PAGE 02 January
Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | 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, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Wil Triggs, director of communications Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Howard Costley, chair | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns | Heinrich Johnsen Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | Davi d Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wild man
332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org
Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the February issue: January 9 For the March issue: February 9 | For the April issue: March 9
was initially sensitized, as a boy scout, to what people can learn about human nature from observing floral and animal nature. He joined the troop his father founded in their Baptist church in Milwaukee when the BSA encouraged churches to use scouting for their own religious, spiritual and moral purposes. His father was scoutmaster, and Wallace rose through the ranks to Eagle Scout to succeed his father as scoutmaster. (He was the first in the Midwest Region to be awarded the God and Country award.) Their troop used Psalm 19:1 as its motto: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (KJV)
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 two-year-old grandson.
serves with the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force and Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee. She homeschools her young sons and teaches violin, viola and performing ensembles at the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College. When time allows, she enjoys working in her garden and admiring historic architecture.
serves at the missions pastor of College Church and enjoys seeing the Lord’s work all around the world. He is married to Jennifer and they have three young children.
is a pastoral resident at College Church, serving in college ministry. He and his wife, Shelby, moved to Wheaton from California this past summer and love their College Church family. In his free time, Richard enjoys reading theology, writing poetry and cooking meals at home.
has been married for 47 years to his wife, Debbie, a truly phenomenal woman. He is vocationally passionate in his career in working with programs that assist low- and moderateincome individuals to become homeowners. The Stojics have been attending College Church since July 2021 and are grateful that it is a place that sees the culture through the eyes of the Bible and not the Bible through the eyes of the culture.
A mostly self-taught photographer, Julie’s primary interest is nature. From the tiny bird to the vast landscapes, she learns about each area and creature she photographs so she can understand and capture their beauty in their habits and habitats throughout the seasons. When not taking pictures, Julie is playing guitar, reading, helping someone or cuddling her dogs.
COVER IMAGE: Julie Turner
Everyone welcome. Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream
Pastor Josh Moody preaching on Mark.
ARTSPACE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT —Around the World Opens Sunday, January 29 – February 26 in Crossings.
ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104F
• TEACHER: Jim Tebbe
• STUDY: The Mission of God in Scripture—Daniel 1-6, signs in John’s gospel, end of Acts after Paul’s arrest, messages to the seven churches in Revelation
• DESCRIPTION: Exploring the mission of God in Scripture through Bible study. There will also be testimonies, information about and prayer for the church in different parts of the world.
JANUARY 1: Family and Jesus , Mark 10:1-31
JANUARY 8: What Do You Want? Mark 10:32-52
JANUARY 15: Religion and Authority, Mark 11:1-12:12
JANUARY 22: Religious Leaders’ Bad Example and a Widow’s Good Example , Mark 12:13-44
JANUARY 29: In Those (Last) Days , Mark 13
Everyone welcome. In the Commons at 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a.m. in C104F
• TEACHER: Bruce Main
• STUDY: Life of Christ
• DESCRIPTION: In-depth study of important times in the life of Christ
GREEK CLASS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room
• TEACHER: Jon Laansma
• STUDY: 1 John
• DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.
LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Commons Gym or join by Zoom in C101
• TEACHER: Teaching Team
• STUDY: Varying Topics
• DESCRIPTION: Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30AM in C104A & C104C
• TEACHER: Doug Moo, Josh Maurer and Felipe Chamy
• STUDY: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
JANUARY 1: NO EVENING SERVICE
JANUARY 8: Sacred Jazz (in the Sanctuary)
JANUARY 15: A Journey to God , Psalm 120
JANUARY 22: A Journey to God , Psalm 121
JANUARY 29: A Journey to God , Psalm 122
• DESCRIPTION: Fellowship and exposition of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, with application to life today
LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104E
• TEACHER: Dan Haase
• STUDY: The Gospel of John
• DESCRIPTION: Appeal of Jesus
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Crossings-Clapham Main Area
• TEACHER: Teaching Team
• STUDY: Varying Topics
• DESCRIPTION: Biblical community for 40s to mid-50s, including: single/married/widowed/divorced. Join us to be encouraged and thrive.
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104B & D
• TEACHER: Neil Wright
• STUDY: Book of Revelation—Young parents are welcome!
KIDS’ HARBOR PRESENTS: THE MARIONETTE PLAYHOUSE: QUEEN ESTHER Saturday, January 21 10–11:30 a.m. in the Commons Come experience hand-crafted marionettes tell the story of Queen Esther and get a behind-the-scenes demonstration of how the puppets work! Free; no registration needed.
KIDS’ HARBOR Marionette Playhouse, January 21, 10–11:30 a.m.
KIDS’ HARBOR God’s Good Design class on biblical sexuality for 4th-5th graders and their parents, January 29, February 5 and February 12, at 11 a.m. Registration required.
SUNDAYS
INCLUSION CLASSES at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
CHILDREN/TEEN STARS: 9:30 a.m. January 8, 15, 22, 29 in C001/C003 Commons Tunnel Level
ADULT STARS: 9:30 and 11 a.m. January 8, 15, 22, 29 in C002 & C005 Commons Tunnel Level
STARS Choir January 15, 22, 29 at 5 p.m. in C002 Commons Tunnel Level
WEDNESDAYS
PRAISE IN ACTION at January 11, 18, 25 at 6:45 p.m. Welsh Hall in Sanctuary building
FRIDAYS
FRIDAY FRIENDS (formerly Buddy Break) on January 20, 6:30 p.m. in Commons Tunnel Level
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN on January 20, 6:30 p.m. in Commons Gym Level
NURSERY (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. (no 11 a.m. nursery on January 1)
BIBLE SCHOOL (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m.— starts January 8.
WONDERS OF WORSHIP “WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service—starts January 15.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH (preschool) at 11 a.m. PRESCHOOL at 5 p.m.—starts January 15.
