June 2024

INSIDE

02

PRAYING PSALM 18:

DURING AN AIR RAID IN UKRAINE

Cheryl Warner

Weighted words when on alert.

04

TO PROVIDENCE: IN GOD’S PERFECT PROVIDENCE

Ashley Anthony

A providential rest stop.

06

THE MAP

Alex Lee

Attention: trailhead sign.

10

KINDNESS IN MINISTRY

Richard Moomjian

Goodbye for now.

12

TIME WELL SPENT

John Maust

Come as soon as you can.

20

FATHERS

Thomas Gaenzle

Courageous fatherhood.

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | Felipe Chamy, pastoral resident | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Tate Fritz, pastoral resident | Matt Heaton, pastoral resident | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor Tim Hollinger, technology director | Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism | Ann Karow, human resources director | Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | 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 finance | Wil Triggs, director of communications

Our Council of Elders: Mark Berg | Mark Bradley, vice-chair | Jay Cunningham Steve Ivester | Randy Jahns | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran, secretary | Dave Tweeten | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, chair

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS

ASHLEY ANTHONY

Along with writing for Connections, Ashley has been involved in women’s and children’s ministries at College Church

Her husband, Matt, finishes his pastoral residency in June, and she and Matt are looking forward to their new ministry in Rhode Island

THOMAS GAENZLE

Thomas and his psychologist wife, Linda, enjoy being part of College Church . Retired from crisis counseling, Thomas dedicates his time to writing and gardening

SHERRY KWAN

and her husband, John, are temporary residents of Wheaton as they head to the Middle East The are proud parents of their grown TCs, Sarah and Samuel Sherry is a writer at heart who loves this unique town’s church bells and train whistles that constantly feed her imagination

ALEX LEE

A letter-carrier for 35 years, Alex is counting down the days when he can hang up his satchel in retirement, and take up his pen more frequently   He and his wife, Virginia, are blessed with a daughter and a son, and five grandchildren

JOHN MAUST

John recently enjoyed a six-week stint teaching classes on 1 John and biblical hope in the Forum 15 Adult Community

He and his wife, Elsa, are long-time College Church missionaries, with John serving as president of Media Associates International, and parents of three adult children, John, Natalie and Michelle John enjoys running and a good cup of coffee with a cinnamon roll

RICHARD MOOMJIAN

and his wife, Shelby, have a soon-tobe year-old daughter . Richard finishes his pastoral residency early in June, and will begin serving at a church in the northern suburbs

NANCY TAYLOR has attended College Church since coming with a friend to HYACKs, which also happens to be where she met her husband, Jeremy . She currently serves in Kids Korner and the nursery

KARA VANCE currently serves a mentor with the College Group discipleship team and is actively involved with the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force She works in Wheaton as a financial planner . Kara Beth continues to “count macros” as part of her recent interest in nutrition and weightlifting

CHERYL WARNER

and her husband, Charley, serve with Barnabas International in Irpin, Ukraine . They teach missions students and help churches mobilize and care for Ukrainian missionaries, and engage in gospel ministries at Irpin Bible Church

GOD WITH US ALL THE WAY

WIL TRIGGS | EDITOR

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.

PSALM 59:16

New chapters open up to many of us as summer begins. This issue of Connections helps us consider God as our refuge and as our guide through all of life. The articles in the issue are each writer’s version of singing of God’s steadfast love in diverse circumstances.

Cheryl Warner’s article “Praying Psalm 18 during an air raid in Ukraine,” helps us know what it feels like to live in a country at war. There is much for us to apply even in our quiet western suburban lives. God is guiding our outgoing pastoral resident families along their paths, and two of them provide us with perspectives and updates on their lives and ministries. Let’s remember to pray for them. Alex Lee explores a different kind of road—a map, a way forward and three hikers on the way.

June is also the month of Father’s Day, and John Maust’s touching story of his father in his piece “Time Well Spent” is one to read and to cherish and see God’s good hand at work. Sherry Kwan’s poetic personification of the Sea of Galilee helps us look at the gospel at work in new ways.

Kara Vance’s “Putting Feet to Our Beliefs” recount past participation in the March for Life in Chicago and Springfield, and this year, The Walk for Life in Rockford. We are welcome to walk with her. Nancy Taylor provides us with a Gospel Now update and our Giving Joy column encourages us to consider God’s resources when we have enough. Thomas Gaenzle’s article, “Fathers,” gives pause to sacrifice and sons.

This summer, there are new ministries coming for all of us, new opportunities to grow in Christ and to share the good news with people around us. May God give us eyes to see the summer for witness, and growth in our walk of faith. May it be so.

This is our summer of cicadas as well. We highlight a Glen Ellyn event in our “Under the Radar” column, but it seems most of us won’t have to travel any farther than our own yards or neighborhoods to see or hear these creatures.

Now it’s time for me to prepare for Cream of Wheaton and Summer Kickoff.

Praying Psalm 18

During an Air Raid in Ukraine

Cheryl Warner

Aloud crack jolted me awake at five o’clock on a cool May morning. I’ve heard that bang before. It was the sound of Ukraine’s air defence system doing its job, intercepting a missile in the I don’t always hear the sirens or see the air alarm notifications on my phone, and I don’t obsess about them because here in Irpin we figure we are not the target. It’s surreal how life carries on fairly normally. We go to church, do the shopping, walk the dogs, welcome guests, keep on living and working. Yet we know that nearby in Kyiv, and certainly in the east near the front lines, the risk is far greater. Even if I am not in immediate danger, others are.

Odesa, where we lived many years ago, has been hammered in recent months and doesn’t have the extensive air defenses that Kyiv has. A pastor’s adult daughter and her infant were killed in a missile strike this year. I was in that pastor’s home a few years ago. It’s all very real. So, the sound of an explosion or a siren becomes a call to prayer. Lord, have mercy. Bolster our defenders. Thwart the schemes of the enemy. Comfort the fearful. Protect those in harm’s way. Preserve life. Make it stop.

On that May morning, unable to go back to sleep, I read these words from Psalm 18:

The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. (vv. 46-49, NLT)

These inspired words carry even more weight when an entire nation is on high alert, when every region is lit up in bright red on the map in the air alarm app.

If we never sensed any danger or any need, would we run to God for rescue? If we didn’t need a safe place to hide, would we seek refuge in him? Would we carry on under the illusion that we are in control, self-sufficient, invulnerable?

The psalmist was often under attack, and it drove him to the God who is a refuge. In Psalm 18 the writer expresses his love for God, and then explains why. It’s because of who God is and what he has done.

I love you, LORD; you are my strength.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. (vv. 1-3)

God’s way is perfect.

All the LORD’s promises prove true.

He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the LORD?

Who but our God is a solid rock? (vv. 30-31)

IS IT SAFE?

Living in Ukraine during this time of war, we are often asked, Is it safe?

What is “safe”? And is that the most important question?

We regularly assess risk and security issues with our mission leaders, and we abide by protocols that provide some guardrails.

But we know that nothing in life is risk free, and we do not wish to make an idol of safety or be paralyzed by fear. The bigger question is, Is God calling me to this place? And do I really believe that the Lord my God will go with me wherever I go?

When our daughter was a first-year student at Moody Bible Institute she went weekly with a team to a church in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to conduct Good News Clubs for children. Once she asked me if I worried about her venturing into a place known for gun violence. I told her I prayed for her on those nights, believing one of two things would happen: God would protect her and the children from all harm, or if something terrible happened he would be with her (and all of us) in that moment and beyond. After about six weeks many of those

children began grasping the meaning of the gospel and finding new life in Christ. Such joy! One night the club meeting was canceled because of some circumstances, and that was the night that violence broke out near the church. The Moody students and the children were not in the vicinity.

Sometimes God prevents calamity from striking, as he protected children that night in Chicago. Sometimes he doesn’t. Danger and turmoil threaten us. We live in a world that is groaning under the weight of sin and its consequences, and painful things happen. In those times he is not absent, and he gives us what we need—himself.

