISTS AND RESOLUTIONS Lorraine and I used to keep track of all kinds of things through each year and then make our own lists of “bests” and share them with each other. Best movie, best book, best restaurant, best discovery, best event, etc. t was a fun practice when we did it. And it was a good thing to do on New Yea r s Eve. We would keep lists, and I began to realize as we compared notes, that even in the context of single year, might actually forget something, even the best something of a year. One of us might share something only to have the other person say, “That happened this year?( And we would remind ourselves of when we did what. We don t keep lists anymore, but do like the best books lists we run in December and January Connections. I like to ask people about a book they’re reading any time of the year. The end of the year gives me an excuse to formalize the question on a larger scale. Truth is, ve never really liked New Years. t seems kind of pagan and absurd. Weve stayed up til midnight. Weve watched the ball drop. Weve participated in the countdown. But when we hit midnight, it isn’t really any different from any other midnight of any other day. particularly resonate with Wallaces and Virginias takes on this time of year. And then there’s resolutions. Most resolutions focus on self-help or self-care or selfimprovement, the world “self” being the primary word in them all. Our minds tend to go toward losing fat or getting more muscle or making some other kind of change for the better. Jonathan Edwards has an interesting take on resolutions: “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: f no one else does, still will. ( How do we live for God in 2022? Ask yourself. Even more important, ask God. Don’t make a list about it or a resolution. Pray. Trust God s Word and God s Spirit to help you. Let’s reflect Jesus more this year than last. And encourage one another more than disagreeing or dividing. Here’s to a better 2022.

WI L T RI GGS

SI DE BY SI DE

Visiting Charles Welander After 45 years in the practice and teaching of medicine and surgery, I retired at the end of 2014. When I graduated from Wheaton College, which was many years ago, I went to medical school and pursued a career path in the specific area of oncology/surgery in teaching and patient care. For virtually all those years I had a hospital-based office and medical practice. The last 20 years, I worked in Richmond, Virginia. There, it was my habit to assist the visitation team from my church in Virginia with hospital visits to church members who often were in-patients where I worked. This arrangement was informal, but helpful to the church staff, and after retiring from my office and medical practice, I continued the visitation support. My wife, Lori, and I intentionally moved to Wheaton in November 2017 to be near our son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren who live in the area. Following our move to Wheaton, I met Dr. Al Duvel here at church, and through him, met Pastor Eric Channing. There has long been an active visitation ministry here at College Church and I soon joined the group. Prior to COVID-19, Pastor Channing taught group seminars to equip people involved in this “side-by-side” type of ministry. Then COVID came and put a halt to it. Now the visitation ministry is coming together again, with Pastor Bruce Main as the new coordinator.

The question is, “Why do we do this?” First, there is a biblical mandate for us to “… bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) Similarly, as a body of believers we are told to “… rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12:15) Our faith and salvation are personal as we come to Jesus as repentant and forgiven individuals, but God’s plan for us, as his children, is to be a part of his church on this earth as a body of believers. The needs of the body vary and are met by many different people in all sorts of ways. God places each of us in specific situations he has ordained for ministry. Think about the people God has placed around you as well as the ways you can bring support to others who are part of God’s church. We need each other. College Church is blessed with many of God’s saints who served this body well, and often for decades. One of my teachers during my training days taught us that every patient we see has a story to tell. It is our job to find the story and listen to it. In the context of church visitation, we also listen to the story that each member has. If I think I am performing some type of ministry visiting a homebound member, I realize that I typically leave the visit encouraged, after seeing and hearing of multiplied examples of God’s faithfulness over a lifetime.

My focus in visiting homebound members now is for support and encouragement, particularly to direct thoughts toward our hope in God. The opposite of hope is despair, which is another word for meaninglessness. It is in this natural environment of discouragement that God brings us together to focus on our purpose and to celebrate our eternal hope. As a brief digression, the concept of hope is alive and well in the secular world, emphasized in health care and support groups. This type of hope takes the form of “wishing,” as in “I hope it doesn’t rain today.” This hope is usually directed toward something such as living longer or living better with the perception that we can achieve it. People have a so-called optimism bias, overestimating positive outcomes and underestimating negative ones. Even during illness, we expect that better technology or something unexpectedly miraculous will come to us to change the outcome.

seniors. The youngest generation is truly one of God’s gifts to encourage us. Not all who suffer will find healing in this life. And most certainly, none of us will become younger while we live in this world. In spite of all the difficulties we face, we can bring God’s encouragement and hope to those who are homebound. Pray that God will make opportunities visible to each of us as we seek to be obedient to his guidance.

