July 2021 Connections by College Church In Wheaton

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

local & global stories, news and events of College Church

“TWO PARENTS DON’T ALWAYS MAKE A HAPPY HOME; AND ONE PARENT DOESN’T ALWAYS MAKE AN UNHAPPY ONE.” Read “Of Coffee and Community” by Katherine Baylis on page 8

JULY 2021

Locally Sourced

Life Lessons

Photo Essay

Ripples in the Desert

The Great Unmasking

New Steeple in Place

DANIEL BAIR | 11

PAT CIRRINCIONE | 12

DAVE CARLBURG | 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connections July 2021

July Highlights

Prayer Gatherings

Of Coffee and Community KATHERINE BAYLIS

Sanctity of Human Life Update COMPILED BY RON CHIODRAS

Ripples in the Desert DANIEL BAIR

The Great Unmasking PAT CIRRINCIONE

New Members

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

New Steeple PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE CARLBURG

A review of Delighting in the Trinity— An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves BOOK REVIEW BY LORRAINE TRIGGS

Summer Reading from our Pastors and Directors

Milestones

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 August issue: July 9 | For the September issue: August 9| For the October issue: September 9

CONTRIBUTORS

1 Katherine Baylis learned to make coffee when she was

six years old and continues to enjoy coffee and conversation with friends and family. In her article, “Of Coffee and Community,” Katherine writes about growing up in a not-so-traditional family of two.

2 Daniel Bair has reached a milestone this year—20 years of

serving in Englewood. Daniel, one of College Church’s evangelists, writes about “Ripples in the Desert” and how the church can invest its energy and resources in Englewood.

When the Sanctity of Human Life task force finished counting the coins for the baby bottle campaign, the total contribution to Caring Network was $10,200. Ron Chiodras, a member of the task force, gives an update of Caring Network, one of our partner ministries.

4 Pat Cirrincione writes about masks, identity and what God is teaching her in “The Great Unmasking.”

Connections book reviews are a good way to get Lorraine Triggs to read non-fiction. Turns out she was delighted to read and review Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves for us.

Through the lens of his camera Dave Carlburg captures a different perspective of the church. We were glad he was camera ready when the steeple went back up, just about a year after it was toppled.

COVER PHOTO: Kathryn McBride

JULY HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday Morning Services Feel free to invite people to worship with us. Join us at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masks and social distancing required for 8:00 a.m. Mask-optional services at 9:30 and 11:15 with no registration or social distancing needed. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11:15. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream • July 4, 2021 Draw Near, Hebrews 10:22 and Communion • July 11, 2021 Hold Fast, Hebrews 10:23 and Believer Baptism • July 18, 2021 Stir Up, Hebrews 10:24 and welcome new members • July 25, 2021 Meet Together, Hebrews 10:25 and Summer Crew report

Adult Communities VERITAS THROUGH THE SUMMER Join us in the Commons at 9:30 as Dr Daniel Block leads us this summer as we explore Ezekiel’s vision of the temple in the last nine chapters and his vision of the new Israel in the new land. The last two words of the book say it all, “The LORD is there!” (yhwh)

JOINT HEIRS Joint Heirs Adult Community is meeting the first and third Sundays of the month, in-person and mask-optional as well as on Zoom. They will study the Right Now Media series Teach Us to Pray by Ranjit David. HERE'S THE SCHEDULE FOR THE SUMMER:

• June 20

• August 29

• July 4 – no class

• September 5 – Labor Day, no class

• July 18 • August 1 • August 15

Announcing: Summer Book Group This year’s book: Delighting in the Trinity Join us Thursday nights for our summer book discussion. We’ll meet in the Commons at 7:00 p.m. Come to one session or all of them. See review on page 17. • July 8: Introduction: Here Be Dragons? • July 15: Chapter 1: What Was God Doing Before Creation? • July 22: Chapter 2: Creation: The Father’s Love Overflows • July 29: Chapter 3: Salvation: The Son Shares What Is His • August 5: Chapter 4: The Christian Life: The Spirit Beautifies • August 12: Chapter 5: “Who Among the Gods Is Like You, O LORD?” and Conclusion: No Other Choice

Children’s Ministries 9:30 a.m. Nursery and Bible School (Preschool through fifth grade)

9:30 a.m. "I'm a Christian Now" (Grades two-five) Elective Class Focuses on how to become a Christian; the meaning of salvation, baptism and the Lord’s Supper; the importance of spiritual disciplines; how to tell others about your faith in Jesus; going on mission; and how to grow as a Christian.

9:30 a.m. BOOST! Family Discipleship

THE FINAL FARE THEE WELL

Five summer workshops on these topics:

Bid Summer Crew farewell during an afternoon of fun and games.

Family Devotions—July 11 Cultivating Generous Hearts—July 25 Outreach—August 1

• July 27, 1:30-3 p.m. *All summer events are at College Church. Register at: https://www.college-church.org/children/events *All events are $5.

Loving Like Jesus—August 15

Summer Crew events are for kids entering grades 1-5. Events will be outside when possible.

11:15 a.m. Nursery & Preschool

Reservations required for each. Bring friends!