Psalm 46 vividly describes this: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear . . . (vv. 1-2, NIV)

When we face turbulent times, when “nations are in uproar” and “kingdoms fall” (v. 6), we are assured of God’s presence and help:

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (vv. 7, 11, NIV)

We are reminded that “he makes wars cease to the ends of the earth” (v. 9). So, we look to him for deliverance, the one with the power to make wars cease and the Father’s heart of compassion to be with us while the battle still rages. He is the one we can count on, far superior to any human power or rescue effort.

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. (Psalm 146:3-5, NIV)

Whether we face war or illness or job loss or relational discord or trouble of any kind, God is the one we run to because he is the Almighty who has power to save. He is “like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13, NLT). He is the loving Father who gives good gifts, who is close to the brokenhearted, who rises to show compassion.

Where is God during an air alert? Incredibly near. Knowing that he is in control, he is good, and he is present, I am compelled to respond to his invitation in Psalm 46:10:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NIV)

This is our God. He is our refuge. May we be still and bow before him in wonder, nestle in the warmth of his embrace, and exalt him in our hearts and among the nations. We can trust him as our strong, kind Father, and he is worthy of our praise.

TO PROVIDENCE In God’s Perfect Providence

ASHLEY ANTHONY

Ten years ago, we traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, certain it would be our home. Everything about the city excited us. The craggy coast and sapphire blue waters spoke to our Midwestern, landlocked souls. From our hotel room, we looked over the tops of the tallest buildings and watched people walking by—people whose names we might one day know. We ate cannoli in Boston, traversed the cliff walk in Newport, and walked the halls of Brown University.

When our plans to move to Providence eventually fell apart, we did too. We didn’t understand how a future could shatter so quickly. Still, some years later, when Providence remained buried somewhere in the recesses of my mind, Matt surprised me. He shared that he thought often of that city—at least once a day. I knew in that moment that Providence wasn’t done with us yet. I didn’t know how or when or even if it would happen, but we put it in the Lord’s hands. His providence wasn’t done with us, either.

Ten years after that first visit, we received a text from a friend we met on our first trip to Rhode Island. The church planting ministry he’d founded was looking for a director of staff development, someone who could help theologically train and support church planters. We prayed. Many of you prayed for us. We wondered. And eventually, we said “yes” to go to New England, one of the most secular regions of our country, to help plant gospel-centered churches.

This summer, Matt will take on the role of director of staff development. He’ll support church planters who serve congregations in really hard, gospel-needy places. He’ll provide theological training for those church planters who might not have access to seminary classrooms. He’ll mentor men with plans to enter the ministry, men in pastoral residencies like this one here at College Church. He will strive with the power of the Spirit to serve the poor.

The excitement our family has is palpable. When we visited Providence in late March, the kids scoured the city for colorful unicorn toys and had hot chocolate with new friends in a coffee shop. We worshiped as a family in an old wooden pew, surrounded by stained glass windows and unfamiliar faces. We walked a fog-drenched shore under the glow of a lighthouse and watched as unbothered ducks rode the rise and fall of the waves.

Yet the excitement is tinged with uncertainty. Many say it will be “hard” when we talk about moving, with New England vying for the title of “Least Religious” in our country. Dependent on the church’s generosity, we’re seeking partners for prayer and financial support for the first time in our lives. And we’re moving farther away from our family in St. Louis, where we both grew up. Despite these odds, what made us say yes?

Matt’s pastoral residency and his participation with missions at College Church gave us the courage we needed to make these steps forward.

And we’ll also take you with us. Each hour you spent teaching our children Scripture or songs, each Sunday morning conversation, each Sunday night sermon. Every encouraging word about participation in Women’s Bible Study and writing for Connections. Each handwritten note that encouraged Matt— keep going—reminded us that we don’t walk these next steps alone. You are some in a great cloud of witnesses, encouraging us to persevere. You are inhabitants of the Palace Beautiful, providing spiritual nourishment to John Bunyan’s spiritually famished Christian. You are Philippi’s Lydia and John Milton’s Eve, inviting us to stay and rest, if only for a short time.

Our time at College Church has shaped us—every one of you has helped shape us. In some ways, we’re different people than the ones who stepped through the sanctuary doors two years ago. And we thank you. We’re praying for you and thankful for our short time here in Wheaton. Blessings to you all.

Please email neuanthonys@gmail.com if you’d like to continue the conversation, or you’d like to be added to our ministry newsletter.

But small is the gate, and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” —Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

A tale of three hikers

THE FIRST HIKER

IIts roar was muffled and announced itself more as a tactile tingle in his ears than as a sound. But the hiker sensed the waterfall, off at some distance, beckoning to him on the trail. The pool into which the water cascaded would be hidden in mist, its perimeter defined not by a gravelly bank, but by the heads of boulders floating in spray and vapor. Ah, one cannot escape it, thought the hiker—all of life is a mist. He was a young man, and already he was halfdead to the world. The air was thick with the pungency of pine needles and moss and rotting bark. This his nose told him, but his mind mumbled meditatively: No, it is decay you detect—

And furthermore, the trees you see do not really stand there—

They are finite trees, scarred with finite rings, and so do not truly exist;

Only the ultimate reality of a tree is worthy of contemplation;

So then, you must seek the eternal Mind to which that unutterable and unalterable tree belongs.

The weather turned freakish—from being quite calm to being ethereal. Now the air was redolent of incense; gone were the woodland smells. Vanished, too, was the forest’s ambient noise; in its place (but not occupying space) issued a mournful hum.

The young man pondered his boots, sunk in the soft undergrowth. Perhaps, after all, it was better to disappear into the ground now, to circumvent decay by embracing it. What did it matter if he never reached the waterfall, to feel the favor of its pelting droplets? The water, coming from miles inland, emanated from a mystery. It was destined to spill uselessly into a sea of meaninglessness.

What was the point of this hike? He felt vigorous and needed neither a walk in the woods nor any special inspiration. But in a moment, he was reminded of his religion’s teaching:

Vigor is the vanity of life; Life is a veil;

The veil must be discarded— Only then can Reality be perceived And the Ultimate Self apprehended.

Without his knowing it (for time itself is deceitful), the hiker had come to the foot of the representational cataract, crashing noisily (but only apparently) before the curtain of his consciousness. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing to behold. And beyond the veil, nothing still—or nothing but the barely audible gnashing of immortal teeth.

THE SECOND HIKER

Its roar was muffled, but even so competed with the pounding of the hiker’s heart. Surely the waterfall was nearby; the map had been accurate so far, and the trail, though not by any means trodden down, was distinct enough for faithful eyes to follow.

He was a young man, and his love of nature had brought him there, to the heart of God’s creation. He recalled the stars he had seen the previous night from the guesthouse’s porch, where the other backpackers had loitered. The sky had offered a public spectacle then, but this hour today, at the spot in the wilderness where the waterfall sang riotously in the shower of its own glee, would be his own private viewing.

Praise God, he thought, almost singing himself, and he allowed himself a moment of reflection.

“Good”?

God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

The young man had simple beliefs, but his vocabulary, nurtured and driven by his expressiveness, had grown verdant and lyrical as a tree—Joyce Kilmer’s tree:

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray…

Good?—the hiker begged to differ— no, creation was stunning, quaint, mellifluous—

And suddenly there it was, the thundering waterfall, God’s idea of a dripping faucet, just exactly where the map promised it would be. The map was right. The map was good. Okay, God was good—in the deepest theological sense. There in the forest, God’s goodness was plain to see. God’s creativity was sometimes tinged with irony, and was often crowned with the wreath of exuberance, but it enveloped anyone, walking barefoot or in boots, who had faith and sense enough to espy the redeemed reality hidden behind the fallen one.

Life, like the forest, was complicated. But the giver of life was true and unchanging. Before him, no matter life’s challenges and vicissitudes, the proper acclamation—whether from the two dozen elders or the four living creatures or the slippery stones themselves, joyous from the waterfall’s continual blessing— was Amen!

THE MAP

ALEX LEE

THE THIRD HIKER

This isn’t just a forest, judged the hiker, it’s an ecosystem. And as such, thought he—a young and modern man—it is vital to all organisms, being an environment in which the evolution of life must proceed without impediment. And life—what was life but a peculiar accident?

The hiker, with gleaming but anxious eyes, surveyed the woods around him. Glad we can all be here—he confessed as much—and the more reason we must preserve the earth.