Caring ministries of College Church are alive and well and out of the limelight. Helping Hands

The Helping Hands ministry of the Board of Deaconesses is designed to meet various practical, non-financial needs of people in our church. Volunteers from the congregation graciously offer to perform a wide variety of tasks for those in need—such as providing a meal after surgery or providing transportation to a doctor’s appointment. In some cases, Contrast all this with biblical hope, that has as its objects the deacons’ mercy ministry helps with more our eternal God and all promises he has given us in physical jobs. his Word. The eternal God is our dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27), and Care & Share Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, Our Care & Share Fund helps members a very present help in trouble. Therefore. we will not fear. and regular attenders to bridge a one-time Be still and know that I am God.” (vv.1, 2, 10) And then financial need caused by an emergency or there is the promise that the Lord will never leave us or extraordinary circumstances. Deaconesses forsake us. (Heb. 13:5) oversee the Care & Share Fund and will ensure As we visit God’s children who are often sequestered a confidential discussion. from the mainstream of active life, our role is to bring the encouragementofGodsWord hispromisestoourfellow Visitation Ministry believers. Sometimes we can also encourage by simply Serve as part of our congregational team who being there, without any agenda. Listening is a gift that visits and cares for our homebound brothers needs to be cultivated, rather than worrying about what and sisters. we must say to our friends. Learn to be a better listener. Our secular hope allows us to believe in the unlikely, even when all rational evidence points otherwise. Families worry that frank discussions of health issues will destroy the hope of their loved ones. There is an epidemic of irrational ideas bombarding us almost daily. Don’t be surprised if you hear some of these ideas, even from people at College Church. We are all impacted by our environment.

Most importantly, we ask how we can pray for our friends, and then do it. When we pray, we are not giving advice We’re always looking for more people to join in our prayers. We listen first and go before the Lord in our care team and are particularly in need of prayer. There is humility in prayer, as we seek the Lord. people willing to drive congregants to medical appointments. Email Christy at care@collegeFor many years, Pastor Ben Panner has been visiting church.org to learn how you can help! a particular senior family at College Church whom I am also seeing now. Sometimes Ben would bring his children along on a visit to the home. If you ever want to see an entire room light up, bring children to homebound

LI F E L E S S O NS

New Year’s Isn’t Necessarily Now Wallace Alcorn God never created a calendar; he but glances at ours and grins. Our silliness about the New Year must especially amuse him because we try to invest it with a meaning it can never have. The “right time” to do something has nothing to do with what is artificially displayed on calendars and everything to do with God’s grace and our willingness to respond to it. Listen with careful skepticism to popular notions, e.g., “This is the time to make New Year’s resolutions.” “This is a new year, and we have a new chance to change. ( Weve turned the page on the past, and the future is before us.” “The New Year is an empty slate.” Nonsense. The only use for such trite expressions is as artificial devices of sentimental self-manipulation. They’re tricks at best, and often tragic failures. Consider the printed calendar itself. Taking down the 2021 edition and replacing it with that of 2022 doesn’t change our lives any more than putting down Adolph Hitler’s biography and picking up Billy Graham’s changes our lives from one to the other. A calendar is little more than a misleading graphic of reality.

G o d n e v e r c rea t ed a ca l enda r ; he but g l a n ces a t o u rs a n d g rin s . O ur s i l l i nes s a bo ut t he N ew Y ea r m u st e sp e c ia l l y a mus e hi m beca us e w e try to in v e st it wi t h a mea ni ng i t ca n nev er ha ve.

The convenient time to make critical decisions is not New Year’s—or your birthday or any other holiday. It is now, and if you act now, it can become forever Now. Calendars distort reality, confuse thinking, and misdirect behavior. “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, KJV). The Apostle Paul wrote that in about A.D. 52, as the calendars put it, but the calendars have nothing to do with it. The day of salvation is when God’s grace says “Come” and you respond, “Jesus, I come.” The day of becoming fully committed to him as Lord is the first day of your renewed life regardless of the date.

A new year just does not give us a new start; we enter it If it should be New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, that burdened by our offenses and failures or enabled by our would be nice but only coincidental. We will experience successes and accomplishments. Disgraced public figures Now when God speaks to us individually through the Holy regularly announce disingenuously: “I want to put this Spirit. That is Now. Yet, we must respond while it is still Now. Let’s look into our hearts, not at the calendar, to see whole thing behind me and get on with my life. ( Whatever was done cannot put behind: it is his life, and it’s the life what day it is. he is forced to live. Or she. We cannot escape the past; it can only be forgiven. That will only happen if we own up to the past and sincerely seek forgiveness and use it to build a new life.

CHURCH PL A N T U P D A T E

from Christ Church in Tyrone, Georgia Zach Fallon FIRST MEMBERS OF CHRIST CHURCH By God’s grace he has called a wonderful group of people to be the first members of Christ Church. We spent November and December building relationships together and being equipped for the work of ministry in the life of this new church.