GOD’S CHILDREN SING (Kindergarten and Pre-K) and CHILDREN’S CHOIRS (grades 1-6) at 5 p.m.—starts January 15.
KIDS’ HARBOR WEDNESDAY CLUBS at 6:45 p.m. —starts January 11. The Wednesday clubs include Pioneer Girls (grades 1-5) and Boys Brigade (grades 1-5). Pioneer Girls 3-4th grade class is full and no new registrations are being taken.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (KM s )
SUNDAY MORNING FOUNDATIONS, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the KMs room
WEDNESDAYS large group gathering, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Crossings East
SUNDAYS at 9:30 a.m. in the Crossings Sunday night Discipleship in the Crossings at 7 p.m. on specific Sundays
WEDNESDAYS from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Crossings—Clapham main space
COLLEGE GROUP
SUNDAYS at 10:45 a.m. in the Crossings Building Gospel Friendships, Shaping Biblical Convictions
HOME GROUPS: Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m. continued on next page
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14: in Commons Hall, 9-10:30 a.m.
This year we’re looking at Matthew 22:35-40, seeking to better understand what it means to love God and how this impacts the way we love our neighbors. Join us in January for warm fellowship as we meet to discuss Rosaria Butterfield’s book, The Gospel Comes with a House Key Even if you aren’t able to read the book, we’d love to have you join in our discussion as we seek together to grow in the area of hospitality and welcome.
Starting Wednesday, January 11
Morning: 9:30-11 a.m. Evening: 6:45-8:15 p.m. We look forward to diving into Luke’s Gospel and seeing the compassion of Christ. We anticipate a joyful and fruitful journey together. To register, visit our website.
LARGE GROUP— Monday, January 23, 9:30-11 a.m. in Commons Hall
MOM’S NIGHT OUT— Monday, January 30, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Shelly Wildman’s house (1118 N Cross St, Wheaton)
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
6:45-8:15 p.m. Commons C002 (tunnel level)
Beginning on Wednesday, January 11 This semester we will study the Gospel of Luke together. Our hope is to cultivate a hunger for God and an ability to handle God’s Word in daily life.
February 4 at 7:30 AM Commons Hall
You are invited to the February 4 Men’s Gathering at 7:30 a.m. in Commons Hall. Enjoy breakfast, hear encouraging testimonies, and cultivate a greater hunger for God’s Word.
JANUARY 8: Narthex
JANUARY 15: Kids’ Harbor
JANUARY 22: Narthex
A class for engaged, pre-engaged and newly married couples that offers a biblical perspective on the covenant of marriage, roles of husbands and wives, finances, intimacy, communication and conflict resolution. This one-day opportunity to meet with other couples is on Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (includes lunch). It also includes three personal sessions with a mentor couple at another time. Registration fee of $35 per couple covers materials and an online inventory.
Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about our history, core beliefs, ministries and what membership means. This one-day membership opportunity will be Saturday, February 4, 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.
Are you new to College Church? If so, come to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, January 22, at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Meet pastors and staff, learn about us and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us!
Join the senior adults (55+) of College Church on Friday, January 20, as we enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by an entertaining program by Jean Kuecher, puppeteer and producer of the Marionette Playhouse, as she presents the biblical story of Queen Esther. Jean comes with her own stage, hand-crafted marionettes, beautiful costumes, sets, lighting and sound! She holds a master’s degree in counseling and guidance and has used puppets to connect with people of all ages. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required by January 17 by emailing keenagers@college-church.org
FROM
This issue of Connections has a focus on church—not just College Church, but our church plants, our church re-launching our short-term missions trips, a report of our Thanksgiving gifts to help the church in other parts of the world, and the place of the local church helping local people through places like Caring Network. These are exciting elements and updates on our efforts as a church as we begin a new year.
But there is also an element of the church and our individual connections to it. Virginia Hughes’ article on Christmas and, shall we call it, the aftermath of faith as we move into the new year. Wallace Alcorn’s wisdom of side-by-side relationship as he sees a goose fall to the ground. Peter Stojic’s story of childhood belief that started not at church, but at a public library. God’s Word transforms. In Peter’s telling of the story, he blesses the church, our church, College Church.
So, as we walk into 2023, may we do so together. There has been much news in 2022 of the shortcomings of church and its leaders. When I read such reports, I ask God to spare College Church from such things. We are not above the fray. It is only by God’s good grace that he will bring us through these times. May 2023 be a year we grow together, unified in purpose and reaching out in fresh ways through mission efforts globally and locally, personally through our witness. Let’s point people to the Word of God, and its power to transform us a people and as a church. Let’s tell the story of Jesus, the gospel good news that so many unknowingly long to hear.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
If you have a story you’d like to share with College Church in 2023, reach out to me. You can call the church office and leave me a message or email wtriggs@collegechurch.org .
It was coming and we knew it would be great. A home baked cookie appeared in our lunch boxes with a little note to remind us the holidays were a mere two calendar pages away. Mom got an early start due to great expectations and our large family. And the kitchen advent was inspiring.
Dates swirled in batches of cookie spirals, while snow-like powdered sugar wafted onto domed tea cakes. Bell, star and angel shaped sugar cookies sported royal icing dotted with itty bitty silver balls and red, green and white colored sprinkles as they dried on baking racks. Rolls of red and white peppermint dough were entwined into candy cane cookies. Then came mounds of creamy fudge: maple, peanut butter, chocolate. Along with dollops of pecan divinity. Also. peanut brittle, caramels and taffy. Mom elevated the kitchen to a performance hall of dessert delights in preparation for the holidays. Always on a tight budget, she purchased extra flour, butter, sugar, baking chocolate and nuts bit by bit many weeks in advance.
