2021 Annual Report

ROCK SOLID Annual Repor t 2021

ROCK SOLID Annual Repor t 2021

Table of Contents Pastors and Directors 4

Senior Pastor Josh Moody

7

Executive Pastor John Seward

8

Director of Administration & Finance Nancy Singer

10

College Pastor Ben Panner

10

Director of Children’s Ministries Cheryce Berg

13

Director of Communications Wil Triggs

14

Director of Disability Ministries Julie Clemens

16

Director of Women’s Ministries Mindy Rynbrandt

18

Middle School Pastor Dan Hiben

18

Missions Pastor Curt Miller

20

Pastor of Congregational Care and Family Ministries Eric Channing

21

Pastor of Worship and Music Erik Dewar

22

Senior High Pastor Zach Fallon

25

Technology Director Tim Hollinger

The Council, Boards and Committees 26

Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor

27

Board of Deaconesses Chair Karen Bagge

28

Board of Deacons Chair Dave Sohmer

29

Board of Missions Chair Brad Bailey

30

Capital Campaign Committee Chair Jeremy Taylor

31

Culture Impact Committee Chair Ashley Glaze

33

Discipleship Committee Chair David Setran

34

Evangelism Committee Chair Rich Howard

35

Hospitality Committee Chair Liza Friske

35

Serving and Engagement Committee Chair Jan Jones

37

Summary of Membership Transactions Other Leaders

38

God Centered Life Ministries Executive Director Stann Leff

40

Head Usher Michael Bare

41

Librarian Lisa Kern

42

Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator Joleen Billingham

42

STARS Family Services President Tony DiLeonardi

44

STARS Resale Shop Manager Becky Cook

45

Twice is Nice Resale Shop Managers Mary Quiggle & Beth Gunther

46

Meeting Minutes

58

Leadership List

60

Slate of Nominees

61

Ways to Give to College Church Financial Pages

XX

Preliminary Financial Report—Cash Expenditures and Budgets

XX

Summary of Ministry/Missions

XX

Unaudited Income and Cash Expenditures Statement

XX

Unaudited Financial Report

XX

Unaudited Statement of Financial Position

XX

Outside Rental and Space Sharing Activities/Properties

Pastors and Directors Josh Moody Senior Pastor The heart of all my ministry for the last twenty years or more has been to call people to center their lives on God. I am more convinced than ever of the timeliness and timelessness of that gospel message. In the extraordinary oncein-a-generation storm that we have endured this last year, we have relied on Christ, and centered our lives on him and his Word. He has been our rock.

This year we saw our largest ever membership class. In the midst of a pandemic, we are launching another church plant. We concluded a capital campaign to pay down debt. The elders have also finished an extensive, prayerful consideration of the state of the church and where we are going and how we are going to get there. As a result, we have come up with five new initiatives. They are as follows: • PATHWAY. We will develop a simple invitational pathway for our gospel ministries: Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith and Impact the World. We will communicate that pathway through launching a new website by May 16, 2021. ▸ 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.

4

• HOSPITALITY. We will mobilize our care, encouragement and connection with each other through an increased emphasis on mutually loving and welcoming hospitality as a community. ▸ 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 implementing a coherent discipleship curriculum across the whole church, including Adult Communities and small groups, by the fall of 2021. ▸ 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.

• CROSSINGS. We will increasingly use our campus space for reaching the community by utilizing the Crossings as basic open space for gathering ministries by the fall of 2022, while continuing to hold a flexible approach to our other rental properties over the long term as they cash flow. ▸ 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.

• PLANTING. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs and connections across the country and world by committing to planting multiple new churches by 2030.

5

▸ Rationale: After surveying our church plants, and hearing from our latest church plant pastor, we think it is a good use of our strengths as a church to lean into new church planting.

Our vision and our mission are the same— centered on God and his gospel, proclaiming Christ. This year, while it has been difficult to gather in person, we have seen a massive extension of our online presence. Going to church is not the same as ordering pizza; we need to gather in person. But the online presence is a huge mission field. Martin Luther said that the printing press was God’s greatest gift. The Reformation was fueled by a massive popular distribution of pamphlets that dramatized the gospel for the people.

Similarly, the internet, with all its negative consequences, is also a huge mission field.

And we are seeing a big impact in our online mission. You will read elsewhere in this report how God Centered Life is also extending the preaching outside the walls of College Church to many thousands of people around the globe through its radio and media ministry.

So, our rock is Christ, and he has been faithful to his people. At the same time, the storm has been real. I have been personally devastated by the rancor and divisiveness in larger 6

evangelicalism and grateful for the united spirit we enjoy. But we cannot take that for granted. We must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Remember College Church’s old motto: in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.

I want to thank my pastoral staff and support staff team. Especially in the first six months of the pandemic, many of these individuals have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the church moving forward. I have been saying to them that in years to come we will have this bond: we were there in that year of COVID at College Church. I extend the same thanks to the band of brothers and sisters who serve as volunteers to make all the ministries work so well.

I also want to thank the Council of Elders, and especially Mark Taylor, the chair. This is now the third year he has chaired the Council.

His experience and expertise have been a remarkable provision from God during this extraordinarily demanding year.

So, College Church, now is not the time to withdraw or retreat and fear. Now is the time to remember our rock. How big is your God?

John Seward Executive Pastor This is a year we will always remember. Certainly, we will remember the tremendous challenges we’ve faced. And the losses. But we’ve also seen some totally unanticipated blessings. Here are a few.

1. The parking lot tent in our north lot gave space to College Group and other gatherings when indoor options weren’t there.

2. BYOC—Bring Your Own Chair to worship in the Commons parking lot last summer connected us when isolation could have easily grown.

3. Zoom meetings meant record participation at congregational and informational meetings, not to mention smaller gatherings across the church.

4. Our first-ever out-of-state church plant— in Georgia.

5. Most of all, looking back, it’s the people who are serving. I work with a fabulous team. Here are a few of the ways these men and women served College Church and blessed me during this pandemic year. a. Ben Panner’s out-of-the-box thinking brought gospel care to college students at a 10:15 service for them—under a tent, sometimes in Commons Hall. b. Cheryce Berg’s care and encouragement reached our children and their families and many other parts of church with a sense of fun, enthusiasm and joy. c. Curt Miller’s use of technology kept us focused on missionaries and their challenges during the pandemic. d. Dan Hiben’s determined rallying of our middle schoolers (now including sixth grade) set a godly trajectory in their young lives in the days ahead. e. Diane Jordan’s depth of care for our shut-ins means more than ever before at times like these.

7

f. Eric Channing’s tireless walking alongside many for whom the challenges of the year have been crushing goes largely unseen to the church as a whole, but not to the God we serve. g. Erik Dewar’s creativity and his worshipful theology shaped services that worked virtually and in-person. h. Julie Clemens’s determined, yet safe, ministering to all our STARS families through Zoom classes, in driveways or garage visits, online music, videos, porch portraits, phone calls, tunnel pictures and so much more helped both protect and encourage STARS and their families. i. Mindy Rynbrandt lifted up ministry to women—WBS, Mom2Mom, Monthly Gatherings, personal care/ counsel—in many unexpected and innovative ways. j. Josh Stringer’s ability to befriend everyone he meets lifted us closer to Jesus. He will be missed! Men’s ministry, small groups, Adult Communities, Discipleship Committee, baptisms (remember our wonderful outdoor baptism services!) and many more ministries flourished during the pandemic. k. Wil Triggs’ irrepressible capacity for communicating to a vastly disparate congregation continues to draw us together for the gospel, which he helps us proclaim every day. l. Zach Fallon grew high school ministry through Sunday Night Live, Rooted and the Bridge Fellowship.

His love and care for our highschoolers should prepare them well for next steps in their walk with Christ.

Now, he’s laying the groundwork for planting a church in Georgia where

8

he can bring some College Church roots to that red Georgia soil.

I close with a special thank you to dear fellow believers who will be serving the Lord in new venues now or in the coming year— Josh Stringer, Zach Fallon and Diane Jordan.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26)

Nancy Singer Director of Administration and Finance When I start to write this letter each year, I always think, “Well, this has been an unusual year.” Usually, it’s because we experienced heavier snowfall than normal, or there’s been a major building project or perhaps we’ve purchased an adjoining property. In the case of the 2020-2021 fiscal year, all those things happened, and they occurred during the worst pandemic the world has seen in a century.

On March 13, 2020, just six weeks before the end of the prior fiscal year, the Centers for Disease Control ordered everything shut down, including churches. By God’s grace, we had been livestreaming our services since 2016 because we could no longer broadcast by radio.

We immediately changed from an in-person service, which was also broadcast live over the internet, to a fully virtual service. While we always had missionaries and others tune in from around the world, the pandemic shutdown

dismantle and remove the steeple and debris and seal the roof against the weather.

Our insurance company was quick to assess the situation, and work began immediately on manufacturing a new steeple and new skylight, which will be installed in the next few months.

brought much more attention to our livestream.

Former College Church members around the country and the world started accessing the livestream, and one recent map I saw, where those accessing the service that way, shows a significant viewership in the areas in Florida where many of our retirees reside. One of them said, “It’s like I never left. What a blessing!” The viewership continues to increase even as the attendance at our in-person services increases.

The services held outside in the parking lot last summer and fall were very well attended.

There was one eventful afternoon in August from a weather standpoint. As the staff hunkered down in the tunnel when the tornado alert was issued, a derecho created a path of destruction with our Sanctuary taking a direct hit, lifting off much of the roofing and damaging the skylight. The force of the roofing flying into the steeple caused it to topple, but not collapse. It took a day and a half for work crews to

Then came winter, which was actually quite mild by Chicago standards, and we all hoped for an early spring. At the turn of the calendar into February, all that changed, and we were hit with the one-two punch of lots of snow, falling every day along with ferocious cold and bitter winds. After three weeks of that, everyone was ready for the thaw.

In the meantime, because of the generous giving to the capital campaign, we were able to purchase the two remaining houses on Seminary Avenue, and we gained nine additional rental units.

While all of this was going on, the architects and general contractors were at work defining the needs of the two spaces in the Crossings building. This space will be shared

by Clapham School and our own STARS Resale Shop. It will be exciting to see all of this take shape and be occupied by the summer and fall.

While it has been an eventful year, it is one where we have witnessed the many accomplishments of our staff to serve the people of College Church even through the challenges.

We continued to see God’s hand at work, in protecting, strengthening and guiding us to trust him and be good and faithful servants.

To God be all the glory.

9

Ben Panner College Pastor The past year has brought many challenges for all of us, but God has been teaching us what it means to build our lives upon the solid rock of God’s Word! Amidst the many uncertainties, God has been faithful to the college ministry in 2020-2021.

With the limitations and needed restrictions for gathering, we needed to think creatively in the fall of 2020 about how to engage college students. We moved college ministry outside “under the tent” in the north parking lot. On short notice, Howard Kern and the maintenance team supported our ministry by helping assemble a 30 x 70 tent to facilitate ministry to college students. Pastor Moody was graciously willing to preach at another service each week to help create an easy landing place for students during this unique COVID season.

We gathered a team of students under the musical leadership of Pastor Dan Hiben to help with weekly singing. And on August 30, we held our first 10:15 a.m. student service under the tent. The Lord has used the 10:15 a.m. service to welcome students into the life of our church and provide space to worship the Lord. During the week, we gathered students to study Ephesians, Mondays through Wednesdays. Students kept coming back to gather around God’s Word and pray for one another! Our discipleship team is full of committed church mentors who humbly served each week by studying the Bible with these students. The mentors sacrificed time as they came on Thursday mornings at 6:30 for a Bible study prep time for the upcoming week. It was a joy to see God’s work through his Word in the ministry. We were also thankful for a month of fun trivia nights 10

on Thursdays under the tent. In January, we brought the 10:15 a.m. COVID student service inside during the winter months. Students have now been able to meet with mentors for prayer and spiritual exhortation before and after the service. We are excited to see students grow as they abide in Christ and delight in his Word.

God is good! God is faithful! He is teaching us patience. He is teaching us the power of his Word which is not bound but is alive and active. Thank you for your prayers for our college students. May God be glorified in our midst as we look to him for all that we need for life and godliness.

Cheryce Berg Director of Children’s Ministries Put one fist on top of the other and sing with me: The wise man built his house upon the rock, The wise man built his house upon the rock, The wise man built his house upon the rock, And the rains came tumbling down.

The rains came down and the floods came up, The rains came down and the floods came up, The rains came down and the floods came up, But the house on the rock stood firm. (lyrics Public Domain)

Yes, it did and praise God! We created a new logo and mission and vision statement this year for Kids’ Harbor. Our lighthouse is built on the rock of our faith in Christ, ready to withstand any storm, shining the light of Jesus.

MISSION:

VISION:

Kids’ Harbor equips and emboldens families to walk as children of light.

Grace-redeemed children of God who shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4, ESV) For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light. (Eph. 5)

...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life... (Phil. 2:15-16)

Catch glimpses of more of what is happening in Kids’ Harbor.

Sarah Mikolajczyk, preschool Bible school superintendent: Praise God for the faithfulness of our teachers and volunteers in the preschool ministry! These are experienced teachers, seventh grade helpers, IT administrators, college students and nurses—all ordinary men and women who have stepped into a God-sized ministry plan this year. Every week at 9:30 they bring the gospel to 45 precious little ones. We have been creative and safe, used new technologies and focused on the Word of God. Those of us who serve together are so encouraged, and families are blessed as the seeds of God’s truth are placed in these little hearts. From the creation story to our recent unit on how God grows the church, these two-, three-, four- and five-year-old children learn that they are an important part of the body of Christ!

Ashley Ramsland, nursery superintendent: Each Sunday we welcome your babies and toddlers into our rooms as we strive to care for the youngest in our church. We play, read and sing with them to engage them during the services, allowing the parents to worship knowing their children are well cared for during that hour. Praise the Lord for the dedicated men and women who serve week after week ready to get on the floor and play or rock a sleepy baby.

Daniel Burden, elementary Bible school superintendent: Praise God for the 75 children who are coming to first through fifth grade Bible school! Even through the harsh conditions of this pandemic year, dedicated teachers have continued to proclaim the gospel message to children. Masks and social distancing have not stopped the ministry of God’s Word…not for the kids, or for the teachers. Teaching in Kids’ Harbor is as much about letting God’s Word

By God’s grace alone, we opened children’s programs in September and have grown significantly since then. We were also able to switch to a new curriculum, Gospel Project; purchase new technology to aid in teaching; offer special events in the summer, at Christmas and Easter and begin some renovations of our aging space. God also provided a large team of fantastic and flexible volunteers!

I am thankful for my wonderful Children’s Ministry team members—Karin Tuurie, Jenn Miller, Sarah Herr, Angie Schroeder, Sarah Tews and Liz Stahler—as together we support and minister to the many volunteers and children and their families.

11

speak to adult leaders as it is about instructing youth. Praise God for the adaptability of children. There is something so refreshing about the simplicity of a child’s heart. Through all the difficult circumstances confronting traditional classroom education, the kids have remained remarkably adaptive. Thanks to the kids for weathering this storm. Thanks to the parents who have set the stage for their adaptability, and praise be to God for the opportunity to continually dwell under the ministry of his Word.

Suzanne Shirley, Kids Korner superintendent: Even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, amidst many COVID 19 restrictions, Kids Korner was able to welcome 20 children this past fall. Seven teachers faithfully showed up each week to care for these little ones in two different classrooms—one for babies two and under and one for preschoolers. At the start of the spring semester, we were able to add one more preschool classroom and three more teachers to serve a total of 29 children. Having Kids Korner open, even at a much smaller scale than a normal year, enabled moms to join in-person Women’s Bible Study small groups. It’s amazing that even though we are all masked, the babies “see” our smiles and are quick to smile right back! Praise God for providing a place for children to experience the love of Jesus while their moms study God’s Word with other women.

Judy Ford, Pioneer Girls superintendent: It’s true this has been a difficult season, but the young ladies who come to Pioneer Girls each Wednesday evening have a great time! From the very beginning of Pioneer Girls (back in 1939), the purpose was to help children follow Christ in every aspect of life, and I praise God when I see him working in these precious lives.

The structure has always been Bible memory, Bible lessons, songs, games, projects, gym time and building community. One Wednesday, while visiting in the third- and fourth-grade classroom, I heard the teacher continuing a story about a missionary in the Philippines.

12

When she stopped, she heard groans, but it was time for discussion to check their understanding. One girl commented, “I think it is interesting how God works in the different people.” I then peeked in the first- and second-grade room and heard these young children reciting the 23rd Psalm with actions—another good building block! The fifth graders opened with prayer and then headed to Kimmer’s for ice cream! Sound interesting? Fun? Visit us and see for yourself!

Terry VanSomeren, Boys Brigade superintendent: Boys Brigade has gone very well this year.

We had a slow start, but by early November, we were having 50 boys on average each week.

Since the new year, we have worked on cars and memorizing Isaiah 12. On March 24, we had the races, and the boys were excited. We have had a great group of leaders, who have faithfully served through the year.

Children’s Church (Lisa McKenna) and WOW (Nancy Chase) did not open this year as we focused all our energies on Bible School and Wednesday programs, but will be back in the fall.

Wil Triggs Director of Communications “Going viral” in communications took on new and somewhat strange elements this year. With so much global focus on avoiding the virus, we relied more than ever before on the basic tool of communications. Words and images, whether appearing in pixels on a screen, or handwritten in a notecard delivered in a mailbox, helped us not feel isolated or alone.