Summer Crew Events

KIDS’ HARBOR FAMILY OLYMPICS

June and July 2021

(for children entering grades 1-5)

JULY CREW CLUB Gospel-focused VBS-style outreach. Bring your friends to learn about Jesus as you hear Bible lessons, play games and do fun activities together. Pick one session (3 days each): • July 6-8, 1:30-3 p.m. • July 13-15, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

JULY CREW ADVENTURES Theme-based activity days: • July 1, 1:30-3 p.m. • July 7, 10:30 am-12 p.m. • July 13, 1:30-3 p.m. • July 21, 10:30 am-12 p.m.

I'M A CHRISTIAN NOW Three-day camp that focuses on how to become a Christian; the meaning of salvation, baptism and the Lord’s Supper; the importance of spiritual disciplines; how to tell others about your faith in Jesus; going on mission; and how to grow as a Christian. (This is the same as the elective class that meets on Sundays, June 13-July 25) • July 20-22, 1:30-3 p.m.

Join us in the parking lot with your family as we compete in creative Olympic games, award medals and enjoy treats together. • July 29, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Commons Parking Lot

Middle School MONDAYS – Sports Hangout Join us at Northside Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon as we have fun and play different teams sports together. From soccer to Spike Ball to Ultimate Frisbee, we will try something new every week! You don't have to be any good at sports to come—just come if you want to have a great time, and bring your friends, too. Remember to bring a water bottle. Rain plans are to move to the Commons Gym.

TUESDAYS – Guys and Girls Book Studies Come to the North Parking Lot at College Church from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to study through a book together. Guys will go through Disciplines of a Godly Young Man by Kent Hughes and Carey Hughes, and girls will read This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe. Books are $5/each (cash or check). Rain plan is Welsh Hall.

WEDNESDAYS – KMs Wednesday Join us in the Commons Parking Lot from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. for a fun evening of games, a time to connect with friends, and teaching from the Bible. We will be studying the book of Philippians this summer. Bring your friends! Rain plan is Commons Hall.

THURSDAYS – Summer Bible Study

• July 20 – Live Music

Come to the North Parking Lot at College Church from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for a Bible study through Colossians (guys and girls will be together). Make sure to bring your Bible! Rain plan is Welsh Hall.

• July 27 – Superheroes and Fairytales, dress up night for the kids

FRIDAYS – Board Game Hangout Join us under the Commons Tent from 10:30 a.m. to noon to play board games, card games, and hang out. We'll have snacks (free), and you can bring $1 for soda. Bring your friends! We’ll head inside to Commons Lobby if there are thunderstorms.

High School HYACKS: "A Summer Together"

College Group Summer Bible Study: Join us on Tuesdays during the summer (through August 3) at 7 p.m. at the Clark Home, 915 Gary Ct in Wheaton, for a weekly Bible study with your peers. Chopped: ( June 24) Come join us for our very own bake-off! We will be baking desserts (with a twist) with the opportunity to be judged on your creativity, taste, and presentation. DETAILS: 7 pm at 351 East Forest Ave, Wheaton. Don’t need to bring anything.

• July 7th – Movie Night at the Helm’s House

Dunes Day: (July 17th) Bring your bathing suit, spike ball, and Frisbee for a day together at the dunes! We will hang out, get tan, and play games for a perfect summer day. DETAILS: text or email Carlson (470-362-0447) or Anna Joy (630-750-1605) to figure out rides. We will be at the Indiana Dunes (1050 N Mineral Springs Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304) leaving probably around 10 a.m. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any game you might want. Do pack a lunch, and we will provide snacks.

• July 10th – HYACKS Olympics from 7-9 p.m.

Also coming but no dates yet:

Weekly Wednesday Night HYACKS Gathering: • July 14 and 28 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: There will be Bible teaching, games, fellowship and worship. In our summer Bible study, we will be walking together through the Psalms of Ascent. Special this month:

• July 14th – Psalms of Ascent Teaching Series and small groups at the Gym at College Church • July 18th – Worship Night in the Helms’ backyard • July 21st – Fellowship Night: Girls & Guys Night Out • July 28th – Psalms of Ascent Teaching Series and small groups at the Tent at College Church

STARS Sunday morning classes live and in person 9:30 Music camp: Wednesdays 3:15-4:15 June 23-July 28

Tuesdays Together 5 p.m. and runs till you’re ready to go home. FOOD. Bring your own picnic or buy tasty dinners or treats from one of the food trucks. Bring your own chair if you like. MUSIC. Every week we’ll have tunes that set the tone for conversation. Live music some weeks. FUN. Check out our weekly themes! Inflatables and more for kids. Prizes each week. All ages welcome. TOGETHER. Make some new friends or catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while. A place to gather face to face. • July 6 – Bring Your Dog Night (if inside because of rain, our four-legged friends will need to stay home) • July 13 – Dunk a Pastor at the dunk tank

• Worship night • Ultimate Frisbee

Women’s Ministries SUMMER BIBLE STUDY Summer can be a great time to bring friends and neighbors together to study God's Word. Are you looking for a study to work through with friends? Consider our six-week, video-based study on Habakkuk. The study begins with a video, either watched in advance or as part of the gathering, and group discussion questions. Following this, each week has 5 days of individual study work, and then the week ends with a gathering of the small group for discussion. Videos are available online and the study guides are available by the reception desk in the Commons building.