Mom ushered us into the kitchen to partake in an atmosphere of fellowship
and bounty through baking and candy making. We grew closer and built endearing memories in spite of ourselves. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Mom would enlist our help to break open walnuts and pecan shells and free the nut meat with special metal tools. We would measure, stir, pour, and roll out dough and candy. She would patiently talk us through mixing quickly and thoroughly or mixing slowly and just right. There were different directions and cooking temperatures for each item and soon we would pull taffy or mold caramels into skinny logs to slice into small pieces, and then wrap each piece up in tiny squares of wax paper.
We took turns reciting our parts for the upcoming Christmas program. Mom asked us questions about anything and taught as we worked. Finally, we were allowed a sample of the treats. Then Mom would squirrel most of the batches away in Christmas tins to be brought out in upcoming weeks to give away or be shared with holiday visitors.
Mom baked apple, pumpkin, zucchini and banana breads which we heartily embraced along with fruitcakes full of
nuts and dried fruits that we children did not favor. Our mother lived in a state of readiness. Our home was clean because she insisted we help with all that too. Getting ready for something important around the corner brought sparkle and purpose to life. Mom had enough treats in her cache that even if the Queen of England rode up on her horse on a winter’s Tuesday, a presentable spread could be immediately launched in the frozen Midwest.
We were raised to know we are infinitely blessed. To someone peering in, there weren’t a lot of visible presents under the tree. We children exchanged names and would scrabble a craft together from the closet bins or bequeath something of our own unto our siblings. An earnest craft from school or church would be wrapped in glitter for Mom. And we would shine Dad’s shoes for free, giving up the valued nickel earned for shining them. Under the tree, there would be a meaningful gift for each of us to unwrap.
One brother received an additional gift for being born on Christmas Day. He blessed Mother by starting labor halfway through a Christmas Eve program she directed while living overseas. He was safely delivered in primitive conditions with the help of a determined nurse, who locked the inebriated doctor out of the delivery room in the wee hours of that Christmas morning. We annually asked our brother if he liked his birthday being on Christmas day and he’d always say something to the effect that it was a total rip off, which won a knowing chuckle from Mom and a round of sympathy from us. Then Mom would appear with a birthday cake and candles which immediately cheered our Christmas brother.
During our gift exchange, we rejoiced at the opening of every gift. Here were new games we would play together, knitting needles and yarn our sister would design into warm scarves and hats for us. An “off limits” chemistry set full of unsafe exploding mixes and beakers designed to awe and entertain. A new book for our eloquent family orator to paraphrase a fresh, exciting story as we washed dishes in upcoming days. An instant camera would capture our celebrations on grainy film. Spiffy, speedy bicycles bought from the police auction would be ridden with glee by all. These gifts were treasured along with feasting around the table and singing around the piano.
During their college years, our older siblings befriended three soccer players from Sierra Leone who couldn’t afford to travel home over break. They joined us for many high-spirited meals. Well ahead of the holidays, Mom anticipated their healthy appetites and hunted down sale prices on extra roasts, hams and turkeys in order to warmly welcome their boisterous company. When it was learned the three guys relished pie for dessert, baking commenced to reveal apple, cherry, pecan and old-fashioned milk pies.
We find ourselves tied to Christmas whether we recall the lovely or difficult memories which resonate differently as we age. As young children we relished and stumbled over reading aloud unfamiliar words in the Christmas story such as, “frankincense,” and “myrrh.” We rehearsed the Christmas story for the church Christmas program, where some of us avoided eye contact with siblings, intent on getting us to giggle and mess up our memorized part.
We knew the Christmas story was for everyone and experienced it enough times to retell it from memory and get a little used to the humble details of Christ’s birth. Yet the harsh truth would always slide in on a sweet, simple song, “Away in a manger no crib for a bed,” which brought protests during family devotions. “It’s so mean!” a younger sister cried about Mary placing Jesus in a manger, “For there was no room for them in the inn.”
There was also the ancient tradition of wrapping a baby in strips of cloth like a tiny mummy, foreshadowing Christ’s death and cloths left in the tomb following resurrection. “I wonder as I wander out under the sky how Jesus my Savior did come for to die?” We speak of his birth, death and resurrection together; always together. He was born to die. We are suddenly thrust right into the truth of the mysteries and saving grace of Christmas.
We are either securely tied to God’s truths or have slipped our moorings and are drifting wildly in deep water. Never too far from God’s love though. He sees us. This Christmas he sees us. We can know him if we open our eyes and ask him to unwrap and soften our stony hearts. He throws lifelines to save and bring us home.
“Mary Did You Know?” Yes, the answer to that song’s question is a resounding yes. She knew a lot. Mary had to carry a full-term baby way over the hills to be born according to prophecy in Bethlehem. Mary’s response to her assignment was praising the greatness of the Lord with her resounding response of “Bring it on, let it be to me as you have said.” For Mary it was about obedience and Jesus tied to her by a cord. The lion of the tribe of Judah roared within her as the Lord looked with favor on his lowly servant. And Mary said, “From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.”
Anna knew and Simeon knew. We may also know and hold the truths of Jesus in our mind and soul. We may tie ourselves to Christ through his grace and our obedience.
As we make eye contact with the new year, may we know Jesus is our rock, the tie and steady mooring. We enter rejoicing as we practice faith and the work of worship in our daily lives. We anticipate his return when we will enjoy together the sweetest feasts of all. And we know it is going to be great.
My immigrant parents divorced when I was three years old, and I was raised by my father as at that time my mother disappeared from my life, and I didn’t see her again until I was twenty-five. Growing up in a single-parent household in the Pilsen area of Chicago—primarily a Catholic neighborhood where divorce was spoken of only in whispers caused me to have an inner sense of illegitimacy. My father was Serbian Orthodox in his
a single parent—began to be frustrated in his personal life and the relationship between us took a downward turn. Being young, I could not discern the many things that affected my father and did not come to at least a partial understanding until I became an adult myself. There had been a political schism within the church over what was perceived as a growing communist influence in the church (remember this was the early 60s) and he had stopped going to church.
