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