The hiker was heading for a waterfall about whose fate he was concerned. He had read in an authoritative journal that the falls’ water quality had been compromised by industrial effluent. He had read too that the watercourse’s flow had diminished by some degree, owing to erosion or damming or climate change.

Dams! Impediments, he thought. Though he admitted to being human, the hiker was convinced humanity was an impediment to the flowering of nature. Man was inarguably a part of nature—but was man’s part of a parasitical persuasion? The man saw dams and industry as the enemy, while making made allowance for GPS and paper bags as essential to progress.

The hiker’s heart sank when he considered the woods again. The woods were prey to woodsmen, potential lumber to be processed and assembled into houses and toothpicks and paper— yes, even paper bags. Never mind God— where was the hand of government when you needed it?

The hiker continued on the trail, never asking why, if man was such a villain, he—himself a man—and the government, composed of men and women presumably evil—were in any moral or institutional position to rescue nature. Why, in any case, did nature need saving? Of its own accord, it would in due course end. Why try to stymie the inevitable? Was there perhaps a higher imperative and a higher purpose to existence than that which a mechanistic worldview allowed? A higher power—?

The hiker refused to engage in selfinterrogation.

Morality, as conceived by the young man, was a matter of legislation, determined by whichever political party was in power. Morality served as the handmaiden of science. Therein lay the salvation of nature, and perforce, mankind’s absolution. The forest’s faint, dissonant noises reminded him of his private, and humanity’s collective, spiritual burden. For the young man, though he would have denied it, certainly carried a spiritual

load—the same beatific servitude which had animated pagans and animists in earlier times.

At last, this hiker put down the alltoo-material burden of his backpack, heavy with the weight of bottled artisanal water. He had arrived. He had trekked twenty miles to see this—these endangered sprites: water to worship and to quench the thirst of his dearest earth-mother.

These three hikers had set out on the same trail, through the same woods, seeking the same terminus, but each saw his surroundings differently. At the trailhead was posted a sign, which read: MATTHEW 7:14. Below it, a basket held a sheaf of maps, free to all sojourners—sacred maps, showing the proper route to the holy waterfall, the fountain which satisfies everlastingly.

Or it perhaps the three hikers were really only one person, to whom three or more different experiences of travel were possible. In truth, the trail followed by any hiker varies in its appeal and circuitousness and outcome, depending on the choices, step by step, the hiker makes. In the woods are multiple, intertwining paths—all, without divine guidance, doomed to terminate in dissatisfaction and disaster. Which trail are you on so far?

Best to have a map, the Bible.

Gallery SPOTLIGHT

This month’s Connections features art from the Artisan’s and Crafts gallery show that runs through the first half of the month. This show is a celebration of all things made by hand: from a canoe to dulcimers, quilts, pottery, jewelry, placemats and more, be sure to stop by and see the many beautiful things our churchgoers are creating and sharing with all of us at the ArtSpace as summer begins.

Thanks to all who contributed to this inspiring gallery:

Kathy Bailey

Celeste Barnett

Edward Bouvier

Susie Bouvier

Jill Bryan

Julia Caldwell

Gary Chase

Carole Ehrman

Barbara Elsenheimer

Linda Fallon

David Lagerfeldt

J Marr Miller

Sarah Nelson

Alyssa Smidesang

Brian Smidesang

Eleanor Thomsen

Charles Vittitow

Susan Wing

GALLERY

ARTISANS & CRAFTS

MAY 12 - JUNE 14

Celebrating the beauty and comfort of art made by hand

GALLERY HOURS: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-2 p .m . Also open on Sundays after the evening service

For other opening times, contact the church office at (630) 668-0878 or email artspace@college-church org

GATHERING

A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God

NOTE: New Summer Dates We will be meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month instead of Tuesday during the months of June, July & August

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 at 7 p m in Crossings

May word for the month: Traveler

This month Philip Hossu will be sharing his creative approach to painting We will also listen to an interview with Judi Dench about her creative life in theater

Look forward to seeing you there!

WORKSHOPS

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: BASICS & BEYOND

INSTRUCTOR: Ruth Gregornik

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

9-11:30 a m

Crossings Conference Room

SEATING LIMITED TO: 20

4 more seats added, sign up today!

COST: $5

This workshop will cover techniques of watercolor painting from the basics and beyond, focusing on landscapes and worship inspired by the everyday beauty of God’s world Come away with at least two paintings and the confidence to continue growing in this beautiful medium! Supplies included

PORTRAIT PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTRUCTOR: Meagan Shuptar

SATURDAY, JULY 20

9-Noon

Crossings

COST: FREE

Professional photographer and College Church member Meagan Shuptar will help you get the best shots of the people you love from your cellphone camera .

For more information or to sign up for a workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.

Kindness in Ministry

RICHARD MOOMJIAN

As my pastoral residency here at College Church ends, the Lord has been kind to reveal the next ministry assignment for my family and me. I have been called to serve as the associate pastor at the North Suburban Evangelical Free Church in Deerfield, IL. While many of my responsibilities will be clarified in the coming months, my three areas of pastoral leadership will include regular preaching, pastoral care, and oversight of the middle and high school ministries. We will be living in the parsonage just behind the church and look forward to getting to know this local body of Christ.

As Californians, Shelby and I are excited to live 10 minutes from Lake Michigan and resume the “beach life” we previously enjoyed. We are excited to explore new parks and forest preserves, new restaurants and downtowns, new people and the “north shore” culture. We are excited about navigating the particular ministry challenges and opportunities of living in Deerfield.

We are so excited for what God has in store for us, but we are also grateful for the sweet relationships and lessons God has taught us these past two years. We want to thank you all—this church family—for teaching

us, training us and showing us Christ. Serving alongside Pastor Ben Panner in College Group, I have had the privilege of discipling students, leading the worship team, training interns and preaching. What a gift to be able to minister God’s Word to these beloved students in such an important time in their lives. I’ve also been blessed to counsel and visit congregants, alongside an incredible staff team who loves and serves the Lord so well.

Shelby and I give God thanks for this season here at College Church, for what makes this church family special—you! We are grateful to God for a church that proclaims the gospel so faithfully and unapologetically. Thank you for your love, care and prayers as we have sought to learn from and grow alongside you. You have encouraged us as new parents, supported us as a ministry couple, and shared with us the gospel as well your lives. We will miss you, but we are also glad that we won’t be too far away.

We would so appreciate your prayers as we make this transition. Please pray, first, for continued resolve to serve the Lord faithfully at North Suburban Church. Pray that we would seek to glorify God in all things, serve sacrificially as we ought, and be unashamed of anything taught in

God’s Word. In the middle of ministry pressures, we want to be immovable and steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

Second, please pray for God’s favor as we adjust to a new church home and city. Pray for deep connections and gospel friendships. Pray for evangelistic relationships with unbelieving neighbors. Pray for wisdom and insight into north shore culture and life. We want to be great students of these beloved people and have the biblical wisdom to “become all

things to all people, that by all means [we] might save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22) Finally, please pray for the spiritual growth of North Suburban Church. Pray that the word of Christ would continue to dwell richly in them (Col. 3:16) and they would delight themselves in the Lord (Ps. 37:4). Pray that this local body of Christ would continue to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27) and please God more and more (1 Thess. 4:1). Pray that all the elders and church

leadership would continue to sow the seed of God’s Word and nurture it, trusting God alone to give the growth (1 Cor. 3:6).

It is always a comfort to know that for the Christian, goodbye to a fellow believer is never ultimate. It is always a goodbye for now. And though we will be just forty minutes away, we are grateful to know that we will see you all one day surrounding his glorious, heavenly throne. May God continue his work of salvation in and through his church, to his glory alone!

God Centered Life : Ways to Connect

The heavenly places. What are they? What does Paul mean by that term in Ephesians? You can listen through any podcast app, Spotify, the GCL app, online, as well as through finding a station near y ou. The GCL app is now really clean and simple. And the podcast works seamlessly. Just scan the QR codes below!