And we had more people checking us out virtually than ever before with between 7,00010,000 new visitors to our website every month of the year. Two of the top searches that drove people to click into our website were “online church,” and “find a church.” We hope that the new website will increase that traffic.

The online worship services ran ahead of our in-person worship services week after pandemic week. These online visitors offer a future challenge in terms of how to engage them more fully in the years ahead, as the new normal becomes a little more like our old normal. Remember that?

This year we also changed email service providers, increased our social media output on a weekly basis and increased our online advertising through places like Google and Facebook.

I’ve witnessed more openness to the struggles of life this year than any other year that I can recall. We so often want to tell ourselves and others that everything is going great, even if inside we’re struggling. This year gave us the time and space to admit that everything was not okay.

I saw that reflected in our communications in positive ways. Examples? Saying goodbye to a son headed for war, trying to balance life with the demands of faraway family, navigating what it means to live for Jesus in a place like Myan-

On the front page of newspapers, on nightly news broadcasts over television cable news outlets and and in social media posts, the storm-toppling of our steeple had many people looking at College Church for the first time. Friends and family across the country saw photos and video footage of our toppled steeple after our August storm. Thanks to the clean-up crew who worked so hard to clear and clean. In the photo, Howard Kern holds the top of the steeple during the clean-up effort. We will have a new steeple installed later this summer.

13

mar under military control or the simple “I Believe” stories of faith reminded us of our utter and complete need for Jesus to do it all.

Communications contributors created words and/or images that helped us communicate with each other in big and little ways during this pandemic year. These include people of all ages (20s-90s): Adugna Tahear, Allan Sholes, Ann Lawrenz, Ann VanDerMolen, Annelise Thrasher, Barb DeLew, Barbara Mill, Ben Pehrson, Beth Tebbe, Brian Blackburn, Budi Tjahjadi, Charlie Stevens, Cheryl Warner, Chris Arndt, Chris Iverson, Christy Otten, Curt Miller, Dave Jordan, Dorothy Forsberg, Ellen Elwell, Erick Solomon, George Bednar, Greg Hurst, Jacob Warren, Jeff VanDerMolen, Jeff Wencel, Jenni Paulson, Jim Hansen, Jim Tebbe, John Maust, John Melby, Jonathan Merry, Josh Moody, Julie Clemens, Karis Rigby, Katherine Baylis, Kathy Hansen, Kiersten Oslund, Leland Ryken, Leslie Trautwein, Liz Reid, Lorraine Triggs, Luis Orellana, Manny Mill, Marilyn Papierski, Mark Papierski, Marr Miller, Mary Cerutti, Michelle Kelley, Nancy Singer, Nancy Tally, Nick Girgis, Nicole H, Pat Cirrincione, Sarah Nelson, Simone Halpin, Steve Dresselhaus, Susan Zimmerman, Terri Kraus, Vijai Kuruppacherry, Vanessa Roth, Vic Trautwein, Virginia Hughes, Wallace Alcorn, Wendell Hawley, Zach Fallon.

Thanks to every person who contributed to the communication ministries of College Church.

In Russell Moore’s book The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear without Losing Your Soul, he writes, “God will usually see to it that most of what he does through you is invisible to you.

Sometimes it will even look as though you are failing…That’s not the way of the hero. But it is the way of the disciple.”

I hope that’s true, and that God is doing many things through me and College Church that none of us can report because we are disciples.

It is his work, not ours.

14

Julie Clemens Director of Disability Ministries Usually when we write up our annual report, we focus in on what’s new and different, what was memorable and what should College Church congregants know about STARS ministry. To put it bluntly, everything is the one answer to all the above. STARS ministry has been affected the most by the pandemic than other College Church ministries. Even as I write this in early April, we have not yet met in person. That is because the vast majority of the STARS are immunocompromised and at risk of fatality if they did get coronavirus. This is especially true for our friends with Down Syndrome, who face a 10 times greater risk of mortality if they get it. So, most of the STARS families have been staying at home, but we’ve found blessings despite this.

We started on Palm Sunday of 2020 with our first prerecorded class. We included worship music and prayer along with coloring books with pages to support the lesson learned. Last summer we held a VBS, and the STARS learned how to use technology and loved seeing each other. They learned about putting on the armor of God during these difficult times. In September, we went live with Sunday morning classes at 9:00. We’ve had almost 80% of our preCOVID attendance in these classes each week, and after our lessons, we break down into small groups. None of this would be possible without our volunteers who serve faithfully.

We’ve also found that some STARS are joining us who hadn’t previously. This was due to distance from church, their disability and stress.

When we do begin meeting in person, we will continue to include remote learners.

15

Kathy Brinker has found a new time of 2:30 Sunday afternoons is a great time to gather both young STARS and their parents. She teaches a Bible lesson, followed by a sweet time of prayer. Kathy shared that this time is as sweet for the parents as it is for the STARS. STARS music has had to adapt as well. Last year we held music camp virtually through Zoom, and Ministry Associate for Music Kristin Visconti continues to lead the STARS beautifully each week through song and percussion.

Over 40 STARS join in each week, and it’s a lively time of joyful worship.

In December, we created Advent booklets for the STARS. These books helped them walk through the season of Advent. Dawn Clark wrote out devotionals that connected with the Advent readings at College Church each week.

Recently we also collaborated with Dawn Clark for an Easter packet filled with devotions, coloring pages and activities. We distributed over 80 of these to STARS. Respite care is normally a part of our ministry.

Parents need a break when they are 24/7 caregivers for their kids living with disabilities. But our STARS Ministry staff all agreed that respite online isn’t really giving parents a break. In place of that, we had parking lot events. Most people probably thought we were a little crazy to say, “We’re going to gather in the parking lot, stay in our cars and have a blast!” but that’s what it really was! In September, Beth Gunther enthusiastically welcomed STARS families and led them through an evening of fun. Each STAR received a shoestring bag and a shirt with the STARS logo. We united through our identity in Christ, even though we couldn’t be together physically. Those parking lot events start again later this month, and everyone is excited.

Run for the STARS went virtual last year for the first time ever, and we’ve decided to go virtual again this year. When we make this decision, we not only consider the public, but also our STARS. Taking these factors into account, 16

we’ve decided to err on the side of extreme caution to protect the STARS who participate in this event. We would appreciate your support by walking or running with a friend to support the STARS. Registration forms are in the Commons lobby or can be found at runfortheSTARS. com.

Mindy Rynbrandt Director of Women’s Ministries Coming Together Around God’s Word For many of us, the word together has been more broadly defined over the past year. Before the pandemic hit, it was hard to conceive of corporate worship, Bible study, discipleship or prayer meetings occurring unless physically gathered in one space. During lockdown last spring, our definition of together needed to expand to adapt to the circumstances which were forcing us into physical and social isolation. In women’s ministry we quickly pivoted, recognizing women needed to be nourished by God’s Word and the support of community–even if from a safe distance. After this long pandemic year, we give thanks for Zoom, YouTube, outdoor patios, community parks and other provisions of the Lord that have allowed us to persevere through a pandemic year together.

On Wednesdays in Women’s Bible Study, despite many barriers this year, over 300 women have studied the Book of Genesis together, marveling at God’s patience with humans and his incredible salvation plan revealed in this narrative. Both online and in-person, women have come together around the Word, encouraging, challenging, supporting and praying alongside one another through the pandemic.

On Monday evenings this year, moms and mentors have come together to consider how to glorify the Lord as image bearers while faithfully living out the calling of motherhood. The early years of motherhood can already feel a bit isolating, but all the more amidst a pandemic.

Meet-ups at parks and forest preserves and evenings gathered around the warmth of a fire have provided our moms with much needed biblical encouragement this year.

On Saturday mornings, in person and via Zoom (when needed), the women’s Monthly Gathering has continued to create a space for women to consider important topics together. This fall and winter we’ve looked closely at spiritual disciplines that promote growth in our relationships with Christ. Whether through a screen or across the table, we’ve learned from one another and challenged one another to lean into these practices with the end goal of godliness– closeness to Christ and conformity to Christ.

In February of 2020, 200+ College Church women gathered for a weekend retreat in Wisconsin, and for many, that experience represented the last moment of normal togetherness before the pandemic hit. While we’re grateful for the ways God has brought us together around his Word over the last year, we look forward with joy and gladness to our women’s conference, May 1415, when we can finally come together again as sisters to worship, to give thanks, to sit under biblical teaching.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV) May we step into this next year unified by hearts of gratitude, committed to coming together around God’s Word–whatever together looks like.

On weekday mornings, Sunday afternoons and evenings throughout the week, women have come together around the Word in 1:1 discipleship relationships. For some, this connection with a sister and looking together at God’s Word has been a lifeline during this season of isolation.

17

Dan Hiben Middle School Pastor “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29) We’ve all been forced to run to Jesus in new ways over the past year. To trust him in areas we perhaps haven’t been challenged, to let go of things that once seemed normal, to embrace new realities, to learn to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Middle schoolers are no exception. I am encouraged in the way our middle schoolers have shown resiliency over this past year in light of these challenges. They have rolled with the changes in schooling, youth group and church. It has been wonderful meeting together on Tuesday evenings to play games, worship, pray and learn from God’s Word. Students have been hungry for relationships with each other and with God, for which I am thankful.

We’ve had several key additions to our ministry in the past year. Over the course of the summer, sixth graders were welcomed into KMs for the first time. It’s been great having another class with us, and it’s been encouraging to see our sixth graders enjoy KMs and grow through the ministry. Several of our adult leaders have also been leading Project Discipleship groups on Sunday evenings, doing intensive Bible study with small groups of students. I’ve been encouraged to hear from leaders and parents alike, how the students who are participating are growing in their knowledge and love for the Word.

18

I also must include a thank you to the many people who make middle school ministry happen here at College Church. To those of you who volunteer, thank you. The hours, prayers and energy you have put in to discipling our middle school students are so very important.

The love you show the students and your passion for the Lord are deeply encouraging to me. Thank you also to our facilities team – you have been so very flexible and continue to make it possible for the middle school ministry to meet safely at church. And to all of you who are middle school parents, thank you for the support you have shown. Thank you for making it a priority for your sons and daughters to come to KMs on Tuesdays, and for everything you do at home to raise your students to know and love the Lord.

And finally, thank you to all of you, my College Church family. I am so thankful for you all, for your prayers on my behalf and for the opportunity to serve as the middle school pastor here.

No matter what this coming year holds, let’s continue to run to Jesus, even when—especially when—the going gets tough. He is our hope, our peace, our rock.

Curt Miller Missions Pastor “[God] brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love...”

(Deuteronomy 7:8b-9a, NIV) As the people of Israel were getting ready to enter the promised land, Moses reminded them of where they had been—God brought them

God at Work Now

The Lord also continues to raise up more people to go and to grow in their love for missions.

Currently we are helping to equip over a dozen individuals through our missions preparation program. These candidates seek to understand both broadly and deeply God’s plan for the nations and for themselves. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to reach out to the missions office.

God’s faithfulness to our church remained steadfast through an unusual year. When everything shut down last March, we moved midweek prayer meeting to Zoom and continue to gather every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in this way. It is always a joy to hear an update from ministry partners and to lift their work and our church up to the Lord in prayer. It is clear that God’s work around the world has not stopped, even in shutdowns. This has been quite the year for our global family, and I encourage you to read the report from Brad Bailey, our Board of Missions chair.

We’ve seen God’s goodness as well through our Multi Nations Fellowship event, which meets the last Saturday of every month. This event is designed to reach out to immigrants and connect them to College Church. Missionary Emmanuel Tahear has helped to organize testimonies, devotionals and musicians to lead our time together. Consistently this gathering has been an encouragement to many and is growing. We started a year-and-a-half ago with a handful of people, and now have over forty individuals, representing a variety of churches and individuals from over a dozen countries.

miraculously out of Egypt and provided for all their needs through years in the desert— using God’s past faithfulness to remind them of the guarantee of his future faithfulness. This annual report allows us a similar moment of reflection as we affirm that God’s faithfulness provides the solid foundation for all our lives.

19

Through the Ages We also celebrate God’s goodness in the lives of our missionaries who retired this year. Dorothy Forsberg has given her life to translating the Bible into the Yom language for the people of Benin in West Africa. We are thrilled to say that this project has been completed, and the Yom people now have God’s Word in their heart language! Jim and Beth Tebbe have also retired, after serving as missionaries with College Church for 23 years. They served with InterVarsity, and most recently, at Forman Christian College. As Beth shared in the service on March 21, “We really believe that God so loved his world that he gave his Son that whoever believes in him would have eternal life, and we’re doing one tiny little part [toward making that known].” Praise God for Dorothy and the Tebbes who answered God’s call on their lives and pray for them in this next season.

Looking Forward As we look to this next year, we want to emphasize prayer and missionary care. Soon, we’ll be rolling out new geographically focused prayer groups. Our desire is for each of our missionaries, in each region of the world, to be consistently prayed for by name each month. More information about these prayer groups will be found online and in the monthly Connections.

We continue to expand our emphasis on caring well for our missionaries. In the spring of 2020, we launched virtual fellowship groups for our missionaries. This monthly online experience allows College Church global workers the opportunity to connect with each other, to share their own experiences and to pray for needs in our global family.

In addition, in the fall of 2020, we began a partnership with One Another Ministries to help us develop a church-based missionary care structure and to increase our capacity of care for our missionaries. This work is expanding, and we are looking for faithful College Church 20

individuals to love and serve our global missionary family through short-term housing, transportation to and from airports and helping to orient them to Wheaton or their children to local schools.

Locally and Globally As surely as God is working globally, he is also working locally. Our five evangelists have been busy connecting with others through their ministry at college campuses, in prisons, in Chicago and at Midway Airport. Our local partner organizations have supported education, saved the precious lives of the unborn, helped women out of human trafficking and supported local immigrants. The reports by Ashley Glaze and Richard Howard share in more detail how God is at work through our Culture Impact and Evangelism Committees.

Praise God for his faithfulness. He is our solid rock, despite the storms of life. Praise him for working in and through our church this last year, and in years past. Please continue to pray for his blessing and protection upon our workers here and around the world.

Eric Channing Pastor of Congregational Care and Family Ministries All of us are coming off a year unlike any other.

The pandemic changed certain ways we did ministry over the past 12 months. One major shift was the sudden transition from in-person ministry to internet and phone ministry: • Internet ministry: This past year I met with many congregants online, via Zoom. Our pre-marriage class, Becoming One, began in-person but concluded via Zoom. Vari-

ous leadership meetings were conducted online as well. While I am thankful for the technology which enabled ongoing connection, I am very glad that we are beginning to meet once again face to face.

• Phone ministry: Early in the pandemic, the pastors, directors and elders endeavored to call everyone at College Church not directly connected to a specific ministry.

These brief touch points were a helpful way to stay connected during an abnormal year.

While much of my time was spent in pastoral care/counsel and in providing leadership response to the pandemic, here are some updates from the past year on three other areas of ministry that I oversee: 1. Deaconesses: I say this every year, but the deaconesses at College Church are amazing! They continued to serve the congregation in behind-the-scenes ways through visitation, writing letters of encouragement or condolence, providing meals to those in need, administering financial assistance through the Care and Share fund and the list goes on. This year the deaconesses continued a dialogue with the deacons about how the two groups could work together in the future. I’m encouraged with the possibilities.

2. Pastoral Residency: This year we saw Jacob Warren called to a position at New Covenant Church, which is one of our church plants. Additionally, Erick Solomon transitioned to a campus pastor role at the Tri Village campus of Wheaton Bible Church. Most recently, Mike Solis accepted a pastorate in Minnesota. Josh Maurer joined the resident roster this year, and thrived while working primarily with Pastors Moody and Dewar. Michael Walker will be continuing as a resident for one more year, and he’ll be serving in adult discipleship ministries. It is a joy to serve along-

side such gifted and godly men. In June we hope to add one more resident to the pastoral staff. Please be in prayer for whom God may be calling to this strategic role.

3. Visitation: Our visitation ministry was somewhat hampered by the pandemic.

Even so, Diane Jordan, Jacob Warren and Mike Solis all faithfully connected with our senior saints via phone and email over the past year. We look forward to the day when pastoral visits can resume.

On a personal note, along with all of you, I will deeply miss Pastor Josh Stringer and his family.

Josh has been a faithful co-laborer and friend my entire tenure at College Church. Thank you, Josh, for showing us Christ, and for shepherding so well. We’re excited to see how God will use you in your next ministry assignment.

Erik Dewar Pastor of Worship and Music The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24) This familiar testimony from the Book of Lamentations immediately comes to mind as I reflect upon our corporate worship this past year. Amidst obvious challenges, God has been faithful. He has been our portion. How steadfast is his love that he would meet us in our need each week. How new and endless are his mercies that he would grant us the unrivaled joy of praising him! So, with great hope in him we declare, “Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

21

Looking back over the past year of slow and steady rebuilding, I’m thankful for the Spirit-empowered work of our music staff and volunteers. Though many of our roles have looked a little different this year, these individuals graciously serve, often behind the scenes.

Elaine Meyer, Ruth Gregornik and Delena Ollila support our weekly worship in a variety of ways; H.E. Singley faithfully serves as organist, while Robin Wiper and Josh Maurer help with a variety of focused projects. Our children’s choir ministry is led by Jennifer Wheatley, who after more than thirty fruitful years of directing, will be moving to North Carolina. Thank you, Jennifer, for investing in the children at College Church. You will be greatly missed. I’ve also been incredibly thankful for our audio and video staff this past year, whose partnership has made so many elements of our worship services possible.