MOM2MOM SUMMER PARK PLAY DATES Are you a mom of little ones? Join us for our Mom2Mom park meet-ups in and around Wheaton this summer. We hope you’ll join us this month! • July 12 at 9:30 a.m. – Village Green Park (Glen Ellyn) • July 19 at 3 p.m. – Wynwood Fields Splash Pad & Park (Winfield)

PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer 8-8:40 a.m. in C101 Led by Pastor Eric Channing Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A Wednesday Night Prayer (Online) 7-8 p.m. Led by the Missions Office • July 7: Kristen I • July 14: Chris & Dana H • July 21: Jeff & Tamara Hershberger • July 28: John & Esther W Friday Lunch Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In person) 12-1 p.m. in C101.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship will meet on Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the home of Everett and Marcelyn Peterson, 127 Westminster Drive in Carol Stream, (630) 784-0569. Our guest will be Jeff Hershberger, serving in Japan. 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.

FACE TO FACE

Of Coffee and Community Katherine Baylis

I learned to make coffee at age six. Every Saturday morning, I’d run into the master bedroom, jump on my mom, and ask her if she was awake. She began teaching me how to make coffee so that when I came in to bug her, at least I’d have a cup of coffee in hand — usually accompanied by a plate with a piece of unbuttered toast, some raw carrots, and a couple cherry tomatoes on it. From then on, many of our family traditions revolved around coffee. By sixth grade, I started taking a travel mug with me to school filled to the brim with herbal peach tea. Even though the tea didn’t actually have any caffeine, I carried it with the attitude of a cranky coffee drinker. Sometime in high school I became a fully-fledged coffee addict. It became an unspoken rule in our family that if one of us went out to get coffee, the person would bring some back for the other. It should also be noted that my family happens to be comprised of only two people. At some point, the word “family” grew to encompass a connotation of at least three people. Perhaps it's perpetuated by things like a family phone plan and family-style buffets. But somehow it always felt just a little bit odd for me to call ourselves a family. I feel like it needs a preface; “we’re a small family,” “it’s just us,” or, my favorite, “we’re basically the Gilmore Girls.” And though I’ve always considered us a family in the traditional sense of the word, I still notice that a two-person family rarely clicks with people’s expectations of what that word means. There is nothing wrong with being raised by a single parent, and there is nothing wrong with single parenthood. I’m pretty sure that the majority of people reading this would agree with that statement. Yet non-traditional families tend to have a more difficult time assimilating into Christian expectations of what a family is. There are many nuances to that discussion, many of which I am not equipped to discuss adequately. However, there seems to be some misinformation in the evangelical community about the effects of raising a child with only one parent; and, similarly, what it means to be a single parent. I’ve noticed that some listen to statistics more than people, while others simply believe that no one in the church could make such hurtful assumptions. I’d like to help shed some light on both areas. While my story is not necessarily unique, I would be remiss if I did not say first

and foremost that every situation is different, as is every person involved. But I believe that many of my experiences with people in the evangelical community as a child raised by a single parent are common to others with situations like mine. Among the several stories I could tell, for now I’d like to share a story from my sophomore year as a student at a Christian college. I was an editor for our college newspaper working on an article we were planning to publish. The writer was talking about a recent school shooting and went off on a side discussion about how it must have been the individual’s upbringing that led him to become so broken because, according to this writer, children raised with only one parent couldn’t possibly be loved enough because God intended for us to have two parents. I tried to encourage him to consider how such sweeping statements could be offensive, but he wouldn’t listen. Eventually it got to the point that I just let someone else take over editing his article. That was the first time I’d heard that argument from a Christian, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Though I know I’m no expert in family psychology, there are a number of things that can affect a child’s development. Two parents don’t always make a happy home; and one parent doesn’t always make an unhappy one. Both have their hardships and obstacles to overcome, but by frequently using a traditional family structure as the sole example of a good Christian family, we neglect the families that are non-traditional by placing them in a different category of family. We’re the caveat at the end of a sermon, the appendix to an explanation of God as a Father.

I had a chance to talk with Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries, about the non-traditional families she sees in the church, particularly in the STARS program. Many of the moms of STARS, she said, are single, widowed, or have other non-traditional family structures. It was during the pandemic that Julie saw the struggles of these single moms become most pronounced. She listed off name after name of STARS moms who helped organize meals to be delivered or impromptu prayer groups that met at the end of their children’s Sunday school lessons over Zoom. Long before the pandemic, one of the most impactful events that was organized was Friday Night Fun which provides evening activities for members of STARS and allowed the moms a night off to pray for and support one another “These moms are used to advocating 24/7 and it doesn’t end at 18,” Julie told me. “They fight for their rights and for them to be included.” As Julie and I talked and I heard all these incredible stories of STARS moms supporting each other, I wondered aloud to her, what types of communities best support non-traditional families? Specific single-parent small groups? After a moment’s pause Julie said, “No; singleness doesn’t define who they are. They’re just tired of explaining it or saying it.” We are one church, one community, one family. It comes down to getting to know your community, listening to the stories, and meeting people in their struggles wherever they are.