Near my home was a branch of the Chicago Public Library which I often went to. Now twelve, I was in my usual habit of perusing the bookshelves for something to read, when I noticed a Bible and my curiosity was piqued. Even though I hadn’t been to church for a couple of years, I knew about the Ten Commandments and had heard references to God from people around me. Sometimes people would add authority to their words with “Jesus said . . . “ this or that. I decided to check out the Bible and give it a read.
religious beliefs. He did not own a car, so we took a four-mile bus ride to the Serbian Orthodox Church every other Sunday. I did not speak Serbian and had only a casual understanding of the language, so the services did not impact me one way or the other. What did leave an impression was the beauty of the icons and the elaborate Byzantine décor.
When I was about ten years old things began to change in my household as my father—who had tried his best at being
I began at Genesis and can’t remember how far I got when the three-week due date came up and I took it back to the library to renew it. The Bible totally captivated me, and I made many trips back to the library to renew it, which was fine with the librarian since there wasn’t a high demand for the book. This went on for three years until I was finally able to buy my own copy of the bible. My first Bible was published by the Catholic Biblical Association, and I bought it at the old downtown bookstore Kroch’s and Brentano’s. I still have it. And since
I wasn’t going to church and didn’t know which church to go to anyway, I came up with a schedule for myself of reading three chapters a night and 15 on Sunday.
I read the Bible over and over and came to understand that God was my Father and Jesus was my Savior. The four gospels had made a lasting impression on me, and my relationship with God and Jesus was real and foundational as I grew throughout my teen years. The verse I always came back to when encountering rough times was John 14:1, “Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” (NIV)
The turbulence that rocked the country in the late 1960s also rocked my high school. In addition to the normal ups and downs of adolescence, I also had no Christian friends. But I always knew God was there for me. One significant experience that made me sure of his presence took place in April 1968, the day after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. That morning, anger and unrest and tension filled the school. About 11 o’clock, the assistant principal announced that school had been canceled and we should all go home. Right. I looked out the window of my shop class to see large groups of students expressing anger and frustration—overturning cars and on the verge of more violence. Not exactly sure of what I was going to do, I gathered my belongings and walked to the main entrance of the school. Outside a huge crowd had gathered in front of the building. I took a deep breath and walked out, hoping to make it to my bus stop.
Amazingly, I walked right down the middle of that unrest without incident. None. No one said a word to me. It was as if God had shut their eyes and they didn’t even see me. Sadly, other students were at the receiving end of the crowd’s angry emotions. I realized in a very profound way that God had been my protector.
Many years have passed since those days. God has replaced those lonely years of lacking so much with a loving wife, four wonderful children and five grandchildren. Although I wasn’t often fully aware of it, God’s Word was a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. One sees so much in hindsight. Meeting my wife, Debbie, at age 19, opened a whole other next step to my faith. I found many new Christian friends and began attending church through which I have learned so much over the years.
All I can say is that my life and experiences have been full of God and his love for me. I see his hand in numerous instances and know his love and care in both the good and difficult places.
Are you weary of elections? Feel like your vote doesn’t make a difference? Well, there’s one place where not only your vote counts, but also your nominations.
Every January the members of College Church are invited to nominate fellow members for elected positions (https://college-church. org/discover/elected-positions/). This is a responsibility and privilege that should be shared by the many, not the few, for the good of the whole.
There are many members among us who could serve, but they are not asked. And they are not asked, because they are not nominated.
Would you prayerfully consider who to nominate? You may be aware of people in your small group, in your pew, in your Adult Community, with underappreciated gifts that would strengthen the body of Christ at College Church if they were nominated, affirmed and supported in service.
Make this an election that matters— to you and to College Church.
A membership mailing with expanded descriptions of each elected position will arrive in your mailbox around mid-January. Completed nomination submissions are due by February 5, 2023. Elections will take place at the May annual meeting.
Thank you.
Allison Bonga
Jay Cunningham
Teri Hiben
Josh Moody
Jeff
OslundBecky Sandberg
Dave SetranThe thud at the eaves puzzled as I read on our third-floor balcony. Then a crashing through the tree. Looking to the ground, I saw a goose lying motionless in a bush. My instinct was to rush down to play the hero, until what I had learned in boy scouts came to mind made me think the better of it. The goose, after a while, began to move slightly and extricated itself. Although now on its feet, it remained otherwise still. After a few minutes, it began to wiggle its wings tentatively. Then a full flap.
This much recovered, it stretched its long neck and let out a sound I had never heard. Though I didn’t understand, I sensed meaning. The goose waddled into the open and repeated its call. Out of nowhere I could see, a second goose swooped directly to its side. Not passing by or just happening upon the scene, the act was unmistakably deliberate and purposeful.
(I use the neuter pronoun because I don’t know the animals’ sex. I want to think the injured is female and the one to the rescue is male and that they are mates. That they are mates is confirmed by some simple research. That they are what I want them to be is, I acknowledge, my preference for no better reason than that I am male, and it makes me feel better. It’s what I would want to do.)
The two geese waddled sideby-side toward the pond. I couldn’t hear any conversation. Neither has hands to help the other, and I recognized no way one could do
anything for the other. They slipped into the pond and paddled out of sight.
I felt comfortably warm about what I saw—privileged. It reassured me about something. I saw nothing the second goose did or could do. It arrived and was just there. But it stayed there and walked alongside the one who needed another at the time when needed.
Sometimes one needs to have another just there—walk alongside and just be there.
Julie was born in Germany, and her family settled in North Carolina where she and her brothers grew up while her father spent his career in the U.S. Army based at Ft. Bragg. Growing up, she immersed herself in playing guitar and taking pictures with her first camera given to her by her parents.
Though not raised in the church, Julie longed to know more about Jesus and began walking to a local church every Sunday as a young girl. After accepting Jesus as her Savior in high school, she was led to do her undergraduate work at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina and Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi where she studied Christian higher education, music and nature.
