May 2022 Connections

MAY 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

“At midnight, we all marched around the sanctuary, holding candles and singing, ‘We’re Marching to Zion.’ I had no idea what Zion was or why I was marching there.”

Read “God’s Timetable, My Salvation”

by Keith Bodger on p.6

FACE TO FACE

War and Peace in the Garden of Spring VIRGINIA HUGHES | 8 GLOBAL VOICES

Standing Strong in Faith from Ukraine VITALIY, SERGIY, NIKOLAI | 12 SIDE BY SIDE

Annual Meeting 2022 | 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS PA GE 02

PAG E 14

May Highlights

Milestones

PA GE 04

PAG E 15

Prayer Gatherings

Next Steps CURT MILLER

PA GE 05

PAG E 16

From the Editor WIL TRIGGS

Annual Meeting 2022

PA GE 06 God’s Timetable, My Salvation KEITH BODGER

PAG E 18 Meet Roger Burgess CANDIDATE FOR PASTOR OF VISITATION

PA GE 08

PAG E 20 War and Peace in the Garden of Spring

VIRGINIA HUGHES

Welcome New Members

PA GE 10

PAG E 22

Artist Spotlight—Carolyn Walter

PA GE 11 Reflections on Life in the Pew KARA BETH VANCE

At the Bookstall

PAG E 23 Looking Ahead: Summer Preview

PA GE 12

PAG E 24

Standing Strong in Faith from Ukraine

Finding Your Way Around College Church

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Howard Kern, facilities director Bruce Main, interim pastor of visitation and care | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and 4nance | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Howard Costley, chair | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns | Heinrich Johnsen DanLindquist|JoshMoody,seniorpastor|TomNussbaum|JeOslund|RogerSandberg|JeremyTaylor,secretary|TadWilliams

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 June issue: May 9 For the July issue: June 9 | For the August issue: July 9

CONTRIBUTORS KEITH BODGER

GREG & DEBBY NICHOLS

has been attending College Church for almost ten years and has lived in Wheaton since he married Mel. He works for a utility in the environmental department and has aspirations to write books upon retirement. Keith and Mel lead a small group, and he likes to shovel snow at church on Sunday mornings in winter.

serve in Prague, Czech Republic, with Greater Europe Mission. They served for a number of years in Odesa, and as the war rages on in Ukraine, Greg and Debby are hosting Ukrainians in two houses in Prague. Each house has nine people in it—one has believers, and the other is filled with people who do not yet know Christ.

ANITA DEYNEKA serves with Mission Eurasia, an organization she and her husband, Peter, founded. She works with A Home For Every Orphan to help promote in-country Christian adoptions around the world. She has authored several books including A Song in Siberia and Christians in the Shadow of the Kremlin.

VIRGINIA HUGHES has served in many ways over the years, mainly those related to children and the deaconess board ministries. She and her husband, Roger, have three grown daughters and often drive up to Ann Arbor (MI) to visit their young grandson.

CURT MILLER

is the missions pastor, encouraging disciple-making in our local community and globally. He has studied internationally in France and has short-term missions experience in various countries. He loves the global church and connecting with our mission partners. Curt is a graduate of Erskine College (B.A.) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Curt and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Caleb, Gideon and Moriah.

KARA BETH VANCE currently serves as a mentor with the College Group discipleship team and with our Sanctity of Human Life task force. She works in Wheaton as a 4nancial planner. During the shutdowns last year, Kara Beth and her roommates began reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy aloud and they are 4nally close to 4nishing!

CAROLYN WALTER One of College Churchs gifted photographers, Carolyn serves as 4rst- grade team leader in Sunday morning Kids’ Harbor ministry and helps with the childrens choir on Sunday evenings. She and her husband, Doug, have four sons.

Carolyn loves to be outside with her camera and can often be found at the Morton Arboretum. She also enjoys walking with friends, traveling when she can, and playing board games with her family.

CHARLEY & CHERYL WARNER serve with Barnabas International in Ukraine. They teach missions students and help churches mobilize and care for Ukrainian missionaries. As of now, their home in Irpin is still intact and their home church in Ukraine is Irpin Bible Church.

COVER IMAGE: PhotographybyCarolynWalter

MAY HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

ADULT COMMUNITIES

Everyone welcome.

All meet during the 9:30 hour.

Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream

SERMON SERIES

ALL NATIONS in C101 Jim Tebbe looking at God’s mission—Book of Acts Focus: Developing globally minded Christians through teaching, discussion and fellowship for the purpose of gospel impact.

FORUM 15 in CL01 Bruce Main teaching on “The Life of Christ” GREEK CLASS in the Board Room Jon Laansma (1 John) knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.

MAY 1: Questions: Is Jesus the Only Way to God? John 14:6 MAY 8: Questions: Is the Bible Reliable? John 20:30-31 Ben Panner preaching MAY 15: Vision Sunday, Pastor Josh Moody will be preaching from Matthew 5:13-16 and will welcome new members MAY 22: TBD MAY 29: TBD

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES Everyone welcome.

5 p.m. in Commons Hall or Sanctuary MAY 1: Rescue in the Night, Children’s Choir Musical in the Sanctuary MAY 8: Revelation 7, Pastor Ben Panner preaching MAY 15: ANNUAL MEETING See page 16 for details.

MAY 22: Christianity is Difficult, Pastoral Resident Josue Alvarado preaching from Mark 8:27-9:1 MAY 29: no evening service

Focus: People of any age and background coming together to listen faithfully to Gods Word through discussion of the original Greek wording. For the option of attending remotely, contact jon.laansma@wheaton.edu JOINT HEIRS in Commons Hall C104F Variety of topics—Special speakers LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY in Commons Gym Focus: a group for people desiring authentic biblical community. All adults, ages 25–40, are welcome, including those who are single, married, widowed or divorced. Join us for a time of fellowship, teaching, discussion and prayer.

LOGOS in Commons Hall C104E Dan Haase and Dave Setran teaching the Bible and life application.

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

LIVING WORD in Commons Hall C104 A&C Doug Moo and Josh Maurer teaching the Book of Hebrews VERITAS in Commons Hall C104 B&D Neil Wright teaching the Book of Revelation

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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES MONTHLY GATHERING MAY 21: In Commons Hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

MOM2MOM

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

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY: on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at 332 E. Union Ave. beginning on May 24

COINS FOR CARING NETWORK

MAY 2: Large Group Gathering at 7 p.m. Moms—join us Watchforbabybottles!Thecollectionofyour for a special cooking demo with Teri Hiben as she helps coin-4lledbabybottlesforCaringNetwork us answer the question, “Are You Prepped For Dinner?”

Well get make ahead tips, find some creative usestakes for place on May 1 and May 8. leftovers and enjoy both samples and dessert.

Caring Network is a College Church ministry partner which offers ChristCHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR) centered counsel and resources to women who are experiencing an unplanned SUNDAYS pregnancy. College Church is distributing baby bottles for you to take home with MORNING: you, fill with coins, cash and checks and Nursery (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. return by Mother’s Day, May 8. Your donations help this Bible School (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m. ministry assist women and rescue babies.

Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service GROUNDS DAYS SPRING PLANTING Children’s Church (preschool) at 11 a.m.

Preschool at 5 p.m.

EVENING: MAY 1: No nursery & preschool; Children’s Choir musical MAY 8: Nursery & preschool open MAY 15: No nursery & preschool; Annual Meeting MAY 22: Nursery & preschool open MAY 29: No PM service

Saturday, May 14 at 8:30 a.m., meet in the Commons for light refreshments and then receive team assignments.