Family is perhaps why I love conversing with friends over coffee so much. Somehow, I feel as though they’ve unwittingly engaged in one of my family’s traditions and with that comes a sense of being known and heard. Finding that sense of community, of feeling known, can sometimes be challenging. For example, I generally don’t attend church services on Father’s Day because of past experiences that have unintentionally made an already difficult day more painful. This year, however, was the first in almost five years that I attend a church service on Father’s Day in person. That is due in large part to the community at College Church. But we, as participants in the global church and the larger evangelical community, can do better to support single-parent and non-traditional families. I think that starts with listening to the stories and needs of those families and recognizing that just because they are able to pull it together on a daily basis doesn’t mean they don’t need your support. Be compassionate in the way you engage in conversation. We are not a statistic. Labels like “broken families” don’t just stick, they can brand us as well. We are all broken apart from God. We, as a global church, can do better in supporting non-traditional families and changing that mentality that can be damaging and hurtful to so many; and it starts with listening.

I had a good friend recently tell me that even though I’d been through some hard things, he was never worried about me because he knew I was good at just coping. Perhaps it's this type of sentiment that prevents people from feeling the need to step in and support non-traditional families. They seem fine and happy, their kids are doing well in school, why should I step in? In some cases, it may not be appropriate to offer help. That said, I can’t even begin to count the times growing up that my friends' families stepped in and offered to watch me for the afternoon, offered to pick me up from sleepovers, invited me over for dinner after practice — anything to give my mom a break and let her know that she had people behind her. I was absorbed into so many families and cared for by so many people that now when people ask about my extended family, I say I was raised by a community. Having a community that sees the need and just acts on it — I think that’s the end goal. Julie best summed it up in our conversation: “Church is family. We should be caring for our family.”

UPDATE

Sanctity Of Human Life Update Compiled by Ron Chiodras

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our baby bottle campaign. The total amount collected to help the Caring Network was $10,2000. But the coins are only part of the story. Here are a few comments from congregants about Caring Network and its ministry. “We love what Caring Network does for those feeling trapped by an unplanned pregnancy. They offer hope and support—emotionally, physically and spiritually. Caring Network meets the needs of the whole person and provides a way to carry a baby to term and makes adoption accessible as well if desired. It is a win/win for all. Numerous lives are saved, and many are transformed by the loving care and gospel message. “In addition, the ministry offers a 12-week Bible Study for those suffering from the aftereffects of abortion that provides real healing. “Through the years Caring Network has spoken to more than 100,000 students in the schools to promote abstinence. “Caring Network Du Page has grown from one center to six strategically placed centers around the county. New opportunities are opening for expansion into Cook County. God is mightily at work through this ministry, and it is a joy to partner with them!” –Liz Hancock “Adopted as a child and having an adopted daughter, I am so thankful for the work of Caring Network in providing women with the information and resources to help them confidently choose life for their unborn children. I am thankful College Church actively supports the efforts of Caring Network by promoting the baby bottle giving campaign and regularly providing updates on the work of the ministry. I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born, I set you apart. ( Jeremiah 1:5).” – Tom Paulsen “As Christians, we are called to help those who need it most. Our hearts are heavy for women who find themselves in greatest need, expecting a new child, but

have little or no means of support. Caring Network acts as the hands and feet of the Church to help all those in such a circumstance in Chicagoland. It is an honor to support an organization who serves such a need as this.” – Cheryce Berg

“Caring Network welcomes women facing an unplanned pregnancy with unconditional love, counsel and resources to help them choose life over abortion. It does this in the name of Jesus — the author of life. When we support the work of Caring Network in serving these women and babies, we participate in serving Jesus.” – Brian Wildman

PEACEFUL PRAYER: The Sanctity of Human Life Task Force invites you to pray and sing a few hymns outside Planned Parenthood Aurora in cooperation with 40 Days for Life's yearround prayer effort in Aurora. A father recently returned to the prayer site to share that his daughter was scheduled to have an abortion, but she saw people praying, and decided to keep her baby! We are grateful for this confirmation that prayer saves lives in our community. Join Christians from 63 countries united in prayer for unborn babies, their parents, and abortion industry workers in their communities. https://www.40daysforlife.com/ www.40daysforlife.com/aurora Saturday, July 10 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm near Planned Parenthood, 3051 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60504 Look for us on Waterleaf's property across from Planned Parenthood's driveway. Parking is behind Auto Zone or by Mariano's.