Julie worked with chronically mentally ill adults in Orlando, Florida before moving to the west suburbs while she was still single to attend graduate school. She thought she would move south again to be closer to her family after grad school, but God had other plans. Julie met her husband, Tim, and they married and made their home in the Wheaton area. They have been members of College Church for over 20 years. She currently provides individual counseling, consultation and training through private practice at locations in DuPage and Kane Counties.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
PSALM 145:5 www.naturegrace photography.com
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. in the Board Room
Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.
JANUARY 4: Jon & Vivi Wickberg, Wycliffe
JANUARY 11: Heather Dyer, A Home for Every Orphan
JANUARY 18: TBD
JANUARY 25: Karen Bradley, Wycliffe
Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Board Room) 12-1 p.m. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: https://bit.ly/3vzdcAz
HANNAH PRAYER FELLOWSHIP Meetings will resume in January.
BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP Meetings will resume on January 18.
AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP Meetings will resume in January.
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.
Curt Miller, missions pastor
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. ACTS 9:31
The vision of College Church is the God centered gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed in us as a church and through us to the world by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. That vision carries over to our consideration of church planting, and we seek to be faithful and fruitful by planting gospel-centered, Bible teaching churches, regionally, nationally and globally, individually or in partnership with like-minded churches and organizations. These churches are to be led by biblically qualified pastors and planted in areas with few to no gospel-centered, Bible-teaching churches.
Our current church planting initiative adopted in early 2021 states: “We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world to plant multiple new churches by 2030 in partnership with likeminded churches and organizations.” Additionally, our desire is for these planted churches to help their communities discover Jesus, grow in their faith and impact the world.
Let’s take a look at where we are in this process.
In January 2021, the Council of Elders vote to initiate planning for a church plant in Atlanta.
• Pastor Zach Fallon approved as the pastor, and he and missionary Steve Krogh are sent to plant Christ Church South Metro Atlanta in June 2021.
• January 2022—Christ Church South Metro Atlanta launches the day of a rare winter ice storm.
• December 2022—Christ Church grows to 103 adult members, along with 56 children
• September 2020—College Church partners with Trinity Church Central London with the hope of seeing a new church planted.
• September 2022—Former pastoral resident Michael Walker is sent to Trinity Church Central London to lead university student ministry and to support the leadership as it looks toward planting a church.
• A new church plant is preparing to launch in the fall of 2023.
And what’s new?
We are excited to share that in the fall of 2022, the Board of Missions and the Council of Elders approved our next international church plant partnership with Hope Church situated in the Wipptal Valley of western Austria and set to formally begin in January 2023. Hope Church plans to launch their first publicly held service on Easter 2023.
Hope Church is in the town of Steinach am Brenner and, currently, there are no other evangelical churches within a 30-minute drive of the church. Alex Reindl, the lead pastor, along with his wife, Anna, are Austrian nationals who have a heart to see the rural valleys of western Austria reached with the gospel.
How did all of this come about? This past spring, I was introduced to Alex via email one day, but in the Lord’s providence, I ended up meeting Alex in person the very next week in Europe, where we both attended the 2022 LittWorld conference in Hungary.
Over the course of several months, we became increasingly familiar with Alex. We read though documents pertaining to Alex’s theology, philosophy of ministry and personal history. We conducted online and in person interviews with him. We reviewed his assessment which was completed by the Acts 29 church planting organization. Multiple elders, members of the Board of Missions and pastors and directors interacted with Alex. We came to see clearly the theological and methodological alignment between Alex and College Church. And now we are ready to partner!
Friends, be encouraged. God is at work all around the world, and he is working through you. Despite ongoing challenges to our faith, despite culture becoming increasingly secular, despite Christians being persecuted around the world, the Lord is still saving those who are far from him. He is still calling biblically qualified men into the pastorate. He is
still planting gospel centered, Bible believing churches filled with men and women who love and serve our great God. This is his work, and our desire is for God to get the glory, but we are thankful to be included.
In conclusion, would you pray for this new season of church planting at College Church and for those churches being planted? We remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
God continue to grow his kingdom—for his glory, for the good of his people, and for the sake of those who have not yet experienced the joy of knowing Jesus as Savior.
Do you have a Bible reading plan for 2023?
We invite you to start the new year with God Centered Life for daily Bible readings and devotionals from Pastor Josh. Visit godcenteredlife. org to sign up. You’ll also find out how to hear the daily broadcasts as well as other resources there.
Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.
godcenteredlife.org
If you talk to any number of long-term missionaries, they are likely to tell you that their journey to overseas ministry started with a short-term trip. Not all, but many.
And if short-term trip participants don’t pursue missionary service, many will tell you that the opportunity expanded their worldview to a biblical one. They will tell you of the people they met who love Jesus, or of those with whom they had opportunity to share about Jesus and the gospel. They will share about the exciting ways that they saw God working in their host country and ministry they visited.
They will introduce you to missionaries and point out how remarkable these individuals are to sacrifice time with family and familiar comforts for the name of Jesus and to humbly do so. All will tell you they received more than they gave.
Whether the outcome of a short-term trip means a calling to serve long-term, a commitment to local ministry, befriending an international student or a refugee or supporting missionaries through prayer and finances, God has a way of maximizing these opportunities to mobilize for his kingdom.
THEY’RE BACK FOR 2023!
Short-term trips have been on hold since the 2020 pandemic, so we are excited to announce that we have several trips planned for 2023. We want you to come along. The invitation is yours: consider taking a next step in your faith journey. Check out the STAMP (adult) and World Impact (high school) trips below. Apply for a short-term trip. Scan the QR code to find more information and to apply.