A PLACE TO GATHER

• Unity and Love. Pray that God would divinely bless our young church plant with unity among the leaders and After months of praying and inquiring the Lord has first members. Pray that we would love one another as opened a door for us to meet at the local high school, Christ has loved us. Sandy Creek High School. We are so grateful and glad to be meeting there! • Bright Witness. Pray that amidst gospel vagueness,

FIRST SUNDAY GATHERING ON JANUARY 16 Lord willing, we are planning to have our first gathered worship as Christ Church on Sunday January 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Sandy Creek High School.

ecclesiological confusion and hard-hearted rejection of Christ’s exclusivity that our church family would be intentional, patient and winsome in our witness to the riches of Christ and the glories of being his church! Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! —Romans 11:33

“For I a m n o t a s ha m ed o f t he g o s pel , f o r it is th e p o we r o f G o d f o r s a l v a t i o n t o ev er y on e w h o be li e v e s, t o t h e J ew f i r s t a nd a l s o t o t he Greek. ” R O M A NS 1 : 1 6

COMMUNION AT COLLEGE CHURCH JANUARY 2, FEBRUARY 6, MARCH 6

POINTS OF PRAYER Please pray with us as you read the list below. • The Worship of Christ. Pray that Christ would be worshiped according to the Scriptures in all we do as Christ Church. • Gospel Clarity. Pray that our ministry in this community would be marked by gospel clarity and that many would come to see the joy of living all of life in light of the gospel. • A Biblically Healthy Church. Pray that as we pursue God’s design for the local church that we would be a blessing to those who profess Christ in this area.

I humbly come to the table, Lord. You are kind and gracious to me, a sinner. Guide me in your truths and instruct me in your ways. L IN F AL L ON , ART IS AN

FACE T O FA CE

Good Morning Baby New Year Virginia Hughes Good morning, baby new year. You sweet, tiny child up so early and arriving full of demands: What’s my name? Where’s my food? What are my resolutions? What new goals have we set? Are we going to read through the Bible this year? Are we, huh-huh-huh? Oof, you are so loud and needy. Stinky too, but oh so cute! There, there; it is going to be ok. No need to cry little one. Here we are to love and hold you, calm and mold you. We have planned for you, and we are ready. We will listen and walk and thereby know how to care for your every need. While we listen and walk, we will sing and pray on our way, knowing worship is our very best work.

Welcome the new year with a decision to listen to Scripture every day. The active word of God resonates in a fresh way when we listen. God spoke to his chosen leaders and prophets. Jesus spoke to his followers and listening crowds. When he couldn’t preach, Paul sent letters meant to be read aloud to the churches. Spoken words land differently from words read silently. Especially for those who read a lot and

tend to skip a little here and there due to distractions and familiarity. Scripture reaches us in meaningful ways when read aloud. And to accomplish this, read passages aloud to yourself and to each other, or listen to recordings. Listen in the blissful quiet of an early morning or the restful evening at the end of the day. Tune into Scripture recordings while you walk, which brings us to the next plan for the new year, walking.

WE WILL WALK

We walk in Christ’s teachings by obeying his words. And I am also writing about actual physical walking here. Unless you have been ordered not to, walking is good, right? We hear it all the time. It’s good for you. Get up and walk.

After surgeries, patients are raised up onto aching limbs to walk blearily back and forth in order to increase oxygen and blood flow and to prevent pneumonia. It feels like the worst thing ever. Stitches groan, the brain begs, “Stop moving!” One wants to rebel. How can I be expected to walk when I was just rolled off the operating table? There is no energy to muster. One does not feel human. A food fast the night before surgery, and not yet allowed the first sip of the enticing liquid diet, leaves one woozy and in pain. Have you not observed my incision from stem to stern, oh well-meaning helper of mine? The response to excuses may be a patient nod or a firm retort; and both feel relentless: Feel a little weak, do you? So does everyone. Get up! Up, up, up you go unless you are at the very end of your life. Only then may you “Rest In Peace.” And even then, dear believer, when you breathe your last on this side of heaven, welcome to eternity shining bright with the glory of God and shimmering with joyful purpose. But why, oh why must we walk when it feels better to stay put and rest our aching bones and joints? Because walking works. It brings our physical body to recovery and heals us. Just as when we listen to Scripture, we learn and grow closer to God, we must walk a little every day to grow strong and help others. Be strengthened and be able to do more in spite of yourself.