Boxed lunch at noon and lunch preferences registration required at www.college-church.org/events.

STARS SUNDAYS INCLUSION CLASSES at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KMS)

TEEN STARS at 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY FOUNDATIONS: Meeting in the KMs room at 9:30 a.m.

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT at 11 a.m.

KMS WEDNESDAY: 6:45 p.m. in the KMs room LASER TAG NIGHT: Friday, May 20, in the entire Commons lower level from 5 to 8 p.m.

Register at www.college-church.org/events

HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS) SUNDAY RHYTHMS: Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Crossings.

LARGE GROUP SUNDAY SLAM: May 1 and May 15 at 6:45 p.m. meet in the gym.

SLAM GROUPS: May 8, 6:45 p.m. at homes GOLDEN GLOBES: May 22 at 6:45 p.m. in the Crossings.

Formal Attire.

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT/MULTI-GENERATIONAL at 9:30 a.m.

STARS CHOIR, Meets for the last time before summer break, May 1, 5-6:15 p.m.

COMING UP RUN FOR THE STARS: Saturday, June 11, 8 a.m.

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

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PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.

Sunday Morning Prayer 8:15-8:40 a.m. in C101 Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. Board Room Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.

MAY 4: Jim Hansen MAY 11: Jeff and Irene

HANNAH PRAYER FELLOWSHIP will meet on Wednesday, May 1 , at 1 : 3 0 p. m. in C1 0 1 in the Commons. join us as we pray for our missionaries.

DORCAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP meets Wednesday, May 1 8 , at 1 : 3 0 in the Upper Deck at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. Both men and women are welcome at this meeting.

MAY 18: Rick and Janice McKinley

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

MAY 25: Bruce Wilson

will meet on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the home of Marr and Mary Miller, 1 6 0 7 Stoddard Avenue in Wheaton ( 6 3 0 ) 6 8 - 8 2 8 . Please join us!

APRIL 6: Rod & Kathy Duttweiler Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Board Room) 12-1 p.m.LedbyWilandLorraineTriggs.Theweeklyprayerguide is also available at our website: https://bit.ly/3vzdcAz

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.

We thank God when we can see the impact of our physical presence across from Planned Parenthood, a witness for Christ’s care that helps mothers choose life for their unborn babies! Below is a snapshot from the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil site leader about a recent change of heart for a Planned Parenthood client.

A Naperville church group prays every Monday across from Planned Parenthood’s driveway without fail, no matter what the weather-rain, sleet, snow, sun, heat, or cold. A prayer vigil participant, “Sally,” joined this group and held 40 Days for Life sign which read “Ask me about a free Ultrasound.” A couple paid close attention to her sign as they were pulling into Planned Parenthood’s parking lot so she went down to the entrance and asked if she could talk with the young woman, “Jane,” as she got out of the car. Prayer continued during the conversation. Sally asked Jane why she was at Planned Parenthood. Jane responded that she was there for an ultrasound—she thought she was pregnant and was scared. The woman holding the sign responded, “Don’t go to Planned Parenthood. Go to Waterleaf where you will get a free ultrasound but more importantly, the hope and help you will need.” Sally told Jane “I was pregnant at 18 and I kept my baby, it was the best thing I ever did. Make this the best day of your life not a day you will regret for the rest of your life.” The two embraced. The couple got back into their car and drove across the street to Waterleaf pregnancy center instead!

Join the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force in prayer at Planned Parenthood for pregnant clients to feel God’s care and desire to give life to their unborn babies on Mothers Day weekend. We pray in partnership wit Days for Lifes year- round peaceful prayer vigil for the vulnerable, abortion industry workers, and our cul Saturday, May 7 , 1 : 0 - 2 : 0 pm. Park at Marianos or behind AutoZone and meet on Waterleaf pregnancy resource centers property across from Planned Parenthood Auroras driveway.

Sign up at www. college- church. org/ impact/ sohl to receive SOHL monthly e- newsletter to receive even schedule and life- related news.

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FROM THE EDITOR

NUMBER:NUMBER

If you think about it, there is a story of Jesus at work that is unique to you. Every story is di erent. We are each rescued from some sort of sin disaster, but every story of rescue is di erent. When we tell each other our stories, we see the God of the universe at work.

Keith Bodger wrote his “I believe” story this month, and he has one detail that I love: A few letters followed by number, colon, number. What does that mean?

For as long as I can remember, I knew what a Bible verse reference was. John 3:16 was a sort of shorthand for “For God so loved…”. I don’t know if I read the Bible enough then to realize the systematic nature of it, but I knew the shorthand . A Stephen Langton gets the credit for the numbers and verse scheme our English Bibles have today back in the early 1200s.

Keith had no idea what number, colon, number might mean. A motivational speaker Keith heard wrote a Bible verse in every book at his book signing. His friend had to explain what the numbers even meant.

Virginia Hughess article War and Peace in the Garden of Spring, ( shows Jesus working in both her and the garden in her yard. Poor utility workers—they have never had a more demonic cast than here. I love her phrase “I chased the color of eternity in dreamy blue dianthus- ( and the sunRowers always open to the sun no matter the time of day. And was happy to discover that someone else at College Church planted Love Lies Bleeding.

Every time I read something Virginia writes, I am transported to a place where laughter and Jesus are never far from each other. This is a good place to be.

The quote Anita Deyneka ends her story with puts an incarnational spin on our call to be like Christ. “I am not safe if Ukraine’s children are not safe,” says Nikolai. trust youll enjoy the stories. Oh, yes, the Annual Meeting. Well, theres that, too.

WI L T RI GGS

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I B ELIEV E!

God’s Timetable, My Salvation Keith Bodger Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

—Proverbs 19:21

Ziglar (for those under the age of 50, he was an early motivational speaker). We went and got Zig’s autograph. He wrote on my seminar program, “See you at the top. Zig Ziglar Rom 10:9-10.” On Tom’s, One night during high school, in the Zig wrote Eph 2:8-9. We got home, and early 80s, I was out drinking with friends I asked Tom if he knew what the let when I got the unusual desire to go ters and numbers meant. Tom said he home. I remember driving home and thought they were Bible verses. Tom wondering why I was going home. dusted off his Bible, and we looked up the verses. We had no idea what they meant. We contin ued going to Zig’s seminars and getting his autograph.

Each time there was a Bible verse. We looked up all of them. Still nothing.

Tom and I lost touch with each other in the late 80s when I eventually went to communi ty college. In December 19 0, Tom and I were hanging out again and made plans to go to a New Year’s Eve party at our friend Rhonda’s house. A few days before the party, Rhonda called and said I could come to the party, but Tom could not.

Odd. I asked Tom what we could do My friends continued on and en ded up at a national historic site, where they threwinstead. He suggested going to church. I picnic tables into a river to see if the didn’t have any alternative, so we went to church. It was weird. We broke bread, my friends were arrested. Me? I was at ate food and sang songs. At midnight, we home. My friends couldn’t leave Canada all marched around the sanctuary, hold for a decade or so because of their ing candles and singing, “We’re March record. Me? I started working in the U.S. ing to Zion.” I had no idea what Zion was or why I was marching there. I stayed about eight years later. up until four in the morning with people from the church. We played Trivial Pur suit and the women won (still bugs me).

I woke up at 7 a.m. and was not hung over. said we should go see a guy named Zig A novel approach to starting a New Year.

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I continued visiting the church whenever I was in town, and people at the church told me the gospel and prayed for me.