STAMP Chad
June 8-16
Serving missionaries and their children through MK activities at the annual SIM conference
STAMP Wales
June 10-19
Street evangelism, one-on-one evangelism For singles, couples or families (high school age and up)
STAMP Czech Republic
November 3-12
Evangelism, discipleship—conversational English in the context of Czech junior high and high school classes
World Impact Czech Republic
March 24-April 1 (spring break trip)
Evangelism, discipleship—conversational English in the context of Czech junior high and high school classes
World Impact Dominican Republic June 27-July 4
Work alongside Dominican leaders for the week and College Church missionaries Kyle Bradley and Libbie Casey in sports ministry.
World Impact Spain
July 1-10
Evangelistic campaign—working alongside Spanish nationals, conversational English opportunities through a “Country Festival” and coffee time
January 15
World Impact (high school)
January 31 STAMP (adult) trips
More questions? Contact the missions office at ext. 191.
An update from the Missions Team on the Missionary Christmas and Thanksgiving Eve Offerings.
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” (Attributed to John Bunyan, 17th century English writer and preacher.)
Again, thank you for giving generously and sacrificially. To God be the glory. Even though missionaries and those with whom they serve cannot repay you, we pray that you have a deep sense of fulfillment in this work of global partnership. May the Lord give you great joy in Christ this new year.
Outreach/Ukraine (Warner) $ 10,000.00
Scholarships/DR (Trautwein) $ 10,500.00
Trauma care/Southeast Asia $ 7,800.00 (WATCH)
Bibles for 150 for young $ 2,500.00 students/DR (Trautwein)
Thank you for giving generously to the Missionary Christmas and Thanksgiving Eve offerings. We give, while understanding that we will never be repaid on earth. However, we want you to be encouraged by how the Lord is using you to provide for our missionary family, and for those connected to the ministries of our missionaries.
Because of your generosity, more than one hundred missionary units (individuals or families) received a collective total of $31,034.58 and is given with the encouragement for missionaries to use that gift on something non-work related and refreshing.
Additionally, $45,786 was received to assist with projects around the world, which is our largest Thanksgiving Eve Offering in the past 10 years. As you know, our missionaries are connected to these projects and submit proposals, which are evaluated and approved by the Board of Missions and Council of Elders. Amazingly, we not only completely funded three approved Thanksgiving Eve Offering projects but also funded four more projects, because of your generous support to God’s global work.
Here is a breakdown of the supported projects, including the additional four in italics, and the funds to be sent. Rejoice with us in God’s goodness and his provision!
Bibles for 7th-8th grade students/ $ 1,640.00 DR (VanDerMolen)
Medical expenses for the poor/ $ 7,000.00 Honduras (Blumhofer)
Hosting in-person disability $ 6,346.00 training/Globally (Smith)
TOTAL: $ 45,786.00
We see God’s goodness through Caring Network and praise him for it.
We see his goodness when Caring Network provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, consultations, resources and referrals, as well as support and counseling for post-abortive women and men in our community. We also see God’s goodness as Caring Network provides a gospel witness to those who need the good news of Jesus.
We see his goodness in the records set in Caring Network’s forty-first year as a ministry:
• 57% increase in abortionminded clients
• 105% increase in abortion-minded clients who had ultrasounds
• 1,000 ultrasounds provided
• largest number of abortion-minded clients choosing life resulting in record number of babies saved in the third quarter of 2021
• served the most clients ever in its Restore postabortion ministry
Consider the enormous evangelistic outreach opportunity presented by the pregnancy center-church relationship. As you read the stories we’ve included, you’ll see how God opened spiritual eyes to the humanity of the unborn, assured those in distress of his provision, and drew the hearts of parents to their preborn children. Lifeway Research reported that 43% of women who have abortions were attending church at the time. Let’s partner together to change this percentage by teaching on this discipleship issue in our church, by serving the poor and
vulnerable babies and their families who have turned from considering abortion to choosing life, by sharing our own stories and knowledge to help others, and by reaching our community in Christ’s name to prevent abortions and bring the Lord’s healing to those who have abortion experiences.
Lena was visiting a friend at work, in close proximity to one of our help centers, and shared how stressed she was about a possible pregnancy. Her friend encouraged her to come to Caring Network right away. Crying, Lena walked into the center and was able to receive a pregnancy test at once. During her consulting session, she shared that she was worried about the timing of this pregnancy and the implications it would have on her husband and family. She said, “I want to be happy…I am happy, but I’m worried.” She took the pregnancy test, and it was positive. Her consultant was able to encourage her on God’s timing and finding strength despite not feeling in control. Lena said that she felt a burden lifted and that she really just needed to talk to someone, outside of her family, who would be “realistic” with her. She said maybe this was supposed to happen and left strengthened in her desire to choose life!
Liz came to Caring Network set on aborting her baby. She was recently diagnosed with a medical condition and also had a young child who was born prematurely. She was fearful of the medical implications on her
current pregnancy and had scheduled an abortion for the following week. During her ultrasound appointment, she shared that “it would be harder to move forward with an abortion after the eight or nine week mark.” She was very familiar with fetal development due to her prior pregnancy. Her ultrasound showed a beautiful picture of a second trimester baby. Liz began to cry. She said that seeing the baby move on the screen made her uncertain of moving forward with the abortion. She mentioned her financial concerns about parenting and received resources and support to address her concerns, like our Baby Bank program. Liz brought the ultrasound photos home to her husband and then shared the exciting news that they chose life! She said, “…after the ultrasound I was certain I couldn’t follow through with the abortion I had scheduled.”