Ge t u p! U p, up, up y o u g o unl es s y ou a re a t t he v er y end o f y o ur l i f e . On l y t hen m a y y o u “ Res t I n P ea ce. ”

will praise the Lord. Fernando Ortega’s song, “Give Me Jesus,” is excellent inspiration for starting and ending our days with Jesus. In the mornin’ when I rise, In the mornin’ when I rise, In the morning’ when I rise, give me Jesus . . . This kind of devotion to our Lord leads to clearer understanding and unexpected encounters. Consider Anna in the temple who, “never left the temple, but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” From Luke chapter two, verses 37 and 38, we learn Anna was an elderly widow, anywhere from 84 to 104 years old, who chose to listen, walk and worship for the majority of her life. Her many years of sacrifice and service were worth it all when she beheld the Messiah, for whom she had waited so long. Anna was ready when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to satisfy the Old Testament law to make the purification offering and to present Jesus as their firstborn before God. Anna saw them and immediately recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Savior and thanked God. Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Good news is meant to be shared, and Anna shared it with everyone who was anticipating the Messiah. The Redeemer had come, the prophecies were being fulfilled, and Anna was blessed to see it happen. She walked among others in the temple who did not see it coming. Who did not recognize the prophecy fulfilled? Her life overflowed with favor and grace. May our hearts practice a steady devotion of worship like Anna’s this year and may we encounter Christ.

For the rule followers, there are walking rules. One rule As for our Baby new year, waking us up at all hours, being about strides: a right step then the left step together whether it be early in the morning, or late in the night, we equals a stride. While walking, shorter, quicker steps are have a plan to listen to God’s word, to walk in the light and recommended over stepping out long and taking too long worship continually. Welcome Baby 2 0 2 are we ever of a stride. Taking too long of a stride, or “overstepping,” ready for you. makes one prone to injury. As babies we liked the motion of walking and can learn to enjoy it again. Walk with a buddy and have fellowship that way. Or walk alone and listen to scripture soaking into your thoughts. Let God’s word complete a good work in you.

WE WILL WORSHIP My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. (Psalm 71:8) We expect low points in the new year. and we will praise the Lord. We expect high points in the new year. and we

Thank You! F ROM OUR P A RT N E RS A N D M I S S I O NAR I E S

ministry of AFFEO, as a missionary of Mission Eurasia (ME). In AFFEO, we always attempt to find other family members who can care for a child, if children become parentless. And What terrific news! when it is not possible to reunite children with extended I am so happy to hear of the incredible generosity of the family, our AFFEO leaders in the nine countries where church toward Afghan resettlement arising from your AFFEO focuses then seek to help children be fostered or Thanksgiving Eve Offering. And thanks for your prayers adopted in caring, Christian homes. t is our prayer tha for the children and their families we serve. Speaking at these children, who have regained a family, will also have your mission festival breakfast about their needs and now opportunity to come to know their Heavenly Father and seeing this continued outpouring of love is such a blessing. follow Him. We have received well over 1 5 0 people from Afghanistan College Church has been my home church for many years, and are expecting another 100 in the next couple of and I am forever grateful for the blessing that has been in months. So, your timing of this gift could not be better! countless ways. May God continue to bless our partnership to share and May God bless and guide College Church, Pastor Josh, show the love of Christ to our newer neighbors. Pastor Curt and all the leadership team and congregation Yours in Christ, in every way.

THANKSGIVING EVE OFFERING

Keith (World Relief Chicagoland)

Gratefully, Anita Deyneka

I’m a little overwhelmed, seeing your news of this amazing MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS gift from the Thanksgiving Eve Offering for MAI’s training of Christian publishers and writers serving in difficult You have always been so generous! Thank you for caring countries at the LittWorld 2 0 2 conference! Thank you! for your missionaries! We praise God for the remarkable generosity College Church family, and express our deep gratitude for this precious investment in the equipping of men and women who are publishing the Good News of Jesus Christ in hard places of the world. John and Elsa (Media Associates International)

of the Susan Perlman Blessings,

Thank you for the encouraging words this morning. Knowing that I am not doing this alone, but with a multitude from College Church that the Lord has provided. Both comforting and encouraging. I’ll keep a look out for the gift.

I am deeply grateful for this very generous gift from College Thank you, Jeff and Margreet Dusek Church that will be a great blessing for orphans and vulnerable children—especially the millions of children who have lost family members as a result of COV D. And Thank you for this generous Christmas gift. Our whole know that all the AFFEO ( A Family for Every Orphan) team, family appreciates the love and kindness this gift in the United States and globally, joins me in expressing represents. our gratitude on behalf of the orphans and vulnerable With love and gratitude, Bruce and Becky Wilson children we serve. The Center for Communicable Diseases (CDC) now estimates that there are an additional five million children who have lost parents or caregivers, due to COVID, since I submitted the proposal to College Church earlier for the

Thank you!! Thad and Joy McAuley

Dear College Church friends:

Thank you so much to you and to the church for this gift! We will write again but wanted to acknowledge your email. We will put this gift toward something special!