OPPORTUNITIES

FOR PRAYER

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 , meets in C101

MIDWEEK PRAYER MEETING: Wednesdays at 7 p m via Zoom

JUNE 5: Vic & Leslie Trautwein, Kids Alive in the Dominican Republic

JUNE 12: J & L, church planting in Asia

JUNE 19: Janet, MK education with Services in Asia for Family Education, out of Wheaton

JUNE 26: World Relief (Keith Draper)

FRIDAY PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: 12-1 p m in the Board Room

AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP will meet on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p m at the home of Eric and Marilyn Enstrom, 1460 Stoddard Avenue in Wheaton (630) 2485016 . Please join us!

BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP welcomes Julie to its meeting on Wednesday, June 19, at 1:30 p .m in the Arts Center at Covenant Living at Windsor Park to update us on the work she and Daniel do in Southeast Asia to support the large team working on Bible translation and related activities for the benefit of people groups in that area Both men and women are invited to visit or join the group as we learn about our crosscultural workers and support a number of them in prayer

GCL APP for Android on Google Play

Time Well Spent

JOHN MAUST

“Johnny, are you awake?”

Iheard my father’s voice and saw him crack open the door to my darkened bedroom. “Would you like to come out for a while?” he whispered.

My stomach made one of those happy flipflops. “Yes,” I said.

So, Dad entered the room and lifted me, his three-year-old son, from bed and carried me to the living room. Mom was taking a night class, and I’d been tucked in early.

There on the couch for a while, I sat on Dad’s lap watching TV in my pajamas with the feet in them. Just the two of us. I felt special because Dad wanted to be with me.

This is one of the first memories of my father, but it typifies what I remember most about him: He spent time with me.

When I was barely kindergarten age, Dad would sometimes ask if I would like to accompany him on his walking mail route. That sounded exciting, and so I went on various occasions.

“Got a helper, John?” Dad’s friends would ask. “You bet,” he would reply. It seemed like everybody in our small town of 3,000 knew and liked Dad, so I felt even more special: Of all the people in town, I was the one that he’d invited to “help” him on his mail route.

Later, when I began playing Little League baseball, Dad would hurry to finish his route early so he could reach the ballpark to catch the end of my afternoon games. “There’s your dad,” the other boys would say, and I would feel a little embarrassed. But as I snuck a glance toward the stands, I felt proud.

In fifth grade, I got a newspaper route. During the week I delivered papers on my bike, but on Sundays, when the paper was especially fat and heavy, Dad uncomplainingly got up at 5 a.m. to take me in the car to deliver the newspapers. He never made it feel like he was doing me a favor.

As the years passed, Dad and Mom watched my school and sports activities (even though I usually warmed the bench). Dad also took me to Chicago White Sox games, even though he didn’t especially like baseball or the two-hour drive to Chicago. (He did draw the line at double-headers, though!)

We played board games together as a family and took long car trips. We laughed together.

Later, when my sister and I grew up and moved away from home, Dad and Mom visited us and stayed in touch. Dad’s affections were never smothering, and he took pains to give us kids our space. But we always knew he would be there if we needed him.

You had the sense that Dad would do anything for you not because you deserved it but because he loved you. Without our knowing it at the time, Dad was giving us a taste of what Christ’s unconditional love is like.

Because Dad spent time and did things with me, I had numerous opportunities to observe his qualities and learn.

Once when we were driving in the country, a farmer alongside the road waved as we passed. I didn’t acknowledge the person. “Didn’t you see that man wave?” Dad asked. “Well, yeah, but I didn’t know him,” I said. “Well, the least you can do is smile,” Dad said.

He wasn’t an extrovert, but he always had a smile and cheerful words for everybody. Relatives of my wife, Elsa, in Peru immediately bonded with my dad despite the language barrier. “Your father is very alegre,” they would say.

In the years when Elsa and I lived in a Miami, Florida, apartment complex, a stern female security guard intimidated visitors who needed her permission to drive through the security gate. One day, when Dad visited us, I saw this hardened woman give him a smile. “Wow, I can’t believe she was friendly to you,” I said.

“Oh, one day when I walked to the convenience store across from the apartment complex, I bought her a cup of Cuban coffee and took it to her,” he said.

Dad had a special heart for people who were down and out. He just did thoughtful things in a matter-of-fact way and didn’t make a big deal of it. Also, I always appreciated how Dad showed his love for Mom. He never put Mom down, and he praised her in front of other people.

Recalling the change in Dad’s life after his lively high school and World War II days, a co-worker at the post office once told me, “There are only two things that can really change the life of a man: Meeting a good woman and receiving Christ. John had both. He met and married Roseanna, and he met Christ.”

The special times Dad spent with me as a father would be replicated in his times as a grandpa with our three children. Asked what he most appreciated about his grandpa, our then grade-school son responded in an instant, “He plays games with me.”

Because Dad was so consistently thoughtful and generous, you risked taking him for granted. Because he was so readily available, so willing to spend time with you, you somehow thought he would always be there.

Now, of course, I know that is not the case. When Dad was battling cancer

in a California hospital, my mother phoned one evening, “John, you’d better come as soon as you can.”

I hurriedly booked a flight for the next morning from Chicago and managed to reach Dad’s bedside just minutes before he passed. That opportunity to tell Dad I loved him, to grip his hand and say goodbye was an invaluable gift from God that I will never take lightly.

As I think about Dad’s last moments before going to heaven, I can imagine him having an experience similar to the one I shared at the beginning of this article.

“Johnny, are you awake?” the Lord said, entering the hospital room. “Would you like to come with me now?”

“Yes,” Dad nodded, recognizing the voice, eager to be free from the pain and approaching darkness.

The Lord lifted Dad from the bed and carried him to heaven, making only a brief stop in northern Indiana so Dad could see the fields of his youth one last time.

Dad felt special because his heavenly Father wanted to be with him. Not for a few moments, but for all eternity.

The Sea of Galilee

Sherry Kwan

A couple of years ago, as I reflected on the stories in the Gospels, I was overwhelmed with these thought-made questions. I imagined the Sea of Galilee with eyes, ears, mind, feelings and a soul that had seen Jesus and witnessed all he did as the Son of Man and the Son of God. This poem expressed my gratitude for my Savior and admiration for who he is in history and today.

Hello, Sea of Galilee!

I have some questions, Would you please answer me?

I thought of you when I thought of Jesus today. First, aren’t you a lake— Why were you named a Sea?

Is it because you’ve seen Jesus, Witnessed what He did—

Teaching the disciples, Speaking to the crowds, Forgiving sins, And making blind men see?

What was He like?

Busy with people from all walks, Tirelessly caring for the hopeless and the poor, Was He loud when He did speak?

Were you also in love with Him like me?

You were there when He healed the lames, You were there when He rebuked the Pharisees, Were you on the side of His followers? Or, stood with His enemies?

When He was tired from ministries, Did you wipe his sweat on the eyebrows, with your gentle fingers of breeze?

What was it like to stare at Jesus walking on water? Or to hold your breath as Peter loses balance— Trying, but sinking into his fear of gravity?

Were you showing off your splashing waves— You scared the disciples on the boat, Yet this God on board they failed to see!

Did you blush when the Creator of Nature rebuked you? Were you then calmed down like a sleeping baby?

Oh, Sea of Galilee, Did you admire Jesus’ power, Or His meekness and humility?

Did you feel the burden He carried? Messiah was on His lonely journey.

How far were you from Gethsemane?

Jesus was betrayed there. He suffered and died as He had told His disciples. On the Cross, He depicted the love of the Holy Divinity. He rose again on the 3rd day- Resurrected!

Jesus’ renewed body gave birth to the hope of Humanity! The suffering Servant Son of God, He is the author of Salvation for Eternity!

Wait, you must have smelled the barbequed fish on the beach, That Jesus roasted for His disciples! Were you surprised by the early morning glee?

Do you miss seeing Jesus?

Oh, Sea of Galilee, You now attract tourists from all over the world. Do the visitors remind you, Jesus’ stories that make up History?

Do you know Jesus lives today? He lives in many hearts of Pilgrims like me!

Oh, Sea of Galilee, Hear me out, please! I wish I were there, When Jesus performed miracles. I’d embrace Him from afar, Tiptoeing behind the crowd, I’d love Him and offer myself, Bowing my soul at His feet.

Oh, Sea of Galilee, How blessed are thee!

You’d seen my Jesus!