A few memories from the year: • Last Easter‘s Hallelujah Chorus video that blessed millions all over the world.

• Our summer outdoor worship services • Livestreamed Christmas projects (“Lessons & Carols,” “Corelli Christmas Concerto” and “Glory in the Lowest”) • Adult choir and children’s choir anthems prerecorded for morning services • Continued investment in multigenerational volunteer leadership in our weekly music • And most recently, our time of worship together on Good Friday and Easter I’m looking forward to how God will continue to show his faithfulness to us in the season ahead!

May God give us, as worshipers at College Church, an unrivaled pursuit of the glory of Christ as the deepest joy of our souls.

22

Zach Fallon Senior High Pastor We thank God and give him all glory for another year of passing on the saving message of the gospel to our beloved students. Even as every ministry faced COVID challenges, it has been encouraging to see students engaging with God’s Word and worshiping Jesus as they have grown in their grasp of the height, depth and width of the love of Christ.

We’ve had various ways in which students could grow in their faith this year. Last summer we introduced a summer cohort ministry where students gathered in backyards and at parks for fellowship and study of the Book of Galatians.

We saw how the Apostle Paul taught that we are “set free by Christ alone.” We had about 20 adult leaders who sacrificially served in leading eight cohorts (grade and gender specific).

As we moved into the fall, we began our fourth year of our Bridge Fellowship ministry. Over the years this ministry has been such a joy to me personally. Bridge is the capstone opportunity that HYACKs offers to our high school students.

It is intended to help upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) cross into Christian adulthood.

This year we have 24 wonderful, mature, fun and growing students. I couldn’t be prouder of them for staying engaged this year and growing in Christ together.

If you are interested in learning more about Bridge Fellowship, you can do so here (issuu.com/hyacks/docs/bridge_fellowship_2021-2022) Many thanks especially to our leaders who serve in this ministry: Katie Nussbaum, Kolby and Bethany Atchison, Nick Girgis, Lindsey Befus and the wonderful Christine Fallon.

I’m also pleased to report that this past year we started a midweek ministry for underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) called Rooted Fellowship. We wanted to help students be even more prepared for Bridge Fellowship as upperclassmen, so Rooted has aimed to help create strong relational bonds for our underclassmen as they grow, using a curriculum geared towards grounding their understanding of the gospel and of God’s Word. This past year they have made their way through the Old Testament portion of the curriculum and saw how each part points to the gospel. We have about 30-40 underclassmen regularly involved in this ministry. Praise God! This ministry has been blessed to be led by Addie Teevans, who has done a wonderful job of seeing this new ministry community develop and thrive.

We have also been blessed by the excellent teaching gifts of one of our pastoral residents, Mike Solis. Our leaders have done a great job

connecting with students and showing them the truth of God’s Word: Meredith and Jeff Sommars, Ashley Ramsland, Kayla Costley, Mike Walsh, Jake Fernandes and Daniel Conroy.

It has also been a joy to gather as a whole HYACKS community on Sunday evenings this past year. We gathered in Commons parking lot until the weather got too cold and have been meeting in the Commons Gym since November 2020.

We have typically had about 70-90 students and 25 leaders come to have fun (HYACKs Cup!) and study the Bible.

In the fall we dipped our toes into the Book of Hebrews and saw how Christ is better and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament foreshadowed. This spring we did a worldview and apologetics study called “Gospel Glasses” and talked about how everyone has a worldview, and God calls us to see all things through the reality of Christ. To finish the semester, we have been doing a series through the parables of 23

Jesus and seeing how Jesus teaches us eternal truths through earthly stories. As always, we pray that these gathering times on Sunday evenings would grow our students’ understanding of the gospel, their love for Christ and their convictions of the truthfulness and authority of his Word.

A special thanks is in order for Katie Nussbaum.

Katie has been a faithful servant of Christ, always reliable, full of joyful energy and expressing thoughtful and intentional love for our students. She puts the fun in HYACKs and is a wonderful blessing to our ministry and church family!

For the third year in a row, we continued a discipleship ministry called Project Discipleship.

This ministry pairs two to four students with one to two adult leaders to read the Bible and learn how to understand it better. This year we have 16 groups and 44 students participating in this ministry. We use Crossway’s new resource

24

Unfolding Grace to help facilitate Bible reading and discussion. It has been wonderful to see and hear reports of students growing in their understanding of God’s grace to them in Christ and how God has operated in salvation history.

As Christine and I make the transition to College Church’s new church plant this coming summer, we express our gratitude and love for you all, our beloved College Church family.

Thank you for entrusting me with the sacred task of spiritually investing in your students.

I love each of them. As I have already shared with many of them, “once your pastor, always your pastor.” We will miss you all and covet your prayers for the progress of the gospel in South Metro Atlanta. If you are ever in town, please let us know and we can continue to have fellowship with our Savior together. May the Lord bless you all and our student ministries in the years ahead.

Tim Hollinger Technology Director Whenever I get a note of thanks for making our livestream services available, I find myself wondering what churches did in the pandemic 100 years ago. I found this account from CNN Health* interesting: “As the pandemic droned on, some newspapers shifted to having larger sections designated for guides to at-home Sunday services. In ‘Worship with the Star,’ a series by the Indianapolis Star newspaper, there was a full page that featured opening and adjourning hymns, scripture lessons and sermons. One reverend worked with a telephone company to facilitate dial-in services. Some church leaders hosted open air services…”

Reading this and other articles shows that in some ways not much has changed in the past century. For all our advancement and dependency on technology, we still long for community and hearing from the Word of God to anchor our souls. You could even say the pastor working with the phone company created the first “live stream.”

Every week a faithful crew of staff and volunteers work to bring us together in worship and learning. Most of our ministries have adapted and adopted new methods. Adult Communities are using Zoom to bring those sheltering at home into the classroom for interaction with teachers and classmates. And missionaries on the field get to join those communities every week for the first time. Worship service viewers have their experience augmented by lyrics and Scripture on screen to aid in active participation. Children’s ministries converted tablets purchased for checking in hundreds

of kids each week to presenting video lessons from their new curriculum. And they’re working on an option for mobile check-in to minimize crowding at check-in stations when we fully return.

Perhaps the biggest task and surprise of this past year was pulling off the virtual Annual Meeting. Many hours went into planning and preparing for an option that allowed members to participate without being physically present as we were sheltering-in-place. The surprise was the record number who participated in that and subsequent congregational meetings.

It is my goal and desire that we use these tools and innovations God has provided to enable and enhance our ministry. We are always looking for ways to improve what we can provide while being careful to be good stewards of the funds that make it possible.

While I may be the one who gets those notes of thanks, I could not do my job without the tireless involvement from my team. Tony Visconti works to improve your experience with functions like surveys, registration and online giving, and he was instrumental in making our online meetings happen. Shelton Thompson and Joseph Abdelmelek work to bring you our services and events, either in person or via livestream and prerecorded options. For them and the technology provided us, I am grateful.

To God Be the Glory! *cnn.com/2020/12/03/health/churches-covid-1918-lesson-wellness/index.html

25

The Council, Boards and Committees Mark Taylor Council of Elders Chair In last year’s report I said, “We can’t help but see this past year through the lens of the coronavirus and the way it has upended so much of our normal activity.” Little did we know just how turbulent the next year would be! The Council has spent many, many hours discussing how best to balance the conflicting perspectives on masks, social distancing and other COVID-related factors.

The makeup of the pastoral staff has been quite steady this past year. But now we see several changes on the horizon. Zach Fallon is moving to the area south of Atlanta to plant a new church with our support and encouragement.

Baxter Helm will be stepping into Zach’s shoes as senior high pastor. And we have said goodbye to Josh Stringer, who has accepted a call to be senior pastor of a church north of Atlanta.

We find it hard to say goodbye to these men who have served so faithfully, but we are glad to send them out into other regions where there are great needs.

Special thanks to Erik Dewar, the rest of our musical team and our technology team, who have all worked hard at creating livestreamed worship services throughout this past year.

26

We are still in the process of overall plans for the Crossings building (aka Toms-Price). Portions of the building will soon be used by STARS Resale Shop and Clapham School. We expect to use the east end of the building for our own ministry purposes. From the outset we have seen this property as a strategic purchase for ministry over the next 50 years.

The mini-capital campaign allowed us to purchase the last two Kinnaman houses on the north side of Seminary Avenue. These are strategic investments for the future growth of our worship and Christian education facilities.

Thanks to Rob Wolgemuth and Phil Nussbaum, whose terms on the Council (along with mine) come to an end this year. The Council continually wrestles with complex issues, and these men have helped guide us through rocky shoals.

May God give all of us wisdom and perseverance as we move into the year ahead of us—as a church body and individually.

Karen Bagge

The deaconesses were limited in visiting our homebound congregants but continued to connect by calling, sending notes and delivering poinsettias at Christmas and lilies at Easter all organized by the Visitation Committee.

Once it was safe to do so, our Helping Hands Committee arranged 48 meals for 16 individuals/families in need of support and the encouragement. Many in our congregation and on the Greetings, church, from the Board of committee answered the need to provide a hot Deaconesses! meal. What a blessing these kind volunteers are. And, sometime in the future, we are lookI know I speak for all the deaconesses that ing forward to once this year has been a privilege to serve the “We Will Work With Each Other again facilitating rides for those in congregation. I am so grateful for the We Will Work Side by Side… need. optimistic, prayerful, Our Corresponhumble and flexible And They’ll Know We Are dence Committee women who answered sent out 229 handChristians By Our Love, By Our Love; written notes and the call to serve!

They are Vicky Bailey, to our conYes, They’ll Know We Are Christians cards Allison Bonga, Laurie gregants and the Costley, Joanne Engand women

By Our Love!” men eseth, Becky Garrett, serving in the milLinda Gulbransen, (song by Peter Scholtes) itary to encourage Betsy Love, Shirley those experiencing Mathews, Lindsay loss and hard times McCracken, Mary Neland to share in the joy of new life and new belessen, Angie Schroeder, Nancy Taylor, Sarah ginnings of marriage.

Tews and Susan Zimmerman.

On behalf of our church, the Care and Share As the church shifted programs and procedures Committee disbursed $148,878 in financial to accommodate the restriction of the pandemassistance to 57 College Church families/ ic, we too were busy evaluating our individuals for rent, counseling, utilities and responsibilities. medical expenses. The fund also contributed quarterly to Outreach Community Center and The Funeral Committee was saddened not to the Churches United for Hardship Assistance. be able to minister and love grieving families by The church staff administered the COVID Relief providing a funeral reception or luncheon, but Fund throughout the year until last month when we prayed for those who lost loved ones and the Care and Share Committee took over the sent notes. responsibility and disbursed $9,609 in financial The Baptism Committee shared the joy of assistance to seven families/individuals. The assisting with 31 baptisms (29 were held outCare and Share Committee prayerfully considside!) having a front row seat to witness people ers each request, knowing that they are stewof our congregation publicly acknowledging ards of the generous contributions from our Jesus as their Lord and Savior. church family.

Board of Deaconesses Chair

27

Adjusting and adapting was on full display with the Communion Committee this year! This quick-thinking committee ordered a large supply of “all in one” communion cups so we were ready to safely offer the communion elements beginning in July once we reopened for in-person services. Teaming up with the deacons, we enjoyed greeting everyone and distributing these new cups in the Narthex.

As this epic fiscal year closes, we are humbled and grateful to have served and been part of the solution to the glory of God. As it is written in 1 Peter 4:10-11, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Dave Sohmer Board of Deacons Chair The role of deacon has its roots in the early church, referenced in Acts 6. The apostles needed to focus on the preaching of the Word and needed men to handle many of the administrative and logistical aspects of the church.

The board of deacons is involved in many of these aspects at College Church that are often assumed or behind-the-scenes, whether in oversight or execution.

In a year when the mode of worship changed multiple times due to COVID-19, College Church staff embodied flexibility, responsiveness and care. Highlighting:

• The Facilities Team had to respond quickly with a parking lot plan, tents, outdoor baptismal and outdoor sound systems.

When worship returned to the Sanctuary, the team needed to set up spaced seating guides in the pews and source disinfecting solutions, equipment and labor. On top of this, the church lost a steeple and several chunks of the roof to the derecho and incurred a significant mechanical failure.

• The Communion Committee, along with the deaconesses, procured contactless communion options as the worship services reopened responsibly.

• The Technology Team had to find acceptable lighting and sound mixing to provide a suitable streaming experience for the members and regular attenders that had to go online during lockdown, targeted through three channels.

In addition to these extraordinary changes, ongoing deacon responsibilities continued: • Working with the deaconesses to help congregants who found themselves in financial need this year, through administering Care and Share funds. The two groups also continued to work together with communion service. Further, the two groups are working with the pastoral staff to focus on greater effectiveness with visitation.

• Serving congregants who needed physical help – e.g., moving or repairs.

• Collecting, consolidating, reviewing and presenting a budget for the next fiscal year to the Council of Elders.

• Reviewing the auditor results; and selecting an auditor for recommendation to the congregation.

• Ensuring cash donation integrity.

• Reviewing monthly financial status.

• Reviewing capital improvement project

28

funding, such as purchases of strategic adjacent property, and renovations to the Crossings building.

• Ensuring congregant safety.** • Clearing snow from the STARS houses. ** Each Sunday, there is a dedicated group of men and women who serve on the Life Safety Team (LST) at College Church, to ensure a safe, welcoming environment. The LST consists of nurses, a fireman and numerous individuals with life skills and experiences which lend themselves to this safety and security ministry.

Under the auspices of the deacons since its inception in 2018, this dedicated group quietly safeguards your worship experience and can react quickly to urgent medical or other incidents.

suffering. We saw total surrender and reliance on God and his promises to sustain through the darkest moments. We saw a renewed reliance on prayer and seeking the comfort of our Father. We saw creative new ministry ideas and implementation. We saw deep compassion for the “least of these” who were hungry and homeless, and tangible action to help. As with the list of sufferings, these examples of perseverance could go on and on.

Praise be to God for the exceptional individuals and families that have answered God’s call to serve him as College Church missionaries!

I believe one of the reasons our missionaries fared so well during this past year is due to the preparedness received through our Missionary Prep Program (MPP). The MPP is an intense one- to two-year program designed to train and prepare College Church missionaries for a career and life in missions. While Board of Missions members come and go through lim-

Brad Bailey Board of Missions Chair When I look back over the past year and think of our missionaries, Romans 5:2b-4 comes to mind: And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (NIV) There has been plenty of suffering to go around–sickness, death, mourning, loneliness, isolation, stuck in-country, stuck out of country, a missed wedding of a daughter, prevented from being at the deathbed of a loved one, delayed or rejected visa applications, uncertainty, ministry disruption—the list could go on and on.

The encouraging part is that over the past year, we have seen time and time again the perseverance of our missionaries in the face of 29

ited terms, the missions pastor and staff are a constant. They do a great job, year after year, of running this exceptional program of equipping our missionaries before sending them out. It is exciting to note that we currently have seven couples and five individuals, a total of 19 people, in various stages of the program.

I believe another factor of our missionaries’ perseverance through this past year is the care provided by College Church. Again, kudos to Curt Miller and the missions staff for making missionary care a top priority. The Board of Missions has a care and furlough committee that spends significant time in making sure our missionaries feel loved and cared for. College Church members faithfully pray for and financially support our missionaries. We constantly get feedback from our missionaries on how well they feel supported, loved and cared for.

Also, praise be to God for the faithfulness of the congregants who continued to give financially to College Church through this year of hardship. We were able to fully fund our support commitments to all missionaries and partner organizations, which include the following: ▸ 121 missionary units (208 adults serving in 41 different countries) ▸ 13 partner seminaries located in 13 different countries ▸ 7 other partner organizations It was a huge blessing that our special offerings geared towards missions, the Missionary Christmas offering in October and the Thanksgiving Eve offering in November, were as high or higher than in recent years. What a blessing to our missionaries! Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity of support to College Church missions.

Who would have thought that I would conclude this report by saying that I think it was a great year in the ministry of missions at College Church. Yes, there were hardships and suffer30

ing, but we witnessed suffering that produced perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope— hope of the glory of God!

Jeremy Taylor Capital Campaign Committee Chair If you thought the early days of a pandemic when our church was struggling even to meet together as a congregation seemed like a funny time to begin a capital campaign, you weren’t alone. The Capital Campaign Committee wrestled with when to begin the campaign, how long it should run, how much to ask for and how to apply funds raised. Our capital needs did not go away or even diminish during the pandemic, but they were kind of put on hold for a while. So, in the end, with guidance from the Council of Elders, we opted to move forward with a much smaller campaign than originally planned. On November 15, 2020, the committee announced the “Strengthening Foundations” campaign to the congregation with a total goal of raising $2.35 million. By then, a “quiet phase” of the campaign had already been underway for several weeks, as committee members spoke with pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses and other committee members and church leaders and invited them to participate, and we had raised over $700,000 already. The campaign document the committee created with the help of committee member and consultant Dan Nielson laid out three primary initiatives we hoped to accomplish with this campaign: 1) pay for the purchase of two houses adjacent to church property on Seminary Avenue; 2) construct a new parking lot to provide additional accessible parking for seniors and people with disabilities; and 3) pay down a portion of the church’s existing debt. During the final seven weeks of the calendar year, the campaign was

successful in raising more than three-quarters of the goal. Thanks to the congregation’s generosity, we raised $1,777,033 in pledges and contributions. That was enough to purchase the two properties without acquiring any additional debt.