When she came to Caring Network, Kari was “almost 100%” set on aborting her baby. She recently gave birth and was not ready to have another child so soon. She was distressed and said, “I never thought I’d get an abortion… but being in the situation changes things.” Kari received pregnancy counseling where she processed her thoughts and emotions surrounding abortion, post-abortion stress, her fears about parenting, and identified what she enjoys about being a mother. When asked how she might feel after an abortion, she cried. Kari also said that she “used to be” a Christian. Her pregnancy consultant shared the gospel with her and encouraged her to seek the Lord’s comfort and guidance. When Kari returned for her ultrasound a week later, she stated her intent was to go through with the abortion. During the ultrasound appointment her consultant affirmed her strengths and capability to parent. Afterwards, Kari said she would think about it more and talk to the baby’s father. A few days later, Kari reached out and said, “The conversation was hard but it ended really well. We’ve decided to keep our baby! Thank you for thinking of me! You’ve been so great, I’m really glad I’ve been able to talk with you.”
Nancy came to Restore as a safe place to feel and grieve her past abortion experience. She was thankful to journey through the process with group members who understood what she was going through and with insightful leaders who she connected with easily. After the study, she shared “I have spent much of the past 38 years trying to ignore the fact that I had an abortion and stuffing any feelings related to it very deep down. In fact, I made myself stop feeling altogether. During the next to the last lesson, I realized I was holding on to a great deal of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness…As I worked through this with God, I found a huge measure of release. I finally was able to feel and be real about the abortion experience!... I am very grateful to God and to Restore for the freedom
and healing I found during the program. I am hopeful and encouraged I will obtain fuller healing as I continue to process my experience.” If you are suffering from postabortion stress and want to begin your road to recovery, contact Caring Network at Care@RestoreAfterAbortion. com or 630.599.0043.
*These stories were used by permission of Caring Network.
Caring Network shows the love and compassion of Christ, encourages women to turn to Christ, equips abortion-minded women to choose life, and offers access to baby supplies. Caring Network Baby Banks gives baby supplies to women who choose to parent but lack financial resources. Look for the donation crib as we collect diapers (newborn to size 6, partially opened diaper packs also accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, diaper cream and formula.
• January 8—outside the Sanctuary
• January 15—Kids’ Harbor
• January 22—outside the Sanctuary
Families choosing life in our community need our support. In October, SOHL kicked off a year-round initiative to help stock our local baby bank. Scan the QR Code to order from the Baby Bank Amazon Wish List. Select “Church of the Resurrection’s Gift Registry Address” for where to ship.
BEST BOOKS 2022
We asked ministry staff and elected leaders to share favorite books they read in 2022. Here is a partial list. The first were published in the December issue of Connections and all titles will be published at onewordjournal.
You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Robert Wolgemuth
Wonderfully moving stories of how God can and does work through the biggest challenges of live.
A Dozen Things God Did with Your Sin and Three Things He’ll Never Do by Sam Storms
Do you ever question your salvation? Read this book to learn more deeply what God has done for you!
RANDY JAHNS, elder
Strange New World by Carl R. Trueman
The Lord’s Work in the Lord’s Way and No Little People by Francis A Schaeffer
Galatians
by Martin Luther
This is central to Luther’s transformative understanding of grace in Christ. Theodore Graebner’s translation/ abridgement (GLH Publishing) is powerful and lively.
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
Potok has many superb stories of orthodox Jewish young men coming to adulthood. Asher Lev is an artistic
genius who is conflicted between his artistic passions and his orthodox faith.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I’m thankful to return to this delightful story after many years. It truly is a classic.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown
Everything Sad Is Untrue: (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri
Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie
ELIZABETH LARSEN, evangelism and culture impact committee
Faithfully Different by Natasha Crain
ANN LAWRENZ, deaconess
Ten Words
by Jen Wilkin
An in-depth look at the Ten Commandments by one of my favorite Christian writers. As Jen states lawfulness is Christlikeness.
Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God by Tim Keller
I read this book as an accompaniment to my reading of the gospel of Mark this summer.
by Marilynne Robinson
The fourth book in Robinson’s Gilead series addresses racism and inequality and its effect on the lives of Jack Boughton and Della Miles.
A Week In the Life of a Roman Centurion by Gary Burge
First century Capernaum is the setting for this historical depiction of the life of a Roman centurion, his slave Tullus and his encounter with Jesus.
SARAH LINDQUIST, evangelism & culture impact committee
What to Say When: The Complete New Guide to Discussing Abortion by Shawn Carney and Steve Karlen
Very clear, easy read. Appreciated listening to authors answer audience questions https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kCg0nz61NLs
A Church Called TOV: Forming a Goodness Culture by Laura Barringer and Scot McKnight
JOSH MAURER, pastor of discipleship
The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land by Elliot Clark
A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ by Douglas Moo
RICHARD MOOMJIAN, pastoral resident
The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson
SARAH NELSON, deaconess
The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
I enjoy this author. He gives clues to the murder that give him humor, and entertains and helps me be part of solving who the killer is.
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
I enjoy this author. When he passed away, I wanted to enjoy one of his books. McCullough knows how to tell a good story.
JEFF OSLUND, elder
Letters to My Students by Charles Hadden Spurgeon Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Everyday Holiness: Becoming Who You Were Made to Be by Josh Moody
Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson
HARRY ROBINSON, board of missions
Amazed by Jesus by Simon Ponsonby
After 30 years in ministry, Simon Ponsonby found himself asking the question, “Do I love Jesus, or do I just work for him?” Somehow in the midst of faithful and busy ministry he reflects that his awe for the Savior became blurred. This book points us to Jesus in
a refreshing way, and certainly led me to once again be “Amazed by Jesus.”
MELINDA RYNBRANDT, director of women’s ministries
The End of the Christian Life: How Embracing our Mortality Frees us To Truly Live by J. Todd Billings
DAVID SETRAN, elder Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Paul Tripp
An Infinite Journey: Growing Toward Christlikeness by Andrew Davis
Simple Discipleship: Grow Your Faith, Transform Your Community by Dana Allin
With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ by A. Craig Troxel
SUZANNE SHIRLEY, midweek morning superintendent (Kids Korner)
Made for More by Hannah Anderson
You’re Not Enough (and that’s ok) by Allie Beth Stuckey
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
Tanglewood Secrets by Patricia St. John
NANCY SINGER, director of administration and finance
Faith Based Fraud by Warren Cole Smith
Fraud happens all around us, but as Christians, we generally think that it won’t happen in the world of Christ followers. Time and time again, Christian leaders all around us perpetrate fraud against the Christfollowers in their churches as well as in the general public. Reading what has happened in the past can help us prevent such frauds in the future.