Heard His Good News, Perhaps like me, you are forever changed, Being tamed once, and now, Boasting the vision of the Sea!

NEW MEMBERS

PETER & SALLY GIRGIS

Peter and Sally moved from Hyde Park to Wheaton about four years ago and were drawn to College Church by the preaching and children’s ministry Sally stays home with their children, and Peter is a dentist Peter enjoys reading, running, and playing Monopoly with his daughters .

JOEL & BRENDA GOODNOUGH

Joel and Brenda are in the men’s and women’s Bible studies He is a retired doctor and Brenda is a retired nurse . Their adult daughter lives in Winfield with her family Joel enjoys reading, writing and playing golf; Brenda enjoys playing piano, reading, taking walks and spending time with her family, “especially that grandson!”

MATTIE GULLEY

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Mattie is engaged to new member Luke Barber Mattie has been involved in College Group, and she and Luke have served in STARS and Kids’ Harbor She enjoys cooking, and has taught adaptive dance and martial arts to kids and the special needs community

CALEB INMAN

Caleb is from Prescott, Arizona, and came to Wheaton to attend Wheaton College He is studying Bible and theology, as well as philosophy He is involved in the College Group ministry Caleb enjoys reading and spending time with friends

ISAAC “IKE” JORDAN

Ike is involved with the 20s Ministry and serves with Kids’ Harbor and AV tech He is studying graphic design at Northern Illinois University He enjoys crafts, playing games and long walks and bike rides

TONY LAPALIO

Tony is married to Kelly, and they have two children He heard about College Church from some of his brothers at Bible Study Fellowship Tony owns his own business that provides in-person tech support for older adults and seniors .

JONATHAN & LESLIE LINSTRA

Jonathan and Leslie moved here with their four sons from Boston in 2021 . Jonathan currently works in the asset/ investment management industry Leslie grew up in the Seattle area Her family is her first ministry Leslie is involved in the community and her children’s activities

JUDITH MULLINGER

Judi moved to Wheaton a year ago to live with her son She is involved in Women’s Bible Study She is a retired accountant She enjoys visiting with people and praying for her family and those she meets

DUSHYANT (PAT) & KATHY PATEL

The Patels have been married for more than 50 years and have two adult sons They are involved in the Veritas Adult Community Pat was born and raised in a small village in Gujarat, India He grew up as a Hindu until his conversion in 2012 He is a retired MD in diagnostic neuroradiology . Kathy is a retired nurse

FRANK WALCZAK

Frank is the first generation of immigrants from Poland who came to the States after World War II He grew up on the south side of Chicago and has two adult sons He works part-time at Costco He enjoys the cinema, music and time with his family

CHURCH LIFE

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES

Everyone welcome.

Join us at 9:30 and 11 a m

Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a m

You can watch it at college-church org/livestream

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:

JUNE 2: Only Done Our Duty, Luke 17:7–10, Dr Michael Lindsay, president of Taylor University

MORNING SERMON SERIES:

The Book of Chronicles Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching

JUNE 9: The Essential Ingredient to All Real Success, 1 Chronicles 11:4–9

JUNE 16: How to Give Your Life for Something that Lasts Forever, 1 Chronicles 17:1–15

JUNE 23: What Do You Do When You Have Too Much to Do? 2 Chronicles 1:7–13

JUNE 30: How to Find Forgiveness and Healing, 2 Chronicles 7:11–14

SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES

Everyone welcome. at 5 p m

EVENING SERMON SERIES:

Strength in Weakness

Evening Sermons from 2 Corinthians

JUNE 2: 2 Corinthians 13:1–10, Pastor Baxter Helm preaching in the Sanctuary

JUNE 9: 2 Corinthians 13:11–14, Pastor Ben Panner preaching in the Crossings

NEW EVENING SERMON SERIES: Let’s Get Practical from the Book of James

JUNE 16: James 1:1–18, Pastor Josh Maurer preaching in the Crossings

JUNE 23: James 1:19–27, Pastor Dan Hiben preaching in the Crossings

JUNE 30: James 2:1–13, Pastor Ben Panner preaching in the Crossings

SUMMER KICK-OFF

JUNE 2: All-church celebration from noon to 6 p m in Commons parking lot

SUMMER FORUM

Everyone welcome. Sundays 9:30 a m . in Commons Hall

The Word and the World: How the Storyline of the Bible equips us for faithful witness

JUNE 2: The Word and the World: What, Why and How, Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship

JUNE 9: Creation, John Dickson, professor of Biblical studies and public Christianity, Wheaton College

JUNE 16: Fall, Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship

JUNE 23: Redemption Promised 1: Exodus, Andrew Abernethy, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

JUNE 30: Redemption Promised 2: Kingdom, James Seward, director of ministry, Neopolis Network

JULY 7: Redemption Promised 3: Prophecy, Richard Schultz, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

MOM2MOM

JUNE 3: Park Playdate, 9:30-11:30 a .m . at Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn

JUNE 17: Park Playdate, 9:30-11:30 a m at Graf Park, Wheaton

WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Summer provides a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to come together around God’s Word We will provide a six-week study guide on the Book of Psalms, available June 10 in the Commons, for you to meet where and when works best for you .

SHARE YOUR GIFT

Join us for a once-a-month creative event this summer! June 26, July 10 and August 7 from 7:30-9 p m We’ll enjoy a devo, demonstration and hands-on practice in three different art forms (charcuterie, floral arranging and watercolor) Find out more and register on our website ($5/event)

SUMMER BOOK GROUP

Tuesdays, beginning June 4-Aug 6 at 7 p m in Commons Hall

Join us for a chapter-by-chapter discussion of Beauty Is Your Destiny.

JUNE 4: In the Eye of the Beholder; The Beauty of Eternity

JUNE 11: The King in His Beauty; The Beauty of the Trinity

JUNE 18: For the Beauty of the Earth; The Beauty of Creation

JUNE 25: You Are So Beautiful; The Beauty of God’s Image

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)

SUNDAY MORNING

9:30 a.m.: Nursery (0–2) and preschool

9:30 a.m.: KIDS ENTERING GRADES 1–5 are dismissed during the service for Elementary Summer Lighthouse

11 a.m.: Nursery (0–2) and preschool only for children of first-time visitors and Kids’ Harbor teachers

5 p.m.: No Kids’ Harbor programs

SUMMER CREW KIDS’ HARBOR

Discover Days: preschool (fourand five-year-olds)

JUNE 6: 1-3 p m $5/day

“Lost and Found” parables in Luke 15—FULL, sign up for the waitlist

VBS: children entering first-fifth grade, Monday-Thursday, 1-3 p m $10/child . Choose One Week

JUNE 17-20: College Church

JUNE 24-27: Hildebrand home, 4 Winners Cup Circle, Wheaton

ADVENTURE DAYS: elementary students

JUNE 6: 1-3 p m Hello Adventure (grades first-fifth)

JUNE 11: 1-3 p m Adventure— grades four and five only

JULY 1: 1-3 p m Water Adventure— grades one and two

JULY 2: 1-3 p m Water Adventure— grades three-five

MIDDLE SCHOOL (KINGS MESSENGERS)

SUNDAY MORNINGS: Students are encouraged to join their families in the worship services

TUESDAY AFTERNOONS: 2:304:00 p m in Commons Gym— Incoming sixth-grade Bible Study (James 1-5), June 4-July 31

JULY 2: Will not meet Holiday

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: in the Crossings 7-8:30 p m : fellowship, games, snacks, worship and a study of the seven letters in Revelation 2-3 .

JULY 3: Will not meet Holiday

HIGH SCHOOL (HYACKS)

SUNDAY MORNINGS: Students are encouraged to join their families in the worship services

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: 7-8:30 p m in Commons Gym: “Words for the Church,” The Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation

JUNE 5: Fellowship Night in Commons Gym

JUNE 12: Revelation 2-3 in Commons Gym

JUNE 19: Revelation 2-3 at the Jones home, 1N066 Ellis Ave , Carol Stream

JUNE 26: Revelation 2-3 in Commons Gym

JULY 3: Will not meet Holiday THURSDAY AFTERNOONS: 3:30-5 p m in Commons Gym— Incoming Freshman Bible Study (sign-up needed), June 6-July 25

JULY 4: Will not meet . Holiday .