By the numbers: The “Strengthening Foundations” campaign officially ran for seven weeks, with an initial quiet phase that lasted for another four weeks. A total of 209 pledges were made for $1,345,254, and additional gifts totaling $431,779 were made without pledges. To date, we have received $980,777 of the pledged funds (73 percent).

Ashley Glaze Culture Impact Committee Chair Culture is changing quickly and needs in our community abound. Not surprisingly, most of us are bombarded with a whole array of current cultural issues at work or in our interactions with family and friends. As a committee we have a heart for and are tasked with three main responsibilities. We seek to see our congregation educated and equipped to discuss cultural issues biblically. We aim to provide opportunities to support local ministries/organizations.

Finally, as church gatherings open, we hope to sponsor events related to cultural issues affecting our local community. One thing we do when we meet each month is take time to pray for our partner organizations. Some of these ministries are financially supported by College Church. Others we support through providing volunteers or have congregants who are involved in the local work.

Understandably, our partner organizations have experienced many challenges alongside immense provision from the Lord this past year.

Here are some brief updates and ideas on how we can get involved in God’s work within these local ministries and organizations. For more information, please email cultureimpact@college-church.org.

DuPage PADS The partnership with PADS (People Allied to Deliver Shelter) has continued with a different approach during the pandemic. PADS is housing clients at an extended stay hotel in Downers Grove. Our role has been to provide portions of pre-packaged/bagged meals to the clients once a month. In the past, volunteers from College Church have set up beds and provided meals for clients at a local church. This has provided opportunity for much more interaction and sharing of the gospel than is now possible.

PADS is planning a return to the use of church facilities to provide shelter and meals when it is deemed safe to do so. We praise God for the continuing leadership of Lisa Kortenhoeven in coordinating the meal preparation and distributions. And, as always, it has been a joy to hear expressions of appreciation from those receiving the meals.

Naomi’s House Naomi’s House offers comprehensive services to women, who have suffered through commercial sexual exploitation, leading to hope and healing. Their residential and independent living programs were truly a safe haven for their resident women in the midst of a challenging and unprecedented year. It is plain to see there is a great need for services like Naomi’s House when one looks at sex trafficking statistics worldwide and locally. In the coming year, Naomi’s House will launch a new facet of their ministry called the Gathering Place. This day program will “reduce a woman’s vulnerabilities to exploitation through education, trauma-informed therapy, spiritual discipleship and job placement.” Please be in prayer for them as they expand in this way and serve these women.

31

Outreach Community Ministries (OCM) Outreach Community Ministries’ mission is “to restore hope and provide opportunities for people to become all that God intends them to be.” OCM partners with the local church to put Christian faith into action through community service and they seek to serve the most vulnerable children, teens, and families in DuPage County. Once again College Church held toy collections in December for the OCM Christmas Store. For ease of drop off, the Culture Impact Committee had outdoor collection times that worked well amidst indoor restrictions. OCM has a current need for summer tutors and for individuals willing to transport meals and other donations. As a church we can also be in prayer for OCM as they have a new CEO, Nate Kaunley, and several positions shifted within the organization.

Safe Families Safe Families seeks to keep children safe and families intact by connecting families in crisis

32

with families to temporarily host and care for children until the family is able to get back on its feet. Members of College Church have hosted children in years past. A recent interview was published in the Connections with the perspective of two College Church hosts. Although our involvement is minimal with Safe Families right now, we hope and pray more members will have a heart for these children and perhaps consider going through the process of getting approved to host. If you are interested in hearing more and getting in contact with a College Church host family to ask questions, please reach out.

Caring Network College Church has a long relationship with Caring Network. This organization is the first step for women facing an unplanned pregnancy, offering unconditional love, counsel and resources. They are doing the difficult but rewarding work of changing hearts and saving lives. Abortion continues to be a major cultural issue that simply cannot be ignored as legis-

lation advances to broaden its acceptance and use. Organizations like Caring Network need our support and prayer as they take on the task of turning cultural tides one woman at a time.

College Church participated in the Coins for Caring Network again this year to help support this ministry.

David Setran Discipleship Committee Chair In its second year of existence, the Discipleship Committee continues to work under the guidance of Pastor Josh Stringer. The committee this year consisted of Josh Stringer (pastor of discipleship), David Setran (chair), Jeff Oslund, Harry Robinson and Michael Walker (pastoral resident). Our responsibility is to assist Pastor Stringer as he plans, implements and evaluates the adult discipleship ministries of College Church.

This year has certainly had its challenges, with many adult Sunday school classes and small groups on hold due to COVID, but the committee continues to plan for the future of adult discipleship ministries. One of our most significant tasks was to develop, distribute and evaluate our church-wide discipleship survey. We spent a good deal of time working to construct a set of questions that would give us a good sense of strengths and weaknesses both in our discipleship structures and in congregants’ individual lives of discipleship. We then worked together with an independent research consultant to summarize and consolidate our findings. The survey revealed many areas of strength as well as areas of perceived opportunity where we might seek to foster improvement.

Following from our survey analysis, we developed different focus groups in order to hear members’ perspectives on the issues raised by the survey. We met together with representatives from many boards and committees, with representatives from different age groups and with new members. We asked three questions: 1) Does this data match your experience at College Church? 2) What factors might contribute to the reality that this data describes? and 3) What changes would you recommend to the church based on this data? This process was extremely rewarding! It was wonderful to hear from so many of you about the ways you are growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. It was also wonderful to hear your ideas about the ways that College Church can do an even better job of fostering discipleship among its adult members. We pulled many new ideas from these meetings related to mentoring, discipleship and the creation of a more hospitable and connected church body.

Our next step as a committee is to take all this data and work with the Elders to develop a comprehensive plan for adult discipleship at College Church. We are currently working to develop a master list of the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ. From this “picture” of the abundant life, we will then work to develop a paradigm for discipleship and practices that can help us develop in these areas. We hope that all this will also lead toward the development of a curriculum for discipleship at College Church that can guide individual classes and small groups as they plan for the future. As a group, we have been reading J.T. English’s Deep Discipleship to help us think holistically about creating a culture of discipleship at College Church.

Continue to pray for us as we seek to help the adults of College Church grow in conformity to the image of Christ for his glory!

33

Rich Howard Evangelism Committee Chair 2020-2021 Evangelism Committee: Pastor: Curt Miller, Elder: Heinrich Johnsen, Chair: Richard Howard, Committee Members: Budi Tjahjadi, Jenni Paulson, Jon Penner, Luis Orellana, Tom Futrell.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17) During 2020-2021, Pastor Curt Miller, Elder Heinrich Johnsen and the committee members have spent time in prayer, thinking and action with evangelism on our hearts and minds.

Prayer, that many would learn of the character of our good Father, and the sacrificial love of his son, Jesus, and through the teaching of the Word, that many would treasure and accept

with transformed hearts, Jesus as Lord and Savior! Thinking and discussing ideas to equip and encourage College Church’s evangelistic pursuits. Over the last couple months, we have been working to gather evangelism resources (books, videos, articles, speakers, etc.) that will be made available for the congregation, with the intent to encourage sharing the gospel with everyone we know. Action, during the summer and fall of 2020, we hosted prayer walks at College Church and in our own local neighborhoods and invited our neighbors to join us. One neighbor who comes to mind joined us, and said he was not sure if he would pray aloud, he would just “listen.” Well, after hearing a few prayers, he decided to pray aloud.

And guess what? He prayed aloud the rest of our walk! Later, after the walk, he said that the prayer walk was so good. He was so glad he came and was so encouraged! Praise God! In these recent times the committee has continued to meet virtually. We long for the time when we can all gather again freely. We are and will continue looking for God’s leading, praying and thinking on ways to equip and encourage College Church in evangelism. We are thankful and will continue to support our local evangelists. We will keep sharing the gospel!

With thankful hearts…

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) Partner Evangelists: Daniel Bair (Luis Orellana, liaison) Tom Johnston (Jon Penner, liaison) Manny Mill (Tom Futrell, liaison) Nate Amodio (Budi Tjahjadi, liaison) Kalli Hill (Jenni Paulson, liaison)

34

Liza Friske Hospitality Committee Chair This year the landscape for the Hospitality Committee completely changed due to COVID-19. We missed being able to partner with and serve the body of Christ and those who are new to our church in our normal capacity. Our hope and prayer this year is that we can begin to resume many of our normal connection points. A few highlights that we look forward to resuming are serving coffee in the Narthex each Sunday morning and assisting with membership classes and visitor lunches.

We miss the fellowship of the Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social and Carols and Cocoa at Christmas!

And we look forward to serving again after the annual Children’s Choir and STARS concert programs. We pray that as our church doors are now open again that we can participate and serve the body of Christ to the glory of God with smiling faces, although they may be tucked behind a mask or two.

Jan Jones Service and Engagement Committee Chair The Service and Engagement Committee (SEC) had a fun and productive 2020-2021! We worked collaboratively within College Church to assist with congregant engagement at the individual and corporate level through membership, celebrations of service, fellowship dinners, a Reach Out and Touch Campaign

(underway at this writing) and many other activities.

Our motto for this year has been “Growing in Unity” and each of us had differing ideas on the zeitgeist of 2020-2021, but we worked hard to keep the main thing the main thing, and the main thing is THE GOSPEL. We continued to build relationships with our congregants to help them put their faith in action so that they can grow in their faith and then tell others about Jesus.

Each SEC member was asked to read the book Creative Minority by Jon Tyson and Heather Grizzle. Here’s a quote that sums up the book: “Becoming a Creative Minority paints a complete picture of the way the church is called to participate in these challenging and demanding times – seeking neither to control nor abandon the world, but to love it to new life through redemptive participation. In applying the idea of a Creative Minority to a Christian community, I [the author] describe it as follows: 35

A Creative Minority is a Christian community in a web of stubbornly loyal relationships, knotted together in a living network of persons who are committed to practicing the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world. [Adapted from David Augsburger’s definition of community…there’s a footnote…see page 12 of Creative Minority….]

These words have been chosen carefully, and unpacking this definition will be the goal of the remainder of this book…”

Our merry band wants to help everyone participate in life with Jesus through “redemptive participation.”

We connected people to each other and to church through: Reach Out and Touch Initiative: a phone calling and emailing campaign to simply say hello to congregants.

36

Fellowship Meals: These outdoor gatherings were just what some people needed for reconnection and physical distancing during the days of COVID. We are planning more for 2021 and ongoing.

Ministry Support: We checked in regularly with the leaders of volunteer-led ministries. This activity was particularly important this year, as many of the ministries didn’t even get underway late in the church year or didn’t operate “normally” at all. Leaders of these ministries appreciated knowing someone was with them, for them and praying for them.

Membership Classes: Members of the SEC attended the membership classes, connected with prospective members, presented information on the grand adventure of service and guided new members to help them get plugged in at College Church. There were 62 new members this year!

Behind the scenes, we: Worked diligently on our SEC “Data Capture and Usage” initiative. We were grateful to have several staff members help with this initiative and have made our recommendations to the Council of Elders in this area.

Worked with those developing the new church website to provide content, process flow and general guidance. We look forward to its launch!

our actions. These actions might have been serving in or at church, grocery shopping for a neighbor, shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk (we had some snow this year, y’all) or prayer. We welcome the opportunity to help the College Church congregants put their faith in action and look forward to 2021-2022!

Thank you to all the members of the SEC: Kristin Berenschot, Daniel Conroy, Meagan Godoy, Chris Gottlieb, Jerry Jagrowski

2020-2021 has been a year for the books, and never has there been a greater opportunity to talk about Jesus and to show Jesus through

SUMMARY OF MEMBERSHIP TRANSACTIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021

Regular

Member on Leave

Associate

1348

106

114

62

0

10

Reinstated to Membership

4

0

-1

Transferred to Regular Membership

2

0

-2

Transferred to Associate Membership

-8

-3

11

Transferred to Member on Leave

0

0

0

Transferred from Member on Leave to Regular Member

3

-3

0

1411

100

132

-14

0

-1

Removed from Member On Leave

0

-7

0

Removed from Associate Member

0

0

-3

-70

-2

-1

-84

-9

-5

1327

91

127

Membership as of April 30, 2020 Received into Membership 2020-21

SUBTOTAL

Deletions Deaths

Other/Removed from Regular Member SUBTOTAL

TOTAL S

37

Other Leaders Stann Leff God Centered Life Ministries Executive At God Centered Life, our passion is the gospel. Our vision is all generations living for God. God Centered Life (GCL) is an extension of College Church’s ministry outside of its four walls—the broader media ministry of Senior Pastor Josh Moody. Each day it distributes Bible teaching from the pulpit ministry of College Church to a growing audience in the United States and around the world. The ministry features a daily Bible teaching broadcast now heard on more than 50 radio outlets and several internet channels, as well as an array of devotionals, articles and other helpful resources.

The ministry website, www.godcenteredlife. org, ministers to more than 4,000 users each month and has seen visitors from 186 countries in the last year and all 50 states.

Ministry Impact International reach is inspiring. How wonderful that God Centered Life can leverage the teaching of Pastor Josh and share it globally.

The media ministry truly is an extension of College Church’s global mission effort. Yet touching individual lives with the gospel is what the work of GCL is all about. Here is a sampling of the notes and letters the ministry has received: 38

I ended up re-dedicating my life on Monday, then I ended up turning on Moody Radio Tuesday… I want to be truly a godly believer like James 1 says. I need the implanted word.

I raised my hand at home. God bless your ministry!

God bless you in Wheaton especially at this time. Thanks for these messages.

Thank you for your daily message and resources to keep us on the narrow path.

Thank you for all of your wonderful broadcasts.

I listen to them most weeknights. Please keep up the great work.

God Centered Life has been encouraging and has sent some great resources in the mail and I really do appreciate all of that very much.

Thank you so much.

Website Traffic – Visit godcenteredlife.org God Centered Life features a robust web presence providing access to audio teaching, blog posts, devotional materials and articles. These resources are vital as they encourage spiritual growth and provide a means to allow listeners to catch portions of messages missed on the radio. The potential for reach is virtually unlimited online. The website saw more than 50,000 users for the 12 months ended March 31, 2021.

This is up from 28,900 during the 12 months prior, reflecting an increase of 74%! The devotional pages are particularly popular among users and were visited over 100,000 times in the last 12 months. If you would like to receive Pastor Josh’s daily devotional via email, simply visit the website at www.godcenteredlife.org and go to the devotional page.

Online Broadcasting – Visit www.oneplace. com/god-centered-life/ God Centered Life’s daily Bible teaching program is offered online at the GCL website, but is also distributed on several other online platforms, including OnePlace.com, MyHopeNow.com, twr360.com (the worldwide ministry platform of TransWorld Radio) where you can hear both the most recent program as well as archived sessions. In addition, the largest Christian radio Bible teaching station in the Dallas area hosts God Centered Life in its limited circle of trusted Bible teachers at teaching. kcbi.org Online teaching portals provide specific and clear mechanisms for measuring listening audiences (which is difficult with Christian radio).

For example, OnePlace.com has seen more than 44,000 streams of GCL content delivered to users in the past year, and more than 1,300 individuals have registered to become connected with the ministry.

Radio The radio station network has expanded over the past year. In addition to the flagship broadcast here in Chicago, heard Monday through Friday at 10 p.m. on WMBI (90.1 FM) and at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, God Centered Life is heard in Cleveland, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Madison and on nearly 50 other radio stations in Iowa, Minnesota, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and downstate in Central Illinois. Each of these stations has expenses associated with the radio broadcasts, and God Centered Life relies on its partners (mostly here in the Chicago area and many from College Church) to support the broadcast financially. We anticipate donors in other areas will begin to cover the local costs of broadcasting in the future.

The weekly radio listenership on the stations airing God Centered Life is difficult to estimate, but certainly exceeds 100,000. We praise the Lord for this powerful ministry tool which

39

reaches far beyond the walls of our church.

While some feel radio is no longer a vital medium of communication, it still reaches more than 90% of all Americans over the age of 18 every week. For years to come, radio will be a vital ministry tool, even as other audio teaching mechanisms (online, podcasts, smartphone apps, etc.) grow alongside it. As additional resources become available, more stations will be added.

About the God Centered Life Team The ministry of GCL is led by Stann Leff serving as executive director who oversees a capable team, all of whom serve the ministry on a part time basis. Todd Busteed serves as the on-air host of the broadcast and engineers the technical side of the program; Dick Epps, former longtime member at College Church, assists in stewardship development for the ministry; Anna Litfin assists with administrative support, and Robb Hansen and the firm Next Level Insights provide station relations services, broadcast strategy and website support. We also are supported by an elder liaison. Josh Moody is our president, and our board of directors includes Nancy Singer, David Gieser, Howard Costley, Bruce Howard and Tom Paulsen.

To learn more about God Centered Life, go to www.godcenteredlife.org and sign up to receive the weekly devotional. Also, follow us on social media @godcenteredlife on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

40

Michael Bare Head Usher As we look at 2020 in the rearview mirror, I feel thankful and a bit sad to see it go. Not because it was an easy year most of us enjoyed or would welcome back any time soon but, because in my experience it is the challenging times that bind us together. That experience was reinforced this year within the usher crew. The usher crew was stretched, sometimes to limits we could not have imagined. Each challenge was met by the willing committed efforts of your usher crew. I would like to highlight a few people that went far beyond normal effort this year. First

THANK YOU, NEW USHERS! As I close this year and this update, let me once again, extend the opportunity to serve your church family through becoming one of its many dedicated ushers.