Thank you for the kind and encouraging Christmas greetings; and thank you in advance for your generous gift to us. We really do thank [our] God upon every In Christ, John and Pam remembrance of you.” It is impossible to overestimate College Church’s influence on our lives and ministry Thanks once again for your special Missionary Christmas through the years. We pray Gods very richest blessings for you as outlined in Ephesians 1. May He continue to gift. It’s come at just the right time. pour out his blessings so that you in turn can continue to Our immediate family is gathering for Christmas in northpass them on to the whole world. ern Michigan where we were given the use of a ministry guest house in northern Michigan. Both gifts together will Merry Christmas to each one! help make for a wonderful family Christmas celebration. Lois and Steve Dresselhaus Thank you! We appreciate you all. Thank you so much to all of you! May the Lord bless you all!

Kind regards, Charley and Cheryl Warner

Paul Adams

Thank you very much for your generosity. It is a blessing to be part of the College Church family. I thank God so much for your support, prayers and gifts. May God continue to bless your life. Best regards.

We sure appreciate your love and support for our family and your partnership with us in ministry! Thank you for this special Christmas gift...we look forward to using it for some special family outings to rest and relax throughout the year. We wish you all a merry Christmas! Love, The Viands family

Jose Pablo Sanchez Thank you for this kind and generous personal gift. It is Thank you so much for this gift demonstrating (yet again!) yet one more reminder of your care for us, and the Lord’s your generosity, support and encouragement. You are all kindness to us through you. a blessing to us. t was a great pleasure to be in Wheaton This tradition is one of my favorites. I know I mention for the Missions Conference in October. We praise God this almost every year, but I have sweet memories of that he cares for all the people of the entire world, and walking up to the front of the church carrying gifts from that all of us have a part to play in taking the gospel to the congregation, searching for the church mouse as them. We are delighted to be commissioned by CC W and I crossed the platform, and depositing gift envelopes partnering in this great, eternal work. in the Christmas mailbox. It was a particular delight to I will take personal responsibility to see that Ann and I use celebrate Christmas way before the Christmas season. this gift for something personal, not work related. I have And it cemented in my mind that Missions was important. some ideas… Our gift this year was a Hyperice electric massager. Warmly in Christ, Phil and Ann Baur It caught Jon’s eye when he was buying a new pair of running shoes. It has already served us well, helping Jon work out a knot in his calf, and relieving my weary leg and We cannot begin to recount all the ways our church family shoulders muscles at the end of the day. has blessed us over the years! We are particularly thankful Thank you! Merry Christmas! this past year as you have come behind us with such generosity and encouragement in our transition from Kathy andLRJon Haley to Accessible Hope nternational. We are finding great joy and fulfillment in resourcing disability ministries around the world with training, coaching and funding. Thank you for your very kind Christmas gift. We are so blessed by our church family! Thank you! Phil Smith

L I FE L ESSON S

Keep Looking Up! Carolyn Litfin My husband’s grandfather was a godly man, an example to us. He had a saying: “Keep looking up!” I’ve often found this advice to be tremendously helpful, with God repeatedly helping me when I look up to Him in the Word and prayer. There are so many valuable postures for prayer—kneeling, being in a prayer clos et, praying with “two or more,” prayer walks, etc. One that helps me when I feel anxious and am alone is to walk around my house and pray out loud, to speak words of praise, confession, petition, thanksgiving and remembrance. As I started to pray the other day about a situation that was creating anxiety for me, I noticed my glasses, which I don’t usually wear in the house as I’m nearsighted. But I grabbed them anyway, thinking, “You need to see to pray.” As I walked into my living room praying, at the confession point of prayer, I was thinking of God’s gift of reaching out to save and forgive us, through His great love and mercy, through nothing of our own merit. I looked up and saw a bright cross in the sky on top of a distant steeple. I’ve lived in my house 13 years and never seen this. Admittedly, I’m

usually looking East for the sunrise and don’t often even look out that window. But because my glasses were on and the particular lighting of the day, I could see it clearly. Given where I was in the prayer and in my thoughts, looking up and seeing that cross was quite moving. instead of around us on things like our cir cumstances, v a rious distractions, social media, and the news. Those things, while they can have some the same peace. What would we discover? Sev e ral years ago, I noticed while studying Genesis the re peated phrase, “lifted his eyes and looked” or “I lifted my eyes and saw.”

GOD’S PROVISION ” when three men stood at his tent door, one maybe being the LORD, to tell him that he and Sarah would have a child in their old age. • When Abraham had Isaac on the altar, after God stopped him from sacrificing Isaac, it says in Genesis 22: 1 3 - 1 4 ,

Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.” • In Genesis 24:63-64, Isaac went out to meditate in the field and “lifted his eyes and looked”; Rebekah also “lifted her eyes” as God had provided a wife for Isaac.