LOCALLY SOURCED

Ripples in the Desert Daniel Bair

“…how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.” – Psalm 42.4 Driving down a street in Englewood, you look out either window of the car, and see garbage littering the landscape. The roads, the sidewalks, the yards, the vacant lots all flooded with waste. Many buildings are dilapidated and falling apart; the ones that are salvageable have their windows and doors securely covered with wooden boards. Rusted out rod iron fences and rotted wooden porches are commonplace. Unkempt lawns are the norm. Slowing down you see something out of the ordinary— a block that is clean, well-tended, mended, and something that one could maybe even call beautiful. “What Englewood needs is…” “The best way to stop the violence is by…” “Fatherlessness could be lowered if…” “The cure for poverty is through…” Many suggestions have been offered to end these sentences. While we know the answer is Jesus, the lingering question is: How do we make that explicit? By us, the church of Jesus Christ, praying over the city of Chicago and fitting our actions to those prayers. If the church will stand up and invest its energy and resources in neighborhoods such as Englewood, it will see an unrivaled return on that investment. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”

chance—the gangs are strongest in the places where the church is dormant. We are praying and pushing for a Bible-preaching, Christ-centered, community-focused church service to start in our community. Our neighbors are hurting, weary, and heavyburdened—we cannot carry it for them, but we can point them to the One who can. “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” College Church has been an important part of this outreach in Englewood. Through sending summer teams, prayers for the city, and financial partnership we have seen God at work in the lives of our neighbors. Thank you for your part in this! Our vision is to see these neighbors encouraged in their faith, growing in godliness, and then going out and pointing their friends and family members to Christ—that this would ripple through our community. While violence in Englewood still permeates the news, our vision is a neighborhood transformed by the Gospel through targeted permeation. Join us in praying that the church would stand in the gap. “I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” I recently spent some time studying the letter of Paul to Philemon. I was struck anew by Paul’s habitual practice of standing in the gap by adopting young men in the faith. Of Onesimus Paul says, “I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.” What an example for us in the church to make it a priority to disciple and be a father to the fatherless! We as a church have the great calling and opportunity to make much of Christ through similar forms of discipleship.

This year marks two decades that I have served in Englewood. The highs and lows of this time of ministry cannot be expressed through ink and paper. We have had the joys of souls saved, young people baptized, youth discipled into adulthood. We have had the sorrows of lives snuffed out before they had really begun, depression, addiction, and violence. Some days we feel as though all the work is in vain. Other days we recognize the eternal significance of being a vessel of God’s grace and mercy to a desperate world. It is a privilege and honor to which Christ has called each member of his body. “Go therefore and make disciples.”

While not all have been fatherless, I have had the privilege to be a spiritual father to many young people in Englewood. One young man I recently have been able to invest in this way is named Ray. As he has been coming regularly to our ministry for many years now, we have slowly been giving him the opportunity to lead things alongside us Now that he is 18, he has expressed a desire to join our ministry team as a staff member! This is encouragement to us as God causes ripples to flow from this one relationship to many others in the community. While he has some way yet to go, we see Ray as being a beacon in the community to his family and neighbors—and our hope is to see this cause more ripples throughout our community.

Englewood has a drought of fathers. This is no newsflash. But it is not just fatherlessness, it is a systematic dismantling of the entire family. The devil’s attack on the family unit has not been subtle. Recognizing this, we see a great opportunity for the church to step in and be a family to the fatherless! Where the churches delay to step in, the gangs are quick to seize the

Join us in praying that our neighbors would be encouraged to find the true hope that is only available in the Gospel! Pray that we would be faithful in using our time and energy and resources in ways that best direct people to Christ. Join us in rejoicing that God is moving in the lives of many individuals and that we as a church are invited to be part of his transformative work!

LIFE LESSONS

The Great Unmasking Pat Cirrincione

The Great Unmasking sounds more like a title of a science fiction novel than the reopening of life post-pandemic. Looking back on this year-plus of isolation, drive by celebrations, strange holiday gatherings, what does it all mean? I wish I had the answers, but I don’t. It has been a long and winding road for all of us, and one that had me praying for the Lord’s return as a part of my daily prayers. For an introvert like me, it was a time of quiet solitude and being able to accomplish the “picture” project, clearing out my file cabinets (still a work in progress), putting my books and CDs in alphabetical order by author’s last name, and clearing out stuff to donate to the STARS and Twice is Nice resale shops. (I turned into a Monica—a cultural reference for those of you who watch “Friends.”) It was also a year of reading a lot of books! In case you are wondering, one of my favorite books was Overcomer by Chris Fabry. In this amazing story one of the main characters asks another character this question: “If I asked you who are, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?” Have you ever asked yourself this same question? Who are you? Who am I? Who does the world say that we are? Who does God say that we are? In a world recently inundated with mask coverings we have been able to hide who we are, as our facial expressions haven’t been readily visible to those around us. I’m sure we all have some answers to who we are. My ready answer: I’m a woman, wife, Nana, friend, cook, housekeeper, artist, writer, co-worker, dancer, musician, a follower of Christ, an aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, daughter, sister, etc., etc. These nouns are how the world sees who I am, but who am I really? In a Bible study I’ve been in this year, one of the teaching leaders said this: “Are you a person that brings good out of evil? Can you see the light that comes out of the darkness? How has God used difficult situations in your life for a purpose? What keeps you from trusting that he is using every event to accomplish his purposes? Do we stereotype people of certain positions and cultures? What people group are you currently stereotyping? How are you leaning on God to help you overcome your prejudice toward people who take a