I was working with corporate attorneys on the application, and they said I would likely not get my green card. Their counsel: “You can’t lie on the application but….” I hired a Christian attorney who also said you can’t lie, and there I also continued going to Zig Ziglar seminars and was were no buts about it. I didn’t lie and I got my green card. given a cassette of Zig’s Christian testimony at a seminar My attorney said that the woman who interviewed me in Hamilton, Ontario, in May 1 9 1 . A few days later, was was the one who was most favorable to me. Count that as working on the construction of a hazardous waste landfill God’s grace. My faith is in God, not in the government or in northwest Oklahoma. t seemed that God lived in its employees.

Oklahoma because so many people there were telling me about Jesus. I listened to Zig’s cassette as I drove to and About 1 5 years later applied for citizenship. Once again, from the construction site. In it, Zig spoke of being in his Have you ever. . ?( Sigh! Once again, had to face being backyard with his son and they saw a shooting star. Zig sent back to Canada. Not that Canada is a hardship. It spoke of how God allowed that meteorite to fall at that wasn’t like I was a refugee from an oppressive government given moment. or war-torn country. But it would involve uprooting my family. I’ll give you an example of a question. Have you METEORITES AND MORE ever been detained by the police or a government? Well, nOctober1 9 1 , drovetoDallas,andTomflewdown,and one night in my teens, I drank too much and was driving. together, we attended a Zig seminar. I spent three days I was pulled over and I knew the officer. He took my keys listening to Zig and others tell the gospel, among other and drove me home. I picked up my keys at the police things. went back to Oklahoma with much to consider. station the next day. Was detained? Yes. Not arrested.

It was on a Monday night, as I drove to the landfill, that Not charged. Likely no record of it ever happening. Have I prayed to the God I did not know and asked him to release I ever? Yes, I have. a meteorite. He did! had been in Oklahoma about five I completed the application, and there were more stories months and had been watching for meteorites and never that I had to reveal to immigration. I was interviewed saw one. More deliberation. My shift ended and I drove by a young gentleman. We were breezing through the home in the dark. said to God, Okay, if youre really real, interview, and he said this was going great. Then he turned send me another meteorite. ( He did! slept during the day the page to the “have you ever” questions. He stopped and got up that Tuesday evening. My head was spinning. and said, Oh. ( He read my stories and said, You are the I knew what I had to do. I knelt at my unmade bed and most honest person I have ever interviewed.” I am now a confessed with my heart that Jesus Christ is LORD and U.S. citizen. that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

A couple years ago, I met up with one of my buddies from Now what? I decided that I didn’t need to quit drinking. the picnic table night. I explained to him how God protected I just needed to stop getting drunk. I can have one or two me, and it was part of God’s plan to send me home early drinks and then stop. On February 8 , 1 9 2 , was out with that long ago Saturday night. He said, Why didnt God friends and had a third beer. I could not stop on my own send me home that Saturday night?( Wow, thats a good strength. I stopped drinking completely on his strength. question. All I came up with was, “Maybe it was so I could For 23 years I went without drinking. Today I can have a tell you this story and tell you about God.” His response? glass of wine or two and stop.

“I would have preferred the direct conversation back then.” But it was time for the conversation now.

HAVE YOU EVER? AfterOklahoma,workedonseveralprojectsinChicagoland God’s plans don’t involve our timetables. It was years later and moved here permanently in January 1993. I met Mel that Rhonda told me why Tom was uninvited to the New not long after, and we were married on October 2 , 1 9 4 , Year’s Eve party—he was having financial problems, and three years to the day after I knelt at the unmade bed in Rhonda was in collections. Just before the party, Tom’s file Woodward, OK. was in the United States on a work visa. came across her desk. She told her boss that she couldn’t After several years of marriage, I applied for a green card. work on Tom’s case, so her boss had to. Her boss was There were a series of “Have you ever” questions on the application. Not, “Have you ever been convicted?” or “Have you ever been arrested?” but “Have you ever...?” I had.

I had to let Mel know of things I did long before I knew her and long before I knew Jesus. And there was the prospect that I could be sent back to Canada.

going to be at the party. Rhonda was protecting Tom, and that’s how I ended up at church.

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VIRGINIA HUGHES

War and Peace in the Garden of Spring

F ACE T O FA CE

a limb covered with scale. I will scrub the limb with dish soap and water to remove the scale and spray bountiful amounts of Neem oil and prune during the growing season, if necessary. It will be a priority to watch. I will not roll over and watch it be consumed. I will fight for my beautiful and fragrant spring friend.

Sowing peace when all around seems cursed and bent to evil is what gardeners are called to do. Miracles happen daily as we tend, serve and nurture the desired seeds and remove unwanted weeds. As Jesus walked, he pointed out plants and trees to describe faith and lack of it. The fig tree, an emblem of Israel, was cursed for having leaves and appearing to bear fruit, but not bearing fruit; and its nation was cursed for keeping up spiritual appearances while not believing in Jesus as the Messiah (read Matthew 21:18-22).

At another time, Jesus stated, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit

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he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)

to trample right through my spring garden after I had waited all winter and plants were finally growing again.

In the beginning of longing for a garden, my youth and energy combined with sparse horticultural knowledge to accept free and cheap plants aplenty. The result was like any other heedless hoarding which created piles of junk plants to get rid of and hours of laborious regret.

I started a mindless war in the garden by hanging out with a collection of undesirables. Regarding plants, problems with them are often a contextual issue. Species that are fine for a wild meadow garden are thugs in smaller spaces. Hardy naturalized varieties took over my fool’s paradise, among them, ditch lilies, field phlox and valerian root. The teeny tiny peppermint plant which began as part of a quaint herb garden aggressively grew into an entire mint patch which smelled fresh, but deep runners for roots took over and had to be strategically eradicated. To bring peace to my garden I became choosier about what to plant.

Yes, they clomped right through it. I slammed through my front door into the yard, frantically waving my scrambled egg spatula, Stop! Dont walk through the garden! Use the sidewalk! ( They had smashed new spring shoots with their giant work boots. As I yelled and pointed, they shrugged, feigned befuddlement, and proceeded on their way to dig giant holes back by the cable boxes.

I furiously ran into the garage. I grabbed folding chairs, rakes and stakes to make a barrier to protect the emerging garden from any more carelessness. I stood guard and scanned the horizon for someone in charge. This person if spotted would relish listening to me screech my complaints. On cue, a dog walker stood on the sidewalk and allowed the dog to come way up into the yard in front of me as I muttered and slammed random garage implements around the perimeter of my garden. The dog sauntered up toward the front picture window and did its business. Great, just great. As the dog owner, not making eye contact, hastily picked up the mess, I thought, “That is what the easement is for, control your pet, ugh.” My thoughts were not peaceful.

I chased the color of eternity in dreamy blue dianthus, Rozanne blue perennial geraniums, true blue bachelor’s buttons, along with daffodils that pop up in the blustery cold and shine brightly on our cloudy, grumpy spring days.