In John 17:1, Jesus “lifted up His eyes to heaven( when His hour had come. When the time had arrived that He came to this earth for—to do His Father’s will, to give His life for ours, to bring eternal life to those who believe on Jesus— Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven.

Today, if we lift up our eyes: • In Genesis 31:10, Jacob said, “I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream. . .” and in the dream, the Angel of God • Could God have a provision for us that we might miss if said to Jacob, “Lift your eyes now and see. . .” as God we don’t look up? provided and increased Jacob’s herd. God blessed Jacob • Could we behold the glory of God as we see things that as he called him to return to the land of his family. we tend to take for granted in a different way? Each time, it seems to indicate God’s provision. • Could God give us His peace and help in times of suffering and difficulty?

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

• Could This theme of looking up continues beyond Genesis andwe discover new opportunities to point others to Jesus? throughout the Bible. • Isaiah 40:26 says, “Lift up your eyes on high and • Could we find freedom from sin that wants to entangle ushost and endurance to run the race before us? see: who created these? He who brings out their by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness • Could we better know and do our Father’s will as we of his might, and because he is strong in power not oneHis Word and pray? read is missing. ( Looking up might also astound us with the As we go through the daily routine, we don’t want to miss greatness of God. the ways He can transform our hearts and minds as we look up to Him. We want to lift our eyes and see! pray we HELP AND MERCY will all behold Him anew and catch a greater vision of our Two familiar texts in the Psalms of Ascent speak to this: God. Keep looking up! • “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my Carolyn’s article is reprinted, with permission, from God help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made Centered Life, where it appeared first. heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2. In lifting up our eyes, we find His help! ,

To you lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. ( Psalm 1 2 3 : 1 - 2 . We lift up our eyes to see His mercy.

GOSPEL OPPORTUNITIES In John 4:35, Jesus tells his disciples, “…lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” Looking up might show us the needs around us.

RIGHT FOCUS I think of Peter in Matthew 14. Jesus approached the disciples by walking on the water toward their boat that was being tossed by the waves in the night. At Jesus’ command, Peter walked on the water toward Jesus, until he looked at the waves and began to sink. Peter needed to lift his eyes and keep them focused on Jesus, off of the wind and waves!

God Centered Life Visit Pastor Josh’s Bible-teaching ministry at godcenteredlife.org. You can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox. There is also a daily teaching program streamed online, through podcasts and at over 50 radio stations nationally. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.

G L OB A L V O ICES

Following the Breadcrumbs Daniel and Julie T. One Sunday morning, we came to church as usual. After met, and they married a year after they graduated. Then chatting with friends, we sat down and read the worship Julie pursued her master’s in cello performance while folder. STAMP trips had been announced, and we were teaching at the Community School of the Arts. curious where the teams were going. We remember In Daniel’s audiovisual career, God led him to positions turning to the back of the worship folder, not knowing that would hone important skills. He went from being a that our life was to take a different trajectory than we basic audiovisual installer, to consultant, and ultimately to ever imagined. a team leader and program manager at an international Of the STAMP trips listed, the one to Mainland Southeast company. In this role, Daniel interfaced with groups from Asia in January of 2017 stuck out to us. Daniel’s parents countries across the world. He learned a lot about handling were global workers in Mainland Southeast Asia, and he work issues internationally and how to effectively lead had grown up there. His family moved there when he was multiple teams to work together in many time zones. ten years old, and Daniel attended the international school where he developed close friendships with several local national students in his class. Through these friendships, he learned the language quite well. Daniel’s father was a linguistics professor in the graduate school at the local university. Rubbing shoulders with linguistic professors was a normal occurrence and Daniel learned a lot from them. People came to the university from all over the world to learn how to develop a language and translate the Scriptures. Many of those languages did not even have an alphabet. While growing up, Daniel wanted to serve overseas, but in his mind, there were only two Qelds of service: translation and evangelism. He was deQnitely not a linguist and deQnitelynotanextrovert.Asakid,helovedQguringthings out and helping people. He and his brother loved to work together on projects like installing a new faucet on a sink or building a tree house, and perhaps getting zapped when Throughout the years, we became work-force Christians, installing a new electric outlet in his bedroom. Later, as a did our part in supporting our church, helped send global studentatWheatonCollege,Danielenjoyedinstalling smart workers, and did our best to be salt and light to our classrooms, running sound at church, wiring up a recording colleagues. But something just did not feel right. studio,etc.Whateverhewasdoinghewantedtobebehind Back to the STAMP trip we saw in Sunday’s worship folder. the scenes where he would not get much attention. As soon as we read the announcement that people were For Julie, music was her life. She spent countless hours needed to help take care of the global workers’ kids at the practicing three instruments and loved being in the school conference in Southeast Asia, we looked at each other orchestra and band. Because of her dedication to music, with grins on our faces. This was too perfect to resist. After she was part of the leadership in her music ensembles talking with leadership, we were even allowed the exception throughout high school. During Julies years at Wheaton of bringing our boys (ages Qve and eight at the time) with College, she focused her attention on mastering the cello us on an adult missions trip. Our sons would participate in and became the business manager and honors conductor the program, and with Daniel’s parents still working nearby, in the symphony. t was at Wheaton that Julie and Daniel they could provide back up in case of sickness.