SUMMER COLLEGE GROUP

TUESDAY EVENINGS: 7 p m at 322 E Union Ave, weekly Bible study on the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 1-3

STARS DISABILITY

Children, Adult and MultiGenerational Sunday classes meet at 9:30 only This will be our summer schedule until September

JUNE 15: Friday Family Fun Event—Bowling

PRISON TASK FORCE

Every Saturday our Prison Task Force heads to Stateville Prison for ministry to the inmates there Join them in prayer in the parking lot at 9:10

• Other ways to get involved:

• Commit to pray at home during our services (15 minutes) .

• Pray for the names of men who share requests (10 minutes)

• Help establish a new ministry of weekday, in-person visitation .

• Be a pen pal to help disciple believers behind the walls

Find out more by emailing prisontaskforce@collegechurch org

ARTSPACE

Details on page 9

FACILITIES

Adopt a Plot Special Event: June 12, 6:30 p .m .

The Adopt a Plot gardening community has events throughout the season designed for service engagement that result in breathtaking gardens throughout the summer and exciting opportunities to learn and grow together The first special event is a Hosta Garden Tour at the Bertini House on June 12 at 6:30 p m featuring over 800 varieties of hostas The location is 1S034 Normandy Woods Dr Winfield, IL For more information about the program please contact Henry Parker at heinzparker@gmail com

Under the Radar

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Gebhard Woods Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival

Contemporary acoustic and roots music Concerts, workshops, vendors, children’s area and jams Family friendly and welcoming June 8-9 in Goold Park, Morris, Illinois

Note: this festival features our own Carold Ehrman

www gebharddulcimer org

FREE THURSDAY CONCERTS

The Wheaton Municipal Band’s free Thursday concerts in Memorial Park begin June 6 at 7:30 p m

The band will perform a piece entitled, “The Greatest Generation” in recognition of the 80th anniversary of D-Day All veterans, especially those of World War II are invited and will be recognized at the concert by visiting wheatonmunicipalband org and click on the button “Email GM Steve Klaus ”

MILESTONES

MARRIAGES

Mary Aldridge married Devin Zeugner on April 14 in Geneva, IL. They are living in Huntley. Mary is the daughter of College Church members Brian and Donna Aldridge

BIRTHS

Billy Shay was born on April 15 to Gordon and Sam (Samantha) Cepuran. She joins her big brother, George. Her paternal grandparents are Carl and Marilyn Cepuran. Eliana Ariel was born on April 9 to Nathan and Samantha Cassel. Eliana’s paternal grandparents are Kevin and Adrienne Cassel and her great-grandmother is Carolyn Denning

Katherine Elaine was born to Ben are Charis Ellis on May 21. Katherine joins her big siblings Nora are Samuel. Her maternal grandparents are Bob are Jan Bastian.

DEATHS

Pray for Wendy (Harry) Robinson and family as they grieve the loss of Wendy’s mother, Jean Stinchcomb, who passed away on May 13 in England.

Pray for Lisa (Jon) Laansma and family as they grieve the loss of Lisa’s father, Edward Rysdyk, who passed away on May 12 in Grand Rapids, MI.

Pray for Tallya (Jim) Knippen and family as they grieve the loss of Tallya’s father, Harry Williams, who passed away on May 8 in Wheaton.

Pray for Shannon Klopfenstein and family as they grieve the loss of Shannon’s mother, Sharon Kelley, who passed away on April 30 in Fishers, Indiana.

Pray for Carole (Dennis) Ehrman and family as they grieve the loss of Carole’s brother, Glenn Andrews, who died on April 12 in Geneva, OH.

Pray for Vann Bush and family as they grieve the loss of Vann’s wife, Debbie, who passed away on April 7 in Tennessee.

CICADAS ON PARADE

Downtown Glen Ellyn through August

Embrace the summer of the cicada. Twenty-five hand painted cicada sculptures will line the streets in flowerpots, windows and trees in downtown

Family Container Gardening Saturday, June 15, 10-11:30 a m at St . James Farm

Celebrate Pollinator Week with the whole family by brining a little bit of nature to your backyard Cost: $25 per family To register, visit: activecommunities com or call (630) 933-7248 .

WATERCOLOR EXHIBITION

Philip Hossu

ArtSpace Gathering participant and frequent contributor to our galleries, will have a showing of his watercolors at Kindred Coffee in West Chicago Approximate dates are June 7-26, with a reception on closing night

OUR VISION

2024 INITIATIVES

Vision: “Proclaiming the Gospel”

PATHWAY. We will develop a simple invitational pathway for our gospel ministries: Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith and Impact the World. In 2024, we will continue developing that pathway by emphasizing and enhancing the “on ramps” to College Church in the following ways: 1) promoting Kids’ Harbor as one of the first impressions of College Church, 2) augmenting and strengthening our Front Door ministries, and 3) establishing a culture where our congregants willingly and effectively share our faith.

Rationale: After consultation with a Christian communications company, and surveying the neighborhood, we have discovered that we need to present the distinctive gospel ministry opportunity of College Church more clearly and invitationally to the surrounding community.

COMMUNITY. We will cultivate care, encouragement, and connection in 2024 by: 1) calling a pastor focused in these areas (title to be determined), 2) establishing a permanent CARE team to support congregational care, 3) expanding elder prayer for each member of the church by name, and 4) identifying and training Small Group Coordinators to support all of our Small Group Leaders.

Rationale: After conversations with key ministry leaders, it is apparent we need to increase connectivity between members and attenders of the church through mutually loving and caring hospitality.

DISCIPLESHIP.

We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship by, in 2024: 1) emphasizing and encouraging a renewed focus on discipleship in the context of church family life, 2) providing additional resources for personal disciple making as well as improving awareness and accessibility to them, and 3) offering two churchwide seminars on matters of current importance for being faithful disciples in today’s world.

Rationale: After a churchwide discipleship survey, we have ascertained a growing need for more rigorous and practical discipleship that is coherently coordinated across both small and large groups.

CAMPUS. We will increasingly activate our campus by utilizing the Crossings as a crossover space to reach the community and for student, worship and family space, funded through the Gospel Now Project launched in 2024, prioritizing safety and accessibility upgrades to our parking and other key areas, and studying the highest and best missional use for our portfolio of rental properties.

Rationale: After the Site and Facilities committee’s extensive work surveying the ministry pinch points, it is apparent that we need to develop our ministry space, and we will target the Crossings space.

PARTNERSHIPS. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world by: 1) expanding the scope of our church planting efforts to include planting, strengthening and revitalizing, 2) hosting a prayer gathering for College Church members interested in this work, 3) exploring partnership with one new organizational partner, and 4) seeking to develop one new church partner in each category (planting, strengthening, revitalizing) by December 2024.

Rationale: By partnering with likeminded churches and organizations, and by broadening our scope to include planting, strengthening, and revitalization, we can increase our gospel impact through gospel-centered, Bible-preaching churches.

Fathers

My first few years of crisis counseling taught me inattention to detail can be unforgiving. The school brought a boy to my crisis center for evaluation. Both parents were there, caring and concerned, also anxious and embarrassed, baffled why their son refused to go home. They admitted, “We don’t understand this.” The teachers referred the boy to me because they suspected child abuse but said, “He’s been acting out”. After talking individually to mother, father and son, I did not get an impression of child abuse. The boy privately insisted he loved his parents and feared neither of them. With no background information the boy was a mystery. He remained reluctant to go home with his parents. And I came close to sending them all home.

Then something about the way the boy said “I want my dad” gave me pause. His expression was odd. I kept asking questions, observing him for any familiar pattern. He said little and his words and thoughts stumbled and stopped. Cautious preadolescents are normal. Kids are often uncertain and defensive with adult strangers. But the boy’s answers were more incomplete than guarded, suggesting an unusual type of defensiveness. I had seen this before with adults who were hiding psychosis. At such a young age could that really be the problem? I felt convinced he was hiding something. I asked his folks for more time and stood back and quietly watched the boy as he looked around. His eyes roved, scanning different things to find significance yet his gaze seemed to bounce off surfaces without catching much meaning. As if he felt lost while in a plain room with familiar objects. Psychotic adults often look like this, fading in and out of the real world, frightened and confused. He seemed unsure of everything. As if he didn’t trust the surfaces of things to be real. If this boy suspected a different reality hiding just underneath everything, that reality was as unfriendly as elusive. Paranoia? This seemed more than a basic problem processing information, but difficulty testing reality itself.