Soon I was sitting at a four-way stop with two other drivers Bleeding heart is an illustration of blood that was shed for when a fourth driver suddenly arrived, paused as briefly love. The story goes that a prince wooed a princess who as a comma and zipped right through the intersection realized too late that she loved him in return. Alas, he was while we other three politely yielded as driver’s ed taught gone, and her heart bled forever with longing. There was us ages ago. “Did you see that rude driver? Not fair and so no peace in the garden for her. But there is another story, dangerous too! ( churned. And this was all such petty stuff where Jesus, the Prince of Peace, suffered and warred with really. How difficult to practice this idea, “Be an instrument his will through prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. He of thy peace. ( m not even a piece of the instrument. gave his will over to his father and allowed his own blood can’t get through a typical morning in a peaceful suburb. to be shed for our sin. Love lies bleeding, an amaranth Not in my kitchen, my garden, my car. Why did think plant, represents his poured-out sacrifice. Jesus was could sow peace? raised from the dead and returned to his disciples and Being met many other witnesses. We are the ones waiting nowa peacemaker involves making peace in the middle of non-peace. And the territory of non-peace is often my with hope for his promised return. own mind. It is easier to speak of peace in broad sweeping Digging into the soil is often a contemplative time. I had strokes of what others should do to make the world been reading about peacemakers and decided to practice a better, more peaceful place. Don’t be greedy world peacemaking for a day. I could certainly smile more and leaders. Stop aggressing on countries that share a border. maybe disarm a few people with unexpected kindness.

Take a breath, count to ten, do not overreact. Can’t we all Fasten your seatbelts because my intent was very shortly just get along? Nope. We are wired to flee or fight, and blown to smithereens. conflict consumes us. I could be more reasonable except “Be a peacemaker, Deet-dee-dee,” I hummed merrily I am not. I could ask the Holy Spirit to quiet my spirit, but along. What a great idea until walked toward theforget kitchen and overreact. Where any two are gathered, there sink stacked up with “not mine,” items. “He-e-e-e-ey, will be conflict. Even in solitude, I have been known to dishes go in the dishwasher! ( chided, noisily pushing sputter aloud or in thought. I rage against the machine, them into the dishwasher’s rack. the system, the curse and, most of all, God. Looking out the front window, I observed the careless feet of a work team laying cable in the neighborhood.

I could see the group cutting through the yard wielding shovels, but wait, no-o-o-o-o, surely, they were not going

Whoever had peace? Did Adam and Eve in the garden for five minutes, or five hundred years before the fall? I vote continued on next page

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continued from page 9

including, “The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” from Philippians 4:7.

for a time closer to five minutes or five months. How much time before the fall? We dont know, but lets not squabble Imagine a seed being planted exactly where it was meant about it. The first brothers mentioned in the Bible did not to be. Our Saviors body was that seed in a tomb waiting get along, and things escalated crazily when Cain killed to crack open and establish resurrection for eternity. This Abel. But getting to peace is not peaceful. Ever since the is the long-awaited spring that will not be held back. Now fall, all that time ago, peace has been enjoyed by mankind is the time to rake up the old dead stuff and get rid of it. for brief periods of time. Always uneasy and unsteady Plant myself better and plant better things in my mind to between major conflicts. An absence of war is not true grow and bear fruit as a living branch of the vine. peace. True peace is not restless, but it will always be I want to be the seed planted in just the right place at the restless on this side of heaven. right time, to open in an explosion of growth, humming But what can be done about our own small territories? and whirring Our with urgency. The sunflower turns its head minds.Whatcanbedonetowardsmoothingoutthesmallest toward the light and follows it all day long. When it stu in front of ourselves, in our own hearts, our kitchens, becomes laden with ripe seeds, it humbly bows its head living rooms and families? Jesus is my hope. Through the and offers the seeds into the ground where some will be power of the Holy Spirit, there are Bible passages to pray eaten, but others will rise again and grow.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

CAROLYN WALTER Photography helps me to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. It trains me to look and analyze light—the quality, direction, temperature/color and amount of light, which is what makes something look beautiful. Capturing the beauty of creation with my camera can be a spiritual practice, an act of worship that celebrates the Creator, the Light of the World.

“For His invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made . . .” ROMANS02:1 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from

MEMOR AL DAY

the Father of heavenly lights . . .” JAMES 1:17 For me, photography celebrates the good and perfect gifts in creation given to us by our heavenly Father.

CAMPING

PHOTOGRAPHY MORN NG HA S BROKEN

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L OCA L L Y SO U R C ED

Reflections on Life in the Pew KARA BETH VANCE

In March, Caring Network put on its first Church Summit, brothers in what may be one of the most difficult seasons gathering pastors and lay leaders from local churches to of their lives and pointing them to Jesus (as we hope they encourage and equip the church to advocate forwould life. We do for us). are united in our belief that all human beings are created Second, Sharon had an abortion. So have other women in the image of God, including the unborn. But not all we worship with on Sunday mornings. The church can’t be Christians, pastors or churches are on the same page silent on the sin of abortion, in part because we need to be about whether we should talk about abortion in our church a place that proclaims the great grace and mercy of God communities. The keynote speaker, John Ensor, made a that he has poured out on us in Jesus. Jesus is who to run case primarily from Deuteronomy 21 that we are not to to for refuge. He doesn’t turn his back on the repentant shed innocent blood, nor close our eyes to the shedding sinner but gathers us in. of innocent blood. Instead, we are to actively intervene.

He shared from personal experience how he had failed to I am thankful that College Church partners with Caring lead in this area in the church he was pastoring. The Lord Network to serve women and families in our community. An convicted him when he learned of a woman in his church opportunity we have right now to partner with them is by who planned to get an abortion but prayed that, if what raising funds through the Baby Bottle Drive. Please return she was doing was wrong, God would send someone to your bottles to the table in the narthex on Sunday, May 8. stop her. Once John started to speak clearly on abortion in his church, it became evident that about one third of his urban church had an experience with abortion. Abortion became the entry point for the gospel, and the gospel itself became precious as more and more people were deeply healed by it—by the forgiveness of God in Christ.

That’s why it is so important to talk about abortion in our church. A Lifeway Study referenced at the summit found that four in ten women who have had an abortion were churchgoers when they ended a pregnancy and that seven out of ten women who have had an abortion indicate their religious preference is Christian.

A woman, Sharon, shared her testimony at the event, how she had been in the church when she ended a pregnancy through abortion and wished someone had urged her not to do it. She said, “know that I am sitting in the church pews of every church represented here today.”

I think this is important to note on two levels. First, we are a big church, and our church is full of sinners (aka—us).

We share the pews with women and men who have faced unplanned or unwanted pregnancies (or are facing that now) . We want to be gospel people, who will hear the hardest things from people and will speak the truth of hope and life found in Christ and offer support and encouragement—walking alongside our sisters and

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GL OBA L VOI CES

Standing Strong in Faith from Ukraine Connections invited missionaries to share a story of one person with whom they work, what’s happening in that person’s life and how we can pray for him or her.

PRAY FOR VITALIY SOROKUN FROM KHARKIV, UKRAINE

By Charley and Cheryl Warner On February 28, Vitaliy Sorokun emailed from Kharkiv, “I am writing this from my church basement, where we’ve been taking shelter since Thursday.

We are alive, we’ve made it through five sleepless nights, with explosions heavy and close to us.” He was asking for help proofreading his daughter’s from home as a college freshman in the U.S. and afraid he would never see her

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workers. We were together in Kyiv in September for mena(50 enlisted soldiers and 30 volunteers) listening and pastors conference promoting churches involvement praying with in them. He told us of his exhaustion. Most of global mission. the people are not able to get much rest during these Vitaliy is also regional director for a discipleship training days of war. Sergiy spends his days hunting down food ministry, a university law professor and visiting professor and medicine and any other needs they may have. He at Irpin Biblical Seminary, which was destroyed in March visits civilians who cannot get out and get food. He also by fire from mortar strikes. He came to faith as a university spends much time in prayer with these people. Nighttime student in the early 90s when he was translating for is restless as the air raids keep them in their safe places American missionaries sharing the gospel. Twenty years ago, in their basement. he started New Hope Church in Kharkiv, an international church with many African graduate students. They call him Pastor V.