Lisa Kern Librarian

is Ed Simon, your assistant head usher. His willingness to fill in at a moment’s notice and to also manage the staffing of all the services, even as the available ushers continued to decline, was unprecedented.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK, ED! Next would be our core group of crew chiefs that did a great job supporting our services this year, especially Mark Weeden, Jim Reid and Gary Lange.

THANKS GUYS, FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY! Those individuals who stepped up to be ushers this year also deserve a huge thank you.

In more normal times, we find people who are willing to become ushers and for that we are thankful, but to volunteer to usher in this challenging year really speaks to your willingness to serve.

As I’m sure many of the other reports will say, not much happened in the library this year, at least on my part. We did a few curbside exchanges, and families took advantage of times to check out books by appointment. Joan Hutcheson, a dear senior citizen who reads a few books a week at least, has visited by appointment, several times giving us at least some check out history for the year (130 since quarantine!) but of course if you can’t open the library, you don’t end up with too much to report! Obviously, the best time for College Church to check out books is on a Sunday morning when you’re here, and I’d like to believe that as you’re reading this, we will have been given permission to open the doors. But still there’s maintenance to be done, and Paul Murphy never missed a beat. Every Saturday Paul takes books off the shelf and improves the records we have about the content of each book, giving us a more accurate and searchable data base—every single Saturday (except for the three months we were not allowed to be in there at all) and some Thursdays as well.

He has handled and worked with almost every book at this writing! That’s over 10,000 titles!

And Linda, his wife, often joins him on Saturdays to shelve the few books that get returned, and does other shelf clean up and organization.

Though you will not notice their work when you finally get to visit the College Church Library 41

again, please know that our foundations have been shored up, and we are ready to open the doors as soon as we’re given permission!

Joleen Billingham Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator “I will be exalted among the nations.” (Psalm 46:10) College Church has a weighty emphasis on missions, and Missions Prayer Fellowship (MPF) exists for the purpose of praying for our large missionary family. Growing out of the women’s sewing circles of over a century ago, these in-person, monthly gatherings now consist of five groups: Lydia, Dorcas, Abigail, Hannah (primarily women members) and Aaron-Hur (men and women). The groups host a missionary speaker, followed by prayer not only for that person/ministry, but also the emailed updates, needs and requests of their family of assigned missionaries. All these groups are eager for and would warmly welcome new members and visitors. You can find their meeting dates and times in the Connections, and weekly Prayer Pulse emails.

Missions Pastor Curt Miller is envisioning a new prayer initiative for MPF which would add regional/geographic prayer groups, based on our missionaries serving in the following designated regions: North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. With the possibility of gathering virtually, these groups could invite our missionaries in that region to meet online, give individual updates/requests/needs, and pray together from nearby or halfway around the world. Anyone interested is happily invited to please contact Curt, the Missions Department or me.

42

Other opportunities to pray? There are weekly email missionary updates, the midweek prayer Zoom meeting, the Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church, the monthly prayer calendar and the Missionary and Evangelist Prayer Guide for personal prayer. We may not all be called to the mission field, but we can all prayerfully support those who do. Please be encouraged to join as we pray “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” (Psalm 67:2)

Tony DiLeonardi STARS Family Services President The Board of STARS Family Services (SFS) expresses deep appreciation to College Church for its ongoing support of the residences, families and staff of SFS during an incredible year of blessings. Thank you for your prayers.

we developed safety protocols (based on CDC/ IDPH, CCIW medical committee and SFS guidance), professionally disinfected each home, educated residents, family and staff on new protocol and created a new model for resident daily routines and activities outside the home.

We are thankful there have been no positive COVID-19 cases among our residents or staff to date.

Since we began in 2008, STARS Family Services provides private community-based homes (supportive living arrangements) and related services for adults with developmental disabilities in Wheaton. At present there are two homes for men and one for women. The homes allow for these individuals to continue living in their own communities, close to their family, friends and church. All residents are involved in the STARS Disability Ministry at College Church.

Three significant movements were orchestrated by God and fully embraced by SFS in the last 12 months:

Executive Director: As reported previously, the board had made the decision to explore the possibility of hiring an executive director to oversee the various aspects of the organization under the direction of the board. Two distinct committees were formed to survey the overall organizational structure and sustainability. For over a year the committees surveyed all job descriptions, roles and needs. We furthered the development of a job description, identification of funding sources and establishing a strategy for conducting a job search for leadership.

Through this process, by witnessing her dedicated work as a board member and head of the personnel commission, it became clear that Angela Killian had the experience and expertise to lead SFS. After considerable prayer, effective March 1, 2021, Angela took on the role of executive director. We are praising God for his constant care of SFS through this process and season.

▸ God’s faithfulness through his people’s generosity

Fundraising: Due to COVID-19 we had no large events or fundraisers in 2020. However, donations large and small throughout the year were up. Two foundations (not at all affiliated with College Church) were instrumental this year.

Additionally, we applied for and received money from the federal PPP program, allowing us to pay our staff during their furlough. Because we complied, we sought and received forgiveness of the loans. God is good.

Pandemic Response: To protect our high-risk residents, in March 2020 SFS took the unprecedented step of closing the SFS homes and furloughed staff. Before reopening on July 6,

In 2020, SFS experienced the most fruitful results of our end of year appeal in the history of the organization. And again, our partners at the STARS Resale shop continue to labor on our

▸ The COVID-19 pandemic response ▸ The development of the Executive Director position

43

behalf as it contributes significant proceeds to the ministry of SFS. What a shining example of the church coming together. New fundraising sources continue to be identified and explored and we look forward to how God will provide through those sources.

Other brief updates: Occupancies: SFS runs three homes, with the capacity for 14 full-time residents. Currently we have three open rooms - a challenge being addressed aggressively; however, potential applicants still face financial barriers put in place by the State of Illinois regarding access to funds for disabled adults.

Staff: Carol Casey continues to use her gifts and passions in a refined new role, focusing on the development, activities and daily needs of our residents, and as the key liaison to our STARS family members. Carol is excited to come alongside Angela as they work with our 30 employees, as well as volunteers, in the homes and at the job sites. We are so blessed to have so many dedicated staff and volunteers caring for our STARS. I am grateful for the dedication of the board, who continue to serve and for whom I thank the Lord: Tom Paulsen (vice president), Nancy Singer (secretary), Michelle Linhardt (treasurer), Wil Triggs, Julie Clemens, Bob Kay, Glenn Kosirog and Ken Larson. As the executive director for SFS, Angela Killian will become an ex-officio member of the board. Dawn Clark has stepped off the board and we are grateful for her wise counsel over the years. We are in prayer as we contemplate additional board members.

As always, the STARS Family Services Board asks the members of College Church to be in prayer for the staff, the residents and their families and for those in the Partner Program that they will continue to thrive in an environment of Christian love. We ask you to add, most immediately, continued prayer for their good health 44

and safety and for Angela (and Scott) Killian, as she transitions into her new role at SFS. Thank you for volunteering, providing financial support and praying for the work of STARS Family Services. We are always looking for committed Christians to join our team of staff and volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a part of the SFS team, please contact Angela Killian for a list of current openings and to obtain a job application: angela@starsfamilyservices.org.

We praise God for how he continues to bless the ministry, even in the pandemic. To God be the glory!

Becky Cook STARS Resale Shop Manager STARS Resale SHOP fills a unique niche in the Wheaton community: it is both a business and a ministry. The store connects with all members of our community and provides funding for STARS Family Services.

Although we were closed for a few months last spring due to COVID regulations, we confidently reopened June 1, 2020, and were back in business to welcome customers and receive donations. We are so thankful for the old and new customers who continue to shop and donate items from their decluttered homes!

And despite the summer heat and more recent snow, we have been able to utilize outdoor space to sort the donations that come flooding in.

Currently, besides finding bargains and treasures in the store, you will see many familiar faces from College Church. Whether we are running the counter, restocking shelves, or

sorting and pricing items, there’s a lot of comradery that occurs behind the scenes. Our wonderful team of staff and volunteers is committed to working heartily because we have the privilege of serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

What’s coming up?

We looked forward to the return of the STARS when the partner program started back up on April 5.

We are also excited about the upcoming relocation this summer to the Crossings (the TomsPrice building).

If you’ve never come by to donate or shop at STARS Resale Store, we would love to have you drop in and pay us a visit!

Mary Quiggle & Beth Gunther Twice is Nice Resale Shop Managers

Two Million Dollars Total Giving to Outreach Community Ministries Since Twice is Nice Opened.

Twice is Nice is a resale store located in South Carol Stream at the corner of President and Geneva Roads. We are the face of College Church to many in the surrounding communities. We exist to serve the community in two ways. To provide quality goods to the community at very low prices. Second, our profits go to support the work of Outreach Community Ministries located in the community.

God has worked in miraculous ways at Twice is Nice during the pandemic of 2020. The store was shut down mid-March and didn’t reopen until June. The thought of reopening during a

pandemic was daunting, but after meeting to pray with members of the pastoral staff, the Council of Elders and some employees, we concluded God would have us reopen.

One of the first challenges was keeping everyone safe and protected according to the CDC guidelines. The next challenge was a flood of donations upon reopening. Apparently, many in our community spent some of the stay-athome time to purge their possessions. God provided a vacant storefront that our landlord graciously let us use free of charge to store the large amount of incoming donations. Our staff and volunteers worked extra hard, and we were able to process and sell those extra donations.

As a result, we had our best year financially.

We are also grateful to the Lord that he kept us all safe from the virus. As a result, we have been able to stay open without interruption since last June.

As we think back over the year, God has given us the opportunity to interact with many who do not know him. It is our prayer that our actions and words might lead many to discovering the truth of the gospel and find life in Christ. It has been a year of growth. As mentioned, the store grew financially. But more importantly we were able to serve even more people. We serve a diverse community. We see a marvelous cross section of people, different cultures, different needs and ages reflecting in a unique way God’s image. We believe God uses this store to impact customers, volunteers, STARS, community service workers (assigned to store) and staff.

Some find clothing they can afford. Others discover books or small appliances. For others we function as A place where they can serve.

And for some, we are a kind of second family and provide much needed community. While these are all valuable, we pray we daily glorify God by acting in such a way that every person who comes through the doors ultimately sees Christ.

45

Minutes to Annual Meeting & Congregational Meetings Annual Meeting

The resolution was approved by a vote of 662-2.

May 17, 2020

Mr. Taylor presented the 2020 Annual Report and encouraged members to send personal notes to the people who wrote reports. He gave an opportunity for questions, and there were no questions. The Annual Report was received as submitted.

UNAPPROVED DRAFT Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor welcomed the members to the 2020 annual meeting via the Zoom webinar at 5:00 p.m. He thanked the tech team and technology director, Tim Hollinger. He made other introductory comments, including instructions on how the online voting would be handled.

Mr. Taylor read Psalm 103 and opened the meeting in prayer.

A quorum of 268 (20% of regular members) was required, and 706 members were present. Mr. Taylor officially called the Annual Meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.

Mr. Taylor read the following resolution to approve the minutes and called for members to submit their votes: Resolution to approve minutes RESOLVED: That the minutes of the following congregational meetings are approved as presented: • Annual Meeting of May 19, 2019 • Congregational Meeting Sept. 22, 2019 (to appoint members to the Capital Campaign Committee) • Congregational Meeting of Jan. 19, 2020 (to approve appointment of Cheryce Berg and Diane Jordan to Pastoral Staff positions 46

Mr. Taylor invited Senior Pastor Josh Moody to the platform. Pastor Moody expressed his thanks to many in this year of blessing and challenge, including staff, the elders, deacons, deaconesses, and the board of missions. Pastor Moody read Psalm 1 as he concluded his remarks.

Mr. Taylor read the following resolution from the 2019-20 Nominating Committee to elect new leaders for 2020-21: Resolution to elect new leaders in various capacities RESOLVED: That the following groups of nominees, whose names have been printed on page 52 of the Annual Report, are hereby elected: • Members of the Council of Elders for terms ending in 2024 • Members of the Board of Deacons, the Board of Deaconesses, and the Board of Missions for terms ending in 2023 • Members of various committees for terms as specified • Elective positions for terms as specified The resolution was approved by a vote of 669-2.

Outgoing Elder Steve Ivester prayed for the new leaders for 2020-21.

Regarding the election of members to the Nominating Committee for the new church year, Mr. Taylor explained the process of electing one man and three women. Members had been invited to submit names, and names of nine women and six men were submitted. Members had then been given an opportunity to vote online, and a total of 443 votes were cast in that process. Mr. Taylor further explained that the election of the Nominating Committee takes place at the Annual Meeting, but because the votes were cast prior to the meeting this year, members were now called to formally ratify the vote and affirm the election of the individuals to the 2020-2021 Nominating Committee.

Resolution to approve elected members of Nominating Committee for 2020-21 WHEREAS: The Regular Members have gone through the prescribed process of nominating individuals to be elected as members of the Nominating Committee for 2020-21; and WHEREAS: The Regular Members have had an opportunity prior to this meeting to vote on the nominees, and three women and one man have received the most votes in that prior process: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Regular Members hereby affirm the election of the following individuals to serve on the Nominating Committee for 2020-21: Laurel Aulie, Barb Nussbaum, Lorraine Triggs and Chris Tews.

The resolution was approved by a vote of 674-8.

labeled “College Church Budget Basics.” It showed the financial growth pattern of the past ten years, with giving up 37% and spending up 35%. For the year ended April 30, 2020, giving to the Ministry/Missions Fund was $7,584,728, and expenditures were $7,531,251. The budget for both giving and expenditures had been $8,112,787.

With the challenge of COVID-19, the proposed budget for 2020-21 is a flat budget compared to the previous year. The deacons presented this 0% increase budget to the elders, who concurred with this approach.

The meeting was then opened for discussion.

Nancy Singer addressed several questions about parity between missions and ministry.

Mr. Taylor addressed questions about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The 2020-21 budget does not include any money from the PPP ($826,800), and if forgiven, the money becomes a grant. Mr. Taylor explained that we have a congregational form of government, so the elders will ask the members at a future meeting to decide whether the church should pay back the PPP loan or ask forgiveness of the loan. He also referred members to the half-hour video fireside chat he did about the PPP. Resolution to approve the budget for 2020-21 WHEREAS: The Board of Deacons and the Council of Elders have evaluated numerous options as to how best to proceed in establishing the budget for 2020-21, and they have agreed together on the validity of the budget as presented:

Dr. Ivester prayed for the new members of the Nominating Committee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Regular Members hereby approve of the budget as presented; and

Mr. Taylor invited Board of Deacons Chair Anson Johnson to the platform to present the 2019-2020 financial report and the proposed budget for 2020-2021. Mr. Johnson showed the financial position and performance with a chart

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Board of Deacons is requested to report back to the congregation on at least a quarterly basis as to the status of actual financial operations compared to the budget.

47

The resolution was approved by a vote of 64840, which is a 94% affirmative vote.

of members singing “To God Be the Glory,” Mr. Taylor read the words to the hymn.

Mr. Taylor invited Pastor Moody to the platform to pray for giving and finances.

Mr. Taylor invited Pastor Moody to return to the platform to pray and give the benediction. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.

Mr. Jeremy Taylor, chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee, was invited to the platform to give a report about the committee’s activities.

Jeremy reported that the committee will not formally launch a capital campaign until the church resumes meeting together in person. He asked for prayer for wisdom with both significant needs and opportunities.

Council Chair Mark Taylor noted that the congregation had previously approved the option to purchase the two remaining properties west of the Sanctuary on Seminary Ave. The congregation needs to approve the actual purchase of the properties. The Council of Elders will call a special congregational meeting within the next few months to take action on approving the purchase of these two properties.

Mr. Taylor read the following resolution: Resolution to approve Mathiesen, Moyski & Austin as auditors RESOLVED: That the audit firm of Mathiesen, Moyski & Austin is hereby approved as the independent auditor for the year 2020-21.

The resolution was approved by a vote of 646-6.

Mr. Taylor read the final resolution: Resolution to approve borrowing facilities RESOLVED: That the Church is hereby authorized to borrow up to $900,000 through a bank line of credit or through other loans to facilitate the Church’s cash-flow needs during the year.

The resolution was approved by a vote of 61027.

Mr. Taylor concluded the business of the meeting, and thanked members for participating in this unusual format. Instead 48

Respectfully submitted, Lorraine Triggs Recording Secretary

College Church in Wheaton Congregational Meeting via Zoom June 28, 2020 UNAPPROVED DRAFT Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor opened in prayer and called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. The sole matter of business was to act on the resolution that came from the Council of Elders by their unanimous vote.

Mr. Taylor thanked the church’s Technical Team, Tim Hollinger, Joseph Abdelmelek and Tony Visconti for set up and control of the virtual meeting and Eric Channing/Wil Triggs for monitoring online questions in the Commons and providing them to Ben Panner in the sanctuary to communicate.

Determination of quorum – 20% of all regular members (i.e., 268 members) needed for quorum; actual members present: (as verified by an online sign-in process) 396. (Note: additional members joined the meeting after the quorum was determined.)