Traveling overseas with a team made up of people from M I L EST ON ES three di erent churches was quite a logistical undertaking and we began to understand the essential contribution the BIRTHS administrativesupportsta providestotheworkoverseas. Jane Alexandra was born to Kris and Abbey Yoder After returning home from our trip, we began asking God on December 2. This is the first grandchild for how we could serve him more effectively. But, beyond maternal grandparents Gary and Marilyn Lange. joining the STAMP Committee, no doors opened, and life DEATHS continued as it had. Then, one day in January 2019, Daniel walked in the house from work. It was too early for him to be home, and he was as pale as a ghost. Daniel’s mom had called him at work— his dad had suddenly passed away from cardiac arrest.

Pray for the family of College Church member Shirley Whitecotton, who passed away on December 2 8 , in Glen Ellyn. Pray for Patty (Jeff) Mann and family as they grieve the loss of Patty’s father, Bob Klepack, who passed away on December 2 5 , in Wheaton.

Daniel’s company graciously allowed him to travel immediately to Southeast Asia to be with his mom. Daniel arrived Pray for College Church missionary Margreet (Jeff) to both his mom and the entire community grieving and in Dusek and family as they grieve the loss of shock. Within the next week all Qve siblings had arrived, in Margreet’s mother, Gre Van Dijk, who passed cluding spouses and grandchildren. Oh, how the Lord providaway on December 19 in Holland. ed as churches and extended family stepped up and helped Pray for Angela (Scott) Killian and family as they pay for airplane tickets for so many family members. grieve the loss of Angela’s father, Roy E. Crawford, of The administration there had gone into crisis mode and Chillicothe, Ohio, who passed away on December 11. was focusing all their attention on this emergency. There Pray for Wes Steffen and family as they grieve the were so many details that needed to be taken care of loss of Wes wife,Mary Anna, who passed away on such as funeral and cremation arrangements, paying for December 10. hospital expenses, housing for Daniel’s family members, Pray for Edwin Selander and family as they grieve and paperwork pertaining to the death of a foreign the loss of Ed’s wife, Jo Ann (“Jo”), who passed away national. Because Daniel knew the language and how to on November 29. get around, he was able to immediately step in and assist on the administrative side of things. During all the chaos, a side of Daniel emerged that neither of us had ever seen before. Although his grief was intense, Daniel was thriving. Daniel was doing what God had designed him to do. Once back home, we both felt that we should explore the possibility of working overseas. The more we researched, the more we learned about the need for trained administrators in the field. Handling a crisis like the one Daniel and his family endured is one example of the responsibilities an administration team oversees. Other responsibilities include building capacity within the team, maintaining partnership relationships, and keeping the workers safe and healthy. All these are necessary for the ultimate goal of bringing the gospel to all nations through language development, literacy and Bible translation. So, here we are, following the breadcrumbs God is setting in front of our feet. We are currently building our partnership team. Once we reach 100% of our ministry and launch expense budgets, we will apply for our visas and hop on that plane.

Modern Intimations of the Soul DIGITAL/CONCEPT ART

Jon DeMoss

We cannot wait to help proclaim the gospel as part of the Bible translation team in Southeast Asia!

BEST BOOKS 2021 part two

Ann Lawrenz

Josh Maurer

hospitality committee

pastor of discipleship

Ann Judson: A Missionary Life for Burma by Sharon James

Providence by John Piper

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson This is my third read of this book. It grows richer each time I read it. There are three more books in the series.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens Priscilla The Life of An Early Christian by Ben Witherington

Ben Panner college pastor Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever

Mary Miller deaconess Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends by Carmen Joy Imes Offers “language for prayer” when my own words fail

Curt Miller

Michael Walker

missions pastor

pastoral resident

Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams

An Infinite Journey by Andrew Davis

Dyanne Martin

Atomic Habits by James Clear

evangelism and culture impact committee Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America by Ismael Hernandez This is one of the most comprehensive, erudite books I have ever read about the race industry in America. It encompasses history, philosophy, economics, sociology, anthropology, politics and Christianity.

Paul and the Hope of Glory: An Exegetical and Theological Study by Constantine Campbell

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller

Nancy Singer director of administration and Qnance Numbers Don’t Lie by Vaclav Smil Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always been fascinated by numbers. This book is a collection of essays that use numbers and trendlines to pin down facts about energy production, transportation, machines and devices, food production and consumption, and demographics.