different political stance than you, or who come from a different denomination, or a different race? Is there a broken relationship that you can reconcile and renew? As Christians we are the most forgiven people on the earth, we therefore should be the most forgiving people. By showing people forgiveness you are showing them Jesus, and a glimpse of what he has to offer them. Have you asked God for his help and blessing?” So, who are you? In Genesis God describes himself to Jacob four times: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac…”; “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me…”; “I am God Almighty…”; and “I am God, the God of your father…” (The Life Application Study Bible, New King James Version). Chapters one through eleven in Genesis describe who God is to us: our creator, friend, ruler, someone who is constant and relational, good and wise, trustworthy, and faithful. If God repeatedly tells us who he is in the Bible, then maybe who I am is also in his Word. If my identity is now tied to God, why have I let all those other nouns define me? If my identity is in the One who created me, and changed my whole perspective about life, why aren’t I making my identity with him my priority? When am I going to take my mask off, and show people the new person that God made in Christ?

So, as I wondered as I wandered through God’s Word, this is some of what he chose to tell me: In the Book of Ephesians, Paul does show us who we are, with or without our masks. In chapter one, verse three, we find out that “we are blessed:” in verse four “we are chosen;” verse five tells us “We are adopted;” in verse seven “because of His love we are redeemed;” and in verse 13 “we are forgiven….and are sealed.” My identity as God’s child means that his power is at work in me with every step and breath I take (even when a mask was on!). I’m not only what the world perceives me to be, but also much more. I was chosen before the foundation of the world, loved and saved by God, by his Son’s death on the cross.

what. And since my identity is found in Him, I know exactly who I am,” and that is with or without a mask. But as we now may leave the masks, a few things we should keep in mind: Don’t forget to brush the food that gets stuck between your teeth because everyone will see it now; do remember to smile; and remember ladies, how refreshing it was to go over a year without make up. We were blessed in a myriad of ways during COVID-19 even when we were lonely and afraid, and maybe we will see a huge revival and a return to Jesus, and we can always be in constant thanksgiving for how God was with us, is with us and will be with us.

According to 1 Peter 1:3: “we are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” We have been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ! We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood called out of the darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). During the season of masks, my husband would periodically remove his and say “Hey! It’s me, Sal!” He would smile and then pull his mask back over his face. He did it to remind friends and family that he was still the same person. And that brings me back to Chris Fabry’s book Overcomer where the heroine says: “At some point, you will have to answer that question – who are you really?” I used to struggle with that. There were, and have been, times when I felt like I was a mistake and had no place in this world. There have been times when I have felt unloved and unwanted. The mixed messages the world sent me left me searching for something, but I didn’t know what. But when I met the one true God who created me, I found me—God’s creation. My identity didn’t come from what the culture says I am or I am supposed to be, or even at how I feel at any given moment. The Creator is the one who gets to define his creation. Even though I will always have good days and bad days and will still have struggles, I will always know that the One who loves me and died for me is with me. As Chris Fabray says in Overcomer: “He overcame everything for me. Sin, suffering, and death. So, I walk with Him every day. I trust Him every day, no matter

NEW MEMBERS

Cameron & Lauren Price

Jimmy Ramsden

Scott & Evie Sommerville

PLACES LIVED: Cameron born and raised in Naperville. Lauren was born in Minnesota, grew up in Wisconsin and settled in Illinois. They live in Naperville now.

PLACES LIVED: Grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and Milwaukee, and then Naperville and southern California.

PLACES LIVED: Scott is from Wheaton

FAMILY: They were married last year, and just welcomed their first born on May 1 – Arthur Isaac Price! Cameron is the second oldest of four siblings. 9 TO 5: Cameron is a technology consultant and has enjoyed working from home the last year. Lauren used to work as a long-term nanny, but now is home and enjoying baby Isaac.

FAMILY: Jimmy has three children. 9 TO 5: He is a special educator at the elementary level. PASTTIMES: Enjoys reading, gardening, walks and growing in his faith. CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small groups, Front Door Ministry and Kids’ Harbor

PASTTIMES: Cameron likes reading, coffee, chess, Andy’s frozen custard and biking – all of which now pales compared to time with baby Arthur! (He also made a Spotify playlist of all 600+ hymns in the Baptist hymnal)

FAMILY: They have been married more than 11 years and have four children. Scott’s parents, Dan and Sharen Sommerville, are also members. 9 TO 5: Scott is in the commercial real estate business. Evie is a homemaker and currently a homeschool teacher. PASTTIMES: Besides time with family, playing and listening to music, Scott enjoys traveling, working out with friends as well as hiking, fishing, cross country skiing and boating. CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Scott has played cello in our worship services. The Sommervilles have been in a small group. Evie has served in the nursery and attends Women’s Bible Study and Mom2Mom.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small group, Women’s Bible Study, Mom2Mom

Derek Wang PLACES LIVED: Derek was born in China and lived there for the first seven years of his life. 9 TO 5: He works full time for Target Corporation. PASTTIMES: He enjoys time with friends, watching Netflix and rock-climbing CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small group

Lizzy Swoboda

Mike & Lauren Walsh

Pamela Whittles

PLACES LIVED: Lizzy great up in the Wheaton area and at College Church. She is a college student at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

PLACES LIVED: Mike grew up in Wheaton at College Church

PLACES LIVED: Pam grew up in Naperville. Lived in New Jersey for a time and then moved back to Naperville.