How to Pray:

• Please pray for extra protection. Last week he drove

to a town in the hot zone and brought back seven Under martial law, men under 60 are not allowed to leave people whom he is now housing until they can find Ukraine unless they have three children under the age of a safer place to be. He was going to receive 20 more 1 8 . We realized that one of us needed to stay alive for people our from that same city. These are all people who daughter, ( Vitaliy told us recently on a Zoom call. So, areAnna staying at his home. Even if just for a short time, has gone to the U.S. to be with Veronica. She walked it is much extra work and more mouths to feed. While across the border into Romania, carrying few belongings we sat around the table with our group in Prague, we and the family’s cat, and was taken to Bucharest to then prayed with Sergiy online. His heart was encouraged. fly to Atlanta. Vitaliy continues his ministry online from a • Please pray for safety and protection and that he city in western Ukraine. He misses his family terribly and would be able to share the hope in Christ as he deals with fear that he may never see them again. ministers in Odesa.

How to pray for the Sorokun family:

• Coping with separation during wartime and renewed hope for the future in the midst of immense loss and uncertainty

• New Hope Church in Kharkiv continues meeting online • Funding and spiritual support for Ukrainian missionaries around the world

PRAY FOR SERGIY FROM ODESA

By Greg and Debby Nichols

MEET NIKOLAI KULEBA

By Anita Deyneka Before I had ever met Nikolai Kuleba, I had heard much about him—a young Christian leader with a promising career in government, who cared most about helping orphans and vulnerable children. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991–when Ukraine became an independent nation—most orphans grew up in state orphanages, were taught communism and it was almost impossible for Christians to visit orphanages or help care for these children.

This last week we spent an evening with our Christian Ukrainian friends. As we were sitting together our friend But in the 90s, that changed as former communist governSergiy in Odesa called my phone. Sergiy is a former ments in Russia and Ukraine were seeking help in caring student from our time at the Odesa Baptist Seminary. He for orphans, with any state orphanages no longer having was one of Greg’s best preachers, when Greg took groups government resources and thousands of children on the of students to the villages to minister in the Odesa region. streets and suffering.

Sergiy began working with street children and in the past years he and his wife have helped older homeless girls Nikolai and eleven other young men cared. One of them acquire life skills. Many of these young women came to said, We shouldnt just be stepping over the children o our way to church. We couldnt help before, but we must Christ and married men from their church. now.” It was Nikolai who prayed, “God help Ukraine to When the war started, he became a volunteer chaplain. be a Ukraine without orphans.” From that time, Ukraine We have been in touch with him over the past few weeks, Without Orphans grew to an alliance of Christians an encouraging him with prayers and gifts that many of you churches across Ukraine, opening their hearts and homes havesenttoourrefugeeaccounttospeci4callysendtohim. to orphans and vulnerable children. They believed that all He called to ask for prayer as he was exhausted. There had children needed the love and care of a family, whether been some bombings at the army barracks near Odesa, being able to remain or be reunited with biological families and 30 soldiers died. Sergiy spent a whole hour with his continued on next page

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continued from previous page

How to pray:

when possible—or regain a new family through foster • Pray for the vulnerable children and for Nikolai and care and adoption. This vision of a caring family for every others who are giving their all to help protect and orphan also ignited organizations such as A Family for deliver them to safety.

Every Orphan, with which serve, and a World Without Orphans Alliance, which helped found.

For nine years, Nikolai served governments of President UPDATE FROM IRPIN BIBLE CHURCH Poroshenko and Zelensky as Ukraine’s Minister of Pastor Vasil reports that Children’s Rights. Now he leads the Christian organization, there is no light, water or Save Ukraine. Since February 24 and the invasion of heat. The church is providing Russian military, he leads a national network of believers food and medicine to people around the clock to help evacuate orphans and vulnerable in need. They are listening children to places of safety away from combat hotspots to the stories and praying inside Ukraine and especially, to bordering countries. with people facing all kinds These teams also help provide food, medical care of trauma. They returned and other humanitarian assistance, coordinating with to Sunday meetings with 50 unchurched people in orphanages, churches, government officials and others. their 4rst Sunday meeting. The number doubled They connect closely with the Ukraine Without Orphans the second Sunday. They are also helping people by network, which includes more than 400 churches and 110 providingplastic4lmforshatteredwindowsandgas national NGOs who are helping to shield orphans and for generators. The have also drilled a well to gain vulnerable children from the ravages of war and protect access to water for drinking and cooking and giving them from trafficking. At this time of great hurt for so people access to washers and dryers to clean clothes. many children, a team of 30 specialists seek to provide They report that the city is 70 percent destroyed. comfort and help, not only in evacuation and survival How to pray: assistance, but also for the suffering and trauma of so many children. Nikolai says that one of the greatest risks • Several of the pastors have been featured in is transporting children from orphanages to places of media. Pray for God to use them in gospel safety—but even when the word “children” is painted in witness, and for them to persevere. Praise for large letters to protect the children, it is not an assurance many people to come to faith in Christ as they of safety from attack by the Russian military. When asked, care for people in the community.

“Nikolai, do you feel safe?” He replied, “I am not safe if Ukraine’s children are not safe.”

M I L E S T O NES

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BIRTHS

DEATHS

Sophia Joanna was born to Zach and Lisa Bastian on April 11. Sophia joins her sisters Isabel and Julia. Her maternal grandparents are Greg and Vera Cook, and her paternal grandparents are Bob and Jan Bastian.

Be in pray for Larry, Beth and Liana Muzik as they grieve the loss of Larry and Beth’s son and Liana’s brother, Michael Muzik, who died suddenly mid-April in North Carolina.

Roman Shawn was born to Grant and Faith Garrison on April 9. Roman’s maternal grandparents are Shawn and Mary DeMoss.

Pray for Becky (Mike) Cranmer and family as they grieve the loss of Becky’s father, Modesto Moreno, who passed away April 4 in Elmhurst.

Haddon James was born to Josh and Paige Lawrenz on April 5. His paternal grandmother is Ann Lawrenz.

Pray for Becca (Jon) DeMoss and family as they grieve the loss of Becca’s father, Jeffrey Zlabis, who passed away on March 1 8 in Wheaton.

GL OBA L V OI C ES

Next Steps

for Michael Walker and Trinity Church Central London CURT MILLER After several years of getting to know the leadership of Trinity Church Central London (TCCL), the Board of Missions approved a three-year partnership between College Church and TCCL in September 2020. Located in the heart of London, the church has seen seekers come to know the Lord and has a thriving Persian ministry.

You can find out more here: www. trinitychurchcl. org/ Overthepasteightyears,wehavebeenimpressedbywhat God has done through TCCL. We began this relationship when we got to know Malcolm Riley, lead pastor of TCCL, and his wife, Karis, when they were sent as mid-term missionaries of College Church from 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 7 . They started the work of church planting by themselves. They spent a year reading the Scriptures with people, one on one, and focused on reaching those who had little to no association with a church. Over time, they saw people coming to know and love the Lord, and their church began to grow.

Prior to their ministry in London, Karis attended Wheaton College and was involved at College Church. In 2016, we sentashort- termteamtohelpwithoutreachinLondon.

In 2017, we partnered together to coordinate the London Theology Conference that featured Josh Moody, Dan Block and Jesse Meekins, one of our pastoral residents at the time. There, we were introduced to the associate pastor, David Seckington.