Resolution to Approve Purchase of the Properties at 319 and 323 E. Seminary Ave. WHEREAS: The properties at 319 and 323 E. Seminary Ave. are seen as a strategic acquisition for College Church because they sit in the middle of the other church-owned properties along Seminary Ave.; and

WHEREAS: The Site and Facilities Committee and the Council of Elders agree that purchase of these properties would enhance our ability to plan for future expansion of the sanctuary building and/or parking facilities to the west; and WHEREAS: On March 15, 2015, the Regular Members approved entering into a 5-year nonbinding option agreement to purchase these properties; and WHEREAS: The church has entered into a purchase agreement contingent on approval by the members to exercise the option to purchase the properties at 319 and 323 E. Seminary Ave. on March 3, 2021, for a combined purchase price of $1,005,000: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Regular Members hereby approve of the purchase of the properties at 319 and 323 E. Seminary on or about March 3, 2021, per the terms of the purchase agreement; and FURTHER RESOLVED: That the church will work at raising necessary funds through the capital campaign, but if such giving is insufficient, we hereby authorize the church to borrow up to 80% of the purchase price at reasonable commercial terms.

Mr. M. Taylor read the resolution, then displayed and discussed an online map of the properties the church owns on Seminary as well as the two properties being considered.

Mr. M. Taylor then invited Howard Costley, the Chair of the Site and Facilities Committee to speak about the committee’s findings. Mr. Costley stated that the committee has determined that the current Christian Education wing has serious security and space constraint issues. The Site and Facilities Committee also determined that the Narthex space is not sufficient for the number of people that use it on any given Sunday morning. The Site and Facilities Committee believes that the only viable option

for Christian Education and Narthex expansion is to the west of the current sanctuary building; hence, the purchase of the two properties in the above resolution is key to College Church’s expansion. Therefore, it is essential to exercise these options and approve the purchase of the properties at 319 and 323 E. Seminary.

Mr. M. Taylor indicated a nearer term use for this property to the west of the sanctuary may be to use some of the space for an accessible parking lot.

Mr. Taylor then invited Jeremy Taylor, Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee to brief everyone on plans for the Capital Campaign in the near future. Mr. J. Taylor stated the plan to launch the actual Campaign had been delayed until the church was meeting together again after the coronavirus pandemic is under better control. Through generous early giving the church has already received 20% of the monies needed to purchase these properties and Mr. J. Taylor invited any who are ready to pledge to the Capital Campaign to contact him. Also, the online giving screen has a line for Capital Campaign contributions.

Mr. M. Taylor then opened the floor for discussion on the resolution under consideration.

There were multiple questions raised concerning such items as the church’s financial position, its current indebtedness, questioning the wisdom of taking on additional debt at this time, the PPP loan and potential for forgiveness of that loan, alternatives for paying for the purchases, expansion/growth plans, ministry direction, and cash flow from rental properties, After a time of Q & A, Mr. M. Taylor directed members to the online ballot and requested that members cast their votes.

The vote required a 2/3 majority for passage.

Via electronic ballot and absentee ballot counts, there were 389 affirmative votes and 66 negative votes., (There were also 14 ab-

49

stentions, which do not count toward the vote ratio.)

Resolution to approve capital expenditures in Crossings building

Mr. M. Taylor announced that the resolution passed with 85.5% positive votes.

WHEREAS: The STARS Resale Shop (SRS) needs to relocate within the next six months from their current location on College Avenue, and the Council of Elders has approved in concept a three-year space-sharing agreement for the SRS to be located in the center section of the Crossings building; and

Recalling times in his parent’s home and his family’s tradition to sing hymns together, Mr. M. Taylor chose one of those songs appropriate for the meeting topic and sang/spoke the words of the children’s song “The Wise Man Built His House Upon The Rock”.

Pastor Moody closed the meeting with prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Schick Recording Secretary

College Church in Wheaton Congregational Meeting via Zoom December 6, 2020 UNAPPROVED DRAFT Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor opened in prayer and called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. The Purpose of the meeting was to give an update on the overall plans for the Crossings building and then to vote on the resolution to approve the capital expenditures totaling $425,000 to build out the center portion for STARS Resale Shop.

Mr. Taylor thanked Tim Hollinger and Tony Visconti for set up and control of the virtual meeting and Eric Channing/Wil Triggs/Ben Panner for monitoring online questions.

Determination of quorum for this exceptional matter: 20% of all regular members (i.e., 260 members) needed for quorum; actual members present (as verified by an online sign-in process): 373.

50

WHEREAS: SRS is expected to pay the church $80,000 per year for use of its shared space; and WHEREAS: The general contractor has provided an estimate of $425,000 for the build-out expense for the center section of the building; and WHEREAS: This $425,000 would have to be spent even if the space were used for other ministry purposes, and it is also for the eventual use of the east end of the building for other ministry purposes; and WHEREAS: The entire budget for this capital expenditure can be funded apart from the regular Ministry/Missions budget by: • $250,000 that is available in the church’s Rental Funds • $75,000 that will be provided by STARS Resale Shop • $100,000 from a gift that has been designated specifically for this project NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Regular Members approve of this capital expenditure of approximately $425,000 for the initial Crossings build-out, which will allow the STARS Resale Shop to relocate to the Crossings building.

Mr. Taylor read the resolution, then displayed and discussed an online schematic drawing of the Crossings building formerly known as the Toms-Price building. On the west end of the

property Clapham School will occupy 19,400 square feet. The center space of 7,100 square feet will be occupied by the SRS. The east end of the building, currently occupied by TomsPrice Furniture with a square footage of 18,200 plus 12,000 square feet on the second floor, will eventually be used for College Church ministry and/or offices. John Seward is putting together a task force to consider usage of the east side which is expected to be available for renovation after June 2021 when Toms-Price moves out of the space.

Mr. Taylor then provided background information on the SRS plans to utilize the center portion of the Crossings building. Mr. Taylor gave an overview of the SRS space on College Avenue and the issues with that location. SRS’s current lease is up at the end of March 2021, and they would like to relocate to the Crossings building to avoid entering into another multiyear lease with their current landlord. Mr. Taylor continued by stating that initially a threeyear lease agreement has been negotiated between College Church and SRS at an annual rate of $80,000. Mr. Taylor reminded the congregants that College Church owns two resale shops—SRS, which generates resources (so far about $500,000) for STARS Family Services, and Twice Is Nice, which has been operating for 25 years and benefits Outreach Community Center.

Mr. Taylor informed the congregation that the buildout of the Crossings building would need to be done before College Church uses the building for any purpose. The City of Wheaton has informed the church that firewalls need to be installed between each section of the building and plumbing must be installed to allow for adequate restroom facilities, as well as an outside door installed at the entrance to the space that the SRS will occupy.

Before entertaining questions, Mr. Taylor reminded everyone that this resolution is separate from the Capital Campaign which relates

to the property on the north side of Seminary Avenue and is a totally different matter.

The Q and A session included various questions about the $425,000 expenditure. These questions included where funding will come from, confirmation that the donation was specifically designated for this purpose, was there a need to supplement the rental fees, and are the expenses expected to exceed $425,000? Additional questions related to SRS’s current/future rent payments, funding their insurance coverage, the timeframe for Toms-Price Furniture to move, what criteria will be used in three years to evaluate whether SRS’s lease is extended, and whether SRS is ok with only a three-year lease. Further questions related to the construction were: who the chosen contractor is, will restrooms be added for the SRS employees’ use, how long will the buildout take, and will there be a bookstore in the building? Finally, there was a question concerning whether the voting would be anonymous.

After the Q and A, Mr. Taylor asked that the voting by online ballot proceed. Including absentee ballots, the vote was as follows: Yes - 441, No – 16, Abstain – 8. The resolution passed with 96.5% affirmative votes.

Before Mr. Taylor closed the meeting, he provided comments relating to the PPP loan the church applied for and received thru Wheaton Bank and Trust in April of this year. He gave background on the Elders’ decision to apply for the loan, stating that there was concern at the time about the ability to keep staff employed since the giving dropped off dramatically in March and April. The Council of Elders has decided that the decision about whether to apply for forgiveness of the loan or repayment should be brought to the congregation. The portal to apply for forgiveness has been opened by Wheaton Bank and Trust and the timing for the meeting to vote on this decision will be sometime early next year, probably January 2021.

Ben Panner closed the meeting with prayer.

51

Meeting adjourned at 5:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted: Carol Schick Recording Secretary

College Church in Wheaton Congregational Meeting via Zoom March 14, 2021 UNAPPROVED DRAFT Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor began by reading Proverbs 9:10 and James 1:5; both passages on wisdom. Mr. Taylor then opened in prayer asking the Lord to join the meeting and provide wisdom. Mr. Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is for the Regular Members to vote on whether the church should repay the government’s PPP loan or apply for forgiveness.

Mr. Taylor reported that last year’s giving went from being around $100,000 over budget in February 2020 to being about $600,000 under budget by end of April 2020. Our current fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020 giving has been up and down. Last December, the typical high month for giving, saw lower than traditional levels. Now, six weeks from our current fiscal year end we are again below budget about $600,000.

The Council of Elders has spent numerous hours discussing the question of whether to repay the loan or ask for forgiveness. On the one hand, the federal government has stated that it will not infringe on any church matters after receipt of the loan. The Council of Elders were not unanimous on whether apply for forgiveness or repay the loan.

Determination of Quorum – 5% of regular members (i.e., 65 members) needed for quorum; actual members present at first count: (as verified by an online sign-in process) 406.

(Note: Additional members joined the meeting after the determination of quorum.)

Mr. Taylor and Nancy Singer reported that our current financial situation is in the black because of careful management of expenses. This means that many things did not occur, such as, no staff pay increases, routine capital expenditures were not undertaken, certain special missionary projects were not funded; although missionary support continued, 5-year replenishments for equipment like computers, servers, copy machines, needed sanctuary lighting upgrades were not done.

Mr. Taylor gave a brief overview of the history of the decision-making process for the PPP loan. At the end of March, Nancy Singer recommended to Mr. Taylor that the church apply for the Paycheck Protection Plan loan. Mr. Taylor consulted with senior pastor Josh Moody and they agreed that the church should apply for the loan and authorized Nancy Singer to apply for the PPP loan thru Wheaton Bank and Trust.

The PPP loan is part of the CARES Act that would enable small businesses with fewer than 500 employees both for profit and not for prof-

Mr. Taylor asked two of the current Elders to give their personal perspectives on this decision. Randy Jahns stated that he voted to repay the loan. He did not want to be beholden to the government. Despite promises that churches would be free from any obligation as a result of accepting these funds, other organizations have been shamed in the court of public opinion by the press and there are no guarantees that the government would not go back on their promises. Mr. Jahns made the point that in the future, someone will have to repay this enor-

Mr. Taylor thanked Tim Hollinger, Tony Visconti, Eric Channing, Wil Triggs and Ben Panner for their assistance in the meeting.

52

it to pay their employees. The dollar amount of the loan was calculated to be equal to 2 ½ months of payroll expenses.

mous debt that has been added to the national debt figure. Mr. Jahns stated that, for him, it is a matter of principle. We are a faith-based body, God has been faithful in the past, without endowments and without support from outside grants. We should be dependent on no one, except God. David Bea, another of the current Elders, then gave his perspective. Mr. Bea felt that we should ask for forgiveness and quoted Romans 13:3-4 and 1 Peter 2:14, making the point that our government is trying to do good for the people. Since we legally obtained the loan and qualify to ask for forgiveness, we should accept the help. Further, church employees do not qualify for unemployment benefits and therefore for the sake of our employees, we accepted the loan and should accept forgiveness.

The government has stated there would be no strings attached and they would have no standing to interfere, since under contract law they cannot change the contract once it is made.

serpents and as innocent as doves was quoted and was the basis of an opinion that we should apply for forgiveness and use the money for the furthering of the gospel • A reminder was given that although the staff did not receive pay increases this past year, neither did many of the members and in fact some had their income reduced or lost their jobs • And finally a comment was made that the Small Business Administration has already shown signs of changing their mind by asking businesses who borrowed more than two million dollars to fill out a questionnaire about how they used the money etc. and that this money would be subject to audit for the next seven years.

Questions asked and answered included: • Are there any organizations known to have repaid the loan?

Mr. Taylor then asked for questions and comments from the members.

• Do we have enough cash on hand to repay the loan?

Comments offered included the following thoughts:

• If we voted not to repay the loan, would we be able to make a retroactive pay increase to the staff?

• By accepting the loan, we can be subject to the government changing the rules/promises made at any time; • Proverbs warns against being in debt; • With the recent change in government, new laws have been enacted that are completely against God’s will; • To maintain unity, we should repay; • Putting off needed expenses indefinitely is not sustainable for the long run; • A report that STARS Family Services both received the PPP loan and asked for forgiveness; • Matthew 10:16…about being as wise as

• What are the terms and timeframe for repaying the loan?

• Has the Council of Elders considered the enormous amount all of this is adding to the national debt?

• Is there any concern about the pending Equality Act and losing tax exempt status?

Tad Williams called for the question. Mr. Taylor said that since this meeting is via zoom and the meeting has already been an hour in length, he felt it appropriate to proceed with the vote.

BACKGROUND: College Church borrowed $826,800 under the Paycheck Protection Program on April 16, 2020. After thoroughly evalu-

53

ating the spiritual, philosophical, and financial implications of the PPP loan, the Council of Elders was unable to achieve unanimity as to repaying the loan or applying for forgiveness.

As a result, the Council agreed that the issue should be decided by a vote of the Regular Members. The elders themselves voted 8 to 4 to recommend to the Members that we should repay the loan.

After the Q and A, Mr. Taylor asked that the voting by online ballot proceed. Including absentee ballots (177), 382 members voted to repay the PPP loan, 220 members voted to ask for forgiveness of the loan and 11 members abstained. 63.5% of the votes favored repayment of the PPP loan.

Ben Panner closed the meeting in prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Carol Schick Recording Secretary

College Church in Wheaton Congregational Meeting via Zoom April 18, 2021 UNAPPROVED DRAFT Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor began by reading 1 Timothy 3:1-7 regarding the qualifications for church leaders. Mr. Taylor opened in prayer, committing Baxter Helm, Zach Fallon, and Josh Stringer to the Lord and his leading.

The meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is for the Regular Members to vote on two motions from the Council of Elders: 1. To approve Baxter Helm as Senior High School Pastor 2. To amend the College Church Bylaws Mr. Taylor thanked Tim Hollinger, Tony Visconti, Wil Triggs, Dan Hiben, and John Seward for their assistance in the meeting.

54

Determination of Quorum for these exceptional matters: 20% of the regular members (i.e., 266 members) needed for quorum; actual members present: 289 (as verified by an online sign-in process). (Note: Additional members joined the meeting after determination of quorum.)

Mr. Taylor provided information on why the Senior High Pastor position is now open. Pastor Zach Fallon felt called to church planting and over a period of time, he felt the Lord’s leading to plant a church in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

The Council of Elders approved this church plant and Pastor Fallon will be leaving soon to begin that effort.

Mr. Taylor asked John Seward to explain the process that was followed to find a replacement Senior High Pastor. Briefly; names are offered/solicited from current membership/staff and sister churches. After preliminary interviews with Mr. Seward; and other pastoral staff; top contenders are selected. More interviews are done with staff and parents; and in the end two candidates are asked to complete lengthy applications seeking information about their background, Christian walk, faith story, positions on current issues, etc. The top contender then interviews with the Senior Pastor. If the Senior Pastor concurs, he submits the candidate to the Council of Elders who interviews the individual. With the concurrence of the Council, the candidate’s profile and resume is made public and the candidate is invited to teach the high schoolers with the parents present. The candidate then is presented to the congregation for a vote.

Mr. Taylor then asked Senior Pastor Josh Moody to give his perspective on the candidate, Baxter Helm. Pastor Moody agreed that Baxter Helm accords with 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and agrees that he is a good fit with the pastoral staff, the church, and the high school ministry. Pastor Moody shared that Baxter is a good leader and has a fun element to his personality that is important to high school ministry.

Mr. Taylor asked for any questions or comments. One question was asked and answered about a potential conflict of interest for this candidate because of his relationship to others already on staff. A second question concerned the candidate’s theological training.

After the brief Q & A period, Mr. Taylor presented the resolution and the voting commenced.

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE BAXTER HELM AS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PASTOR WHEREAS: The Bylaws provide that “The Senior Pastor shall recommend to the Council for its approval those of his choice to serve as members of the Pastoral Staff”; and WHEREAS: Pastor Josh Moody has recommended Baxter Helm as the Senior High Pastor; and WHEREAS: The Council of Elders has interviewed Mr. Helm on topics such as his sense of call to this position, his commitment to the Church’s Articles of Faith and Standards of the Christian Life, his personal habits of Christian maturity, and his views on key cultural issues, and the Council has recommended that he be approved as High School Pastor: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That Baxter Helm is hereby approved as the Senior High Pastor for a term beginning on May 2, 2021.

The resolution to approve Baxter Helm as Senior High Pastor was approved by 98.3% affirmative votes; with 342 members voting Yes, 6 members voting No, and 6 members abstaining.

Mr. Taylor then requested John Seward to lead in prayer for the three Pastors; Baxter Helm, Zach Fallon, and Josh Stringer as they move to their new leadership roles.

Culture Impact Committees were being recommended to merge into a single committee; concerns that their focus was not identical and something may be lost in combining them; and that the newly formed committee was not large enough • Is there still a long range plan to add a pastor for local outreach?