FAMILY: She is the daughter of College Church members Scott and Laura Swoboda and has an older sister and a younger brother and sister. 9 TO 5: Lizzy is studying history and social studies secondary education at Grove City. PASTTIMES: She plays soccer at school and enjoys time with other people when not busy with classes and schoolwork. CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Youth groups and serving with STARS.

FAMILY: Mike’s parents are College Church members Hal and Anna Walsh. His brother-in-law and sister, Trey and Mary Martin are also members. 9 TO 5: Mike is a software engineer. Lauren teaches Kindergarten at Washington Elementary School. PASTTIMES: Mike enjoys home projects and remodeling of any kind, fishing and board and card games. Lauren enjoys working on their home, finding a good deal while shopping and spending time with family.

FAMILY: Pam is a widow and has three adult children. She attends College Church and brings her grandson to Bible School and boys choir. 9 TO 5: Pam is director of music at Wesley UMC in Naperville. She is retired from teaching music and as a principal in Downers Grove. PASTTIMES: She enjoys working out, cooking, gardening, reading and travel.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: 20s ministry, HYACKs small group leaders

Zach Strobeck PLACES LIVED: Zach grew up in the Wheaton area and at College Church FAMILY: Zach’s mom, Jean, and grandparents, Chuck and Janet Strobeck, attended College Church for many years. 9 TO 5: Although disabled, Zach enjoys time reading God’s Word and using his communication skills to encourage the body of Christ.

New Steeple in Place Photography by Dave Carlburg

SUMMER READING

A REVIEW OF

Delighting in the Trinity—An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves

Book Review by Lorraine Triggs

What does an apple, candy corn and a shamrock have in common? No, not a beginning of a bad joke, but what turned up on Pinterest when I did a quick search for “explaining the Trinity to children.” I am certain that Michael Reeves, the author of Delighting in the Trinity, would be cringing about now. As he would with an adult’s dismissive, “Oh, the Trinity is too mysterious to understand.” For Reeves, however, that is not a good excuse for ignoring the Trinity or turning the Trinity into an intellectual game. Says Reeves, “. . . the triune nature of God effects everything from how we listen to music to how we pray: it makes for happier marriages, warmer dealings with others, better church life; it gives Christians assurance, shapes holiness and transforms the very way we look at the world around us. No exaggeration: the knowledge of this God turns lives around.” I decided to munch on the apple and candy corn as I read the book. Reeves sets out to help us think about who God is through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and not through “trying to work God out by our own brainpower.” Our brainpower leads us to God as the uncaused cause. The Creator. The One in Charge. According to Reeves this is all reasonable and unobjectionable, but if that is one’s basic view of God, one “will find every inch of my Christianity covered and wasted by the nastiest toxic fallout. If God’s very identity is to be The Creator, The Ruler, then he needs a creation to rule in order to be who he is. For all his cosmic power, then, this God turns out to be pitifully weak: he needs us.” This is when I began to realize that the book was going to by my reintroduction to the Triune God, who as Reeve’s describes is “not Creator, Ruler or even ‘God” in some abstract sense: he is the Father, loving and giving life to his Son in the fellowship of the Spirit. A God who is in himself love, who before all things could ‘never be anything but love.’ Having such a God happily changes everything.” It’s this God that Reeves brings the reader to again and again, whether through his illustrations and sidebars—aplenty throughout the book—and his quotes from church fathers, Puritans and even an Inkling. With the current resurgence in the Reformed Puritans, there were times when Delighting in the Trinity reminded me of the run-away best seller Gentle and Lowly by Dane

Ortlund. (As a fiction reader, just the fact that there were two non-fiction books I read should be a recommendation in and of itself.) The heart of Reeves’ book is the middle three of his five chapters: chapter two, “Creation: The Father’s Love Overflows;” chapter three, “Salvation: The Son Shares What Is His; and chapter four: “The Christian Life: The Spirit Beautifies.” What? Not, Creation: Made in God’s Image; Salvation: Rescued from Sin; The Christian Life: Obeying God. From the start of the book, Reeves emphasizes the outward, overflowing love of the Father, and “If I am to be anything like the outgoing and outward-looking Father, Son and Spirit, the Spirit must take my eyes of myself (which he does by winning me to Christ).” According to Reeves, the Spirit’s purpose is far deeper than helping me keep the rules. The Spirit comes that “I might know the son, and that I might be like him—meaning that the whole point is that my eyes look out to him. Reeves than quotes Charles Spurgeon, which is a good summation of the book: “ . . . We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by ‘looking unto Jesus.’”