Almost embarrassing myself, I asked. “Do you ever hear voices when nobody was around?” His eyes got big, but he said nothing. I insisted softly, “Go on, it’s not weird to admit to something

Thomas Gaenzle

unusual happening. Unusual things happen to a lot of people You can tell me.” More coaxing and questions were needed. Tears started when the truth came out…

“I miss my dad. I love him so much. I wish he could come back.”

“But he’s right there, in the next room. He’s waiting to take you home.”

“That’s not my dad. I don’t want to go home with him.”

“If that’s not your dad, then who is he?”

“He’s a space alien.”

His careful mask slipped, the anguish escaping past. This boy was not joking.

“A space alien? A real space alien?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, my goodness. What will you do about such a thing?” He hesitated. When I remained patient, he said,

“I’m going to cut his throat.”

And now it’s my turn to have trouble talking.

“And when will you do that?”

“Tonight. When he goes to sleep.”

Often a crisis counselor concludes at this point, enough said, he’s homicidal. Just hospitalize. Although enlightened a bit by the boy’s confession –”everything exposed by the light is made clear,” (see Ephesians 5:13)—were things really clear enough? Things partially visible effortlessly sorted to a familiar pattern— check off confirmation bias A or B and smugly move on. But were these facts sufficient to save father and son? A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The unintended consequences of partial visibility is like chancing a dark alley at night. I can’t roll the dice when lives are on the line.

“Why?” “Why do that?”

“I know.” the tears are a flood now, “I know when the fake dad is dead, my real dad will

come back. My real dad will come home then. I miss my dad...” his voice fading away into another, stranger world.

After careful questioning I discovered this boy had been hearing frightening voices for years and nobody had detected his mounting psychosis, his almost complete dissociation from reality. Hallucinations told him strange paranoid stories that filled him with dark delusions. This psychotic combination persuaded him that the person of his real father had been taken, stolen, and replaced by a space alien. He thought his only chance to get back his beloved father was to murder this fraud who looked like his father. This horrible task terrified him, but he felt he must push himself to go home if he could and then sacrifice the life of this strange “alien” father to bring back his real father.

The boy had steadily built a plan to murder his father in his sleep that night. He had a knife hidden under his pillow. The boy feared he didn’t have the nerve to go through with it, but desperate to recover his real father, felt he must kill the imposter. His inner battle made him ambivalent, afraid to go home from school. And I had almost sent him home. This lad was not responsible for his illness or inner torments. After competent treatment the boy was well enough to be welcomed home to his father whom he finally recognized.

Strange story? Unlikely? In one truly strange way the boy was right. There is another reality, a deeper world of purpose just under the surface of ordinary life, and this deeper reality is more friendly, more beautiful, more transcendently wonderful than the mundane world could possibly imagine. Yet, it is no real mystery and has been written down in scrolls and copied by passionate hands countless times. This reality paints a picture of the invisible kingdom of miraculous love. Many a father would sacrifice their life for their child. But would a loving father ever sacrifice his son’s life? Ask Abraham. Ask Jesus…

ANOTHER FATHER

By a courageous act of faith, old man Abraham was willing to sacrifice his miracle son, the promise for generations to come. His blood sacrifice was to be offered to the only real Father, the Creator, the covenant God. Nevertheless, there was a far greater act of courage and faith by a son towards his father. The Divine Son willingly lay down his life as a sacrifice to his Father’s will. He staggered to the place of the skull, to take the judgment due us. This took incomprehensible courage and faith. The inscription above the bloody crown of thorns mocking a naked king was beyond irony into the depth of unsearchable paradox. The source of all light dumped into the unfathomably vast darkness we deserve. The Son’s obedience met a planned desertion, an unmeasurable abandonment with divine purpose. The sacrificial knife struck the Son as he became sin for us, and we were no longer strangers, but suddenly eternal intimates. We became one with our Savior in his payment for sin. One with Him when we too ascend into glorious eternal joy.

The facile complaint that God is callous before a world of suffering, has become almost a truism, an assumption of guilt. The truth is, of course, the opposite. Only God’s Son knew how terrible the judgment was, the bitter cup of trembling he could not beg off drinking in our place, how unutterably horrible the just punishment we deserve, descending on him instead, like a knife of fire from heaven. The little psychotic 11-year-old boy was gravely mistaken that there must be a substitute sacrificed, but the dread of God’s Son was excruciatingly accurate. He knew the measure of sacrifice love required. Still, Jesus Christ pushed forward, gutting himself into the Father’s will—his plan and purpose. Never before, or after, such staggering courage. Does that sound like callousness or unmatched love?

GOSPEL PRAYER

Nancy Taylor

Prayer is an area most of us would like to grow in. My own efforts to improve my prayer life have included reading books on the topic and attempting to follow various recommended systems—notebooks and notecards and journals and prayer walks. Sometimes these techniques worked for a while, but I always ended up back where I started, knowing that I should pray, even wanting to pray more, but not sure how to make my reality match my ideal.

Hope is never found in a system. No regimen can fix our hearts—only God by his Spirit can do that. Of course, on some level the externals, the lists or encouragements or reminders, can be helpful. But ultimately, I think that when it came to prayer, I had two problems: 1) I was relying on a system rather than on God. Each time I was sure that if I just got the right habits in place my prayer life would be transformed—but God is the only one who can transform us. And 2) I didn’t really believe in the effectiveness of prayer. Of course, I said that I did, and I wanted to, but deep down I wasn’t convinced that prayer was essential to my spiritual life. It was obligation or formula rather than source of living water.

My (faulty) logic went like this: If God knows what he’s going to do, what difference will my prayers make? And if my prayers do make a difference (and Scripture says they do), the thing I most want to pray for is God’s will. So then, why should I pray? Why tell God what I want when what I really want is for him to do what he thinks is best? In this vein some people say that prayer is mostly for us, to bend our will to God’s, and there is probably some truth to that. But for me that isn’t a good enough reason to pray. There has to be more to it than that.

This year, finally I’ve made some progress. Here’s what I’ve come to truly believe about prayer:

• We need to pray. If even Jesus prayed, how much more do we need to do it?

• Prayer has an effect—the Bible tells us and shows us that’s true, and I’ve seen it in my own life. We do not pray only to align our wills to God’s.

• The best way to pray effective, God-honoring, good prayers is to root them in Scripture. We need to let God teach us how to pray.

So that’s what I did. I bought a small Bible which became my prayer Bible. I added tabs on various topics (confession, hope, guidance, healing, etc.) and highlighted the verses that would help me pray for those things. I put a Post-it with a list of names and organizations I want to remember to pray for toward the front of the Bible. Each day I now open it to passages of Scripture and pray. Just like that, prayer has become for me a joy, something that feels real and effective. For some people on my list, I have a specific passage I pray for them each day. Of course, I add practical daily requests if, for instance, a child is facing a difficult test or a challenging conversation that day. But the bulk of my prayers are Scripture.

Here are some ways I use Scripture in my prayers

“Lord, help ___ to realize all you’ve done for them and in return offer their body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. Help them not to be drawn into the behavior and customs of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Help them to know your will for them and to believe that it is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Based on Romans 12:1-2)

“Lord, help ___ to taste and see your goodness. Help them to take refuge in you, to find their security in you, and to fear you more than they fear people. Give them all that they need—thank you that they will lack no good thing.” (Based on Psalm 34:8-10)

“Lord, I pray that ___ would know that they have been raised to new life in you. I pray that they would set their sights on the realities of heaven so that is what fills their heart and imagination. Make Jesus seated on his throne more real to them than anything else in life. Help them to be clothed in tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as they interact with their friends today.” (Based on Colossians 3:1-2, 12)

Far from being impractical, I’ve seen many specific answers to these kinds of spiritual, Scriptural prayers. As I see answers to prayer or a person’s needs change, I shift to other passages that seem to match a more current situation.