• What practical changes would there be for the Head/Assistant Usher positions when moved under the Board of Deacons?

• A request for more information about the responsibilities of the Life Safety Team and the training they have received; and whether any of the Life Safety Team members are armed • Does the church have a process to go after “lost sheep” who simply stopped attending church?

• Is anything being done to educate congregants about responding to gender issues/ critical race theory?

• Whether the bylaw changes could be voted on individually Each question was addressed, and at the end of the Q & A period, Mr. Taylor asked the Regular Members to vote on the resolution to amend the bylaws.

Mr. Taylor then turned attention to the second and final resolution; to amend the College Church Bylaws. Mr. Taylor highlighted each of the proposed amendments as they were posted online and provided detail for each amendment in the resolution. Mr. Taylor then asked if there were any questions or comments on these Bylaw changes.

RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COLLEGE CHURCH BYLAWS

The questions/comments that followed included:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the bylaws of College Church in Wheaton are hereby amended as follows: [The words that are crossed out will be deleted, and the words in bold type will be added. There are also numerous instances in which cross-references and sequential numbering will be amended.]

• An expression of appreciation to hear about the Life Safety Team and the role they play in providing safety measures • Discussion on why the Evangelism and

WHEREAS: The Council of Elders has recommended that the bylaws be amended to eliminate or restructure certain committees and elective positions and to streamline the process of separating individuals from membership:

55

ARTICLE II. MEMBERS Section 5. Separation from Membership (a) Reasons for Separation from Membership.

Members of the Church shall be separated from membership upon their death or upon the action of the Council. The Council shall take action to separate from membership Members who have: (1) become regular members of another church (unless such Members are or become Associate Members);

ARTICLE V. COUNCIL OF ELDERS

(2) moved away from the local area or, for any other reason, absented themselves from the services of the Church for a period of twelve consecutive months (except as may be determined otherwise by the Council);

(d) Boards and Committees. The Boards of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Missions shall be responsible to, and report directly to, the Council. The Nominating, Evangelism, Music, Culture Impact, Evangelism and Culture Impact, Discipleship, and Service and Engagement Committees and any special committee created by the Council shall report to the Council.

(3) requested that their membership be terminated; or (4) ceased to meet one or more of the qualifications for membership (see II.3(a)). (b) Publication of Names. Upon initial recommendation of the council that a Member be separated his or her name shall appear in an official Church publication, as a Member subject to separation, for a period of two consecutive weeks prior to any final determination by the Council. If requested by that Member or that Member’s immediate family, the Council may determine not to publish that Member’s name.

If a Member has any reason why an individual whose name has been published for separation should not be separated from membership, he or she should express such concern confidentially in writing to the Council.

56

ship. The Council shall record in its minutes the names of Members who have been separated and notify the Church office, which shall make a permanent record of Members’ separation from membership. Unless instructed otherwise by the Council, the Church staff shall also publish in an official Church publication (print or electronic) the names of persons who have been separated from membership.

Section 5. Responsibilities

ARTICLE VI. BOARDS Section 2. Board of Deacons (c) Responsibilities. The Board of Deacons, working in concert with the appropriate members of the Pastoral Staff, shall oversee the business ministries and certain administrative and mercy ministries of the Church. This Board’s responsibilities shall include: (1) Business and Administrative Ministries: (K) Support Staff. Overseeing, through the Pastoral Staff, the provision and performance of the Church office staff and custodial staff; and (K) Ushering and Life Safety Team. Oversee the teams of ushers and life safety personnel for all church services and other functions as needed.

(cb) Vote by Council. Not less than two weeks following the first publication of a Member’s name as subject to separation, or, if not published, following the initial recommendation of the Council, the Council shall vote to confirm its initial recommendation to separate the Member. Upon notification that a Member is subject to separation, the Council shall vote to separate the Member. If the vote is affirmative, the person shall immediately be separated from membership.

(3) the Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator

(dc) Recording of Separation from Member-

ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES

Section 4. Board of Missions a) Composition. The Board of Missions shall consist of: (2) twelve thirteen elected members;

The Church shall have seven six standing committees: the Nominating Committee, the Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee, the Music Committee, the Hospitality Committee, the Culture Impact Committee, the Discipleship Committee, and the Service and Engagement Committee...

levels, with particular emphasis on the moral and spiritual implications of these issues, encouraging and providing opportunities for congregational involvement in cultural impact ministries, and sponsoring related events.

[The following changes combine the Evangelism Committee and the Culture Impact Committee.]

[This entire section is eliminated, and the essence of this role is combined with the new Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee.]

Section 2. Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee

ARTICLE X. OTHER ELECTIVE POSITIONS

(a) Composition. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall consist of six nine elected Regular Members and a member of the Pastoral Staff designated by the Senior Pastor, subject to approval by the Council (see XI.3(b)). The Pastoral Staff designee shall serve without vote. Each year, two three Regular Members shall be elected to serve three-year terms. Members may not succeed themselves more than once, unless filling an unexpired term of one year or less.

[This entire section is eliminated, and the Board of Deacons will assign and oversee this position.]

(b) Organization. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall elect its own chair annually. It may enlist the services of other Members to assist it in carrying out its duties.

[This elective position is eliminated, and the Board of Missions is expanded by one member who will carry out the essence of this role.]

(c) Responsibilities. The Evangelism and Culture Impact Committee shall assist the Pastoral Staff designee in planning and implementing the evangelistic and culture impact ministries of the Church. This shall include educating the congregation with regard to its responsibilities for personal evangelism, equipping of individuals to effectively share the gospel, and sponsoring evangelistic services and events and other evangelistic ministries. This shall also include educating the congregation about cultural issues on the local, state, and national

Section 5. Culture Impact Committee

Section 11. Head Usher

Section 12. Assistant Head Usher [This entire section is eliminated, and the Board of Deacons will assign and oversee this position.]

Section 18. Missions Prayer Fellowship Coordinator

The resolution to amend the bylaws was approved by 95.4% affirmative votes; with 310 members voting Yes, 15 members voting No, and 7 members abstaining.

Mr. Taylor invited Senior Pastor Josh Moody to close the meeting in prayer.

The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Schick Recording Secretary

57

Leadership List COUNCIL OF ELDERS Phil Nussbaum ‘21 Mark Taylor, chair ‘21 Rob Wolgemuth, secretary ‘21 Dan Lindquist ‘22 Tom Nussbaum (unexpired term ‘22) Tad Williams ‘22 Dave Gieser, vice chair ‘23 Randy Jahns ‘23 Heinrich Johnsen ‘23 David Bea ‘24 Howard Costley ‘24 Jeremy Taylor ‘24 Josh Moody, senior pastor BOARD OF DEACONS Joe Becker ‘21 Jay Cunningham ‘21 Andrew Nelson ‘21 Dave Sohmer, chair ‘21 Michael McKevitt (unexpired term ‘22) Randy Tuurie (unexpired term ‘22 Michael Thrasher ‘22 Steve Wiper, vice chair ‘22 Kevin Cassel ‘23 Rick Pflederer ‘23 Nate Roe ‘23 Jon Smalley, secretary ‘23 Nancy Singer, pastoral staff liaison BOARD OF DEACONESSES Karen Bagge ‘21, chair Vicky Bailey ‘21 Becky Garrett ‘21 Betsy Love ‘21 Sarah Tews ‘21 Allison Bonga ‘22 Linda Gulbransen ‘22 Shirley Mathews ‘22 Mary Nellessen ‘22 Nancy Taylor ‘22 58

Laurie Costley ‘23 Joan Engeseth ‘23 Lindsay McCracken ‘23 Angie Schroeder ‘23 Susan Zimmerman ‘23 Eric Channing, pastoral staff liaison BOARD OF MISSIONS Mark Bodett ‘21 Howard Kern ‘21 Wendy Robinson (unexpired term) ‘21 Penny Thrasher ‘21 Brad Bailey ‘22, chair Jon DeLew ‘22 Paul Mathews ‘22 Jeff Peltz ‘22 Nate Peterson ’22, missions treasurer Yousaf Sadiq ‘22 Bruce Aulie ‘23 Marsha Becker ‘23 Joleen Billingham ‘23, Missions Prayer Fellowship Marr Miller ‘23 Becky Sandberg ‘23 Curt Miller, pastoral staff liaison CULTURE IMPACT COMMITTEE Ron Chiodras (unexpired term ‘21) Kat Haase ‘21 Ashley Glaze, chair ‘22 Liz Reid ‘22 Tom Paulsen ‘23 Eric Schlickman ‘23 Curt Miller, pastoral staff liaison DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE Jeff Oslund (unexpired term ‘21) Dave Setran ‘22 Harry Robinson ‘23 Josh Stringer, pastoral staff liaison

EVANGELISM COMMITTEE Richard Howard ‘21, chair Budi Tjahjadi ‘21 Tom Futrell ‘22 Jon Penner ‘22 Luis Orellana ‘23 Jenni Paulson ‘23 Curt Miller, pastoral staff liaison HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Nancy Biedry ‘21 Liza Friske ‘21 Keren Newby ‘21 Lyndee Nielson ‘21 Annelise Thrasher ‘21 Lynette Trautwein ‘21 Holly Burke ‘22 Cathy Evangelist ‘22 Brenda Kopp ‘22 Ann Lawrenz ‘22 Carole O’Hare ‘22 Meredith Sommars ‘22 Josh Stringer, pastoral staff liaison MUSIC COMMITTEE Karyn Hecht ‘21 Dan Sommerville ‘21 Micah Lindquist ‘22 Caitlin Maurer ‘22 Bethany Albright ‘23 Scott Evangelist ‘23 Erik Dewar, pastoral staff liaison NOMINATING COMMITTEE Laurel Aulie Barb Nussbaum Chris Tews Lorraine Triggs Randy Jahns, elder Tad Williams, elder Josh Moody, senior pastor, ex officio SERVICE & ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE Kristin Berenschot ’21, Jerry Jagrowski ’21, Meagan Godoy ’22, Chris Gottlieb ’22, Daniel Conroy ’23,

Jan Jones, chair ’23, Cheryce Berg, pastoral staff liaison OTHER ELECTED POSITIONS Assistant Head Usher Ed Simon ‘22 Church Treasurer Ken Heulitt ‘21 Disabilities Superintendent (11 a.m.)

Lin Fallon ‘21 Disabilities Superintendent (9:30 a.m.)

Dorothy Nicholson ‘22 Elementary Bible School Superintendent Dan Burden ‘21 Elementary Children’s Church Superintendent Nancy Chase ‘22 Financial Secretary Eric Enstrom ‘22 Head Usher Michael Bare ‘21 Librarian Lisa Kern ‘22 Midweek Evening Girls Superintendent Judy Ford ‘22 Midweek Evening Boys Superintendent Terry Van Someren ‘21 Midweek Morning Superintendent (Kids Korner) Suzanne Shirley ‘22 Nursery Superintendent Ashley Ramsland (unexpired term ‘21) Preschool Bible School Superintendent Sarah Mikolajczyk ‘22 Preschool Children’s Church Superintendent Lisa McKenna ‘21 Recording Secretary Carol Schick ‘22 59

Slate of Nominees COUNCIL OF ELDERS ‘25 Mark Berg Jeff Oslund Roger Sandberg BOARD OF DEACONS ‘24 Pat Fallon John Lorentsen Jeff Mann Jim Shirley BOARD OF DEACONESSES ‘24 Diana Clem Amy Kruis Whitney McKevitt Mary Miller (unexpired term ‘22) Sarah Nelson Carol Taylor BOARD OF MISSIONS ‘24 Dan Elliott (unexpired term ‘22) Andrew Nelson ‘24 Lydia Newby ‘24 Wendy Robinson ‘24 Andrew Tebbe ‘24 EVANGELISM AND CULTURE IMPACT COMMITTEE ‘24 David Kelley Dyanne Martin DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE ‘24 Kayla Costley

60

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE ‘23 Emily Bowen Charis Ellis Gisela Gottlieb Mary Martin Rebecca Orellana Amy Tews MUSIC COMMITTEE ‘24 Nathan Bliss Jay Cunningham SERVICE & ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE ‘24 Gary Chase Danika King CHURCH TREASURER ‘23 Ken Heulitt DISABILITIES SUPERINTENDENT (11 A.M.) ‘23 Lin Fallon ELEMENTARY BIBLE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ‘23 Dan Burden MIDWEEK EVENING BOYS SUPERINTENDENT ‘23 Terry Van Someren NURSERY SUPERINTENDENT ‘23 Ashley Ramsland PRESCHOOL CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUPERINTENDENT ‘23 Kristie Smalley

Ways to Give to College Church Giving of our tithes and offerings is an integral part of our corporate worship because it is a unique expression of gratitude to God. When we give, we celebrate all that God has given for us, especially His incredible grace in our lives through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross to reconcile us to Himself.

God owns everything and when we give, we are simply giving back of portion of what He has entrusted to our managing. Giving to College Church also helps with all our church does here at home, our care for others throughout the community, and our missions outreach around the world.

After you have determined what you will give, we have several methods which you may use to support the ministries and missions efforts of College Church: Check. One of the most common ways is by check. Contribution envelopes can be assigned to you for your use in depositing your check, or it can be dropped in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. Whether you use an envelope or not, contributions by check are automatically credited to your giving record. If you would like a box of offering envelopes, simply email Cindy Schuerman at cschuerman@college-church.org.

Cash. If you give cash and enclose it in an offering envelope, it will also be credited to your giving record.

Online. More and more individuals are choosing the electronic method of making contributions on-line just like they are paying many of their bills on-line. With the security of your information of highest importance, you can rely upon our on-line giving site to set up a one-time, or recurring gift of whatever amount you choose, and however often you choose. And it is easy to change the amount or frequency whenever you wish. Visit college-church.org/giving to get started.

Gifts of Stocks or Mutual Funds. You may donate stocks or mutual funds directly to College Church by transferring them from your broker to the church’s broker. Although you should consult your tax advisor, giving in this way may provide you a tax advantage. There may also be small numbers of shares you own that you would rather move out of your portfolio, but would prefer not to handle all of the paperwork involved. College Church is pleased to be able to expedite those transactions for you. Please contact Nancy Singer or Dan Bauer 630-668-0878 for specific instructions.

Gifts through your Will. College Church would count it a privilege for you to remember us as one of the beneficiaries of your estate. Monies given to College Church as a 501(c)(3) non-profit may save estate and inheritance taxes on the amount designated.

Memorial gifts. You may request that gifts from others in memory of you at your death be made to College Church. Likewise, you may give to College Church gifts in honor of a loved one who has passed away, whether they attended the church or not. It is just one more way of making your gifts count toward Kingdom Work.

Required Minimum Distributions. If you are required to withdraw a portion of your IRA, you can direct your IRA custodian to make a direct transfer to College Church as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Again, consult your tax advisor, but the amount withdrawn may not have to be added to your gross income at tax time.

61

COLLEGE CHURCH IN WHEATON PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL REPORT - CASHIN EXPENDITURES AND BUDGETS COLLEGE CHURCH WHEATON YEAR ENDED April 30, 2021 PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL REPORT - CASH EXPENDITURES AND BUDGETS YEAR ENDED April 30, 2021

Budget 20-21 Budget 20-21

Actual vs.

Budget Actual 20-21vs.

Budget 20-21

Actual 20-21 Actual 20-21

Budget 21-22 vs Budget 20-21 Budget 21-22 vs% $ Budget 20-21 Increase Change $ % (Decrease) Increase Change (Decrease)

Budget 21-22 Budget 21-22

COUNCIL OF ELDERS COUNCIL OF ELDERS Salaries, Benefits & Taxes

4,708,090

4,181,662

(526,428)

4,864,019

155,929

Website & Digital Media Salaries, Benefits & Taxes Communications Website & Digital Media Music & Worship Communications Elder's Ministries Music & Worship God Centered Life-Chicagoland broadcast outreach Elder's Ministries Pastoral Care/Congregational Life God Centered Life-Chicagoland broadcast outreach Front Door Ministry/Assimilation/Visitors Lunches Pastoral Care/Congregational Life One Service at Edman Chapel Front Door Ministry/Assimilation/Visitors Lunches Workshop on Biblical Exposition One Service at Edman Chapel Pastoral Staff Retreats Workshop on Biblical Exposition Hospitality Committee Pastoral Staff Retreats Guest Speakers Hospitality Committee Preaching Conference/Workshop Guest Speakers

20,000 4,708,090 32,905 20,000 27,392 32,905 26,398 27,392 15,000 26,398 5,967 15,000 7,000 5,967 7,000 3,600 3,000 3,600 3,000

83,006 4,181,662 19,203 83,006 12,898 19,203 55,157 12,898 15,000 55,157 1,124 15,000 700 1,124 700 700 700

63,006 (526,428) (13,702) 63,006 (14,494) (13,702) 28,759 (14,494) 28,759 (4,843) (6,300) (4,843) (6,300) (3,600) (2,300) (3,600) (2,300)

20,000 4,864,019 32,905 20,000 27,392 32,905 26,398 27,392 15,000 26,398 5,967 15,000 6,000 5,967 6,000 3,600 3,000 3,600 3,000

155,929 (1,000) (1,000) -

[A] $ 5,004,281 [A] [A] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. Because worship services were livestreamed only for 2.5 months and Total Elders $ Ministries 4,849,352 4,369,451 $ 5,004,281 then in-person with limited numbers, some budgets like Front Door and those of$the Hospitality Committee$ were(479,901) barely spent.