We are glad to report that our partnership with TCCL continues to thrive. Over the past few months, the elders and pastors of TCCL have interviewed and extended a call to pastoral resident, Michael Walker, to lead their ministry to university students as the director of student ministries. The Board of Missions approved Michael as a two- year mid- term missionary that began last month. We are happy to send Michael to serve in this way, beginning this summer.

Michael has been both faithful and fruitful at College Church, and we look forward to seeing what the Lord will do through Michael and TCCL in the coming days.

To begin receiving Michael’s newsletter, please email michaelwalker610@gmail.com

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SI D E B Y S I DE

Annual Meeting 2022

CONGREGATIONAL NOTICE FOR ANNUAL MEETING

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2022-2023 BUDGET:

The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All members are expected to attend the meeting, and we encourage regular attenders to be present as well.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2022-2023 Church Budget approved by the Council of Elders and recommended to the Regular Members be approved.

Please plan to attend these important meetings in the life of College Church.

WHEREAS, Wheaton Bank & Trust extends an operating line of credit to College Church unsecured, interest floating at Prime (interest only on dollars utilized during the year), due 11-4-2022;

***** Information meetings will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 8 p.m. in the fireside area, and on Saturday, May 14, 8 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF OUR LINE OF CREDIT: a.m., in the fireside area.

The agenda will include:

• Receiving the 2022 Annual Report which includes reports from all our ministry leaders (copies of the Annual Report will be available at the Information Tables, beginning Sunday, May 8);

• Voting for the approval of minutes to the 5-16-2021 Annual Meeting and 12-5-2021 Congregational Meeting;

• Electing board and committee members and other elected positions;

• Voting for the members to serve on the 2022-2023 Nominating Committee;

• Voting to approve Capin Crouse as the independent audit firm for fiscal year 2022-2023.

EXCEPTIONAL MATTERS 1. Voting to approve the Church Budget for 2022-2023.

2. Voting to approve the renewal of our line of credit.

3. Voting on a Resolution recommended by the Council of Elders to call Roger Burgess as Pastor of Visitation.

4. Voting on a Resolution recommended by the Council of Elders dissolving the music committee and its removal from the College Church Bylaws.

WHEREAS, The Bylaws of College Church state that when the Regular Members are to vote on any Exceptional Matters at a Congregational Meeting, the text of the resolution upon which the vote is to be taken shall be included in the notice of the meeting. Here are those 4 resolutions:

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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the operating line of credit from Wheaton Bank & Trust be renewed at the same terms through 11-4-2023. ***** RESOLUTION TO CALL ROGER BURGESS AS PASTOR OF VISITATION: WHEREAS, the Bylaws of College Church state that the Senior Pastor shall recommend to the Council for its approval those of his choice to serve as members of the Pastoral Staff.

Persons recommended for such positions, together with their proposed titles, duties, and responsibilities, shall be presented by the Council to the Regular Members for approval if they are to be employed for, or if their employment is to be increased to, more than 20 hours per week and if their employment is expected to last more than two years.

WHEREAS, Pastor Moody has recommended to the Council and the Council is recommending to the Regular Members that ROGER BURGESS be called as Pastor of Visitation; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that ROGER BURGESS be called as Pastor of Visitation effective 9-1-2022 ***** RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COLLEGE CHURCH BYLAWS: WHEREAS, the Bylaws of College Church allow for amendments at the initiation of the Council of Elders; WHEREAS, the Bylaws of College Church state the makeup and responsibilities of the Music Committee as follows:

Section 3. Music Committee

implementing the music ministries and music education of the Church, and sponsoring music events.

(a) Composition. The Music Committee shall consist of six elected Regular Members and a member of thePastoralStadesignatedbytheSeniorPastor, WHEREAS, the responsibilities of the Music Committee were subject to approval by the Council (see XI.3(b)). The relevant and important when the church had only a partPastoralStadesigneeshallservewithoutvote. time music director, but have become obsolete since College Each year, two Regular Members shall be elected to Church has a full-time Pastor of Worship and Music, who serve three-year terms. Members may not succeed with his ministry staff and volunteers carries out these themselvesmorethanonce,unless4llingan responsibilities with excellence, under the leadership of the unexpired term of one year or less.

Senior Pastor; (b) Organization. The Music Committee shall elect its own chair annually. It may enlist the services of other Members to assist it in carrying out its duties. (c) Responsibilities. The Music Committee shall assist the Pastoral Staff designee in planning and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Council recommends approval of the dissolution of the Music Committee and its removal from the Bylaws of College Church, effective immediately.

SLATE OF NOMINEES FROM THE 2021-2022 NOMINATING COMMITTEE COUNCIL OF ELDERS ‘26 David Setran Chad Thorson Brian Wildman BOARD OF DEACONS ‘25 Kolby Atchison Bruce Bonga Scott Bradley Brad Hiben BOARD OF DEACONESSES ‘25 Adrienne Cassel Courtney Graham Ann Lawrenz Elizabeth (Libby) Newton Liz Oster BOARD OF MISSIONS ‘25 Marilyn Enstrom Marilyn Huffman Dave Oster Tim Wang DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE ‘25 Jim Johanik SERVICE & ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE ‘25 Jonathan Larson Katie Nussbaum

MUSIC COMMITTEE ‘25 OPEN OPEN EVANGELISM & CULTURE IMPACT COMMITTEE ‘25 Mark Bodett Paige Cunningham Dave Sohmer Rich Howard (1 year unexpired term) Sarah Lindquist (1 year unexpired term) Elizabeth Larsen (2 year unexpired term) HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE ‘24 Lisa Burlingame Maggie Girgis Sue Haas Terri Penner Nara Sary Anna Walsh ELEMENTARY CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUPERINTENDENT ‘24 Nancy Chase PRESCHOOL BIBLE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ‘24 Sarah Mikolajczyk

DISABILITIES SUPERINTENDENT (9:30 am) Dorothy Nicholson ‘24 MIDWEEK MORNING SUPERINTENDENT (KIDS KORNER) ‘24 Suzanne Shirley MIDWEEK EVENING GIRLS SUPERINTENDENT ‘24 Danika Kelly BOARD OF MISSIONS CHAIR ‘25 Jim Tebbe BOARD OF MISSIONS TREASURER ‘24 Nate Peterson FINANCIAL SECRETARY ‘24 Eric Enstrom LIBRARIAN ‘24 Lisa Kern RECORDING SECRETARY ‘24 Carol Schick

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S ID E B Y S ID E

Meet Roger Burgess CANDIDATE FOR PASTOR OF VISITATION

ROGER’S JOURNEY OF FAITH Thames River in New London. He received early acceptance Roger Burgess was born in Groton, Connecticut, the and was planning on a possible career in the Coast Guard Submarine Capital of the World. The shipyard where (during they the time of the Vietnam War). n March of his senior build submarines is one block down the hill from the year, Roger went to the academy for a series of physical house where he grew up. His parents met at Emmaus exams and failed the vision test. Suddenly, he did not have Bible School in Toronto, Canada, where they studied a college to attend. He had a cousin, who was going to be Gods Word. Upon graduation, they were asked to move a freshman at Wheaton College. Roger had never heard to Connecticut to help in a small church. of Wheaton, llinois, or the college, but applied and was accepted. God was clearly changing the trajectory of his life.