At some level we need to view prayer as a discipline and create habits to help us do it better. Our humanness dictates the need for lists and regimens, or we will neglect prayer. But I hope (and pray!) that over the next year our church will become a praying church, one that marries our love of the Bible with a habit of praying Scripture. One that truly relies on daily, moment-

by-moment conversation with God to shape our lives. One that believes in the importance of prayer and sees miraculous transformation as a result.

My husband pointed out to me that the Gospel Now Project financial goal is basically our annual budget spread over three years. So, if everyone gave one-third more each year for the next three years, we’d meet our goal. Now, obviously not everyone has the financial resources to do that—although in our family we are trimming the budget to make that possible. But we can all do that in our prayer lives. And that will have far greater Kingdom impact than any building project ever could.

Every great work of God throughout history has begun with prayer. That’s how God chooses to work. This year, will you commit to praying one-third more than you currently do for the gospel to bear fruit in our church and our community? Find a plan that works for you. Find a way to pray Scripture. Memorize the monthly prayers of Paul with your church family. Grab a friend or two and pray together. Join—via Zoom—the prayer meeting on Wednesday night. Pray in the car, while you’re doing some mindless task or on a walk with your spouse. Pray just a little more this year than you did last year and see what God will do.

FEETPUTTING TO BELIEFSOUR

KARA VANCE

The March for Life Chicago had always been held in January because the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States was handed down in January 1973. College Church has been participating as a group in March for Life in Chicago since 2017. There were a couple of years when more than 100 people left College Church headed to Chicago to join the diverse group who stood as a public witness to say that every human life is valuable. We joined thousands of people united from different generations, ethnicities, denominations, religious and secular organizations in this witness to the broader community. March for Life can be an incredible onramp to increasing your engagement in pro-life work. It requires a little bit of sacrifice—most of the day, freezing cold temperatures when we did it in January, and riding in a school bus. People who hear that you participated in a public pro-life demonstration may support abortion and perhaps even oppose what you did as a result.

In June 2022, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision determined there is not a Constitutional right to abortion and allows states the ability to pass laws protecting the unborn—or enshrining it. With the court’s decision, March for Life Chicago changed gears and became Illinois March for Life in 2023. The march’s location was moved to Springfield so that it could be more closely connected with the Illinois legislature as organizers desire to legally protect human life, including the unborn. Frankly, I was discouraged when the march moved to Springfield on a weekday when the Illinois legislators are in session. I thought Springfield was probably just too far to bring people who never participated in a march before, so in 2023, we went to a small rally that was organized in Chicago instead.

This year, on April 17, I decided to travel to Springfield and participate

in the Illinois March for Life. I also wanted to see if the march was feasible for College Church to attend in future years. While other states have put in place legal protections following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Illinois has pursued expanding access to abortion and taxpayer funding for abortions, as well as marketing it to women from other states. Like other marches in Washington or Chicago, there was large Catholic presence and a much smaller Protestant presence. It especially encouraged my heart to see a contingent of more than 100 people from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in addition to all the other folks. It was helpful to hear speakers focused on legislation on the table in Illinois. It was amazing to pray with thousands of Christians for God to move in the consciences of our Illinois lawmakers, that we might see greater protection of unborn human life in this state. I left feeling like there is a lot of work to do, but there are many of us seeking to do it who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are not alone.

On Saturday, June 22, we will take a bus to the Rockford Walk for Life. We’ll meet at the church at 8:15 a.m. to pray together before heading to the event in Rockford that runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bus will return to College Church by 3 p.m. There is no cost to ride the bus, but we do ask that you register at our website at www.collegechurch.org/sohl or scan the QR code. Email sohl@college-church.org with any questions.

It will be good to be together and take a public stand for the value of every human life as all are created in the image of God. It will be encouraging to be with a larger group from different churches and backgrounds who stand together on this. It may also help you to discern a next step for your involvement such as supporting families in crisis and pregnancy resource centers, working towards legal protections for the unborn and increasing your commitment to pray

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

40 DAYS FOR LIFE PRAYER

Saturday, June 15, 1‒2 p.m. Join Sanctity of Human Life Task Force at 40 Days for Life’s year-round peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on Waterleaf pregnancy center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora’s driveway.

CARING NETWORK BABY BANK CRIB

• Diapers (all sizes open packages accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, diaper cream and formula.

• Look for the donation crib Sunday, June 2, outside the Sanctuary.

• For the rest of the month, the crib will be near the reception desk in the Commons. After putting your items in the crib, please place the blanket on top.

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SIGN UP FOR THE 2024 WALK FOR LIFE

Scan this QR code to reserve your free seat(s) on a College Church bus to the 2024 Walk for Life event in Rockford, IL this year. The Kickoff Rally at Rockford City Hall begins at 11 a.m. and we will be headed back to Wheaton from Rockford by 1 p.m. If you plan to drive separately to the event, do not register here, however, we’d love it if you could send us an email at sohl@ college-church.org to let us know you’ll meet us there.

at the BOOKSTALL

SIGHING ON SUNDAY

by Megan Hill

40 meditations of encouragement for those who’ve suffered hurt or sorrows in the church from Megan Hill Find biblical insight and action points that help direct your soul toward loving the church

Bookstall Price: $12

THE RUNAWAY SHEEP

by Sam Olson

Sam Olson creates a charming springboard from the children’s classic The Runaway Bunny. This new picture books reminds kids that the Good Shepherd loves them and always desires to bring them home .

Bookstall Price: $9

NEW MORNING MERCIES FOR TEENS

by Paul David Tripps

Paul David Tripps best selling daily devotional adapted for teenagers This book is meant to give teens biblical guidance and wisdom from Jesus who promises to give new mercies every morning Just enough for each day .

Bookstall Price: $15

BEING THERE

by David Furman

David Furman writes from the perspective of someone who needs a little bit of extra help each day . Now he turns to give advice to those that provide care to those who are hurting

Bookstall Price: $8

Work with us.

Looking for meaningful part-time work at a great workplace? Check out these openings at College Church

• PT Administrative Assistant for Student Ministries-High School (20 hours per week, not seasonal )

• Facilities General Custodian (Two positions available 25 hours per week, set schedule, not seasonal )

Visit the college-church org/job-openings or email Ann at akarow@college-church org

There’s something about a summer with an Operation Mobilization campaign that teaches you about the value of money, or should I say the lack of value money has. I remember meeting with fellow OM-ers to pray about team unity, the campaign in Italy and money. We did ask people to pray for us, but never revealed how much we needed to raise.

I don’t remember the exact amount I so-called raised, but I do remember that it was below the target OM had suggested. What then? Did this mean God didn’t want me to go with OM? Was my missionary career over before it even started?

In typical OM fashion, Paul, the Midwest regional director, said no, I was going to Italy. The money didn’t matter.

The next summer, I planned to stay local as a summer counselor at a Christian camp in Michigan. Before the school year ended, I heard Paul was in town and we quickly arranged an OM reunion. During the evening, Paul mentioned that he hadn’t seen my application yet. I told him that I wasn’t going with OM for the summer.

“You’re not going to work this summer?” he asked, aghast that anyone would even entertain the thought of earning money.

“Oh, no,” I quickly assured him, “I going to be a counselor at a Christian camp.”

Relieved that I wasn’t going to make money, Paul nodded. “That suits you.”

Long gone are those days when I had such a carefree attitude about making money and money in general. In fact, now that I have income and investments, I value money even more than when I truly needed it for that one missions trip to Italy. When money talks, so goes the idiom, I am a good listener and am convinced that this former OM-er can’t live on five million dollars in her retirement.

In a past Desiring God blog, “What It Means to Love Money,” John Piper wrote, “God deals in the currency of grace, not money: ‘Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!’ (Isaiah 55:1) Money is the currency of human resources. So, the heart that loves money is a heart that pins its hopes, and pursues its pleasures, and puts its trust in what human resources can offer.

So, the love of money is virtually the same as faith in money—belief (trust, confidence, assurance) that money will meet your needs and make you happy.”

Proverbs 30:8,9 is a wise prayer for those of us who know God’s currency of grace: “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give my neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and den you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

After all, money is just a human resource to give away in order to bring others to the Living Water and Bread of life.