Mindy Rynbrandt

Wil Triggs

director of women’s ministries

director of communications

The End of the Christian Life by Todd Billings

Jesus Bible Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Worthy by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves

The Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Winsome Conviction: Disagreeing Without Dividing the Church by Tim Muehlhoff and Richard Langer

Penny Thrasher deaconess God of the Impossible by Rev. Stefano Fehr and Dr. Samuel Naaman Palau, A Life on Fire by Luis Palau with Paul J. Pastor Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

A T TH E B OOK STAL L Check out our devotional readings for the new year. FREE WITH PURCHASE:

We Will Not Be Silenced by Erwin W. Lutzer

Rediscover Church by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman. While our limited supply lasts.

When a Nation Forgets God by Erwin W. Lutzer

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN 2022

Wendy Robinson board of missions Making Peace with Change by Gina Brenna Butz Navigating life’s transitions with honesty and grace.

God’s Global Mosaic by Paul-Gordon Chandler What we can learn from Christians around the world.

This Beautiful Truth by Sarah Clarkson How God’s goodness breaks into our darkness.

Pastor Josh Moody has daily devotionals that go with a Bible reading plan. You can read through the Bible in a year and get a devotional word from Pastor Moody throughout the year. Visit our website at https://college-church.org/grow/ resources/daily-scripture/ Read through the Bible this year with a tailored reading plan. Step 1: Download YouVersion and create an account Step 2: Click “plans” located at the bottom navigation Step 3: Search “Discipleship Journal Reading Plan” Step 4: Click Start Plan

Whitney McKevitt board of deaconesses Out of Egypt by Connilyn Cossette ( series of three books) Biblical fiction genre

Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

2021 March for Life

LOOKING AHEAD COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS 2022

KEENAGERS

5 p.m. in the Sanctuary with community time in Commons Hall to follow.

On Friday, January 21, College Church member Wallace Alcorn will present the largely untold story of William Henry Brisbane: The Glory of a Hated Man: From Slaveholder to Abolitionist. Brisbane was an ordained Baptist pastor, medical doctor and slave-holding South Carolina planter. Becoming convinced the Bible does not favor slavery, he freed his own slaves in 1837. He was driven from the south and dismissed from several churches where he preached against slavery. Wallace Alcorn is Brisbanes biographer, having obtained Brisbane’s journals, sermons and speeches over 40 years of research and study. Wallace Alcorn has written a forthcoming full length critical biography and has published and presented many articles and papers on Brisbane.

JANUARY 9: What is expository preaching? FEBRUARY 6: What are the signs of a healthy church? MARCH 6: How can we foster and further real community? APRIL 3: How can we do evangelism today?

BECOMING ONE

is a class for engaged, pre-engaged and newly married couples. It provides a biblical perspective on topics such as the covenant of marriage, roles of husbands and wives, Qnances, intimacy, communication and This gathering for Keenagers (senior adults) is Friday, conRict resolution. The class will meet Sunday mornings at January 21, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons. We begin with 9:30 a.m. beginning January 30, 2022. Registration fee of punch and fellowship, followed by dinner at 6, and Qnish $35 per couple covers materials and an online inventory. with this fascinating presentation from Wallace Alcorn. Reservations (or cancellations) must be made by Tuesday, January 18. Meeting fee is $10 per person. Kindly RSVP on MEMBERSHIP Sunday’s connect panel, or call the church at (630) 668Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of 0878, or email Keenagers@college-church.org. College Church? Come Qnd out about College Churchs history, core beliefs, ministries and what it WE NEED YOU means for you to be a member. This oneday only membership opportunity will be Empty nester? Newly retired? A little more Rexible time on Saturday, February 5, from 8 a.m.- noon; your hands? We need you! The Helping Hands committee registration is requested. For more info, gets frequent requests for rides—primarily to doctor’s contact Christy at membership@college-church.org appointments or for medical tests. Unfortunately, our or call (630) 668-0878, ext. 175. pool of approved drivers is small, and we would like to

VISITORS LUNCH

build it up. If you would like to serve this way, it’s a simple process—complete a quick form which allows us to pull the necessary reports. After you’re approved, you’ll get occasional emails when there is a need, and you can respond as you’re able. Email Christy at cchiodras@college-

Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, January 23, at noon in the lobby outside the church.org to help. Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and sta , learn about College Church and Qnd out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us!

January 2022 Connections

Articles inside

Looking Ahead

2021 March for Life

Best Books 2021 part two

Milestones

Following the Breadcrumbs

Keep Looking Up!

Thank You! From our partners and missionaries

Good Morning Baby New Year

Communion

Church Plant Update from Georgia

New Year's Isn't Necessarily Now

Visiting

From the Editor

January Highlights

Contributors