Roger clearly remembers hearing many speci4c Bible He realized 4rsthand the truth of Proverbs 16:9, The heart stories his dad told in dramatic fashion. In the summer of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” of 1957, Billy Graham held crusades in New York City at Madison Square Garden, Times Square and a single event He started as a math major, but after one course of calculus at Yankee Stadium on July 20. Roger and his family had with a brand-new teacher, Roger switched majors from math the privilege of attending the service in Yankee Stadium. to Bible. He couldn’t believe he could get credit for studying For Roger, it was exciting to be in the same place where the Bible, something he did regularly. Later, he changed the Yankees played, and he still has the program from his major to Elementary Education because of his love for that evening. Billy Graham’s crusade in New York City was children. Roger wrote on his student teaching application extended throughout the summer, and on television every that he wanted to teach someday at a school for missionary Saturday night. After watching Graham’s message one children, so he was assigned to student teach at Wheaton Saturday in August, Roger decided to give his heart to Jesus. Christian Grammar School. Once again God was clearly Mr. Graham preached on “don’t be left behind.” Roger directing his steps. He was hired as a 4fth-grade teacher knew that his older sister and parents were Christians, and and seventh-grade soccer and basketball coach at Wheaton he did not want to be left behind but to be in heaven with ChristianGrammarSchool(WCGS)inthefallof1974.

Jesus. Roger talked with his dad, who shared Revelation After five years of teaching with Janet Newlin, they were 3:20 with him, and together they knelt by the red couch married in June 1979. Roger had just completed his in his living room, and Roger confessed his sins to the master’s degree in counseling. In 1981, he also completed Lord and asked God to forgive him. As a 4ve- year- old, that a master’s program in Educational Administration (both major decision set the course of Roger’s life. from Northern Illinois University). In addition to expanding He is thankful that his Plymouth Brethren chapel in Groton responsibilities as school counselor and assistant became a charter member of AWANA clubs. He bene4ted principal, he became a dad. Roger and Janet’s children greatly from additional Scripture memorization, and today were born in 1982 (Andrew, presently a missionary with he still recalls many of those verses he learned in the King his wife in Zimbabwe) and 1984 (Elizabeth, a fourth-grade James Version. Roger was also busy memorizing verses teacher near Grand Rapids, MI). through the Bible Memory Association and through Sunday Through the years, Roger has been responsible for leading school, as well as at his Christian camp experiences. Roger theWCGSchapelprogramaswellasitsmissionsemphasis, and his wife, Janet, have devotions and pray together daily, which has included Roger’s leading eight mother/daughter, which they both consider to be a great way to begin the day. father/son trips to the Dominican Republic during spring In addition, Roger enjoys reading through the Bible. break to help College Church’s missionaries, Vic and Leslie Trautwein and Jeff and Ann VanDerMolen who work with HOW ROGER ARRIVED IN WHEATON Kids Alive, helping at-risk children. June 30 will mark the As a senior in high school, the only college to which Roger completion of Roger’s 48 years of serving God with joy at applied was the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, across the Wheaton Christian Grammar School.

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COLLEGE CHURCH INVOLVEMENT 4. Share in the pastoral care of the congregation, including officiating at funerals.

Roger and his family have been worshiping at College Church for 26 years. They very much appreciate the Bible- 5. To perform other duties as directed by the Pastor of Congregational Care & Family Ministries. centered preaching and the great music which helps them worship and praise God. Roger has helped with the churchs PADS ministry, taking WCGS eighth graders to J. BURGESS’S RESUME ROGER help serve breakfast (students arrive at 5 a.m., bringing the PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE needed provisions for the breakfast) until COV D struck.

1974 – 2022 Roger served as chair of the former Christian Education Wheaton Christian Grammar School ( 4 8 years) Board as well as the Family Task Force, formed in 2008 Administrator: 35 years as Assistant Principal (1987-2022) to determine how to best help College Church families, School Counselor since 1979. relationally and spiritually. As an usher, Roger enjoys Chief Security Officer since 2000. greeting people with a big smile as they arrive to worship Teacher: 2 years of fifth grade, 1 year of sixth grade, corporately. He has also led a monthly missionary prayer 10 years of seventh and eighth grade Mathematics, support group for the last 20 years, where members pray Many years of teaching 8th grade Bible for Jeff and Ann VanDerMolen as well as each other’s needs. Most of the people in the small group have been EDUCATION to the Dominican Republic to better understand Jeff and 1989: Completed Master’s Program in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University Anns ministry. With recent meetings on Zoom ( thanks to Certified in School Administration (K-12) COV D) , the VanDerMolens often join them for their prayer 1979: M.S. Ed. in Counselor Education from Northern time, sharing their prayer requests as the group prays for Illinois University, Certified as a School Counselor (K-12) one another.

1974: B. A. in Elementary Education from Wheaton Onceapprovedaspastorofvisitation,Rogerlooks College, forward Included six weeks of study overseas (five weeks in Israel and one week in Greece and Italy) to building relationships with and spending quality time with the seniors of College Church. God has gifted him with a wonderful ability to reach out to people of all ages CERTIFICATES/ENDORSEMENTS with words of encouragement and biblical truths. His Association of Christian Schools International: 4-27-87 Teaching: Professional/Elementary years of ministry at Wheaton Christian Grammar School Endorsements: Bible have helped him develop people skills and learn not only 8-10-90 Administrative: Professional/Elementary how to relate to families daily, but also how to help them in times of family crisis, while totally leaning on God for CHURCH INVOLVEMENT wisdom and strength, and “doing all to the glory of God.” Served on the Board of Christian Education at College (1 Corinthians 10:31) Church (2006-2008, 2012-2015).

Chaired the Task Force on Families (as assigned by the Council of Elders, January-November 2008).

JOB DESCRIPTION Supervised WCGS eighth graders as they served breakfast at Job Title: Pastor of Visitation (25 hrs.)

PADS (on behalf of College Church) since September 1996 Reporting: Reports to and is under the direct supervision until COV D. of the Pastor of Congregational Care & Family Ministries Leads small group (VanDerMolen Prayer Support Team) and is accountable to the Council of Elders. once/month since June 2002.

Primary Objective: To help provide care for those in need Has been to the Dominican Republic nine times (06, 11, within our congregation, with particular emphasis on 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22) to work with College visitation, crisis and chronic care situations.

Church missionaries Jeff & Ann VanDerMolen and Vic & Principal Duties: Leslie Trautwein.

1. Assist in the overall care of the congregation which includes: Preached on Sunday mornings in the DR (3 times). a. Visitation Serves as an usher and a member of the LST. b. Crisis care management c. Long-term chronic care PERSONAL d. Hospital and on-call responsibilities Birthdate: May 19, 1952 e. Pastoral counsel (e.g., individuals, couples dealing Marital Status: Happily married to Janet Burgess (6-23-79) with crisis, addictions and long-term issues) Children: Andrew (4-25-82, married to Yolanda; they are 2. Regularly involved in sharing his/her faith and missionaries in Zimbabwe) and Elizabeth (6-29-84) discipling others.

3. Share in the implementation of the four core values and five ministry commitments.

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N E W M E M BER S

Welcome!

JOSUE ALVARADO

LYDIA BENDELE

PLACES LIVED: Josué grew up in PLACES LIVED: Missionary kid who Honduras, went to Texas to study the grew up in Australia and Argentina Bible, and then moved to Chicago. with six siblings, including Esther.

FAMILY: Married to Kristen and they 9 TO 5: Working on a degree in have two children, Zoey and Taya. counseling at Moody Bible Institute PASTTIMES: Enjoys time with his PASTTIMES: Enjoys time with friends family, playing soccer and other and family, sketching and watercolor outdoor activities. He enjoys tacos and reading and new international foods!

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: 20s CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Josué is a pastoral resident serving ministry, small group, serves in the nursery in the area of discipleship with Pastor Josh Maurer. He is in a small group with Luis and Rebecca Orellana and volunteers in JOSH BERG Kids’ Harbor.