BOOKSTALL

Summer Reading From Our Pastors And Directors David Gieser, elder Cultural Intelligence — Living For God in a Diverse, Pluralistic World by Darrell Bock Christians in the Age of Outrage by Ed Stetzer The Splendid and the Vile — A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson

Amy Kruis, deaconess R. C. Sproul: A Life (Stephen Nichols) Audio book

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming. This is a fun book and has nothing to do with the movie.

Nancy Taylor, deaconess Another Gospel? By Alisa Childers Either Way, We’ll Be All Right by Eric Tonjes Ministries of Mercy by Tim Keller The Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny (best to start at the beginning go the series with Still Life)

Eric Channng, pastor of congregational care

Jeff Oslund, elder

Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life Complied and Edited by Robert Hall from the sermons of Charles Spurgeon

Providence by John Piper

Josh Maurer, pastoral resident Providence by John Piper The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman

Tim Hollinger, technology director Analog Church by Jay Y. Kim Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Diane Jordan, director of visitation and care It Takes Time to Love by Hugh Steven The Romantic Rationalist — Edited by John Piper and David Mathis Nearing Home by Billy Graham

Mark Berg, elder The Conqueror by Bryan Litfin

The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter

A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Life by Bill Thrasher 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin Men and Women in the Church A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Keven DeYoung

Mary Miller, deaconess Sooley by John Grisham (college/pro basketball recruiting and refugee camps in South Sudan and Uganda) Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends by Carmen Joy Imes Reading While Black by Esau McCauley (African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (for the fourth time)

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Kevin Cassel, deacon

Dante's Inferno

Dead Wake — The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund The Shepherd Leader by Tim Witmer

Sarah Nelson, deaconess I love to reach children’s books! Reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is like visiting an old friend.

Brilliant Blunders: From Darwin to Einstein — Colossal Mistakes by Great Scientists that Changed Our Understanding of Life and the Universe by Mario Livio Getting to Know the Church Fathers — An Evangelical Introduction by Bryan Litfin

MILESTONES After 48 years as Wheaton residents—and 47 of those years as College Church members—Harry and Carol Genet moved to Alabama at the end of June. The Genets served their church family in various ways including the Board of Missions and Kids Korner. Harry also used his skills as a news reporter and writer for missions and the church newsletter. We will miss you, Harry and Carol. Call the church office for their new address.

Births • Evelyn Ann was born to Nathan and Lucy Williams on June 7. Evelyn joins her big sister Josis. Her maternal grandmother is Ann Classen • Asher Carl Amodio was born to Nate and Laura Amodio on March 31. Nate and Laura are College Church evangelists serving at the University of Illinois at ChampaignUrbana, and this is their first child. Baby Asher’s paternal grandparents are Carl and Lorraine Amodio, and paternal great-grandmother is Ruth Comfield.

Condolences • A. Austin Winsor, 85, brother to Faith ( Jerry) Haddock, uncle to Mary Haddock and Fran ( Jon) Titcomb, and cousin to Bill, Jim, and Phil Stough, died June 8 in Wisconsin. Austin grew up in College Church but spent his life serving in school, church, town, a Christian camp, and with family in southwest Wisconsin. • Pray for Courtney (Kent) Graham and family as they grieve the loss of Courtney’s father, Ward Kriegbaum, who passed away on June 18. • Pray for Jack and Shelley Swanson as they grieve the loss of their granddaughter, Emily Rominski, who passed away at the age of 13 on June 13, due to complications from progeria syndrome, a disease that was diagnosed at age two. Emily was the daughter of Justin and Kristina Rominski, and the granddaughter of Bill and Sue Rominski, all former members of College Church.

• Pray for Jon (Kristie) Smalley and family as they grieve the loss of Jon’s mother, Barbara, who passed away on June 3 in the UK. • Pray for Diane ( John) Stephen and family as they grieve the loss of Diane’s brother-in-law, Timothy Henaughan, who passed away on Mary 31 in Phoenix, Arizona. • Pray for Nate (Susie) Cassel and family as they grieve the loss of Nate’s father, Karl, who passed away on May 30 in Pennsylvania. • Pray for Doris Seaman and Mark (Kristin) Seaman and family as they grieve the loss of Doris’s husband and Mark’s father, George, who passed away on May 30. • Pray for Steve (Lois) Krogh and family as they grieve the loss of Steve’s father, David, who passed away on May 26 in California. • Pray for Harold and Judy Smith as they grieve the loss of their son Andrew, who passed away on May 24. • Pray for Jim (Mary) Greer as he grieves the unexpected loss of his brother Robert “Bob” on May 19 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Fall Preview Here are just a few of our start dates

September 5

Sunday fall Kids’ Harbor September 12

Sunday fall STARS August 21-22

High School Kickoff Retreat September 12

Fall Adult Communities begin New this fall: Christianity Explored

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.

July 2021 Connections

Articles inside

MILESTONES

Summer Reading From Our Pastors And Directors

Delighting in the Trinity Review

New Steeple In Place

New Members

The Great Unmasking

Ripples in the Desert

Sanctity Of Human Life Update

Of Coffee and Community

July 2021 Connections Contributors

July Highlights