Preaching Conference/Workshop

Total Elders

$

-

4,849,352

$

-

4,369,451

$

-

(479,901)

-

$

154,929

3.2%

$

154,929

3.2%

[A] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. Because worship services were livestreamed only for 2.5 months and then in-person with limited numbers, some budgets like Front Door Ministries and those of the Hospitality Committee were barely spent.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Discipleship Women's Bible Study/Kids' Korner Discipleship

Men's Ministries & Retreat Women's Bible Study/Kids' Korner Women's Ministries & Retreat Men's Ministries & Retreat Twenties Ministry Women's Ministries & Retreat Mom2Mom Twenties Ministry Adult Discipleship/Small Groups Mom2Mom Keenagers Adult Discipleship/Small Groups Becoming One (Pre-Marital Class) Keenagers

15,496

(76)

(15,572)

15,496

-

7,000 15,496 5,865 7,000 5,000 5,865 3,650 5,000 7,500 3,650 725 7,500 204 725

1,990 (76) (1,522) 1,990 1,078 (1,522) 1,358 1,078 2,565 1,358 2,565 13 -

(5,010) (15,572) (7,387) (5,010) (3,922) (7,387) (2,292) (3,922) (4,935) (2,292) (725) (4,935) (191) (725)

7,000 15,496 5,865 7,000 5,000 5,865 3,650 5,000 7,500 3,650 725 7,500 204 725

-

Becoming One (Pre-Marital TotalClass) Discipleship

$

204 45,440

$

13 5,406

$

(191) (40,034)

$

204 45,440

$

--

0.0%

Total Discipleship

$

45,440

$

5,406

$

(40,034)

$

45,440

$

-

0.0%

Service & Engagement Kids' Harbor Children's Ministries Service & Engagement Children's Ministries General

11,000

-

Ministry Supplies Children's Ministries General Summer Crew Ministry Supplies Families & Outreach Summer Crew Midweek Ministries Families & Outreach

22,573 11,000 3,000 22,573 8,000 3,000 8,000 8,000

-

Kids' Harbor Children's Ministries

Midweek Ministries

Kids' Harbor Children's Ministries

[B] $

[C]

52,573 [B] $

8,000

-

31,197

$

(21,376) [C]

$

52,573

$

-

0.0%

Kids' Harbor Children's Ministries $ 52,573 $ 31,197 [B] Line items were re-categorized differently from the prior year's budget but the total budget is the same

$

(21,376)

$

52,573

$

-

0.0%

[C] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. For 2.5 months, no in-person ministries were held and when in-person [B] Line items were re-categorized differently from the prior year's budget but the total budget is the same activities returned, they did so with limited numbers and budgets were significantly underspent. No increase in 2021-2022 budget.

[C] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. For 2.5 months, no in-person ministries were held and when in-person activities returned, they did so with limited numbers and budgets were significantly underspent. No increase in 2021-2022 budget.

Other Service & Engagement

HYACKs

21,175

11,219

(9,956)

College HYACKs KMs College STARS KMs Service & Engagement STARS Library Service & Engagement Sports Ministry Library

16,200 21,175 15,200 16,200 8,720 15,200 5,441 8,720 2,245 5,441 (3,600) 2,245

4,261 11,219 13,557 4,261 3,992 13,557 1,975 3,992 1,185 1,975 1,185

(11,939) (9,956) (1,643) (11,939) (4,728) (1,643) (3,466) (4,728) (1,060) (3,466) 3,600 (1,060)

Other Service & Engagement

21,175

-

16,200 21,175 15,200 16,200 8,720 15,200 5,441 8,720 2,245 5,441 (3,600) 2,245

-

Sports Ministry Other Service & Engagement

$

(3,600) 65,381

$

36,189-

$

3,600 (29,192)

$

(3,600) 65,381

$

--

0.0%

Other Service & Engagement

$

65,381

$

36,189

$

(29,192)

$

65,381

$

-

0.0%

Total Service & Engagement

$

117,954

$

67,386

$

(50,568)

$

117,954

$

-

0.0%

Total Service & Engagement

$

117,954

$

67,386

$

(50,568) [D] $

117,954

$

-

0.0%

Total Discipleship/Service & Engagement $ 163,394 $ 72,792 $ (90,602) [D] $ 163,394 Total Discipleship/Service & Engagement $ 163,394 $ 72,792 $ (90,602) $ 163,394 [D] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. For 2.5 months, no in-person ministries were held and when in-person

$

-

0.0%

$

-

0.0%

activities returned, they did so with limited numbers and budgets were significantly underspent. No increase in 2021-2022 budget.

[D] Nearly every ministry activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID. For 2.5 months, no in-person ministries were held and when in-person activities returned, they did so with limited numbers and budgets were significantly underspent. No increase in 2021-2022 budget.

62

Budget 20-21

Actual vs.

Budget 20-21

Actual 20-21

Budget 21-22 vs Budget 20-21 $ % Increase Change (Decrease)

Budget 21-22

BOARD OF DEACONESSES Funerals

2,195

-

(2,195) [E]

2,195

-

Communion

1,636

2,125

489 [F]

1,636

-

All Other Deaconess Expense

1,950

410

Total Deaconesses

$

5,781

$

2,535

(1,541) $

(3,246)

1,950 $

-

5,781

$

-

0.0%

[E] No family after-funeral meals were held this year.

[F] All-in-one communion cups/juice are more expensive.

BOARD OF DEACONS Building, Grounds, Equip & Improvements

349,759

317,047

(32,712)

Utilities

176,080

189,596

13,516

199,580 [I]

Technology, Computers, Copiers, Telephone

215,245

213,434

(1,811)

214,940

Property, Casualty & Other Insurance

115,250

112,861

(2,389)

144,434 [J]

Deacon Finance/Professional Fees

88,780

60,730

(28,050)

99,620

10,840

Office, Postage, Paper, Kitchen Expenses

78,172

30,490 [G]

(47,682)

66,653

(11,519)

Crossings Architectural/Engineering

72,000

- [H]

(72,000)

72,000

Total Deacons

$

1,095,286

$

924,159

$

(171,127)

349,059

$

1,146,286

(700) 23,500 (305) 29,184

-

$

51,000

4.7%

[G] Significantly fewer in-person ministry events resulted in less spending for everything from coffee to plasticware and paper plates.

[H] Architectural and engineering fees for the Crossings building renovations were capitalized to the corresponding asset.

[I] Higher costs for electricity, natural gas, and water/sewer.

[J] Higher insurance premiums for coming year due to damage claims for derecho in August 2020.

OUTREACH LOCAL: Evangelism Culture Impact

23,000 19,234

Total Local Outreach

$

42,234

21,995 16,920

$

38,915

(1,005) (2,314)

$

(3,319)

23,000 19,234

$

42,234

-

$

-

0.0%

GLOBAL: Board of Missions Career & New Missionaries Short-Term Missions Retired Missionaries Home Missions/Ministry Training Nationals Ministry Support Fund Administrative Expense & Conference "Atlanta" church plant Missionary Prayer Fellowship

Total Missions

1,450,000 40,000 59,400 36,240 177,200 156,900 31,500 5,000 500

$

1,956,740

1,392,350 50,200 48,600 32,040 147,600 84,880 11,117 5,000 -

$

1,771,787

(57,650) 10,200 (10,800) (4,200) (29,600) (72,020) (20,383) (500)

$

(184,953) [L]

1,450,000 50,000 59,400 36,240 177,200 146,900 31,500 91,663 [K] 500

$

2,043,403

10,000 (10,000) 86,663 -

$

86,663

4.4%

86,663

4.3%

[K] The Council of Elders approved the support of a church plant with Pastor Zach Fallon leading a church plant outside Atlanta, Georgia beginning 6-1-2021.

[L] Nearly every missions activity was impacted during this past fiscal year because of COVID issues around the world. All supported missionary units continued to receive their agreed-upon support. Some missionaries came off the field and few new missionaries entered the field. The missions conference was conducted virtually.

Total Outreach

$

1,998,974

$

1,810,702

$

(188,272)

$

2,085,637

$

SUMMARY of MINISTRY/MISSIONS

MINISTRY/MISSIONS FUND: Council of Elders Discipleship and Service & Engagement Board of Deacons Board of Deaconesses Outreach TOTAL MINISTRY/MISSIONS

$

Budget 20-21

Actual 20-21

4,849,352 163,394 1,095,286 5,781 1,998,974

4,369,451 72,792 924,159 2,535 1,810,702

8,112,787

$

7,179,639

Actual vs.

Budget 20-21

Budget 21-22

(479,901) (90,602) (171,127) (3,246) (188,272) $

(933,148)

$

Budget 21-22 vs Budget 20-21 $ % Increase Change (Decrease)

5,004,281 163,394 1,146,286 5,781 2,085,637

154,929 51,000 86,663

3.2% 0.0% 4.7% 0.0% 4.3%

8,405,379

$ 292,592

3.6%

63

UNAUDITED INCOME AND CASH EXPENDITURES STATEMENT YEAR ENDED April 30, 2021

INCOME:

Ministry & Outreach Ministry Outreach/Missions Undesignated Capital Campaign Caroline Adoption Fund Care & Share Fund Property Fund Crossings Missionary Christmas Run for STARS/STARS Projects Thanksgiving Eve COVID19 Assistance Grounds Maintenance Technology Other Designated Non Ministry Rentals & Events Interest

TOTAL INCOME

Care & Share

Designated Funds

Church Property Funds

Non-Ministry Rentals, Events

Total

33,714 54,444 7,844,136

33,714 54,444 7,844,136 1,462,532 11,443 270,553 74,525 515,579 [A] 48,544 52,457 31,961 73,346 10,000 5,000 2,176 106,622 24

1,462,532 11,443 270,553 74,525 515,579 48,544 52,457 31,961 73,346 10,000 5,000 2,176 106,622 24

$

7,932,318

$

Ministry & Missions

CASH EXPENDITURES:

Salaries/Benefits Elders Discipleship & Service & Engagement Deacons Deaconesses Outreach/Missions Capital Campaign Fund Caroline Adoption Fund Care & Share Fund Property Fund Crossings Missionary Christmas Run for STARS/STARS Projects Thanksgiving Eve COVID19 Assistance Grounds Maintenance Missionary Support Outdoor Signage Technology Other Non Ministry Rentals & Events (Estimated Depreciation - $772,485)

270,553 Care & Share

$

1,697,460

Designated Funds

$

590,104

Church Property Funds

$

106,622

$ 10,597,057

Non-Ministry Rentals, Events

Total

4,181,662 187,789 72,792 924,159 2,535 1,810,702

4,181,662 187,789 72,792 924,159 2,535 1,810,702 1,004,000 [B] 207,489 136,088 [C] 373,554 [D] 47,689 26,461 27,755 98,544 8,571 53,000 8,120 12,043 5,156 199,772 -

1,004,000 207,489 136,088 373,554 47,689 26,461 27,755 98,544 8,571 53,000 8,120 12,043 5,156 199,772

TOTAL CASH EXPENDITURES

$

7,179,639

$

207,489

$

1,291,339

$

509,642

$

199,772

$

9,387,880

INCOME OVER/(UNDER)

$

752,679

$

63,064

$

406,122

$

80,462

$

(93,150)

$

1,209,178

[A] Combination of monies transferred from Rental Events and 311 E. Wesley as per congregational approval for STARS Resale Shop renovation and rental income from Toms-Price [B] Purchase price for 319 & 323 E. Seminary properties [C] Donor designated principal reduction and church subsidies for Crossings expenses [D} Expenses in carrying Crossings property including architectural, engineering and legal fees and interest expense

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF April 30, 2021 NET ASSETS

Balance 5/1/20 after audit adj Ministry/Missions Fund Capital Campaign Fund Caroline Adoption Fund Care & Share Fund Endowment Fund Designated Projects Fund Property Fund Crossings Fund Fixed Asset Fund Non-Minstry Rentals/Events Fund Operating and Capital Imp. Reserve Funds TOTAL

$

0 1,709 134,018 310,827 36,858 366,722 51,837 (100,711) 10,895,436 283,191 913,662 12,893,550

Receipts

$

7,932,293 1,462,532 11,443 270,553 24 223,485 74,525 515,579 0 106,622 0 10,597,057

Net Income/ (Loss)

Expenditures

$

7,179,639 1,004,000 0 207,489 0 287,339 136,088 373,554 0 199,772 0 9,387,880

$

752,655 458,532 11,443 63,064 24 (63,854) (61,562) 142,025 0 (93,150) 0 1,209,178

Balance 4-30-21

Transfers (9,726)

9,726

$

0

$ $

64

742,929 460,242 145,462 373,892 36,883 302,868 0 41,314 10,895,436 190,041 913,662 14,102,728 ($772,485) 13,330,243

Est. Depreciation Unaudited Fund Balance

College Church in Wheaton Unaudited Statement of Financial Position [A] As of April 30

Year Ended :

Audited

Unaudited

2020

2021

ASSETS Cash

$

2,939,366

$

Other Assets

$

25,870

$

4,134

Fixed Assets (net of depreciation)

$

10,895,313

$

14,056,411

Total Assets

$

13,860,550

$

17,356,285

Deferred Payables & Liabilities

$

866,289

Long Term Debt

$

Total Liabilities

$

Fund Balance Total Liabilities & Fund Balance

LIABILITIES

3,295,739

[B] Incl PPP loan

$

26,043

$

3,999,999

866,289

$

4,026,042

$

12,994,261

$

13,330,243

$

13,860,550

$

17,356,285

-

Mortgage on Crossings

Other mortgages on rental properties owned thru LLCs are shown below.

[A] Motion at the 5/1/2021 Annual Meeting to approve the audit firm: CapinCrouse, LLP, Naperville, IL to perform the annual consolidated audit and LLC property tax returns for the 2021-2022 fiscal year; estimated cost - $25,200 [B] $500,000 operating line of credit through Wheaton Bank & Trust Co.: unsecured; interest floating at Prime (interest only on dollars utilized during the year); due 11-4-2021. Annual renewals in November so the bank has our audited financials before the renewal.

Balance at 4/30/21:

$0

Line of credit was not used in 2020-2021

OUTSIDE RENTAL & SPACE SHARING ACTIVITIES/PROPERTIES 2020-2021 Income RENTALS/SPACE SHARING OF CHURCH BLDGS

$

106,622

2020-2021 Net Income/ (Expense)

2020-2021 Expenditures $

199,772

2021-2022 Budget Surplus/(Deficit)

Cash Balances at 4-30-2021*

$

(93,150)

$

20,000

$

190,873

14,343 26,555 (5) 1,093 (463) 1,003,236 (86,419) 958,340

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

15,300 13,000 (300) 500 (15,000) 5,000 38,000 56,500

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

45,792 44,226 131 533 519 41,368 23,039 155,607

$

76,500

$

346,480

Mortgage Balance at 430-2021 Commons pledged on other loans as addl collateral

RENTAL PROPERTIES: Seminary & Scott Properties, LLC $ 301 E Seminary, LLC $ 305 E. Seminary, LLC $ 311 E. Seminary, LLC $ 315 E. Seminary, LLC $ 325 E. Seminary, LLC (also includes 319 & 323) $ 311 E. Wesley, LLC $ RENTAL PROPERTIES NET INCOME/(EXPENSE) $ ALL RENTAL ACTIV NET INCOME/(EXPENSE)

$

154,356 42,253 298 30,410 20,417 1,058,224 40,500 1,346,457

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

140,013 15,698 303 29,317 20,879 54,989 126,919 388,118

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,453,079

$

587,890

$

865,190

$1,399,049 None None $753,844 None

$

2,152,893

Each LLC is formed with College Church as its sole member with the church's Council of Elders as its governing body. * During the course of the year, if the cash balances are not sufficient to pay the LLC's expenses, primarily real estate taxes, funds are borrowed from College Church and repaid at fiscal year end if cash balances are positive. If balances are not positive, cash balances in other properties are used to clear their deficits.

Details of borrowing arrangement: Mortgage from Tyndale House Foundation on Seminary & Scott properties; interest rate 4.50% fixed; interest plus optional principal payments; balance due 11-22-2023.

[NOTE: We are in the process of refinancing this loan through Wheaton Bank & Trust to lower the interest rate to 3.65%.]

Balance at 4/30/21: $1,399,049 ($5,000 principal reduction made during 2020-2021) Details of borrowing arrangement: Mortgage from Tyndale House Foundation on 311, 315 & 325 E. Seminary; interest rate 4.50% fixed; interest plus optional principal payments; balance due 5-1-22 [NOTE: We have sufficient pledges from the Capital Campaign to repay about half of this balance in June 2021, and the remainder when all of the pledges have been fulfilled by year end 2021.

Balance at 4/30/21: $753,844 Details of borrowing arrangement: Mortgage from Wheaton Bank & Trust on 303 E. Front St. (Toms-Price Building); interest rate 3.65% fixed; interest plus optional principal payments; balance due 8-23-2023 Balance at 4/30/21: $3,999,999

2020-2021 TWICE IS NICE AND STARS RESALE SHOP ACTIVITIES 2020-2021 Net Sales

2020-2021 Expenses

Net Income Before Contributions

Contributions

Net Income

TWICE IS NICE Contributions go to Outreach Community Ministries

$430,022

$292,666

$137,356

$70,442

$66,914

STARS RESALE SHOP Contributions go STARS Family Services for STARS housing

$323,556

$247,144

$76,412

$33,000

$43,412

65