FAMILY: Oldest son of Mark and Cheryce Berg, brother to Luke LUKE BARBER and Ryan PLACES LIVED: FromFortCollins,CO 9 TO 5: Software developer at a FAMILY: Has an older brother, three company that works on sports film younger brothers and a younger analysis and recruiting sister PASTTIMES: Enjoys time with friends, PASTTIMES: Luke is a freshman tennis, golf, skiing or anything at Wheaton College. When not outdoors. Also enjoys travel. studying he enjoys running, playing CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: 20s ministry and small group, the piano, any physical activity and leadership in College Group hanging out with friends.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: College Group

KEITH & SUE BURTON

PLACES LIVED: Keith grew up in Texas. Sue grew up in a military family PLACES LIVED: They grew up in the and traveled all over the world. area of Joliet and Wilmette and have FAMILY: Married over 40 years, three been in Wheaton for over 30 years. adult children FAMILY: Have been married more 9 TO 5: Keith worked as a journalist than 40 years and have four adult sons and in public relations as an executive 9 TO 5: Peter works as a 4nancial for more than 30 years. He continues advisor for Wells Fargo; Patricia is to consult and teach. Sue was an retired from teaching at Wheatoneducator for 15 years and is now a homemaker.

Warrenville South High School.

PASTTIMES: Keith enjoys hiking and climbing, reading and PASTTIMES: They both enjoy time with family and their writing. Sue loves quilting and reading. They are both avid hikers grandchildren; Patricia loves to cook, do needlework and read. and dog walkers and enjoy time with their grandchildren.

Three grandchildren in eight months have kept her busy!CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Sue attends Womens Bible Study.

PETER & PATRICIA BAUER

ESTHER BENDELE PLACES LIVED: Missionary kid who grew up in Australia and Argentina; second youngest of seven siblings.

9 TO 5: Teaches at Clapham School PASTTIMES: Enjoys reading, making art, being outdoors and spending time with family CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: 20s ministry, small group

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DICK & KATHY CLANCY PLACES LIVED: Both are from Massachusetts – Dick from the Boston area.

FAMILY: Married almost 40 years, four adult children, two sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law and almost nine grandchildren!

9 TO 5: Dick teaches at Wheaton Academy and will retire this June.

Kathy is a retired nurse.

PASTTIMES: They enjoy cooking and taking cooking classes.

They also belong to the Art Institute and enjoy visiting. Dick is a die-hard Boston Red Sox and Boston College Eagle fan. Kathy enjoys sewing, quilting and knitting.

JUDY COVARRUBIAS PLACES LIVED: Lives in Geveva FAMILY: Judy lost her husband, Victor, in January of this year. They have four adult children.

9 TO 5: Works with toddlers at Kensington School CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Small group, serves with STARS

RUTH DIFFIN PLACES LIVED: Grew up in the Philadelphia area FAMILY: Ruth has three adult children, includingmemberElizabethDizn.

9 TO 5: She is a registered nurse who retired after 50 years of nursing in hospitals, nursing homes and then schools. Now a retired homemaker.

PASTTIMES: Enjoys baking, cooking, spending time with family and trips back to Pennsylvania to see family and friends CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Joint Heirs, Womens Bible Study, Aaron-Hur missionary fellowship, nursery, Helping Hands

COMMUNION AT COLLEGE CHURCH MAY 1

ROD & KATHY DUTTWEILER

PLACES LIVED: Rod and Kathy are missionaries and have been supported by College Church since 1989. They co-founded the East Mountain Leadership Development initiative in South Africa. Rod grew up in Lancaster, New York, as the sixth of eleven children. Kathy grew up in Vietnam and Senegal as a missionary kid. They served in Senegal for 21 years, then in South Africa for eight years.

FAMILY: Have been married over 30 years and have two adult children and two granddaughters.

PASTTIMES: Rod likes to read and write, play the guitar and sing and work around their yard. Kathy enjoys arts and crafts, cooking for family and guests and watching mystery and detective shows.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: They began attending College Church while students at Wheaton College under the teachi of Pastor Kent Hughes and were involved in the college ministry under Dr. Jerry Root.

LINDA JO FOODY PLACES LIVED: Linda grew up overseas as her father worked in international finance in East Asia.

FAMILY: She and her husband, Rick, have three children.

9 TO 5: Linda is a homemaker and homeschooler of her children.

PASTTIMES: She enjoys walks, listening to audio books, puzzles and gardening.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Mom2 Mom, Womens Bible Study, serving in Kids’ Harbor

JACOB & APRIL GOBLE PLACES LIVED: Jacob was born in Germany, where his father was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Jacob served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

April grew up in Colorado and came to faith as a result of a babysitter bringing her to church.

FAMILY: Married in 2000 and have four children.

9 TO 5: Jacob is a business analyst for a bank but has a colorful and varied background in everything from Christian rap to building websites, hosting podcasts, preaching, coaching, law enforcement and more! April is a homemaker and homeschooler.

PASTTIMES: Jacob likes being outdoors in good weather, learning new things, meeting new people, football, track and field, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, boxing, writing and coffee. April loves to read, go for walks and create artwork.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Living in Palos Heights, their involvement is limited right now.

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at the Bookstall NEW BOOKS FOR SPRING

Becoming Who You

Little Pilgrim’s Progress Illustrated

Were Made to Be

by Helen Taylor

Everyday Holiness

by Josh Moody

Wisdom from the Ancients

Blessed

by Bryan M Litfin

of the Book of Revelation

30 Forgotten Lessons from

by Nancy Guthrie

Experiencing the Promise

the Early Church

Surprised by Jesus

by Dane C Ortlund Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels

Oh, The Treasures You’ll Know!

by Dan Olson

The Biggest Story Bible Storybook

Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids

by Kevin DeYoung

by Eliza Huie Help for Parents

Before You Share Your Faith

by Matt Smethurst Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready

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LOOKING AHEAD SUMMER PREVIEW

KMs Wednesday WEDNESDAYS STARTING JUNE 8

6:45-8:15 p.m.

Meet on the Commons Patio ( and Commons Hall West)

Sports Hangout Summer Crew with Kids’ Harbor Registration now open.

WHO: 1 st- 5 th graders

THURSDAYS STARTING JUNE 9

10:30 a.m. to noon Meet in the North Lot Tent

WHEN: 1-3:30 p.m.

KMs Summer Sundays

COST: $5/event

SUNDAY MORNINGS STARTING JUNE 12

Adventure Days JUNE 9: Ready, Set, Action!

JUNE 14: Take 1: Christmas in June

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Meet in the KMs Room

JULY 7: Take 3 : Water Fun ( grades 4 - 5 )

College Group Summer

JULY 26: Take 4: The Finale

Summer Bible Study

JULY 6: Take 2 : Water Fun ( grades 1 - 3 )

TUESDAYS

Spark Studios VBS

STARTING MAY 24

JUNE 20-23

7:30 p.m.

JUNE 27-39

3 2 E. Union Ave. , Wheaton

JULY 11-14: backyard JULY 18-21: backyard

Weekdays this Summer with Middle School Boys & Girls Bible Studies

Run for the Stars

MONDAYS STARTING JUNE 6

JUNE 11

10:30 a.m. to noon Meet in the North Lot Tent

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FINDING YOUR WAY SANCTUARY BUILDING

TUNNEL

TO COMMONS

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THE COMMONS BUILDING

TUNNEL TO SANCTUARY

Commons LL2

CROSSINGS BUILDING Wesley Street

Clapham School

STARS Resale Shop

Toms Price

Front Street

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