CAROL TAYLOR, deaconess
Still Life and the entire Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny
I am one book away from listening to the entire soon to be 18 book series, having just starred in July. I’m hooked!
WIL TRIGGS, director of communications
Do You Pray? by J. C. Ryle
This is the book my small group is studying now—really enjoy our discussion.
Wisdom of the Ancients by Bryan Liftin
Another title I read in community— this time with the summer book group. The Heart in Pilgrimage by Leland Ryken
It’s no fun to hear about an event after the fact. That’s why we’re Introducing Under the Radar. If you know of a local event that includes College Church members or attenders or may be of interest to them, email connections@college-church.org with the details and we may be able to include your event in this space.
6:30PM | Thursday, February 2, 2023. WINDSOR PARK 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream
Daniel Wang showed a special love for music when he was just a toddler and started learning piano and cello from his mother Xi Zhang and his father Jason Wang at an early age. He is now eleven years old, and has won prizes in numerous international competitions including first prize at VI Paris International Music Competition Cello B division, Gold Medal at 2021 International Music Moscow Competition, 2nd Prize at 2021 King’s Peak International Music Competition Cello Division, 2nd prize at 2022 Maestrosvision Awards International Cello Competition, and the Grand prize at Internationaler Deutscher Ronisch- Klavierwettbewerb Divion D.
He is the grandson of College Church members Timothy and Bee-Lan Wang. The concert will include pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Popper and other composers.
All are welcome!
FEBRUARY 11
FEBRUARY 25 7:30–9:30PM Edman Chapel Auditorium
I’m after a time not read on the clock Nor measured or noticed at all It’s leisurely, loiter-ly, a stroll or a walk And as slow as an ant is small.
This time surrounds us at dinner It warms like a laugh heard doors down It centers you, humbles you, nabs you a sinner And adorns every mem’ry with a crown.
I’m after a time for which there’s no pay Where good only settles at the end of each day The place you can go to for hours when old Where the glimmer of childhood shines brighter than gold.
That’s the kind of time that I’m after I feel it, it seems, only once it’s past— Like Christmas or buckling laughter— The thoughts which in life seem to last.
But isn’t that the beauty of ev’ry thought? On occasion you look back and say With friends of old—in joy you’re caught “Ha! I remember that day! She was there—And so was I!” Sweet and soothing as a lullaby And then that thought swoops down to fly And shoots straight up into the sky—
The sun casts down its ray on me And the thought blooms into memory.
Sweetness fills your soul and hence Those old minutes turn to moments.
—Richard MoomjianGrounds Days held three events last year transforming the church properties into well cared for attractive spaces. There were dozens of volunteers that faithfully showed up with energy and servants’ hearts and they experienced tremendous fellowship, a delicious lunch, and the satisfaction of working together to improve the church grounds.
There are 42 landscaping plots on the church properties.
• New this Year – “Adopt A Plot” calling for those who can care for one of the many landscape spaces of College Church. This is a fantastic way to serve and help keep the church grounds beautiful.
• Experienced Gardner Needed to oversee the volunteers for the landscaping of College Church. Do you have the desire to serve by implementing the big picture, love gardening, and working with others who love it too! To find out more please contact Howard Kern (630) 668-0878 ext. 136 or email him at howardkern@icloud.com
• Grounds Days 2023 –
April 1 (Rain Date –April 8) Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Commons for spring clean-up. Boxed Lunch at 12 p.m. Bring a pair of gloves and a servant’s heart— tools provided
Louise Merry was born to David and Trista Fortosis on December 17. Her paternal grandparents are Dave and Carol Fortosis.
Jordan Hajin was born to Sarah Hong and James Lin on December 10 in Garden City, New York.
Jordan’s maternal grandparents are College Church members Hawoong and Sojung Hong .
Samuel Iyanu Sokhem Chiemeka was born on November 19 to missionaries Stanley and Marjorie Okoro who serve in Lille, France. He joins big sister, Norah.
Liam Isaac was born to Jim and Michelle Schmugge on November 7, joining his big sister, Isabella Liam’s maternal grandparents are College Church missionaries John and Elsa Maust.
Pray for Joan Stough and family as they grieve the loss of Joan’s husband, Jim on December 22. A memorial service is planned on Saturday, January 7, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Pray for Ruth Diffin and family as they grieve the loss of her brother Jack, who passed away on December 14 in Pennsylvania.
Pray for family and friends of Tom Johnston, who passed away on December 12. Tom was a College Church evangelist, serving as chaplain with SkyWord Ministries at Midway Airport.
Pray for Karen Bagge and family as they grieve the loss of Karen’s mother, Margaret “Peg” Baasch , who passed away on December 12 in Elmhurst.
Pray for former Missions Pastor Bruce (Becky) Wilson and family as they grieve the loss of Bruce’s father, Keith , who passed away in Ogden Dunes, Indiana, on December 10.
Pray for Annette Strauch and Nathanael Strauch as they grieve the loss of Annette’s mother and Nathanael’s grandmother, Shirley Pagels , who passed away on December 6.
Pray for Elizabeth (“Liz”) Walter and Doug (Carolyn) Walter , as they grieve the loss of Elizabeth’s husband and Doug’s father, Douglas , who passed away on December 4.
FEBRUARY
Friday, February 10 College Church Commons
College Church seniors (55+) will meet for food and fellowship as we watch Martha Mathisen portray Sacagawea (a young Native American girl). Martha has presented programs of “Living History” for many years. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required by February 7 by emailing keenagers@college-church.org
